Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Bowyer-Hubard family papers

Dublin Core

Title

Date

1767-1816

Description

Correspondence and family papers of Michael Bowyer, captain (Continental Line) of Augusta County, VA, including various state and continental commissions; leave certificates; certification of his marriage to Frances Carpenter in 1766; letters from John Page and James Wood containing military orders for Bowyer; and a letter (traditionally written to Bowyer) from Lafayette, introducing the French engineer Bernard. Also, correspondence and mementos of the Hubard family of Williamsburg, VA, united with the Bowyers when Elizabeth, daughter of the Loyalist lawyer James Hubard, married Michael Bowyer’s son. Included are letters from James Murray and Matthew Hubard to Mrs. Frances Hubard, Williamsburg; the engraved plate for James Hubard’s bookplate; and a framed silhouette of James Hubard.

Identifier

MS1929.1

Collection Items

James Murray letter to Frances Hubard, December 24
Certificate of marriage, 1767 January 29
Michael Bowyer militia commission, 1775 November 11

Militia commission issued by the Virginia Committee of Safety appointing Michael Bowyer a captain for Augusta County. The commission is signed by Edmund Pendleton, John Page, Thomas Ludwell Lee, Peter Carrington and Dudley Digges.
Michael Bowyer commission, 1776 September
John Page Jr. letter to Michael Bowyer, 1776 September 8

John Page letter to Michael Bowyer informing Bowyer that he is to remain with his company at his current post in Staunton and that money will be sent as soon as possible.
James Wood letter to Michael Bowyer, 1777 March 7

Colonel James Wood, commander of the 12th Virginia Regiment, letter to Captain Michael Bowyer. Wood writes to inform Bowyer that the battalion has been instructed to join the main army under General George Washington in New Jersey. Wood details the route and means Bowyer is to follow in carrying out this order.
Alexander McGrew and Michael Bowyer indenture, 1777 May 5

Indenture binding Alexander McGrew of Pennsylvania to pay Michael Bowyer of the 12th Virginia Regiment the sum of 36 pounds. The document also concerns Thomas Smith an indentured servant of James Brackin of Pennsylvania who ran away and joined Bowyer's company.
Grant of leave to Michael Bowyer by General Charles Scott, 1777 November 11

Grant of leave to Captain Michael Bowyer of the 12th Virginia Regiment. Bowyer was allowed to travel to his home to have his family inoculated against the smallpox.
Matthew Hubard letter to Frances Hubard, 1782 December 30

Matthew Hubard letter to his mother Frances Hubard of Williamsburg, Virginia. Hubard informs his mother that Lord Cornwallis has offered to take him on his mission to the East Indies (India?). Hubard sought Lord Dunmore's advice concerning the offer and was encouraged by Dunmore to accept it.
Marquis de Lafayette letter, 1816 September 15

Marquis de Lafayette letter possibly to Michael Bowyer introducing General Simon Bernard. Bernard was banished from France after Napoleon's second abdication and came to the United States where he was made an assistant engineer with the rank of Brigadier General.
James Hubard's armorial bookplate

Armorial bookplate of James Hubard, loyalist of Williamsburg, Virginia, with the Latin motto "Fortis et fidelis", "Brave and faithful."
Copper plate of James Hubard's bookplate, 18th-century
Silhouette of James Hubard

Silhouette supposed to be of James Hubard, died 1782. The image may be a copy or the original. The mounting is early 20th century.

View all 13 items

Facebook Twitter