In this letter dated October 5, 1775, royal governor John Murray, fourth earl of Dunmore, informs William Legge, second earl of Dartmouth and secretary of state for the colonies, about the conflict developing between British and Patriot forces after colonists took supplies from a British tender that ran aground near Hampton. Hostilities culminated in the Battle of Hampton on October 26 and 27, 1775.
In this letter from May 1, 1775, royal governor John Murray, fourth earl of Dunmore, tells William Legge, second earl of Dartmouth, the secretary of state for the colonies, about increasing unrest after Dunmore ordered the removal of gunpowder from the Williamsburg Magazine in April. To defend himself and the colony, Dunmore states his intention to arm enslaved people and offer them freedom.
In this letter from December 24, 1774, royal governor John Murray, fourth earl of Dunmore, informs William Legge, second earl of Dartmouth, the secretary of state for the colonies, about the county committees being established in Virginia to enforce the Continental Association’s boycott of British trade.
In this proclamation, created on November 7, 1775, John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, the governor of Virginia, declares martial law and emancipates all enslaved people and indentured servants willing to fight for the British.
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