J. J. W. RlVARDI TO THE GOVERNOR June 15th 1794

J. J. W. RlVARDI TO THE GOVERNOR.
According to your request and to my promise, I have the honor to write you an account of my proceedings in the business, which your Excellency seems to have so much at heart. Since your departure, we hardly had any assistance, one day excepted, and then indeed we had rather an over affluence. It would be more serviceable if a general account was taken of the men disposed to give us their labour, and divide their number in such manner as would afford us a constant party of Volunteers, be it ever so small. I wrote to Colonel Wilson a few days ago, requesting a fresh supply of workmen. His answer was very polite. He promised me to use his endeavors, but expressed at the same time some fears not to succeed, for the people of Portsmouth (as he observes) are much dissatisfied that the whole contribution of the two towns and county, with the appropriation of Congress, were not applied to the completion of Fort Nelson. Moreover there are several of our acquaintances, who by very ignorant and ill natured remarks, hurt greatly the progress of our works by stifling the good intentions of a great number of Citizens. There hobby-horse is the difficulty of manning so many different places. In fact, I stop my ears and proceed as fast as circumstances will allow. Most of the ground before the batteries A. B. C. D. is removed, the fascines are going on briskly, and the day after to-morrow I shall survey Crany Island, and shortly after have the honor to submit the plan of its defences to your inspection.
I took Mr. Courty with me to-day, in order to survey several places necessary for the general map of Elizabeth river, which will give a perfect idea of its defences both by sea and by land.   The brick work and all the traverses which were begun are compleat, and the whole of my attention will be next week directed towards the fitting of the batteries. I hope for some assistance on Monday. Col. Newton gives himself a great deal of trouble about it. Wish to God there were ten men like him in Norfolk. The plans here inclosed were ready several days ago, as your Excellency will see by the letter ac companying them. Capt. Lee forgot to take them. Any explanation would be fruitless, as you undoubtedly know them all by heart.
I received no letters yet of the Secretary of war since your departure, and expect some by this post.
I hope your Excellency will favor me with a few lines whenever you will think any alteration in the measures hitherto taken necessary.
Mrs. Rivardi presents her respectful compliments to Mrs. Lee, and I respectfully and with great esteem remain,
Your, &c.

 

Fort Norfolk Documents

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Source of Information

CALENDAR of VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS and OTHER MANUSCRIPTS, FROM JANUARY 1, 1794, TO MAY 16, 1795, PRESERVED IN THE CAPITOL AT RICHMOND. ARRANGED AND EDITED BY SHERWIN McRAE and RALEIGH COLSTON, UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND DIRECTION OF Hon. H. W. FLOUENOY, SECRETARY Of THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, AND STATE LIBRARIAN. VOLUME VII. RICHMOND: J. H. O.BANNON, SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC PRINTING. 1888