The archival records can be accessed on microfilm in our Reading Rooms, and they are digitally available on FamilySearch.org. First, use the LVA catalog to locate the correct entry by name searching. There will be citation information within the catalog record that will lead you to the correct archival collection. There are several main record types involved in a Public Service Claim, but not every person will have records in all the categories.
Commissioner's Books of the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts (Public Service Claims), 1783, APA 243. Available on microfilm, Reels 36-37.
Impressed Property Claims Court Booklets, Indexes and Lists of the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts (Public Service Claims), 1779–1788 (Bulk 1780–1783), APA 242. Available on microfilm, Reels 1–17 (arranged by county).
Impressed Property Claims Certificates of the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts (Public Service Claims), 1780–1783, APA 241. Available on microfilm, Reels 18–35 (arranged by name within each county).
This is an index to the reimbursement claims submitted by Virginia residents for goods and services supplied to the Militia, State Line, and Continental troops during the Revolutionary War. These were not payments for military service. Claim records may include certificates, county court booklets and lists, rejected claims lists, and the claim commissioners account books.
All individual claim records are included in this index. Some additional records that document the reimbursement processes are not included. See the Finding Aid for a detailed description of the collection.
Most indexed claim records are available on microfilm that may be borrowed from the Library through interlibrary loan. Rejected claims records have not been microfilmed. These records are available to be viewed in the Archives Research Room.
In 1780, the Virginia General Assembly passed “An act for procuring a supply of provisions and other necessaries for the use of the Army.” The law authorized the governor to appoint provision commissioners in each county to locate the needed supplies or services, and make purchases or impress goods. In return for their goods or services, individuals received certificates with their name, the date, a description of the item or service provided, and its set value. Individuals who received the certificates could assign their reimbursement right to other people, and that assignment was often recorded on the back of the certificate.
Individuals submitted their certificates to county courts between 1781 and 1783. Once the court approved the claim and determined a compensation amount, the county clerks recorded the claims in booklets that were sent to the public claims commissioners in Richmond. The commissioners approved the claims in 1783, recording in account books the name of the individual, descriptions and valuations of the goods or services provided, and the date payment was authorized. They provided a warrant to the claimant, who then submitted it to the state treasurer's office for payment or state tax credit.
Revised June 2025