Person:John McNeill (22)

Yesterday Mr McClanachan, Colo. Stewart, & Captn Brackanridge Came home here from Willg, and they report, that they made enquirie of the Gover: how they were to be paid for their Servts, and that the Govr deny’d he had given any orders to Inlist Servts nor would have any concern in the matter,1 I can find by them they are design’d to Cause me some Trouble, therefor Shall be much Oblidg’d if you’ll Send me my Orders in writing wh. I’ll engage to put in execution in no thanks to the ⟨illegible⟩.2 I belive they intend to Secure me or the Servts. I am Sir your Most Obt Servt

(Signed) John McNeill

[Note: 1. “Mr McClanachan” is probably Robert McClenachan (McClanahan) who lived in Staunton and served at one time as sheriff of Augusta County. Robert Breckenridge, a captain in the Augusta militia, was sheriff of the county in 1755 and a justice. Col. Stewart was David Stewart of Augusta County. See GW to Dinwiddie, 10 Oct. 1756, n.4].

[Note: 2. It appears to make sense that "Mr. McClanahan" was Robert McClenachan (McClanahan), because in John McNeill's will, he makes reference to a "Jenny McClanahan" who McNeill had "great esteem and affection" for, likely this was Jenny McClanahan, daughter of the said Robert McClanahan. She would go on to marry Alexander St. Clair (Sinclair) four years after John McNeill's death, in abt. 1769].

Source: National Archives

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Will Abstract

From Chalkley's:

Page 386.--1st February, 1765. John McNeill's will, late Major in Virginia Regiment--All estate to be sold and proceeds put in hands of friend, Mr. Andrew Sproul, of Gosport, merchant, to and for the sole use and benefit of my father if he should be living at the time of my death; if dead, then to be given to brother Hector McNeill, on condition that he get his discharge from the Army within 12 months; if Hector refuse, then to be given to Aunt Henrietta McNeill. To Miss Jenny McClenachan, her choice of the horses he bought from her brother when they came from Carolina; also an antient family white stone ring, set in gold, which I hope she will wear as a memorial of the great esteem and affection I have long had for her. To good friends. Colonel Andrew Lewis and George Weedon--to former, best set of pistols; to latter, his sword. Hopes the following will accept and wear, for the sake of him who has long esteemed them, a plain mourning golden ring, viz: Thos. Lewis, Jno. Madison, Gabriel Jones, my cousin, Annabella McNeill, and Mr. Andrew Sproul. Executor, Col. Andrew Lewis. Teste: Gabriel Jones, Felix Gilbert, Jno. Madison. Proved, 19th March, 1765, by Jones and Madison. Executor qualifies, with Jno. Madison.

Page 400.--27th March, 1765. Col. John McNeill's estate appraised, by Alex. McClenachan, Wm. Cunningham, John McClenachan, William Crow. 25th May, 1765, 1 negro woman appraised.

Page 40.--24th August, 1767. Account of administration of estate of Col. John McNeill, recorded--Cash paid Wm. Duncan for board of servants under cure; to gold watch sold George Weedon. 1765, April 1st-- Cash paid Joseph Gamble for riding express for Col. McNeile to Dr. Jameson. July 4th--Cash paid in part of Farghagh Cambel's account. November 5th--Cash paid James Hughes the balance of Farghagh Camil account. Cash paid Hector McNeil. 1766, January 1st--Cash paid Mr. James Melvin. 1766, January 9th--To cash paid Wm. Lewis for 750 pounds flower for ye use of ye detachment Col. McNeil marched to Fort Pitt. July 2d-- Cash paid John Coke. Credits--1765, February, by 5 ounces, 3 pennyweights of gold, £25.16.0.; by 35 dollars and 2 half johannos, £14.13.9.; by 1 moidon, 6 Inglish shillings; by cash from Col. Bouquet, £90.0.0.; by cash from Capt. Walter Cunningham, £12.16.9.; by cash from John Mann. August 20th, by cash from Edward Long for blankets. 1766, May 22d, by cash from Wm. Hyde.

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Records in Augusta County, VA

From Chalkley's:

Page 520.--17th November, 1757. James ( ) Coyle to Wm. Preston, £15, 145 acres by patent, 16th August. 1756, on North River Shanando; cor. Benj. Copeland. Teste: Jno. McNeill.