Leven Powell Papers: manuscript volume letter book and writings

Abstract

Contents of volume include copy of seven letters from George Johnston to Leven Powell, writings on Cesar and Cato and description of the death of Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston. The full summary of content described in subsequent description fields.

4 Oct. 1775. George Johnston, College Camp, Williamsburg, Va., to Major Leven Powell, Loudoun County, Virginia. Discusses problems of the camp including lack of arms and inexperienced officers; removal of type and a journeyman from the Norfolk printer by Dunmore; Capt. Dandridge is meeting with the Committee of Safety on protecting communication up the rivers from Norfolk; arrival of Col. Patrick Henry.

16 Oct. 1775. George Johnston, College Camp, Williamsburg, Va., to Major Leven Powell, Loudoun County, Virginia. Are under arms because of firing at the James River and Lord Dunmore's "resolution ... of being at the Palace today"; would face Dunmore's 250 effective men with 400 who are "undisciplined, ill-armed but resolute"; feared the actions of the local inhabitants might have hindered them in case of attack; expects 150 barrels of powder brought by ship to Surry; shortage of good guns.

9 Dec. 1775. George Johnston, Great Bridge, Va. to Leven Powell, Loudoun County, Va.. Describes that day's battle at Great Bridge; discusses casualties and weapons captured.

22 May 1776. George Johnston, Kemp's Landing, Princess Anne County, Va., to Major Leven Powell, Loudoun County, Va.. Just returned form duty in Norfolk; Dunmore is rumored to be planning to go to North Carolina; describes a recent skirmish in Norfolk; rumors of smallpox on Dunmore's ships; will march to Williamsburg shortly; explains his refusal to accept a continental commission.

18 June 1776. George Johnston, Williamsburg, Va., to Leven Powell, n.p. Discusses accepting a continental commission; his men are dissatisfied and want to "visit their friends"; troops going to Gwynn's Island with the hope of capturing Dunmore and refitting the Roebuck and the Fowey; Col. Stephen fortifying Elizabeth River; reports various appointments; Gen. Charles Lee moving slowly to South Carolina in search of General Henry Clinton; three Indians are in town; ship from the French islands.

21 June 1776. George Johnston, Williamsburg, Va., to Leven Powell, n.p. Brig of Highlanders taken by Capt. Barron and marching from Jamestown to Williamsburg; reports troop movements; discusses proposed form of government for Va., and election of members of Congress; Capt. Jones of Dinwiddie County just cashiered for cowardice.

7 July 1776. George Johnston, Williamsburg, Va. to Leven Powell, n.p.

n.d. Copies, in English, of Sallust's sketch and comparison of the characters of Cesarsic and Cato; Cesar's sic speech in the Roman Senate to give the death penalty to Cataline conspirators; and Cato's reply to the preceding speech.

n.d. Copy? of a description of the death of Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston on 6 April 1862 at the battle of Shiloh.