Leesburg Library Acquires Pivotal Revolutionary Era Document

Thomas Balch Library in Leesburg, Virginia, has obtained a rare 1776 bond document belonging to Philip Noland, who served as Sheriff of Loudoun County. This significant manuscript, recently donated, offers a direct link to Virginia’s pivotal role during the American Revolutionary era and is being made available for public viewing in anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.

The bond, dated March 11, 1776, represents a substantial pledge of 1,000 pounds from Noland to King George III. The financial commitment was guaranteed by two local individuals, Josias Clapham and Farling Ball, underscoring the community’s involvement in its official’s responsibilities. The document details Noland’s duties as sheriff, which included the collection of fees, meticulous record-keeping, and the proper remittance of collected funds, alongside the execution of all legal obligations incumbent upon his office. Notably, the text of the bond reflects the shifting political landscape of 1776, indicating Noland’s commission was issued under “an Ordinance of Convention,” a clear departure from the authority typically wielded by Virginia’s colonial Governor, Lord Dunmore.

Philip Noland’s appointment is further distinguished by the fact that he is widely believed to be the sheriff who publicly read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the County Courthouse on August 13, 1776. This act marked a significant moment for Loudoun County, aligning its leadership with the burgeoning revolutionary cause. The bond itself provides tangible evidence of this transition, with references to Royal Governor Lord Dunmore’s diminished authority at the time, as his name was removed from official documents in favor of the revolutionary convention. This artifact offers a unique insight into the administrative changes occurring in Leesburg during this transformative period.

The historical bond will be accessible to the public through several special exhibitions. From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, it will be featured at the Donaldson Log Cabin, located at 14 Loudoun Street SW, as part of the library’s monthly First Friday pop-up exhibit. This exhibit aims to connect local individuals and places to the broader narrative of America’s founding, demonstrating how historical research utilizes primary sources like letters, court records, and military documents to reconstruct the past. The public will have another opportunity to view the document on Saturday, July 4, between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Loudoun County Courthouse, where it will be part of the “Independence Declared: A 250th Anniversary” event.

Following these initial public viewings, the Noland bond will be on display at Thomas Balch Library, situated at 208 W. Market Street, throughout the remainder of July. It will be housed in the Mercer Room as part of the exhibit titled “Celebrating 1776: A Look Back at Historic Commemorations of American Independence.” Visitors can view the document during the library’s regular operating hours: Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This exhibition provides residents an opportunity to engage directly with a primary source from the Revolutionary era and understand the local impact of national historical events.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Town of Leesburg, Virginia

Video Spotlight