Stöver, Smith, and Holt were in London in February of 1735 (NS). They wrote (perhaps assisted by others) a petition directly to the King. This petition seems to have found its way to the King without any accompanying report or recommendation. Most of the Kings and Queens of England in this time frame never took any action without a recommendation from one or more executive bodies. This time was no different. The King referred the matter to the Council Chamber Whitehall within two days of receiving it. In asking them for their opinion, King George II tipped his hand and said that he was very much inclined to allow the action specified in the petition.
The Council Chamber felt that the matter deserved the attention of the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, so they asked the Commissioners for their opinion. This request was read at the Board of Trade, and the Commissioners of the Board made a report back to the Council Chamber, which, in turn, ordered the Board of Trade to prepare instructions for the Gov. of Virginia. The King was pleased with the result, and ordered the Duke of Newcastle to prepare a copy for his Majesty’s Royal Signature.
What amuses me is that the whole chain of events was triggered by three humble individuals, Stöver, Smith, and Holt. They were so brash as to appeal directly to the King, whereas the appeal should have been made in Virginia to the Gov., Council, and Assembly. And, their request went sailing through the committees of red tape with the King’s hearty approval. This was a rather unusual set of events.
Interestingly, note that the King sent instructions to Virginia requesting that they pass the necessary laws to put this into effect. In previous studies here, we have noted that no law passed in Virginia was really valid until it had been approved in London. Virginia had a degree of autonomy, but it was not an independent government. Whether this particular act was ever passed in Virginia is unknown to me. We know what the King’s desire was.
Some questions to be asked include: Why did Stöver, Smith, and Holt think they could succeed? Was this their idea? Or did someone else put them up to it? George II seemed very favorably inclined to the idea. Why?
(03 Oct 01)
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.