I have an ancestor, William Fitzhugh Thornton, who was a a Major in the militia of the District of Columbia during the War of 1812. He was born in VA and lived in Alexandria. 

In 1824, during General LaFayette’s visit to this county, Major Thornton was appointed by the courts to take charge of the military preparations for his reception in Washington and by another court to take charge of the civil preparations for the same purpose.  When LaFayette made his entrance to Alexandria on the 16th of October, welcomed by a general military and civil display, Major Thornton was both Grand Marshall and orator of the day. When LaFayette left the City, Major Thornton was selected as one of the party of gentlemen along with Chief Justice Marshall to accompany him on his trip through Virginia. 

I am sure because of this service, Major Thornton was commissioned by President John Quincy Adams as Brigadier General of the militia of the district of Columbia. I understand this commission was in March 1828.

I would like to obtain a copy of the paper that shows this commission but do not have any idea where to go to look for it. Is there anyone who has worked with this kind of records that can point me in the right direction? 

Thanking you in advance.

Gale Fuller

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