[Alexander Spotswood was an energetic Governor (technically a Lt. Gov., but even he referred to himself as Governor) who never shied from participating in the public business of Virginia even if it lay at some distance from Williamsburg. In doing so, he made expenditures for which he submitted expense accounts. In turn, he was called upon for an explanation of these expenses. His response emphasized the trips were necessary and that none had been taken capriciously. Citations from the Journals of the Council showed that the questions had been discussed and concluded with calls for action.
His report on the public trips for the years 1711 to 1717 was reported in “ The William & Mary Quarterly ” in January, 1923, pages 40-45, and is reproduced here with minor punctuation and format changes for improved clarity. (See also Beyond Germanna , page 406ff.)]
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; ditto [July 14, 1711] towards the borders of this Government to meet Commissioners from Carolina [104 miles].
Upon the Alarm of a French Squadron Sailed towards America to attack those parts, Measures were concerted in Council for the Defense of this Country, & in order to put the Same in Execution the Governor 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 Governor undertook [April 30, 1712] a Journey towards the Borders of this Colony to meet the Governor of North Carolina [104 miles]; ditto [December 19, 1712] to meet Commissioners from North Carolina [114 miles], ditto [September 13, 1713] into Surry Prince George & Henrico Countys to raise 200 Volunteers to go with him against the Indians who then infested the Frontiers [135 miles].
[to be continued]
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.