Byrd Expedition seeks decisions from Council July to Sept 1760
Their last meeting of the House of Burgesses was 24 May 1760. They meet next on 6 Oct 1760.
That's a long gap of no activity for June, July, August, and September for the House of Burgesses.
The last meeting of the Council was 23 July 1760. They meet next on 16 Sept 1760.
The Montgomery Expedition attacking the Cherokees was done and gone by July 1760. Meanwhile the backcountry of the Cherokees is popping with activity after the Montgomery Expedition leaves. South Carolina's Fort Loudoun falls. Days after there is a massacre. So too there is activity in the north with Pittsburgh.
On 23 July 1760 the council tells Byrd to forget about building forts every 25 miles. No need to imitate the Forbes Expedition, where Forbes had built a camp or fort every 40 miles. Don't build all those forts. Just build one or two. Maybe build one at Stalnaker's. But definitely build a big one on the Big Island on the Holston River (in today's Kingsport TN) to impress the Cherokees.
Council also approved a list of Captains for this expedition. Council approved sending an interpreter - one of the Smith brothers - to help translate Cherokee language to Byrd's Expedition. Also Council advised the Governor to delay the intended August session of the House of Burgesses to instead meet in October.
On September 16, 1760 Virginia's executive Council to the Governor receives a letter from Colonel William Byrd who enclosed a letter from Major Andrew Lewis about the massacre. The Council sends a message asking Gov Dobbs of NC and Gov Bull of SC what they suggest doing about this. Also, all 3 colonies need guidance from the commander of all North American forces, General Jeffrey Amherst.
Finally, Fort Pitt's commander Monckton insists on keeping 300 men of the Virginia Regiment at Pittsburg through the winter. Monckton sent that letter to Virginia on 21 Aug 1760.
So one portion of the Virginia Regiment was to stay in Pittsurgh. The other larger portion of the Virginia Regiment of the Byrd Expedition was to get closer to South Carolina's Fort Loudoun without putting itself in danger.
One other really big piece of business was to get the money London promised to Virginia. London needed some official authorization from both houses to release the money to Virginia.
That's it.
That's all there is.
There's always more.
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Table of Contents
Compiled by Jim Moyer 8/23/2024, 8/24/2024, 8/25/2024, 9/1/2024
August 1760 events
In between the 2 Council meetings of July and September, these events occur:
South Carolina's Fort Loudoun officers vote to surrender August 6, 1760. The next day, the fort's commander, Demere, and two Cherokees, Standing Turkey, and Oconostota sign the Articles of Captiulation. On August 9, 1760, the fort's cannon and blackpowder is released to the Cherokees. On August 10, 1760, Cherokees massacre the prisoners. There are varying versions of this massacre.
August 19, 1760 the message about signing Articles of Capitulation of South Carolina's Fort Loudoun, in today's Tennessee, comes from the already dead Captain Paul Demere arrives in Charleston SC. All the provinicial government knows is that the fort surrendered and there was a peace agreement.
They do not know about the massacre yet.
September 16, 1760 Virginia's executive Council to the Governor receives a letter from Colonel William Byrd who enclosed a letter from Major Andrew Lewis about the massacre. The Council sends a message asking Gov Dobbs of NC and Gov Bull of SC what they suggest doing about this.
October 9, 1760 Governor Bull of South Carolina reports the massacre of 32 killed to the legislature.
Fort Loudoun sits on top left corner of this map. The Cherokees were supposed to take these prisoners to Fort Prince George, sitting on bottom right of this map. The 1761 Fort Robinson on Long Island in today's Kingston TN lies just northwest of Fort Loudoun on this map in today's Kingsport TN. The location of Byrd's Expedition in 1760 is north of this map
Interactive map is on this link:
That's it.
That's all there is.
Below are both Council meetings.
Compiled by Jim Moyer 8/23/2024
At a Council held July the 23d 1760
On 23 July 1760 the council tells Byrd to forget about building forts every 25 miles. No need to imitate the Forbes Expedition, where Forbes had built a camp or fort every 40 miles. Don't build all those forts. Just build one or two. Maybe build one at Stalnaker's. But definitely build a big one on the Big Island on the Holston River (in today's Kingsport TN) to impress the Cherokees.
Council also approved a list of Captains for this expedition. Council approved sending an interpreter - one of the Smith brothers - to help translate Cherokee language to Byrd's Expedition. Also Council advised the Governor to delay the intended August session of the House of Burgesses to instead meet in October.
John Blair William Nelson
Present
The Governour
Philip Grymes
Richard Corbin Esqrs .
M'r Commissary
The Governour was pleas'd to communicate to the Council ,
and to desire their Opinion and Advice upon ,
two Letters from Colo . Byrd ,
the first dated Augusta Court House July 4th
signifying his arrival there the day before ,
and that he shall proceed on Sunday , to the Army -
that upon examining the Commissary's Returns
of what was provided for the expedition ,
he finds every Article , except
#185 (p.167)
Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia_167
Provisions , vastly deficient — inclosing a List of every thing they now have in readiness , and also of such Articles as they can't move with- out , which he has ordered to be provided forthwith ; and that he shall get every thing forwarded according to the best of his ability .
the 2d dated Camp at Bryan's July the 11th
signifying
he thinks it will be necessary to have small Posts all the way out to the Big - Island on Holton's River at 25 Miles distance , sending the distances inclosed and the proper places for such Posts - is of opinion a respectable Fort should be built at the Big - Island , from whence the Cherokees might easily be humbled in the Spring
- desires his Honour's Instructions ,
should the Cherokees intimidated at the preparations carried on against them sue for Peace , whether he is to grant it them , and on what Terms ?
If he finds by any means the Garrison at Fort Loudoun holds out when he gets to Holston's River ,
and should think they might be brought off by a strong scouting Party ,
and a forced March when the whole Army could not be marched to their relief with Provisions to support them for any considerable Time ,
whether he may attempt to bring off his Majesty's Troops , and abandon the Fort ?
adding he shall be at a loss for an Interpreter should he take any Prisoners , or any Flags of Truce should come in
— inclosing a Return of his Strength
- also a return of the Men recruited by the different Officers .
Upon which
it was the advice of the Council
that his Honour would Order Colo . Byrd
to proceed with all possible Expedition to the relief of Fort Loudoun ,
with what is already provided for his March without any View to a future Campaign
— and signifie to him there is no necessity of erecting any more Forts than one at Big Island ,
and that a Stockaded Fort to secure the Provisions will be sufficient ,
unless it should be likewise necessary to establish some small Post near Stalnaker's
— In relation to any Offers of Peace from the Cherokee's ,
they are of Opinion that , as we
act only in the Capacity of Auxiliaries ,
all such Proposals , and the Deputy's who bring them ,
should be referred to Governour Bull ,
and Mr Montgomery ,
but that Mr Byrd may Act in concert with them .
As to bringing off the Garrison they advise that his Honour would direct him
to take all possible methods to inform Captain Demeri
#186 (p.168)
168 Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia
of his Approach ,
and endeavour to learn from him in what manner he can be most serviceable to him ,
to acquaint him he comes to his relief ,
to assist him to maintain the Fort to the last Extremity ;
or in case he should by a superior Force ,
or by a scarcity of Provision
be obliged to abandon it to secure his retreat
- they also advised that his Honour would order
one of the Smith's to attend M'r Byrd as Interpreter .
The Rank of Officers for the Cherokee Expedition was this Day settled
Samuel Meredith Ist Captain
John Posey 2d
James Gunn 3d
James Walker 4th
Charles Scott 5th
John Smith 6th
William Christian 7th
The Council approved of the Lieutenants being rank'd agreeably to a list produced by the Governour .
His Honour was pleas'd to desire the advice of the Council ,
when would be the most convenient time for the meeting of the Assembly .
Upon which it was their advice , and accordingly Ordered That the Assembly [House of Burgesses] which stands prorouged to the first Tuesday in August next , be further prorogued to the sixth Day of October and that a Proclamation immediately issue for that purpose , and for requiring their Attendance at that time for the dispatch of Business .
At a Council held September 16th 1760
On September 16, 1760 Virginia's executive Council to the Governor receives a letter from Colonel William Byrd who enclosed a letter from Major Andrew Lewis about the massacre. The Council sends a message asking Gov Dobbs of NC and Gov Bull of SC what they suggest doing about this. Also, all 3 colonies need guidance from the commander of all North American forces, General Jeffrey Amherst.
Finally, Fort Pitt's commander Monckton insists on keeping 300 men of the Virginia Regiment at Pittsburg through the winter. Monckton sent that letter to Virginia on 21 Aug 1760.
So one portion of the Virginia Regiment was to stay in Pittsurgh. The other larger portion of the Virginia Regiment of the Byrd Expedition was to get closer to South Carolina's Fort Loudoun without putting itself in danger.
One other really big piece of business was to get the money London promised to Virginia. London needed some official authorization from both houses to release the money to Virginia.
Present
The Governour
John Blair William Nelson
Thomas Nelson
Philip Grymes
Peter Randolph Esqrs .
M'r Commissary
A Commission under the Great Seal of the High Court of Ad- miralty of Great Britain , dated October the 6th 1759 , constituting his Excellency Governour Amherst Vice Admiral of this Dominion , was produced to the Board .
#187 (p.169)
Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia 169
His Honour communicated to the Council , and desired their advice upon ,
several Letters from Colo . Byrd of last Month ,
the first dated from Camp at Campbells
the last at Sayer's Mill
informing of his present situation ,
the Disposition of the Troops under his Command ,
and the steps he had taken towards the relieving Fort Loudoun ;
inclosing a letter he had just received from Governor Bull ,
and a Copy of Captain Demeri's letter ,
with the resolution of the Officers ,
and the Capitulation for the surrender of Fort Loudoun to the Cherokees .
Upon which the Council advised
his Honour to order Colo . Byrd to
Continue where he is ,
until he shall learn the consequences of the said Treaty ,
or proceed to take a more advanced Post ,
if he can do it with security ,
to construct a Fort on the most commodious spot thereabouts ,
and act upon the whole
as he shall judge most conducive to the service in General and the protection of this Colony in particular .
During the sitting of the Council
the Governour received another Letter
from Colo . Byrd at Sayer's Mill dated September 10th
inclosing a Letter to him from Majr . Lewis
dated Spring Hill the 9th
informing that the Garrison of Fort Loudoun
had not march'd above 15 Miles
before they were fir'd upon by a large Party of Indians ;
all the Officers kill'd ( except Captain Stewart )
and about 25 of the Privates ,
the others made Prisoners and disposed thro ' the Nation .
The Council having considered this unhappy Incident ,
advised his Honour to send the above Orders to Colo . Byrd ,
and write to Governour Bull
requesting that he would as soon as possible acquaint him what Resolutions South Carolina shall come to in this dangerous Emergency , that he may communicate the same to our Assembly ; and that he and Governour Dobbs would concurr with him in representing to General Amherst the perilous Situation of the Southern Provinces , and intreating in the most pressing Terms an effectual and speedy Aid against an Enemy too Powerful for their united Strength .
London to honor promise to pay Virginia
London promises to pay Virginia
London ready to pay Virginia but needs official confirmation
The Governour communicated to the Board
Letters from Mr. Abercrombie of the 1st of June and the 3d of July ,
informing of the Payment to him of £ 32,268.19 being the Proportion to Virginia of the £ 50,000 . Also that he has received payment at the Exchequer of the sum of £ 20,546 , being the Proportion due to Virginia of the 200,000 ; for which purpose he was obliged to obtain the King's special sign Manual , as the memorial of the Governour and Council
#188 (p.170)
170 Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia
to the Lords of the Treasury in that Case , not being authenticated under the provincial seal was not held sufficient authority ; signifying the joint Concurrence of Governor Council and Assembly is necessary in their Directions to him concerning the Disposition of the Money , to get his Bond properly discharged ; inclosing a Copy of the Bond given to the Crown by the respective Agents ; also his Account with Virginia for their Proportions out of the said Grants .
Postponing the House of Burgesses until October
The Consideration whereof was by advice of the Council postpon'd to the meeting of the Assembly .
His Majesty's Orders in Council for disallowing several Acts of Assembly pass'd in the Year's 1758 and 1759 , viz :
An Act for vesting certain Lands therein mentioned in Philip Johnson Gentle- man adding the same to the City of Williamsburg , and for other purposes therein mentioned .
An Act for vesting certain Lands in the County of Hanover in Philip Whitehead Claiborne , Gentleman , in Fee simple and for other Purposes therein mentioned .
An Act to enable the Executors of the Will of John Spotswood Esquire to pay the Debts and Legacies due from the Estate of Major General Alexander Spotswood , and for other purposes therein mentioned were this Day produced by the Governour and read .
Moncton at Fort Pitt command
His Honour was pleased also to communicate a Letter from Major General Moncton dated Fort Pitt August 21st signifying it will be absolutely necessary that at least three hundred of the Virginia Troops now there should be continued for the Winter .
Smith Brothers Interpreters
To George Washington from George Mercer, 26 April 1757
Smith the Interpreter I believe is one of the best on the Continent. he is an extreme modest Man, and behaves himself very well in every particular. The Warriours have desired that he may have a good Suit of Clothes provided for him against he returns. Really the Man’s Behaviour entitles him to some Notice from the Governour.3
3. Richard Smith, the brother of Abraham Smith, both Indian traders and both used by Virginia as interpreters, came up to Fort Loudoun with Wawhatchee and the other Cherokee. He [ Richard Smith ] shortly left Winchester with a party led by the Swallow and Maj. Andrew Lewis to march toward Fort Cumberland. Edmond Atkin in the summer of 1757 made him one of the two official conductors of the Cherokee and translator for the colony of Virginia. At the same time that Lewis and his party left for Fort Cumberland, Richard Pearis led Wawhatchee and Youghtanno with their followers north into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The Story of Captain John Stuart
One prisoner in particular, Captain John Stuart, was saved by Attakullakulla (Little Carpenter) under pretense of needing a fellow hunter to provide for this caravan of Cherokees and prisoners. Instead he took Stuart to Byrd's Virginians.
The Cherokee "offered Captain Stuart his freedom should he manage the cannon for them. But the Little Carpenter, who from his retreat must have regard the proceeding with dismay, took the Captain into the woods on a pretext of hunting and led him to Colonel Byrd" - Maryland Gazette, Nov 6 1760, page 221 The Cherokee Frontier, Conflict and Survival 1740-1762, by David H Corkran, published by the University of Oklahoma Press 1962).
Another version states, "The Round O's brother, Onatoy of Toqua, whisked Stuart across the creek to safety during the fighting. The Captain had a close bond with many Cherokees. "Bushyhead" also had an Indian wife --- and reportedly had fathered a child --- and therefore must be protected by his wife's clan. Demere was not so lucky. . . . . . As Captain Stuart once admitted, Demere "always has been the most heartyly hated by the Indians. Nor is he greatly Esteemed by any white man here." - Page 133, Carolina in Crisis: Cherokees, Colonists, and Slaves in the American .Southeast 1756-1763 By Daniel J. Tortora, published by the University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 2015.
BTW, Round O, not wanting to be separated from his son held prisoner, died of Small Pox after volunteering to be a prisoner at Fort Prince George.
The next council meets on 6 Oct 1760 as does the House of Burgesses on same date. The House of Burgesses have not met since 24 May 1760. Their 6th session was 6th Session page 171, May 19, 1760 to May 24, 1760 and their 7th Session was page 183, October 6, 1760, to April 10 , 1761. King George III assumes the throne 25 Oct 1760. This causes a new election of a new set of Burgesses once they receive this news across the Atlantic.
At a Council held October the 6th 1760
Present
The Governour
John Blair
William Nelson
Thomas Nelson
Philip Grymes
Robert Carter Esqrs .
M'r Commissary
The Governour communicated a Letter from his Excellency General Amherst dated Camp at Montreal September 9th informing of the Surrender of Montreal and of the Articles of Capitulation , by which the French Troops are all to lay down their Arms ; are not to serve during the continuance of the present War and are to be sent back to Old France ; as are also the Governours and Principal
#189 (p.171)
Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia 171
Officers of the Legislature of the whole Country , which is entirely yielded to the Dominion of his Majesty .
His Honour also communicated
a Letter from Colonel Byrd ,
dated Camp at Sayer's September the 19th
signifying that Major Lewis return'd the Sunday before
and brought in the little Carpenter and three more Indians , Captain Steuart and three more Prisoners , besides two Squaws - that he is convinced by the conferences he has had with the Carpenter , that he is well inclined - informing of the designs which he learnt from him , the Enemy had against Fort Prince George -
also that the Cherokees are in General desirous of Peace , in consequence of which he has sent a Letter ( of which a copy was inclosed ) to the Warriours by one of the Indians , and the Carpenter has sent to summon all the Chiefs to meet him at Chotte at the New Moon of October
- that by him , who goes in a few Days , he shall send them his Terms of Peace , a Copy whereof was inclosed , that the Carpenter was to be back at all Events by th ' full Moon of October , and promises , if they accept the offers of Peace , to bring in the Heads of each Town , all our Prisoners , and the Offenders ; if not , to bring in his own Friends , and as many of our People as he can
- desiring to know his Honour's pleasure on what he has done , and proposes further to do herein — if he is to proceed in his scheme , requests that Indian Goods , mention'd in an Invoice , may be sent forthwith .
Likewise a Letter from him of the 24th
requesting to know if the regiment is to be compleated ,
and how the Detachment is to be disposed of this Winter ,
and recommending M'r Christian to have the Cloathing of the Regiment .
The Consideration of which Letters , was by Advice of the Council postponed.60
60. The Minutes for this date record that consideration of the letters was " postponed to a fuller Council . "
House of Burgesses Session
7th Session
page 183, October 6, 1760 to October 20, 1760 and then Dec 11, 1760, and then March 5, 1761 to April 10 , 1761
Saturday, 20th of October. 34 Geo. II. 1760.
Five days later, King George III assumes the throne 25 Oct 1760. This causes a new election of a new set of Burgesses.
They learn this some time before December 1760.
Lt Colonel Adam Stephen and 300 some Virginia Regiment troops were under the command of Monckton in Pittsburgh.
I [meaning Lt Gov Fauquier] have already taken every Step in my Power to give a full and speedy Operation to the Act passed this Session for the Protection of our Frontiers,
by having informed the Honourable Brigadier-General Monckton [commander of Pittsburg] of the Terms of the Act,
by having recalled Lieutenant-Colonel Stephens from under his Command,
and given him Orders to march his Corps immediately to join the Honourable Colonel Byrd to the Southward;
by having given Mr. Byrd Directions to complete his Regiment; and sent up Money for that Purpose; and by having con traded for victualling and clothing the Men: And I recommend it to you, Gentlemen, to give all the Assistance in your Power, in your respective Counties, to expedite these Measures, so salutary, and necessary to the Colony; that our Force may be united, and properly provided for, as soon as possible.
At a Council held Octobr . the 10th 1760
John Blair
William Nelson
Thomas Nelson
Philip Grymes
Present The Governour
Peter Randolph
Philip Ludwell Lee
Robert Carter Esqrs .
M'r Commissary
#190 (p.172)
172 Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia
The Governour was pleas'd to communicate
two Letters from Governour Bull
dated Charles Town South Carolina ,
the first being a Duplicate of the 26th of July
signifying the Answer he received from Colonel Montgomery to his Letter desiring him to continue there for the Protection of that Province , till the Storm that threatens it , is blown over , or at least delay his Embarkation .
The second dated September the 21st
informing of the State of Fort Prince George
- that his first Endeavour's shall be to give that Fort a temporary Relief
— that the Assembly has provided pay for a Regiment of one thousand Men for six Months
- that this Corps with the rangers and royals will form a Body of about two Thousand Men
- requesting that his Honour would join with him in recommending
some vigorous Steps to the Government of North Carolina ,
and acquaint him as soon as possible with the result of our Determinations .
Upon which the Council advised his Honour to send down the said Letters to the House of Burgesses .
At a Council held Octobr . 16th 1760
John Blair Thomas Nelson
Philip Grymes
Present
The Governour
Peter Randolph
Richard Corbin
Philip Lud : Lee Esqrs .
M'r Commissary
The Governour was pleased to produce an Answer he had prepar'd to Colonel Byrd's last Letters communicated the 6th instant , and to ask the Council if they thought it necessary to make any alteration therein , or could recollect any thing proper to be added thereto . The Council were of Opinion that his Honour had writ very fully , they approved of the Instructions given to Colo . Byrd and had nothing further to advise thereon .
On the Petition of George Cornett , Leave is granted him to include 170 Acres of Land granted to his Father George about thirty years ago , 217 , 288 and 95 Acres granted the Petitioner in
#191 (p.173)
Executive Journals , Council of Colonial Virginia 173
1750 , and three hundred Acres of Waste Land adjoining and mostly included within the bounds of the aforesaid four Tracts of Land lying in the Counties of Sussex and Southampton , in one Patent
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At a Council held November the 6th 1760
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