Board of War to Board of War, July 30, 1779
Williamsburg, 30 July 1779 . Because of the multiplicity of business, one clerk cannot attend to all the duties the office requires, including keeping a journal. Appointment of a second…
The Board of War, also known as the Board of War and Ordnance, was created by the Second Continental Congress as a special standing committee to oversee the American Continental Army's administration and to make recommendations regarding the army to Congress. On January 24, 1776, Congressional delegate Edward Rutledge, echoing General George Washington's own concerns, suggested that a war office similar to Great Britain's be established. Pressure from Washington and the large volume of military business led Congress to establish the Board of War and Ordnance on June 12, 1776. Five delegates of Congress, initially John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Harrison, James Wilson, and Edward Rutledge, assisted by a permanent secretary, Richard Peters, composed the Board of War. They assumed the prescribed responsibilities for compiling a master roster of all Continental Army officers; monitoring returns of all troops, arms, and equipment; maintaining correspondence files; and securing prisoners of war. The Board of War began functioning on June 21, 1776.
Williamsburg, 30 July 1779 . Because of the multiplicity of business, one clerk cannot attend to all the duties the office requires, including keeping a journal. Appointment of a second…
[ Williamsburg, 4 Aug. 1779 . Minute in Board of War Journal (Vi) under this date: “This Board do recommend to his excellency the Governour and the honorable the Council,…
[ Philadelphia, before 28 Aug. 1779 . A letter from Lt. Gov. Page to the Continental Board of War, 28 Aug. 1779 ( DLC : PCC , No. 147, ii…
War Office Wmsburg Sep. 9th. 1779. The Board of War have considered the case of Mr. Blunt of Sussex as Stated in a Letter to Colo. Starke, by Captain Edmundson,…
War Office, Williamsburg. November 2nd 1779. Sir Your Excellency having inadvertently mistated to the Assembly, the nature of the Requisition, made by the Board of War, and approved by the…
War Office Wmsburg Novr. 4th. 1779 The Board of War recommend to the executive to authorize the Commanding Officer of each County to review all the men recruited in their…
Williamsburg, 5 Nov. 1779 . Recommends the immediate purchase of a list of articles needed for the officers and soldiers of the Virginia troops in the northern army. Signed by…
Williamsburg, 8 Nov. 1779 . John Peyton, clothier general to the state troops, should proceed to camp to receive from the Continental clothier general the proportion of clothing allowed by…
Williamsburg, 9 Nov. 1779 . The prospects of procuring a supply of flour from Maryland are uncertain and expensive. The price in that state is already greater than in Virginia…
Williamsburg, 11 Nov. 1779 . A restatement of the full duties of the commissary of stores. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 15th. 1779.…
War Office Wmsburg Novr. 11th. 1779. Sir We inclose to you for your approbation some arrangements which we think necessary to be adopted in the military and Naval departments. In…
Williamsburg, 13 Nov. 1779. Upon consideration of the resolution of the House of Delegates of 1 Nov., it is recommended that two prison ships be prepared for the reception of…
War Office Wmsburg Novr. 16th. 1779. The Board, from a variety of circumstances, think it probable that the British army may intend some Offensive operations against this State the ensuing…
[ Williamsburg ] 20 Nov. 1779 . Approval, with the concurrence of the executive, of the purchase of cloth, to be paid for in part by cannon at the foundry.…
Williamsburg, 20 Nov. 1779 . Alexander Stewart of Rockbridge co. has offered to supply the state with gunpowder. He should be engaged to supply as much as he is willing…
Williamsburg, 24 Nov. 1779 . Col. Finnie, state quartermaster general, should be allowed a general order to employ workmen. Signed by Nelson, Griffin, and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 24th.…
War Office, Williamsburg December 1. 1779. Sir We enclose Mr. Dickson’s application to us, to annex a Salary to his Office. Conceiving it out of our Province to say what…
War Office Williamsburg Decr. 11th. 1779. The Board of War recommend that a fast sailing Boat be kept as a look out at Smiths Island to give the alarm in…
Williamsburg, 14 Dec. 1779 . Since there is at present no commissary of prisoners, the vessel bearing a flag from New York should be committed to the care of Richard…
[ Williamsburg ] 14 Dec. 1779 . After appointment to a majority, De Klauman refused to do duty as a captain and asked Col. Marshall to consider him no longer…
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . There are three captains, two lieutenants and four cornets in Maj. Nelson’s corps. Two gentlemen are appointed to recruit the quotas of a lieutenant. If…
Williamsburg, 16 Dec. 1779 . In Feb. 1779 Mark Talbot agreed with Capt. Maxwell and Col. Travis, commissioners of the navy, to build a vessel of war for the state.…
Williamsburg, 17 Dec. 1779 . Workmen are needed for the next year at the shipyard. The commissioner should attend the sales of British property and purchase Negroes for that purpose…
War Office Wmsburg Decr. 20th. 1779. Sir To the previous general question from the Executive relative to Cap. de Klauman Whether established usage authorizes the transferring a Senior Captain from…