Form of Commission to Deputy Attorney Generals, [June 1779?]
Form of Commission to Deputy Attorney Generals
[June 1779?]
the commonwealth of virginia
To Esquire, greeting:
Know you, that from the special Trust and Confidence which is reposed in your Patriotism, Abilities and good Conduct, you are, by these Presents, constituted and appointed Deputy Attorney for the County of You are therefore to advise and prosecute on Behalf of the said Commonwealth within the said County, and to execute the said Office in all other Matters and Things thereunto relating; and also you are empowered to hold and enjoy all Profits and Emoluments which unto the same may of Right belong. Witness Patrick Henry, Esq; Governour or Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth aforesaid, this Day of in the Year of the Commonwealth, Annoque Domini 177
Printed form (DLC). The blanks have not been filled in. On verso appears a memorandum in TJ’s hand, partly illegible, as follows: “query [. . . .] no law has authorised the governour to grant such a commission, if any person may do it, it must be the Attorney general whose deputy he is, & who therefore must give him letters of deputation.” Accompanying this blank commission in the TJ Papers, 236: 42331ff. are other printed forms of commissions for sheriffs, county tobacco inspectors, assistant county tobacco inspectors, justices of the peace, and justices of the courts of oyer and terminer; all these are blank forms but include Patrick Henry’s name as governor. They are omitted here.