Description:

Thomas Talbot Seeks Compensation for Property Lost in the Burning of Norfolk, Virginia, in 1776

Norfolk resident and ship carpenter Thomas Talbot (d. bef. 1790) submitted this claim for £3,308 for the destruction by American forces of eight major buildings and several outbuildings that he owned.

[REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] Thomas Talbot, Manuscript Document, 1777. 1 p., 8.25" x 12.75". Expected folds; some separation on central fold; some edge tears; general toning; good.

On January 1, 1776, British Royal Navy ships in the harbor of Norfolk, Virginia, began shelling the town, which had been occupied by the Continental Army and militia forces from Virginia and North Carolina under the command of Colonel Robert Howe (1732-1786). British landing parties also came ashore to burn specific properties. Although the American forces resisted the British incursion, they did nothing to combat the fires and even looted and burned some Tory properties themselves. The British flotilla and landing parties destroyed 19 properties worth £3,000, but the American forces destroyed an additional 863 buildings valued at £120,000. The fires continued for three days, and the town was almost completely destroyed.

In early February, American forces returned and destroyed the remaining 416 structures so that the British could not use them.

In May 1777, the Virginia General Assembly appointed a four-member commission to ascertain the losses of individuals in the burning of Norfolk. The commission, consisting of Richard Kello, Daniel Fisher, Joseph Prentis, and Rev. Robert Andrews, assembled in September 1777 in Norfolk and spent a month there evaluating claims. On October 6, Thomas Talbot was among those who presented claims. His claim, given the number 149, was for £3,308. According to his claim, state troops had destroyed his property, and he offered as evidence depositions by Benjamin Ward and Obed Mason and a general deposition by Captain Willis Wilson. The commission accepted his claim.

Excerpts
"An estimate of the Loss sustained by Thomas Talbot in the burning of Norfolk in Jany 1776"

"One Brick Storehouse two story high 38 by 26 three Rooms below and three above Stairs; Rooms all completely finished the Store & Cellar Windows were of Iron Barrs . . . . . £350.."

"One Brick two Story house 32 by 19 two Rooms & a passage below Stairs 6. 18 light Windows in the lower Rooms & 4. 12 light Closset Windows; 8.12 light Windows in the second floor & two rooms and a passage as also in the garret. A Kitchen of two rooms under the House . . . . . 420.."

"One Brick two Story house 61 by 25 a Store room at one end two Rooms & a passage below stairs besides the Store Room, 3 Rooms and a passage above Stairs a Cellar with three Rooms under the House a Kitchen for sd House of Brick 20 by 16 . . . . . 550.."

"One Brick House for two Tennants 40 by 17 two Rooms below & two above stairs, This House stands next the House where Mr Dunn formerly lived . . . . . 110.."

"A Necessary House to each dwelling . . . . . 24.."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000