Prince Edward County (Va.) citizens' claims of property lost to British army, 1782

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Creator:
Prince Edward County (Va.) Circuit Court.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Prince Edward County (Va.) citizens' claims of property lost to British army, 1782, includes inventories made by citizens of Prince Edward County that record a listing of their property they claimed was confiscated or destroyed by the British army under the command of General Charles Cornwallis in 1781. Information found in the inventories include name of property confiscated or destroyed, value of each piece of property, and name of individual making the claim. Examples of property found in the claims include slaves, horses, furniture, liquor, food, and vinegar.

Biographical / historical:

The claims were made in response to an act passed by the General Assembly in May 1782 (chap. 10) to ascertain the losses and injuries sustained from the depradations of the enemy within the commonwealth. The act required counties to hold special courts or to appoint members of the court to collect information and proof of the various losses and injuries sustained during the Revolutionary War. The proceedings or reports and the supporting documentation were to be submitted to the governor and council, to be laid before the next general assembly.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Prince Edward County.
Physical location:
Library of Virginia
Physical description:
2 items.