20 Jul 1713. The Commissioners asked the Earl of Orkney, Governor of Virginia, whether he had any recommendations to fill the vacancies on the Council of Virginia. The Earl sent several names, and the Commissioners decided on Mr.William Cocke and Mr. Edmond Berkley. [These would have to be approved by the Queen in Council.]
5 Jan 1714 (NS). The Commissioners received a recommendation from Col. Blakiston, Mr. Jennings [I believe he was temporarily in England], Mr. Ludwell, and Col. Spotswood [in the form of a letter], recommending Mr. Nathaniel Harrison for appointment as a Member of the Council in the vacancy created by the death of his father.
[The executive head of the Virginia government was the Governor. He was advised by a select group of about twelve people, who constituted the Council. They were also the upper part of the legislature and had to approve all legislation, but could not originate any. The lower legislature, the House of Burgesses, was elected, and originated all legislation. Members of the Council, which were prestigious posts, were appointed by the Queen, after the Board of Trade recommended a name. They received suggestions from all quarters.]
[The Commissioners had to consider many matters. They were involved in the quality of tobacco being shipped, and in the decline of the tobacco trade. They had to consider the request of Spotswood to exchange the land allotted to him for another piece of ground.]
25 Jan 1714 (NS). Indirectly, through Mr. Lowndes, Secretary to the Lord High Treasurer, Mr. Byrd, the Receiver-General of Virginia, asked if he could come to England. The Commissioners had no objection to the matter proposed by Mr. Byrd.
11 Mar 1714. Mr. Lowndes, on behalf of the Lord High Treasurer, asked for a report upon the memorial from the Earl of Orkney, relating to the recent discovery in Virginia of an ore "that had the semblance of silver in it". The matter had been referred to the Lord High Treasurer by an Order in Council [the Queen and her advisors], dated 30 Nov 1713. The Commissioners arranged for the early attendance of Col. Blakiston, agent for Virginia.
The next day, Col Blakiston and Mr. M. Perry attended and discussed the Earl of Orkney's memorial. Col. Blakiston recommended that the person who is willing to develop such deposits should be given a patent giving them the sole benefit for 21 years. The Commissioners requested the Col. to put his views into writing. This same day, Col. Blakiston and Mr. M. Perry recommended Mr. Harrison for appointment to the Council of Virginia to fill the vacancy.
[Silver mines become a hot issue. The mines were being represented to the Queen as silver mines. While some people have said that the word "silver" was a coverup for "iron", it is much more likely that "silver" was what was really intended. One is inclined to speak the truth to the Queen, if one wishes not to lose their job or their head.]
(19 Aug 00)
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.