A Guide to the Records of the Virginia Board of War (Revolutionary War / Government), 1779-1780., #54529

Library of Virginia

The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-8000
USA
Email: archdesk@lva.virginia.gov(Archives)
URL: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/

Processed by: LVA Staff.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Use microfilm when available.

Preferred Citation

Records of the Virginia Board of War, 1779-1780. Accession 54529, State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Acquired prior to 1905.

The Board of War, created by an act of the General Assembly passed at its May 1779 session, was responsible for the management of all the armed forces of the state and assumed the functions of the Navy Board. The board was abolished by an act of the General Assembly passed at its May 1780 session.

Board of War members included James Barron, Samuel Griffin, James Innes, Robert Lawson, William Nelson and George Syne.

Scope and Content

Virginia Board of Trade records include a Journal, 1779-1780 and a Letter book, 1779-1780.

For additional records see the Governor's Executive Papers for this time period.

Contents List

Journal, 1779 June 30-1780 Apr 7.

Extent: 1 v.

This journal documents the proceedings of the Board of War in their daily meetings. Proceedings relate to appointments, commissions, contract disputes, discharges, orders, purchases, recommendations to the Governor and Council, ships, supplies, and warrants for supplies and recruiting men. Many entries relate to ship building, destruction, dismantling, repairs and supplies, as well as the maintenance of the shipyard.

Several specific items of mention include: the appointment of Capt. James Maxwell as Commissioner of the Navy, along with a description of his duties, 1779 July 1; engagement of a shipbuilder, 1779 July 9; discharge of Spencer Thomas from the Navy, he being a slave for thirty-one years, 1779 July 24; commissioners appointed by the General Assembly for fixing the boundary line between Virginia and Pennsylvania, 1779 Aug 21.

Specific vessels mentioned include: Boats Liberty, Dasher, Nicholson, and Patriot; Brigantine Jefferson; Continental Frigates Dean and Boston; Galleys Accomack, Diligence, Manley and Safe Guard; Ships Dragon, Tartar, Tempest, Virginia and Washington.

Also available on Miscellaneous Reels 302 and 498.

Letter book, 1779 Dec 23-1780 Mar 25.

Extent: 1 v.

Letter book, 1779-1780, includes copies of correspondence to the Governor, Board of Trade and several military commanders. Topics include accoutrements and arms, French officers, movement of public stores to secure locations, movement of troops, prisoners of war, provisions, rations, ship repair, supplies and war preparations.

Also available on Miscellaneous Reel 632.