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Virginia Military Institute Archives
VMI ArchivesDiane B. Jacob, 1982
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The Lexington Arsenal and Virginia Militia records collection is avaliable online .
Lexington Arsenal and Virginia Militia records, 1702-1839. MS 0244. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
In 1816 the Virginia legislature provided for the establishment of three arsenals to care for the state's accumulation of munitions. One of the three was constructed in Lexington, Virginia, on the site of what is now VMI. The Lexington Arsenal opened in 1818 under the command of Captain James Paxton, and the guard stationed there was responsible for approximately 30,000 stand of arms. Although the size of the detachment stationed at the Arsenal varied somewhat from year to year, it generally consisted of the captain, a sergeant, one or two corporals, ten to thirteen privates, and a few employees, among whom were musicians. This arrangement was maintained until 1839 when VMI opened on the site of the Arsenal and the guard was replaced by the new VMI cadets.
This collection (47 items) consists of two series. The first series contains records (1702-1814; 17 items) related to the Virginia Militia, including regimental returns for various militia units. This material pre-dates the establishment of the state arsenal in Lexington, Virginia, but the documents were found among Lexington Arsenal records. Two of the documents date from the British colonial period (1702). The second series (1819-1839; 30 items) contains items concerning the operation of the state arsenal in Lexington. Included are payrolls and other financial records, guard returns and muster rolls, and two enlistment documents.
This series contains regimental returns for various Virginia Militia units and other documents relating to the Virginia Militia. This material pre-dates the establishment of the arsenal in Lexington, Virginia, but the material was found among the Lexington Arsenal records also contained in this collection. Two of the documents date from the British colonial period (1702).
"A return of the Militia in the 53d Regiment in the County of Campbell commanded by William Henderson, together with a return of arms etc. belonging to said Regiment."
"Return of the militia in the 91st Regiment in the county of Bedford commanded by John Trigg Lieut. Col. Commandt., together with a return of arms etc. belonging to said regiment."
"Return of militia in the 91st Regiment in the county of Bedford commanded by John Trigg Lieut. Commandt., together with a return of arms etc. belonging to said regiment."
"A return of the Militia ordered to be in readiness to march at a moments warning from the 43 Regiment Franklin County. Samuel Hairston, in the absence of Col. John Early."
Signed by Daniel B. Berrow, Colonel.
"A return of the 18th Regiment of Militia, Patrick County, State of Virginia, including the Arms, Ammunition & Accoutrements in their possession, George Penn, Lt. Col."
"A return of the sixty fourth Regiment being part of the twelveth Brigade of the Militia of the State of Virginia, including the arms, ammunition, & accoutrements in their possession."
"A return of the 91st Regiment being part of the 12th Brigade of the Militia of the State of Virginia, including the arms, ammunition, & accoutrements in their possession."
"A return of the 53rd Regiment being part of the 12th Brigade of the Militia of the State of Virginia, including the arms, ammunition, & accoutrements in their possession in Nov. 1802."
"A return of the 110th Regiment including the arms, ammunition, & accoutrements in their possession, Samuel Hairston Lt. Col. Com."
Signed by Governor Henry Lee. Document appoints John Foster from Orange County (Virginia) Ensign to the Second Battalion, Third Regiment Militia.
Signed by Governor James Wood. The document appoints John Foster "Ensign of a company of Light Infantry in the third Regiment, and Second Division."
A British financial document that estimates the cost of arms and other materials for "Colony of Virginia."
Receipt of Robert Patterson for "two pounds, two shillings & nine pence."
Report titled "Regimental Morning Report Colonel Dudley Evans, Joseph Allen Adjutant, Total 686."
Issued by the Adjutant General's Office in Richmond, Virginia. Regulations regard "changes in the uniform of the Army of the United States."
The state arsenal in Lexington, Virginia opened in 1818 and operated until November 1839, when it was replaced by VMI.
Names on the payroll include: James Paxton (Captain) Samuel Lasley Rodk [Roderick?]King John Spooner James Barnett Alexander Briant John Mays James Hening Wilford Downs David Craig Benjamin Downs James Edsal Elias Wood William McCrery Ezekiel Kirby Andrew Hincher Thomas Jones John Short James R. Collins James Smith Jessee Pannal James Page William Brown Chesly Woodard William B. Smith Benjamin Bowler Granvill Doores
Names on the payroll include: James Paxton (Captain) Wilfred Downs William H. Knap James Smith William Suthard John Clark Silas Rogers Archibald Downey William Lewis John Mays Henry Peterman Angus McLaughlin Michael Robinson Thomas Johnson Fayette
Names on the payroll include: David E. Moore (Captain) Jacob Moses (Sergeant) John T. Giles (Corporal) Andrew Gass (Corporal) Thomas Burton Elijzh Coomer John Davis (1st) James Barron William Cunningham Jospeh Hockman John Masterson James Smith William Suthard John Davis (2nd) [illegible]
For the period of March 1 to April 11, 1834.
Names on payroll include: David E. Moore (Captain) John Oringderff Richard Anderson Valentine Franklin Thomas Anderson Berry Epperson John Flint Andrew Gass Joseph Hockman John Pavo [Povo?] James Robinson Thomas Smith Benjamin F. Steele James Vandegraff Isaac Walton James H. Wiglesworth George W. Rowsey Daniel Ward Jack
Names on the payroll include: David E. Moore (Captain) John Oringderff Richard Anderson Valentine Franklin Thomas Anderson Berry Epperson Samuel Flint Andrew Gass Joseph Hockman John Pavo James Robinson Thomas Smith Benjamin F. Steele James Vandegraff Isaac Walton James H. Wiglesworth George W. Rowsey Daniel Ward Jack
Letter of explanation on reverse. Signed by Captain James Paxton.
For various sundries and dry goods, including material for a shroud for John Pointer.
One bound volume that contains accounts primarily for provisions and rations.
"The Arsenal at Lexington contains 30601 muskets, 1001 rifles, 87 carbines, 30 cavalry swords."
For freight on box of clothing.
For repairs to Lexington Arsenal.
For payment as fifer.
Payment for freight.
For clothing due on discharge.
For returning soldier E. McCraw who was in jail in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Discharge bounty
Final pay upon discharge.
Additional muster rolls are located in the bound account book in this collection.
Appended to bottom is the note that reads "No recruits enlisted since last return. The following supply of clothing will be necessary for the guard at the arsenal during the ensuing winter..."
Includes note concerning the receipt of clothing.
Names on the muster roll include: D. E. Moore (Captain) John Orindorf R. Anderson V. Franklin J. Vandegriff T. Anderson B. Epperson Samuel Flint J. Povo G. W. Rowsey F. G. Steele William Smith I. Walton J. H. Wigglesworth A. W. Eaton William Eaton M. Slagle
"...born in the county of Rockingham ..aged 22 years, 5 feet 3 inches high...by profession a tailor...."
"...born in the town of Coblentz and empire of Germany, aged 20 years, 5 feet 4 inches...by profession a tobacconist...."