[His surname is pronounced BOI-yer]
A REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERAN
who served in the following battles:
• The Battle of Cooch's Bridge
• The Battle of Brandywine
• The Battle of the Clouds
• The Battle of Germantown
• The Battle of Monmouth
His death notice from the 15 March 1809 edition of the Virginia Herald:
DIED, in Greenbriar, at the Sulpher Springs, Mr. Henry Bowyer, ſon of Mr. Michael Bowyer, proprietor of ſaid Springs — Alſo, at the ſame place, nine days after the death of his ſon, Mr. Michael Bowyer. [Page 3]
Biography: Michael Bowyer was born in Augusta County (which was then part of Spotsylvania County) in 1730. He grew up in Staunton and eventually developed a law practice there. By 1763, at the end of the French and Indian War, he was active in the local Augusta Militia, serving as an ensign. Three years later, in 1766, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
As a member of the Committee of Freeholders of Augusta County, Michael Bowyer helped to draw up the historic "Resolutions" just prior to the outset of the Revolution. Then, after the hostilities had started, on November 11th, 1775, he was appointed the captain of a company in the Augusta County Militia. He served in this capacity until August of 1776, when he was transferred to the command of a company of regulars that had been raised by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
On September 30th, 1776, he was commissioned a captain in the 12th Virginia Continental Line, receiving a commission signed by the President of Continental Congress, John Hancock. His company served the fall of 1776 defending the frontiers from the "incursion of Indians," and in the spring of 1777, marched from a fort at Tyger's Valley to Winchester, where it met back up with the rest of the 12th Regiment and commenced northward. Bowyer continued in the active field service of the Continental Line until October of 1778, when, by the reduction of regiments, in the White Plains Agreement, he was "deranged" from his troops in the 12th Regiment (see note on derangement) and appointed a supernumerary officer in the 8th Regiment—a position that he held throughout the remainder of the war.
He represented Augusta County in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1784-1786.
What is derangement? This is an 18th-century euphemism for officers in the Continental Army who, for various reasons, were forced into an early retirement. Basically, by the middle of the war, many of the regiments were at half strength (or worse), due to the mounting number of casualties, sick & wounded soldiers, and deserters. Congress made the decision to take half-strength regiments in some of the State Lines and combine them to make full-strength regiments (e.g. two half-strength regiments would contract into one full-strength regiment, and so on). The officers who held commissions in the contracted regiments were suddenly left with no troops to command. Thus, they were "deranged" from their troops, and sent home! Sort of a "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" scenario, if you will...
Officers who had served honorably were listed as 'Supernumerary' officers, which meant that they were essentially substitutes who were kept on the roster. In case one of the officers in active field service was killed, a supernumerary could be called in to fill the vacant slot. This is the capacity in which Michael Bowyer served for the last 5 years of the war. Once the 12th Regiment was contracted into the 8th, he was thrust into being "on call" 24/7, in the event that he should be called back into active duty.
A letter from Thomas Jefferson to Michael Bowyer:
Washington Nov. 3. 1802.
Dear Sir
I have been just informed that about 9. miles from the Sweet springs in Greenbriar county, a few months past, was found in a saltpetre cave, some large bones, one of which, a claw, measured 9. inches in length: and that the person who was digging out the bones, intended them for mr Peale. if this has been done, or shall be done, it is all that is desired. but if this destination of them has not been pursued, then the favor I have to ask of you is to endeavor to get them, to have them packed in a box securely against breaking, and forwarded by water to Richmond to the care of Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson merchts. there, who will be instructed to pay all expence attending them, & forward them to mr Peale in Philadelphia. I understand that my friend Genl. John Bowyer lives not far from the head navigation of James river, and am sure he will do me the favor to see them safely forwarded. I presume these bones are of the same species of animal with some formerly sent me by Colo. Stewart of Green briar, and which till then had been utterly unknown, being entirely different from the big bones on the Ohio. it is interesting therefore to procure all the remains of it we can, in order to ascertain what it was, & to learn if it still exists in any part of the Continent. the favor I am asking of you on this occasion is asked with the less reluctance as it gives me an opportunity of recalling myself to your recollection, and of tendering you assurances of my constant esteem and most friendly wishes for your happiness.
Th: Jefferson
A letter from Michael Bowyer to Thomas Jefferson:
Sulphur Springs 28th. June 1803
Honorable Sir.
Not before the 18th. of May did I recve your favour of the date Novr. 3d. 1802. Shortly afterwards I made the inquirey agreable to your request relative to those bones which have been found in a Saltpeter cave the property of A Mr. Pattin about 15 Miles distance from me. the claw & other bones will be eaquel to the information you have ricvd. within a few weeks past. Pattin informes me when didging in the cave a considerable distance from whare the claws & other bones was got nearly six foot under ground the back bone, as is Suposed of the same Species of animal of those formerly sent by Col. Stuurt. The Tube or hollow through the bone is Nearly three Inches diameter the bone is much dcayed. as is also the Claw and other parts of the bones yet when collected may be interesting in order to Assertain what prodigious animal of that Species it must have been. on the receipt of your favour I immediately made application to Mr. Pattin for the whole of the bones and if could have got them would with much pleasur complyd. with your request in sending Them on—but it Seems Mr. Pattin was & is under a promis to send them to Mr. Monrow the late governor. which he intends to do this fall with any other’s that he may yet get in the cave in which he is working by that time, I doubt not but Mr. Monrow may intend them for you or Mr. Peals. that being the case I hope will fully answer your desire. it gives me grate satisfaction as it must also to every citizen of the United States to find the grate Zeal you so Ardently pursue in distributing infirmation & Knowledge amongst all the happy citizens over which you preside. That you may long live & injoy all the happiness this world can afford is the sencere wish of your most obedt. & Hble Sert—
Michl Bowyer
A letter from Michael Bowyer to James Wood:
Sulphur Springs, 8th Novr. 1808
Dear Sir
I received your Memo favored of 30th Novr. Last and your attention and trouble is very obliging the certificate from my old friend Coll. Gamble will shew the time of my entering into the service the other requeset you think neceſsary I never did Resign but Retired as a Supernumerary, there not being men sufficn't then in the Army to compleat the Regiments, but considered ourselves
Liable to be call'd into service when the Regiments should be completed, but that being not done nor thought required the supernumerary was all discharged in the year 1782 or 83, Majr. Prior thinks in the latter year. if any thing further neceſsary, Prior is at hand & hope you have fully recovered your health.
With great respect, your obt. svt.
Michl Bowyer
A write-up on Michael Bowyer contributed by fellow Find-a-Grave member, John: In the Indian War, 1763 Michael Bowyer was ensign in the Augusta County, Virginia Militia, and as the Revolution approached, raised and equipped a company at his own expense. He was a member of the House of Delegates and one of a Committee which drew up the the famous Resolutions of Independence. He was a captain in the 12th Virginia Regiment, Continental Line 1776 commanded by Col. Wood. In recognition of his services, Captain Michael Bowyer was presented by the State with 5,000 acres of land, where a portion of the city of Cincinnati now stands. His father-in-law was original owner of the Greenbrier "White Sulphur Springs," which were patented to Captain Michael in 1784. He was personal friends with Thomas Jefferson.
A REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERAN
who served in the following battles:
• The Battle of Cooch's Bridge
• The Battle of Brandywine
• The Battle of the Clouds
• The Battle of Germantown
• The Battle of Monmouth
His death notice from the 15 March 1809 edition of the Virginia Herald:
DIED, in Greenbriar, at the Sulpher Springs, Mr. Henry Bowyer, ſon of Mr. Michael Bowyer, proprietor of ſaid Springs — Alſo, at the ſame place, nine days after the death of his ſon, Mr. Michael Bowyer. [Page 3]
Biography: Michael Bowyer was born in Augusta County (which was then part of Spotsylvania County) in 1730. He grew up in Staunton and eventually developed a law practice there. By 1763, at the end of the French and Indian War, he was active in the local Augusta Militia, serving as an ensign. Three years later, in 1766, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
As a member of the Committee of Freeholders of Augusta County, Michael Bowyer helped to draw up the historic "Resolutions" just prior to the outset of the Revolution. Then, after the hostilities had started, on November 11th, 1775, he was appointed the captain of a company in the Augusta County Militia. He served in this capacity until August of 1776, when he was transferred to the command of a company of regulars that had been raised by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
On September 30th, 1776, he was commissioned a captain in the 12th Virginia Continental Line, receiving a commission signed by the President of Continental Congress, John Hancock. His company served the fall of 1776 defending the frontiers from the "incursion of Indians," and in the spring of 1777, marched from a fort at Tyger's Valley to Winchester, where it met back up with the rest of the 12th Regiment and commenced northward. Bowyer continued in the active field service of the Continental Line until October of 1778, when, by the reduction of regiments, in the White Plains Agreement, he was "deranged" from his troops in the 12th Regiment (see note on derangement) and appointed a supernumerary officer in the 8th Regiment—a position that he held throughout the remainder of the war.
He represented Augusta County in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1784-1786.
What is derangement? This is an 18th-century euphemism for officers in the Continental Army who, for various reasons, were forced into an early retirement. Basically, by the middle of the war, many of the regiments were at half strength (or worse), due to the mounting number of casualties, sick & wounded soldiers, and deserters. Congress made the decision to take half-strength regiments in some of the State Lines and combine them to make full-strength regiments (e.g. two half-strength regiments would contract into one full-strength regiment, and so on). The officers who held commissions in the contracted regiments were suddenly left with no troops to command. Thus, they were "deranged" from their troops, and sent home! Sort of a "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" scenario, if you will...
Officers who had served honorably were listed as 'Supernumerary' officers, which meant that they were essentially substitutes who were kept on the roster. In case one of the officers in active field service was killed, a supernumerary could be called in to fill the vacant slot. This is the capacity in which Michael Bowyer served for the last 5 years of the war. Once the 12th Regiment was contracted into the 8th, he was thrust into being "on call" 24/7, in the event that he should be called back into active duty.
A letter from Thomas Jefferson to Michael Bowyer:
Washington Nov. 3. 1802.
Dear Sir
I have been just informed that about 9. miles from the Sweet springs in Greenbriar county, a few months past, was found in a saltpetre cave, some large bones, one of which, a claw, measured 9. inches in length: and that the person who was digging out the bones, intended them for mr Peale. if this has been done, or shall be done, it is all that is desired. but if this destination of them has not been pursued, then the favor I have to ask of you is to endeavor to get them, to have them packed in a box securely against breaking, and forwarded by water to Richmond to the care of Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson merchts. there, who will be instructed to pay all expence attending them, & forward them to mr Peale in Philadelphia. I understand that my friend Genl. John Bowyer lives not far from the head navigation of James river, and am sure he will do me the favor to see them safely forwarded. I presume these bones are of the same species of animal with some formerly sent me by Colo. Stewart of Green briar, and which till then had been utterly unknown, being entirely different from the big bones on the Ohio. it is interesting therefore to procure all the remains of it we can, in order to ascertain what it was, & to learn if it still exists in any part of the Continent. the favor I am asking of you on this occasion is asked with the less reluctance as it gives me an opportunity of recalling myself to your recollection, and of tendering you assurances of my constant esteem and most friendly wishes for your happiness.
Th: Jefferson
A letter from Michael Bowyer to Thomas Jefferson:
Sulphur Springs 28th. June 1803
Honorable Sir.
Not before the 18th. of May did I recve your favour of the date Novr. 3d. 1802. Shortly afterwards I made the inquirey agreable to your request relative to those bones which have been found in a Saltpeter cave the property of A Mr. Pattin about 15 Miles distance from me. the claw & other bones will be eaquel to the information you have ricvd. within a few weeks past. Pattin informes me when didging in the cave a considerable distance from whare the claws & other bones was got nearly six foot under ground the back bone, as is Suposed of the same Species of animal of those formerly sent by Col. Stuurt. The Tube or hollow through the bone is Nearly three Inches diameter the bone is much dcayed. as is also the Claw and other parts of the bones yet when collected may be interesting in order to Assertain what prodigious animal of that Species it must have been. on the receipt of your favour I immediately made application to Mr. Pattin for the whole of the bones and if could have got them would with much pleasur complyd. with your request in sending Them on—but it Seems Mr. Pattin was & is under a promis to send them to Mr. Monrow the late governor. which he intends to do this fall with any other’s that he may yet get in the cave in which he is working by that time, I doubt not but Mr. Monrow may intend them for you or Mr. Peals. that being the case I hope will fully answer your desire. it gives me grate satisfaction as it must also to every citizen of the United States to find the grate Zeal you so Ardently pursue in distributing infirmation & Knowledge amongst all the happy citizens over which you preside. That you may long live & injoy all the happiness this world can afford is the sencere wish of your most obedt. & Hble Sert—
Michl Bowyer
A letter from Michael Bowyer to James Wood:
Sulphur Springs, 8th Novr. 1808
Dear Sir
I received your Memo favored of 30th Novr. Last and your attention and trouble is very obliging the certificate from my old friend Coll. Gamble will shew the time of my entering into the service the other requeset you think neceſsary I never did Resign but Retired as a Supernumerary, there not being men sufficn't then in the Army to compleat the Regiments, but considered ourselves
Liable to be call'd into service when the Regiments should be completed, but that being not done nor thought required the supernumerary was all discharged in the year 1782 or 83, Majr. Prior thinks in the latter year. if any thing further neceſsary, Prior is at hand & hope you have fully recovered your health.
With great respect, your obt. svt.
Michl Bowyer
A write-up on Michael Bowyer contributed by fellow Find-a-Grave member, John: In the Indian War, 1763 Michael Bowyer was ensign in the Augusta County, Virginia Militia, and as the Revolution approached, raised and equipped a company at his own expense. He was a member of the House of Delegates and one of a Committee which drew up the the famous Resolutions of Independence. He was a captain in the 12th Virginia Regiment, Continental Line 1776 commanded by Col. Wood. In recognition of his services, Captain Michael Bowyer was presented by the State with 5,000 acres of land, where a portion of the city of Cincinnati now stands. His father-in-law was original owner of the Greenbrier "White Sulphur Springs," which were patented to Captain Michael in 1784. He was personal friends with Thomas Jefferson.
[His surname is pronounced BOI-yer]
A REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERAN
who served in the following battles:
• The Battle of Cooch's Bridge
• The Battle of Brandywine
• The Battle of the Clouds
• The Battle of Germantown
• The Battle of Monmouth
His death notice from the 15 March 1809 edition of the Virginia Herald:
DIED, in Greenbriar, at the Sulpher Springs, Mr. Henry Bowyer, ſon of Mr. Michael Bowyer, proprietor of ſaid Springs — Alſo, at the ſame place, nine days after the death of his ſon, Mr. Michael Bowyer. [Page 3]
Biography: Michael Bowyer was born in Augusta County (which was then part of Spotsylvania County) in 1730. He grew up in Staunton and eventually developed a law practice there. By 1763, at the end of the French and Indian War, he was active in the local Augusta Militia, serving as an ensign. Three years later, in 1766, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
As a member of the Committee of Freeholders of Augusta County, Michael Bowyer helped to draw up the historic "Resolutions" just prior to the outset of the Revolution. Then, after the hostilities had started, on November 11th, 1775, he was appointed the captain of a company in the Augusta County Militia. He served in this capacity until August of 1776, when he was transferred to the command of a company of regulars that had been raised by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
On September 30th, 1776, he was commissioned a captain in the 12th Virginia Continental Line, receiving a commission signed by the President of Continental Congress, John Hancock. His company served the fall of 1776 defending the frontiers from the "incursion of Indians," and in the spring of 1777, marched from a fort at Tyger's Valley to Winchester, where it met back up with the rest of the 12th Regiment and commenced northward. Bowyer continued in the active field service of the Continental Line until October of 1778, when, by the reduction of regiments, in the White Plains Agreement, he was "deranged" from his troops in the 12th Regiment (see note on derangement) and appointed a supernumerary officer in the 8th Regiment—a position that he held throughout the remainder of the war.
He represented Augusta County in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1784-1786.
What is derangement? This is an 18th-century euphemism for officers in the Continental Army who, for various reasons, were forced into an early retirement. Basically, by the middle of the war, many of the regiments were at half strength (or worse), due to the mounting number of casualties, sick & wounded soldiers, and deserters. Congress made the decision to take half-strength regiments in some of the State Lines and combine them to make full-strength regiments (e.g. two half-strength regiments would contract into one full-strength regiment, and so on). The officers who held commissions in the contracted regiments were suddenly left with no troops to command. Thus, they were "deranged" from their troops, and sent home! Sort of a "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" scenario, if you will...
Officers who had served honorably were listed as 'Supernumerary' officers, which meant that they were essentially substitutes who were kept on the roster. In case one of the officers in active field service was killed, a supernumerary could be called in to fill the vacant slot. This is the capacity in which Michael Bowyer served for the last 5 years of the war. Once the 12th Regiment was contracted into the 8th, he was thrust into being "on call" 24/7, in the event that he should be called back into active duty.
A letter from Thomas Jefferson to Michael Bowyer:
Washington Nov. 3. 1802.
Dear Sir
I have been just informed that about 9. miles from the Sweet springs in Greenbriar county, a few months past, was found in a saltpetre cave, some large bones, one of which, a claw, measured 9. inches in length: and that the person who was digging out the bones, intended them for mr Peale. if this has been done, or shall be done, it is all that is desired. but if this destination of them has not been pursued, then the favor I have to ask of you is to endeavor to get them, to have them packed in a box securely against breaking, and forwarded by water to Richmond to the care of Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson merchts. there, who will be instructed to pay all expence attending them, & forward them to mr Peale in Philadelphia. I understand that my friend Genl. John Bowyer lives not far from the head navigation of James river, and am sure he will do me the favor to see them safely forwarded. I presume these bones are of the same species of animal with some formerly sent me by Colo. Stewart of Green briar, and which till then had been utterly unknown, being entirely different from the big bones on the Ohio. it is interesting therefore to procure all the remains of it we can, in order to ascertain what it was, & to learn if it still exists in any part of the Continent. the favor I am asking of you on this occasion is asked with the less reluctance as it gives me an opportunity of recalling myself to your recollection, and of tendering you assurances of my constant esteem and most friendly wishes for your happiness.
Th: Jefferson
A letter from Michael Bowyer to Thomas Jefferson:
Sulphur Springs 28th. June 1803
Honorable Sir.
Not before the 18th. of May did I recve your favour of the date Novr. 3d. 1802. Shortly afterwards I made the inquirey agreable to your request relative to those bones which have been found in a Saltpeter cave the property of A Mr. Pattin about 15 Miles distance from me. the claw & other bones will be eaquel to the information you have ricvd. within a few weeks past. Pattin informes me when didging in the cave a considerable distance from whare the claws & other bones was got nearly six foot under ground the back bone, as is Suposed of the same Species of animal of those formerly sent by Col. Stuurt. The Tube or hollow through the bone is Nearly three Inches diameter the bone is much dcayed. as is also the Claw and other parts of the bones yet when collected may be interesting in order to Assertain what prodigious animal of that Species it must have been. on the receipt of your favour I immediately made application to Mr. Pattin for the whole of the bones and if could have got them would with much pleasur complyd. with your request in sending Them on—but it Seems Mr. Pattin was & is under a promis to send them to Mr. Monrow the late governor. which he intends to do this fall with any other’s that he may yet get in the cave in which he is working by that time, I doubt not but Mr. Monrow may intend them for you or Mr. Peals. that being the case I hope will fully answer your desire. it gives me grate satisfaction as it must also to every citizen of the United States to find the grate Zeal you so Ardently pursue in distributing infirmation & Knowledge amongst all the happy citizens over which you preside. That you may long live & injoy all the happiness this world can afford is the sencere wish of your most obedt. & Hble Sert—
Michl Bowyer
A letter from Michael Bowyer to James Wood:
Sulphur Springs, 8th Novr. 1808
Dear Sir
I received your Memo favored of 30th Novr. Last and your attention and trouble is very obliging the certificate from my old friend Coll. Gamble will shew the time of my entering into the service the other requeset you think neceſsary I never did Resign but Retired as a Supernumerary, there not being men sufficn't then in the Army to compleat the Regiments, but considered ourselves
Liable to be call'd into service when the Regiments should be completed, but that being not done nor thought required the supernumerary was all discharged in the year 1782 or 83, Majr. Prior thinks in the latter year. if any thing further neceſsary, Prior is at hand & hope you have fully recovered your health.
With great respect, your obt. svt.
Michl Bowyer
A write-up on Michael Bowyer contributed by fellow Find-a-Grave member, John: In the Indian War, 1763 Michael Bowyer was ensign in the Augusta County, Virginia Militia, and as the Revolution approached, raised and equipped a company at his own expense. He was a member of the House of Delegates and one of a Committee which drew up the the famous Resolutions of Independence. He was a captain in the 12th Virginia Regiment, Continental Line 1776 commanded by Col. Wood. In recognition of his services, Captain Michael Bowyer was presented by the State with 5,000 acres of land, where a portion of the city of Cincinnati now stands. His father-in-law was original owner of the Greenbrier "White Sulphur Springs," which were patented to Captain Michael in 1784. He was personal friends with Thomas Jefferson.
A REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERAN
who served in the following battles:
• The Battle of Cooch's Bridge
• The Battle of Brandywine
• The Battle of the Clouds
• The Battle of Germantown
• The Battle of Monmouth
His death notice from the 15 March 1809 edition of the Virginia Herald:
DIED, in Greenbriar, at the Sulpher Springs, Mr. Henry Bowyer, ſon of Mr. Michael Bowyer, proprietor of ſaid Springs — Alſo, at the ſame place, nine days after the death of his ſon, Mr. Michael Bowyer. [Page 3]
Biography: Michael Bowyer was born in Augusta County (which was then part of Spotsylvania County) in 1730. He grew up in Staunton and eventually developed a law practice there. By 1763, at the end of the French and Indian War, he was active in the local Augusta Militia, serving as an ensign. Three years later, in 1766, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
As a member of the Committee of Freeholders of Augusta County, Michael Bowyer helped to draw up the historic "Resolutions" just prior to the outset of the Revolution. Then, after the hostilities had started, on November 11th, 1775, he was appointed the captain of a company in the Augusta County Militia. He served in this capacity until August of 1776, when he was transferred to the command of a company of regulars that had been raised by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
On September 30th, 1776, he was commissioned a captain in the 12th Virginia Continental Line, receiving a commission signed by the President of Continental Congress, John Hancock. His company served the fall of 1776 defending the frontiers from the "incursion of Indians," and in the spring of 1777, marched from a fort at Tyger's Valley to Winchester, where it met back up with the rest of the 12th Regiment and commenced northward. Bowyer continued in the active field service of the Continental Line until October of 1778, when, by the reduction of regiments, in the White Plains Agreement, he was "deranged" from his troops in the 12th Regiment (see note on derangement) and appointed a supernumerary officer in the 8th Regiment—a position that he held throughout the remainder of the war.
He represented Augusta County in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1784-1786.
What is derangement? This is an 18th-century euphemism for officers in the Continental Army who, for various reasons, were forced into an early retirement. Basically, by the middle of the war, many of the regiments were at half strength (or worse), due to the mounting number of casualties, sick & wounded soldiers, and deserters. Congress made the decision to take half-strength regiments in some of the State Lines and combine them to make full-strength regiments (e.g. two half-strength regiments would contract into one full-strength regiment, and so on). The officers who held commissions in the contracted regiments were suddenly left with no troops to command. Thus, they were "deranged" from their troops, and sent home! Sort of a "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" scenario, if you will...
Officers who had served honorably were listed as 'Supernumerary' officers, which meant that they were essentially substitutes who were kept on the roster. In case one of the officers in active field service was killed, a supernumerary could be called in to fill the vacant slot. This is the capacity in which Michael Bowyer served for the last 5 years of the war. Once the 12th Regiment was contracted into the 8th, he was thrust into being "on call" 24/7, in the event that he should be called back into active duty.
A letter from Thomas Jefferson to Michael Bowyer:
Washington Nov. 3. 1802.
Dear Sir
I have been just informed that about 9. miles from the Sweet springs in Greenbriar county, a few months past, was found in a saltpetre cave, some large bones, one of which, a claw, measured 9. inches in length: and that the person who was digging out the bones, intended them for mr Peale. if this has been done, or shall be done, it is all that is desired. but if this destination of them has not been pursued, then the favor I have to ask of you is to endeavor to get them, to have them packed in a box securely against breaking, and forwarded by water to Richmond to the care of Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson merchts. there, who will be instructed to pay all expence attending them, & forward them to mr Peale in Philadelphia. I understand that my friend Genl. John Bowyer lives not far from the head navigation of James river, and am sure he will do me the favor to see them safely forwarded. I presume these bones are of the same species of animal with some formerly sent me by Colo. Stewart of Green briar, and which till then had been utterly unknown, being entirely different from the big bones on the Ohio. it is interesting therefore to procure all the remains of it we can, in order to ascertain what it was, & to learn if it still exists in any part of the Continent. the favor I am asking of you on this occasion is asked with the less reluctance as it gives me an opportunity of recalling myself to your recollection, and of tendering you assurances of my constant esteem and most friendly wishes for your happiness.
Th: Jefferson
A letter from Michael Bowyer to Thomas Jefferson:
Sulphur Springs 28th. June 1803
Honorable Sir.
Not before the 18th. of May did I recve your favour of the date Novr. 3d. 1802. Shortly afterwards I made the inquirey agreable to your request relative to those bones which have been found in a Saltpeter cave the property of A Mr. Pattin about 15 Miles distance from me. the claw & other bones will be eaquel to the information you have ricvd. within a few weeks past. Pattin informes me when didging in the cave a considerable distance from whare the claws & other bones was got nearly six foot under ground the back bone, as is Suposed of the same Species of animal of those formerly sent by Col. Stuurt. The Tube or hollow through the bone is Nearly three Inches diameter the bone is much dcayed. as is also the Claw and other parts of the bones yet when collected may be interesting in order to Assertain what prodigious animal of that Species it must have been. on the receipt of your favour I immediately made application to Mr. Pattin for the whole of the bones and if could have got them would with much pleasur complyd. with your request in sending Them on—but it Seems Mr. Pattin was & is under a promis to send them to Mr. Monrow the late governor. which he intends to do this fall with any other’s that he may yet get in the cave in which he is working by that time, I doubt not but Mr. Monrow may intend them for you or Mr. Peals. that being the case I hope will fully answer your desire. it gives me grate satisfaction as it must also to every citizen of the United States to find the grate Zeal you so Ardently pursue in distributing infirmation & Knowledge amongst all the happy citizens over which you preside. That you may long live & injoy all the happiness this world can afford is the sencere wish of your most obedt. & Hble Sert—
Michl Bowyer
A letter from Michael Bowyer to James Wood:
Sulphur Springs, 8th Novr. 1808
Dear Sir
I received your Memo favored of 30th Novr. Last and your attention and trouble is very obliging the certificate from my old friend Coll. Gamble will shew the time of my entering into the service the other requeset you think neceſsary I never did Resign but Retired as a Supernumerary, there not being men sufficn't then in the Army to compleat the Regiments, but considered ourselves
Liable to be call'd into service when the Regiments should be completed, but that being not done nor thought required the supernumerary was all discharged in the year 1782 or 83, Majr. Prior thinks in the latter year. if any thing further neceſsary, Prior is at hand & hope you have fully recovered your health.
With great respect, your obt. svt.
Michl Bowyer
A write-up on Michael Bowyer contributed by fellow Find-a-Grave member, John: In the Indian War, 1763 Michael Bowyer was ensign in the Augusta County, Virginia Militia, and as the Revolution approached, raised and equipped a company at his own expense. He was a member of the House of Delegates and one of a Committee which drew up the the famous Resolutions of Independence. He was a captain in the 12th Virginia Regiment, Continental Line 1776 commanded by Col. Wood. In recognition of his services, Captain Michael Bowyer was presented by the State with 5,000 acres of land, where a portion of the city of Cincinnati now stands. His father-in-law was original owner of the Greenbrier "White Sulphur Springs," which were patented to Captain Michael in 1784. He was personal friends with Thomas Jefferson.
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