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Domestic News
March 1, 1776
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
On February 22, 1776, two well-armed and disciplined minute companies from Maryland arrived in Northampton County, Virginia, led by Capt. William Henry (Kent County) and Capt. James Kent (Queen Anne). The local committee addressed them, praising their service to American liberty, and the captains responded gratefully, pledging cooperation.
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NORTHAMPTON COUNTY,
February 22, 1776.
ABOUT a week ago two minute companies arrived here from Maryland, one from Kent county, under the command of capt. William Henry, the other from Queen Anne, under the command of capt. James Kent. They are two very fine companies, extremely well armed, have amongst them many gentlemen of family and fortune, and are examples of good discipline and subordination. The day after their arrival the committee met, and addressed them as follows:
To capt. WILLIAM Henry, and capt. James Kent, and the troops under their command.
GENTLEMEN,
We with much pleasure congratulate your safe arrival into this county, after a fatiguing march, at this rigorous season. When gentlemen of easy fortunes, such as the companies we have seen from your province, and who can enjoy at home every convenience and elegance of life, enter themselves voluntarily to serve their country, by undertaking a tedious march at an inclement season, and cheerfully submitting to every inconvenience consequent thereto, it cannot be doubted that they are actuated by the noblest principles. They are justly entitled to the thanks of their country, and we hope Providence will ever crown them with honour and success.
The peaceful state which this once happy county ever enjoyed, till the present unnatural though unavoidable contest, renders us totally unprovided for the proper reception of a number of armed men; and we hope, gentlemen, you will consider the very indifferent accommodations which you meet with here as solely owing to this cause, and not from want of respect and attention to your circumstances.
We however beg leave to assure you, that nothing in our power shall be wanting to promote your convenience and happiness, which the situation of our county will permit; in full confidence, that you will at all times, during your residence amongst us, cheerfully co-operate with this committee in maintaining good order and regularity in this place, and in opposing the dangerous designs of all the secret and avowed enemies of American liberty.
To which the committee received the following answer.
HEAD QUARTERS, Northampton court-house, Feb. 22, 1776.
Mr. president and gentlemen of the committee for Northampton county, Virginia,
WE return thanks for your very polite address to us, and the companies under our command, upon our arrival at this place, as also for your attention in making the necessary provision for our reception. Impressed with a lively sense of the duty we owe to our country, and animated with the glorious cause of American liberty, we cheerfully left our habitations, thinking no difficulties too much for a people to encounter who were determined to die or live free, and shall esteem ourselves happy in proportion to the services we shall be able to render the colony, and this county in particular.
We are not insensible of the many inconveniences attending the accommodation of soldiers in a country hitherto a stranger to war, and with pleasure we find your assiduity has conquered these difficulties, and made our residence easy and agreeable.
Be assured, gentlemen, we shall be always ready to give you any assistance in our power, consistent with our duty, to preserve good order and regularity: and shall be at all times thankful for your advice and directions in the execution of the trust reposed in us, especially as we are strangers to what is and may have been transacted in this place. We beg leave to subscribe ourselves, with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your very obedient servants,
WILLIAM HENRY.
JAMES KENT.
February 22, 1776.
ABOUT a week ago two minute companies arrived here from Maryland, one from Kent county, under the command of capt. William Henry, the other from Queen Anne, under the command of capt. James Kent. They are two very fine companies, extremely well armed, have amongst them many gentlemen of family and fortune, and are examples of good discipline and subordination. The day after their arrival the committee met, and addressed them as follows:
To capt. WILLIAM Henry, and capt. James Kent, and the troops under their command.
GENTLEMEN,
We with much pleasure congratulate your safe arrival into this county, after a fatiguing march, at this rigorous season. When gentlemen of easy fortunes, such as the companies we have seen from your province, and who can enjoy at home every convenience and elegance of life, enter themselves voluntarily to serve their country, by undertaking a tedious march at an inclement season, and cheerfully submitting to every inconvenience consequent thereto, it cannot be doubted that they are actuated by the noblest principles. They are justly entitled to the thanks of their country, and we hope Providence will ever crown them with honour and success.
The peaceful state which this once happy county ever enjoyed, till the present unnatural though unavoidable contest, renders us totally unprovided for the proper reception of a number of armed men; and we hope, gentlemen, you will consider the very indifferent accommodations which you meet with here as solely owing to this cause, and not from want of respect and attention to your circumstances.
We however beg leave to assure you, that nothing in our power shall be wanting to promote your convenience and happiness, which the situation of our county will permit; in full confidence, that you will at all times, during your residence amongst us, cheerfully co-operate with this committee in maintaining good order and regularity in this place, and in opposing the dangerous designs of all the secret and avowed enemies of American liberty.
To which the committee received the following answer.
HEAD QUARTERS, Northampton court-house, Feb. 22, 1776.
Mr. president and gentlemen of the committee for Northampton county, Virginia,
WE return thanks for your very polite address to us, and the companies under our command, upon our arrival at this place, as also for your attention in making the necessary provision for our reception. Impressed with a lively sense of the duty we owe to our country, and animated with the glorious cause of American liberty, we cheerfully left our habitations, thinking no difficulties too much for a people to encounter who were determined to die or live free, and shall esteem ourselves happy in proportion to the services we shall be able to render the colony, and this county in particular.
We are not insensible of the many inconveniences attending the accommodation of soldiers in a country hitherto a stranger to war, and with pleasure we find your assiduity has conquered these difficulties, and made our residence easy and agreeable.
Be assured, gentlemen, we shall be always ready to give you any assistance in our power, consistent with our duty, to preserve good order and regularity: and shall be at all times thankful for your advice and directions in the execution of the trust reposed in us, especially as we are strangers to what is and may have been transacted in this place. We beg leave to subscribe ourselves, with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your very obedient servants,
WILLIAM HENRY.
JAMES KENT.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military
Arrival Departure
What keywords are associated?
Minute Companies
Maryland Troops
Northampton County
American Liberty
Troop Arrival
What entities or persons were involved?
William Henry
James Kent
Where did it happen?
Northampton County, Virginia
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Northampton County, Virginia
Event Date
February 22, 1776
Key Persons
William Henry
James Kent
Outcome
safe arrival and positive reception by local committee; pledges of cooperation and maintenance of order.
Event Details
Two minute companies from Maryland arrived in Northampton County about a week before February 22, 1776. The local committee addressed the captains, congratulating their voluntary service and assuring support despite limited accommodations. The captains responded, thanking the committee and affirming their commitment to American liberty and cooperation.