Secretary of State Correspondence


Title: Correspondence from the Lt. Gov. of Virginia (Col. Alexander Spotswood
and later Major Hugh Drysdale) with enclosures (copies of Proclamations,
Revenue returns, Acts of Assembly etc.) addressed to the Commissioners
for Trade & Plantations. Also copies of Orders of the Privy Council, Petitions,
Legal opinions, etc.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/1319
SR Number: SR 00388
Reel Number: 41
Dates: 1720 - 1726
References: Lists & Indexes, Vol. XXXVI, 29.
Andrews Guide 181, List 367-369.

ff. 23-24
Extract of a letter from Col. Spotswood, Lt. Gov. of Virginia, to Right Hon. James
Cragg (Craggs), (Secretary of State) dated Virginia, 20 May 1720. Recommending
Capt. Thomas Kennedy of the ship "Calabar Merchant" of Bristol, who on arrival
in Virginia at once surrendered 21 negroes, 2 iron guns and a small hawser, which
had been given him by pirates after taking and plundering his ship on the Guinea
Coast: another similar case was also quoted and a recomendation made that ship
masters should be rewarded for surrendering piratical booty. Endorsed " Received
from MR. STEVENS" and also "received and read 28 March 1721".



Title: Letters to the Secretary of State and others from the Governors,
Alexander Spotswood, William Gooch, Robert Dinwiddle and
Francis Fauquier, and Presidents Thomas Lee and Lewis Burwell,
with enclosures and replies.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/1344
SR Number: SR 00233
Reel Number: 48
Dates: 1726 - 1783
References: Lists & Indexes, Vol. XXXVI, 29.
Andrews Guide 183, List 493.

ff. 86-87
Lords of Trade to the Duke of Bedford, 10 Jan 1750/51. Spanish and
Portuguese ships driven into ports of Virginia by bad weather. Encloses the
four (only adding two) documents listed below:

ff. 90-91
Enclosed in the above. Extract of a letter from Thomas Lee to the Board of
Trade, 6 Nov. 1750. The Spanish and Portuguese ships driven into Virginia
ports have proven irrepairable. The masters have been given permission to
hire other ships to carry their cargoes to Europe. Encloses the two (only
adding one) reports listed below:

ff. 92-93
Enclosed in the above. Copies of two inspection reports on the Spanish and
Portuguese ships referred to above. Dated Norfolk, 12 and 20 Oct 1750. Signed
by JONATHAN STEPHENS and five others.



Title: Papers relating to the expedition against Cartagena.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/42
SR Number: SR 04808
Reel Number: 365
Dates: 1740 - 1743
References: Andrews Guide 122.
P.R.O. Lists and Indexes.

102-103
Return of Col. Gooch's regiment. Kingston, Jamaica, 5 Dec. 1741. Usual return:
notes death of Pylot, Crawford, STEVENS, Hall, Home, Harrison, Goff, Woodside,
Furney, Cockburn, Forster, McGill, another Harrison; Lt. Col. Leighton transferred
and replaced by Major Speedy, and he promoted and succeeded by Capt. Burrard,
Lt. Josiah Rolf on leave in North America.



Title: Secretary's Common Letters
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: Adm. 2/698
SR Number: SR 08338
Reel Number: Not filmed
Dates: May 1, 1751 - March 10, 1753
References: Lists & Indexes, Vol. XVIII, p. 64.

319
To MR. STEVENS at Deal,
June 10, 1752,
To forward Captain Whitwell a packet by the first ship going to Virginia.



Title: Secretary's Common Letters
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: Adm. 2/699
SR Number: SR 08339
Reel Number: Not filmed
Dates: March 10, 1753 - July 16, 1754
References: Lists & Indexes, Vol. XVIII, p. 64.

92
To MR. STEPHENS, at Deal,
May 31, 1753,
To forward by the first opportunity a packet for the Lieutenant Governor of
Virginia. (Sent by the "Joannes" bound to New York).



Title: Secretary's Common Letters
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: Adm. 2/700
SR Number: SR 08340
Reel Number: Not filmed
Dates: July 17, 1754 - March 25, 1755
References: Lists & Indexes, Vol. XVIII, p. 64.

77
To MR. STEPHENS at Deal,
October 12, 1753,
To send away at the first opportunity various packets including one for
Captain Arbuthnot of the "Garland" at Virginia.

250
To MR. STEPHENS at Deal,
February 19, 1755,
To forward at the first opportunity a packet for Commander Keppel in
Virginia.



Title: Correspondence and Papers of Lord Holdernesse as
Secretary of State.
Depository: British Museum / Class: Egerton Mss. 3429
SR Number: SR 08569
Reel Number: Not filmed
Dates: 1755
References:

274r-275v Newcastle to Holdernesse,
Cockpit, August 26, 1755,
News of the defeat of Braddock near the Ohio. Sends him a copy
of a letter received by Mr. Hunter from CAPTAIN STEPHENS, a
captain of the Virginians who gives as clear an account of the event
as found in any other letter. Wishes that more care had been taken
against surprises and less dependence on the regular troops who
are not conversant with the Indian methods of fighting. Shirley,
Braddock's replacement, will have a better chance of recruiting more
Americans.
Enclosures:
277r-279v, 280v
Letter from CAPTAIN ADAM STEPHENS to John Hunter, Esq., Fort
Cumberland, July 18, 1755,
Details of the defeat of Braddock. British troops unable to contend with
surprise attacks. The few independents and Virginians that were engaged
behaved better and have suffered much. Few engaged because Braddock
placed all his faith in his regular troops. Twelve Virginian Officers were
engaged, six of whom were killed. He himself was hit by two bullets.



Title: Reports of Francis Fauquier, Lt. Gov. of Virginia, to the Commissioners
for Trade and Plantations with enclosures (revenue returns, petitions, etc.):
Orders in Council affecting Virginia, legal opinion on Acts passed in
Virginia, petitions from British Merchants trading to Virginia.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/1330
SR Number: SR 00170
Reel Number: 45
Dates: 1760 - 1764
References: Andrews Guide 181, List 390-394:
Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 29.

ff. 22-23
Francis Fauquier, Lt. Gov. of Virginia, to the Commisioners for Trade and
Plantations. Williamsburgh, 11 July 1760. Enclosing a triplicate copy of
his letter to the Commissioners, dated 1 Dec 1759, together with a copy
of a letter from COLONEL STEPHEN to the Lt. Gov., dated at Pittsburgh
on 29 Oct. 1759 and explaining that he believed the originals had been
lost when the packet Gov. Wall was captured and the duplicates when the
ship "Deliverance" (Capt. White) was lost on the French Coast.

ff. 24-25
Francis Fauquier, Lt. Gov. of Virginia, to the Commissioners for Trade and
Plantations. Williamsburgh, 1 Dec 1759. Copy endorsed "triplicate" (see
above). Enclosing a copy of a letter from COL. STEPHENS, (see below)
at Pittsburgh and explaining the claim of Pennsylvania to include Pittsburgh
within her boundaries, her efforts to capture the fur trade with the Indians,
and the need for an early decision on the inter-colony boundaries so as to
regulate land grants in the disputed area.

ff. 26-27
LIEUT. COL. STEPHEN (Virginian Provincial Regiment) to Francis Fauquier,
Lt. Gov. of Virginia. Camp at Pittsburgh, 29 Oct 1759. Reporting on the claim
of Pennsylvania to the land around Pittsburgh and to the exclusive rights to
trade with the Indians, and the condition of French posts at Venango, Le Boeuf
and Presq'isle.

ff. 108-110
Francis Fauquier, Lt. Gov. of Virginia, to the Commissioner for Trade and
Plantations. Williamsburg, 24 Feb 1762. Transmitting certain named public
papers by H.M.S. "Diana", explaining the necessity for passing an Act
"to enhance and more effectually to secure the credit of the paper currency
of the Colony", reporting the establishment of peace with the Cherokees and
the disbandment of the Virginian Provincial Regiment, and recommending
COLONEL STEPHEN for appointment as Agent for Indian Affairs in the
Southern District.



Title: Secretary's Department. Letters relating to the Colonies, 1697-1790.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: Adm. 1/3819
SR Number: SR 04459
Reel Number: Not filmed
Dates: 1761-1770
References: Lists and Indexes XVIII, 37
Andrews' II, 20-21

20 December 1770
William Nelson to PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ., Secretary to the Admiralty.
1 Folio. STEPHENS' letter of 20 Sept. to Lord Botetourt, in which the
Admiralty Lords agreed that protection should be granted to men who
went to England as witnesses against David Fergusson, was received.
Main purpose of the letter is to request that STEPHENS acquaint the
next governor of Virginia that there is not need for him to obtain
Mediterranean passes, as they now have sufficient. Encloses a list of
passes granted by Lord Botetourt between 28 July 1769 and 31 May 1770.



Title: Entry Book. Letters from Secretary of State.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class C.O. 5/224
SR Number: SR 00513
Reel Number: 70
Dates: 1766 - 1768
References: Lists & Indexes XXXVI, 6.
Andrews Guide I, 146.

pg. 30
L. Macleane to PHILIP STEHENS, ESQ., Whitehall, 12 Oct 1767.
Enclosing a list of names of the Attornies General in North America.



Title: Entry Book. Letters from Secretary of State.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class C.O. 5/1372
SR Number: SR 00750
Reel Number: 33
Dates: 1766 - 1774
References: Lists & Indexes XXXVI, 30.
Andrews Guide I, 184.
List of ....Plantation Councils, 399.

f.43vo
Letter from Lord Botetourt. Williamsburg, 9 Aug 1769. Enclosing Council
Minutes and a letter from COLONEL STEPHENS.

ff.46vo-47ro
Letter from Lord Botetourt. Williamsburg, 22 Oct 1769. Enclosing correspondence
with COL. STEPHEN and the commanding officer of Fort Pitt and a proclamation
for apprehending the murderers of the Six Nations Indians. Desiring a patent for
Colonel Henry's map of Virginia.



Title: Copies of Letters from the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
(Francis Fauquier) and H.S.'s Lieutenant and Governor
General of Virginia (Lord Botetourt) to the Secretary of
State (Earl of Shelburne and later Earl of Hillsborough):
Revenue Returns, Legal Opinions on Acts Passed in
Virginia, Orders in Council affecting Virginia, Petitions
and Memorials.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/1332
SR Number: SR 00712
Reel Number: 45
Dates: 1767 - 1770
References: Andrews Guide 181, List 397-402:
Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 29.

ff. 130-131
Lord Botetourt, H.M.'s Lieutenant and Governor General of Virginia, to
the Earl of Hillsborough, Secretary of State. Williamsburg, 9 Aug. 1769.
Marked "No. 16. Duplicate". Transmitting a copy of the Minutes of
Council of Virginia (see f.132) relating to the letter from COLONEL
STEPHEN dated 29 July 1769. Folio 131 is a cover sheet and is
endorsed "read 6 Dec. 1769". Folio 132 is an enclosure to this letter,
but is not so endorsed.

ff. 132-133
Copy of the Minutes of the Council of Virginia dated 8 August 1769
relating to a report from COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN of hostile
behaviour by certain Indians near Fort Pitt and of some settlers
beyond the mountains having withdrawn from their homes in
consequence, and submitting certain advice to Lord Botetourt as
to the policy to be adopted. Folio 133 is a cover sheet and is
endorsed "read 6 Dec. 1769".



Title: Letters to the Secretary of State and others from the
Governor, Lord Botetourt, with enclosures and replies.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/1347
SR Number: SR 00219
Reel Number: 1
Dates: 1768 - 1769
References: Andrews Guide 184.
Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 29.

ff. 178-179
Botetourt to Secretary of State, 9 August 1769. Has acquainted the
Council with the contents of COL. STEPHEN'S letter and His Lordship's
last dispatches. Encloses the two document's listed below.

ff. 180-181
Enclosed in the above (f. 178). Copy of COL. ADAM STEPHEN'S letter
to Botetourt, 29 July 1769, Hostility of Indians at Fort Pitt.

ff. 182-183
Enclosed in the same. Copy of the Minute of Council on COL. STEPHEN'S
letter.



Title: Letters to the Secretary of State and others from the
Governor, Lord Botetourt, and Mr. President Nelson,
with enclosures and replies.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/1348
SR Number: SR 00220
Reel Number: 1
Dates: 1769-1770
References: Andrews Guide 184.
Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 29.

ff. 3-4
Botetourt to Secretary of State, 30 Sept 1769. Encloses the
document listed below. Requests information about Treaty at
Fort Stanwix. House of Burgesses and the Boundary Line
negotiations.

ff. 5-6
Enclosed in the above (f.3). Extract of a letter from COL. STEPHEN
of 14 Sept 1769, with the "Speech of a Noted Indian" of 10 August,
and Lord Botetourt's answer of 27 Sept 1769. Relations with the
Indians.

ff. 7-8
Botetourt to Secretary of State, 22 Oct 1769. Enclosing the four
documents listed below. Requests a patent to secure Col. Henry's
sole right of selling his map of Virginia.

ff. 9-11
(There is no folio numbered 10). Enclosed in the above (f.7). Extract
of a letter from COL. STEPHEN to Botetourt, 27 Sept 1769.

ff. 12-13
Enclosed in the same. Copy of a letter from Botetourt to COL. STEPHEN
19 Oct. 1769.

ff. 14-15
Enclosed in the same. Copy of a letter from Botetourt to the Commanding
Officer at Fort Pitt, 19 Oct 1769.

f. 16
Enclosed in the same. Printed copy of Proclamation of 9 Oct 1769 concerning
the Indian murders. Offers a reward for the apprehension of Henry Judey and
John Ryan.

ff. 73-74
Botetourt to Secretary of State, 22 Feb 1770. Headed "Private". Enclosing the
four documents listed below. Comments on Sir William Draper and Col. Tryon.

ff. 75-76
Enclosed in the above (f.73). Copy of a letter from Mr. Stuart to Botetourt,
13 Jan 1770, on question of the extension of the Boundary.

ff. 77-78
Enclosed in the same. Copy of Botetourt's answer to Mr. Stuart, dated
8 Feb. 1770.

ff. 79-80
Enclosed in the same. Copy of a talk between Mr. Stuart and Indian Chiefs,
29 July 1769.

ff. 81-82
Enclosed in the same. Extract of a letter from COL. STEPHEN to Botetourt,
9 Feb. 1770.

ff. 127-128
Letter from J. Pownall to MR. STEPHENS, of the Admiralty, 20 Sept 1770,
on the case of David Ferguson, to be tried in England for muder on the high
seas. Endorsed "Read by the King".

ff. 149-150
Mr. J. Pownall to MR. STEPHENS of the Admiralty, 1 Nov. 1770 on the
"delivery" of Capt. Ferguson.



Title: Entry Book. Letters from Secretary of State.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class C.O. 5/1375
SR Number: SR 00753
Reel Number: 33
Dates: 1768 - 1776
References: Lists & Indexes XXXVI, 30.
Andrews Guide I, 184.

ff. 51vo-52ro
J. Pownall to MR. STEPHENS, Whitehall, 20 Sept. 1770. Desiring the
Admiralty's instructions regarding two seamen sent from Virginia as
witnesses at the trial for murder of David Ferguson (of ff. 46-48).

f. 54
J. Pownall to MR STEPHENS. Whitehall, 1 Nov 1770. Transmitting for trial by
the admiralty, the accused murderer David Ferguson.



Title: Jamaica, Letters to the Secretary of State.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 137/65
SR Number: SR 03412
Reel Number: 479
Dates: 1770
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, pg. 168;
Andrews' Guide 1, p. 204.

ff. 233-235
Copy of a letter from Walter Stirling to PHILIP STEPHENS, of the
Admiralty, dated at Dunkirk, Port Royal Harbour, Jamaica, 28 May
1770, sending certain details of shipping in the harbour there, and
enclosing an account of vessels riding in Cape Nichola Mole and at
Turks Islands on 30 April and 18 May 1770. This list gives details of
the vessels, masters names, owners names, to whom consigned,
from whence, cargo delivered and taken on board, and where registered,
and included the brig "Fancy" of Norfolk, Virginia. (3 pgs.)



Title: Out-Letters (domestic) (from the Secretary of State for the Colonies)
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/250
SR Number: SR 00536
Reel Number: 71
Dates: 1771
References: Lists & Indexes, Vol. XXXVI, 7.
Andrews Guide I, 147.

pp. 223-224
J. Pownall to PHILIP STEPHEN, ESQ., Whitehall, 24 July 1775. Regarding
the safe conduct to Virginia of the ship "Maria" carrying arms and ammunition.



Title: Original Correspondence - Secretaries of State.
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/138
SR Number: SR 00547
Reel Number: 68
Dates: 1771 - 1775
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 5.
Andrews' Guide I, 131-132.

pp. 217-218
MR. PHILIP STEPHENS to William Eden, Esq., Admiralty Office,
11 Sept 1775. Enclosing letters relating to the "Lord Chatham", an
intercepted brig from Virginia.

pp. 221-222
(enclosed in above) Capt. George Young to MR. PHILIP STEPHENS,
"Alderney" at Spithead, 10 Sept 1775. Regarding the "Lord Chatham", a
brig from Virginia found at Guernsey laden with tobacco and staves.
Lord Dunmore is reported to have sailed from Virginia in H.M.S. "Howey";
the Virginians have sent a number of vessels to the West Indies and Europe
for gunpowder.



Title: Original Correspondence - Secretary of State. Admiralty
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/121
SR Number: SR 00452
Reel Number: 68
Dates: Jan. - Aug. 1775
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 5.
Andrews' Guide I, 130.

p. 461
MR. PHILIP STEPHENS to John Pownall Esq., Admiralty Office, 11 July 1775.
The Earl of Dartmouth is to informed that the "Jacob" for Quebec and the "Maria"
for Virginia are ready to receive stores for those places.

pp. 465-466
(J. Pownall ?) to PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ., Whitehall, 12 July 1775. An account
of the stores to be sent by the above ships (p. 461) to Virginia and Quebec.

pp. 497-498
J. Pownall to PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. , Whitehall, 23 July 1775. Orders are to
be given for the departure of the "Jacob" and the "Maria" to Quebec and Virginia.



Title: Original Correspondence - Secretary of State. Admiralty
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/122
SR Number: SR 00543
Reel Number: 68
Dates: Aug. - Dec. 1775
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 5.
Andrews' Guide I, 130.

No. 15b. (9 pages)
Vice Admiral Samuel Graves to PHILIP STEPHENS, Esq., Preston, Boston,
17 Aug 1775. A report on the naval activities of the rebels. A letter from
Lord Dunmore is enclosed complaining against Captain Macartney of H.M.S.
"Mercury". The "Kingfisher" has been sent ot Virginia with orders to arrest
Macartney and bring the "Mercury" to Boston.

No. 35cc (6 pages)
Vice Admiral Graves to PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ., Preston, Boston 9 Oct 1775.
Graves reports further upon the accusations made by the Earl of Dunmore against
Capt. Macartney. The latter awaits an oppurtunity to answer the charges made
against him and asks to be sent to England in order to do so. Further correspondence
on the subject from Dunmore and Macartney is enclosed.



Title: Original Correspondence - Secretary of State. Admiralty
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/123
SR Number: SR 00454
Reel Number: 68
Dates: Jan - March 1776
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 5.
Andrews' Guide I, 130.

pp. 131-132
Vice Admiral Graves to MR. PHILIP STEPHENS, Preston at Boston, 15 Dec 1775.
Reporting the capture of a rebel ship, the brig "Washington" commanded by Lion
Martingale and enclosing a commission held by the same from the rebel colonies
to be Lieutenant in their army.

pp. 211, 213
Vice Admiral Sir James Douglas to MR. PHILIP STEPHENS, on board the Resolution,
Spithead, 16 Jan 1776. Enclosing numbers of rebel prisoners sent to England aboard
the "Centaur". One prisoner is from Virginia.



Title: Letters from Secretaries of State, 1689-1785
Depository: Public Record Office / Class Adm. 1/4134
SR Number: SR 04991
Reel Number: 381
Dates: 1777
References: Lists & Indexes, Admiralty XVIII, p. 41.

f.74ro
Mr. Fraser to the Secretary to the Admiralty. St. Jame's, 17 Oct 1777. Presents his
compliments to MR. STEPHENS, and encloses extract from Consul Erskine's letter
to Lord Suffolk, dated Gothenburg, 27 Sept 1777. Dealing with an American vessel
being arrived at Marstrand with cargo of tobacco.



Title: Original Correspondence - Secretary of State. Admiralty
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/127
SR Number: SR 00539
Reel Number: 68
Dates: June - Dec 1777
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 5.
Andrews' Guide I, 130.

pp. 443-445
Vice Admiral Howe to MR. STEPHENS, the Eagle, Elk River, 28 Aug 1777.
Reporting that the fleet under his command reached the Capes of Virginia on
14th of August.



Title: Original Correspondence - Secretary of State. Admiralty
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/129
SR Number: SR 00541
Reel Number: 68
Dates: July - December 1778
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 5.
Andrews' Guide I, 130.

pp. 131-132
Vice Admiral Howe to MR. PHILIP STEPHENS, "Eagle" at Sandy Hook,
11 July 1778. Reporting the arrival on the coast of Virginia of a squadron
of French ships of war from Toulon.



Title: Original Correspondence - Secretary of State. Admiralty
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/130
SR Number: SR 00542
Reel Number: 68
Dates: 1779
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 5.
Andrews' Guide I, 130.

pp. 283-287
George Collier to MR. STEPHENS, Rainbow off Portsmouth in Virginia,
17 May 1779. It has been judged that the most effective method of cutting
off rebel trade in America is a descent into Virginia. Hence the Rainbow
and several other ships have sailed there. Possession has been taken of
Portsmouth and Norfolk and enemy provisions and naval stores captured
or destroyed.



Title: Original Correspondence - Secretary of State. Admiralty
Depository: Public Record Office / Class: C.O. 5/132
SR Number: SR 00543
Reel Number: 68
Dates: 1781
References: Lists and Indexes XXXVI, 5.
Andrews' Guide I, 130.

pp. 17-18
Extract of a letter from Capt. Barkley, Commander of H.M.S. "Blonde" to
MR. PHILIP STEPHENS, Charles Town, South Carolina, 27 Nov. 1780.
Reporting certain defeats at the hands of the rebels which have caused
Lord Cornwallis to remove his troops to North Carolina and have interfered
with the plan of keeping back the Virginia Militia to defend their province
and property.

p. 415
Thomas Page to MR. PHILIP STEPHENS, Diligente at Spithead, 24 July 1781.
Regarding Tomkies and Buckner who are willing to give their parole not to act
in arms against Great Britain.


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Compiled by:
Jackie Shepherd

Tom Stevens -E-Mail: stevetho@datastar.net