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 [log in to unmask] 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 _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html