President of Virginia's Board of War - James Innes
James Innes was a fabulous speaker who served as an officer in the Continental Army and President of Virginia’s Board of War.
James Innes
When the Revolutionary War broke out, James Innes was a 21-year-old studying at the College of William and Mary.
Innes recruited a company of other students who went to dedicate themselves to the war effort.
They were sent to defend an artillery magazine, though James was passed over for command of the company. He resigned from the militia and went to join the Continental Army.
Continental Army
Innes served for several years in the New Jersey Campaign, joining George Washington in most of the notable battles in that State.
James would achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Continental Army before returning to Virginia.
Back home, he was elected to the State Assembly who made him Commissioner of the Virginia Navy.
President of Virginia’s Board of War
Innes’ time with the Navy was extremely successful and he was soon chosen as President (and Clerk) of Virginia’s Board of War.
This put James at the head of all the soldiers in the most powerful State in the Union.
After a year in this position, the Virginia Government moved from Williamsburg to Richmond and simultaneously reorganized. These changes led to the elimination of the Board of War and, therefore, James’ responsibilities with the militia.
Despite this, he joined the armed forces on several occasions in the final years of the conflict.
Virginia’s Convention
James spent most of the 1780’s in the Virginia Assembly, making a name for himself as one of the most eloquent speakers in the State.
When the Virginia Ratification Convention came to a close, Innes was recognized as its final speaker.
As a Federalist, his oration is often credited as one of the final nails that closed the door on any chance of the Anti-Federalists winning the day, with even Patrick Henry (the leader of the opposition) acknowledging his forceful persuasion.
Attorney General
James acted as State Attorney General for the next decade of his life.
Though he was approached by both George Washington and John Adams for positions in the Federal Government he always declined, citing ill health.
This was fortuitous, as Innes passed away suddenly in 1796 at just 44 years old.
If you’d like to learn more about James Innes, here is an informative article from Colonial Williamsburg.
Do you want to read about other Delegates to the Virginia Ratification Convention?
Check out these articles:
Gabriel Jones Introduces Washington to Politics
John Page Explains His Change of Heart
Andrew Moore Solicits Donations from Washington
Surprisingly, James Innes does not have a biography.
He does come up several times at important moments in the life of Patrick Henry, so I’m recommending ‘Lion of Liberty.’
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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