<P> Prior to the beginning of the raid , Thomas Jefferson , the then - Governor of Virginia , had moved the capital of Virginia from Williamsburg to Richmond , because of its strategically central , defensible location . In the event of an attack , Jefferson moved all of the town 's military supplies to a foundry five miles outside of Richmond . Little did Jefferson know how big of an attack would soon follow . </P>
<P> Prior to the beginning of the raid , Thomas Jefferson , the then - Governor of Virginia , had moved the capital of Virginia from Williamsburg to Richmond , because of its strategically central , defensible location . In the event of an attack , Jefferson moved all of the town 's military supplies to a foundry five miles outside of Richmond . Little did Jefferson know how big of an attack would soon follow . </P>
who was governor of virginia when british forces burned richmond
who was governor of virginia when british forces burned richmond
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson