power, or less willing to support the laws until a Constitutional change. should take place. I have long known the chairman and a number of the committee, also a number of men who voted in support of the address and resolutions, and believe they would be as far from knowingly opposing Government in an improper way as any people, and that in case of war with any nation, they would be as true friends to their country as any. In case that war, that greatest scurge, should befall our nation, I should deprecate any distinctions or exclusions from the ranks on the score of political sentiment. The sin of turning enemies to our Country and Loves to each other because of a difference in opinion as to men and measures ought to be considered as the sin against nature, one of which no man could be capable until damning proof should strike him at once from the list of human beings. I religiously believe no such sin will be committed by any man in the County of Augusta. I can give no apology for thus trespassing on the Executive. Our Court is now sitting; I have been compelled to let my pen run, and have not time to revise and curtail. They will be assured of my friendship and that I feel myself in the hands of friends when I submit to them so hasty a scrawl. I deemed it necessary to write by this mail. 1808. October 27, Staunton EDW'D CARRINGTON AND W. FOUSHEE TO CHAS. BEALL, JOSEPH Richmond Having accomplished the view from Crow's Ferry to the great falls at October 27, West Ham, and from thence down to this place, which commenced on the 17th Inst., at a season which we consider to have been so dry as to leave the river in a State lower than ought to be called common dry season, and by which you have been enabled to judge of the improvements made on the bed of the river by the James River Company, as enjoined on them by the Acts of the Legislature, beg leave to suggest that we think the public interest, as well as justice to individuals, will be more probably effected by a full statement from you on the following points: 1. That it was considered by you that the river was in a state sufficiently low and clear for the view. 2. That much work and labor have been expended on the bed of the river from Crow's Ferry to this place. 3. That the trial boat drawing the depth of water required by Law passed through the whole improvement without being obliged to take out any part of the lading, except at Plane above the mountain, and 1808. October 27, Richmond then only some of the people on board stept out for a few minutes at one place. 4. That altho' there were some occasional hangs as above, they have been considered generally as arising more from the crookedness of the Sluices formed by dams and wing-walls to confine the water to the legal depth than from want of water in the Sluices, and this principally above the mountains. 5. That from Lynchburg down the improvements have been more effectual, and that loads much heavier than can be transported in Boats drawing no more than the depth required by the law, were found going to Richmond from this and various other points on the river. 6. That the improvements necessary for low-water navigation appear to hazard the transportation of produce in the increased rise of water until it gets to a certain height, and thereby may endanger as well as impede in some degree the navigation at times when it would be more beneficial than in the lowest state of the river; that this observation applies more particularly to the river above the mountain, and is a subject which it is conceived was not sufficiently understood or contemplated either by the Legislature at the time of passing the charter or the individuals who formed the Company. We conceive, Gentlemen, that the public interest will be promoted when objections arise in your minds, if any such there be, to the present state of improvement by specific statements on each place-the errors which you think have been committed and the mode of improvement which will in your judgment be most beneficial at such place. Indeed, Gentlemen, if you will be so good as to give all the information on this important subject which the view just made may have enabled you to collect, altho' some of its details may exceed what you may think necessary in the certificate. it will not only be of public utility, but highly gratifying to us who as agents of the James River Company, Are yours, &c. October 29, War Department H. DEARBORN TO THE GOVERNOR. The President of the United States, by virtue of an Act of Congress, passed on the 30th day of March, 1808, entituled "An act authorizing a detachment from the Militia of the United States," has directed me to call upon the Executives of the several States and Territories, to take effectual measures to organize, arm, and equip according to Law, and hold in readiness to march at a moments warning, their respective proportions of one hundred thousand militia, officers included. This, therefore, is to require of your Excellency to take effectual measures for having Ten thousand one hundred and Ninety Eight of the Militia of Vir War ginia (being her quota), detached and duly organized into Companies, 1808. Battalions, Regiments, Brigades and Divisions, within the shortest period October 29, that circumstances will permit, and as nearly as practicable in the follow- Department ing proportions of Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry, viz: one twelfth Artillery, one Sixteenth Cavalry, and from one sixteenth to one twelfth riflemen and the residue Infantry, to be completely equipped with arms. and accoutrements fit for actual service, including Blankets and Knapsacks. Any Corps of volunteers, who, previous to orders for taking the field, may tender their services conformably to the second section of the aforesaid act, will be considered a part of the quota of the said State according to their numbers, and your Excellency is also authorized to accept as a part thereof, any company or companies of Volunteers either. of Artillery, Cavalry, or Infantry, who may associate and offer themselves for the service agrecably to an Act of Congress, a copy of which is enclosed, passed on the 24th of February, 1807. And I have to request that your Excellency will endeavor to inspire as general a disposition as possible for voluntary offers of service, especially under the last mentioned act. Permit me also to suggest the importance of having such general and field officers, as can, in all respects, be relied upon in case the detachment should be called into actual service. When the Detachments and organization shall have been completed, the respective corps will be exercised under the officers set over them, but will not remain embodied or be considered in actual service until by subsequent orders they shall be ready to take the field. Your Excellency will please to direct that correct inspection returns be made of the respective corps, and that copies thereof be transmitted to this Department as early as possible. Separate returns should be made of those who have heretofore volunteered, and may volunteer, under the last mentioned act. I have the honor to be, &c. JULIUS CLARKSON TO THE GOVERNOR. I take the liberty of sending my commission as an officer of the 88th October 31 Reg't. The reason why I do it is that I am about to leave the State, and I think it is necessary that my Company should be officered as soon as possible. I am, &c. 1808. Nov. 4, Richmond Nov. 8 DAVID S. GARLAND TO THE Governor. Be so good as to make known to the Executive Council, my acceptance of the Office of Register, under the appointment, and under cover you will receive my Bond, with security for the performance of the duties of that office. I take the liberty of mentioning to you the propriety of a committee from your body being appointed for the purpose of examining the State of the Books and papers in the Office to which I have been recently appointed. I am, &c. ARCHD. MCRAE, CAPTAIN, WASHINGTON WEISIGER, LIEUTENANT, Tender the service of the Manchester Republican Blues, by their request, through the Governor, to the General Government, for twelve months, for the defence of the same. Nov. 9, JOHN W. PRICE, CAPTAIN WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON ARTILLERY, 19TH REGIMENT TO THE GOVERNOR. Whilst we depricate war when it can be avoided without sacrificing Richmond the honor of our country, still we acquiesce in it with all its concomitant evils rather than submit to the smallest degredation; impressed with these sentiments the company which I have the honour to command consisting of Rank and file, have unanimously requested me to make known to you that they are ready and willing to sacrifice private interest to the promotion of the public good, and to that end they now proudly volunteer their services as a part of the quota called for from this State by the President of the United States; and furthermore they state they will hold themselves in readiness at a moment's warning to rally around the Standard of their Country. I am, &c. Nov. 10, GEORGE TURNER, CAPTAIN RICHMOND RIFLE VOLUNTEERS, TO THE GOVERNOR. Tendering for himself and the Richmond Rifle Volunteers, consisting Richmond of 50, Rank and file, their services as a part of the Quota required of the 19th Regiment Virginia Militia by the President of the United States. ARMISTEAD LONG TO THE GOVERNOR. I take this opportunity of communicating to you that I have removed from the County of Loudoun, consequently my command of the fiftyseventh Regiment of Virginia Militia ceases, and I beg leave to name to you Captain Armistead T. Mason as being the best qualified of any man within the bounds of the Regiment to succeed to the command, and I have no doubt but he will discharge the duties with fidelity and ability. I am, &c. 1808. Nov. 12 WM. GODWIN TO THE GOVERNOR. Returning Commission as Ensign in the 59th Reg't Virginia Militia on account of removal from the State. Nov. 14, Nansemond County WM. SHARP (LIEUTENANT-COLONEL 54TH REGIMENT) TO THE GOVERNOR. Informing of the measures taken for the suppression of a reported Insurrection with affidavits concerning the same. Nov. 14, JAMES FAULKNER TO MAJOR JAMES SINGLETON. Having understood that you are Major of Artillery, and as the Law appears deficient in regard to whom I shall make my return, I now enclose one to you as the most proper person. If I am correct and you my commanding officer, I hope you will use your influence with the Executive to procure the necessary arins, as mine appears to be the only organized Volunteer Company of Artillery in General Smith's Brigade. Major Wm. Davidson informed me that Mr. John Heiskell, of Winchester, had been commissioned as a Capt. of Artillerists and received his swords, but as he had no men, he supposed that Capt. Heiskell would have no objections to deliver up his swords to proper authority. If they can be had, I would send for them, as we muster the last Saturday in December, when, if convenient, will be happy to see you. I am, &c. Nov. 15, Martinsburg |