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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterWilliam & Mary Special Collections Research staff; Phillip Nicholas.
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Leven Powell papers, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.
Gift
Fully processed by Phillip Nicholas in Oct. 2014.
Leven Powell was born near Manassas, Prince William Co., Va. in 1737. He moved to Loudoun County in 1763 and served as major in the Revolutionary Army. Appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Sixteenth Regiment in Continental Line in 1777, he served in Virginia House of Delegates and as a delegate to Virginia Convention which ratified the U. S. Constitution in 1788. He was elected as a Federalist to Congress. Powell died in 1810 in Bedford, Pa.
This collection is largely comprised of the correspondence of Leven Powell, who served in American Revolutionary War as well as the Virginia House of Delegates, and the U. S. House of Representatives.
The letters reflect military and civilian events in Virginia during the Revolutionary war, United States and Virginia politics, and foreign relations in the early national period. The collection also includes financial records concerning the Revolutionary War and Loudoun County, Va.
A major subject of the correspondence is the Amercan Revolution, with reference to the Battle of Great Bridge (1775), other battles and campaigns, a copy of resolutions passed by freeholders of Loudoun County opposing the oppressive British legislation and establishing a boycott of all East India products, and a letter written from College Camp [Williamsburg, Va.] (1776). Other subjects include Aaron Burr, John Connolly, Lord Dunmore, Thomas McKean and John Taylor of Caroline, Native Americans, the presidential election of 1800, the Alien and Sedition Acts, orphans, Kentucky, the XYZ Affair, and slavery.
When available, microfilm, photocopies, digital surrogates, or other reproductions must be used in place of original documents. Leven Powell Papers, 1774-1810, in Swem Library's microforms area, 2 reels, call number E263 .V8 P68
Resolutions passed by the free-holders of Loudoun County, Virginia, opposing the oppressive legislation by Great Britain, and establishing a boycott of all East India products.
Gives details of a peace meeting in Pittsburg [sic], Pa., held between the members of the colony of Va. and Indian commanders, including four or five hundred Indians from different tribes, including the Shawnee and the Delaware; all seem to want to establish a lasting peace, even though John Connolly, along with Governor Dunmore, have tried to put a stop to it.
Scope and Contents Gives details of a battle with Gov. Dunmore's troops at Great Bridge, Va.; thanks her for her gift of venison.
Scope and Contents Describes arrivals of battalions, half to Hampton and half to guard Williamsburg, though he feels there is "hardly anything worth our notice" in protecting Williamsburg; mention of Gov. Dunmore's troops and of talk of his being drunk and "mad" since his defeat at Great Bridge; discussion of his appointment to the Convention being doubtful; describes the firing of "cannons about Norfolk."
Scope and Contents Tells of a brig from Antigua coming to Hampton Roads, the cargo of which did not amount to much— however, he is sending a dozen sweet oranges that he procured; explains that cannons were being fired in Norfolk to cover the landing of the enemy "in order to set fire to some of the houses that had before escaped flames"; the river is so full of brigs that "a vessel can scarcely pass."
Scope and Contents Discussion of family matters at home, including the loss of Nan's baby, bills of exchange left by Mr. Keys, and of the children being sick; prediction of an attack being made near Alexandria, Va. soon; describes having tea with Lord Dunmore, General Henry Clinton, Commodore Andrew Snape Hammond sic Hamond, and Richard Corbin on board the warship Roebuck during a truce, and difficulty traveling.
Scope and Contents Informs her of a business transaction between himself and Mr. Campbell, as well as the departure of General Henry Clinton and the resignation of Col. Patrick Henry.
Scope and Contents Description of "his Lordship" Gov. Dunmore retreating to Gwinn's Island, as well as Dunmore recruiting many for his "Black Regiment"; other war news, including a brief account concerning the Carolinas; other talk about the present Convention and its being represented by a "Confounded Set of Economists."
Not much happening around Williamsburg; 3,000 troops arrived at Cape Fear, N.C., as well as several ships, including the Nautilus, the Collins, and the Fowey; gives news of the 8th Regt., battalions of Southern Minute Men, and General Lee, Brigadier Howe, and D.A.G. Bullet; other troop movement details, including General Howe embarking for Quebec.
Scope and Contents Transferal of prisoners cannot take place, as ordered by Congress--they must be maintained at the enemy's expense; discussion of upcoming election of a senator, including the negative opinions expressed about one candidate, William Ellzey; more political discussion about the Governor and his Council being hampered and how the Senate ought to assist them; his interest in running for a seat.
Scope and Contents Gives details of military action in North Carolina and the Va. peninsula as well as the rumor that General Henry Clinton was killed when his transports were driven ashore in a storm; has heard that Congress declared independence publicly the first of the month and that a member of the Annapolis Convention had visited the courts of Spain and France to gain assurances of an alliance being formed..
Troops are ill and reinforcements needed badly or "we shall not have it in time to prevent the destruction of American affairs," since "the Enemy" has been strongly reinforced; more military news, including talk of General Washington and his depleted troops, and his dependence on the "stupidity and baseness of New England politicians," referring to Washington having to wait for reinforcements...
Oversize Folder in Oversize Box - see SCRC for assistance.
Scope and Contents Received the 19 barrels of flour sent and quotes current prices in Alexandria, Va.; has had the carpenters working on the vessel continuously, but the freezing weather is slowing progress; describes Washington's battle with the Hessians at Trenton, N.J., the day after Christmas and thus the defeat of General Howe, as well as Washington's great power among the 13 colonies; requests...
Discussion of orphaned children, who will care for them first, and the building of a school for them.
Scope and Contents Transportation of cloth and tailors, as well as 17 lbs. of flour; military action detailed, including that of Cornwallis' Army, and a traitor, Col. Buckner, with General Washington's troops, who was tried and condemned to be shot; 300 to 400 slaves were taken from Gloucester, Lancaster, and Northumberland counties, Va. by ships in the Bay, which indicates that the British plan...
Scope and Contents American army now equal to British, and they are holding their own; General Putnam's division surrounded a British outpost and took 69 prisoners; 2 British and 4 Hessian deserters joined them.
Scope and Contents Is sending the bearer of the letter to Dumfries for a uniform in order to keep him away from the other troops because he has had smallpox; hopes that men in uniform will help the recruiting process, which is not going very well; one new recruit lost two fingers from his left hand and wants to be discharged; doesn't want to travel too far to recruit in case he brings smallpox home, since his wife is "under inoculation"
War news of Delaware and New York, including talk of Gen. Scott's and Gen. Washington's troops.
Will be glad to take Capt. Butler's men, provided he resigns; certain officers have ruined the recruiting service by offering $30 a man.
Has hired two prisoners to become weavers for neighbors.
Scope and Contents Gives a detailed account of the British attack upon the American fort at the Cheveux de Friese, at Fort Mifflin, Pa., at which the enemy was repulsed at three different times, the end result being their retreating from Philadelphia; talk of General Gates' army being at a disadvantage, though the Americans could do with 10,000 more men; General Clinton..
Description of the campsite near the North River, with mountains surrounding; rumors of the enemy moving to Boston or some of the West India Islands; encloses a dollar for his sister, "Miss Linton."
Scope and Contents Hopes his LP quarantine at the "Mohongahaly" has been lifted; rumor that Charlestown has surrendered to the British after "spirited resistance"; an Irish ship had just arrived, confirming the account of Irish association for free trade or independence, with about 50,000 men enlisted to support their cause, under the command of the Duke of Leinster and Lord Shannon; several officers were taken at a "cock fight"
Asks to borrow a few volumes of his Universal Histories in order to fill the gaps of Rollin's R. History, which relate to Greece and Carthage, and are lost.
Financial settlement with the state? discussion; the acts of the Va. House of Delegates session did not answer the expectations of their constituents, nor has a definitive treaty arrived; the first act passed was to open American ports to British vessels; other acts included suspending taxes until the 10th of November and disqualifying members of Congress from holding seats in either house...
Since last correspondence, more Indian tribes have arrived in peace, and they have brought prisoners with them; three murders have occurred by the Indians, one of the victims being Capt. James Shelby; horses have been stolen from Astill's station, supposedly by the Chickamaugas; surveying is continuing slowly, and in Jefferson Co.?, 400 acres have been apportioned for settlers; ...
Giving military divisions of Lincoln Co., as well as geographical divisions of Lincoln and Jefferson counties; area gossip, including the news of Ned Quirk running away with his sister-in-law; no deaths or marriages recently, as well as no trouble with Indians in Fayette Co.
Scope and Contents Is sending 11 copies of the "acts of October 1782"; agrees with the idea of laws being passed with respect to the size of the county; discussion of the Va. Citizen Bill, and some delegates' fight to allow all Tories and refugees of Nova. Scotia admittance—however, they were defeated, and the bill which passed will not allow anyone who has ever "borne arms against us... inhabitants of America, in 1775 or at any time.."
Scope and Contents Encloses the only published version of the Revenue Law; the bill allowing hemp and flour to be receivable for taxes passed; election of sheriffs; more laws will be printed and delivered further.
Scope and Contents Capt. Rust has left for Fauquier Co., Va.; has built a house, except for the chimney, because the river has been over the quarry; "Savages" have murdered dozens, including Walker Daniel, an Attorney General and the only other lawyer in the county besides himself. Includes typescript.
Gives a detailed account of his month-long journey westward with his family and others, especially traveling on the Monongahela River to Fort Pitt and further; Indians were unfavorable; the families fared well, and the wives "prove the greatest of Heroines"; hope to arrive in Ky. soon; is sending a Valuable horse in order for a "Negro woman" he left behind to be sent out as soon as possible.
Scope and Contents Compares John Taylor of Caroline to a mad dog foaming at the mouth, referring to his (John Taylor's) advocacy of states' and individual rights and the decentralization of the Federal government; goes on to state his strong belief in the Federal government and cites the Constitution to support his argument; asks for the date when Thomas Jefferson was elected Governor of Va. in 1779 and 1780, and...
Gives details of a session of Congress, including a joint session, a visit and speech by the President John Adams, the election of Mr. Theodore Sedgwick as Speaker of the House, and the continuance of the old Clerk Jonathan Condy for the session.
Scope and Contents Mention of the President's speech and the dislike by some of "that part of it which spoke of the Mission to France"; his own opinion is that of agreement that it was right to send the envoys to France, since the French had made the first advance to settle the differences between them; tells of news about "British depredations on our Commerce"; a committee has been appointed to draft a bill on bankruptcy. Includes a copy.
Scope and Contents Comments on Congress and its character at the present session; mention of the Dutch Germans? being in opposition to the centrality of the federal government?, and Virginia hoping to set other states against the "general government"; has not found out yet about militia laws in all of the states with regard to Quakers, but does know that in Rhode Island, they pay $2.00/yr. for exemption... Also including ANS from Leven Powell, Philadelphia, Pa., to Burr Powell, Middleburg, Va., 17 December 1799, reporting the death of "the great and good" George Washington, and the rumor from France that the Duke of York and his Army are prisoners of war.
Gives news about the ceremonies surrounding the death of George Washington, including an oration to be given on the 26th by General Henry Lee; tells of wheat and flour shortages in England, which should help their crop prices; description of split amongst Virginia representatives about the proposal of a general election for electors, and that the state could end up with no law regarding...
Mr. John Nicholas proposed a resolution to disband the last 12 regiments of troops raised, due to the expense; hopes that Congress will not adopt the measure, or else it might have an adverse effect on negotiations with France; he does not trust France, based on her past conduct, and feels America should not let her defenses down; further discussion of France and the XYZ affair...
Discussion of an upcoming local election, including his opinion of an opponent from the "anti-party," Mr. Joseph Lewis, Jr., and what influence the people in surrounding areas such as Centreville will have; the Congress has been debating over a proposed amendment to a bill proposed by Mr. John Nicholas which prohibits "commercial intercourse" with France—discusses effects thereof...
Concern over time he spent in the Continental Army and a claim being made over a pension?; wishes Col. Leven Powell be shown the letter also.
Discussion of debates regarding Jonathan Robbins really Thomas Nash; Congress is considering an amendment of the Judiciary System Bill, which greatly alarms the opposition; Virginia continues to oppose the "General Government," and has forbid any person holding a state office to hold a federal government position also—the same may soon apply to her courts; details of William Duane...
Tells of his travel experience on a survey expedition, including his horse becoming lame.
Dogmatic letter concerning the upcoming "choosing of electors"; adamant opinion about the federal government losing its power to "post-boys and lacquies," thus, not needing the "Washington's and Adams... and their virtues or talents" any longer; finds the mode of election "disgusting" and hopes the people of Va. turn out to show the other states that "there are some yet who love and revere Washington...
Personal business matters; discussion of the beef he raised and the good reputation derived from it; the French treaty is before the Senate, and he believes that "they do not know what to do with it"; feels that the stipulation of returning armed ships to their respective countries is degrading to the United States...
Compares characteristic qualities of the two men running for President, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr; as far as moral principles, both men are equal, but in considering talents "with a mind fearless of the bold, . . -. Burr has greatly the superiority"; however, he may cast no vote at all, as "I feel a repugnancy in voting for a man…unfit for the office"; personal business.
Farm discussion, including beef prices, the threshing and distribution of clover seed, and amounts of corn coming in from tenants; tells of several days of debates in Congress over whether or not to continue the Sedition Law; doubts that it will pass, even though he voted wholeheartedly for it because he was "sure that my constituents were not afraid of a law which went to punish...
Tells of his correspondence with his opponent Mr. Joseph Lewis, Jr., and concedes that he, Lewis, was correct "in his official duties, as well as Attentive"; he will run for office again; no certain word yet on the presidential situation; a letter written to someone in Berkley by Thomas Jefferson has been printed and may end up doing him, TJ, more harm than good; he is still quite distressed... Includes a copy.
Has gotten the public opinion of Loudoun Co. concerning the upcoming presidential election, as was requested; all prefer Jefferson over Burr except a few, who fear that Jefferson will do away with the U.S. Navy, as well as be dictated to by violent men, since his character is "deficient in firmness"; however, the alternative is also "dreadful," because of Burr's suspicious character, which should not be linked...
Is sorry to report that very few of all the people he polled knew anything about either of the two presidential candidates, or had no opinion at all, and wish for him to vote as he thinks best; gives his opinion, which is to vote for Jefferson, although his beliefs are contrary to theirs—Jefferson is more experienced, and more pure in moral character; the U.S. Navy will suffer...
Lengthy discussion of the Congressional voting for President, with his prediction that Jefferson will be elected tomorrow; does feel, however, that Jefferson's supporters had to make several concessions in order to win more votes, particularly with respect to the U.S. neutrality situation and the navy; discussion of farm business and clover seed.
Is curious as to the selection of the President and gives his support to Aaron Burr; feels that Jefferson has become committed to "dangerous doctrine" and would govern only by narrow views, not general principles; on the local scene, constituents are opposed to his (LP) voting in favor of the continuation of the Sedition Laws, and the rumor of his LP being in favor of monarchy...
Family news; farm and weather reports; his last report about hostilities between France and England was premature, because the newspapers are only mentioning action now; warns of possible attacks by Indians while traveling if carrying large sums of money.
Details of a financial case of his with the French government.
Has sent Cuthbert Powell two barrels of red clover seed and will send him the bill of lading; compares the United States to a ship, which will need a more experienced "pilot" if the political horizon becomes clouded.
Family financial matter discussion involving Mr. Joseph Lewis, Jr., Mr. Turner, and Burr Powell; miscellaneous Fairfax Court case decisions; farm business regarding cattle.
A letter from Major David Holmes states that he is in agreement with him concerning a new form of revenue for the county Treasury involving muster fines for local roads around the county and surrounding areas.
Gives his opinion of Doctor Peake's proposition concerning the construction of certain state roads, including financial and legal aspects; personal financial affairs involving the purchasing of land; comment on a congressional decision involving the division of the District of Columbia? and banking policies dealing with agricultural and mercantile capital.
Is pleased that Major David Holmes was appointed as a judge, but is afraid he will be greatly missed in the house of Representatives, particularly with respect to his support of their road; road construction discussion; comment on militia laws.
Defends his vote against Jefferson for President, stating that Jefferson's administration has brought great injuries to the U.S. and they are "the very reason why we are in our present situation"; muster fines collections discussion.
Business matter involving Thomas Middleton and Thomas Wilson, and papers which need to be prepared by Leven or Burr Powell in order to accompany them to England.
Discusses problems of the camp including lack of arms and inexperienced officers; removal of type and a journeyman from the Norfolk printer by Dunmore; Capt. Dandridge is meeting with the Committee of Safety on protecting communication up the rivers from Norfolk; arrival of Col. Patrick Henry.
Are under arms because of firing at the James River and Lord Dunmore's "resolution ... of being at the Palace today"; would face Dunmore's 250 effective men with 400 who are "undisciplined, ill-armed but resolute"; feared the actions of the local inhabitants might have hindered them in case of attack; expects 150 barrels of powder brought by ship to Surry; shortage of good guns.
Describes that day's battle at Great Bridge; discusses casualties and weapons captured.
Just returned form duty in Norfolk; Dunmore is rumored to be planning to go to North Carolina; describes a recent skirmish in Norfolk; rumors of smallpox on Dunmore's ships; will march to Williamsburg shortly; explains his refusal to accept a continental commission.
Discusses accepting a continental commission; his men are dissatisfied and want to "visit their friends"; troops going to Gwynn's Island with the hope of capturing Dunmore and refitting the Roebuck and the Fowey; Col. Stephen fortifying Elizabeth River; reports Various appointments; Gen. Charles Lee moving slowly to South Carolina in search of General Henry Clinton; three Indians are in town; ship from the French islands.
Brig of Highlanders taken by Capt. Barron and marching from Jamestown to Williamsburg; reports troop movements; discusses proposed form of government for Va., and election of members of Congress; Capt. Jones of Dinwiddie County just cashiered for cowardice.
See Box I, Folder 1 for the original.
Copies, in English, of Sallust's sketch and comparison of the characters of Cesarsic and Cato; Cesar's (sic) speech in the Roman Senate to give the death penalty to Cataline conspirators; and Cato's reply to the preceding speech.
Copy of a description of the death of General. Albert Sidney Johnston on April 6, 1862 at the battle of Shiloh.