The last notes have included Spotswood's comments about being reimbursed for his expenses, especially travel expenses. There is a copy of his letter, explaining some of these expenses for the period 1711 to 1717, in the " William and Mary Quarterly ", in January 1923, pages 40-45. With minor format and punctuation changes for improved clarity, extracts are given here.
"Upon the Tumults in North Carolina, Resolutions were taken in the Council, for quelling them, and preventing the Evil Consequences that the Commotions there might draw upon this Colony if Either of the Contending parties should give encouragement to our Servants and Slaves to Join them, & in order to effect the Same the Governor undertook (July 3, 1711) a Journey to Hampton (72 miles) to provide for the Design then in hand; (July 14, 1711) ditto toward the borders of this Government to meet Commissioners from Carolina (104 miles).
[The tumults in North Carolina resulted in the capture of Christoph von Graffenried, and the death of many of the settlers that he had brought to North Carolina.]
"Upon the Alarm of a French Squadron Sailed toward America to attack these parts, Measures were concerted in Council for the Defence of this Country, & to put the Same in Execution the Govern'r undertook Several Journeys, viz: Five times to Point Comfort (August and September) to trace out & Carry on the Line Battery there (400 miles); six times to Tindal's point & York Town for the like purpose (180 miles); six times to James Town for the like purpose (96 miles)."Upon the Tusaroudo Massacre committed on North Carolina Measures were concerted in Council for securing the Frontiers of this Colony, & to put the same in Execution the Governor undertook (October 6, 1711); a Journey into Surry County (40 miles); a Weeks Expedition with the Militia to the Nottoway Indians Town (100 miles).
"Upon the Continuation of the Tuscaroudo War Measures were concerted in Council for Acting against the Indians & to Execute the Same the Gov'r undertook (April 30, 1712) a Journey towards the Borders of this Colony to meet the Gov'r of North Carolina ( (104 miles); (December 19, 1712) ditto to meet Commissioners from North Carolina; (September 13, 1713) ditto into Surry, Prince George & Henrico Countys to raise 200 Volunteers to go with him against the Indians who then Infested the Frontiers (135 miles).
[If these comments or reports make Spotswood sound as if he was of a war like nature, then they are in error. Spotswood's attitude toward the Indians was very respectful, and he believed in justice for them. - - - - Notice that most of his actions refer to a decision made in the Virginia Council, and thus he is attempting to show that it was official government policy.- - - - I believe that anyone who lived on the frontier had a reason to be concerned about his or her safety. Relations with the Indians were very unsettled, and military actions might occur at any time.]
(30 Sep 00)
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