Ohio History Journal

THE PRESERVATION OF DOCUMENTS.

 

ONE of the earlier issues of the QUARTERLY contained

timely suggestions regarding the preservation of old doc-

uments, letters and memoranda relating to our early his-

tory. There has, also, been no little discussion on this

question elsewhere, notably in the American Historical

Association. The result has been to awaken an interest

in such articles, and a search in old trunks, in garrets, and

in other such receptacles incident to our American domes-

tic lite. At the late Ohio Centennial at Columbus, a num-

ber of old, and in some instances, very valuable letters,

papers and documents were placed in my hands for exhi-

bition in the Department of History and Archaeology.

Among these a number of letters and papers, chiefly mil-

itary in character, were left by Mr. K. B. Swearingen, of

Circleville, whose ancestors were somewhat prominent in

early colonial history, his grandfather being an officer in

the Virginia troops, of which colony the family were early

residents.  In the publication of these, but little explana-

tory can be said. They are fragmentary in nature, relate

to the wars of that period, and cannot, in all cases, be as

well edited as is desired, owing to a lack of information

necessary to do so. They are, however, valuable for the

" side-lights," so to speak, they reflect on the current his-

tory of that time, and they will be printed, with many

other such documents, as space in the QUARTERLY will

permit, with such notes as can be gathered to explain

them.

The first, and oldest document, is a "bill of sale," as

follows:

To all Persons to Whom these Presents shall Come

Know ye that I Jeremiah Crabb of Prince George County In the Prov-

ince of Maryland for and In Consideration of the Sum of Seventy Eight

Pounds three Shillings Currant money of Maryland to me in hand Paid by

Van Swearingen of Frederick County In Virginia the Rec't whereof I here-

by acknowledge, have Given, Granted, Bargained, bold and Set over and by

404

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The Preservation of Documents.                 405

 

these Presents do give grant Bargain Sell and Set over unto the Said Van

Swearingen one Negro Lad Called Harry and also one negro Girl Called

Sal aged about thirteen years Each To have and to hold the Said Negro

Lad and Negro Girl unto the Said Van Swearingen his heirs and assigns

forever and the Said Jeremiah Crabb doth hereby Covenant and agree to

and with the Said Van Swearingen that he the Said Jeremiah Crabb his

heirs Exec.r.s and Admrs Said Negro Lad and Girl (unto the Said Van Swear-

ingen his heirs and Assigns) against all Persons Claiming by from or under

him or them Shall and will warrant and forever defend For Witness where-

of the Said Jeremiah Crabb hath hereunto Set his hand and affixed his Seal

(torn off)  Novr. Anno Domo 1755

JERE CRABB

This is endorsed as follows:

Novr. 28th, 1755

Rec'd of Mr. Van Swearingen Seventy Eight Pounds three Shil-

lings Currant money of Maryland being in full for the within mentioned.

JERK CRABB

The next is a letter dated

HEADQUARTERS 30th Sept. 1778

My dear Bedinger:

I had some chat with Major Beatty Commissary General of Prisoners a

few Days since, on the Subject of your exchange, he informed me that noth-

ing could possibly detain you except the want of a little hard Cash-was I

certain of the sum would now send it you-however I have wrote to Mr.

Nicholas Hoffman in N York to supply you shou'd you be in want, & I will

repay him instantly on transmitting me your Receipt-make inquiry for him

so soon as this reaches you & show it him-I am certain he will advance any

reasonable sum-you must inquire for Mr. Nicholas Hoffman late Brewer he

married a Daughter of old Judge Ogden late of Newark, & now in N York

or at Doctor Ogdens Jamaica Long Island.

So soon as you are released hasten to me at Brunswick near Abbots Town

being now under way to visit Mrs Clark & my little Daughter-Shou'd the

fortune of War still prove cruel to you, & not permit us to have an interview

'till a more convenient season; I beseech you to pay a strict regard to your

parole I never deviate from the paths of honor & virtue. The former, is

the peculiar characteristic of an officer & consequently, all his Actions should

be governed by it, but why shou'd I tresspas on the feelings of a Soldier

with a repetition of what he already knows, I am sure you will excuse me

when you know I wish to see you respected by your Enemies as well as

friends, All your acquaintances are well, & many of them making great

fortunes-This day I dined with Col: Otho H. Williams Jr he wishes to see

you: make my most respectful Compliments to all your brother officers in

Captivity & Mr Johnston & his Daughter at Graves-End-God bless you

my dear Harry & believe me your affect

Lieu Henry Bedinger                         JNO. CLARK JUN.

Col Rawlings Regt. Virginia

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406   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

This letter is endorsed:

LIEUT HENRY BEDINGER1

Captive on

Long Island

Recommended to the care of Joshua Loving by Commy Genl of Prisoners.

The following Minutes of the Council are signed by

"Arch. Blair C. C." who was of one of the prominent

Virginia families. He was a resident of Williamsburg,

and is noticed in the "Virginia Calendar" as " Dr. Archi-

bald Blair." Rev. James Blair, one of the founders of

William and Mary College, and its first President, was also

a resident of Williamsburg. The accompanying "Min-

ute" explains itself.

IN COUNCIL, June 8th, 1780.

The Governor laid before the board the resolution of the General Assem-

bly of May 27th 1780 and a Letter from the Lieutenants of the Northwest-

ern Counties beyond the blue ridge on the plan of defence for the Western

frontier most eligible at present which together with the Letter formerly

written or received, on the same subject the board proceeded to take into

consideration and thereupon advise the Governor to direct that posts be

taken at the mouths of little Kanhaway, Gr Kanhaway, Sandy & Lick-

ing; that the little Kanhaway be garrisoned with so many of the militia

from the Counties of yohogania, monongalia, & ohio as the County Lieu.

tenants of those Counties shall think proper to be furnished proportionally

from their militia; that Gr Kanhaway2 be garrisoned with 164 men, Sandy

with 100 & Licking with 200, that for these purposes 254 militia be

raised from the following Counties and in the following proportion via

Botetourt 22, Rockbridge 18, Green briar 16, Augusta 43, Rockingham 15,

Frederick 30, Hampshire 30, Berkeley 30 & Kentucky 50, that the Garri-

 

1 Lieut Henry Bedinger is mentioned in the "Calendar of Virginia State

Papers," Vol. I, p. 396, in the following words: "The Memorial of Capts.

Saml: Finley and Nathl: Pendleton, and Lieut: Henry Bedinger, having

been referred to the Committee of Trade, Mr. Richd: Lee reported from

said Committee that the Memorialists had been prisoners of War for Years

in New York, during which time they had Contracted debts to the amount

of fifty pounds in Specie, and had only received supplies to the amount

of eighty pounds in Virginia Currency; and that they had not received

the Tobacco allowed them by Resolution of the Assembly-whereupon it

was declared that the Memorial was reasonable, and the Executives were

instructed to take proper measures for the relief of the Memorialists."

2 Great Kanawha River now in West Virginia, originally, in the Shawnee,

"Ka-na-wha"-i.e. New Water.

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The Preservation of Documents.                407

 

son at Gr Kanhaway be composed of militia from Hampshire, Frederick,

Berkeley, Rockingham Augusta & GreenBriar, that at Sandy of Militia

from Rockbridge and Botetourt & a detachment from Colo. Crockets

battalion, & that at Licking of the residue of Colo. Crockets battalion,

& the militia from Kentucky, that a post be taken at Kelley's on the Gr

Kanhaway to be garrisoned with twenty six men from the County of Shen-

andoah-that these militia remain in service until relieved from their re-

spective Counties, that the whole of these Garrisons be subject to the order

of Colo. Clarke,¹ and that it be recommended to him to draw from them

from time to time when circumstances shall render it proper so many as

are not essentially necessary for the preservation of their post with such

Volunteers as he may engage & proceed on such active enterprises against

the Indians & particularly the Shawnanese as the force shall be adequate to-

They also advise that a post be taken at or near Martins Cabbin in Pow-

ells valley to be garrisoned with 30 militia from the County of Washington

& 20 from the County of Montgomery to continue until relieved in like

manner as the former Garrisons-that so soon as Colo. Crocket battallion

be ready to march he be directed to proceed by the way of the Great Kan-

haway.                            (A Copy)

ARCH: BLAIR C. C.

The    following   letters or   orders   are  from   General

Thomas Nelson, Jr., at one time Governor:

STANTON June 22nd, 1781.

Sir The army being in Extreem want of Provisions and Spirits I must

beg you will Interest yourself in a perticular Manner to have the Beef,

Flour and Spirits Collected by the Commissioners of your County and con-

veyed to Camp. I rely on your Exertions to put this busyness in motion,

wch. must be done by Impressing Waggons for the purpose you are too

good a Whig and too well acquainted with the Absolute Necessaty of keeping

an Army well Supplyed to require a word more on this Subject. I beg you

will Order as many of the Malitia of your County as the Commissioners may

think is Necessary to Drive the Beeves Forward, it is Absolutely Necessary

or the Difficulty will be very Great in getting them to the Army.

I am Sir Your Obt Serv.

THos NELSON JR.

County Lt. of Berkeley.

STAUNTON 26th June 1781.

Sir The time of service of the militia from your County being nearly

expir'd, I beg you will send forward a relief immediately taking care that

the relief be equal in numbers to the detachment first sent into the field.

To prevent the necessity of giving particular orders when the Militia are

to be reliev'd in future, I wish you to consider the space of two

months as a tour of duty and direct your militia accordingly, observing al-

ways to keep up the number first ordered.  I am Sir Yr. Mo. ob. servant

258 Men                                      THOS NELSON JR.

1 Colonel, afterwards General Geo. Rogers Clarke.

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408   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

 

RICHMOND, July 31 1781.

Sir. The Harvest being over, I hope the Militia, which have been or-

dered into service from your County, will take the field with the greatest

alacrity. There never was a time when vigorous measures were more neces-

sary, or where they promised greater advantages.

Every exertion will be made by the Enemy, if not to subdue, to gain

posts in this country, And a successful opposition on our part, which the

strength of the States is very capable of making, by frustrating their ex-

pectations, will in all probability together with this Campaign put a happy

period to the war.  I am Sir Yr. mo. ob servant,

THOS NELSON JR.

Each of the foregoing is endorsed-

Public Service

County Lieutenant of Berkeley

WAR OFFICE Aug. 10. 81.

Sir Yours of the ₃d ult. addressed to his Excellency the Governor¹ was

referred to me. The impressment of the waggons was a pernicious event,

that no doubt will prove injurious unless put an end to: yet it is difficult to

adopt a plan that will not be attended with some inconveniences. The cir-

cumstances of exemptions for their waggons & teams from impressment

and the persons of the drivers from militia duty, are undoubtedly, in time

of war, privileges of value, for which government should be entitled to

derive some advantages, either by lower wages or longer engagements to

serve the public than are required or agreed to by the common run of per-

sons following the business of waggoning. It does not appear from your

letter that any such abatement of price or length of engagement has ever

been made. In the present state of the treasury it is dangerous to make an

engagement for punctual payment, as it may possibly be attended with dis-

appointment, and the public faith be injured. Yet it is essentially necessary

that the provision should be regularly transported. Under these circum-

stances of difficulty on the one hand and necessity on the other, I submit it

to your consideration and beg a speedy information whether waggoners,

with their waggons and teams could not be engaged in the public service

for a term not less than six months, and whether a part of their pay might

not be secured by occasional and advantageous sales of such parts of the

specifics as may be most likely to spoil or can be most easily spared. I beg

you would consult with your two delegates on this head. At present I

think from your representation of Mr McAllister's successor it is not likely

to be followed with much advantage to empower him to grant exemptions,

and perhaps it might occasion some confusion for any other than the Com-

missary to have this power. I am sorry for the injudicious appointment

Brown has made; but the whole department is totally deranged and must

immediately be put upon another footing. I expect to see Brown in a short

 

1 Thomas Jefferson.

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The Preservation of Documents.                409

 

time, and shall represent to him the impropriety of his conduct, and have

the matter remedied without delay.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servt.

WILLIAM DAVIES.¹

Col Swearingen

FREDERICKSBURG January 13th 1781

Sir From the information which came to hand Yesterday, it appears

that the enemy's Fleet have proceeded down James River to Hampton

road. The conjectures relative to their destination are so various, that it is

hard to say whether or no they will attempt anything further against

the State at this time However, Mr. Hunters works at this place are an

object of great consequence to us, their destruction would prove a cap-

atal to the State; it was thought necessary to form a body of Troops Suffi-

cient to prevent any attempt upon them-The Militia from the neighuoring

Counties have turn'd out with so much Spirit, That we have now nearly

a sufficient number to oppose any attempts the enemy can make, with their

present force against this place-And as we do not wish to put the militia

to any unnecessary Trouble I wish those from Fredk. Berkeley & Shanna-

doe may remain in their respective Counties untill further orders from Gen-

eral Weedon or myself-I would nevertheless beg leave to recommend to

those Counties to Send on a few well arm'd & active Riflemen who would

be of the Greatest service should the enemy come into Potomack-perhaps

a Volunteer Compy from each of the Counties would be sufficient.

The Commanding officer of the Frederick Militia is requested to com-

municate this letter by Express to the County Lieutenants of Berkeley and

Shannadoe I am Sir with respect Your Most obt Hble Servt.

P. MUHLENBERG,² B G.

a Copy superscrib'd To the Command officers of Frederick Berkeley &

Shannadoe. Peter Muhlenberg, B. G.

This letter is endorsed as follows:

(On Public Service.)

Express.         The Commanding Officer of Berkeley.

FREDERICKSBURG 7 May: 1781.

Dear Sir-The Marquis La Fayette having order'd me here to assemble

a defence for the protection of Potowmac River, & to stop all the Men

coming from the back Counties for that purpose, I am a little alarmed at

seeing those already arrived come down so badly Armed, as it is not in

my power at present to put Guns into their Hands. As the number now

on their way I understand are greatly deficient of the Governour's Call

1 Col. William Davies was a gallant soldier, serving his country faith-

fully at this period of the Revolution. His correspondence to Thomas

Jefferson, then Governor of Virginia, part of which has been published,

throws much light on the privations of the soldiers.

2 Commander of the Virginia Regiment, afterwards a general.

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410     Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

 

from your County, I must request you will use your utmost exertions to send

forward the remainder, & I beg you to take every method in your power

to arm them before they march.-Not a moment is to be Lost as from every

account we have reason to expect the Enemy in this Quarter. I remember

on the first of the Invasion no County was more alert than yours, nor none

took the Field better equipped. The Riflemen, &C. still in the County &

I am not a little surprised they should be held up at this important Crisis,

& as it is the Marquis's desire a respectable Body of Riflemen should be

formed at this Place hope to have your assistance in this desirable Business.

The men that come forward had better be mounted for the sake of Ex-

pedition.

I am

With Esteem

Your mo obt Servt

G WEEDON1 B G.

This letter is endorsed:

Public Service.

The Officer Commanding the

Militia in Berekley

County.

Dear Sir-I have received Positive Instructions from the Board of War,

and from the Marquis La Fayette to remove the German Troops Immed-

iately Northwardly, and to call upon the State of Virginia for Guards of

Militia to go with them as far as York Town. 1 am therefore to request

that you will have 150 Militia with their Proper Officers at Shephards Town

On Friday Evening, who are to put themselves under the Command of Colo.

Taylor. I must likewise Beg that you will Direct the Commissioners of the

Provision Law to Lay in at Least three thousand Rations of Provisions,

and Forage for about forty Horses for three or Four Days. I am

Dr Sir

Y'r.

Very Obt. Servt.

WINCHESTER 5th June 1781.               JAMES WOODS2 CoL Corn.

The letter is endorsed as follows:

Public service.

Colonel Van Swearengen

or Officer Commanding the

Militia of

Berkeley.

1 Brig.-Gen. George Weedon was called into the patriot service January

17, 1780, by resolution of the Council of Virginia. At the same time Col.

Daniel Morgan was called. Both were made subject to orders of General

Gates.

2 Col. James Wood was the founder of Winchester, Virginia, and was one

of the early settlers of Virginia. His son, probably the writer of the fore-

going letter, was also a Colonel, and served as Governor of Virginia.

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The Preservation of Documents.                411

 

COUNCIL CHAMBER August 21. 1782.

Sir You will receive Directions from the Commissioner of war to hold

175-men of your Militia in constant readiness to march at the shortest warn-

ing: this order takes its rise from information just reed from the Conti-

nental Secretary at War that an attack is expected on Fort Pitt, the loss of

which post will so materially affect our fellow citizens in the back Country

that no arguments can be necessary to stimulate you or your Militia to exer-

tion if the Fort should be invested. General Edward Stevens is appointed

to the Command of the Troops ordered out, who will give you Directions

where to rendezvous your men if they should be wanted, and will forward

the necessary marching orders. I refer you for more particular instructions

to the Commissioner of War and am

Sir

Your most obedt

Servant

BENJ HARRISON.¹

The letter is endorsed:

on public Service.

The County Lieutenant

or Commanding Officer

of Berkeley.

The following document is in print, and is one of several

issued at that time. It explains itself. It is addressed to-

" Colo Van Swearingen"

Berkeley

RICHMOND, FEBRUARY 21, 1782.

GENTLEMEN,

I AM requefted by the Officers of the Virginia Line to affift them in negotiat-

ting the Certificates which they receive from the Auditors, for their Pay

and Subfiftance, in confequence of an Act of laft Affembly.

The diftrefs of many of the Officers and the prefent fcarcity of Money, is

luch, that the Certificates which thofe Gentlemen have received for paft

Services, will be rendered of little value, unlefs timely affiftance is afforded

by their fellow Citizens.

In a fhort Time thofe Certificates will be equal to the Specie, and all that

is now required, is a Loan of Specie or Tobacco upon them, which will

bear an Intereft of Six per cent. till paid.

The Inhabitants of Richmond and Peterfburg, in two Days, fubfcribed

one thoufand pounds in Specie and Tobacco, for the Certificates of a num-

ber of Officers under marching orders to join General Greene, which was

 

1Benjamin Harrison, Governor of Virginia, one of the signers of the

Declaration of Independence.  He was uncle to Gen. William   Henry

Harrison. The Harrison family were early residents of Virginia, and are

conspicuous in the history of that commonwealth.

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412   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

to thofe Gentlemen a feafonable relief. I cannot doubt but the fame pub-

lick fpirit and liberality of fentiment will be found general, efpecially if in

be encouraged by your example and influence.

I have therefore taken the liberty of enclofing to you a Subfcription Paper,

for the purpofe of raifing as much Specie or Tobacco as you can, upon the

Officers and Soldiers Certificates. So foon as thofe Subfcriptions are com-

pleated and the Tobacco and Specie received, I fhall pay the fame to Com-

miffioners appointed by the Officers, that a dividend may be made in juft

and equal proportion.

The Subfcribers will be pleafed to appoint one of their number, to receive

a Certificate for the fum each perfon pays, which I engage fhall be delivered,

or any other mode that is in my power fhall be adopted for their fecurity

and fatisfaction.

The Gentlemen hereafter mentioned, are appointed Agents at the feveral

Places mentioned againft their Names, and you will pleafe to forward the

Subfcriptions to one of them when you are done with it, together with what

may be received in confequence of it, and any inftructions you may think

proper to give, will be attended to.

I have the honour to be, with great regard,

Your very humble Servant.

DAVID ROSS.

Samuel Beall, Efq; Williamfburg. Meff. Shore and M'Connico, Peterf-

burg, Hunter, Banks, & Co. Richmond. James Maury and Benjamin Day,

Frederickfburg. James and Adam Hunter, Falmouth. Hunter and Allifon,

Alexandria. Carter Braxton, Efq; Weft Point. John Syme, Efq; New

Caftle.

NB. It would be proper to receive no subscriptions but such as can be

depended upon.

These will be continued in the next issue of the

QUARTERLY, when unpublished letters of Patrick Henry

Thomas Jefferson, and others will be published,

A. A. GRAHAM.

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