Friday February 27th 1778

The proceedings of a general Court Martial in the trial of Lieutenant Walker Richardson278 of the second Regiment of State Troops for fighting a Duel with Lieutenant Triplett279 of the same Regiment Contrary to the Articles of War section 7th & Article Second, being laid by the Governor before the Board for their Opinion there upon and it appearing that the said Richardson was sentenced by the said Court to be cashiered for a Breach of the said Article, but that inasmuch as he had conducted himself as a Gentleman & Officer it was recommended that he be reinstated to his former Rank. The Council taking the same into Consideration are unanimously of Opinion that the said Sentence be confirmed, to show the abhorrence of the practice of Duelling notwithstanding the recommendation of the Court advised his Excellency to let him remain Cashiered; which the Governor orders accordingly.

The County Lieutenant of Loudoun having complained to the Governor that the Draught of Militia which was appointed to be made in that County on the 16th of this Month agreeable to a late Act of Assembly was prevented by the violent & riotous behaviour of the People, in Consequence of which the 11th of March was appointed for Compleating that necessary Business, but that without some exertions of Government there was little reason to expect a more successful Issue than before and the Governor asking the Opinion of the Board thereupon they advised his Excellency to give Orders that in Case of another Opposition to the Draught the County Lieutenant transmit to him the names of the ring leaders on that Occasion, & that he farther desire the Attorney General to prosecute such Offenders in the General Court, with the utmost rigours of the Law.

278 Walker Richardson, 2d lieutenant, 1st Continental Artillery, 1778; regimental quartermaster, February 1779; 1st lieutenant, August1779.

279 George Triplett, 1st lieutenant 1st Virginia State Regiment, 1777-1781.