I believe my John Campbell was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1717 being christened 12 May 1717 the son of a Glasgow merchant, Duncan Campbell by his 2nd wife Agnes Campbell of Doune. I believe him to be the brother of James Campbell b 1715 of Trelawny, Jamaica. All the connections in Jamaica come from very few lines in the Campbell families. Duncan Campbell of Glasgow was the son of Rev Patrick Campbell of Glenaray and Jean MacIver Campbell, heiress of Pennymore, who were the parents of John Campbell of Black River, Jamaica. This makes John of Black River and Duncan brothers.
Therefore, making this John Campbell nephew of John of Black River. There were very close ties in Jamaica of the various families who left Scotland and went to Jamaica and owned large plantations and became extremely wealthy from their sugar plantations. They were trading with many in the colonies of America.
The factors in Glasgow, Scotland played a huge roll in the tobacco trade in Maryland and Virginia and became extremely rich until the American Revolution. After the revolution all of their property was confiscated by these same greedy men and these same supposedly upstanding citizens never paid the debts they owed in Scotland or England to the people they traded with.
In what transpired after John married the Spotswood widow, the greedy men tried their level best to confiscate John's property and cheat him out of it. George Washington, Fielding Lewis (George Washington's brother in law), Bernard Moore of Chelsea (whose wife was Ann Catherine Spotswood, sister to Col John Spotswood who married Mary West Dandridge, who was a cousin of Martha Dandridge Washington), the Dandridge's, just to name a few, who were all a party to all of this. What had been spoken about John of the Spotswood family and others I found very contradictory information in all of the land transactions, too numerous to mention here, that John did not in fact abandon Mary and leave her destitute. It was Col Bernard Moore (the Spotswood boy's uncle) who left her destitute and left the two Spotswood boys at Eton College in England without funds from their father's estate. Boucher proclaims in his letter to George Washington that John didn't return to Virginia, but he did, but while he was gone to sell his lands in Jamaica, they swooped in for the kill, but it backfired on them later. They were all trying to get their hands on the mines of the Spotswoods.
George Washington was quite familiar with the relatives of John Campbell, Duncan Campbell who was a convict carrier out of the London prison hulks and ran his ships to Maryland and Virginia, and all over the place. Duncan had married Rebecca, the daughter of Dugald Campbell of Salt Spring, Jamaica. who ran a large plantation there.
See Duncan's memorial as there is a letter from George Washington to him on that memorial. There is all kinds of records in Fredericksburg, Virginia on court cases for Duncan and the people whom he dealt with in Virginia.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=97915310
Find A Grave Memorial# 97915310

A Calendar of The Jefferson Papers of the University of Virginia
THOMAS JEFFERSON, Monticello, to WILLIAM WIRT, Richmond.
1815 August 5.
ALS. 6 pp. McGregor Library, #5622. Printed: L and B XIV, 335-42.
T. J. first met Patrick Henry in 1759-60 at Nathaniel West Dandridge's, whose sister Mrs. Spotswood married John Campbell [2891]

For the period July to December 1768 there is an unaccountable break in Campbell's Letterbooks. Campbell may have been in North America, assessing for example the damage the convict service might suffer owing to the imposition of the colonial quarantines. At the time he had no demanding business in Scotland or Jamaica, no illness. The only letter arising in this period is undated, a slightly crazy letter written to an American, one John Campbell, an old and possibly senile gentleman. The old man was troubling Duncan about a desk which Rebecca had already had in London for fourteen years. Old John Campbell of Campbelltown wanted the desk back, or some such. This letter is riddled with the names of people seldom otherwise mentioned, and is the only evidence that Duncan brought his wife to London relatively soon after their marriage, rather than leave her with her family in Jamaica awhile as he sailed. The desk, one of Rebecca's "first sticks of furniture", could have been picked up in America on the voyage following the wedding. Presumably during Duncan's 1768 visit to America he had seen the old fellow, who remembered the desk and followed the matter up with a letter.
Campbell Letter 6:
[Undated in ms. Probably written, July-December 1768.]
John Campbell Esq
at Campbelltown per Carolina Merchant Capt Wilson
Dear Sir
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 19 March. & was glad to find you was Still in the land of the living I can faithfully assure you the Legacy which you say I was to receive in case it had been otherwise never could have Raise a thought in my Mind but for your health and happiness.
I am extremely Sorry to find any action of mine Should have surprised you in so Disagreeable a Manner as I conceived it did by the tenor of your Letter: but as you have been pleased to Enter upon the particular Circumstances of Mr Deakin it behoves Me to give you the Reasons for my Conduct. Mr. Aneas Campbell had long been solicited by me for that desk which he tells me he would have sent as a present to Mrs Campbell but that he had promised it to you in Case you went home And Declared that if I would carry it to Britain & you did not go there in person to Demand it was to be Mrs Campbells desk this I assure you, upon the word of an honest man, was the terms of My taking it on board & this Mr Campbell repeatedly declared to me was his Intentions ...... afterwards. ... for the truth of this I believe I can appeal to my Brother at Saltspring & to Doctor Dugald McLachlan to whome when cast in England if I remember Rightly I Mentioned my having Declined Complying with your Brother's Request & I think he then Confirmed me in the Conditions upon which this Desk was Delivered. You seem to think it Extraordinary that Mr Campbell Should Supose you would go to England; the Very Shipping of the Desk showed his Thoughts on that head if he Entered the Desk for you what other Inducement could lead him to send it home for it was at his Request I carried it; Mrs Campbell has had it in her possession now thirteen or fourteen years & by your Never Mentioning it to Me the Many Times I had the pleasure of seeing you in America I thought you saw that Matter in ..... I should not have hesitated in Sending this Desk or any in my house had you Expressed a Desire for it but as I imagine you have in Some measure forgot the Circumstances & that both my ..... to your Brother I perhaps have been the Cause of your Requisition. I hope will pardon my not sending it till you Enquire Whether State of the Conditions are Right But Should you .... I am sorry I will send it Immediately when Receipt of a Letter from you to that purpose however Reluctant Mrs Campbell may seem a parting with one of the first pieces of furniture She had in her house the pecuniary Value is not worth your or my While having the Smallest Altercation about. I have looked back to your Account & find you have Credit 3 pounds 1/- for old Pewter Recd. on your Account from P. Thornton. I hope your last Letters from Virginia Mentioned Mrs. Campbell being in perfect health to be Informed of hers & your Welfare as often as your .... permitt will give me much Satisfaction. Mrs Campbell joins me
Virginia County Records SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY 1721-1800
DEEDS
DEED BOOK H 1771-1774
page 293
April 4, 1772. John Campbell and Mary, his wife, and Alexander Spotswood, Esqr., to Thomas Hutcherson, of Spts. Co. Lease. 200 a. "Sd. Hutcherson, his son, Wm., and his daughter, Sukey Hutcherson," etc. 1000 lbs. tob. Thos. Fox, James Allan, Philip Somerby, Ann Clark, Shadrock Moore, Nathl. Fox, John Taliaferro. Augt. 20, 1772.

Bernard Moore's sister, Lucy Moore was married to the treasurer of Virginia, John Robinson. He died 1766 and it was later discovered after his death that he and his friends had absconded with 1000's of dollars from the treasury, and this deed appears:
Virginia County Records SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY 1721-1800
DEEDS
DEED BOOK H 1771-1774
page 290
April 16, 1772. Edmund Pendleton, and Peter Lyons, Gentlemen, surviving Admrs. of the estate of John Robinson, Esqr., Decd., to John Waller, of Spts. Co. Whereas, Bernard Moore, Esqr., being seized of 6000 a. on Pamunkey River in Caroline Co., did by Indenture in Augt. 1767, convey the sd. land to the sd. Pendleton and Lyons by way of mortgage for securing payment of a debt due by sd. Moore to the est. of sd. Robinson, and by consent of the sd. Pendleton and Lyons the sd. Moore divided the sd. tract into smaller lots for Distinct Prizes in a lottery. Since the drawing of which lottery sd. Moore and Anna Catharine, his wife, have executed an Indenture of Release to the sd. Pendleton and Lyons whereby the Equity of Redemption of the sd. Moore and the dower of the sd. Anna Catharine are absolutely released to the sd. Pendleton and Lyons to enable them to convey the prizes drawn in sd. lottery, etc., and whereas, lot No. 56 in plot of sd. Lottery was drawn by a ticket sold to Wm. Champe, Esqr., and by him to the said John Waller, etc. Witnesseth the sd. Pendleton and Lyons convey sd. Waller, 100 acres as drawn by the afsd. ticket, etc. Witnesses, Ch. Sims, J. Waller, Jas. Mercer, Wm. Porter, Isaac Heslop, James Somerville. June 18, 1772.

Virginia County Records SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY 1721-1800
DEEDS
DEED BOOK H 1771-1774
page 294
May 27, 1772. John Campbell and Mary, his wife, and Alexander Spotswood, Esqr., to Thomas Fox of Spts. Co. Lease. Tuball Plantation, etc. "Sd. Thomas Fox, Joseph Fox, Betty Fox, Molly Fox," etc. 1000 lbs. tob. James Allan, Edwd. Vass, John Herndon, Ann Clark, Shad-rack Moore, Nathl. Fox, Thos. Rogers. Novr. 20, 1772.
There are many lease transactions performed by John and Mary in the interest of her lands as well as her sons during their minority, which were done during the timeframe Boucher claims John never came back to Virginia.
Evidence in the Spotswood papers show the letters John affectionately wrote to Mary before his demise, so he didn't abandon her as alledged.
The letters dated from Annapolis, Maryland indicate John had gone there to prepare for Mary to come. It is not known if he made it back to Virginia or if he died while on those trips to Maryland. I have listed his death as Newpost, Virginia because that's where he lived. The lands in Spotsylvania Co Virginia were on the border of Culpeper Co where Elias Campbell's land was located, which later became Madison Co. Virginia where Elias' home "Back and Beyond" still stands.
Will Book B 1749-1759, Spotsylvania Co VA
John Spotswood written May 6, 1756 prob Dec 5, 1758
Leg: wife Mary, use of mansion house, and my coach and six, with coachman and postilion and household goods, etc;
to my daughter Ann 1000 lbs sterling
to my daughter Mary 1000 lbs sterling
in compliance with the authority given me in the will of my deced father, Alexander Spotswood, esq.
Whereas my father, by his last will, did give to his son, Robert Spotswood 3000 lbs sterling
to his daughter Anna Catherine 2000 lbs sterling
and to his daughter Dorothea 2000 lbs sterling, to be raised by the sale or mortgage of his lands, and I finding it necessary, in order to raise the said fortunes, to sell divers parcels of land, among the rest I sold and conveyed to Col John Thornton, 7 traacts containing in the whole 9, 048 acres, and afterwards I purchased the said 7 tracts of land of the said Col John Thornton, I give the said 9,048 acres of land to my son, John Spotswood, also to him that tract of land which I bought of Ambrose Grayson, also all my part of the estate in England which will descend to me and my cousin, John Benger after the death of my mother and her three sisters.
To my son Alexander Spotswood to inherit the property left to Mary Spotswood at her death, or second marriage.
Codicil to the aforegoing, dated May 6, 1756, with the same witnesses as to the will, directs that all his children be maintained and educated out of the growing rents and profits of his estate, until they arrive at the age of twenty one years, or day of marriage.
To his goddaughter, Mildred Dixon, daughter of Roger Dixon, 100 lbs sterling. (page 389) Editor's Note. Mary Spotswood, widow of John Spotswood, refused the legacies left her in the above will.
witnesses: Jane Somerville; Dorothea Benger; Lucy Dixon; John Taylor, Jr; Jno Carter; Joseph Steward, James Taylor
executor wife, Mary Spotswood, John Robinson, Esq, Col Bernard Moore, Col John Champe; Mr. Edmund Pendleton; Mr Roger Dixon; Mr Nicholas Seward
(IT'S NO WONDER THERE WAS SO MANY PROBLEMS AFTER MARY MARRIED JOHN CAMPBELL, TWO OF THE EXECUTORS WERE HAVING MAJOR FINANCIAL ISSUES IN SPOTSYLVANIA AND CULPEPER COUNTY. AFTER THE DEATH OF JOHN ROBINSON, VIRGINIA STATE TREASURER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT HE HAD LENT ALL OF HIS CRONIES MONEY FROM THE TREASURY AND POCKETED 1000'S OF DOLLARS. BERNARD MOORE WAS ONE OF THE HEAVIEST INDEBTED TO JOHN ROBINSON & THE STATE TREASURY. IT'S REALLY QUITE ODD THAT BERNARD MOORE QUIT PAYING FOR THE BOYS EDUCATION AT ETON AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS BASED ON THE KIND OF ASSETS AT HIS DISPOSAL OF JOHN'S ESTATE.)
The below letters indicating that Margaret Campbell of London was John's mother is in error. She was a relative, but she's definitely not his mother. This Margaret that wrote the letters is Margaret Foster, wife of astronomer Colin Campbell of Black River, Jamaica. Colin Campbell was the son of John Campbell of Black River who settled in Jamaica after the Darien invasion. Colin's mother was Catherine Claiborne.
She her memorial
Find A Grave Memorial# 97920210

Two Spotswood Boys at Eton in 1760,

Andrew G.(Glassell) Grinnan William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Papers, Vol. 2, No. 2. (Oct., 1893), pp. 113-120. TWO SPOTSWOOD BOYS AT ETON IN 1760, &C. BY ANDREW G. GRINNAN, M.D. Gov. Spotswood of Virginia had four children; the oldest was John, who married in 1745, Mary, daughter of Wm. Dandridge of the British Navy (& UNITY WEST)
(1). Dorothea Spotswood married Capt. Nat. West Dandridge, also of the Navy. (BROTHER OF MARY DANDRIDGE SPOTSWOOD CAMPBELL)
Alexander and John Spotswood were children of John. Alexander in due course of time became a general in the Revolution, and had high reputation as an excellent officer; he lived on the BANKS OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK (RIVER), on an excellent estate a few miles below Fredericksburg, Va(2). He married Elizabeth, daughter of Wm. Augustine Washington, brother of Gen. George. John, brother of Gen. George. John, brother to Alexander, married Miss Rowzee (SARAH), and did good service to the colonies in the Revolution as a captain.
John Spotswood, son of the Governor, died, and his widow married Mr. Campbell (JOHN) and lived at Williamsburg, Va.; his mother (RELATIVE NOT MOTHER), Mrs. Campbell, named Margaret, was a widow and lived at London. Col. Bernard Moore of Chelsea, Va., who married Kate Spotswood, became guardian of Alexander and John, grandsons of the Governor. Col. Moore sent his wards to school at Eton in England, and they boarded with Mrs. Mary Young. In her yard was a famous elm tree, whose ample (1) St. Mark's Parish. (2) Hayden. Page 114. shade aforded(1) shelter to many English youths who became celebrated in after life, among them Wellington, Bishop Young of Ferns, (Seat: Ferns Palace, Wexford, Ireland) was her son. She had a daughter Catherine, who married the Rev Septimus Plumtree, and at Mansfield in the County of Nottingham. Mr. Plumtree died before 1788, and left her with a large family.
The two Spotswood boys began boarding with Mrs. Young on the 8th of January, 1760, and it was agreed that they should pay each for board per year .
L25 sterling for candles
L1 " for fire
L1-10 " for mending linen
L1 " and that Mrs. Young should charge in her bill for each one as entrance fee L6-6.
Mrs. Young was paid her bills for 1760 and 1761, with commendable punctuality, but alas! for the boys, Col. Moore, their guardian, made no more remittances from Virginia. They were left penniless in a strange land. Neither their aunt Brayne, who lived in London, nor their uncle Dandrige, who resided at the back of Buckinham gate, London, would make any advances, or even permit them to enter their houses(2).
The boys, however, were in charge of Mrs. Margaret Campbell, the mother (RELATIVE NOT MOTHER) of their step- father, who resided in London also, and had them frequently at her house, especiall in vacations. She was very kiknd to them, though her means were too limited to enable her to render pecuniary aid. She persuaded Mrs. Young to retain the boys, and advance all the money for their current expenses, (1) Life of Wellington (2) Authority: The Plumtree-Spotswood Manuscripts. Page 115. assuring her that remittances would be made by Col. Moore.
At the end of 1762, no funds being forthcoming, Mrs. Young was extremely unwilling to keep the boys longer, or make further advances, and desired Mrs. Campbell to remove them, but the latter succeeded in persuading the good nature Mrs. Young to retain them.
They remained until May, 1764. During a part of this time they were sick at Mrs. Campbell's; they were several times sick at Mrs. Young's, and were attended by Dr. Dampier, probably a son of the celebrated navigator, whose bills she paid.
A letter of Mrs. Campbell, to Mrs. Young, written probably at the close of 1762, relates so quaintly the forlorn condition of the young Virginians, that we give it in full:
"Madam,
I am much obliged to you for the regard which you have testified on this juncture to the Master Spotswoods in offering to take them back to Eton, at least until their guardian can give instructions to have their bills paid, and themselves under better directors, who will be more punctual in their payments to you. You have been much more their friend than any one of their own Relations, and I am well convinced by their conduct, that they must have encumbered you all the Holidays.
If my friendship, (NOTICE FRIENDSHIP, NOT DAUGHTER IN LAW) from the connection I had with their mother, had not protected them in their distress, poor babes! Their aunt very early forbid them her house.
It it could proceed from their inability of Fortune, and having no accommodation, I am sure that I might have justly made the same objection. I HAVE CHILDREN OF MY OWN, and have been obliged to rob myself of all company during their stay with me, because my first floor was dedicated to them, and I have ruined my furniture of it, in Page 116. letting them lie in my dressing room, and live in the dining room. I have been at the pains of writing many letters on their account, especially on the late accident to Mr. Knox, and I shall write to their mother the obligations they are under to you, and answer that she will use her utmost endeavours to get Col. Moore to send remittances to you, for they are wholly under his care.
Mr. Knox [probably he was Mr. John Knox, of Windsor, Culpepper Co., Va., who went over in the BOGLE ship and came back to Virginia in 1762. See Hayden's Va. Genealogies, page 699] wrote that if you were not kind enough to let them trespass on you any longer, I was to send them down to Bristol. When I was preparing to do this, I received your kind letter that you would take them again. I hope you will have no reason to repent it yourself, and I dare say their friends will be much better satisfied to have them continue under your care at Eton.
I am very Sorry, Madam, to send them back with such bad coughs, though I have nursed Jack, who was so bad that we were obliged to Bleed him and physick him, that he is much better. I can't judge how they got them (the coughs). MY SON came home with one, and has never been out of the house but once since, and these children have always laid warm, and lived constantly in the house, except taking a walk in fine days, though not this fortnight past. Aleck is just attacked with one, and I fain would kept them home, till they were quite recovered, but that my son is in so poor a way, that I am advised to take him immediately out of Town, and to keep him under a course of asses milk, and my brother is to send his post chaise for me on Sunday or Monday. Page 117.
And, as Mr. Dandridge has a house no further than the back of Buckingham gate, and was in clear air, I sent my servant with a letter to-day, to request that he should take the children, until the middle of next week, in hopes that by a change of air, their coughs would be greatly removed, but his answer is as rude to me as barbarous to the poor children; and he has denied them house room, but they may depend upon it that his unkindness shall be made known to their absent friends, as will your great goodness.
I beg that they may be kept in a very warm room, and take the drops I send every night, and the pectoral drink several times a day, and that they eat no meat or drink anything but warm barley water and lemon juice, and if Aleck increases to get Blooded. I sent my servant in a Post chaise, to take care they don't catch cold. I am certain that with the country air, with your care and the helping of God they will soon be well, and I beg you will soon send a letter to let me know how they do, as my brother sends to town often. I send all their clothes which came here, except eleven shirts, which shall be sent as soon as washed, and now
I conclude myself, Madam your most humble servant,
MARGARET CAMPBELL."
From this letter it appears that the forlorn condition of the boys did not repress their exuberant spirits - they returned home in 1764, and in a letter from President Nelson of Yorktown, Va., to his agent in London, desiring him to send his son, who afterwards became General Nelson home, written in 1764, he cautions(1) him not to send him on the same (1) Bishop Meade's "Old Va. Families." Page 118. vessel with two wild Virginia youths who were about to return.
Mrs. Young allowed the boys, for pocket money, about three pounds per six months, in weekly installments, and paid the bills of tailors, shoemakers, cobblers, doctors, barbers, book-sellers, dancing masters, post chaise hires, fees to servants and to the bell man, sweeping out school room, chapel clerk, salt money, expense to the elections, cost of montem poles and the montem dinner, and all manner of expenses incident to their position. At the expiration of the boys' time in 1764, the entire amount due Mrs. Young was about two hundred and seventy pounds, and the writer has the itemized accounts, may items very curious indeed. We now give a copy of Alexander's letter to Mrs. Young, from London when he left Eton:
"London, May 23, 1764. Hond Madam:
I write by this opportunity, for to thank you for all the pst favors to me and my brother. I hope it will be in my power, one day or another to make you amends for all you have done for us. Mr. Hunter (Wm. H.) is to pay our bills. We go to Virginia in June. I have seen my aunt Brayne and they give their compliments to you; and I have been and seen Mrs. Campbell. I have wrote to my mother, and told her how kind you have been to me and my brother.
I am your humble servant,
ALEX SPOTSWOOD".
NOTE: JAMES HUNTER WAS THE BROTHER OF WILLIAM HUNTER, A MERCHANT IN LONDON WHO WENT BANKRUPT & CAME BACK TO VIRGINIA. JAMES HUNTER WAS A DEBTOR OF JOHN CAMPBELL & CONFISCATED HIS PROPERTY WHILE HE WAS OUT OF THE COUNTRY. HE ALSO SOLD THE IRON FROM THE MINES OF THE DOWER OF MARY DANDRIDGE SPOTSWOOD CAMPBELL, ALONG WITH BERNARD MOORE, GUARDIAN & UNCLE TO THE TWO SPOTSWOOD BOYS)
Some time after reaching Virginia, Alexander deposited with Mr. James Hunter of Fredericks- burg, Va., a reputable merchant, the amount due Mrs. Page 119. Young, to remit to his brother, Mr. Wm. Hunter of London, and it was remitted to him - but Mrs. Young failed to apply for the money for some time -- and he became a bankrupt, and owing duties to the crown, he fled to Fredericksburg, Va., bringing his books with him. He afterwards died, still insolvent; and the examination of his books, by Mr. HENRY MITCHELL in 1788, dis- closed the fact that on them Mrs. Young was credited with the amount sent by Alex. Spotswood, which had never been paid, and it seems that the generous old lady lost the entire debts, for Spotswood, when called upon in 1788 to pay the debt, contended that he had paid it, by remitting to Mr. Hunter as was agreed upon.
Mrs. Young died, and her will written in 1773 was probated in the Prerogative Court of Frederick, Archbishop of Canterbury, on the 30th of August, 1775, and we have it in perfect preservation, written in quaint old style on a sheet of parchment about two feet square, with the large seal of the Archbishop's court attached, and certificate of probate, and a blue revenue stamp on it, somewhat similar to the famous stamp of 1765. Mrs. Plumtree was executrix and chief legatee. She sent in 1788 the will and accounts against the Spotswoods to Henry Mitchell, a merchant of Fredericksburg, Va., with an elaborate power of Attorney to collect, sworn to by Mr. Hardesty and attested by John Evans, notary public of London, with his seal; and the Right Hon. John Burnell, Lord Mayor of London, certifies that full faith is to be given to John Evans' notarial acts.
As we have stated, Alex. Spotswood, then (in 1788) a general, refused to pay the debt over again - though Mrs. Plumtree wrote a very eloquent letter to him, which the writer has, pleading for payment. The accounts were drawn upon fine, long, narrow Page 120. sheets of paper, tied together doubtless by Mrs. Plumtree's own hands with narrow silk ribbon, which, though over a hundred years old, is apparently as sound as ever. The seal of the Archbishop's Court is four inches by four and a half inches, and is attached by a broad band to the will. It represents the prelate on his Episcopal throne, with supporters on each side, and the coat-of-arms at the bottom.
For the comfort of parents who have wild sons, we must say that our two wild boys made excellent citizens; very patriotic they were. A letter from Col. G. B. Wallace of Va., (GUSTAVUS BROWN WALLACE, RELATED TO DR MICHAEL WALLCE) from camp in New Jersey, written about 1777, mentions Col. Alex. Spotswood as a most excellent officer(1). He lived for many years after the Revolution, and was a very prominent man in Fredericksburg and its vicinity(2).
John Spotswood lived in the Wilderness a few miles from Germanna, and after the Revolution was known as "Col. Spotswood". He was noted for his hospitality, and his home was a favorite stopping place for Orange County gentlemen, going to Fredericksburg on business or for pleasure. He was once a candidate for the House of Delegates, but was defeated(3). (1) Hayden. (2) The Plumtree-Spotswood papers were amongst the papers of Henry Mitchell, an old Merchant settled in fredericksburg before the Revolution. Mr. Daniel Grinnan of that City was Mitchell's admin. d.b.n., and in htis way the papers came into my possession, as D. G. was my father. - A. G. G. (3) Col. Frank Taylor's diaries from 1786 to 1799 inclusive; manuscript in my possession. - A. G. G.
4This Indenture, made February 21, 1766, between WILLIAM GOGGANS of Parish of BROMFIELD and Culpepper County and ELIZABETH his wife of the one part and BENJAMIN GAINES of Parish and County aforesaid. Forty Pounds current money 300 acres...and at a court held for said county on Thursday, Aug. 21, 1766. The said indenture with the memorandum of Livery of Seisen and Receipt Endorsed were fully proved by the oath of PETER STEINBERGER, RICHARD GAINES and JOHN CAMPBELL witness thereto and ordered to be recorded. (See later: typed copy of Indenture dated Feb. 21. 1766.)
NOTE: BENJAMIN GAINES, RICHARD GAINES, ANN GAINES STEINBERGEN/ER WERE SIBLINGS. JOHN & ELIAS CAMPBELL WITNESS THE WILL OF JAMES HURT IN 1781 WHOSE WIFE WAS THE DAUGHTER OF RICHARD GAINES ABOVE)
The Virginia Gazette
December 4, 1766. Number 30. Page 3, Column 1
Spotsylvania, Nov. 25, 1766.
THE Subscriber intends to leave the Colony for a short Time. Mr. JAMES HUNTER, of Fredericksburg, will act as his Attorney in his Absence.
JOHN CAMPBELL
(JOHN MADE A FATAL MISTAKE IN TRUSTING JAMES HUNTER WHEN HE LEFT FOR JAMAICA. HE AND BERNARD MOORE SOLD OFF HIS PROPERTY WHILE HE WAS GONE, SEE LAW SUIT BELOW)
The Virginia Gazette
December 4, 1766. Number 30. Page 2, Column 2
To be Sold at FREDERICKSBURG, on Thursday the 22d Day of January, if fair, if not the next fair Day,
TWO Tracts of LAND lying in Orange County, one of which consists of 2000 Acres, and known by the Name of Germanna, the other of 500 Acres, lying on Flat Run.
As also 30 choice SLAVES, mostly Virginia born, belonging to the ESTATE OF JOHN SPOTSWOOD, Esq; deceased. Credit will be given till the 10th of April, on giving Bond and good Security. Five per Cent. Discount allowed for ready Money.
Also to be sold, at the same Time and Place, a SCHOONER, 5 years old, about 44 Hhds. Burthen.
BERNARD MOORE
(NOTE: BERNARD MOORE WASTED NO TIME IN SELLING OFF THE ESTATE OF JOHN SPOTSWOOD WHILE JOHN CAMPBELL WAS GONE TO JAMAICA, HAVING LEFT IN NOVEMBER. IT SEEMS THAT THE SCHOONER BEING SOLD WAS MOST LIKELY JOHN'S, AS THE SPOTSWOOD'S WEREN'T INVOLVED IN SHIPS TO MY KNOWLEDGE & NEITHER WAS BERNARD MOORE. I'M SURE THE SO CALLED "ARISTOCRACY" OF VIRGINIA PROBABLY DIDN'T THINK JOHN CAMPBELL WAS "WELL SUITED ENOUGH" FOR MRS SPOTSWOOD SOCIAL STATUS. MAYBE THEY THOUGHT IF THEY SOLD EVERYTHING OFF HE'D GO AWAY FROM HER. HOWEVER, THEY LEFT HER DESTITUTE AS WELL AS WITNESSED OF REV JONATHAN BOUCHER'S LETTER TO GEORGE WASHINGTON ON MARCH 3, 1770. SHORTLY AFTER THIS BERNARD MOORE TRIES TO BORROW MONEY FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON DUE TO HIS FINANCIAL PROBLEMS & LARGE DEBTS. BERNARD MOORE HAD TO SELL HIS ESTATE WHICH WAS ONCE THE CLAIBORNE PROPERTY OF PHILLIP WHITEHEAD CLAIBORNE'S FATHER "ROMANCOKE". GEORGE WASHINGTON EVENTUALLY ENDED UP WITH THAT PROPERTY.)
1766, "Cousin Jack of the Hope has some thoughts of paying his cousin Black-river a visit this spring in North America"
[Argyll & Bute library archives, Kilberry papers, letter from John Campbell of Orange Bay to his father-in-law in Scotland, dated 30 December, 1766]
A letter from John Mercer (1704-1768) to his son George Mercer (1733-1784) details some of the financial problems Hunter faced during the early years of construction:
"As to Mr. Hunter you must partly know, that his negro consigments obliged him to be punctual in his remittances whether he rec'ed the money or not from the purchasers. They fell so short, that he was obliged to draw on his brother William for more thousands than he could pay and was therefore oblige to return his bills, therefore to maintain his credit, as he had many thousand pounds due on account of negroes, abt 6000 lbs advanced for Jno Campbell Esqr (now in Jamaica to raise the money) about 3000 lbs for Spotswood's estate, and above 6000 lbs an Ironwork in Maryland in partnership with one Gantt, as he was errecting a forge with four hammers above the falls, with a merchant mill &c to make the race of wch he was obliged to employ near 200 men, & for which ...Fras. Thornton hath brought an action against him in Spotsylvania court for ten....
footnotes
This letter was undated, but Mercer historians believe it to have been written between Dec 22, 1767 & Jan 28, 1768
In a letter from Wm Hunter to Mrs. Marianna Hunter (Marianna Russell Spence) dated Feb 16, 1769 the former quotes from a letter he had written to his brother James, Sr "the balance of your private account to me exceeds 6000 lbs sterling..(James) Mills is upwards of 1000 lbs & both your African Engagements to me are considerably more. In the future I may possibly be an exile from the British Dominions if you neglect much longer to send my effects to me... I cannot cease without testifying my astonishment that you have entirely forgot Jamie Hunter. I request you directly to remit him wherewithal to enable his return to Virginia, to take possession of his estate.
In 1759 James Hunter bought 1750 acres in Culpeper Co from Spotswood's heirs whether this tract included any of Spotswood's mines is unknown, the deed having been lost.
SPOTSWOOD PAPERS, VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, RICHMOND VIRGINIA, LETTERS FROM JOHN CAMPBELL TO HIS WIFE, MARY DANDRIDGE SPOTSWOOD, WIDOW OF JOHN SPOTSWOOD (DIED 1758)
May 13 Frederick Town Maryland.
My Dearest Life
Last night I arrived at Mr Darnell's in tolerable health, I cannot say absolutely well but today I find myself much better, I once thought I should have had a touch of the ague but I am in hopes the upland air will put it to flight. I shall be detained here three or four days in making necessary inquiries & giving some orders for our tressles, a table & two or three chairs of the camp kind. I find that I shall also have a house to build there, for there is no chance for any already built, this will necessarily detain me above the spring, much longer than I imagined. From the samples I have had of the road from hence to the Springs which are 60 miles distant & over two mountains I am convinced that our chariot is much too slender to stand the rude shocks of this rocky country; but we can make a very good shift to bring it up to this length [sic]. They have here an exceeding good kind of covered wagon made with curtains & seats convenient that will carry 6 people, this is used by all the Ladies that travel this road. I shall take care to secure it in hand. I have but little time to give you full account, the person who carries this to An[napolis] ……………………….in town
[the last line of this page is torn]
you a little intelligence of my motions as I am ……. Assured that your affection gives weight to every little circumstance that attends me & your uneasiness at not hearing from me will take from the pleasure that I should otherwise enjoy in reflecting that my journey may make your stay at the Springs more to your satisfaction. Dinner is on the table I have only time to give you my dearest affection & love to my Girls. I cannot possibly give you any idea of the time of my return, it will be longer than I imagine or than I wish. I am my dearest
Your ever affect. H[usband]
J Campbell
I have not time to read the
above for mistakes.
Notes
Where this letter is folded for posting, the outside face is stamped
ANNAPOLIS
Presumably, this is about the building of the log cabin at the Springs which Campbell later referred to in his letter from Kingston in 1767. As there is no mention of Mary Spotswood's boys, Alexander and John, this letter was perhaps written whilst they were still at school in England, i.e. before 1764.
Thursday January 7 1767
My Dearest beloved
I am this instant going on board the brig & have only time once more to give my dearest love and best affection to the best of wives and children. I pray to Almighty God to preserve & bless you all in this world & the next. I am forever my dearest dear
Your most affectionate husband
John Campbell
Campbell has arrived in Kingston and is making arrangements to travel into the country, presumably to his properties. The letter is undated but was probably written sometime towards the end of February. The top and bottom of each folded page has crumbled at the crease, leaving gaps in the first and last few lines.
My Dearest Wife,
I shall … but I have hopes that in a few days…Late ones. Capt. Brookes has a prospect of getting ……. our…… country, his going down is therefore an excellent prospect ………our baggage which I shall not fail to em…Sunday he proposes to sail; the passage is seldom more.I cannot as yet inform my dearest of any particulars relating to my affairs in this island, but by what I can gather from hints I shall have no great reason to be very well satisfied with them; I shall neglect nothing on my part to put matters on the best footing in my power but whether they may turn out agreeable to our expectations is more than I can answer for. My dear beloved I am afraid many troubles hang over us & that we shall have severe tryals to encounter, but support your spirits & do not give way to despondency. If I could but flatter myself that the time of my absence from the dear Partner of my heart would be but short, I could undergo any toils with content; but the present situation of this Island affords as gloomy a prospect as ye country I have left behind. No money to be had, the trade with the Spaniards, the principal source from whence the Merchants here draw their cash, is reduced very low. Goods are daily selling at publick sale for little or nothing; the Gentlemen of the country are in general deeply involved, each man tearing his Neighbour to pieces, in short a scene of distress presents itself on every side. This is but a melancholy picture for us who have property to dispose of; indeed I am afraid that purchasers will hardly be met with, except those who will buy to pay themselves. But why should I afflict your tender heart that has already…enough to oppress it. my unwillingness to communicate anything to my dearest that I was conscious must give only….has been the……of concealing……the present..p.2
they being ?.. how much ….. should I have ………… particularly ?.any good fortune. At my present ? ? ?sing point, to endeavour to secure if possible a reliable independance that may enable us to live if not in affluence …….. with content, a small income is adequate to this if we will resolve to be satisfy the means all in our power if we will but make use of them. If I can but satisfy the North American demands & accomplish this object of my wishes I can accommodate myself to any station provided I see my dearest but contented. Remember our observation at the Springs this last summer that happiness is not annexed to great houses & splendid furniture, the pleasing recollection of the many happy cheerful innocent & delightful hours that we past in our Log House, free from all the corroding cares that have since played upon my heart, even at this distance is so strongly imprest that I reflect on it with rapture, & in vain wish a return of those agreeable moments. Oh my love the consolation of having you with me would soften every inconvenience, believe me your absence from me oppresses my heart & I feel that I want my better half. I knew not the force of my Affection for you until our separation, so true it is that we know not how to put a true value upon the blessings the Providence bestows upon us until we are deprived of them. My love grows every day stronger, your dear image continually presents itself to my idea & you are every ?.. more honorable … I am incomplete p.3 my dearest of ? ?.?. I shall have to see my Attorney afterward I shall be better acquainted with matters. In the mean time my ……… to support your spirits and give nothing ? for my safety. If it should please [Al]mighty God to call me from this scene of troubles & difficulties, your fortune will then be independent & clear from all incumbrances. This consideration gives me comfort under all my uneasiness. How many thousands are there more unhappy than myself who not only are entangled in debts themselves but even by their death plunge those they love dearest in deeper distress, in this particular I have reason to esteem myself fortunate. Yes my Dear this reflection will give peace to my last moments. Oh most gracious God grant that I may once more be restored to my dearest wife & children & I will submit with resignation by the assistance of thy Grace to whatever misfortunes it shall please this Providence to permit me to taste of in this Life in humble hope that they may be the means of conducting one to future happiness. Thy ways O God are wisdom & thou alone knowest what is best for us. Let us daily repeat
This day be bread and peace our lot,
All close beneath the sun,
Thou knowest it best bestow'd or not,
And let thy will be done.
I am impatient for the arrival of some vessel from Philadelphia by which alone I have hopes of hearing from my dear family. Opportunities are so scarce that I hope you will write me books, not letters, with anything that relates to you all, however insignificant it may appear to you, will be interesting to me. Yes my dear, your letters will be the picture of your heart to me the Talisman ….. Gloria ? my multitude of ??? for a line p.4 from my beloved ?? not mea?. fault but for the want of opportunity I am too well assured of your Love to say that you would miss any occasion of giving me the tenderest proofs of it. long experience has made me truly sensible of the value of it, may my future ……. shew that I am not altogether unworthy of so great a blessing. As I am going into the country you must not expect to hear from me again until the return of Cabtain Brookes who will sail the beginning of April. Vessels to North America from our part of the the Island are not numerous and opportunities to Kingston precarious, I mention this my dearest to prevent any uneasiness on your part shou'd you at any time be longer than usual without a letter from me, be assured it shall never be my fault if an opportunity slips by without a line from me. Letters of affection will be dull & insipid except to those who are interested repetitions elsewhere tiresome, are here the language of the heart, & therefore valuable. I have many particulars to inquire about but I will suspend them until I receive your latter which I daily expect. By Capt Brookes I hope to send you some small matters which I wish may be agreeable to you. I cannot do much yet, Cash is hard to get in this Town, more so than you can easily imagine. I do not know how it is but when I am writing to you my paper is insensibly filled I have hardly left room to give my dearest love to Nancy, Polly, Alex[ander] & my sure Jack. O my dear I once more press you my heart. I am now retiring to rest, may your idea present itself to me & make me as happy as distance will permit.
I am and ever shall be my Dearest Love
Your most affectionate husband
John Campbell
The Virginia Gazette January 29, 1767. Number 819. Page 1, Column 3
Mary Campbell, Newpost
(THIS MAY BE THE LETTER JOHN WROTE TO MARY WHILE IN JAMAICA)
1767, "I acquainted you I think that cousin Jack Blackriver was come to the island. He was lately here and seems perfectly inclined to satisfy all his creditors & is very desirous that all his property shou'd be disposed of for that purpose"
Argyll & Bute library archives, Kilberry papers, letter from John Campbell of Orange Bay to his father-in-law in Scotland, dated 4 June, 1767 1768, "…the many times I had the pleasure of seeing you in North America…your last letters from Virginia mentioned Mrs. Campbell being in perfect health. To be informed of hers and your welfare as often as your leisure permits will give me much satisfaction."
[Mitchell Library, Sydney, Letter books of Duncan Campbell, letter from Duncan Campbell in London to John Campbell, then at Campbelton, Hanover, dated 15 July 1768]
1768, John Campbell ‘of Hodges' Member of the Assembly for St. Elizabeth
1770, ditto
[W.A. Feurtado, ‘Official and Personages of Jamaica 1655-1790']

LETTERS FROM DUNCAN CAMPBELL TO JOHN CAMPBELL
Duncan Campbell to John Campbell of Salt Spring 14th February 1767
Per the Jupiter Captain Pain
I was extremely glad to be informed by our Attorney in Virginia that Mr Campbell [6] had told him he was making ready with all expedition for a voyage to your Island & I hope long ere this time you & he have met & will soon settle your Affairs so far as to enable you to make a trip home
I BELIEVE THIS INFORMATION IS INCORRECT. COLIN CAMPBELL'S SON WAS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO BE THE HUSBAND OF MARY DANDRIDGE SPOTSWOOD CAMPBELL. JOHN HODGES CAMPBELL WOULD HAVE BEEN THE NEPHEW OF JOHN OF BLACK RIVER, BY JOHN'S BROTHER DUNCAN CAMPBELL OF GLASGOW & HIS WIFE AGNES CAMPBELL)
John Campbell of Black River, son of Colin Campbell [d.1752, in Jamaica] and a grandson of Hon. John Campbell [d.1740, in Jamaica]. He had left Jamaica for Virginia in 1756 but returned in the Spring of 1767 to sell his Jamaican properties in order to clear his debts. (HE DIDN'T RETURN IN THE SPRING, HE LEFT VIRGINIA IN NOVEMBER 1766)
To John Campbell, Salt Spring, Hanover 15 September 1767
[Following the death in February of John Campbell's sister, ‘Peachy, Campbell is back to business as usual. Despite claiming ‘little new matter', the letter is not short. ‘Account sales' of cotton, sugars and rum are discussed but are omitted in this transcription as much of the letter continues on the subject of family health, and prospects for his son Dugald and his nephew Francis Somerville. The debts of John Campbell of Black River, now in Jamaica after 11 years in Virginia are mentioned again, and hopes of future business with James Kerr and John Tharp are also raised. There is no clue about the identity of Captain John's son except that his ‘honoured father', was perhaps a late relation.] NOTE: I THINK HIS NAME MIGHT HAVE BEEN JAMES & WAS A SEAMAN SAILING WITH JOHN SCOTT ON CAPT ROBERT MONTGOMERY'S "BEVERLEY" , WHO IN 1762 AT PORT ROYAL RAN AMUCK ON A DRUNKEN SPREE & BRUTALLY ASSAULTED EDWARD DIXON, ROBERT GILCHRIST, ROBERT ALLEN & JOHN SNEAD & SAILED AWAY UNPUNISHED) SEE TRANSCRIPTION OF CAROLINE CO VIRGINIA BELOW)
I wrote you the 19 June a very long letter by Doctor Murray which I hope ere this time reached to your hand. As I was very full therein I have but little new matter for the subject of this letter. Since my last I was favoured with yours without a date by the Green Island covering account sales of the sundries per ‘Orange Bay' which I am perfectly satisfied and much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken…
I am extreamly sorry you still complain of that same head ache in most of your letter. I am in some degree however pleased to find you entertain thoughts of spending next summer with us which will I think be the means of recovering all these complaints. For God's sake leave no stone unturned to accomplish it. As Mr. Campbell[1] is now with you you have an opportunity which I hope you will not lose of settling every matter with him. as I was full in my last on that head I refer to it. I long, nay I want much to see you here for many reasons. In my last I told you I was indifferent how few were concerned in the Orange Bay besides ourselves….
Upon the whole I request that before you leave the island you will take some pains in informing me yourself how matters stand with such of your neighbours as you think might be reliable correspondent because let matters stand as they will between J[ohn] S[tewart][2] & myself I should wish for my boy Dug[ald]'s[3] sake to have some connections with Jamaica, it may be some introduction to him if I have, which he perhaps may extend. Mr Stewart remains in Stater Quo much afflicted with the gout so that nothing yet has been done between us.
Neil & Francis [Somerville] sailed on the 1 Aug. from the Downs for Philadelphia, I did not send him to Newcastle for fear of making him so late. I hope by this time he is in Delaware River & will be with you by the latter end of November at farthest. I flatter myself he will have a speedy & beneficial sale. Mr Kerr has been on terms for a vessel to go the same voyage but has not fixed one as yet from wherein I hope you will have no ship to interfere & may therefore hold up the price. Mr & Mrs Kerr [4] & Capt. John's son embark in the ‘Thames' [Capt.] Laird beginning of next month. If Kerr goes into business here a partner may be wanted. I think he will not upon his return be ____. Make your own use of this hint. I have not seen Capt. John's son a long while he seldom comes near me, his turn and mien seem very different. I wish he may turn out equal to the expectations his hon[oured] father formed of him. If you can manage matters I think the ‘Orange Bay would be a very proper conveyance for you home as you would have there all things at your own command, a very agreeable circumstance on a voyage. As I shall have bills drawn upon me from Philadelphia as soon as the cargo of the ‘Orange Bay' is shipt I must entreat you will endeavour to remitt me something on that account as soon as it can be collected from the sale. I wrote you on this head in my last to which I refer…
You will see I have not done this business in the name of the house as it arises chiefly from my private concern in the ‘Orange Bay'. Your account which shall be sent you as usual is charged with £42.1.4 paid Frank Somerville for which according to your desire I have taken his order on you. I could have got him a berth in Grenadoes but kept him in ignorance of it as I would much rather he was settled with or near you. I think he is a young fellow you may confide in, he is steady & sensible but you must know his Qualifications much better than I do & therefore I shall only request you can keep him with yourself with convenience & afford him encouragement such as you think he merits & that you will do it because I think he may one time or another be a very useful man to you and of course serve himself. But if your other engagements interfere with his remaining at Salt Spring I need not fear you will introduce him properly when opportunity offers. Mr Kerr has promised he will not fail to secure him if he should want employment & thinks he will have an opportunity soon after his arrival on Mr Hall's [5] estates which are all to be put under his management.
[Campbell returns to the subject of the health with news of John Campbell's remaining sisters in England. They had spent some time at the Kent seaside town of Margate. The disappointment in not receiving something from Jamaica by Captain Ratcliffe's ship is perhaps a reference to the habit of relatives exchanging gifts in time for Christmas. Other letters refer to yams, sugar, tamarinds and cigars being received in Britain; relations with Currie cousins have clearly soured.]
Your sisters and three of my little folks spent six weeks at Margate. Mrs Campbell and Douglass I thought received great benefit from the bathing but notwithstanding all that Mrs Campbell had the misfortune to miscarry a few days since after she was six months gone though thank god she is in a good way now & I hope will not feel any of the consequences that often attends such accidents. Poor Debbie was too tender to bathe and I am & I have been always persuading her to take more air and exercise but she is so very apt to take cold that she is almost afraid to come out of her chamber. This conduct I opose as far as I can without fretting her for her bad state of health occasions a small matter to give her uneasiness which obliges me to let her have more of her will in these respects. She has within this day or two gone out & I shall endeavour all in my power to encourage her to continue so to do for if she does not gather some show of strength & health before the cold weather comes on I own I shall be afraid of the consequences. Your sister has expected a [_____] by Ratcliffe[6] but was here fully disappointed. She has not ?? of it this year though frequently in our neighbourhood but as there is now no connection between Colin Currie & myself I suppose the girls are excluded. Of course it is no matter, they have never had more than bare civility from that quarter & though they have not themselves I have often taken notice of it. Since writing the above I recd yours of 25 July. I am much obliged to you for the concern you express about the short remittances. I beg you will not in any degree incomode yourself on that account it would give me great uneasiness if I thought you did. I refer to what I have said already about Mr. Tharp in answer to yours on that head. You will oblige me much by the particular sums of Richmond[7] & John Campbell's[8] debts which I am to charge to you. I cannot make that charge till I have the amount from you. all my family join in love to you & I am
The Virginia Gazette October 29, 1767. Number 858. Page 2, Column 2
To be SOLD, on Wednesday the 25th day of November (if fair, otherwise next fair day) on the premises, SIXTEEN hundred acres of LAND, in the counties of Orange and Culpeper, lying on both sides the Rapidan river, just below the mouth of the Robinson river, and equal in quality to any of the lands in that part of the country. On the Orange side are all convenient buildings for cropping, chiefly new, and one of the most agreeable situations in the back country. The land will be laid off in lots and the purchase money to be paid at three equal payments; the first to be on the day of the next Fredericskburg June Fair, the second that time twelve month, and the remainder the June Fair in the year 1770, giving satisfactory security to
[2] JOSEPH JONES.(JOSEPH JONES WAS INVOLVED WITH JOHN CAMPBELL'S CREDITORS IN 1773 WITH FIELDING LEWIS, JOHN LEWIS, & CHARLES DICK)
The Virginia Gazette February 18, 1768. Number 874. Page 2, Column 3
A List of LETTERS in the Post Office at Fredericksburg.
John Campbell, Fredericksburg
15 July 1768 to John Campbell, Cambleton, Hanover
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of 19 March & was glad to find you was still in the land of the living
Summer, 1769 John Campbell in Brussels
March 3, 1770
Letter from Rev Jonathan Boucher to George Washington
he reports he visited Brussels in the summer of 1769 & saw John there supposedly not giving a care about his poor wife & family back in Virginia. Boucher tries to borrow money from GW to pay for slaves he purchased for Mary. SEE LETTER BELOW
Campbell, John (of Jamaica), 6:13, 193, 198, 199, 371; 8:310-11Campbell, Mary Dandridge Spotswood, 8:309-11. See also Spotswood, Mary Dandridge

Boucher, Jonathan (1738-1804) : and Mrs. Campbell's misfortunes
From Jonathan Boucher
Document: Col08d188
Author: Boucher, Jonathan
Recipient: Washington, George
Date: 1770-03-03
Caroline [c.3 March 1770]
Sir
It gives Me infinite Uneasiness to find myself under a Necessity of making a disagreeable application to You; but so am I circumstanced that this is almost my last Resort, to preserve Me from a very distressg Situa[tio]n.
Doubtless, You have heard of the calamitous Fate of poor Mrs Campbell. At the Best, her Situa[tio]n was piteous; but it was rendered much more so by her being deserted by every Friend & Relative. I never had an insensible Heart; but a Female reduced from Opulence to extreme Indigence & penury was an object I never could look on, unmov'd. There were few of her Acquaintance who could not have been of more effectual Service to Her than I, who neither have a Fortune, nor have yet learn'd how to make one. Yet (unluckily for Me in this Instance) I had Credit; & the Sheriff offering to trust Me for any Slaves I might chuse to purchase, till April, my Discre[tio]n yielded to my Humanity, & I bought, for Mrs Campbell's Use, to the Amount of £370. Of this Mr Claiborne promises to pay 50£ & Mr Roger Dixon £100, wc. He owed to Mrs Campbell: The Balance I am accountable for. Will it be in your Power, Sir, to lend Me this Sum?1 I am asham'd almost to tell You, that if You cannot, I see no other Means of raising it with Certainty, but by selling my Negroes, which yet I cannot do without infinite Inconvenience. I have try'd to collect it from outstanding Debts here in Virga, but in vain: I try'd to borrow it in Maryland, equally in vain. So that, in Truth, I find myself reduc'd to a chance of being broke up for a Sum not much exceeding £200. I am in Hopes Mastr Custis's Estate may be able to spare This, 310 which I can only promise to pay again, if requir'd, in any Time after a Year; & that You may run no Risque, I will either give You sufft personal Security, or a Mortgage of Negroes of much more Value than the Sum I ask.2
It may appear to You perhaps, Sir, that I have been very improvident to be thus perplex'd in raising £220; & This is but too true; for as I never had a Wish to become a rich Man, I have only endeavoured so to square my Expences, as that my Income might just ansr my own Occasions, witht ever dreamg of so unexpected a Demand as the present.
Let me only add, that if You can by any Means, oblige Me with this Money, You will observe it must be before the first of April; & that your doing it will be conferring a very lasting Obliga[tio]n on, Sir, Yr most Obedt & very Hble Servt
Jonan Boucher
Mr Addison, who left This a few Days ago, has undertaken to purchase Me a waiting Boy, as I am in great Want of one; & to send Him over to your House, by Friday, in Hopes it may be in your Power to contrive Him down to Me. As Joe will probably have some Luggage, I fear He will not be able to bring Him, otherwise I believe He might witht hurtg his Horse. If You see He cannot, I beg You wd by no means send on purpose, but be so good as to let the Boy (if indeed I get one) stay with You, till some conven[ien]t oppty offers.3
ALS, DLC:GW.1
Boucher wrote in his Reminiscences of an American Loyalist, 1738-1789. Boston, 1925.]"Reminiscences (pp. 63-64): "A near neighbour of mine, the widow of a Colonel Spotswoode had married a Mr. [John] Campbell, a native of Jamaica, where he was supposed to have large possessions. (He was a sensible and an agreeable man; and we were good neighbours.) But they had been expensive; and of course were soon plunged into great difficulties. To extricate them out of these, Mr. Campbell said it was necessary to go to Jamaica. He did go, but never returned, having long since settled in Bruxelles, where last summer I called upon him, but could not see him, and where he seems to live utterly unmindful of his wife and Virginia. In two or three years after he went away his creditors grew impatient; and ere long, as there was but little of any other property to seize, all his wife's jointure was seized, to be sold during his life. Mrs. Campbell during her prosperity had been thought to carry her head high; and of course everybody, instead of endeavouring to alleviate her misfortunes, seemed to rejoice in her fall. I could not bear this; and so, at the sales of her effects which were chiefly slaves, I laid out not only Mr. [Joseph] Tickell's three hundred pounds, but two hundred pounds more of my own. And with the negroes I thus bought I wrought 311 the plantations, so as not only decently to maintain her, but also in five years' time fully to repay myself: and from that time to this, though the negroes are still legally mine, she has had the sole use and benefit of them." Mary Dandridge Spotswood Campbell, Martha Washington's cousin, had been left a wealthy widow when her husband John Spotswood died in 1758. At that time she was called the "reigning Toast" of Fort Cumberland (see Sarah Cary Fairfax to GW, 12 Sept. 1758 , and note 6 of that document). An advertisement for the sale of the land and slaves belonging to Mrs. Campbell appears in the Virginia Gazette (Rind; Williamsburg), 4 Dec. 1766. Mr. Claiborne may be Philip Whitehead Claiborne. Roger Dixon was a prominent Fredericksburg merchant.
Papers of George Washington
From Bernard Moore to George Washington 12 January 1771
427
From Bernard Moore
Document: Col08d262
Author: Moore, Bernard
Recipient: Washington, George
Date: 1771-01-12
12th Jany 1771
Dear Sir
My Circumstances are so situated as to make it Necessary for me to sell my whole Estate to pay my debts, & I am sorry to inform you it will take every shilling I have to effect that end, this will leave my Famely (for whom only I feel) in a very distresfull situation unless my friends will assist me in this my day of distress.1
My long acquaintance with you and the Friendship that has ever subsisted betwen us, emboldens me to request the favour of you to join my other Friends in lending me mony for a few years without interest, in which time, I hope to be able to work it out, as I have the advantage of working good Lands without paying Rent, but should I be mistaken I would not by any means have my friends Suffer by me, I propose the Negroes should be bought the name of the Gentleman who is so kind to lend the mony & allways remain as Security to him for refunding his Principal.
My Nephew Mr Aug: Seaton waits on you with this, who will inform you what my other friends propose doing, by whom I hope to receive your approbation of this Scheme & your kind assistance towards its execution.2 I am sincerely Dear Sir Your Affectio: Servt
Berd Moore
P:S: I had given a Mortgage to Mr P. W. Claiborne for several things to the amount of a thousand pounds for his security for my Executorship to Spotswoods Estate, besides several hundred pounds I had a wright to draw for out of the hands of the Speakers Administrators, all which (as I owe Spotswoods Estate not one farthing) I have Mortgaged to you and others, that you may assure your self your Brothers Estate can not suffer one Shilling was his debt much larger. B. M.3
ALS, DLC:GW.1 For Moore's financial difficulties and his indebtedness to the Daniel Parke Custis estate, see Moore to GW, 29 Dec. 1766, n.1 , and Moore to GW, 21 Oct. 1766, source note . 2 Augustine Seaton inherited the property of his father, George Seaton, in King and Queen County and became a planter there. See GW to Moore, 23 Jan., n.1 .
428 3For Moore's executorship of the estate of John Spotswood (d. 1758), of Spotsylvania County, see Cash Accounts, 1761, n.74 . See also GW to Moore, 23 Jan. 1771 .
Cite as: The Papers of George Washington Digital Edition, ed. Theodore J. Crackel. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, Rotunda, 2007.
Fragment ID: indexp92249
Canonic URL:http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/pgwde/indexp92249 [accessed 24 Jul 2009]
The Virginia Gazette February 4, 1773. Number 1123. Page 2, Column 3, no. 2
PURSUANT to an Order of the Honourable the General Court, we shall attend at the House of Captain George Weedon, in Fredericksburg, on Monday the 15th of March, to state and report any Demand that shall be laid before us against John Campbell, Esquire, of Newpost, of which all his Creditors are to take Notice, and attend with Proofs for ascertaining their Demands.FIELDING LEWIS, CHARLES DICK,JOSEPH JONES, JOHN LEWIS
The Virginia Gazette
February 18, 1773. Rind Number 354. Page 3, Column 3
PURSUANT to an Order of the Honourable the General Court, we shall attend at the house of Captain George Weedon, in Fredericksburg, on Monday the 15th of March next, to state and report any demand that shall be laid before us against John Campbell, Esquire, of Newpost, of which all his Creditors are to take notice, and attend with proofs for ascertaining their demands.FIELDING LEWIS (brother in law of George Washington)
CHARLE