William "Extra Billy" Smith was governor of Virginia from 1 January 1846 to
1 January 1849. Surviving original records from his administration can be
found in Office of the Governor, Record Group 3, Library of Virginia. I have
not worked in the governor's papers for the 1840s so do not know how
complete the files of letters received and of letters send are, nor do I
know whether the journal of the Executive Council is complete or useful for
that period.

Brent Tarter
The Library of Virginia
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Visit the Library of Virginia's web site at http://www.lva.lib.va.us

-----Original Message-----
From: Victoria Robinson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 25 March, 2002 12:41 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Governor of VA in Oct-Dec 1846


An article in the January 1847 issue of the National Era discusses a trial
in which the Governor of Virginia had demanded the extradiction from
Washington DC of a free negro and his slave wife back to Virginia.  The
events precipitating the order had occurred in October/November 1846.  Can I
safetly assume that William Smith, and not James McDowell, was governor at
that time?  In addition, would such an order be included among the Executive
Letters and Papers for that man?  Where would I likely find evidence of such
an order?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Victoria Robinson

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