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diff --git a/41597-8.txt b/41597-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8011e1f..0000000 --- a/41597-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14946 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The History of the City of Fredericksburg, -Virginia, by S. J. (Silvanus Jackson) Quinn - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: The History of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia - - -Author: S. J. (Silvanus Jackson) Quinn - - - -Release Date: December 10, 2012 [eBook #41597] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF THE CITY OF -FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA*** - - -E-text prepared by the Online Distributed Proofreading Team -(http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by -Internet Archive (http://archive.org) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 41597-h.htm or 41597-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41597/41597-h/41597-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41597/41597-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - http://archive.org/details/cu31924028786627 - - - - - -[Illustration: S. J. Quinn] - -THE HISTORY OF THE CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG -VIRGINIA - -Prepared and printed by authority of the -Common Council thereof, -under the direction of its Committee on -Publication, consisting of the following -Councilmen: H. B. Lane, Wm. E. -Bradley and S. W. Somerville - -S. J. QUINN, Historian - - - - - - - - -1908 -The Hermitage Press, Inc. -Richmond, Va. - -Copyright, 1908, -On all original matter herein, -By -H. B. Lane, Chairman of History Committee, -for the City of Fredericksburg, Va. - - - - -Dedication - - -TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO BRAVED THE DANGERS OF LAND AND WATER IN 1608, -AND DISCOVERED THE SPOT UPON WHICH THE CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA, -NOW STANDS, AND TO THOSE WHO WROUGHT SO HEROICALLY AND SUCCESSFULLY IN THE -SETTLEMENT AND PROSPERITY OF THE SAID CITY TO THE PRESENT TIME, 1908, A -PERIOD OF THREE HUNDRED YEARS, THESE PAGES ARE RESPECTFULLY AND -AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY THE PRESENT COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF -FREDERICKSBURG - - - - -PREFACE - - -_To Messrs. H. B. Lane, Wm. E. Bradley and Prof. S. W. Somerville, -Committee on History of the Common Council_: - -GENTLEMEN--When I was requested by your predecessors to write a history of -Fredericksburg, I regarded it as quite an honor, and in the discharge of -the duty I have found great pleasure. Not that the material needed was -ready at hand and the task was easy, but because I found so many of the -best of our citizens eager to assist in getting the material together, -that had been laid away for ages, and placing it at my disposal. Moreover, -their kind words very much encouraged me, and I wish I could here record -their names, but as it might not be proper, I take much pleasure in -extending to them my grateful thanks. - -The records concerning the town reach back only to the close of the -Revolutionary war. If Major Lawrence Smith, who constructed the fort and -governed the settlers by military law or "as a county court might do," -ever kept any records of his acts, we have been unable to find them, and -the same is true of the Trustees who had the management of the town from -the time it was "laid out by law," until it was chartered by the -Legislature of Virginia. Therefore, much that is found in the following -pages in reference to "the olden time," came from families who had -preserved it in various forms for many generations. - -In presenting this history it is not claimed that all is said about -Fredericksburg that could have been said or that incidents have not been -related as others have heard them, but it is believed that all important -events have been referred to and incidents given as they have been related -to us by those well informed and who were regarded as authority on such -matters. Nor is there any claim made for originality. The book is intended -to be a history of Fredericksburg, and "history is a narration of facts -and events which may be given chronologically or topically," therefore we -have written in the main what others have spoken and have disregarded -chronology and even the arrangement of subjects. But it is believed that -the arrangement herein is probably best adapted to impress the reader with -the splendid history of the town and the magnificent achievements of her -sons and those men of fame who sprang from her immediate vicinity. - -It is believed this book will be welcomed by all citizens and their -friends, whether those friends be former residents or descendants of such, -or those veteran soldiers on either side of the late Civil Contest who -performed such gallant deeds upon our hills and within our valleys. No -soldier of either army--the Army of the Potomac or the Army of Northern -Virginia--can ever forget Fredericksburg. It was in the four great battles -fought in and around Fredericksburg that he won imperishable glory as an -American soldier, that name which to-day is written on the highest -pinnacle of military fame. - -No living citizen, or the descendant of such noble sires, wheresoever -dispersed, can ever forget the town or lineage from which he sprang. None -such can ever fail to appreciate those citizens, who, in the most trying -times, and under the most adverse circumstances, were conspicuous for -their love and loyalty, suffering and sacrifice, daring and doing for home -and country. - -Let their deeds and sacrifices be preserved for imitation of future -generations, which is one of the objects of this book. - - Very respectfully, - S. J. QUINN. - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - Facing Page - - Baptist Church 132 - - Butterfield Monument 288 - - Capt. S. J. Quinn _Frontispiece_ - - Catholic Church 272 - - Chancellorsville Tavern 82 - - Charity School 232 - - Christian Church 240 - - Church of God 304 - - City Hall 192 - - Com. M. F. Maury 320 - - Confederate Cemetery 122 - - Confederate Monument 264 - - Court House 22 - - Eagle Hotel 182 - - Entrance to Confederate Cemetery 222 - - Entrance to National Cemetery 256 - - Exchange Hotel 172 - - Federal Hill 32 - - Fire Department 232 - - First Mayor's Residence 182 - - Forsythe's Birthplace 102 - - Fredericksburg College 172 - - Fredericksburg from Marye's Heights 12 - - Fredericksburg from Stafford Heights 12 - - Free Bridge 22 - - Free Lance--Star Office 248 - - Hon. Montgomery Slaughter 72 - - Jackson Monument 202 - - Kenmore 212 - - Marye Mansion 328 - - Mary Washington House 32 - - Mary Washington Monument 52 - - Masonic Lodge 222 - - Meditation Rock 152 - - Mercer Monument 92 - - Methodist Church 162 - - M. W. M. Lodge 142 - - Old Planters' Hotel 296 - - Opera House 296 - - Postoffice 280 - - Power Dam 152 - - Presbyterian Church 162 - - Presbyterian Memorial Chapel 62 - - Public School 288 - - Remarkable Tombstone 264 - - R., F. & P. R. R. Bridge 312 - - Rising Sun Tavern 52 - - Section Stone Wall 112 - - Sentry Box 102 - - Shiloh Church, N. S. 304 - - Shiloh Church, O. S. 272 - - Stevens House 192 - - St. George's Church 62 - - Stone House 92 - - Sunken Road 82 - - Superintendent's Lodge 256 - - Trinity Church 240 - - Trustees' Office 112 - - Union House 212 - - View on Princess Anne St. 42 - - Wallace Library 142 - - Water Power Office 328 - - Wm. Paul's Gravestone 280 - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER I - Captain John Smith Explores the Rappahannock River--The - Flight of Pocahontas--Major Lawrence Smith's Fort--Governor - Spotswood's Miners at Germanna, 11 - - CHAPTER II - The Knights of the Golden Horse Shoe--Governor Spotswood's - Expedition over the Blue Ridge Mountains, 27 - - CHAPTER III - Fredericksburg Incorporated by the House of Burgesses--Col. - Byrd Walks about Town--A Church Building Erected--Rev. - Patrick Henry Rector--Augustine Washington a Town Trustee-- - Stock Fairs Inaugurated--Limits of the Town Extended, 37 - - CHAPTER IV - Encouraging Home Industries--Further Extension of the - Town--Tobacco Inspectors Appointed--Modes of Punishing - Criminals--Prosperity--Military Ardor--Under the United - States Government--A New Order of Things, 46 - - CHAPTER V - Lease of the Market-House Lots--The First Serious Fire-- - Fredericksburg an Important Center--An Act Concerning - Elections--Half of the Town Destroyed by Fire-- - Fredericksburg an Important Postal Point--How the Mails - were Carried--A Congressional Investigation--Amendatory - Acts of 1821--The Great Fire of 1822--The Trade of the - Town--Contagious Diseases--The Town in 1841--Acts of - Extension, 1851, 1852, 1858, 1861, 57 - - CHAPTER VI - The War Clouds Gather--Fredericksburg in the Southern - Confederacy--Troops Raised and Equipped--Town Surrendered - to Federal Authorities--Citizens Arrested and Held as - Hostages--Thrilling Evacuating Scenes--Citizens Flee from - their Homes--Bombardment of the Town, 71 - - CHAPTER VII - The Great Battle--The Town Sacked by Soldiers--The Federals - Recross the River--A Great Revival of Religion--The Battle - of Chancellorsville--Gen. Sedgwick Captures the Town--The - Wilderness Campaign--Many Noncombatant Citizens Arrested - and Imprisoned--A Statement by the Council--The Citizens - and Federal Soldiers Released, 90 - - CHAPTER VIII - The Armies Transferred to Richmond and Petersburg--Gen. Lee - Surrenders his Army--Citizens Return Home--Action of the - City Council--Fredericksburg Again Under the Old Flag--The - Assassination of President Lincoln Denounced-- - Reconstruction Commenced--An Election Set Aside by the - Military--All Civil Offices Set Aside and Strangers - Appointed--The Financial Condition of the Town--The Town - Again in the Hands of its Citizens--Splendid Financial - Showing, 107 - - CHAPTER IX - The Courts of Fredericksburg--The Freedman's Bureau--Court - Orders and Incidents--First Night Watch Appointed-- - Ministers Qualify to Perform Marriage Ceremony--First - Notary Public--Fixing the Value of Bank Notes--Prison - Bounds for Debtors--Church Buildings, 123 - - CHAPTER X - Public Buildings--Court House--The Jail--Town Hall--Fire - Department--School Buildings--Wallace Library--Normal - School--Government Building, 136 - - CHAPTER XI - Ancient and Historical Buildings--Mary Washington - Monument--General Mercer's Statue--Mary Washington's Will, 148 - - CHAPTER XII - Hotels of the Town, old and new--Agricultural Fairs and - Toll Bridges--Care of the Dependent Poor--City Water - Works--City Gas Works--Electric Light--Telephone Company-- - Fire Department, 164 - - CHAPTER XIII - Volunteer Militia--The Confederate Cemetery--The National - Cemetery--The Confederate Veterans--The Sons of Confederate - Veterans--The Schools, Private and Public, 182 - - CHAPTER XIV - The Churches of Fredericksburg, 202 - - CHAPTER XV - Charitable and Benevolent Societies--Mary Washington - Hospital--Newspapers and Periodicals--Political - Excitement--Strong Resolutions Against the Administration-- - An Address Approving the President's Foreign Policy--The - Names of Those who Signed the Address, 217 - - CHAPTER XVI - Distinguished Men Buried in Fredericksburg--A Remarkable - Grave Stone--Three Heroic Fredericksburgers, Wellford, - Herndon, Willis--The Old Liberty Bell Passes Through Town-- - Great Demonstration in its Honor--What a Chinaman Thought - of it, 235 - - CHAPTER XVII - Visits of Heroes--Gala Days--The Army of the Society of the - Potomac Enters the Town, 251 - - CHAPTER XVIII - The Society of the Army of the Potomac Continued--Welcome - Address--Laying a Corner Stone, 263 - - CHAPTER XIX - Doctor Walker's Expedition--Bacon's Rebellion, so-called-- - The Fredericksburg Declaration--The Great Orator-- - Resolutions of Separation--The Virginia Bill of Rights, 280 - - CHAPTER XX - Declaration of Separation--The Declaration of - Independence--Washington Commander-in-Chief of the Armies-- - John Paul Jones Raises the First Flag--First to Throw the - Stars and Stripes to the Breeze--Fredericksburg Furnishes - the Head of the Army and Navy--The Constitution of the - United States, 292 - - CHAPTER XXI - The First Proclamation for Public Thanksgiving-- - Pennsylvania Whiskey Rebellion--John Marshall and the - Supreme Court--Religious Liberty--The Monroe Doctrine-- - Seven Presidents--Clarke Saves the Great Northwest--The - Vast Western Territory Explored--The Louisiana Purchase-- - The Florida Purchase--Texas Acquired--The War with Mexico - and its Rich Results--The Oceans Sounded, Measured and - Mapped--The Ladies' Memorial Association--The Mary - Washington Monument--General Mercer's Statue, 306 - - CHAPTER XXII - Fredericksburg at Present--The Health of the City--Its - Financial Solidity--Its Commercial Prosperity--Its Lines of - Transportation--Its Water Power--Its Official Calendar-- - List of Mayors, 322 - - Official Calendar--September 1, 1908 333 - - Mayors of Fredericksburg in Their Chronological Order 336 - - - - -HISTORY OF THE City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, FROM ITS Settlement to -the Present Time - - - - -CHAPTER I - - _Capt. John Smith Explores the Rappahannock River--The Flight of - Pocahontas--Maj. Smith's Fort--Gov. Spotswood's Miners at Germanna._ - - -In what year the white man first set his foot upon the present site of -Fredericksburg is not certainly known. The mind of man, of the present -generation, does not run back to that time, and if the first white visitor -to the place thought it of sufficient importance to make a note of it that -note was not preserved; or, if it was, it is unknown to the present -inhabitants of the town, unless that visitor was Captain John Smith. - -It is stated that after John Smith was captured by the Indians, while on -his trip exploring the Chickahominy, his captors marched him through the -country, amid great rejoicing, visiting the Indian towns on the Pamunkey, -Mattapony, Piankitank, Rappahannock and Potomac rivers, but it is not -stated that he was taken as high up the Rappahannock as the falls. This -trip through the country, however, while it was attended with hideous -yells, cheers and all sorts of mournful noises by the excited throng, gave -John Smith some idea of the rich and fertile valleys, the beautiful rivers -that flowed from the mountains, and a desire to explore them if he should -be fortunate enough to get back to the English settlement alive. - -For soon after his release, in writing of the discoveries, having already -explored the Chesapeake bay, he says:[1] "There is but one entrance by sea -into this country, and that is at the mouth of a very goodly bay, the -wideness whereof is near eighteen or twenty miles. The cape on the south -is called Cape Henry, in honor of our most noble Prince. The show of the -land there is a white hilly sand like unto the Downes, and along the -shores great plenty of pines and firs. The north cape is called Cape -Charles, in honor of the worthy Duke of York. - -"Within is a country that may have the prerogative over the most pleasant -places of Europe, Asia, Africa or America and for large and pleasant -navigable rivers, heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place -for man's habitation, being of our constitutions, were it fully manured -and inhabited by industrious people. Here are mountains, hills, plains, -valleys, rivers and brooks, all running most pleasantly to a fair bay, -compassed, but for the mouth, with fruitful and delightsome land. In the -bay and rivers are many isles, both great and small, some woody, some -plain, most of them low and not inhabited. This bay lies north and south, -in which the water flows near two hundred miles and has a channel for one -hundred and forty miles of depth betwixt seven and fifteen fathoms, -holding in breadth, for the most part, ten or fifteen miles. From the head -of the bay at the north, the land is mountainous, and so in a manner from -thence by a southwest line. So that the more southward, the further off -from the bay are those mountains, from which fall certain brooks, which -after come to five principal navigable rivers. These run from the -northwest into the southeast, and so into the west side of the bay, where -the fall of every river is within twenty or fifteen miles one of another." - -Early in the year of 1608, his life having been saved by Pocahontas, John -Smith made a number of trips, exploring the rivers of this section of -Virginia, entered the mouth of the Rappahannock and, but for an accident -that befell him, might have continued his trip to the falls. - -They found fish in abundance in all the streams and, "near the mouth -of the Rappahannock, Smith plunged his sword into a singular fish like a -'thornback,' with a long tail and from it a poisoned sting. In taking it -off it drove the sting into his wrist, producing a torturing pain, and in -a few hours the whole hand, arm and shoulder had swollen so fearfully that -death seemed inevitable. He pointed out a place for his grave, and his -men, with heavy hearts, prepared it. But Dr. Russell applied the probe and -used an oil with such success that Smith was soon well and ate a part of -the same fish for supper."[2] - -[Illustration: View of Fredericksburg from Marye's Mansion, showing ground -charged over by Federals in battle 1862. Confederate line at fence. (See -page 91)] - -[Illustration: View of Fredericksburg from Stafford Heights, where Federal -guns were located in 1862, showing the old Scott bridge. (See page 171)] - -Some writers contend that it was while on this trip that Smith came up the -Rappahannock to the falls and had a battle with the Indians, but this is a -mistake. This trip was commenced on the 20th of June, 1608, and it was -directly after entering the mouth of the river that he saw so many fish in -the clear stream and caught one on the point of his sword; for Russell, -the physician, who accompanied him, says after Smith was thought to have -been fatally poisoned, "having neither surgeon or surgery, but that -preservative oil, we presently set sail for Jamestown. Passing the mouth -of the Piankatank and Pamunkey rivers, the next day we safely arrived at -Kecaughtan."[3] If Smith had been very far up the Rappahannock he could -not have passed the mouth of these two rivers the next day. - -The voyage that Smith made, during which he explored the Rappahannock -river to the falls, was commenced on the 24th of July, more than a month -after he entered the mouth of the river and was stung by the fish which -turned him back. As this trip up the river is of great interest, being the -first made by white men, it is here given in full as narrated by Anthony -Bagnall, Powell and Todkill, Smith's companions, who wrote it down at the -time. They say: - -"In the discovery of this river, that some called Rappahannock, we were -kindly entertained by the people of Moraughtacund. Here we encountered our -old friend Mosco, a lusty savage of Wighconisco, upon the river Patawomeck -[Potomac]. We supposed him some Frenchman's son because he had a thick, -black, bushy, beard, and the savages seldom have any at all, of which he -was not a little proud to see so many of his countrymen. Wood and water he -would fetch us, guide us any whether; nay, cause divers of his countrymen -help us tow against wind or tide from place to place till we came to -Patawomeck. - -"The next morning we went up the river, [Rappahannock] and our friend -Mosco followed us along the shore, and at last desired to go with us in -our boat. But, as we passed by Pisacack, Matchopeak and Mecuppom, three -towns situated upon high white cliffs; the other side all a low plain -marsh, and the river there but narrow, thirty or forty of the Rapahanocks -had so accommodated themselves with branches, as we took them for little -bushes growing among the sedge, till seeing their arrows strike the -targets and drop in the river; whereat Mosco fell flat in the boat on his -face, crying, the Rapahanocks, which presently we espide to be the bushes, -which, at our first volley fell down in the sedge: when we were near half -a mile from them, they showed themselves dancing and singing very merrily. - -"The kings of Pessassack, Nandtaughtacund and Cultatawoman, used us -kindly, and all their people neglected not anything to Mosco to bring us -to them. - -"Betwixt Secobeck and Massawteck is a small isle or two which cause the -river to be broader than ordinary; there it pleased God to take one of our -company called Master Fetherstone [Richard Fetherstone, Gent.], that all -the time he had been in this country, had behaved himself honestly, -valiantly and industriously; where in a little bay, called Fetherstone's -bay, we buried him with a volly of shot: the rest, not withstanding their -ill diet and bad lodging crowded in so small a barge, in so many dangers, -never resting, but always tossed to and again, had all well recovered -their healths. - -"The next day we sailed so high as our boat would float; there setting up -crosses and graving our names in the trees. Our sentinel saw an arrow fall -by him, though we had ranged up and down more than an hour, in digging in -the earth, looking of stones, herbs and springs, not seeing where a savage -could well hide himself. - -"Upon the alarm, by that we had recovered our arms there was about an -hundred nimble Indians skipping from tree to tree, letting fly their -arrows so fast as they could; the trees here served us as baricades as -well as they. But Mosco did us more service than we expected; for having -shot away his quiver of arrows he ran to the boat for more. The arrows of -Mosco at the first made them pause upon the matter, thinking by his bruit -and skipping, there were many savages. About half an hour this continued, -then they all vanished as suddenly as they approached. Mosco followed them -so far as he could see us, till they were out of sight. As we returned -there lay a savage as dead, shot in the knee; but taking him up we found -he had life: which Mosco seeing, never was dog more furious against a -bear, than Mosco was to beat out his brains. So we had him to our boat -where our Chirurgian [A. Bagnall], who went with us to cure our Captain's -hurt of the stingray, so dressed this savage that within an hour after he -looked somewhat cheerfully and did eat and speak. In the mean time we -contented Mosco in helping him to gather up their arrows, which were an -armful; whereof he gloried not a little. - -"Then we desired Mosco to know what he was and what countries were beyond -the mountains; the poor savage mildly answered, he and all with him were -of Hassininga, where there are three kings more, like unto them, namely -the King of Stegora, the King of Tauxsintania and the King of Shakahonea, -that were come to Mohaskahod, which is only a hunting town, and the bounds -betwixt the Kingdom of the Mannahocks and the Nandtaughtacunds, but hard -by where we were. - -"We demanded why they came in that manner to betray us, that came to them -in peace and to seek their loves; he answered, they heard we were a people -come from under the world, to take their world from them. - -"We asked him how many worlds he did know; he replied, he knew no more but -that which was under the sky that covered him, which were the Powhatans, -with the Monacans and the Massawomeks that were higher up in the -mountains. - -"Then we asked him what was beyond the mountains, he answered the sun; -but of anything else he knew nothing because the woods were not burnt. [A -foot note says 'they cannot travel but where the woods are burnt.'] - -"These and many such questions were demanded concerning the Massawomecks, -the Monacans, their own country and where were the kings of Stegora, -Tauxsintania and the rest. The Monacans, he said, were their neighbors and -friends, and did dwell as they in the hilly countries by small rivers, -living upon roots and fruits, but chiefly by hunting. The Massawomeks did -well upon a great water, and had many boats, and so many men that they -made war with all the world. For their kings, they were gone every one a -several way with their men on hunting. But those with him came thither a -fishing till they saw us, notwithstanding they would be all together at -night at Mahaskahod. - -"For his relation we gave him many toys, with persuations to go with us: -and he as earnestly desired us to stay the coming of those kings that for -his good usage should be friends with us, for he was brother to -Hassininga. But Mosco advised us presently to be gone, for they were all -naught; yet we told him we would not till it was night. All things we made -ready to entertain what came, and Mosco was as diligent in trimming his -arrows. - -"The night being come we all embarked, for the river was so narrow, had it -been light the land on the one side was so high they might have done us -exceeding much mischief. All this while the King of Hassininga was seeking -the rest, and had consultation a good time what to do. But by their spies -seeing we were gone, it was not long before we heard their arrows dropping -on every side the boat; we caused our savages to call unto them, but such -a yelling and hallowing they made that they heard nothing, but now and -then [we shot off] a piece, aiming so near as we could where we heard the -most voices. Moor than twelve miles they followed us in this manner; then -the day appearing, we found ourselves in a broad bay out of danger of -their shot, where we came to an anchor, and fell to breakfast. Not so much -as speaking to them till the sun was risen. - -"Being well refreshed, we untied our targets that covered us as a deck, -and all showed ourselves with those shields on our arms, and swords in our -hands, and also our prisoner Amoroleck. A long discourse there was betwixt -his countrymen and him, how good we were, how well we used him, how we had -a Patawomek with us [who] loved us as his life that would have slain him -had we not preserved him, and that he should have his liberty would they -be his friends; and to do us any hurt it was impossible. - -"Upon this they all hung their bows and quivers upon the trees, and one -came swimming aboard us with a bow tied on his head, and another with a -quiver of arrows, which they delivered our Captain as a present: the -Captain having used them so kindly as he could told them the other three -Kings should do the like, and then the great King of our world should be -their friend; whose men we were. It was no sooner demanded than performed, -so upon a low moorish point of land we went to the shore, where those four -Kings came and received Amoroleck: nothing they had but bows, arrows, -tobacco-bags and pipes: when we desired, none refused to give us, -wondering at everything we had, and heard we had done: Our pistols they -took for pipes, which they much desired, but we did content them with -other commodities. And so we left four or five hundred of our merry -Mannahocks singing, dancing and making merry and set sale for -Moraughtacund. - -"In our returns we visited all our friends, that rejoiced much at our -victory against the Mannahocks, who many times had wars also with them, -but now they were friends; and desired we should be friends with the -Rapahanocks. Our Captain told them, they had twice assaulted him that came -only in love to do them good, and, therefore, now he would burn all their -houses, destroy their corn, and forever hold them his enemies till they -made him satisfaction. They desired to know what that should be. He told -them they should present him the King's bow and arrows, and not offer to -come armed where he was; that they should be friends with the -Moraughtacunds, his friends, and give him their King's son in pledge to -perform it: and then all King James and his men should be their friends. -Upon this they presently sent to the Rapahanocks to meet him at the place -where they first fought where would be the Kings of Nantantacund and -Pissassac: which according to their promise were there so soon as we; -where Rapahanock presented his bow and arrows, and confirmed all we -desired, except his son, having no more but him he could not live without -him, but instead of his son he would give him the three women -Moraughtacund had stolen. This was accepted: and so in three or four -canoes so many as could went with us to Moraughtacund, where Mosco made -them such relations, and gave to his friends so many bows and arrows, that -they no less loved him than admired us. The three women were brought our -Captain, to each he gave a chain of beads: and then causing Moraughtacund, -Mosco and Rapahanock stand before him, bid Rapahanock take her he loved -best, and Moraughtacund choose next, and to Mosco he gave the third. Upon -this away went their canoes over the water, to fetch their venison, and -all the provision they could; and they that wanted boats swam over the -river. The dark [darkness] commanded us then to rest. - -"The next day there was of men, women and children, as we conjectured, six -or seven hundred, dancing and singing; and not a bow nor arrow seen -amongst them. Mosco changed his name to Uttasantasough, which we interpret -stranger, for so they call us. All promising ever to be our friends and to -plant corn purposely for us; and we to provide hatchets, beads and copper -for them, we departed; giving them a volley of shot, and they us as loud -shouts and cries as their strengths could utter." - -This account of Capt. Smith's exploration of the Rappahannock river, and -the country bordering on the stream is highly interesting for three -reasons. It shows beyond dispute, we think, that Capt. Smith and his -little band were the first white men to tread the soil where is now -located the city of Fredericksburg. It gives us a complete history of the -voyage, so that we may become his travelling companions as he ascends the -river, encounters the Indians, prospects for gold and other rich deposits -in the earth about the falls; also as he descends the river and calls the -Indian kings together, makes friends of them, settles differences between -them and their tribes and sails out of the river loaded with provisions, -carrying with him their promise that they will raise more for him in the -future. It gives us the names of many of the tribes of Indians, on the -Rappahannock, their kings, towns and other places, so that we may look at -his map of Virginia and locate many of them. It informs us that Richard -Fetherstone, who accompanied Smith, was taken sick and died while he was -here and was buried in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, he being the first -white man to find sepulture in this part of Virginia. - -The locations of the following places, found on Smith's map of Virginia, -and mentioned in this work, will be of interest to many, and especially to -those who are familiar with the country. They seem to be located as -follows: Secobeck was just west of the city's almshouse: Massauteck was -located just back of Chatham; Fetherstone's bay is in Stafford, opposite -the upper end of Hunter's Island; Accoqueck was near R. Innis Taylor's -residence; Sockbeck was in the neighborhood of J. Bowie Gray's; -Anasheroans were about Moss Neck; King Nandtaughtacund lived near Port -Royal; King Cultatawoman was located in Stafford, just below Snowdon; King -Pissassack was located in Westmoreland county, near Leedstown; King -Tapahanock lived in the upper part of Lancaster county; Mahakahod was -about the line of Stafford and Culpeper counties; Hassininga was about -Indian Town in Orange county; Stegara was in the upper part of Orange, on -the Rapid Ann river; and Tauxuntania was located near the foot of the Blue -Ridge mountains. - -The several towns at and near the falls of the river made it a general -rendezvous of all tribes for this part of Virginia. It was a favorite -place at which to meet for hunting, fishing and other sports, as was the -case when Smith reached here. It is more than probable that the beautiful -and fascinating Pocahontas, who saved the life of John Smith and who -captivated the bold and fearless Rolfe, spent some time at this point, in -her journeyings, resting here and feasting her youthful eyes upon the -magnificent scenery of the Rappahannock falls, and engaging in the sports -and pastimes of her distinguished father's subjects. - -We are told[4] that in 1611 she was entrusted by her father, Powhatan, to -Chief Japazaws, who carried her to his home on the Potomac river, where -she lived some time in retirement--that is, away from the stirring scenes -around Jamestown. It is not, therefore, unreasonable to suppose that much -of the time she was with Japazaws was spent at this point, the favorite -gathering place of all the tribes at the different seasons of the year. - -Why Pocahontas left her home for the protection of Japazaws is not -positively known. Howe thinks Powhatan was preparing for a great war with -the new settlers and wanted to get his daughter away from danger and the -exposure and discomfort that would result from such a conflict. Stith -gives no reason, "except it was to withdraw herself from being a witness -to the frequent butcheries of the English, whose folly and rashness, after -Smith's departure, put it out of her power to save them." - -In the year 1612 Capt. Argall took a trip up the Potomac in search of corn -and other supplies for the English settlers, fell in with the old chief -and purchased the young princess from him, the price agreed upon being a -copper kettle, which was readily given. This prize Argall took to -Jamestown, where he hoped to receive a considerable sum from Powhatan for -her redemption, but the old King became very angry and refused to pay -anything, but declared he preferred to fight for her. The young princess -afterwards married Capt. John Rolfe. - -At what time the first settlement was made at Fredericksburg is unknown, -but it must have been at a very early date. It is more than likely that it -was one of the many plantations that dotted the banks of our principal -rivers in the early settlement of the country, for, in 1622, John Smith -proposed to the London Company "to protect all their planters from the -James to the Potomac"[5] which territory must have included one or more -plantations on the Rappahannock river, because it lies immediately between -the James and Potomac rivers and is the largest stream between those two -rivers. And if there was a plantation on the Rappahannock it was, no -doubt, in the neighborhood of Fredericksburg. John Smith had visited the -place twelve years before and had found it "beautiful and inviting" and -an excellent place for a settlement, and possibly he recommended and -procured the location of a plantation in this vicinity. - -But, whether or not this supposition be true, we know that the -Rappahannock falls some years afterwards became a point of considerable -interest and steps were taken to fortify and defend it; and for that -purpose a fort was ordered to be built here in 1676 to protect settlers -from the incursions of the Indians, who continued troublesome, which was -garrisoned by quite a number of men. "At a grand assemblie held at James -cittie, between the 20th of September, 1674, and the 17th of March, 1675," -it was ordered that "One hundred and eleven men out of Gloucester be -garrisoned at one ffort or place of defence, at or near the ffalls of -Rappahannock River, of which ffort Major Lawrence Smith to be Captain or -Chiefe Commander," and that the fort be furnished with "ffour hundred and -eighty pounds of powder and ffourteen hundred and fforty three pounds of -Shott."[6] - -This fort, it seems, was not constructed that year, but in 1679, Major -Lawrence Smith, upon his own suggestion, was authorized to settle or -"seate down at or near said fort by the last day of March, 1681," which we -are informed he did, and to have in readiness, on all occasions at the -beating of a drum, fifty able men, well armed, with sufficient ammunition, -and two hundred more within the space of a mile along the river, prepared -always to march twenty miles in any direction from the fort; and it was -stipulated that should they be obliged to go more than twenty miles -distance, they were to be paid for their time thus employed at the rate -paid to other "soulders." He was also empowered "to execute Martiall -discipline" among the fifty "souldiers so put in arms," both in times of -war and peace, and with "two others of said privileged place," he was to -hear and determine all cases, civil and criminal, that should arise in -said limits, as a county court might do, and to make by-laws for the same. -These military settlers were privileged from arrest for any debts except -those due the King and those contracted among themselves, and were free -from taxes and levies except from those laid within their own limits. - -This fort was not named by the act authorizing its construction, and if -any was given it after its completion, it does not appear in the histories -or records at our disposal. It is quite likely it had some designation, if -nothing more than the Rappahannock fort--Smith's fort on the -Rappahannock--and it may have been known by one or the other until the -place was laid out for a town and received its present name. Or it may -have been known as "The Lease Land," the designation it had when it was -incorporated forty-six years afterwards. - -It has been suggested, and believed by some few to be true, that this fort -was built at Germanna, about eighteen miles above the Rappahannock falls, -but this claim cannot be maintained. It is known that all of these -plantations and military stations were located on navigable rivers and -were reached and communicated with mostly, if not exclusively, by sail -vessels, and it is not reasonable to suppose that this fort was located -eighteen miles above tidewater, where it could not be reached by such -vessels. In addition to this objection, it may be added that the "gallant -cavalier, Governor Spotswood, at the head of the chivalry of Virginia," -never made his dash above the falls to the "blue ridge of mountains" until -the year 1720[7] [1716 is the correct date], nearly fifty years after the -construction of the fort at or near the falls. - -Besides this, Governor Spotswood did not come to Virginia as Governor -until the year 1710. After coming to this country he became possessed of -lands on the Rappahannock, at the mouth of Massaponax run, and from there -up the ridge, west of Fredericksburg, to the Rapidan river at Germanna. We -do not know when he became possessed of these lands, but it is known that -he built a wharf near the mouth of Massaponax run and opened the ridge -road from there to Germanna, now called Mine Road, over which he hauled -his iron ore for shipment. And so it was said, and it was true, that he -could go from his wharf on the Rappahannock to Germanna on the Rapidan on -his own lands without crossing a stream. - -Germanna was settled in April, 1714, thirty-eight years after this fort -was built and thirty-four years before Governor Spotswood came to -Virginia. It was settled by twelve German families, who had been induced -by Governor Spotswood to come over from Germany to develop the iron and -silver mines he desired opened on his land, recently acquired by him, -several miles above the falls. These were the first iron mines opened and -operated in this new country, and being the first worker in iron gave him -the honorable appellation of the "Tubal Cain of America." - -[Illustration: The Free Bridge over the Rappahannock River to Stafford -Heights. (See page 171)] - -[Illustration: The City Court House and Clerk's Office. (See page 142)] - -It has been a tradition held by some that the Germans, who settled -Germanna, came to this country as paupers, and when they landed at -Tappahannock, where their vessel anchored, they were unable to pay their -passage and were virtually sold to Governor Spotswood for a term of years, -he to pay the passage money and furnish the land upon which they were to -settle. It is further said that he induced them to settle on the river, -above Fredericksburg, where they built small huts, called the place -Germanna and opened the mines which proved so remunerative to the -Governor. - -Much of this statement, however, is denied by the descendants of these -pioneers, who resent the charge of pauperism and show that these first -settlers were men of education, were skilled miners, and that they came to -this country under contract with Governor Spotswood, bringing with them -letters of commendation from gentlemen of influence and official position. - -From a paper prepared, and left to posterity, by Rev. James Kemper, a -grandson of the emigrant, John Kemper,[8] we are able to cull some -interesting facts connected with these people, who became neighbors and -friends of the early settlers of Fredericksburg, and many of whose -descendants are now among us. - -These Germans "did not 'happen' to come to Virginia, but came upon the -invitation of the Baron de Graffureid, who was a friend to Governor -Spotswood, and for the express purpose of developing the iron ore deposits -discovered by the latter upon his lands in the present county of -Spotsylvania. These people came from the town of Müsen, which was then in -the old province of Nassau Siegen, Westphalia, Germany. At Müsen there is -an iron mine which has been worked since the early part of the fourteenth -century, and is operated to this day. They were skilled workers in iron -and steel from the Müsen mines and built the old furnace in Spotsylvania -county." - -These pioneers remained at Germanna until about 1720, when, owing to some -difference with Governor Spotswood, they removed to what is now Fauquier -county, then Stafford, later Prince William, and in 1759 the portion they -settled became Fauquier. They settled about nine miles south of Warrenton -on a small stream called Licking Run and named the place Germantown--thus -keeping up the German identity,--which is one mile north of Madison -station on the Southern railroad. - -Rev. James Kemper, in the paper referred to, says the first year they were -in Germantown they "packed all of their provisions from Fredericksburg on -their heads and raised their first crop with their hoes, in both of which -the women bore a part." This shows that the village, afterwards called -Fredericksburg, was the trading place of the country above the falls at -that period. - -The names of the twelve men who, with their families, settled Germanna, -are John Kemper, John Huffman, Jacob Holtzclaw, Tillman Weaver, John -Fishback, Harman Fishback, Harman Utterback, John Joseph Martin, Peter -Hitt, Jacob Coons, ---- Wayman and ---- Hanback. The Rev. Henry Hagen was -their minister. - -These people were picked men for a special purpose, to do that which no -one then in Virginia could do--manufacture iron. Their descendants are -scattered all over this country and have filled high positions in the Army -and Navy, as well as in State and Church. They did two things worthy of -note: They laid the foundation of the German Reformed Church in the United -States,[9] and also the iron and steel industry, which now requires -billions of dollars to carry on successfully, and both of these were done -at Germanna, in Spotsylvania county, Virginia. - -It has also been contended that the fort, built near the falls of the -Rappahannock river, was constructed on the north side of the river and -that the place where Falmouth now stands was the center of the military -district.[10] This assertion is not substantiated by any record we have -seen, and we are not prepared, in the absence of proof, to accept it. - -There are two reasons which may be given which, we think, will show that -the site of Falmouth would have been an improper and unsafe location for -the fort, both of which would have suggested themselves to the -constructors of the fort. One is, that the place is on the bend of the -river and is surrounded by high hills, now known as Stafford Heights. From -the crest of these hills the fort could have been attacked by the enemy -and captured by any small force. And if it had not been captured the -elevation would have given the Indians great advantage over the garrison, -making their arrows very effective. To have placed the fort on either one -of the high hills would have thrown the garrison too far from the river to -protect their sail vessels, and in case they had been compelled to give up -the fort they could not have reached their vessels in the river, which, in -the past, had proved a safer refuge than the poorly constructed forts of -that day. - -The other reason is, that to have constructed the fort on the north side -of the river would have placed the almost impassable Rappahannock between -the garrison and their remote friends on the south side, from whom alone -they could look for relief in case they had been besieged, or if they had -been compelled to retreat. - -For these reasons, if for no other, we are satisfied that the fort was not -located on the north side of the river, but on the south side and in the -vicinity of where Fredericksburg now stands. - -But this author, in speaking of the fort, says "not one stone or brick of -the fort is left on another, but the terraces on the long hill back of the -riverside houses still bear traces of ancient work." But this does not -prove the contention. - -It should be remembered that forts were not constructed in those times of -stones and bricks, nor even of earthen walls, as they have since been, -but of wooden poles or logs, and very temporary at that. John Fontaine -gives a minute description of the fort built by the Germans at Germanna in -the year 1714, which will help us to understand what a fort was in those -days. - -"We walked about the town, which is palisaded with stakes stuck in the -ground, and laid close the one to the other, and of substance to bear out -a mussket-shot. There are but nine families, and they have nine houses, -built all in a line; and before every house, about twenty feet distant -from it, they have small sheds built for their hogs and hens, so that the -hog-sties and houses make a street. The place that is poled in is a -pentagon, very regularly laid out; and in the very center there is a -block-house, made with five sides, which answer to the five sides of the -great enclosure; there are loop holes through it, from which you may see -all the inside of the enclosure. This was intended for a retreat for the -people, in case they were not able to defend the palisadoes, if attacked -by the Indians."[11] Col. Byrd, in 1732, called this a fort. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THE KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN HORSE SHOE. - - _Governor Spotswood and Others Start on an Expedition over the Blue - Ridge Mountains--They Pass Through what is now Fredericksburg--They - Join Others at Germanna, where they make Extensive Preparations--The - Country Rough and the Woods Dense--Bears, Deer, Turkeys, Squirrels and - Snakes Plentiful--The Summit of the Mountain Reached--The Sublime - Scene--The Health of the King Drank and the Country Taken Possession - of in His Name--The Shenandoah River, &c._ - - -Two years after the settlement of Germanna Governor Spotswood visited the -place, in company with gentlemen and others who were to accompany him in -his famous expedition over the Blue Ridge mountains, which has been the -theme of the writers of song and story, and upon which has recently been -founded a secret benevolent order. So much has been written about this -expedition, in this country and in Europe, into which so much romance has -been woven, and yet so little is known about it by the general public, at -the expense of length and tediousness to the reader of the narrative, we -propose to give John Fontaine's[12] diary, written daily as they -progressed on the journey, from the time he left Williamsburg with the -Governor, until he returned to that city, that we may be thoroughly -informed of all the particulars. The expedition was made in August and -September, 1716, and the following is John Fontaine's diary: - -Williamsburg, 20th August, 1716.--In the morning got my horses ready, and -what baggage was necessary, and I waited on the Governor who was in -readiness for an expedition over the Appalachian mountains. We breakfasted -and about ten got on horseback, and, at four came to the Brickhouse, upon -York River, where we crossed the ferry and at six came to Mr. Austin -Moore's house[13] on Mattapony River, in King William County; here we lay -all night and were well entertained. - -21st.--Fair weather. At ten we set out from Mr. Moore's, and crossed the -river of Mattapony, and continued on the road, and were on horseback till -nine of the clock at night, before we came to Mr. Robert Beverley's house -where we were well entertained, and remained this night. - -22nd.--At nine in the morning we set out from Mr. Beverley's. The Governor -left his chaise here, and mounted his horse. The weather fair, we -continued on our journey until we came to Mr. Woodford's where we lay, and -were well entertained. This house lies on Rappahannock River ten miles -below the falls. - -23rd.--Here we remained all this day, and diverted ourselves and rested -our horses. - -24th.--In the morning, at seven, we mounted our horses and came to Austin -Smith's house[14] about ten, where we dined, and remained till about one -of the clock, when we set out, and about nine of the clock we came to the -German-town, where we rested that night--bad beds and indifferent -entertainment. - -German-town, 25th.--After dinner we went to see the mines, but I could not -observe that there was any good mine. The Germans pretend that it is a -silver mine; we took some of the ore and endeavored to run it, but could -get nothing out of it, and I am of opinion it will not come to anything, -no, not as much as lead. Many of the gentlemen of the county are concerned -in this work. We returned and to our hard beds. - -26th.--At seven we got up, and several gentlemen of the country, that -were to meet the Governor at this place for the expedition, arrived here, -as also two companies of Rangers, consisting each of six men, and an -officer. Four Meherrin Indians also came.[15] In the morning I diverted -myself with other gentlemen shooting at a mark. At twelve we dined, and -after dinner we mounted our horses and crossed the Rappahannoc River that -runs by this place, and went to find out some convenient place for our -horses to feed in, and to view the land hereabouts. Our guide left us, and -we went so far in the woods that we did not know the way back again; and -so we hallowed and fired our guns. Half an hour after sunset the guide -came to us, and we went to cross the river by a ford higher up. The -descent to the river being steep, and the night dark, we were obliged to -dismount and lead our horses down to the river side, which was very -troublesome. The bank being very steep, the greatest part of our company -went into the water to mount their horses, where they were up to the -crotch in the water. After we had forded the river and came to the other -side, where the bank was steep also, in going up, the horse of one of our -company slipped and fell back into the river on the top of his rider, but -he received no other damage than being heartily wet, which made sport for -the rest. A hornet stung one of the gentlemen in the face which swelled -prodigiously. About ten we came to the town, where we supped, and to bed. - -27th.--We got our tents in order, and our horses shod. About twelve I was -taken with a violent headache and pains in all my bones, so that I was -obliged to lie down, and was very bad that day. - -28th.--About one in the morning I was taken with a violent fever, which -abated about six at night, and I began to take the bark, and had one ounce -divided into eight doses, and took two of them by ten of the clock that -night. The fever abated, but I had great pains in my head and bones. - -29th.--In the morning we got all things in readiness, and about one we -left the German-town to set out on our intended journey. At five in the -afternoon, the Governor gave orders to encamp near a small river, three -miles from Germanna, which we called Expedition Run, and here we lay all -night. The first encampment was called Beverley Camp, in honor of one of -the gentlemen of our party. We made great fires, and supped, and drank -good punch. By ten of the clock I had taken all of my ounce of Jesuit's -Bark, but my head was much out of order. - -30th.--In the morning about seven of the clock, the trumpet sounded to -awake all the company, and we got up. One Austin Smith, one of the -gentlemen with us, having a fever, returned home. We had lain upon the -ground under cover of our tents, and we found by the pains in our bones -that we had not had good beds to lie upon. At nine in the morning, we sent -our servants and baggage forward, and we remained, because two of the -Governor's horses had strayed. At half past two we got the horses, at -three we mounted, and at half an hour after four, we came up with our -baggage at a small river, three miles on the way, which we called Mine -River, because there was an appearance of a silver mine by it. We made -about three miles more, and came to another small river, which is at the -foot of a small mountain, so we encamped here and called it Mountain Run, -and our camp we called Todd's Camp. We had good pasturage for our horses, -and venison in abundance for ourselves which we roasted before the fire -upon wooden forks, and so we went to bed in our tents. Made 6 miles this -day. - -31st.--At eight in the morning we set out from Mountain Run, and after -going five miles we came upon the upper part of Rappahannoc River. One of -the gentlemen and I, we kept on one side of the company about a mile, to -have the better hunting. I saw a deer, and shot him from my horse, but the -horse threw me a terrible fall and ran away; we ran after, and with a -great deal of difficulty got him again; but we could not find the deer I -had shot, and we lost ourselves, and it was two hours before we could come -upon the track of our company. About five miles further we crossed the -same river again, and two miles further we met with a large bear, which -one of our company shot, and I got the skin. We killed several deer, and -about two miles from the place where we killed the bear, we encamped upon -Rappahannock River. From our encampment we could see the Appalachian Hills -very plain. We made large fires, pitched our tents, and cut bows to lie -upon, had good liquor, and at ten we went to sleep. We always kept a -sentry at the Governor's door. We called this Smith's Camp. Made this day -fourteen miles. - -1st September.--At eight we mounted our horses, and made the first five -miles of our way through a very pleasant plain, which lies where -Rappahannock River forks. I saw there the largest timber, the finest and -deepest mould, and the best grass that I ever did see.[16] We had some of -our baggage put out of order, and our company dismounted, by hornets -stinging the horses. This was some hindrance, and did a little damage, but -afforded a great deal of diversion. We killed three bears this day, which -exercised the horses as well as the men. We saw two foxes but did not -pursue them; we killed several deer. About five of the clock, we came to a -run of water at the foot of a hill, where we pitched our tents. We called -the encampment Dr. Robinson's Camp, and the river Blind Run. We had good -pasturage for our horses, and every one was cook for himself. We made our -beds with bushes as before. On this day we made 13 miles. - -2nd.--At nine we were all on horseback and after riding about five miles -we crossed Rappahannoc river,[17] almost at the head, where it is very -small. We had a rugged way; we passed over a great many small runs of -water, some of which were deep, and others very miry. Several of our -company were dismounted, some were down with their horses, others under -their horses, and some thrown off. We saw a bear running down a tree, but -it being Sunday we did not endeavor to kill anything. We encamped at five -by a small river we called White Oak River,[18] and called our Camp -Taylor's Camp. - -3rd.--About eight we were on horseback, and about ten we came to a -thicket, so tightly laced together, that we had a great deal of trouble -to get through; our baggage was injured, our clothes torn all to rags, and -the saddles and holsters also torn. About five of the clock we encamped -almost at the head of James River,[19] just below the great mountains. We -called this camp Colonel Robertson's Camp. We made all this day but eight -miles. - -4th.--We had two of our men sick with the measles, and one of our horses -poisoned with a rattlesnake. We took the heaviest of our baggage, our -tired horses, and the sick men, and made as convenient a lodge for them as -we could, and left people to guard them, and hunt for them. We had -finished this work by twelve, and so we went out. The sides of the -mountains were so full of vines and briers, that We were forced to clear -most of the way before us. We crossed one of the small mountains this side -of the Appalachian, and from the top of it we had a fine view of the -plains below. We were obliged to walk up the most of the way, there being -an abundance of loose stones on the side of the hill. I killed a large -rattlesnake here, and the other people killed three more. We made about -four miles and so came to the side of James River, where a man may jump -over it, and there we pitched our tents. As the people were lighting the -fire, there came out of a large log of wood a prodigious snake, which they -killed; so this camp was called Rattlesnake Camp, but it was otherwise -called Brook's Camp. - -5th.--A fair day. At nine we were mounted; we were obliged to have axe-men -to clear the way in some places. We followed the windings of James River, -observing that it came from the very top of the mountains. We killed two -rattlesnakes during our ascent. In some places it was very steep, in -others it was so that we could ride up. About one of the clock we got to -the top of the mountain; about four miles and a half, and we came to the -very head spring of James River, where it runs no bigger than a man's arm, -from under a large stone. We drank King George's health and all the Royal -Family's at the very top of the Appalachian mountains. About a musket-shot -from the spring is another, which rises and runs down on the other side; -it goes westward, and we thought we could go down that way, but we met -with such prodigious precipices, that we were obliged to return to the top -again. We found some trees which had been formerly marked, I suppose, by -the Northern Indians, and following these trees, we found a good, safe -descent. Several of the company were for returning; but the Governor -persuaded them to continue on. About five we were down on the other side, -and continued our way for about seven miles further, until we came to a -large river, by the side of which we encamped. We made this day fourteen -miles. I, being somewhat more curious than the rest, went on a high rock -on the top of the mountain, to see fine prospects, and I lost my gun. We -saw, when we were over the mountains, the footing of elks and buffaloes, -and their beds. We saw a vine which bore a sort of wild cucumber; and a -shrub with a fruit like unto a currant. We eat very good wild grapes. We -called this place Spotswood Camp, after our Governor. - -[Illustration: "Mary Washington House," home of Mary, the Mother of -Washington, and where she died in 1789; now the property of the A. P. of -V. A. (See page 157)] - -[Illustration: "Federal Hill," home of Thomas Reade Rootes, Gov. Brooke, -etc.; now the residence of Mrs. H. Theodore Wight. (See page 153)] - -6th.--We crossed the river, which we called Euphrates.[20] It is very -deep; the main course of the water is North; it is fourscore yards wide in -the narrowest part. We drank some healths on the other side, and returned; -after which I went a swimming in it. We could not find any fordable place, -except the one by which we crossed, and it was deep in several places. I -got some grass hoppers and fished; and another and I, we caught a dish of -fish, some perch, and a fish they called chub. The others went a hunting, -and killed deer and turkeys. The Governor had graving irons, but could not -grave anything, the stones were so hard, I graved my name on a tree by the -river side; and the Governor buried a bottle with a paper enclosed, on -which he writ that he took possession of this place in the name and for -King George the First of England.[21] We had a good dinner, and after it -we got the men together, and loaded all their arms, and we drank the -King's health in Champagne, and fired a volley--the Princess's health in -Burgundy, and fired a volley, and all the rest of the Royal Family in -Claret, and a volley. We had several sorts of liquors, viz: Virginia red -wine and white wine, Irish usquebaugh, brandy, shrub, two sorts of rum, -champagne, canary, cherry, punch, water, cider, &c. - -I sent two of the rangers to look for my gun, which I dropped in the -mountains; they found it, and brought it to me at night, and I gave them a -pistole for their trouble. We called the highest mountain Mount George, -and the one we crossed over Mount Spotswood. - -7th.--At seven in the morning we mounted our horses, and parted with the -rangers, who were to go further on, and we returned homewards; we repassed -the mountains, and at five in the afternoon we came to Hospital Camp, -where we left our sick men, and heavy baggage and we found all things well -and safe. We camped here, and called it Captain Clouder's Camp. - -8th.--At nine we were all on horseback. We saw several bears and deer, and -killed some wild turkeys. We encamped at the side of a run, and called the -place Mason's Camp. We had good forage for our horses, and we lay as -usual. Made twenty miles this day. - -9th.--We set out at nine of the clock, and before twelve we saw several -bears, and killed three. One of them attacked one of our men that was -riding after him, and narrowly missed him; he tore his things that he had -behind him from off the horse, and would have destroyed him, had he not -had immediate help from the other men and our dogs. Some of the dogs -suffered severely in this engagement. At two we crossed one of the -branches of the Rappahannock River, and at five we encamped on the side of -the Rapid Ann, on a tract of land that Mr. Beverley hath design to take -up. We made, this day, twenty-three miles, and called this Captain Smith's -Camp. We eat part of one of the bears, which tasted very well, and would -be good, and might pass for veal, if one did not know what it was. We were -very merry, and diverted ourselves with our adventures. - -10th.--At eight we were on horseback, and about ten, as we were going up a -small hill, Mr. Beverley and his horse fell down, and they both rolled to -the bottom; but there were no bones broken on either side. At twelve as we -were crossing a run of water, Mr. Clouder fell in, so we called this place -Clouder's Run. At one we arrived at a large spring, where we dined and -drank a bowl of punch. We called this Fontaine's Spring. About two we got -on horseback, and at four we reached Germanna. The Governor thanked the -gentlemen for their assistance in the expedition. Mr. Mason left us here. -I went at five to swim in the Rappahannock River, and returned to the -town. - -11th.--After breakfast all our company left us, excepting Dr. Robinson and -Mr. Clouder. We walked all about the town, and the Governor settled his -business with the Germans here, and accommodated the minister and the -people, and then to bed. - -12th.--After breakfast went a fishing in the Rappahannock, and took seven -fish, which we had for dinner; after which Mr. Robinson and I, we -endeavored to melt some ore in the Smith's forge, but could get nothing -out of it. Dr. Robinson's and Mr. Clouder's boys were taken violently ill -with fever. Mr. Robinson and Mr. Clouder left us, and the boys remained -behind. - -13th.--About eight of the clock we mounted our horses, and went to the -mine, where we took several pieces of ore; and at nine we set out from the -mine, our servants having gone before; and about three we overtook them -in the woods, and there the Governor and I dined. We mounted afterwards -and continued on our road. I killed a black snake about five feet long. We -arrived at Mr. Woodford's[22] on Rappahannoc River, about six, and -remained there all night. - -14th.--At seven we sent our horses and baggage before us; and at ten we -mounted our horses; we killed another snake, four feet nine inches long. -At twelve we came to the church, where we met with Mr. Buckner, and -remained till two, to settle some county business; then we mounted our -horses, and saw several wild turkeys on the road; and at seven we reached -Mr. Beverley's house, which is on the head of the Mattapony River, where -we were well entertained. My boy was taken with a violent fever, and very -sick. - -15th.--At seven my servant was some what better, and I sent him away with -my horses, and about ten o'clock the Governor took his chaise, and I with -him, and at twelve we came to a mill-dam, which we had great difficulty to -get the chaise over. We got into it again, and continued on our way, and -about five we arrived at Mr. Baylor's, where we remained all night. - -16th.--My servant was so sick, that I was obliged to leave him, and the -Governor's servants took care of my horses. At ten we sent the chaise over -the Mattapony River, and it being Sunday, we went to church in King -William County, where we heard a sermon from Mr. Monroe. After sermon we -continued our journey until we came to Mr. West's plantation, where -Colonel Basset waited for the Governor with his pinnace, and other boats -for his servants. We arrived at his house by five of the clock, and were -nobly entertained. - -17th.--At ten we left Colonel Basset's, and at three we arrived at -Williamsburg, where we dined together and went to my lodgings, and to bed, -being well tired as well as my horses. - -I reckon that from Williamsburg to the Euphrates River is in all 219 -miles, so that our journey, going and coming, has been in all 438 miles. - - - - -CHAPTER III - - _Fredericksburg Incorporated by Law--Col. Byrd Walks About - Town--Church Erected--Patrick Henry Rector--Augustine Washington a - Trustee--Fairs Inaugurated--Limits of the Town Extended, &c._ - - -Although the site upon which Fredericksburg now stands was settled by -white men, possibly in 1622, in the location of plantations by the London -Company referred to by Capt. John Smith, and certainly in 1681 by the -construction of Major Lawrence Smith's fort, yet the town was not -incorporated for many years thereafter. That it was a trading station and -a place of importance before its incorporation is admitted in the act of -incorporation itself, besides earlier writers refer to it as such. If the -inquiry should be made as to why the town was not incorporated earlier if -it was a place of importance, it might be answered with the fact that -prior to that time the authorities did not seem to think it was necessary, -as neither Richmond, Petersburg, Norfolk nor Alexandria was incorporated -for several years after Fredericksburg had a legal existence. - -Fredericksburg was founded by law in 1727 and named for Frederick, Prince -of Wales, son of George the Second, by which act the people of the town -showed their attachment to the royal family of England. But this was not -all; they emphasized that attachment by calling nearly every street in the -original survey of the town after some member of the royal family or of -some country to which English royalty was closely allied. Sophia street -was named for the sister of George II; Caroline for his wife; Princess -Anne for one of his daughters, and Prince Edward for his grandson. The -cross streets were named, Princess Elizabeth for a daughter of George II; -Frederick for his oldest son; William for his second son, and Amelia for a -daughter. George was named for the King himself; Charlotte for the wife of -George III; Hanover for the House of Hanover, and Prussia for the country -of Prussia. This includes every street in the original survey except -Charles and Wolfe. We do not know for whom these two streets were named, -and we think the evidence is very clear that they were not laid out as -streets at the time of the original survey. - -The act of the House of Burgesses, establishing Fredericksburg, in which -are preserved as near as possible the form, orthography, punctuation and -capitalization, is as follows: - - I. Whereas great Numbers of People have of late seated themselves and - their Families upon and near the River _Rappahannock_, and the - Branches thereof above the Falls, and great Quantities of Tobacco and - other Commodities are every Year brought down to the upper Landings - upon the said River to be shipped off and transported to other Parts - of the Country and it is necessary that the poorer Part of the said - Inhabitants should be supplied from thence with Goods and Merchandise - in return for their Commodities, but for Want of some convenient - Place, where Traders may cohabit and bring their Goods to, such - Supplies are not to be had without great Disadvantages, and good - Houses are greatly wanted on some navigable Part of said River, near - the Falls for the Reception of safe keeping of such Commodities as are - brought thither and for the Entertainment and Sustenance of those who - repair thither from remote Places with Carriages drawn by Horses and - Oxen; and forasmuch as the Inhabitants of the County of _Spotsylvania_ - have made humble Supplication to the General Assembly that a Town may - be laid out in some convenient Place near the Falls of said River, for - the cohabitation of such as are minded to reside there for the - purposes aforesaid, whereby the peopling of that remote Part of the - county will be encouraged, and Trade and Navigation may be increased: - - II. BE _it enacted, by the Lieutenant Governor, Council, and - Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, - by the Authority of the same_, that within six Months after the - passing of this Act fifty Acres of Land, Parcel of a Tract of Land - belonging to _John Royston_ and _Robert Buckner_, of the County of - _Gloucester_, situate, lying and being upon the South Side of the - River Rappahannock aforesaid in the County of _Spotsylvania_ commonly - called or known by the Name of the _Lease Land_, shall be surveyed - and laid out, taking the whole Breadth of the Tract of Land upon the - River, by the Surveyor of the said County of _Spotsylvania_; and the - said fifty Acres of Land, so to be surveyed and laid out, shall be and - is hereby vested in _John Robinson_, Esq; _Henry Willis_, _Augustin - Smith_, _John Taliaferro_, _Harry Beverley_, _John Waller_, and - _Jeremiah Clowder_, of the County of _Spotsylvania_, Gentlemen, and - their Successors, in Trust, for the several purposes hereafter - mentioned; and the said _John Robinson_, _Henry Willis_, _Augustin - Smith_, _John Taliaferro_, _Harry Beverley_, _John Waller_ and - _Jeremiah Clowder_, are hereby constituted and appointed Directors and - Trustees for designing, building, carrying on, and maintaining, a Town - upon the said Land: And the said Directors and Trustees, or any four - of them, shall have power to meet as often as they shall think - necessary, and shall lay out the said fifty Acres in Lots and Streets, - not exceeding Half an Acre of Ground in each Lot, and also to set - apart such Portions of said Land for a Church and Church-Yard, a - Market Place, and publick Key, and to appoint such Places upon the - River for publick Landings, as they shall think most convenient, and, - if the same shall be necessary, shall direct the making and erecting - of Wharfs and Cranes at such publick Landings, for the publick Use. - And when the said Town shall be so laid out the said Directors and - Trustees shall have full Power and Authority to sell all the said Lots - by publick Sale or Auction, from Time to Time, to the highest Bidder, - so as no Person shall have more than Two Lots; and when such Lots - shall be sold, any two of the said Trustees shall and may, upon - Payment of the Purchase Money, by some sufficient Conveyance or - Conveyances, Convey the Fee Simple, Estate of such Lot or Lots to the - Purchaser or Purchasers: And he or they, or his or their Heirs and - Assigns, respectively, shall and may for ever thereafter peaceably and - quietly have, hold, possess, and enjoy, the same, freed and discharged - of and from all Right, Title, Estate, Claim, Interest, and Demand - whatsoever of the said _John Royster_ and _Robert Buckner_ and the - Heirs and Assigns of them respectively, and of all Persons whatsoever - claiming by, from, or under them or either of them. - - III. PROVIDED _nevertheless_, that the said Directors and Trustees - shall pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said _John Royston_ and - _Robert Buckner_, out of the Money to be raised by the Sale of the - said Lots, as soon as the same shall be by them received, after the - Rate of forty Shillings for every Acre of the said fifty Acres of - Land, according to the Right which the said _John Royston_ and _Robert - Buckner_ now respectively have to the same; and the said _John - Royston_ and _Robert Buckner_ shall also have each of them two Lots, - which shall be assigned to them by the said Directors and Trustees, - and they shall respectively remain seized of such Lots of the same - Estate whereof they were respectively seized in the said Land before - the making of this Act. - - IV. AND _be it further enacted, by the Authority aforesaid_, that - after the said Lots shall be so laid out and disposed of, as - aforesaid, the said Directors, or any four of them, shall have full - Power and Authority to apply all the overplus Money which shall be - raised by the Sale of the said Lots to such publick Use; for the - common Benefit of the Inhabitants of the said Town, as to them shall - seem best. - - V. AND _be it further enacted, by the Authority aforesaid_, that the - Grantee or Grantees of every such Lot or Lots, so to be conveyed and - sold in the said Town, shall, within two Years next after the Date of - the Conveyance for the same, erect, build, and finish, on each Lot so - conveyed, one House, of Brick, Stone or Wood well framed, of the - Dimensions of Twenty Feet square, and nine Feet Pitch at the least, or - apportionably thereto, if such Grantee shall have two Lots contiguous; - and the said Directors shall have full Power and Authority to - establish such Rules and Orders, for the more regular placing the said - Houses, as to them shall seem fit, from Time to Time. And if the Owner - of any Lots shall fail to pursue and comply with the Directions herein - prescribed, for the building and finishing one or more House or Houses - thereon, then such Lots upon which such Houses shall not be so built - and finished shall be revested in the said Trustees, and shall and may - be sold and conveyed to any other Person or Persons whatsoever, in the - Manner before directed, and shall revest, and be again sold, as often - as the Owner or Owners shall fail to perform, obey, and fulfil, the - Directions aforesaid; and if the Inhabitants of the said Town shall - fail to obey and pursue the Rules and Orders of the said Directors, in - repairing and amending the Streets, Landings, and publick Wharfs, they - shall be liable to the same Penalties as are inflicted for not - repairing the Highways of this Colony. - - VI. AND for the continuing the Succession of the said Trustees and - Directors, until the Governour of this Colony shall incorporate some - other Persons by Letters Patents, under the Seal of this Colony, to be - one Body Politick and Corporate, to whom the Government of the said - Town shall be committed, _Be it further enacted_, that in Case of the - Death of the said Directors, or of their Refusal to act, the surviving - or other Directors, or the major Part of them, shall assemble, and are - hereby Empowered, from Time to Time, by Instrument in Writing, under - their respective Hands and Seals, to nominate some other Person or - Persons, being an Inhabitant or Freeholder of the said Town, in the - Place of him so dying or refusing; which new Director or Directors, so - nominated and appointed, shall from thenceforth have the like Power - and Authority, in all Things relating to the Matters herein contained, - as if he or they had been expressly named and appointed in and by this - Act, and every such Instrument and Nomination shall from Time to Time - be recorded in the Books of the said Directors. - - VII. AND whereas _William Livingston_ is possessed of a Lease under - the said _John Royston_, for certain Years to come, of Part of the - said fifty Acres of Land, and hath erected buildings and made several - Improvements thereon, which will be taken away when the said Town - shall be laid out: For making Satisfaction for which, - - VIII. BE it further enacted, that the two Lots to be assigned to the - said _John Royston_, pursuant to this Act, shall include the - Dwelling-House and Kitchen of the said _William Livingston_, and shall - be held and enjoyed by him for the Residue of the said Term, and at - the Expiration thereof shall revert unto, and be vested in, the said - _John Royston_, as aforesaid; and, moreover, the said Trustees are - hereby enjoined and required to pay unto the said _William Livingston_ - the Sum of twenty Pounds current Money out of the Monies arising by - Sale of Lots, as a Consideration and Compensation for the said Lease. - - IX. AND _be it further enacted_, that the Town aforesaid shall be - called by the Name of _Fredericksburg_. - - This act of incorporation which elevated the Lease Land into the town - of Fredericksburg, was signed by William Gooch, Esq., Governor, and - John Holliday, Speaker. - -By the authority conferred upon the trustees of the town by the sixth -section of the above act, the following paper was issued by the board of -trustees, appointing Augustine Washington, the father of General George -Washington, one of the trustees of the town. The original was presented to -the town some years ago by one of the descendants of Augustine Washington, -and is now preserved in the clerk's office: - - "Whereas, at a meeting of the Trustees of the town of Fredericksburg, - April 6th 1742, according to directions of act of Assembly, Intitled - an Act for erecting a Town in both of the counties of Spotsylvania and - King George, To Supply the number of Trustees in the Room of those - Gentlemen deceased, we have Unanimously made Choise of, and Elected, - Augustine Washington, Gent., to be one of the Trustees or Feoffees for - the town of Fredericksburg, in Spotsylvania county to fill up and - compleat our full number and for confirming of the same We have - according to Directions of the Sd Act, set our hands and seals, this - 20th day of April, 1742. - - John Taliaferro, - John Waller, - Ira Thornton, - John Allen, - Rob Jackson." - -In the year 1732 the seat of justice, which had been located at Germanna, -where Governor Spotswood had settled, and where he started and operated -the first iron works in this country, heretofore mentioned, was removed to -Fredericksburg as a more convenient place. That change did not continue -long, for, in 1749, the law was again changed and the court was moved back -to Germanna, where it was held for several years, and until it was located -at Holidays, thence to the old Courthouse and finally to Spotsylvania -Courthouse, where it was held until abolished by the new Constitution. - -[Illustration: Princess Anne Street looking East.] - -In 1732, five years after the town was established by law, Col. Byrd, then -living on the James river, where Richmond now stands, made a visit to -Fredericksburg. This visit was made at the time he made his trip to -Germanna to see his old friend Governor Spotswood. While here Col. Byrd -wrote a description of the new town to a friend as he saw it, as follows: - - "Colonel Willis walked me about his new town of Fredericksburg. It is - pleasantly situated on the south shore of the Rappahannock river, - about a mile below the falls. Sloops may come and lie close to the - wharf, within thirty yards of the public warehouse which is built in - the figure of a cross. Just by the wharf is a quarry of white stone - that is very soft in the ground, and hardens in the air, appearing to - be as fair and fine grained as that of Portland. Besides that, there - are several other quarries in the river bank, within the limits of the - town, sufficient to build a large city. The only edifice of stone yet - built is the prison, the walls of which are strong enough to hold Jack - Sheppard, if he had been transported thither. Though this be a - commodious and beautiful situation for a town, with the advantages of - a navigable river, and wholesome air, yet the inhabitants are very - few. Besides Colonel Willis, who is the top man of the place, there - are only one merchant, a tailor, a smith, an ordinary-keeper, and a - lady, Mrs. Livingston, who acts here in the double capacity of a - doctress and a coffee-woman. It is said the courthouse and the church - are going to be built here, and then both religion and justice will - help to enlarge the place." - -The church spoken of was built soon after Col. Byrd's visit. It was -located on the lot where St. George's church building now stands. It was a -wooden structure, about thirty by forty feet, to which two additions were -made as the town increased in population. The first addition was made to -the side of the church, which gave the building the shape of a capital T, -and the second one was made a few years afterwards on the opposite side, -giving the building the form of a cross. - -The first rector of the new church was Rev. Patrick Henry, uncle of the -great Virginia orator, Patrick Henry. Mr. Henry remained rector for a -short time, and was followed, in 1734, by Rev. James Marye, of Goochland -county, who was the great great grandfather of our late honored fellow -citizen, Gov. John L. Marye. Mr. Marye had charge of two churches within -the parish, one located on the Po river and the other at Fredericksburg. -His salary for the first year for the entire parish was discharged with -sixteen thousand pounds of "farm tobacco." St. George's church is noticed -more at length under the head of churches. - - -CATTLE AND MERCHANDISE FAIRS. - -In the year 1738 a law was passed by the House of Burgesses authorizing -and directing that "fairs should be held in Fredericksburg twice a year -for the sale of cattle, provisions, goods, wares, and all kinds of -merchandise whatever." The act provided that all persons at such fairs, -going to or from them, were privileged from arrest and execution during -the fairs, and for two days before and two days after them, except for -capital offences, breaches of the peace, or for any controversies, suits -and quarrels that might arise during the time. These fairs were continued -from time to time, by various acts and amendments, until 1769, when the -right of holding them was made perpetual, they having proved a benefit to -both town and county. We have no record as to when they ceased to be held -and no citizen now living remembers to have attended one. They may have -been changed into agricultural fairs, which are mentioned elsewhere. - - -ANOTHER SURVEY OF THE TOWN. - -In March, 1739, the trustees of the town found it necessary to have -another survey and plat of Fredericksburg made. This work was done by -William Waller, Surveyor of Spotsylvania county. By this new survey it -appears that the lots and buildings of the town had not only occupied the -original fifty acres, but had also encroached upon the lands of Henry -Willis and John Lewis; and, as this gave rise to controversies and -threatened law suits, the Lieutenant-Governor, Council and Burgesses of -the General Assembly passed an act in May, 1742, which was declared to be -"for removing all doubts and controversies," and which declared that these -lands, belonging to the estate of Henry Willis and John Lewis, should be -held and taken to be part of Fredericksburg and vested in the trustees, -and purchasers claiming under them; provided, that the trustees should pay -to the executors of Henry Willis five pounds, and to John Lewis fifteen -pounds. The area of the town, as ascertained by this survey, was not quite -fifty-three acres. - -The irregularity of the buildings having necessitated an enlargement of -the original fifty acres, the style of buildings must have caused serious -apprehensions of danger from fire, as we find that, in 1742, it was -represented to the General Assembly that the people were often in great -and imminent danger of having their houses and effects burned by reason of -the many wooden chimneys in the town, and, therefore, it was made unlawful -to build any wooden chimneys in the town thereafter, and unlawful, after -the expiration of three years, to use any wooden chimney already built; -and, in case the owners did not, within three years, pull down and destroy -these wooden chimneys, the sheriff was authorized to do so, at the expense -of the owners thereof. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - - _Encouraging Home Industries--Further Extension of the Town--Tobacco - Inspectors--Modes of Punishment--Prosperity--Military Ardor--Under the - United States._ - - -In 1759 an act was passed by the General Assembly to encourage the "Arts -and Manufactures in the Colony," but wine and silk making seemed to have -predominated all others, wine having the decided preference as will -readily be seen. In the act it was set forth that five hundred pounds -should be paid as a premium to the person who should, in any one year, -within eight years from the date of its passage, make the best wine in -quantity not less than ten hogsheads, and one hundred pounds should be -paid to the person making the second best. It was provided that the money -for these premiums should be raised by the annual subscriptions of -public-spirited gentlemen who were willing to encourage the undertaking; -and it was further provided that, if the subscriptions would justify it, a -handsome premium should be given for silk making. It was also stipulated -that if there was an "overplus of money," after the premiums on wine and -silk making were provided for, it was to "be given for the encouragement -of such other articles as should appear to the committee most advantageous -to the colony." Among those who contributed the first year for this -purpose, who were then, or had been, citizens of Fredericksburg, were the -following gentlemen who subscribed two pounds each: Robert Carter, -Pressley Thornton, George Washington, James Mercer, William Bernard, David -Ker, Philip Rootes, Thomas Reade Rootes, Alexander Ross, John Champ. - - -FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE TOWN. - -In 1763 an act was passed by the General Assembly extending the corporate -limits of the town, but to what extent we do not know, as we have been -unable to find the act or any of its provisions. - - -REGULATING TOBACCO INSPECTORS. - -In 1764 the General Assembly passed an act for "Amending the Staple of -Tobacco and for Preventing Frauds in his Majesty's Customs." It was a very -lengthy bill, having seventy-seven sections, ten more than any other act -ever before passed by that body, and severe penalties were prescribed for -its violation. The bill was necessarily long and severe penalties were -prescribed because it had reference to the raising, curing, packing and -sale of tobacco, which was one of the principal products of Virginia, and -the duties and responsibilities of tobacco inspectors and their proper -management of tobacco warehouses. Besides tobacco being one of the -important crops raised in the colony, if not the most important one, large -quantities of it were shipped to the old country and sold for good prices. -In addition to this, tobacco was used in the colony as a substitute for -money, as all debts between private individuals, as well as those due the -colony, were paid in tobacco. The bill provided for public warehouses, for -the proper inspection of tobacco and for public inspectors, appointed by -the Governor and his Council, not less than two at each warehouse, who, -besides taking an oath of office, were placed under heavy bonds with -security, the penalty being five hundred pounds sterling for the faithful -performance of their duties. One of these public warehouses was located in -Fredericksburg, and may have been the old stone house on Water street, -just below the free bridge. The oath required to be taken by these public -inspectors was as follows: - - "You shall swear that you will diligently and carefully view and - examine all tobacco brought to any public warehouse or warehouses - where you are appointed to be inspector, and that not separately and - apart from your fellow, but in his presence; and that you will not - receive any tobacco that is not in your judgment sound, well - conditioned, merchantable and clear of trash, nor receive, pass or - stamp any tobacco, hogshead or cask of tobacco, prohibited by one act - of Assembly, entitled an act for amending the sample of tobacco, and - preventing frauds in his Majesty's customs; and that you will not - change, alter or give out any tobacco, other than such hogsheads or - casks for which the receipt to be taken was given; but that you will - in all things well and faithfully discharge your duty in the office of - inspector, according to the best of your skill and judgment and - according to the directions of said act, without fear, favor, - affection, malice or partiality. So help me God." - -The receipts given by the inspectors of the public warehouse in -Fredericksburg, according to the provisions of the act, were to pass and -be current in the town and county of Spotsylvania for the payment of all -quit-rents, county and town levies and for officers' fees. As this -provision of law made them current for public dues, the public also -adopted them as currency and they were used for the payment of all -obligations. These receipts were protected by severe penalties against -counterfeiting and forgery, and each one represented so many hundred -pounds of tobacco deposited at the public warehouse. - - -MILITARY ARDOR OF THE TOWN. - -Fredericksburg continued to grow in population and material prosperity, -and also improve in the intelligence and public spirit of its inhabitants, -until the year 1775, when the affairs between Great Britain and the -American Colonies were verging to a crisis. Her leading citizens were -among the very first in Virginia to adopt the principle that the American -Colonies ought not only to be exempt from taxation by the Mother Country, -but should be free and independent States. The battle of Lexington was -fought on the 19th day of April, 1775, and on the 20th, the following day, -Lord Dunmore secretly removed twenty barrels of gunpowder from the public -magazine in Williamsburg to the Magdalen Man-of-war, which anchored off -Yorktown. When the news of the battle of Lexington, and of the removal of -the powder, reached Fredericksburg, great excitement prevailed. Over six -hundred men armed themselves, from the town and surrounding country, -assembled at the Courthouse in town and offered their services to George -Washington, who was then in Williamsburg, to defend that city from Lord -Dunmore's threatened attack, and the country from his tyranny. - -After assembling they dispatched delegates to Richmond and Williamsburg -to ascertain the condition of affairs and to what point they should report -for duty. In the meantime, those ardent patriots, George Washington, -Peyton Randolph and Edmund Pendleton, transmitted their advice to the -people of Fredericksburg, and especially those who had formed the military -organization, to abstain for the present from hostilities until a -congress, then called or soon to be called, should decide upon a general -plan of resistance. - -On the receipt of this advice, these patriots held a council, consisting -of more than one hundred men, representing fourteen companies, who, by a -majority of one vote, decided to disperse for the present. They were -burning with indignation at the murderous attack made upon their brethren -of Lexington, Mass., by the armed soldiers of Great Britain, and the -unlawful arrests, and retention as prisoners, of some of the leading -citizens of Massachusetts by British military officers. And this feeling -of indignation was intensified when they saw that this outrage was -followed the next day by another perpetrated in their own colony and by -their own Governor; and when he threatened to return from Yorktown, -whither he had fled for safety, and attack Williamsburg with a man-of-war -they were convinced that the enemies of the Patriots, the British and -Tories, understood each other and were acting in concert. Yet, upon the -advice of those whose lead they were willing to follow, and whose commands -they were ready to obey, they agreed to disband for the present. Before -dispersing, however, they drafted an address, which was tantamount to a -declaration of independence, in which they firmly resolved to resist all -attempts against their rights and privileges, from whatever quarter they -might be assailed. - -They went further than to just pass resolutions; they pledged themselves, -solemnly and firmly one to the other, to be in readiness, at a moment's -warning, to reassemble, and, by force of arms, to defend the laws, -liberties and the rights of this or any sister colony, from unjust and -wicked invasions. They then sent dispatches to patriots assembled in -Caroline, Berkeley, Frederick and Dunmore counties, thanking them for -their offer of service and acquainting them with the condition of public -affairs and their determination to be ready at a moment's notice to -respond to any call that might be made by the patriotic leaders, who were -then holding a council in Williamsburg. The resolutions and pledges were -read at the head of each company of patriots encamped at Fredericksburg, -and unanimously approved and adopted. The address concluded with the -impressive words, "God, save the liberties of America," which were a -substitute for the off-repeated words, "God, save the King." - -These resolutions were passed twenty-one days before the celebrated -Mecklenburg resolutions in North Carolina were, and more than a year -before the Declaration of Independence by the American Congress, which -showed the intense patriotic fervor of the people of Fredericksburg at -that early period, many of whom bore a heroic part in the subsequent -struggle of the Seven Years' war that followed. Among the number assembled -with these lovers of liberty, and most prominent, were Gen. Geo. Weedon, -who served on Gen. Washington's staff, commanded with distinction a -division at the surrender of Yorktown, and afterwards for several terms -served as mayor of the town; Gen. Hugh Mercer, who rose to the rank of -Major-General and was killed at Princeton, New Jersey, on January 3, 1777, -and Gen. Gustavus B. Wallace, who served gallantly through the war, -attaining to the rank of Brigadier-General. - - -FREDERICKSBURG UNDER THE UNITED STATES. - -The long tobacco act of the House of Burgesses was the last act passed by -that body that affected the commercial interest of the town or the -agricultural interest of the surrounding country that we have any -knowledge of. The Revolutionary war soon followed and our independence and -new government was the result. It is not considered necessary in this work -to attempt to give the part Fredericksburg bore in that struggle--the -generals she furnished to command the armies and navy of the country, the -line officers and soldiers she sent forth to meet and repel the invader, -the statesmen she gave to provide for the armies or to form the new -government and to guide it to a successful, permanent and solid -establishment. All of these things are told by the records and histories -of the State and country more accurately and in a more pleasing style than -we can narrate them. We therefore pass to the new order of things. - - -FREDERICKSBURG IN THE REPUBLIC. - -The first act of the Legislature of Virginia in reference to -Fredericksburg, after the establishment of the young republic, was to -grant it a charter, which bill was passed in 1781. It provided for the -town a Mayor, Recorder, Board of Aldermen and a Common Council, and -required that all of them should be freeholders. They were made a body -politic by the name and designation of Mayor and Commonalty of the town of -Fredericksburg, and by that title were to have perpetual succession. The -Mayor, Recorder and the four Aldermen were _ex-officio_ Justices of the -Peace, and had power to hold a court of hustings once a month, and to -"hold pleas in all cases whatsoever originating within the limits" of the -town and to "low water mark on the northwest side of the Rappahannock -river and half a mile without and around the other limits of the said -town." They were given the sole authority and power of "licensing tavern -keepers and settling their rates," to appoint a sergeant with the powers -of sheriffs, a "constable and other necessary officers of court and -surveyors of the streets and highways." A surveyor of the streets was -appointed at the first hustings court held by the Mayor and his fellow -magistrates, but he was known as the "Geographer" of the town for more -than half a century, and was often so entered upon the court records. - -In civil cases the hustings court was not to have jurisdiction where the -amount in controversy exceeded one thousand pounds of leaf tobacco, or its -value in money, unless both parties to the suit were citizens of the town -when the suit was instituted. - -The corporate authorities were authorized to assess the inhabitants and -all property within the actual bounds of the town for all the charges of -repairing the streets, and other matters of municipal expense. They were -empowered to erect workhouses, houses of correction, prisons and other -public buildings, and to pass all necessary ordinances for the good -government of the town. They were to have two market days in each week, -and appoint a clerk of the market, "who shall have assize of bread, wine, -wood and other things," and perform all the duties of Clerk of the Market. -The market days were fixed by law on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It was -also provided in the charter that if any person elected to an office -failed or refused to serve, he was to be fined. The fines were regulated -as follows: "For a Mayor-elect, fifty pounds; for the Recorder, forty -pounds; for any Alderman, thirty pounds; for any Common Councilman, -twenty-five pounds; for the City Sergeant, one hundred pounds; for the -Constable, fifty pounds; for the Clerk of the Hustings Court and the Clerk -of the Market, each fifty pounds; the Surveyor of Streets or Roads, each -thirty pounds." These several fines were to be imposed by the hustings -court, and "to be levied by execution against the goods and chattles of -the offender." - -The charter also provided that in case of "misconduct in the office of -Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen or Common Councilmen, or either of them, the -others, being seven at least, shall have power to remove the offenders," -and in case the other officers were guilty of misconduct, the power -appointing them was clothed with the authority of revoking the -appointment. It was provided that if the office of Mayor should become -vacant, the Recorder was to succeed to the office, the oldest Alderman was -to become Recorder, and "so on according to priority." - -It was further provided "that all the property, real and personal, now -held and possessed by the trustees of the said town of Fredericksburg, in -law or equity, or in trust, for the use and benefit of the inhabitants -thereof, and particularly the charity donation of Archibald McPherson, -deceased, now vested in the trustees of said town in trust, for the -education of poor children, shall be and the same are hereby transferred -and vested in the Mayor and Commonalty of said town, to and for the same -uses, intents and purposes as the trustees of the town now hold the same." - -At the session of the Legislature in 1782 the charter of the town was -amended and the jurisdiction of the hustings court was extended one mile -without and around the former limits of the town on the south side of the -Rappahannock river, and made a court of record and as such was authorized -to receive probate of wills and deeds and grant administrations in as full -and ample manner as the county courts could or might do. But no will was -to be admitted to proof and no administration was to be granted unless -the parties were citizens and residents of the town at the time of their -death, and no deeds for conveyance of land were to be admitted to record -unless the lands conveyed lay within the limits of the corporation. The -court was empowered and authorized to appoint a person skilled in the law -to prosecute for the Commonwealth and pay him a reasonable salary for his -services, and when the Attorney for the Commonwealth was appointed for the -town, it was to be exempt from paying any part of the salary of the -Attorney for the Commonwealth of Spotsylvania county. - -[Illustration: "Rising Sun Tavern," kept by Gen. Geo. Weedon prior to -1775; now the property of the A. P. of V. A. (See page 148)] - -[Illustration: Mary Washington Monument, erected by the Women of America; -Wm. J. Crawford, architect. (See page 157)] - - -RAPID GROWTH OF THE TOWN. - -On the petition of sixty-four of the leading citizens of the town, -property owners and tax payers, complaining that certain provisions and -requirements of the original charter of the town, granted in 1727, had not -been enforced by the Council and complied with by lot owners, the Common -Council, in 1782, passed an order which resulted in great benefit to the -town in the way of improving vacant lots, erecting buildings and -furnishing permanent homes for artisans, mechanics and laboring men. In -the memorial submitted to the Council, these property owners complained of -"being frequently subjected to the payment of many heavy Taxes and charges -for the general benefit and improvement of the said Town of which many -proprietors of unimproved Lotts pay no part, although their property is -thereby daily rendered more valuable; That the proprietors of said Lotts, -although wealthy, will neither build on them, nor sell to those who would, -unless for exorbitant prices, by means whereof Rents are high and many -useful tradesmen are prevented from residing in the said Town, to remedy -which your petitioners pray that you, as Guardians of the said -Corporation, will take into your consideration an Act of Assembly, passed -in the year of our Lord One thousand, seven hundred and twenty seven, -entitled an Act for erecting a Town in each of the counties of -Spotsylvania and King George[23] or so much of the said Act as may relate -to the said Town of Fredericksburg. A due execution of said Law, your -petitioners Conceive, will be productive of many real and very essential -advantages to the said corporation; by encouraging the peopling of it and -increasing its Trade and Navigation. Your petitioners do not wish that any -immediate advantage may be taken of failures or defaults already -heretofore suffered, by noncompliance with the above mentioned Act, but -that Public notice may be given to the proprietors of such unimproved -Lotts that a strict execution of the above mentioned Act of Assembly will -be observed with all such as shall, in future, fail to perform, fulfil and -comply with the rules and directions therein set forth." - -In consideration of the complaints of these citizens and the wise -suggestions made in their communication, as well as the requirements of -the act referred to, the Council ordered "that notice be given to the -Proprietors of unimproved Lotts within this corporation, by advertisement -in the Public News Papers, that they immediately pay up the Taxes due on -said Lotts within this Town and that they be informed that they must build -on their unimproved Lotts, agreeable to the Act of Assembly, passed in One -thousand seven hundred and Twenty-seven, for establishing a Town in the -County of Spotsylvania, otherwise the Lotts will be sold agreeable to the -said Act." - -In consequence of the enforcement of this order of the Common Council, -both the taxable values, and the inhabitants of the town, increased -rapidly. Instead of an empty treasury, as the town then had, and the -necessity it found itself under of appealing to the public for -subscriptions for money with which to repair and enlarge the church, to -repair the market house, the courthouse and jail, so they could be used, -the town soon had money for ordinary purposes, and also for repairing the -public buildings, many of which had been used during the war by the -soldiers of General Washington's army, leaving a good balance in the -treasury, after the work was done. Nor was that all; in 1791, under the -"Domestic Loan Act" of Congress, the town loaned to the general government -$3,500. This loan was evidenced by four certificates, issued by the "Loan -office" of the Government in Washington and are duly recorded in the -record book of the Common Council. - - -METHODS OF PUNISHMENT. - -It may be interesting to note that in the olden times there were other -methods resorted to for punishing criminals besides fines, jails and -penitentiaries, which are not used in this day and time. The Common -Council, in 1785, passed a resolution ordering Sergeant John Richards to -"erect immediately a whipping post, stocks and ducking stool." The -whipping post was used mainly for the slaves who were guilty of small -infractions of the law, but for aggravated offences, the penalty was -"thirty-nine lashes on his bare back, well laid on," to which was added -"burning in the left hand, in the presence of the court." The whipping -post is said to have been used for habitual persistent absence from -church, but it was very seldom used for that purpose, and never in -Fredericksburg so far as we have discovered from the records. - -The stocks were used to punish white persons for petty offences, such as -vagrancy, trespassing and similar infractions of the law. The stocks -consisted of a frame of timber, with holes in which the ankles and wrists -of the offenders were confined. The stocks were erected in the public -square and it is said the passers-by, and those who had gathered around -them, through curiosity, would taunt and jeer at the criminals thus -confined for punishment. - -The ducking stool was used for punishing common scolds, refractory women -and dishonest tradesmen, especially brewers and bakers. The ducking stool -for Fredericksburg was erected on the bank of the Rappahannock river, at -the foot of Wolfe street, near where the old Stafford bridge spanned the -river. There are several of our old citizens now living who remember when -it was in use, and when it was dispensed with, nearly seventy years ago. A -"ducking" always brought together a large crowd, most of whom were rude -and disorderly, and jeers at and ridicule of the party "ducked" would rend -the air, while the sentence of the court was being carried out. It is said -that some of the "scolding women," as they would emerge from the water -would send forth volumes of abuse at the disorderly crowd, while the -officer waited for the next bath, and this was kept up until the order of -the court was fully executed. It seemed to be the wish of the authorities -that the whole population would turn out and witness these different modes -of punishment, with the hope that it would deter others from committing -similar offences. - - - - -CHAPTER V - - _The Lease of the Market-House Lots--The First Serious - Fire--Fredericksburg an Important Center--An Act Concerning - Elections--Half of the Town Destroyed by Fire--Fredericksburg an - Important Postal Point--How the Mails were Carried--A Congressional - Investigation--Amendatory Act of 1821--The Great Fire of 1822--The - Trade of the Town--Contagious Diseases--The Town in 1841--Acts of - Extension, 1851, 1852, 1858, 1861, &c._ - - -In the year 1789 an enactment was passed by the Legislature empowering the -Mayor and Commonalty of the town of Fredericksburg to lease for three -lives, or twenty-one years, such unimproved parts of the market-house lots -as to them shall seem most proper, and apply the rents arising therefrom -for the benefit of the corporation. In the same year an act was passed -authorizing the Trustees of the Fredericksburg Academy to raise, by way of -lottery, the sum of four thousand pounds to defray the expenses of -erecting a building on the academy lands for the purpose of accommodating -the professors and the rapidly increasing number of students. We could not -learn the result of this latter scheme. - - -THE FIRST SERIOUS FIRE. - -In 1799 the first serious fire the town ever had occurred. It took place -in the night time and quite a number of houses were destroyed. By many -persons it was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary, but others -believed that it was caused by a "wooden chimney or a stove pipe, run -through a window or through the side of a wooden house, without being -properly protected." The Council decided to meet both views, and offered -five hundred dollars for the arrest and conviction of the incendiary, and -issued an emphatic condemnation against wooden chimneys and stove pipes -projecting through windows or the sides of houses without having them -"fire proof." This nuisance was thereby abated. - - -FREDERICKSBURG AN IMPORTANT CENTER. - -As early as 1796 Fredericksburg was an important commercial center, and -manufactories of various kinds were in operation. Iron works and mills -and other industries were successfully prosecuted, and the trade of -the town, in the general merchandise department, was in the hands of -public-spirited, energetic merchants; and it would no doubt surprise the -merchants of the present day to read the advertisements and note the -extent and variety of stocks of goods kept here at that period. The growth -and development of the trade was gradual and decided in all departments, -the leading article being tobacco, which up to and during the War of 1812 -and 1814, was increased heavily and necessitated the employment of vessels -of great tonnage to carry it. And, though strange as it may appear to our -present population, in those days of prosperity in manufactories, farms -and workshops, and when nearly all merchandise and supplies reached our -town in said vessels, large three-masted ships were moored at our wharves; -and, until large cities sprang up along the coast, that diverted trade by -reason of railroad transportation, our leading merchants carried on a -direct trade with the West India Islands, as well as with many of the -European countries. Our wharves then were a scene of busy activity and the -river was crowded with vessels from all quarters of the country. - - -AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTIONS. - -In 1806 an act of the Legislature was passed providing that on the next -annual election day for members of the "Common Hall of the Town," which -term was used to denote the Common Council, a Mayor and Recorder and eight -persons should be elected by ballot to act as Justices of the Peace for -the town, who should "continue in office during good behavior." Three of -these justices were empowered to hold a hustings court, except in cases of -the examination or trial of free persons or slaves charged with felonies, -in which case five of the eight justices were necessary to constitute the -court. This court had the same power and jurisdiction that the hustings -court had under the act of 1781, but the members were ineligible for the -Common Council and they had no power to lay a tax for the support of a -night watch. - -At this election the voters were also to elect by ballot twelve persons as -members of the Common Council of the town, who were to continue in office -for one year and until their successors should be elected and qualified. -The powers of the Common Council should be the same as had been previously -conferred upon the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council of the -town "in Common Hall assembled." The Common Council, at their first -meeting, were to elect one of their number to the office of Mayor and -another to the office of Recorder. It was the duty of the Mayor to preside -over the deliberations of the body, and, in his absence, the Recorder was -to discharge that duty. The Mayor, or in his absence, the Recorder, or any -two members of the Council, could call a meeting of the body, but it -required seven members present to constitute a quorum. After the Council -assembled in the first meeting after the election of the members, and -elected the proper officers, the body then consisting of the Mayor, -Recorder and the other ten members elected as common councilmen, -constituted the "Common Hall" of the town, and all ordinances were adopted -by that body. - - -HALF OF THE TOWN DESTROYED BY FIRE. - -In the year 1807 Fredericksburg was visited by a terrible conflagration -which destroyed nearly one-half of the town. It was in October of that -year, when the town was almost depopulated, the citizens, old and young, -having left their homes to attend and witness the horse racing just below -town, on "Willis's Field" farm. The fire broke out in the dwelling house -of Mr. Stannard, which was located on the lot where the residence of Mr. -George W. Shepherd now stands, on the north corner of Princess Ann and -Lewis streets. A high wind prevailed at the time, the house was -inflammable, the weather very dry, and in a short time the fire swept down -Main street, the flames leaping from house to house to Henderson's store, -on the south corner of Main and Amelia streets; thence down both sides of -Main to George street, destroying every building in its track except -Henderson's corner, which alone escaped destruction. The Bank of -Virginia, which stood on the spot where Shiloh Baptist church (old site) -now stands, on Water street, although more than a quarter of a mile from -where the fire originated, was the second house to take fire and was -entirely consumed. Mr. Stannard, at whose residence the fire started, was -lying a corpse in the house at the time of the fire, and his remains were -rescued from the flames with great difficulty. - -Preparations to rebuild the burnt district were at once commenced, and -buildings of a more substantial character took the places of those -destroyed and prosperity again smiled upon the town. Yet strange to say -the square on the west side of Main street, from Lewis to Amelia, then in -the business part of the town, and now in the residential part, although -before the fire was lined with buildings, was without a building until -some five years ago. A tool chest, saved from destruction in this fire, by -the debris of the building falling upon it and covering it up, and which -escaped the destruction wrought in town by the Federal soldiers in -December, 1862, is now in the possession of Police Officer Charles A. -Gore. It was the property of his grandfather, Jacob Gore, who had been -working at Mr. Stannard's a few days before the fire occurred and left it -there temporarily. - - -FREDERICKSBURG AN IMPORTANT POSTAL POINT. - -Fredericksburg, as early as 1820, was a very important point for mail -distribution, and the mail matter of not less than five States was -assorted here and sent on to its destination. About the breaking out of -the War of 1812 mail matter to Fredericksburg rapidly increased, and -continued to increase, for several years, which necessitated a change in -the method of transporting the mails from Washington, an increase of pay, -and finally scandalous reports were put in circulation which resulted in a -congressional investigation. - -A paper on this investigation, prepared by Henry Castle, Esq., Auditor, -from the records in the Postoffice department, and kindly furnished us, -will prove interesting. - - "The year 1820 had arrived; James Monroe was President and Return J. - Meiggs, Jr., of Ohio, was Postmaster General. There were then over - three thousand post offices, and the revenues had increased to - $1,000,000 per annum, a sum considerable in excess of the - expenditures, a feature which seldom characterized the service after - that date. It appears from the records that vague rumors of certain - irregularities had been afloat throughout the country and in the - 'public prints' for some time, and that they finally assumed such a - tangible shape that a resolution was introduced into the United States - Congress providing for an investigation of the charges. - - "A committee of the House of Representatives, of which Hon. Elisha - Phelps was chairman, proceeded in accordance with instructions of the - House, in due form and great deliberation, to investigate the general - conduct of the office under Postmaster General Meiggs, and especially - the features which had been subjected to more immediate criticism. Mr. - Meiggs's service, as Postmaster General, extended from March 17th - 1814, to June 26th 1823, a period of more than nine years. The gravest - of the charges made against his administration were substantially as - follows: - - "First. That he had introduced an irregular financial system which had - led to serious losses of the public funds. - - "Second. That he had illegally and improperly increased the - compensation of certain contractors for carrying the mail. - - "With slow formality and tedious reiteration of assurances of - distinguished consideration, the solemn committee of the Honorable - House of Representatives, and the Honorable Postmaster General, - finally reached a point where questions were asked and answered and a - tolerably clear understanding of what had really occurred may be - gained. The statement of the Postmaster General, divested of all its - superfluities and reduced to its simplest form, showed no dereliction - in either case, but read at this late day gives an almost ludicrous - insight into the diminutive transactions which then sufficed for this - great, free and intelligent Republic. - - "Postmaster General Meiggs's answer to the second charge was perhaps - even more interestingly significant as a revelation of the day of - small things. He admitted that he had increased the compensation of - contractors for carrying the mails, but justified his action on the - ground of an imperious necessity. - - "The case as he explained it was this: His predecessor in office had - about the year 1813, let a contract to certain parties for - transporting mail from the Seat of Government at Washington to - Fredericksburg, Virginia, a distance of seventy miles. This great mail - route, which would now be termed a trunk line, carried substantially - the mail for the five States of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, - South Carolina and Georgia. The contract provided that these mails - should be carried by stage coach in summer and, as the roads were - impassable in winter, they were to be carried on horseback. - - "But," says the Postmaster General, "by the increased popular interest - in the war of 1812, correspondence was greatly stimulated and the - circulation of the public journals was enormously increased. - Consequently, it was found impracticable to transport all this heavy - mail for five States, on horseback from Washington to Fredericksburg; - therefore contractors were authorized to place a sulky, or curricle - service thereon and the remuneration was increased accordingly. - - "This explanation was apparently satisfactory to the Honorable - Committee as it certainly appears very reasonable on its face, and - will appeal to man's inherent sense of justice even in this exacting - era. The final action of Congress is not contained in the records, but - it was no doubt exculpatory since, as shown above, Postmaster General - Meiggs, continued to discharge the duties in his high office for - several years thereafter." - - -AMENDATORY ACT OF 1821. - -Under the previous acts of the Legislature, extending the limits of the -town and providing for laying out streets, and the amendments thereto, it -was claimed that mistakes had occurred and irregularities had resulted -therefrom. In order to correct these mistakes, and provide for the better -government of the town, an amendatory act was passed by the Legislature in -the year 1821. In that act the Common Council was authorized and empowered -to elect the Mayor from their own number or from the body of the -citizens, and in case he was elected from the Council, thus creating a -vacancy in that body, it was to be filled by the Council. Under this act -the Mayor was eligible to reëlection from year to year as long as the -Council was pleased to elect him, was made custodian of the corporation -seal, and was to keep an office in the town where he should transact the -public business, and where the citizens could call upon him and present -any grievance or complaint they might have to make. - -[Illustration: The St. George's Episcopal Church. (See page 203)] - -[Illustration: The Presbyterian Memorial Chapel. (See page 208)] - -When the hustings court was not in session the Mayor was to act as a -Justice of the Peace and superintend and control the police and night -watch. He was to qualify in ten days after his election, and was to -preside at the sittings of the hustings court; and in his absence the -Recorder, upon whom all the powers and authority of the Mayor were -conferred, was authorized to perform his duties. The Common Council had to -regulate and fix the salary of the Mayor, which could not be increased or -diminished during his term of office. The same act extended the -jurisdiction of the hustings court to high water mark on the Stafford side -of the Rappahannock river, and exempted the citizens of the town from the -assessment and payment of all taxes and levies to Spotsylvania county, to -which they were subject under the former laws. - -By the provisions of the act of 1821 the Common Council was authorized to -assess and levy a tax on the inhabitants of, and property within, the town -for the purpose of repairing and keeping in order the streets and alleys -and for other purposes and charges as to them might seem right and proper, -and for the improvement, convenience and well being of the town. They were -authorized to provide a night watch for the protection of the town and for -the "better execution of this duty the power and authority, now exercised -by field officers of the militia concerning patrols, shall hereafter be -vested in and exercised by the said Mayor, Recorder and Common Council -over the militia of the said town," and the militia of the town were, by -the same act, exempted from patrol duty beyond the city limits. - -In order to correct defects in laying out streets under the former acts, -by this act a Commission, consisting of John W. Green, John Mundell, -George Cox, Silas Wood and David Briggs, was appointed to survey and -locate the streets of the town according to existing laws and authentic -ancient surveys. This Commission was to locate the streets by metes and -bounds, making such alterations as its members might think expedient, with -the consent of the proprietors of lots effected by such alterations, but -not otherwise. It was also required to mark the boundaries of the streets -by stones or otherwise, which were to be designated on the map of the town -made by it. These Commissioners were to report their plan, with -explanatory notes, to the Common Council, and if approved by that body it -was to be taken as the authentic plan of the town. - -But in making this survey of the streets it was especially provided that -if a house should be found, in whole or in part, in the street, it was not -to be considered a nuisance or an illegal obstruction of the street, but -if such building should perish, or in any manner be destroyed, it was not -to be rebuilt so as to encroach upon or obstruct the street. - - -THE GREAT FIRE OF 1822. - -After the great conflagration of 1807, a regular and decided increase in -population is noted with a marked improvement in local trade. So things -progressed with no unusual or startling calamities to disturb the usual -serenity of a prosperous town--not bustling, but active--until the year -1822, when the quiet was disturbed by another serious conflagration. It -was not as disastrous as its predecessor was, but it was of such a -character as to cause great loss of property, and to retard, to a very -great extent, the general prosperity of the town. This fire originated at -the corner of Main and George streets, where Mr. Thomas N. Brent's dry -goods store now stands, and, curious enough, just where the great fire of -1807 was checked. It was then known as Wellford's corner, because Mr. C. -C. Wellford, for a great many years, kept store there. From that corner -the fire made its way down Main street totally destroying every building -on that side of the street from there to Hanover street, which square was -then known as the "Commercial Block," because of the large trade carried -on there. - -With the energy and enterprise so characteristic of the citizens of the -town at that day, steps were at once taken to rebuild the burnt district. -Soon the street was almost blocked up with building material, laborers -were busily at work, clearing away the debris and preparing the -foundations for the new buildings. Carpenters and brick masons were in -great demand and large numbers flocked to the town from neighboring cities -and villages. That part of the town was soon a busy scene and the music of -the hammer, the saw and the trowel greeted the ear from early morning -until late in the afternoon. And there were soon erected, with an -occasional exception, the substantial block of brick buildings which now -stand as monuments to the good judgment and excellent workmanship of that -early day. The work of rebuilding was speedy and complete, and the -character of the new buildings was an improvement upon the old ones they -replaced. With the rebuilding of that portion of the town, and the -resumption of business by the burnt-out merchants, came an unusual degree -of prosperity, and for a long period the general peace and happiness of -the people were undisturbed. - - -THE TRADE OF THE TOWN. - -At this time the trade of the town was chiefly of a local character, -except the products of the country extending even beyond the Blue Ridge -mountains, as from the early years of the town, were brought to market in -wagons, and it was no uncommon sight to see daily as many as fifty or -sixty four and six-horse teams here at one time from that part of the -country. The merchants were men of exalted character and fine business -capacity, and the amount of business transacted was, considering the times -and circumstances, simply enormous. - - -CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. - -To the credit of the authorities of the town it can be truthfully said -that, in all the past, they have been very watchful of and solicitous for -the health of the people. At all times, upon reports, or even rumors, that -contagious or infectious diseases were prevailing in contiguous -communities, they were on the alert, taking every precaution to prevent -their introduction here, and it may be said to their credit that such -strict observance and enforcement of the laws of health, and temporary -quarantines at the proper time, have prevented all kinds of epidemics in -the past history of the town. - -Before the first of the nineteenth century, in 1790, the people of the -town were very much excited about the small pox. It was raging in -Philadelphia as an epidemic, and the large trade carried on between the -two places, altogether by water, made it necessary that numerous vessels -should bear the merchandise. In order to prevent the small pox from -reaching this place a strict quarantine was established at the mouth of -Hazel Run, just below town, and a hospital was located at Sligo. Dr. -Brooke and Dr. Ker, two skillful physicians of the town, agreed to attend -the sick at the hospital without charge, whether sailors or citizens. The -wise precaution taken in establishing the quarantine prevented any case -from reaching the town, to the great relief of the citizens generally. In -1792 the same disease broke out in Baltimore and a quarantine was again -established at Hazel Run and a hospital at Sligo. The citizens were -greatly alarmed, fearing its introduction here either by land or water. -The greatest precautions were taken by the health officers, who were nobly -assisted by the town authorities, and the disease was kept out as it had -been two years before, not a single case having made its appearance in the -place. - -In 1833, it is said by old citizens, a remarkable case of either fright or -disease occurred in Fredericksburg, which proved fatal. In that year -several parts of the United States were visited and scourged by the -Asiatic cholera. The country generally was in great terror, and -Fredericksburg came in for her share of excitement. In fact, she may have -been more alarmed than other places which were as far removed from the -seat of the scourge, because of a prediction that had previously been -made, and which made its impression on many people. Rev. Lorenzo Dow, an -able, but eccentric, itinerant Methodist minister, when on a visit to the -town the year previous to the scourge, it was reported had predicted the -appearance of cholera in Fredericksburg. Some people believed the disease -would come because Mr. Dow had predicted it, and the excitement ran high, -especially among those who believed the prophecy. A Mr. Shelton became -dreadfully alarmed and whether from fright or from actually contracting -the disease, died in the month of June and the cause of his death was -pronounced sporadic or accidental cholera. His was the only case then, and -to this day there has been no other, Fredericksburg having enjoyed -singular and perfect immunity from epidemics of all kinds. - - -THE TOWN IN THE YEAR 1841. - -In describing the town in 1841, an intelligent visitor says -"Fredericksburg is regularly laid out and compactly built; many of its -buildings are brick. The principal public buildings are a courthouse, -clerk's office, a jail, a market-house, an orphan asylum, one Episcopal, -one Presbyterian, one Methodist, one Baptist and one Reform Baptist -church. The town also contains two banks and one male and one female -seminary of the higher class. It is supplied with water from the river[24] -by subterraneous pipes and is governed by a Mayor and Common Council. A -canal, extending from the town to Fox's mill, a point on the Rappahannock, -thirty-five miles above, has been commenced and partly completed. - -"Fredericksburg enjoys considerable trade, chiefly in grain, flour, -tobacco, maize, etc., and considerable quantities of gold are exported. -Its exports have been computed at over four millions of dollars annually. -The falls of the Rappahannock, in the vicinity, afford good water power. -There were in 1840, by the United States statistics, seventy-three stores, -with a capital of $376,961; two tanneries, paints, drugs, etc., with a -capital of $37,000; one grist mill, two printing offices, four semi-weekly -newspapers; capital in manufactures, $141,200; five academies, with 256 -students, and seven schools, with 156 scholars. The population in 1830, -whites, 1,797; slaves, 1,124; free blacks, 387--total, 3,308. The -population in 1840 was 3,974." - -But the commercial prosperity of the town even in 1840 was not equal to -its advantages, but it steadily grew and prospered during the next decade. -The completion of a canal, extending from the town to a point on the -Rappahannock river, a distance of forty miles, railroad facilities and -river navigation by sail vessels and steamboats, greatly enlarged her -commercial advantages and increased her export trade, and the beginning of -the year 1850 found her enjoying a degree of material prosperity, -presaging a glorious commercial future. Commencing the year 1850 under -circumstances so encouraging, the next decade was expected to exceed in -all departments of trade the preceding one. - -The failure to build a railroad through the section of country from which -the bulk of our trade was drawn, and the substitution therefor of a plank -road, with the building of the Orange and Alexandria railroad, now the -Western, and the advance of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad along the -upper line of the Shenandoah Valley, greatly injured the trade of -Fredericksburg by diverting from her a large amount of produce, which was -formerly brought to town in wagons, and while in 1860 the population had -somewhat increased, the general trade of the town was diminished. - - -THE CORPORATE LIMITS EXTENDED. - -In the year 1851 the Legislature passed a bill extending the limits of the -town, in accordance with a plan made by Commissioners appointed by the -Common Council. That extension embraced the territory we now have within -the corporate limits except a portion of the Water Power Company, the -survey having been made by Mr. William Slaughter, City Surveyor, in 1850, -and reported to the Council by Joseph Sanford, John Minor and John -Pritchard, who were appointed a committee by the Council to "enquire into -the expediency of extending the limits of the said town." After making a -thorough examination, this committee reported back to the body that it was -both expedient and desirable that the extension should be made, which -report and recommendation were adopted. To carry out this action, the -Council appointed Hugh S. Scott, Wm. S. Barton, John James Chew, Joseph -Sanford and John Pritchard, and they were instructed and empowered as a -Commission, under the provisions of the act of the Legislature, to locate -and lay out such streets in the part of the town annexed by the provisions -of the bill, as they might think proper, and report back to the Council, -with a full plan of their work. But it was provided that none of the new -streets reported upon were to be opened unless the Council should decide -it necessary, and in that event, if the owners of the lots did not -relinquish their claims to the town, damages were to be paid by the -Council in such sums as should be ascertained by three disinterested -freeholders of Spotsylvania county, who should be appointed by the county -court of said county for that purpose. The Commission performed the duties -assigned them by the Council, and laid out the new portion of the town -into streets, giving a name to each, but many of them were never opened, -as they were not needed, and remain closed to this day. - -The same act made it unnecessary for either the Mayor or Recorder of the -town to be present and preside over the hustings court, but made it lawful -for any three Justices of the Corporation to hold the court, except, as in -the former act, where parties were to be examined or tried for felonies it -required that five Justices should be present and preside. In consequence -of this provision the court would convene with five Justices when felony -cases were to be considered, and after they were disposed of, two of them -would be excused and the other three would continue the session until the -business of the court was completed. These Justices were appointed by the -Governor, on the recommendation of the hustings court, and were among the -best citizens and most successful businessmen of the town, and what they -lacked in a knowledge of the law, it is generally agreed they more than -made up in good common sense and unyielding integrity. - -In the following year, 1852, the Legislature passed another amendment to -the charter of the town, extending its limits, but this amendment was only -made necessary to correct an error in the section of the act of the year -before, extending the corporate limits. The metes and bounds were left the -same as prescribed in the act of 1851. - -In 1858 an act was passed by the Legislature enabling the Council to sell -real estate for delinquent taxes due the town. It authorized the -authorities to sell all real estate within the corporation returned -delinquent for the non-payment of taxes and interest, and to make such -regulations for affecting the sale and collecting the taxes as they might -deem expedient. In case the sale was not made and the taxes remained -unpaid, the taxes became a lien on the property and ten per centum was -charged thereon until they were paid. The act also provided that if the -taxes due on real estate were paid by the tenant, who was not the owner of -the property, the amount might be deducted from the rents of the same in -settlement with the owner. In cases where the property was owned by -non-residents, and was vacant or unimproved, and no levy could be made to -satisfy the taxes, the town was authorized to take summary proceedings -before any court in the State, on ten days' notice to the parties owning -the delinquent property. - -In 1861 another act was passed by the Legislature, extending the corporate -limits of the town. This was done in order to bring certain property -within the limits of the town for the purpose of city taxation, according -to a previous agreement with the owners of the Fredericksburg Water Power. -That agreement was that all mills and manufactories, using the water of -that company for power, erected after the completion of the canal, should -be liable for, and should pay, city taxes. The extension by this act is -described as follows: - - "Beginning at a point Sixty-seven feet North 64-1/2 degrees east from - the northeast cornerstone of the present boundary of said town; and - running thence to the Rappahannock river twelve hundred and fifty feet - to a stone; thence south 58-1/2 degrees west, four hundred and - sixty-six feet to a stone; thence south 13-1/2 degrees west, three - hundred and seventy feet to a stone; thence south 35-1/2 degrees east, - six hundred and eight feet to a stone; thence south 38-3/4 degrees, - two hundred and eighty-five feet to a stone; thence south 25-1/2 - degrees east, one hundred and forty-four feet to a stone in a line - with the present corporation line; thence with said line north 64-1/2 - degrees east six hundred and eighty feet to the point of beginning, - and particularly set out and described in a survey and plat made by - Carter M. Braxton, dated the 23rd day of January, 1861, and deposited - in the clerk's office of the corporation court of said town." - - - - -CHAPTER VI - - _The War Clouds Gathering--Fredericksburg in the Confederacy--Troops - Raised and Equipped--The Surrender of the Town to the Federal - Authorities--Arrested and Held as Hostages--Citizens Flee from their - Homes--The Bombardment of the Town, &c._ - - -Notwithstanding the fact that Fredericksburg had been growing for so many -years, and the further fact that she had enjoyed the prosperity which is -claimed for her, and of which we have written, the town had attained at -this time only to the moderate proportions of a population of about five -thousand inhabitants. But it was a delightful place, nevertheless, with a -salubrious climate, good water, charming society, picturesque surroundings -and cheapness of living, and had about it a quiet and chastened dignity of -age and respectability, both attractive and impressive. Such was -Fredericksburg when the storm-cloud of war burst upon her in 1861. - - -FREDERICKSBURG IN THE CONFEDERACY. - -We shall not attempt in these pages to fully portray the scenes enacted in -the town, or narrate the part played by Fredericksburg in that terrible -war. A true portrayal and narration of them is beyond the power of the -tongue of the finished orator, the pen of the most gifted writer or the -brush of the most skilled artist. No one can know them save those who -endured them and were a part and parcel of them, and even they are unable -to describe them with all of their horrible, bloody and destructive -realities. It would take a pen almost inspired to truthfully describe the -fiery scenes, the devastation, the trials, the privations, the sufferings -of body and mind and the heroism of the inhabitants, who were then in -town, in the terrible ordeal through which they passed, and the fortitude -with which they stood the test. - -A great change was now about to take place. The quiet of the staid and -sober town was about to be broken by the sound of the drum and the tramp -of armed men. The activity of commerce had ceased, a spirit of patriotism -prevailed; and this patriotism was not demonstrative only, it was deep and -real, and was afterwards sealed by the best blood of the town. - - -TROOPS RAISED AND EQUIPPED. - -There was never any doubt as to the part the citizens of Fredericksburg -would take in the war. It is true the town was always conservative and -loyal to the government; it had sent a Union man to the State Convention, -which was to consider and pass upon the question of union or disunion; he -had received almost a two-thirds vote of the qualified voters of the town, -but all this was done with a strong hope that the political differences of -the two great sections of the country--North and South--could and would be -settled without a separation. When it was ascertained that such a -settlement could not be had, and when that assurance was followed by a -call on the States from President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand troops -to coerce the seceded Southern States back into the Union and that -Virginia was expected to furnish her quota of that number, the sentiment -of the entire population changed, and the most ardent Union men, with few -exceptions, became strong sympathizers of the Southern movement and were -ready to take up arms in defence of the South. The Constitutional -Convention, that up to that time was supposed to be against the adoption -of the ordinance of secession, rapidly changed front, and when the -ordinance was submitted to a vote it was passed by a large majority, the -delegate from Fredericksburg, Hon. John L. Marye, Sr., voting for its -adoption. - -The two volunteer militia companies, which had been in existence in town -for many years, became the nucleus around which was formed the Thirtieth -Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. This regiment, commanded successively by -Colonel Milton Cary, Colonel Archibald Harrison and Colonel Robert S. -Chew, immediately entered upon active duty and performed good service -throughout the war. The Fredericksburg artillery, under Captain Carter M. -Braxton, was organized at the beginning of the war, and under its gallant -commanders, Captain Carter M. Braxton, Captain Edward Marye and Captain -John G. Pollock, greatly distinguished itself. - -[Illustration: HON. MONTGOMERY SLAUGHTER, "The War Mayor" of -Fredericksburg. (See page 74)] - -It is claimed that this company fired the first shot at the battle of -Fredericksburg and was honored with a like distinction at Gettysburg; and -yet a greater honor awaited this heroic band than either of these or the -two combined, which each member and his descendants will ever cherish with -pride. Its members claim to have fired the last gun at Appomattox on the -9th of April, 1865, the day on which General Robert E. Lee surrendered the -Army of Northern Virginia to General U. S. Grant, where and when the Star -of the Southern Confederacy went down, never, never more to rise. All -honor to such brave and heroic men! The following is a correct list of the -members of the Fredericksburg artillery at the time of the surrender, -furnished by a member of the company, most of whom are now living: - -Captain John G. Pollock, Lieutenant A. W. Johnson, Lieutenant Clinton -Southworth, Sergeant Henry G. Chesley, Sergeant L. T. Bunnell, Sergeant -James Taylor, Sergeant Charles B. Fleet, Gunner M. C. Hall, Gunner Samuel -H. Thorburn, Picket Sergeant J. L. Marye, Jr., H. P. Martin, Quarter -Master Sergeant; Gunner J. R. Ferneyhough, Gunner P. V. D. Conway, Gunner -W. F. Gordon, Gunner R. W. McGuire, Harrison Southworth, Guidon; Privates -W. A. Anthony, John Scott Berry, John J. Berrey, Wm. E. Bradley, J. A. -Bowler, Oscar Berry, James E. Berrey, Wm. Bowler, Robert C. Beale, J. H. -Butzner, Henry Berry, C. B. Cason, L. P. Carter, Walter Carter, W. M. -Chewning, J. S. Cannon, W. S. Chartters, Jacob Crowder, G. W. Clarke, J. -H. Clarke, S. H. Crockford, A. P. Carneal, Charles Donahoe, James Donahoe, -W. B. Dickinson, Elijah E. Fines, R. C. Fitzhugh, M. A. Ferneyhough, Duff -Green (of Brooke), J. T. Goolrick, R. C. Grymes, J. R. Gouldman, Landon -Gallahan, Henry Gallahan, John M. Garrett, James W. Hogans, George F. -Harrison, George M. Harrison, John E. Harrison, Robert Haislip, Matthew -Hudson, John S. Johnson, W. Stanfield Jones, J. Chester Jones, C. W. -Jenkins, John T. Knight, David Corbin Ker, Hubbard M. Long, Charles Lyell, -Alfred J. Marye, J. W. McWhirt, J. A. Marye, A. Stewart Marye, J. W. -Mitchell, Frank A. Maddox, Thomas E. Maddex, Charles W. Manley, John -McKay, W. Nelson Marye, George Oakes, M. B. Pollock, George B. Pearson, -Joseph S. Payne, Harvey W. Proctor, Anthony Patton, John T. Roberts, Henry -Robinson, W. T. Robinson, John D. Smith,[25] R. B. Semple, Warner L. -Sisson, Lawrence Sanford, Charles H. Scott, John Sullivan, Peter Sullivan, -H. Cabell Tabb, A. Byrd Waller, H. H. Wallace, Arthur Wallace, George -Willis. - -Many of the young men at the first opportunity entered the various -branches of the service--the cavalry, infantry, navy, marine, and other -positions necessary and honorable--where they served their country well -and faithfully, and in many cases with distinguished ability. So rapid -were these enlistments, that in less than twelve months the town was -almost stripped of her youths and arms-bearing men, and of her former -population--those remaining at home were the older men, the women and a -few colored people. - - -THE SURRENDER OF THE TOWN TO THE FEDERAL AUTHORITIES. - -_Gen. McDowell's Forces Arrive._ - -On the 19th of April, 1862, the town first fell into the hands of the -Federal Army. On that day a meeting of the Common Council was held, and a -committee, consisting of Mayor Slaughter, Wm. A. Little, Esq., Thomas B. -Barton, Esq., Dr. J. Gordon Wallace, Rev. William F. Broaddus, D. D., and -Gov. John L. Marye, Jr., three members on the part of the Common Council -and three representing the citizens, was appointed to confer with the -commanding officer of the United States forces, relative to the surrender -of the town. They were instructed to inform him that inasmuch as the -forces of the Confederate States had evacuated the town no resistance -would be made to its occupation by the United States troops, and to ask -such protection for persons and property as was consistent with the rules -of civilized warfare. They were also instructed to inform the Commanding -General "that the population of this town have been in the past, and are -now, in conviction and sentiment, loyal to the existing government of the -State of Virginia and Confederate States." This was an honest and frank -statement, made by the Common Council of the threatened town to the -Commanding General of the invading army, and there can be no doubt that -this honest acknowledgment won the friendship and respect of the -commandant of the post and saved much property from destruction and many -of the inhabitants from indignities on the part of the garrison. - -The United States forces took possession of the Stafford hills, which -commanded the town, on the 19th day of April. The destruction of the -bridges connecting the town with the Stafford shore delayed the actual -presence of the troops in town for several days, and it was not until the -morning of the 27th that General Marsena R. Patrick established his -headquarters and took provost command of the town. Unlike many of the -subordinate commanders Gen. Patrick was considered a generous man and a -kind, humane officer, and many of the citizens who were at their homes, -while he was here in command, unite in bearing testimony, that under his -government military rule in Fredericksburg was kindly exercised and the -people were not oppressed, and not a few of them conceived a sincere -respect for his character, and to this day his acts of kindness and -thoughtful consideration are gratefully referred to by them. - -This state of things continued until after the disastrous result to -General George B. McClellan's army in the Seven Days' battles around -Richmond. After those engagements General McClellan was superseded in the -command of the Army of the Potomac by General John Pope. General Pope was -from the Western Army, and upon taking command of the army in Virginia -issued a high-sounding, pompous order in which he belittled the valor of -the Confederate soldiers of the west, asserting he had "only seen the -backs of the enemy," and his purpose in coming to this army was to lead it -to victory and success. In that order he declared that he did not want to -hear such phrases as "taking strong positions and holding them," "lines of -retreat" and "bases of supplies," which he was told was common in the -army. He declared that the glory of the soldier was in pushing the enemy -and studying the lines of his retreat, which he then proposed to do. - -He announced his purpose to subsist the invading army by enforced supplies -from his enemies, and, in order to prepare the world and give it some idea -of his rapid movements and brilliant feats, issued orders from -"headquarters in the saddle." This unique order, full as it was of -boastings of what he had done and what he proposed to do, failed to -frighten the Confederate commanders, as General Pope, no doubt, thought it -would do. On the contrary, without loss of time they concentrated their -forces, gave him battle and the Federal commander was ingloriously driven -from the field, with great loss of men, arms and supplies. And so in less -than sixty days from the time he took command of the army he was relieved -by General McClellan, whom he superseded, having lost every engagement -fought during the time. His advance through the counties of Fauquier and -Culpeper to Fredericksburg, when he took command of the army, caused great -consternation because of his unreasonable and cruel exactions. Many -private citizens, who had never entered the Confederate service, were -arrested upon their refusal to take the oath of allegiance to the United -States government, and were ruthlessly dragged from their homes and -confined in Northern prisons. - - -GEN. POPE TAKES POSSESSION OF THE TOWN--HELD AS HOSTAGES. - -Finally the power of this pompous commander reached Fredericksburg, and -many of her citizens shared the fate of the unfortunate citizens of -Fauquier and Culpeper counties. By General Pope's order nineteen of our -most prominent and highly esteemed citizens were arrested and sent to -Washington, where they were incarcerated in Old Capitol prison. These men -were arrested in retaliation for the arrest of two Union men by the -Confederate authorities--Major Charles Williams, of Fredericksburg, and -Mr. Wardwell, of Richmond--and confined in prison at Richmond. Major -Williams was a native of Fredericksburg and died here several years after -the war, and Mr. Wardwell, we are informed was a northern man and was -appointed superintendent of the penitentiary when Virginia was made -"Military District No. 1, with headquarters at Richmond." - -These nineteen gentlemen were arrested in August, 1862, and confined in -Old Capitol prison until the latter part of the following September, a -period of about six weeks. It will be seen from the list of the names that -they were the leading citizens of the town, exempt from military service -by reason, either of age or official position, and were the natural -guardians of the helpless women and children who were then in town. The -list is as follows:[26] Rev. Wm. F. Broaddus, D. D., James McGuire, -Charles C. Wellford, Thomas F. Knox, Beverley T. Gill, James H. Bradley, -Thomas B. Barton, Benjamin Temple, Lewis Wrenn, Michael Ames, John -Coakley, John H. Roberts, John J. Berrey, Dr. James Cooke, John F. Scott, -Montgomery Slaughter, George H. C. Rowe, Wm. H. Norton, Abraham Cox. - -The _Christian Banner_, then published in Fredericksburg by Rev. James W. -Hunnicutt, of the Free Will Baptist denomination, himself a strong Union -man, and who would not have written complimentary of these gentlemen -beyond their respective merits, published the following short sketches of -the "Fredericksburg prisoners": - -Thomas B. Barton is the oldest lawyer at the Fredericksburg bar and -Attorney for the Commonwealth. He was originally an Old Line Whig and a -member of the congregation of the Episcopal church. - -Thomas F. Knox was a large wheat speculator and flower manufacturer, an -Old Line Whig and a prominent member of the Episcopal church. - -Beverley T. Gill was, for a number of years, a large merchant tailor, but -for several years past had retired into private life. Was an Old Line Whig -and a prominent member of the Presbyterian church. - -Charles C. Wellford was an extensive dry goods merchant, the oldest in -town, than whom none stood higher. Was an Old Line Whig and an elder in -the Presbyterian church. - -James McGuire was one of the oldest merchants in Fredericksburg, an Old -Line Whig, a prominent member of the Presbyterian church and a most -excellent man. - -James H. Bradley was a grocery merchant, an Old Line Whig and a deacon in -the Baptist church. - -Rev. William F. Broaddus, D. D., was the pastor of the Baptist church in -Fredericksburg and an Old Line Whig. He conducted a female school in -addition to his pastoral work.[27] - -Montgomery Slaughter, Mayor of Fredericksburg, was a large wheat -speculator and flour manufacturer, was an Old Line Whig and a member of -the Episcopal church. - -George H. C. Rowe was a talented jurist, a Democrat and a Douglas elector -during the late presidential election and a member of the Baptist church. - -John Coakley was for many years a merchant, but for several years past had -retired from business, and, at the time of his arrest, was Superintendent -of the Fredericksburg Aquaduct Company. He was an Old Line Whig and a very -prominent member of the Episcopal church. - -Benjamin Temple was a wealthy farmer, an Old Line Whig and, we believe, a -member of no church, but a most excellent man. - -Dr. James Cooke was a druggist, owning the largest establishment, perhaps -south of the Potomac river; was an Old Line Whig and a prominent member of -the Episcopal church. - -John F. Scott was proprietor of the large Fredericksburg foundry and -carried on an extensive business up to the time the Union troops took -possession of Fredericksburg, was an Old Line Whig and a prominent member -of the Episcopal church. - -John H. Roberts lived off his income, was an old Line Whig and, we -believe, was a member of no church. - -Michael Ames was a blacksmith, an Old Line Whig and a member of no church. - -John J. Berrey, formerly engaged in a large produce business, but at the -time of his arrest connected with a hardware store, was an Old Line Whig -and a member of no church. - -Abraham Cox was a tailor, a Breckinridge Democrat and a Southern -Methodist. - -William H. Norton was a house carpenter, an Old Line Whig and a member of -the Baptist church. - -Lewis Wrenn, no particular business, an Old Line Whig and a member of the -Baptist church. - -After these gentlemen had been in prison some four weeks they procured a -parole and permission to send Dr. Broaddus to Richmond to effect the -release of Major Williams and Mr. Wardwell, that he and his friends might -be liberated and permitted to return to their homes. Armed with a parole -and passports. Dr. Broaddus proceeded to Richmond, where he called upon -Judge Beverley R. Wellford, Jr., formally of Fredericksburg, who went with -him to see Mr. Randolph, Secretary of War. After hearing the case Mr. -Randolph ordered the release of the two prisoners, and Dr. Broaddus -returned to Washington with great joy, supposing that he and his fellow -prisoners would be at once set at liberty. But not so. The Federal -authorities changed their requirements and demanded also the release of -two gentlemen by the name of Turner, who resided in Fairfax county, and -were then held in a Confederate prison. - -It took nearly two weeks to effect the release of these Turners, and when -it was done the certificate of release, signed by General Winder, the -Commandant of the post at Richmond, was rejected by the Federal -authorities as evidence of the release of the prisoners, and the personal -presence of the Turners was demanded in Washington before the release of -the Fredericksburg party. This took time, but it was finally accomplished, -and the Fredericksburgers were permitted to leave their prison pen and -again "breathe the air of freedom." They were sent down the Potomac river -on a steamer to Marlborough Point, from which landing they walked to town -to greet their families and friends. There was great rejoicing on their -return, and the whole population turned out to meet them and give them a -cordial welcome. Of that party of nineteen not one of them is living -to-day. The "last one to cross the river" was Mr. Abraham Cox, who died -December 28, 1898, eighty-six years of age. - -But the unkindness of the military authorities and their harsh treatment -of our citizens, by the order of General Pope, did not cease with the -arrest and incarceration of the nineteen gentlemen above mentioned. Among -other things, the Federal Provost Marshal of Fredericksburg was charged -with too much leniency to the citizens and was removed; Col. Scriver was -falsely charged with furnishing the destitute with food, and was ordered -to stop it at once, if he had done so, and not to repeat it, and the -stores and places of business were closed, it was said, to prevent the -citizens from obtaining supplies. General Pope's plan seems to have been, -as he declared, to subsist his army as much as possible on the country and -to starve the old men and women into submission to his demands. In this, -however, he was not sustained by the Washington authorities, and -especially by President Lincoln. - -This condition of things in Fredericksburg continued only for a short -time. The campaign, inaugurated by General Pope, which resulted in the -Second Battle of Manassas and so disastrously to the Federal army, was -speedily followed by the advance of the Confederate army into Maryland, -the capture of Harper's Ferry, with General Nelson A. Miles's whole force -of eleven thousand prisoners and immense military supplies, by General -Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, aided by General Wm. Barksdale, on the -Maryland Heights, and General John B. Floyd, on the Loudoun Heights, and -the fierce and bloody, but undecided, struggle between General Lee and -General McClellan at Sharpsburg. - -In consequence of the results of these events the Federal authorities -found it necessary to recall from the line of the Rappahannock, which they -were unable to hold, the forces then occupying the same, and therefore on -the 21st day of August, 1862, Fredericksburg was evacuated by the Federal -forces, and thus for a brief time the town was relieved from the presence -and rule of the enemy until the following November, when Gen. Burnside -moved against the town. - - -EVACUATION SCENES. - -The scenes incident to the evacuation of Fredericksburg are well -remembered to the present day by those who were present and witnessed -them. They are indelibly impressed upon their minds and can never be -forgotten, and are often related with great interest. In describing this -stirring event and the reoccupation of the town in the Fall of 1862, we -use the eyes of citizens, who were present and witnessed the scenes -described and the words of another, who wrote of them years -afterwards.[28] Crowds at the corners of the streets indicated that some -unusual excitement prevailed, and clouds of smoke rose from the -encampments on the Stafford side of the river. Everything indicated an -immediate departure. The guards were drawn up in line; the horses and -wagons packed at headquarters; cavalry officers rode up and down, giving -orders; company after company of pickets were led into town from -different roads and joined the regiment at the City Hall; ambulances, with -the sick, moved slowly through the streets; the provost marshal and his -adjutant rode by, and, in a few minutes, the command was given to march, -and the infantry and cavalry marched down to the bridges, each one moving -by different streets. This march was quietly made. There was no music, no -drum, no voice, but the command of the officers' forward, march! - -The ladies, standing in groups along the streets, found it difficult to -repress their exultation. Glad to be relieved of the presence of the -enemy, and to be freed from the restraints of their power; glad to be once -more within Southern lines, and to be brought into communication with -their own dear people; but the great gladness was that the evacuation of -Fredericksburg showed that the enemy had been defeated on the upper line -and could no longer hold the line of the Rappahannock river. And this gave -them strong hope that Virginia might yet be free from the armies of the -invader. - -Several severe explosions followed the blowing up of the two bridges, and, -as the bright flames seized upon and leaped along the sides and floors of -the bridges, the whole horizon was illuminated. The burning continued all -night. A guard was at once organized by the citizens, for the protection -of the town against any stragglers or unruly persons who might chance to -be prowling about. - -With the departure of the Federal troops came now the desire on the part -of the citizens of town and country to meet and greet each other, and also -a longing to welcome the appearance of the Confederates, a sight which had -so long been denied them. In this, to their great delight, they were soon -to realize their wish, for on the 2nd day of September about two hundred -people came into town from the surrounding country, and general -congratulations ensued. On the evening of that day a small force of -Confederate cavalry rode into town and were received with shouts of joy. -The ladies lined the streets, waving their handkerchiefs and loudly -uttering their welcome. - -On the morning of the 4th of September the soldiers in camp at Hazel Run -were treated to breakfast by the ladies, and greatly enjoyed the hot -rolls, beefsteak and hot coffee, after their long abstinence from such -delicacies, and probably from rations of any sort. After a brief season of -comparative quiet, disturbed only by the general interest felt in the -operations of our armies, the condition of the country generally, and the -liability to the reoccupation of the town at any time, Fredericksburg was -again the subject and recipient of war's horrors in their most appalling -form. - -[Illustration: "Chancellorsville Tavern," Gen. Hooker's Headquarters -during the battle there in 1863. Burnt during that battle, May 3rd. (See -page 95)] - -[Illustration: "The Sunken Road," along which the "stone wall" stood, -forming breastworks for the Confederates in 1862 and 1863. (See page 91)] - - -GENERAL BURNSIDE'S OCCUPATION OF FREDERICKSBURG. - -_The Preliminaries to the Great Battle._ - -On Sunday morning, the 10th of November, 1862, a company of Federal -cavalry, commanded by Captain Ulric Dahlgren crossed the Rappahannock -river, above Falmouth, and charged rapidly down Main street, with drawn -sabres. A small force of Confederate cavalry (Colonel John Critcher's -battalion), was quartered in town, who, recovering from the disorder into -which they were thrown by the sudden and unexpected appearance of the -enemy, quickly rallied, and, aided by citizens and Captain Simpson's -company, of Colonel W. B. Ball's command, attacked the raiders, pursued -and drove them across the river, inflicting upon them a slight loss in men -and horses. The Federal army then began to move down from Fauquier, -Culpeper and Prince William counties, through Stafford county, to occupy -Fredericksburg. - -To Colonel Wm. A. Ball, an experienced officer, who had greatly -distinguished himself at the battle of Leesburg, and in other encounters, -was entrusted by General Lee the duty of holding the town, and in -retarding the approach of the enemy, if possible, with the promise of -speedy reinforcements. The divisions of Gen. Lafayette McLaws and General -Robert Ransom, of General Longstreet's corps, with General Wm. H. F. Lee's -brigade of cavalry and a battery of artillery, were marched hurriedly to -this point, and the whole of General Lee's army prepared to follow. - -On Sunday, November 16th, Colonel Ball's scouts announced the approach of -the enemy on three roads--the Warrenton, Stafford Courthouse and the -Poplar. He telegraphed to General Gustavus W. Smith, in Richmond, for -reinforcements. General Smith promptly sent him a battalion of four -companies, under Major Finney, from the Forty-second Mississippi. With his -small force, which scarcely exceeded five hundred men, the gallant Colonel -proposed to engage the enemy, if he sought to cross the Rappahannock near -Fredericksburg. Colonel Ball placed his infantry in the mill-race and mill -opposite Falmouth, stationed his cavalry in the upper part of -Fredericksburg and planted Captain John W. Lewis's battery of four guns -and eighty men on the plateau around the old Fitzgerald residence, at -Little Falls, half a mile above the town. - -At 10 o'clock on Monday, the 18th, the Southern scouts were driven across -the river by the enemy's cavalry, and several hours thereafter a Federal -corps, of twelve thousand strong, appeared on the Stafford Heights, -opposite Fredericksburg, and planted their field-batteries, consisting of -more than twenty guns. Capt. Lewis's men maintained their ground and -replied to the rapid firing of the enemy. The distance was short--less -than half a mile. The firing of the men was accurate, yet the Confederate -fire was kept up, and the Federals, uncertain as to the force opposing -them, made no attempt to cross the river. - -Colonel Ball, with five hundred men, maintained his front, in the face of -the twelve thousand Federals, encouraged by General Lee, who telegraphed -him, "Hold your position if you can. Reinforcements are hurrying to you." -On Tuesday, the 18th, the enemy's force was largely increased. General -Burnside's whole force was pouring down to the Stafford hills. They were -waiting for pontoon bridges, and did not cross the river. - -Meanwhile Gen. Lee's army was rushing down the roads from Culpeper and -Orange counties to occupy the crest of hills around Fredericksburg. -Wednesday, at daybreak, General Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry arrived. The next -morning General McLaws, with his own division and that of General -Ransom's, was in position, and on the 20th the Commander-in-Chief was at -hand to direct the movements of the remainder of General Longstreet's -command and General Jackson's corps, which rapidly followed him. - -On Tuesday, the 20th of November, by request of General Lee, Montgomery -Slaughter, Mayor of Fredericksburg, accompanied by the Recorder, William -A. Little, Esq., and by Mr. Douglas H. Gordon, a member of her Council, -held an interview with the Confederate Commander-in-Chief. It was held at -Snowden, the residence of the late John L. Stansbury, about a mile above -town. On Friday, the 21st, General E. V. Sumner, of the Federal Army, sent -over a flag of trace, with a written message to the Mayor and Common -Council of Fredericksburg. General Patrick, the bearer of the message, was -met by Colonel Wm. A. Ball at "French John's" wharf, at the foot of Hawke -street. General Sumner's letter, to the town authorities was as follows: - - "GENTLEMEN:--Under cover of the houses of your town, shots have been - fired upon the troops of my command. Your mills and factories are - furnishing provisions and material for clothing for armed bodies in - rebellion against the Government of the United States. Your railroads - and other means of transportation are removing supplies to the depots - of such troops. This condition of things must terminate; and by - direction of Major-General Burnside, commanding this army, I - accordingly demand the surrender of the city into my hands, as the - representative of the Government of the United States, at or before - five o'clock this afternoon (5 o'clock P. M. to-day). Failing an - affirmative reply to this demand by the time indicated, sixteen (16 - hours) hours will be permitted to elapse for the removal from the city - of women and children, the sick, wounded and aged; which period having - elapsed, I shall proceed to shell the town. - - "Upon obtaining possession of the town every necessary means will be - taken to preserve order and secure the protective operation of the - laws and policy of the United States Government." - -Colonel Ball simply stated to General Patrick that before delivering the -letter to the civil authorities it must be referred to his commanding -military officer. But neither he nor the Mayor gave any intimation of the -actual presence of General Lee, with a large part of his army, on the -heights in rear of the town. General Patrick was obliged to remain in the -log house from ten o'clock in the morning to seven in the afternoon, on -the 21st. Meanwhile Colonel Ball, through the proper channels forwarded -the letter to General Lee. At twenty minutes before five o'clock in the -afternoon the letter was received at his office by the Mayor, through -General J. E. B. Stuart, who communicated in full General Lee's decision. -With the aid of his advisers, Mayor Slaughter prepared a written reply, -bearing date, "Mayor's Office, Fredericksburg, November 21st, 1862." This -reply was to the effect that the communication of General Sumner had not -reached the Mayor in time to furnish a reply by 5 o'clock P. M., as -requested; that it had been sent to him after passing (by General -Patrick's consent) through the hands of the commanding officer of the -Confederate States forces near the town; that as to the shots complained -of in the northern suburbs of the town, they were the acts of the -Confederate military force holding the town; that the Mayor was authorized -to say that the several subjects of complaint would not recur; that the -Confederate troops would not occupy the town, and neither would they -permit the Federal troops to do so. Mayor Slaughter, attended by Dr. Wm. -S. Scott and Samuel S. Howison, Esq., repaired to the place of meeting, -and, at about seven o'clock in the evening, delivered the reply to General -Patrick. - -In view of the threatened shelling of the town, General Lee advised the -inhabitants to remove from it as rapidly as possible. The bombardment was -not opened the next morning, but it became apparent that the enemy would -cross, and the town would be exposed, not only to their fire, but to the -most terrible desolations of war. The humane and considerate Chief of the -Confederate army urged the women and children to leave the town, and -furnished wagons, ambulances and every facility in his power for their -aid. - - -THE INHABITANTS LEAVE THEIR HOMES. - -Then followed a scene, illustrating both the horrors of war and the -virtues to which it sometimes gives birth. The people of Fredericksburg, -almost _en masse_, left their homes rather than yield to the enemy. Trains -of cars departed, full of refugees. Upon the last the enemy opened a fire -of shells; they afterwards explained that it was a mistake. Wagons and -vehicles of every kind left the town filled with women and little -children, with the few articles of apparel and necessity that could be -removed. Many were seen on foot along the roads leading into the country. -Winter had commenced, and snow had fallen. Many were compelled to take -refuge in cabins, barns and tents, scattered through the woods and fields. -They were dependent for food on the exertions of their friends and the -humane efforts of the Southern army. - -A few families remained in Fredericksburg, determined to brave the horrors -of war as long as possible. The hardships and privations, incurred by -these people, who surrendered their homes and property to destruction -rather than remain with them and fall into the hands of the enemies of -their country, excited the sympathy and won the admiration of the South. A -movement to aid them commenced in Richmond. A committee of relief and -treasurer was appointed, and funds were liberally contributed throughout -the South, and the soldiers in the field, of their small rations and pay, -contributed generously, both in food and money. The contributions of the -people and army continued until more than ninety thousand dollars had been -received and disbursed by the committee in Richmond and nearly an equal, -if not greater, sum was distributed by Mayor Slaughter. - -A number of skirmishes of an unimportant character were soon followed by -the grand movement of the enemy. On the night of December the 10th the -armies prepared for action. Two hundred and fifty thousand armed men, like -crouched lions ready to spring upon their adversary, were ready for the -bloody conflict. It was the most restless, anxious night ever passed by -the citizens of Fredericksburg. It was the night of terror! The dread of -to-morrow hung like a pall over the devoted city, and everybody was -hurriedly preparing for the awful destruction that was at hand and could -not be averted. The threatened bombardment had long been delayed, and many -citizens had returned from their flight. From one end of the town to the -other, all during that sleepless night, could be seen in nearly every home -dim lights, where busy hands with heavy hearts were preparing for the -flight at the sound of the first gun. What to attempt to carry, and what -to leave to be destroyed by the enemy, was the perplexing question, and -so in the anxiety of the refugees to take with them sufficient food, -clothing and bedding to prevent suffering from cold and hunger, they -overtaxed their strength and had to abandon many things on the roadside. - - -THE BOMBARDMENT OF THE TOWN. - -Having received his pontoon bridges, General Burnside prepared to throw -his grand army across the river. At two o'clock on the morning of -Thursday, December the 11th, his troops were put in motion and two signal -guns from the Confederate side, at five o'clock,[29] sounded a note of -warning to the people and the army. General Burnside commenced throwing -three pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock river. One was to span the -river at French John's wharf, at the foot of Hawke street, one at Scott's -Ferry, at the lower end of Water street, and one at Deep Run, about two -and a half miles below town. General Wm. Barksdale's brigade, consisting -of the Thirteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-first Mississippi -regiments, held the town. - -"General Barksdale kept his men quiet and concealed until the bridges were -so far advanced that the working parties were in easy range, when he -opened fire with such effect that the bridges were abandoned at once. Nine -separate and desperate attempts were made to complete the bridges under -fire of their sharpshooters and guns on the opposite bank, but every -attempt being attended with such severe loss from the Confederates, posted -in rifle-pits, in the cellars of the houses along the banks, and behind -whatever offered concealment, that the enemy abandoned their attempts and -opened a terrific fire from their numerous batteries concentrated along -the hills just above the river. The fire was so severe that the men could -not use their rifles, and, the different places occupied by them becoming -untenable, the troops were withdrawn from the river bank back to Caroline -street at 4:30 P. M. The enemy then crossed in boats, and, completing -their bridges, passed over in force and advanced into the town. The -Seventeenth Mississippi and ten sharpshooters from Colonel J. W. Carter's -regiment (the 13th) and three companies of the Eighteenth regiment, -Lieutenant Colonel Luse, under Lieutenant William Ratliff, were all the -troops that were actually engaged in defending the crossings in front of -the city."[30] - -The other regiments and parts of regiments were held in reserve, and were -not brought into action until the enemy had crossed the river. At the -first dawn of light on the morning of December the 11th the Federal -artillery commenced its work of destruction. From the heights above the -town of Falmouth, north of Fredericksburg, to the Washington farm below, -on every available place artillery was stationed, bearing upon the town. -About one hundred and seventy-five of the grim monsters, ready to "belch -forth death and destruction," were placed in position the day before, well -manned, and only waiting for the signal to send forth their deadly -messengers of shot and shell. - -At the hour appointed the signal was given, and the thunder of artillery, -the lightning from bursting shells in the air, the crashing of solid shot -through the houses, the roar of musketry on both sides of the river, the -shrieks of frightened women and children, the bustle and confusion that -followed, may be imagined, but can never be described. From early morning -until four o'clock in the afternoon, with only half an hour's cessation -between one and two o'clock, this deluge of shot and shell was poured upon -the streets and houses of the town. The few inhabitants who remained in -the town fled to their cellars and sought to save their lives from the -storm which was beating their homes to pieces. Many houses were burned -with all or most of their contents, the result of hot shot, it was -claimed, thrown from the enemy's guns on the Lacy farm, just opposite the -town. Among the houses that were burned were the residence of Mr. Reuben -T. Thom, in which was located the post-office; the Bank of Virginia, where -the Opera-house now stands, and several other private residences on Main -street. And yet the worst was still to come. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - - _The great battle--The town sacked by soldiers--A wonderful display of - humanity--The Federals recross the river--A great revival of - religion--The battle of Chancellorsville--The Wilderness - campaign--Citizens arrested--A statement by the Council--The citizens - and Federal soldiers release, &c._ - - -To those who had a proper idea of the sacrifices made, the sufferings -endured and the privations experienced by the inhabitants of -Fredericksburg, up to this period, whether that idea was formed from -observation, from reading the narratives or from their rehearsals by those -who experienced them, it might appear that their cup of sorrow was full -even to overflowing, and from further troubles and trials they might be -exempted. But not so. Probably the worst was yet to come; but they firmly -believed that the same patriotic devotion to the cause they had espoused, -and the same fidelity to principle which enabled them to "bear the -spoiling of their goods" with composure in the past, would sustain them in -any additional trials and sacrifices they might have to endure in the -future. Patriotic, self sacrificing and confiding in the right, they were -prepared for the worst, and the worst came. - -On taking possession of Fredericksburg the Federal soldiers abandoned -themselves to pillage and destruction. They entered the stores and -dwellings, forcing their way where force was necessary, rifling them of -all that they wanted of their contents and destroying those things that -they could not remove. China and glassware were broken up and scattered -promiscuously; silverware was carried away, books and family pictures were -mutilated and destroyed; furniture was cut up or broken up and converted -into fire-wood, beds, bedclothing and wearing apparel were destroyed or -carried off, and the residences were left despoiled of their contents. In -the three days they occupied the town they made the destruction complete. -But it is a gratification, even to those who suffered by this occupation, -to know that the commanders were not to blame for the sacking of the town. -It was the work, so it is asserted, of stragglers and camp followers--the -most detestable and destructive scabs of an army. - -On Friday, the 12th of December, the Union army was drawn up in line of -battle, prepared to advance. Not less than sixty thousand men were on the -south bank of the river, with more than a hundred pieces of artillery. -Near the mouth of Deep Run there were probably as many more ready for the -final charge. The Confederate army was confronting them in a line -extending from Fall Hill to Hamilton's Crossing, between six and seven -miles in length. At one o'clock the heavy batteries on each side opened, -and for an hour kept up a brilliant duel of shell and round shot. On the -morning of Saturday, the 13th of December, a dense fog hung over the river -and the adjoining fields. Under its cover the Federal army advanced. By -eight o'clock it was in position and the dreadful conflict began. - -Line after line of battle advanced on the Confederate position, at the -stone wall at the foot of Marye's Heights, to be repulsed with great -slaughter. This was kept up without cessation, charge after charge, as -rapidly as they could reform the men, from eight o'clock in the morning -until four o'clock in the afternoon, when one desperate charge, with -troops _en masse_, was made all along the line in front of the stone wall, -accompanied by the most terrific fire of artillery. In this last and -grandest effort, the men, marching to death and destruction through an -open field, got within twenty-five yards of the stone wall, -notwithstanding the deadly aim of the Confederate infantry behind it and -the destructive fire of the artillery on the heights above, so skillfully -arranged by General E. P. Alexander. - -It was a sublime spectacle, and the gallantry of both officers and men won -the admiration of the commanders on both sides, Lieutenant-General -Longstreet, on the Confederate side, declaring that such gallant conduct -deserved success. But success was not to be theirs. The gallant charges of -the Federals were met with that undaunted coolness and courage so -characteristic of the Confederate soldier, and a disastrous Federal defeat -was the result. The fighting was the most desperate that had been -witnessed up to that time, and the Union loss was very great, being -nearly fifty per cent. of the numbers engaged. The battle-field was -covered with the dead, wounded and dying, and it is related by those -behind the stone wall that all during the night the most piteous groans -and cries, for water of the wounded could be heard, but no relief could be -afforded, although the Confederates deeply sympathized with them.[31] Thus -ended the battle of Fredericksburg, fought, it is claimed, against the -judgment and advice of every corps commander in the army who refused to -renew the attack next day, although it was the desire of Gen. Burnside to -do so. - - -THE FEDERALS RECROSS THE RIVER. - -On Monday night, December the 15th, General Burnside withdrew his army -across the river and removed his pontoons. The citizens returned to their -houses, to find them stripped of everything that was left in them. What -could not be carried away was broken up and destroyed. Private residences, -orphan asylums, church buildings and lodges of benevolent and charitable -institutions, all fared alike. Not only were the residences of the -refugees deprived of everything left in them, but the returning citizens -were without money and food. They were in a destitute condition, and, -between the two great armies, with no prospect of relief, unless it -came from friends in the way of a contribution. It was at this critical -period that the appeal, made but a few days before, brought to them relief -in the way of money and supplies. The contributions in money amounted to -$164,169.45, and the provisions were ample to relieve the present needs. -Thus the wants of the destitute of the town were supplied and untold -suffering prevented. - -[Illustration: Gen. Hugh Mercer's Monument on Washington avenue. (See page -162)] - -[Illustration: Old Stone House near Free Bridge. Supposed to have been a -tobacco warehouse before the Revolutionary War. (See page 47)] - - -A GREAT REVIVAL OF RELIGION. - -From the first of January to the second day of June, 1862, General -Barksdale's brigade, that had guarded the banks of the river from the -arrival of the Confederate army at this point to the great battle of the -13th of December, was quartered in town for picket and provost guard duty. -About the first of April, 1863, one of the most remarkable and successful -religious revivals took place here that was known to that generation. The -dangers and hardships of war were to yield for a time for the comforts of -religion. The services were commenced in the Presbyterian church by Rev. -Wm. B. Owens, Dr. J. A. Hackett, Rev. E. McDaniel and Rev. W. T. West, -chaplains in the brigade, aided by Rev. John L. Pettigrew, then a private -soldier in Company A, Thirteenth Mississippi regiment, but afterwards -appointed to a chaplaincy in a North Carolina regiment. Mr. Owens, a -Methodist minister, had charge of the services, and for some reason the -meetings were transferred from the Presbyterian church to the Southern -Methodist church, then standing on the corner of Charles and George -streets, where Mr. P. V. D. Conway's residence now stands. - -The interest in the meetings deepened, their influence spread to the -adjoining camps,[32] and the congregations became so large that they could -not find standing room in the building. To accommodate these -rapidly-increasing crowds, Rev. A. M. Randolph, then rector, tendered the -use of St. George's church, which was gladly accepted, and the services -were conducted there until the close of the meeting, in the latter part of -May. Before the close, this revival attracted the attention of the leading -ministers of nearly all denominations, many of whom came to the assistance -of Mr. Owens and his co-workers. Among those who were at times present, -preached and rendered valuable assistance, were Rev. J. C. Stiles, D. D., -Rev. Wm. J. Hoge, D. D., Rev. James D. Coulling, Rev. James A. Duncan, D. -D., Rev. J. Lansing Burrows, D. D., Rev. Alfred E. Dickinson, D. D., and -Rev. W. H. Carroll. During the meeting more than five hundred soldiers, -most of whom belonged to Barksdale's brigade, were converted and united -with churches of the various Christian denominations. - -Of this wonderful religious awakening, Rev. Dr. Wm. J. Hoge wrote to the -_Southern Presbyterian_ as follows: "We found our soldiers at -Fredericksburg all alive with animation. A rich blessing had been poured -upon the labors of Brother Owens, Methodist chaplain in Barksdale's -brigade. The Rev. Dr. Burrows, of the Baptist church, Richmond, had just -arrived, expecting to labor with him some days. As I was to stay but one -night, Dr. Burrows insisted on my preaching. So we had a Presbyterian -sermon, introduced by Baptist services, under the direction of a Methodist -chaplain, in an Episcopal church! Was not that a beautiful solution of the -vexed problem of Christian union?" - -Mr. Owens, who worked so faithfully in the great meeting at -Fredericksburg, endeared himself to all who had the pleasure of attending -the services. On his return to his Mississippi home, at the close of the -war, he at once entered upon his work as a travelling minister, and was -drowned while attempting to cross a swollen stream on horseback, -endeavoring to reach one of his preaching stations. - - -GENERAL JOHN SEDGWICK TAKES THE TOWN. - -_Chancellorsville campaign._ - -In the Spring of 1863, as soon as the roads began to dry off, the armies -were put in readiness to move, preparatory to another great battle. -General Joseph Hooker, known as "Fighting Joe Hooker," had succeeded -General Ambrose E. Burnside in the command of the Army of the Potomac, -which he claimed was the finest army on the planet. His desire was to -reach Richmond, which his predecessors, General McDowell, General -McClellan, General Pope and General Burnside, had failed to do. -Accordingly, about the last of April, detaching General John Sedgwick, -with twenty-two thousand men, to threaten General Lee's rear at -Fredericksburg, he crossed his army at the several fords of the -Rappahannock river above town and concentrated it at Chancellorsville. His -plan seems to have been to turn General Lee's right flank with the forces -under General Sedgwick, double back his left flank with the corps under -General Howard, and then, with the forces of General Crouch and General -Meade, make a bold and desperate dash against the center, crush it and -capture the entire army of his adversary. This accomplished, Richmond -would be an easy prey. - -But while General Hooker was moving to execute his plans, General Lee had -the Army of Northern Virginia in motion, and when General Hooker reached -Chancellorsville he found to his great astonishment, the Confederate army -in his front and prepared to dispute his advance. Skirmishers were thrown -out by both armies and soon the engagement of May the 2nd and 3rd -commenced. On the morning of the 2nd General Stonewall Jackson commenced -his famous flank movement that has been the study and wonder of military -men of this and other countries, which resulted in a great disaster to the -Federal army and a great calamity to the Southern cause. General Hooker -was badly defeated and driven in haste from the field, but General Jackson -lay mortally wounded. Of that attack and result we use in substance the -language of General Lee in his official report of the Battle of -Chancellorsville.[33] After a long and fatiguing march, General Jackson's -leading division, under General Rodes, reached old turnpike, about three -miles in the rear of Chancellorsville, at four in the afternoon. As the -different divisions arrived they were formed at right angles with the -road--Rodes in front, Trible's division, under Brigadier-General R. E. -Colston, in the second, and General A. P. Hill's in the third line. - -At six o'clock the advance was ordered. The enemy were taken by surprise -and fled after a brief resistance. General Rodes's men pushed forward with -great vigor and enthusiasm, followed closely by the second and third -lines. Position after position was carried, the guns captured, and every -effort of the enemy to rally defeated by the impetuous rush of our troops. -In the ardor of pursuit through the thick and tangled woods, the first and -second lines at last became mingled and moved on together as one. The -enemy made a stand at a line of breastworks across the road at the house -of Melzi Chancellor, but the troops of Rodes and Colston dashed over the -entrenchments together and the flight and pursuit were resumed and -continued until our advance was arrested by the abatis in front of the -line of works near the central position at Chancellorsville. - -It was now dark, and General Jackson ordered the third line, under General -Hill, to advance to the front and relieve the troops of Rodes and Colston, -who were completely blended, and in such disorder, from their rapid -advance through intricate woods and over broken ground, that it was -necessary to reform them. As General Hill's men moved forward, General -Jackson, with his staff and escort, returning from the extreme front, met -his skirmishers advancing, and in the obscurity of the night were taken -for the enemy and fired upon. Captain J. K. Boswell, chief engineer of the -corps and several others were killed and a number wounded. General Jackson -himself received a severe injury and was borne from the field. He was -taken to the Chandler house, at Guiney's station, in Caroline county, -where, notwithstanding everything possible was done for him that loving -hearts could do or medical skill could suggest, he died on the 9th of May. -Amid the sorrow and tears of the Southern people he was laid to rest at -his home in Lexington, Virginia. - -General Jubal A. Early had been left at Fredericksburg to watch General -Sedgwick, and had been instructed, in the event of the enemy withdrawing -from his front and moving up the river, to join the main body of the army. -This order was repeated on the 2nd, but by some mistake General Early was -directed to move unconditionally. Leaving Hays's brigade and one regiment -of Barksdale's at Fredericksburg, he moved with the rest of his command -towards Chancellorsville. As soon as his withdrawal was perceived the -enemy began to advance, and General Early returned to his original -position. - -The line to be defended by Barksdale's brigade extended from the -Rappahannock, above Fredericksburg, to the rear of Howison's house, a -distance of more than two miles. The artillery was posted along the -heights in rear of the town. - -Before dawn on the morning of the 3rd General Barksdale reported to -General Early that the enemy had occupied Fredericksburg in large force -and had bridged the Rappahannock river. Hays's brigade was sent to his -support, and placed on his extreme left, with the exception of one -regiment, stationed on the right of his line behind the Howison house. -Seven companies of the Twenty-first Mississippi regiment were posted by -General Barksdale between the Marye house and the Plank road, the -Eighteenth and the three other companies of the Twenty-first occupied the -Telegraph road, behind the stone wall, at the foot of Marye's Hill, the -two remaining regiments of the brigade being farther to the right on the -hills near Howison's house. The enemy made a demonstration against the -extreme right, which was easily repulsed by General Early. Soon afterward -a column moved from Fredericksburg along the river bank as if to gain the -heights on the extreme left, which commanded those immediately in rear of -the town. This attempt was foiled by General Hays and the arrival of -General Wilcox from Banks's Ford, who deployed a few skirmishers on the -hill near Dr. Taylor's house and opened on the enemy with a section of -artillery. Very soon the enemy advanced in large force against Marye's -Heights and the hills to the right and left. Two assaults were gallantly -repulsed by Barksdale's men and the artillery. After the second, a flag of -truce, it was claimed, was sent from the town to obtain permission to -provide for the wounded, which was granted. - -At the end of the truce three heavy lines advanced and renewed the attack. -They were bravely repulsed on the right and left, but the small force at -the foot of Marye's Hill, overpowered by more than ten times their -numbers, was captured after a heroic resistance, and the Heights carried. -Eight pieces of artillery were taken on Marye's and the adjacent heights. -The remainder of Barksdale's brigade, together with that of General Hays, -and the artillery on the right, retired down the Telegraph road. The -success of the enemy enabled him to threaten Gen. Lee's communications by -moving down the telegraph road, or gain his rear at Chancellorsville by -the Plank road. He at first advanced on the Telegraph road, but was -checked by General Early, who had halted the brigades of Barksdale and -Hays with the artillery, about two miles from Marye's Hill, and reënforced -them with three regiments of General John B. Gordon's brigade. The enemy -then began to advance up the Plank road, his progress being gallantly -disputed by the brigade of General Cadmus M. Wilcox, who had moved from -Banks's Ford as rapidly as possible to the assistance of General -Barksdale, but arrived too late to take part in the action. General Wilcox -fell back slowly until he reached Salem church, on the Plank road, about -four miles from Fredericksburg. - -Information of the state of affairs in our rear having reached -Chancellorsville, General McLaws, with his three brigades and one of -General Anderson's, was ordered to reinforce General Wilcox. He arrived at -Salem church early in the afternoon, where he found General Wilcox in line -of battle, with a large force of the enemy--consisting, as was reported, -of one army corps and part of another, under Major-General Sedgwick--in -his front. The brigades of General Kershaw and General Wofford were placed -on the right of General Wilcox and those of Semmes and Mahone on the left. -The enemy's artillery played vigorously upon our position for some time, -when his infantry advanced in three strong lines, the attack being -directed mainly against General Wilcox, but partially involving the -brigades on his left. - -The assault was met with the utmost firmness, and after a fierce struggle -the first line was repulsed with great slaughter. The second then came -forward, but immediately broke under the close and deadly fire which it -encountered, and the whole mass fled in confusion to the rear. They were -pursued by the brigades of General Wilcox and General Semmes, in the -direction of Banks's Ford, where the enemy crossed to the Stafford side of -the river. - -The next morning General Early advanced along the Telegraph road and -recaptured Marye's Heights and the adjacent hills without difficulty. -General Barksdale's brigade entered the town, to find the enemy gone, with -the exception of some stragglers who had secreted themselves in cellars -and elsewhere about town. These were captured and sent to the rear, and -the brigade took up its former quarters in the town, where it remained -until the first of June. - -After some four weeks of rest and reorganization the army was again put in -motion, the object of Gen. Lee being the invasion of Pennsylvania. After -the removal of the army Fredericksburg was left practically without any -armed troops, and soon relapsed into her usual quiet, so characteristic of -the place. This condition of things existed until the return of the army -from its invasion in the Fall, when the town was occasionally visited by -scouting cavalry from the Confederate army, the main body of the troops -camping west of Fredericksburg. - - -GEN. GRANT'S ARMY IN POSSESSION. - -_The Wilderness Campaign._ - -With the opening of the Spring of 1864, was inaugurated the most active -and bloody campaign of the war in Virginia. This battle embraces those of -Mine Run, the Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, the Po, the Ny and those around -Spotsylvania Courthouse, in which both armies, the Confederate, under -General Robert E. Lee, and the Federal, under General Ulysses S. Grant, -lost heavily. Many thousands of the wounded Federals were sent in -ambulances and wagons to Fredericksburg, where hospitals were established, -under the charge of United States surgeons. Every house in the town that -was at all available was converted into a hospital. Residences, stores, -churches and lodge rooms were all occupied by the wounded and the surgeons -were kept busy day and night. As fast as the wounded could be moved they -were sent north, and others were brought from the battle-fields. This was -kept up from the time the battles commenced, on the 4th of May, until they -closed, on the 20th of May, the first batch reaching town with their -authorized attendants on the 9th of May. - -On Sunday, the 8th, a small body of Federal troops, numbering about -sixty, most of them slightly wounded, came into town. They were armed, and -the citizens demanded their surrender as prisoners of war. This demand was -acceded to and they were delivered over to the Confederate military -authorities at the nearest post from which they were sent to Richmond. -This action of the citizens was regarded by the Federal authorities as a -violation of law, and the arrest of an equal number of citizens was -ordered by the Federals, that they might be held as hostages until these -Union soldiers were released and returned. - -This order caused great consternation in town. No one could foretell the -fate of those arrested and the worst for them was feared. Many of the male -citizens sought hiding places, but quite a number made no effort to escape -or elude the officers, as they did not consider they had done any -wrong--certainly no intentional wrong--and they were willing to abide the -consequences until an impartial investigation was made, when they believed -they would be exonerated from any crime. In the execution of this order, -sixty-two citizens were arrested and carried to Washington, ten of whom -were there liberated and the remaining fifty-two were sent to Fort -Delaware. Afterwards five other citizens were arrested and sent to the -same prison. - -The families of these citizens were almost frantic at being thus deprived -of their protectors, while the town was overrun by Federal soldiers, many -of them stragglers, without any one to restrain them, and others brought -here from the Wilderness and other battle-fields, wounded and dying, their -groans and shrieks filling the air. No one can imagine the distressing -scenes enacted in town about this time who did not witness them, or form -any conception of the terrible ordeal through which these helpless -families passed save those who shared their privations and sufferings. - -The town had been the scene of a bombardment unparalleled; two fearful -battles had been fought here, with their accompanying destruction of -property and consumption of food and family supplies; the town had been in -possession of both armies at different times; therefore these families -were destitute of food and the comforts of life, and now comes the order -for the arrest and imprisonment of those whom God had given them to -protect and provide for them. Notwithstanding the intense excitement of -the people of the town, and the sufferings and entreaties of the bereaved -ones, it was thought prudent to defer public action until further -developments, in the hope that the prisoners would be released and allowed -to return to their homes. - -Having impatiently awaited the release of the prisoners, and their hopes -not being realized, on the 31st of May a meeting of the Common Council was -called, and upon assembling the Mayor informed the body that the object of -the meeting was to take some steps for the relief of those citizens who -had been arrested and who were then suffering in prison at Fort Delaware. -A paper was submitted by Mr. Wm. A. Little, which was unanimously adopted, -looking to their release. As the paper contains the views of the citizens -of Fredericksburg, with reference to the arrest of the Federal soldiers, -and also the names of the citizens arrested, it is here copied in full, as -follows: - - FREDERICKSBURG, VA., May 31st, 1864. - - _To the Honorable James A. Seddon, - Secretary of War of the Confederate States, - Richmond, Virginia._ - - At a meeting of the Mayor and Common Council of Fredericksburg, - Virginia, held this 31st of May, 1864, a committee of two citizens, to - wit: Montgomery Slaughter and John F. Scott, were appointed to repair - to Richmond and present to you the following statement and - application. - - _Statement._ - - On Sunday, the 8th instant, a number of slightly-wounded and - straggling Federal soldiers, who entered the town, many of them with - arms in their hands, and with the capacity and intention, we feared, - of doing mischief in the way of pillage and injury to our people, who - were unprotected by any military force, were arrested by order of our - municipal authorities and forwarded to the nearest military post as - prisoners of war, under the guard of citizens. These prisoners - amounted to about sixty men, of whom but few are said to have been - slightly wounded. In retaliation of this act, the provost marshal, - under orders from the Secretary of War at Washington, arrested on the - 20th instant some sixty of our citizens and forwarded them to - Washington, to be held as hostages for said prisoners. Ten of the - citizens were afterwards released in Washington, and have returned to - their homes, leaving some fifty-one citizens still in confinement, who - have been sent to the military prison at Fort Delaware. - - In behalf of these unfortunate people, who are thus made to suffer so - seriously, and for their suffering families who are thus left without - their natural protectors, and many of them without their means of - support, we appeal to you to take such steps as may be proper and in - accordance with military regulations to return the said prisoners to - the Federal authorities and thus secure the release of our citizens. - Surely the matter of a few prisoners cannot be allowed to interfere - with the humane and generous work of restoring to these desolated - homes, and these mourning women and children, the only source of - comfort which the fate of war has left them in this war-ravaged and - desolated town, the presence of those loved ones who are separated - from them and imprisoned at Fort Delaware. The following is a list of - the citizens arrested and carried to Washington as aforesaid: - - James H. Bradley, Thomas F. Knox, James McGuire, Councellor Cole, - Michael Ames, John G. Hurkamp, John J. Chew, George H. Peyton, Wm. H. - Thomas, John D. Elder, who were released at Washington. - - F. B. Chewning, P. B. Rennolds, James B. Marye, George Aler, Charles - Mander,[34] Benjamin F. Currell, John L. Knight, Wm. C. Smith, Joseph - W. Sener, E. W. Stephens, Charles Cash, Charles B. Waite, Charles G. - Waite, Jr., George W. Wroten,[34] Thomas Newton, Robert H. Alexander, - Robert Smith, Lucien Love, George F. Sacrey, Henry M. Towles, Landon - J. Huffman, Lewis Moore, John T. Evans, Walter Bradshaw, Samuel D. - Curtis, Lewis Wrenn, Wm. White, John Solan, George W. Eve, James - Mazeen, Abraham Cox, Wm. Brannan, James A. Turner, A. E. Samuel, - Tandy Williams, Robert S. Parker, Christopher Reintz, Thomas F. - Coleman, Patrick McDonnell, Charles Williams, Wm. Cox, Walter M. - Mills, Thomas S. Thornton, John Joyce,[35] John Miner, Richard Hudson, - Wm. B. Webb, Alexander Armstrong, Wm. Wiltshire, Gabriel Johnston, - George Mullin, William Burke. - -[Illustration: Birthplace of Hon. John Forsythe, the brilliant Georgia -Statesman. (See page 154)] - -[Illustration: The "Sentry Box," the home of Gen. Hugh Mercer; now the -residence of O. D. Foster, Esq. (See page 150)] - -The following citizens were arrested subsequently and are still held by -the Federal authorities: Wm. Lange, Thomas Manuell, Joseph Hall, Wm. W. -Jones, Wyatt Johnson. - - The committee appointed by the Council proceeded to Richmond and laid - the matter before the Secretary of War, and, on their return home, - reported to the Council in writing. This report was filed, but was not - entered upon the records of the Council, and, from indications as - shown by subsequent entries in the Council proceedings, the committee - appointed Mr. George H. C. Rowe to visit Washington, interview the - Federal authorities and ascertain what could be done. Some of the - members of the Council claimed that this action of the committee was - without authority, as the appointment should have been made by the - Council itself and not by the committee of the Council. This claim - was, no doubt, well founded, and the action of the committee may have - been a stretch of its authority, but their great anxiety to have these - gentlemen released from prison and have them restored to their - families and friends, was a sufficient explanation and apology, if - such had been needed, for their action, independent of the Council. - And furthermore, the propriety of, and authority for, this action of - the committee may be explained, if not justified, by the fact that one - of the committeemen was the Mayor and executive officer of the town - and the other one was a leading member of the Common Council. - - But be that as it may, Mr. Rowe proceeded to Washington, and on his - return, on the 20th of June, made a report of his visit to the - Council, stating that he was well received by the Federal authorities - and was assured by the Secretary of War that the exchange could be - effected. Mr. Rowe further stated that the proposition made by the - Secretary of War was that the Federal prisoners should be released and - placed in his care, and he be permitted to take them through their - lines with the assurance that the citizen prisoners would be turned - over to him. Mr. Rowe concluded his report as follows:[36] - - "This proposition, it seems to me, obviates all difficulties of - misconstruction, and I will undertake the delivery and receipt of the - prisoners at Alexandria. It is proper to state that in 1862, I - undertook and executed, a similar Commission of exchange of citizens - Captured, with success, and thorough satisfaction to our - Government,[37] and I am sure with its assent and coöperation as - proposed, I will now reap a similar result." - -Upon the reception of this report by the Council Mayor Slaughter and Mr. -Rowe were appointed a commission to visit Richmond and secure the release -of the Federal prisoners, and, when so released, the commission was -authorized to do what might be necessary to effect the final exchange. On -their arrival in Richmond they called on the Confederate authorities and -stated the terms of agreement, and through their solicitation the -following order was issued by Colonel Robert Ould, the Confederate -commissioner of exchange of prisoners: - - "RICHMOND, VA., June 23rd, 1864. - - _Brigadier General M. M. Gardner_--SIR: I will thank you to deliver to - M. Slaughter, Mayor of Fredericksburg, fifty-six Federal Soldiers - (privates) who are to be exchanged for an equal number of our people, - captured in Fredericksburg. I will thank you also to furnish M. - Slaughter the necessary guard, &c., for their transportation to - Fredericksburg. Please send two or three surgeons with the party. - - Resp'y yr Obt. Sert., - R. OULD, Agt." - -The issuance of this order, with the previous assurance of the Federal -authorities, encouraged and rejoiced the hearts of all interested parties. -The mourning changed to rejoicing, and nothing now remained to complete -the joy but the presence of the loved ones, who yet lingered in prison. An -order was at once issued by the Common Council authorizing Mr. Slaughter -and Mr. Rowe to procure all the necessary transportation and make proper -arrangements for the exchange and effect the release of the imprisoned -citizens as speedily as possible. From the final report, made on the -subject, it appears that the whole matter of making the exchange of -prisoners was turned over to Mr. Rowe. On his return from Washington he -reported the transactions in full to the Council, on the 8th of July, in -the following words:[38] - - "I have the honor to report that I reached the military lines of the - United States in safety with the fifty-six prisoners of war and four - civil officers of the so-called State of West Virginia, committed to - my charge by the corporation authorities, to be exchanged for the - captive citizens of Fredericksburg. After some difficulty in obtaining - personal access to the authorities at Washington, and several days' - discussion there, I succeeded in closing a negotiation that the - Federal prisoners delivered by me should be released from their - paroles simultaneously with the delivery of fifty-three captive - citizens of Fredericksburg, and seven Confederate prisoners of war, on - board of a flag of truce steamer, with transportation to Split Rock, - on the Potomac river. - - "In execution of this obligation the Federal authorities delivered to - me, on board the Steamer Weycomoke, whence they were landed at Split - Rock on yesterday, forty-nine citizens and two prisoners of war, - according to the roll which accompanies this report, marked A.[39] The - four citizens and five prisoners of war still due, I have solid - assurances will be forwarded by the same route at an early day." - - At the conclusion of Mr. Rowe's report, on motion made by Mr. John - James Young, the Council unanimously adopted the following resolution: - - "That the thanks of this body be tendered to Mr. Rowe for the - energetic and efficient manner in which he has effected the exchange - of Federal prisoners for our captive citizens." - -Having been set at liberty at Split Rock, on the banks of the Potomac -river, the march to Fredericksburg was soon commenced. Some few of the -party, and especially the sick, were fortunate enough to have carriages -sent for them, some got seats in wagons, but a large majority of them made -the journey on foot, and were delighted at the privilege of doing so. The -distance is about twelve miles. It is unnecessary to attempt (for we could -not if we did) to describe the scene upon the arrival of these unfortunate -ones to their homes and families. It is sufficient to say they reached -home in safety amidst the shouts of welcome and the rejoicing of the -inhabitants of the town, the returned prisoners joining in the refrain, -bearing testimony to the truth of Payne's declaration, "There's no place -like home." - -The small batch of wounded and straggling Federal soldiers, who were -arrested by the citizens on the 8th of May, was followed next day and the -succeeding days, until there were in the different improvised hospitals in -town about fifteen thousand sick and wounded soldiers. They were attended -by a large body of surgeons and assistants of every kind, including -nurses. The native population of the town at this time was small, and -consisted entirely of women, children and elderly men. Even the colored -population had become very much reduced. - -The sudden increase of the population by the advent of this large number -of sick and wounded soldiers, and their numerous attendants, caused great -suffering and distress, and during this occupation by the wounded, the -suffering, disease and sorrow endured by the people of Fredericksburg were -greater than any that had previously visited them. But notwithstanding -this, and notwithstanding the harsh and cruel treatment they received at -the hands of General Pope and his subordinates, truth demands the record -and admission that these scenes of horror were greatly mitigated by many -acts of courtesy and considerate aid on the part of the Federal officers -stationed here, which even now are kindly remembered and spoken of by many -of our citizens who were participants in the scenes referred to above. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - - _The Armies Transferred to Richmond and Petersburg--Gen. Lee's - surrender--Citizens Return Home--Action of the Council--Fredericksburg - Again Under the Old Flag--The Assassination of President Lincoln - Denounced and Deplored--Reconstruction Commenced--An Election Set - Aside--The Iron-Clad Oath--All Offices Vacated and Strangers - Appointed--The Financial Condition of the Town--The Town Again in the - Hands of its Citizens--Splendid Financial Showing, &c._ - - -At the conclusion of the battles around Spotsylvania, during which time -Fredericksburg was the base of supplies for the Federal army, the two -armies moved south and the scenes of war were transferred from -Fredericksburg to Richmond and Petersburg. From the time the main armies -moved south to the close of the war Fredericksburg was first in the -Federal lines and then in the Confederate lines. After the base of -supplies for the Union army was moved from Fredericksburg to City Point -about the only troops that visited the town were scouting or raiding -parties, and be it said to their credit very little damage to property was -done by them. Communication was kept up all the time with Richmond and the -citizens were not without hope that the Federal army would be driven back -and the scenes of war transferred to other parts. But these hopes were -delusive. General Grant was constantly receiving reinforcements, until he -had over 200,000 men, by which he was enabled to extend his lines, while -General Lee's small army, not exceeding 45,000 men, was becoming smaller -and his lines of battle thinner by reason of casualties, resulting from -daily engagements with the enemy. In consequence of this he was unable to -hold his long lines against the vigorous attacks of General Grant. - -About the first of April General Lee suffered several reverses on his -extreme right, which resulted in turning his right flank on the 2nd of -April. On the morning of the 3rd he commenced the evacuation of Richmond, -abandoned his entire line in front of Petersburg and retreated in the -direction of Danville. The overwhelming numbers of Grant against him made -his retreat very difficult and enabled the Federals to harass him on -every side. When General Lee reached Burkeville he found the Federals -between him and Danville, his objective point, and it became necessary for -him to change the direction of his column. There was but one way open for -him and that was the road to Lynchburg. But this road was soon closed. At -the battle of Sailors' Creek, near Farmville, on the 6th of April, the -Confederates lost over six thousand men and several general officers. From -the result of this engagement it was plainly seen that the end had come. -By fighting in the day and marching at night General Lee reached -Appomattox Courthouse on the 9th, with what few soldiers he had left, -broken down from hunger and marching, his horses jaded and unable to do -their work, and his artillery and wagon trains were falling an easy prey -to the pursuing army. Although the men's courage never failed them, in the -condition in which Gen. Lee found himself, there was nothing to do but to -surrender. General Grant had already communicated with him and demanded -his surrender, upon the ground that he could not longer resist, but he had -not felt a willingness to yield until the morning of the 9th. - -On that eventful morning General Lee opened communication with General -Grant and invited a conference, to discuss the terms of surrender. They -met, it is said, under an apple tree and adjourned to the residence of Mr. -Wilmer McLane,[40] where the terms were agreed upon, written out and -signed. It was from this building that General Lee mounted old -Traveller,[41] to return to his lines to announce the sad news to the -remaining remnant of his once magnificent army. General Hooker declared -the army of the Potomac, prior to his move to Chancellorsville, "the -grandest army on the planet," but more than one of the Federal generals of -high rank, who served in the Army of the Potomac, have since the war -declared "that for sacrifice, suffering and for fighting qualities the -world could not surpass the Army of Northern Virginia." - -The terms of the surrender were liberal, even generous, and bore testimony -to the affectionate consideration General Lee had for his men and the -magnanimity of General Grant to those who had surrendered their arms. It -was agreed that the officers were to give their individual paroles not to -take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly -exchanged, and each company or regimental commander was to sign a similar -parole for their men. The arms, artillery and public property were to be -stacked and packed and turned over to a United States officer. The -officers and men were allowed to take their side arms, private horses and -baggage and return to their homes unmolested and so remain as long as they -observed their paroles. In addition to this, at the suggestion of General -Lee, General Grant furnished the Confederate army with rations, which they -had been without for several days. It is said that when it became known by -the advanced lines of the Federal troops and those of the Confederate army -that the terms of surrender had been signed and peace was at hand, their -long pent-up feelings gave way in the loudest tumult of rejoicing. - -There was no demand made by General Grant for the surrender of General -Lee's sword, and there was no offer of the surrender of his sword on the -part of General Lee. The officers were to retain their side arms which -included the sword. "The number of men paroled was about twenty-six -thousand, of whom not more than nine thousand had arms in their hands. -About sixteen thousand small arms were surrendered, one hundred and fifty -cannon, seventy-one colors, eleven hundred wagons and caissons and four -thousand horses and mules. The Confederate troops, immediately upon -receiving their paroles, separated and returned to their homes."[42] - -The scene of separation of soldiers and commanders, who had served nearly -four years together, and who were linked together by the strongest bonds -of comradeship, not to say of genuine affection, was the saddest and most -trying that had ever occurred in the past history of the army. Farewells, -amid tears and audible sobbing of the brave, rough soldiers, were -exchanged and they parted, never to meet as soldiers, in arms again! -Before leaving for home, however, and as the last act of the closing -drama, and the last act of General Lee as the Commander of the Army of -Northern Virginia, the day following the surrender he issued a farewell -address.[43] The address was printed on slips of paper and distributed to -the soldiers, who felt unwilling to leave for their homes until they -received the parting blessing and loving benediction of their idolized -commander. - - -FREDERICKSBURG AGAIN UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. - -The first news of General Lee's surrender received at Fredericksburg came -from soldiers returning to their desolated homes, and with the sad tidings -came also the feeling that the fate of the Confederacy was sealed. The -population of Fredericksburg at this time had been increased by the -presence of strangers and adventurers. The trade of the town was -conducted, to a considerable extent, by those who were not permanent -residents of the town, and there was but little population, business or -general appearance to remind one of the Fredericksburg of other days. - -But what a change in other respects had come over the town as to its -character and condition! For four years it had been a part of the Southern -Confederacy, and its devotion to the Southern cause had been demonstrated -time and again by its sacrifices, sufferings for and contributions to that -cause. Now the collapse of the Confederacy had come and the town was again -a part of the United States and subject to its laws. The question was what -shall be done to place the town in its proper position, and who shall take -that action? That was the question. - -After a conference of the leading citizens of the town it was decided that -the Council was the only body that could represent the people, and that it -should be convened to take such steps as might be suggested by the proper -authorities. This step was deferred, however, until the 27th of April, -when it was known the Confederate government had ceased to exist, on which -day the Council was convened, the following members being present: M. -Slaughter, Mayor; Wm. A. Little, Recorder; Charles Herndon, George -Gravatt, Joseph W. Sener, Horace B. Hall, Wm. H. Cunningham, Charles S. -Scott, Beverley T. Gill. John G. Hurkamp, James McGuire, John J. Young, -Thomas F. Knox, Councilmen. The following paper was submitted and -unanimously adopted: - - "Whereas, this community finds itself, after four years of disturbing - war, all of whose evils and sacrifices they have been called upon to - endure, subject to the laws of the United States, and under the - control of its authority; - - And whereas, they are satisfied that the war is at an end, and that - their interests and duty alike require that they should recognize the - situation and submit to said authority and laws, and, as quiet and - orderly citizens, acknowledge the powers that be, and endeavor to - preserve that character of a law abiding and peaceable community, - which it has been their purpose to maintain; - - And whereas further, it is deemed proper that this community should, - through their constituted representatives, give expression at this - time to those views and communicate the same to the United States - authorities, therefore resolved-- - - 1. That M. Slaughter, Esq., Mayor, be, and he is, hereby appointed a - Commissioner to proceed to Richmond and present a copy of these - proceedings through General M. R. Patrick to said authority. - - 2. Trusting that as the community and State is in no way responsible - for the causes which led to the revolution and have already suffered - so seriously during its progress, a magnanimous government will be - satisfied with the restoration of its authority, and adopt towards us - the policy of leniency and reconciliation which will tend with the - people of Virginia to restore friendly relations, soften the - asperities and heal the wounds of the past, and enable us to resume - our former position as peaceful and prosperous citizens of Virginia - and the United States. - - Resolved, That the crime of assassination, which has so recently - deprived the United States of its President,[44] has, in all ages and - countries, received the unqualified detestation of all honorable and - civilized communities, and that the perpetrator of this crime deserves - the utmost punishment of the law and the condemnation of all upright - men."[45] - -This action of the Council was Fredericksburg's declaration of her -allegiance to the United States, and made her a part of the Union, so far -as that action could make her. She had passed through the fiery furnace of -suffering and sacrifice since Virginia had withdrawn from the Union, but -she hesitated to take any action by which her loyalty and devotion to the -Confederate States could be questioned, and declined to take any steps -transferring her allegiance to the Union until she knew that the -Confederate government had disbanded and ceased to exist. - -[Illustration: Marye's Heights and section of old Stone Wall. These -heights were crowded with artillery in the battle of December 13, 1862. -(See page 91)] - -[Illustration: Office of Trustees of the Town from 1727 to 1781; -constructed into a residence. (See page 153.)] - -Fredericksburg had suffered as no other town in the South had suffered and -had sacrificed her all, yet instead of complaining she showed herself -grand in her sufferings and glorious in her sacrifices. There clustered -around her hallowed memories, grand historic events, individual -achievements, that, with her war record, imparted to her a beauty and -nobility of character that made her sublime even in her desolation. - -As time progressed population increased. The old citizens who had refugeed -returned to their homes; young and middle-aged men, who had faithfully -served their country in the army, exchanged their weapons of war for the -implements of peace, and business began to assume its legitimate channels -and the old town was well nigh restored to its wonted activity and -prosperity. The census of 1870, very imperfectly taken, gave -Fredericksburg at that time a population of about four thousand -inhabitants. - - -RECONSTRUCTION COMMENCED. - -_Virginia Military District No. 1_ - -The period in Virginia known as Reconstruction, extending from the -cessation of hostilities, in 1865, to the first day of July, 1870, when -the officers, elected under the new constitution, assumed their places and -performed their duties, free of military restraint, was one of deep -humiliation to the people of Virginia, and especially to the citizens of -Fredericksburg. Just after the close of the war Virginia appears to have -been neither a State nor a territory, but was declared to be Military -District No. 1, and United States army officers were placed in authority -over her affairs, civil as well as military. It is true that soon after -the order proclaiming Virginia a military district a provisional governor -was appointed by the authorities, but he was dominated by the military in -his administration of affairs of State, and was powerless, it appears, to -do anything in his office as Governor not sanctioned and approved by the -commanding military officer. - -While the town was in the hands of the civil authorities--the Mayor and -Common Council, elected at the last election held before the close of the -war--it was only nominally so. They were powerless to do anything unless -it met the approval of the military authority. This was plainly shown by a -communication received from Brigadier-General T. M. Harris, commanding, -on the first day of August, 1865, addressed to the Mayor. In that -communication General Harris said: - - "The sanitary condition of your town will, of course, claim the first - and earnest attention of your Council. I am desirous of coöperating, - so far as I am able, in this matter and desire the coöperation of the - city authorities in return. It will be indispensable to have labor, - which cannot be procured without money. I would, therefore, suggest - that you take into consideration the propriety of levying a small per - capita and also property tax for this purpose." - -Of course, under the condition of things, a suggestion from the General -commanding was virtually an order, and it was so understood. Accordingly, -on the 8th of August, the Common Council was convened by the Mayor, when -General Harris's communication was laid before it, considered and the -following tax levied: - -"On all real and personal property, fifty cents on the one hundred dollars -value; on moneys, solvent bonds and securities, except the bonds of the -corporation, forty cents on the one hundred dollars value; on all capital -invested or used in any manufacturing business or investment, used or -employed in any trade or business, twenty-five cents on every one hundred -dollars; on the moneys and personal property of joint-stock companies, -forty cents on every one hundred dollars; on every white and colored male -above twenty-one years of age, two dollars." The same tax was levied for -1867. - - -AN ELECTION SET ASIDE. - -The municipal government that found itself in possession of the town at -the close of the war continued without any election, or any attempt to -hold an election, until the Spring of 1867. At that time it seemed to be -the opinion and desire of the Mayor and Common Council that an election -should be held and that a full corps of officers for the town should be -chosen. The only law under which the Council could act and order an -election was the charter which was in force prior to the war and which -prescribed that elections for Mayor and Common Council should be held on -the third Monday in March of each year. - -In accordance with this provision of the charter the Council ordered an -election to be held on the 18th of March, 1867, for the election of a -Mayor and Common Council, but the question of the qualification of voters -having arisen, and the Council being unable to decide who were entitled to -vote under the new order of things, referred the question to General John -M. Scofield, who was then in command of Military District, No. 1. - -General Scofield suspended the election "until the necessary preparations -can be made to fully and fairly carry out the provisions of the act of -Congress of March 3rd, 1867, concerning the elective franchise and the -qualification of officers." On receipt of this order of suspension the -Council passed the following resolution: - -"That in pursuance of said order, the election heretofore advertised to be -held on Monday, the 18th instant, for Mayor and Common Councilmen, be and -it is hereby suspended until further orders. And whereas, further, under -General Orders No. 1, issued from the same headquarters, all officers -under the existing provisional government of Virginia are continued in -office for the present, this Council, in accordance with said orders, do -hereby resolve that the persons at present, discharging the duties -required by the charter of this corporation, be and they are hereby -continued in their respective offices until further orders." And there was -a peculiar significance in the word orders! - - -THE IRON-CLAD OATH. - -In April, 1867, the famous order was issued from "Headquarters, Military -District, No. 1, of the State of Virginia," requiring every officer in the -Commonwealth, State, municipal and county, to take the oath adopted by -Congress in 1862, commonly called the test oath, and which was known -through the South after the close of the war as the Iron-clad oath. This -order affected every officer in the State, from the Governor down to the -smallest officer, and it created quite a sensation. The oath was as -follows: - - "I, --------, of the county of -------- and State of --------, do - solemnly swear that I have never voluntarily borne arms against the - United States since I have been a citizen thereof; that I have - voluntarily given no aid, countenance, counsel or encouragement to - persons engaged in hostility thereto; that I have neither sought nor - accepted, nor attempted to exercise the functions of any office - whatsoever under any authority or pretended authority in hostility to - the United States; that I have yielded no voluntary support to any - authority, pretended authority or constitution within the United - States inimical thereto. So help me God!" - -Fredericksburg had no officer serving at that time who could take such an -oath. Some of the officers had, at some time during the war, been active -participants on the Confederate side, and those who were too far advanced -in age to enter the army had sympathized with the Confederate cause and -had otherwise aided it, therefore every officer, from Mayor down to -policeman, was removed and their places supplied, in some few instances, -by residents who took the required oath, but in most instances the -appointees were strangers and citizens of Northern States, who had floated -down South in search of some office at the hands of the military -commander. - -The venerable and efficient clerk of the courts, Mr. John James Chew, who -had held the office for forty years, was removed and an inexperienced and -inefficient stranger was installed in his place and given the keeping and -custody of our court papers and records. Many of the appointees of the -Common Council were men of that class, and were therefore unable to -conduct the affairs of the town, provide a revenue to meet the running -expenses and pay the interest on the city bonds. - -The Military Council was placed in possession of the city government in -1867, and conducted public affairs on the revenues brought in by the tax -bill levied by their predecessors by permission of the commanding general. -In the latter part of 1867 the creditors of the town were demanding their -money, and no money was in the treasury. They threatened suits to enforce -payment of their dues, and in order to meet these obligations, on the 23rd -of May, 1868, the Military Council passed a tax bill levying a tax of one -dollar and a quarter on the one hundred dollars value of all real and -personal property, and on all males over twenty-one years of age a -capitation tax of three dollars, but the Commissioner of Revenue never -made up his tax books and the tax was never collected. This state of -things continued through the year 1869; therefore, when the Common Council -of the people's own choosing took charge of the city government on the -first of July, 1870, under the provisions of the new State constitution, -they found municipal affairs in a wretched condition. - - -THE NEW CHARTER FOR THE CITY. - -The new charter for the town, granted under the new State constitution, -was passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor on the 23rd of -March, 1871. It differed very much from the charter under which the town -was governed before the war, both as to new offices provided for and the -term of officers. The officers to be elected by the people were one Mayor, -who should hold his office for two years; twelve Councilmen, who should -hold for one year; but this was subsequently changed so that six -Councilmen should be elected from each ward--the town having been divided -into two wards--and they were to hold office for two years; one City -Sergeant for a term of two years; one Commissioner of the Revenue for two -years, which has since been changed to four years, and one City Treasurer -for three years. Any person who was a qualified voter was eligible to any -one of the offices named above, and when they were elected and qualified -they were to "have the powers, perform the duties and be subject to the -liabilities and responsibilities prescribed by the general laws" of the -State. - -They were not to enter upon their respective duties until they qualified -before some person authorized to administer oaths, and, in addition to the -oath of fidelity and the anti-duelling oath, each one had also to swear -"that I recognize and accept the civil and political equality of all men -before the law." This was another reminder to us that the "negroes were -free," and was "intended as the lash to compel Southern courts to -administer to them justice and to election officers to accord them all the -privileges at the polls they were allowed." - -The Mayor was to preside at the meetings of the Council, give the casting -vote on questions before that body in case of a tie and act as a justice -of the peace in civil and criminal matters arising in the corporation. He -was to have control of the police of the town and appoint special police -officers when he deemed it necessary; and, in addition to these duties, he -was empowered to try all offences and controversies arising under the -ordinances of the town, to impose fines and collect the same, saving to -the parties the right of appeal when the matter in controversy exceeded -the sum of ten dollars. - -The Council was authorized to establish and regulate markets, to alter or -improve streets, alleys, sidewalks and bridges, and keep the same in -order; to provide for the lighting of streets, against accidents by fire; -to establish fire companies, purchase engines, and to provide wells or -cisterns for supplying water. It was authorized to prevent and punish, by -reasonable fines, the practice of discharging fire-arms and running horses -in the town; to license and regulate shows and other exhibitions, and tax -them in such manner as may be expedient and lawful; to lay off public -grounds and provide for and take care of public buildings, grounds and -cemeteries; to conduct and distribute water into and through the town; to -adopt rules for its own government and the transaction of its business. It -was also to define the powers, prescribe the duties and fix the term of -service and compensation of its own appointees, necessary for conducting -the affairs of the town, not otherwise provided; to fix the salary of the -Mayor and all other officers, but no compensation was to be allowed to any -member of the Council unless he should act as clerk of the body. The -Council was to make all such by-laws and regulations as it might deem -necessary, consistent with the constitution and laws of the State, for the -good government of the town, and to enforce the same by reasonable fines -and penalties, not exceeding for any one offence the sum of ten dollars. - -The Council was authorized to provide a revenue for the town and -appropriate the same, and for that purpose it was made the duty of the -Commissioner of the Revenue to make an annual assessment of taxable -persons and property within the town, such as should be taxable under the -revenue laws of the State, including dogs and other animals running at -large. - -This was the release of the liberty-loving people of Fredericksburg from -military bondage and misrule, signed, sealed and delivered, for which they -rejoiced as did the captive Israelite of old as he again returned from -bondage to his beloved native land. - - -CITIZENS AGAIN IN CONTROL. - -_The Ante Bellum Debt of the Town._ - -Prior to the war the Council, by direction of the people, given through -the ballot, had made large appropriations to public improvements, with a -view of building up the town by retaining the trade of the surrounding -country, which was threatened by other cities, and by drawing trade from -other sections of the country that found markets elsewhere. From these -improvements the hopes of the town were not realized. Some of them -remained in an unfinished condition, while others had been rendered -worthless by new lines of railroad that had diverted their business and -rendered them worthless; yet, the debt owed by the town, by reason of -these appropriations and other expenditures, amounted to $244,521.48.[46] -All this debt was hanging over the desolated town and not a dollar's worth -of property to show for it. - -In addition to this loss no provision had been made by former Councils to -meet the interest on these bonds for the past four or five years, and -suits had been brought and judgments obtained to enforce payment and other -suits were threatened. Under judgments and executions obtained against the -corporation, all property belonging to the town, available, was sold at -public auction by the officer of the law. Even the chairs in the council -chamber, in which the members of the Council sat to conduct the public -business of the town, were sold by the constable at public outcry under -execution. The members of the Council attended this sale and each one -purchased his chair, and thereafter the members furnished their own seats -at the council board, while they legislated for the public good, without -fee or reward, other than the consciousness of duty nobly done. - -The Common Council that took charge of municipal affairs in 1870 had many -grave and difficult questions to meet and determine. Debts had accumulated -against the city, while the taxable values had greatly diminished by the -destruction of property during the war and the emancipation of the slaves. -A large portion of the inhabitants had recently returned home--the women -and children from refugeeing and the men from the army--almost penniless, -to find their homes in ruins or badly damaged and despoiled of what had -been left in them. Nearly everybody had to commence life anew. - -The Council, therefore, had to provide for these debts, and, at the same -time, not place a burden upon an impoverished people, in the form of -taxation that they could not bear. It was a trying ordeal, but the members -were equal to the emergency. That Council was composed of Walker Peyton -Conway, J. Gordon Wallace, Hugh S. Doggett, George W. Eve, Patrick -McCracken, Wm. C. Morrison, Joseph W. Sener, John T. Knight, John H. Myer, -George Gravatt, Thomas Harrison and John James Young. - -The finance committee of that Council, which was expected to provide for -the finances and bring before the Council, for its consideration and -adoption, such measures as would meet the emergency and not oppress the -tax-payers, consisted of W. P. Conway, J. Gordon Wallace and Hugh S. -Doggett. With great diligence they applied themselves to their task. A tax -bill was formulated and brought before the Council levying a tax, which -was adopted, and in a short time money was raised, the debts were paid in -installments until all creditors were paid or satisfactory arrangements -made with them. - -In 1876 the old bonds of the city were funded, by mutual agreement of the -Council and the bond holders, at sixty-six and two-third cents on the -dollar, the new bonds to bear seven per cent. interest and run thirty -years. This was a wise arrangement of the Council, notwithstanding there -was considerable opposition to it, the opponents of the measure claiming -that the rate of interest of the new bonds should not exceed six per -cent., although money was then bringing from ten to twelve per cent., and -sometimes more than twelve. The amount of bonds issued under this funding -act amounted to $125,000. - -By this arrangement of funding one-third of the principal of the bonds was -eliminated, the threatened suits for past-due interest were averted, and -it put the Council in a position to provide for the interest as it should -fall due, take care of the floating debt, and at the same time reduce the -rate of taxation, which the tax-payer hailed with delight. Thus the -delinquencies of the former years were met and provided for, the rate of -taxation was not oppressive, and the town, being under the control of its -own citizens, untrammelled by military authority, rapidly moved forward, -public confidence in its ability to meet its obligations was restored and -thus municipal affairs were placed in a satisfactory condition. The credit -of the city is as good at present as any city of the State, and no bonds -have been funded or sold in the last twelve years at a greater rate of -interest than four per cent., or at any figure below their face value. - - -PRESENT INDEBTEDNESS, INCLUDING ANTE AND POST BELLUM BONDS. - -The bonded indebtedness of the city, and the improvements for which said -bonds were issued is a matter that concerns every citizen, and for their -information are here given as of 1908: - - Five per cent. water bonds, issued July 1, 1895, due - January 1, 1909, coupons payable January and July 1st $ 30,000 - - Four per cent. gas bonds, issued January 2, 1900, coupons - due July and January 2nd, bonds due January 2, 1920 25,000 - - Four per cent. bridge bonds, issued July 2, 1900, coupons - due January and July 2nd, bonds due July 2, 1920 25,000 - - Four per cent. electric light bonds, issued January 1, - 1901, coupons due July and January 1st, bonds due January - 1, 1931 12,000 - - Four per cent. sewer bonds, issued April 1, 1901, coupons - due October and April 1st, bonds due April 1, 1931 18,000 - - Four per cent. street improvement bonds, issued April 1, - 1901, coupons due October and April 1st, bonds due April - 1, 1931 20,000 - - Four per cent. water and gas bonds, issued April 1, 1905, - coupons due October and April 1st, bonds due April 1, 1931 20,000 - - Four per cent. gas and water bonds, issued September 1, - 1905, coupons due September 1st, $5,000 to be paid each - year till paid, $5,000 already paid 20,000 - - Four per cent. bonds funding the old 7 per cent. bonds, - issued May 1, 1906, coupons due May and November, bonds - due May 1, 1936 119,400 - - Three bonds of $5,000, due National Bank of Fredericksburg - and payable $5,000 on November 1, 1908, and yearly - thereafter, bearing 4 per cent. interest 15,000 - - Making the total bonded debt of the town $304,400 - -Many of these public improvements were constructed by the authority of the -freeholders of the town, by a majority vote cast at special elections -appointed and held for that purpose; others were constructed by action of -the City Council under authority granted them by the new constitution -enlarging the powers and duties of city councils, and appeared to have the -sanction of a large majority of the tax-payers of the town. - -[Illustration: Confederate Cemetery at Fredericksburg. The pyramid of -stones marks the battle-field at Hamilton's Crossing, between Jackson and -Meade. (See page 185)] - - - - -CHAPTER IX - - _The Courts of Fredericksburg--The Freedman's Bureau--Court Orders and - Incidents--First Night Watch--Ministers Qualify to Perform Marriage - Ceremony--First Notary Public--Fixing the Value of Bank Notes--Prison - Bounds for Debtors--Public Buildings, &c._ - - -If every one in this Christian land was a Christian, and was governed by -the rule laid down and inculcated by the Christ, "whatsoever ye would that -men should do to you, do ye even so to them," there would have been but -little, if any, use for courts in this country. But all people are not -Christians, and all Christians are not governed by that golden rule, -therefore courts were necessary to punish crime, settle disputes, protect -the weak against the strong, secure the widow and orphan in their rights, -enforce provision for the indigent poor, and perform other functions for -the benefit of society and the well-being of the country. - -What courts Fredericksburg had before the Revolutionary war is unknown, as -no record seems to have been left of them. In all probability the -successors of Major Lawrence Smith were also authorized to execute martial -law and hear and determine all questions, as a county court might do, -until the town was chartered in 1727 and placed in the hands of trustees. -These trustees had certain powers conferred upon them by act of the House -of Burgesses, and they were to keep records of their proceedings, but -these records cannot now be found and quite likely have long ago been -destroyed. - -It may have been possible that the Colonial Governors appointed -magistrates to hear and determine causes within certain limits and to -punish petty offences, while causes beyond those limits and felonies were -heard and determined by the court sitting at Williamsburg. Of this, -however, we are left to conjecture, as no records are at our command. But -if this had been the manner of dispensing justice prior to 1781, it -furnished a pattern for the Virginia Legislature for many years -thereafter with respect to the town, as is referred to elsewhere. - -The first court established in Fredericksburg, that we now have any -records of, was by an act of the General Assembly of Virginia, passed -during the session of 1781. At that session Fredericksburg was regularly -incorporated and given a Common Council and a hustings court, but the -court did not organize until April 15, 1782. At its organization the -following justices were present: Charles Mortimer, Wm. McWilliams, James -Somerville, Charles Dick, Samuel Roddy and John Julien, "the same being -Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the town," elected to their respective -offices on the 18th day of March, 1782, in the order above named. - -This continued as the only court of the town until 1788, when nineteen -district courts were established in the State by the General Assembly, one -of which was located at Fredericksburg. These courts were presided over by -two judges of the General Court, located at Richmond, the number of judges -of that court having been, by the same act, increased from five to ten -judges. - -This district court was regarded as a very important court, and was -attended by some of the ablest lawyers in Virginia and adjoining States. -Edmund Randolph, after he was Governor and twice a Cabinet Minister,[47] -and also James Monroe, a citizen of this place, after he was Minister to -England, France and Spain, were attorneys before and practised in this -court. While attending a session of this court, on the 3rd day of May, -1798, Governor Randolph published the following card in the _Virginia -Herald_: - - "My business in the Court of Appeals and High Court of Chancery render - it impossible for me to attend _constantly_ the district court holden - at this place. I have, therefore, come hither, during the present - term, with a hope of finishing almost every cause in which I was - employed; and have refused all fees, which have been offered to me in - any suits, which I may not try before I leave the town. I am - apprehensive, however, that I shall not succeed in concluding - everything; and I have accordingly, made the following arrangement: - To some of my clients I have personally returned the fees; to all - others, where the business has not been absolutely finished, or any - step remains to be taken, except to move for the opinion of the court, - the fee will be returned on application to John Chew, Esq., clerk of - the court, who has been so obliging as to accept from me a list of all - my suits, still depending, of the money received, and of their - situation. Although the fees are to be returned yet I have obtained - the favor of Colonel Monroe,[48] Colonel John Minor and Francis - Brooke, Esq.,[49] to attend to these suits, agreeably to the - memorandum which I have given each of them, with every paper and - information in my power. In two of the cases, which are of peculiar - importance, I shall attend myself at a future day; and in all - instances, will cheerfully assist with my advice. If required, I will - be ready to attend the trial of any particular suits, now or hereafter - depending in this court whensoever the business of the Court of - Appeals and High Court of Chancery will permit." - -This court continued in existence for about twenty years, when, by an act -of the General Assembly of 1808-9, it was abolished, and a "Circuit Court -or a Superior Court of Law," was established in its stead. This new court -was presided over by one of the judges of the General Court, the number of -judges of that court, it appears, having been increased from ten to -fifteen, to correspond with the number of circuits established in the -State. These courts have continued to the present time, with slight -changes at different periods as to their powers and territory, and are -presided over by circuit judges. - -In the year 1852 the State was divided into ten districts and a court was -established for each district, known as the District Court of Appeals. The -court for the Fourth district was located at Fredericksburg, and was held -up-stairs in the north wing of the present courthouse. This court -consisted of the judges of the circuit courts constituting the district -and the judge of the Court of Appeals, elected from this section of the -State, as president. It was provided that no judge should sit in any -appeal case sent up from his circuit. This court continued until the -adoption of what was known as the Underwood Constitution, which failed to -make provision for district courts. - -Prior to 1870 the corporation or hustings court was held by three or more -justices of the peace, but when the State constitution of that year was -adopted it raised that court to a higher dignity, its powers and -jurisdiction were enlarged, and a judge prescribed "who shall be learned -in the law." Since the establishment of this court it has had five judges -to preside over it--John M. Herndon, John T. Goolrick, Montgomery -Slaughter, A. Wellington Wallace, and Alvin T. Embrey. The new State -constitution abolished all county courts and provided four annual terms of -the circuit court, which were regarded ample for all purposes. In this -change in the present constitution Fredericksburg lost her session of the -circuit court and also her hustings court, but authority was conferred -upon the City Council to continue the hustings court if it judged it -necessary, the Legislature to elect the judge, whose term of office was to -be ten years, and the Council was to pay his salary. In accordance with -this authority the Council decided to continue the court, and Judge John -T. Goolrick was elected by the General Assembly to preside over it. - -The police court, established by the State constitution of 1870, is held -by the Mayor of the town, and in his absence by the Recorder, or in his -absence by any justice of the peace who may be designated by the Mayor for -that purpose. This court has jurisdiction of misdemeanors and of civil -cases, where the amount involved is less than one hundred dollars, with -the right of appeal to the corporation court when the amount in -controversy is ten dollars or more. After the first of January, 1909, by -provision of State law, this court will be conducted by a police justice. - - -CIRCUIT COURT. - -The new State constitution increased the number of circuits, when the -county courts were abolished, to twenty-nine, and also increased the terms -of the court to four annually, in order to enable the judges to do what -the circuit courts previously did and most of the work formerly allotted -to the old county courts. In order to do this the duties of the circuit -clerks were greatly enlarged, that they might do much of the business -heretofore transacted by the county courts. Fredericksburg is in the -fifteenth circuit, but no session of the court is held within her borders. -The circuit consists of five counties--King George, Stafford, -Spotsylvania, Caroline and Hanover. Our circuit judge is the Hon. John E. -Mason, who resides most of the time in Fredericksburg. - - -CHANGE IN CITY AFFAIRS. - -The same constitution that changed the circuit courts and abolished the -county courts made many changes also with government of cities and towns. -In Fredericksburg, divided into two wards as it had been for some years, -the six Councilmen from each ward were elected at the same time to serve -two years, the Mayor being the presiding officer of the body. In these -changes each ward is to elect three Councilmen every two years, who are to -serve a term of four years, and the presiding officer is to be elected -from the body of the Council. The present president is William E. Bradley, -Esq., the first one having been Col. E. D. Cole. - - -THE FREEDMAN'S BUREAU. - -The Freedman's Bureau was established in Fredericksburg in 1865. It was an -unique judicial tribunal, and found its way in our midst by reason of the -disjointed condition of the country at that time. It was brought into -being by congressional enactment, to be operated alone in the Southern -States that had formed the Southern Confederacy, which government had then -ceased to exist. The geographical divisions in the South were no longer -States, as heretofore stated, but military districts, designated by -numbers, and it was the opinion of the Federal authorities, it seems, that -in the chaotic condition of society and the impotency of our courts, or -from some other cause, the colored people, who had just been emancipated -from slavery, would not be justly dealt with by their former owners, hence -the necessity of this civil-military tribunal. - -These Freedman's bureaus were composed of three judges--one an army -officer and two citizens. In the organization of the bureau in -Fredericksburg two of the judges were appointed by the commander of the -military district and the third one was elected by the Common Council. -Being thus formed it was supposed that all parties brought before the -court would receive justice. It had original jurisdiction over -misdemeanors, controversies involving labor and the observance of -contracts, and appellate jurisdiction from the decisions of magistrates -and police justices, where the rights of colored people and United States -soldiers were involved. - -The first court of this kind organized in Fredericksburg was composed of -Major James Johnson, a United States army officer, Major Charles Williams, -an ardent Union man, and James B. Sener, who was unanimously elected by -the Common Council "a commissioner on the part of the citizens of the town -in the Freedman's bureau, about to be organized."[50] - -Many absurd and amusing stories were put in circulation about this court, -and the colored people were variously impressed with its functions and -purposes, as well as of its powers and jurisdiction. Persons who followed -the Union army to town, and who professed great friendship for the colored -people and secured their confidence, told them that one purpose of the -Freedman's Bureau was to adjust financial matters between ex-slaves and -their former owners and to remunerate them for labor performed while they -were in slavery. The money for this purpose was to be made from the -property of those who owned the slaves and who received the benefit of -their services. - -The most of the colored people believed these, as they did the other -absurd stories,[51] and it was agreed that a test case should be made in -Fredericksburg, and if it was decided in favor of the ex-slave that all -the other ex-slaves should bring similar suits for their ante-bellum -services. The papers were prepared in such a case by one of the so-called -lawyers, who made their appearance in our midst in those troublous times, -one of our colored men being the plaintiff, but it was soon ascertained -that such a suit would be "laughed out of court," and therefore the matter -was dropped and nothing more was heard from it. It is said that after this -the bureau was not popular even with the colored people. - - -COURT ORDERS AND INCIDENTS. - -There are many orders made and incidents that happened in the old courts -that will be of interest to-day, if for no other reason than for their age -and the fact that they are not practised in our present courts. Among the -first things that claimed the attention of the hustings court, after its -organization and appointment of the officers of the court, was to fix the -rates of charges for the tavern-keepers. This it did on the 20th day of -May, 1782, entering the following schedule: - -"Good West India rum, one pound per gallon; bread, ten shillings; whiskey, -six; strong beer, four; good West India rum toddy, ten shillings; brandy -toddy, seven shillings and six pence; rum punch, fifteen shillings; brandy -punch, twelve; rum grog, six; brandy grog, five. Diet: one meal, one -shilling and six pence; lodging, one shilling and three pence; "stablidge" -and hay, two shillings; oats and corn, nine pence per gallon." - -Nearly half a century passed before another order in reference to tavern -rates was made, or recorded if made. It is presumed that the schedule of -rates made in 1782 was in force until the 10th day of May, 1838, or was -renewed from time to time, with slight changes. On the 10th of May, 1838, -another list of prices was adopted by the court, and entered as follows, -dollars and cents being substituted for pounds and shillings: - -Breakfast, 50 cents; dinner, 50; supper, 50; lodging, 25; grain per -gallon, 12-1/2; "stablage" and hay per night, 25; Madeira wine, per quart, -1.00; champagne, per quart, 1.50; other wine per quart, 50; French brandy, -12-1/2 per gill; rum, 12-1/2; gin, 12-1/2; whiskey, 12-1/2; corn per -gallon, 25. - -Another order was made by the court on the first day of March, 1784, when -it "proceeded to settle the allowances to the officers of the -corporation." That order gave to the officers their salaries as follows: -Mr. John Minor, Jr., attorney for the Commonwealth, 2000 pounds of -tobacco; Henry Armistead, clerk, 1200 pounds; John Legg, sergeant, 1200 -pounds; Henry Armistead, for attending all courts of inquiry, 400 pounds; -sergeant for same, 570 pounds, and Wm. Jenkins, "gaoler," 364 pounds. For -several years the salaries of the corporation officers were paid in the -same manner and in the same currency. - -On the 2nd of August, 1784, it was "ordered that the clerk certify that -this court do recommend Robert Brooke[52] as a person of probity, honesty -and good demeanor." This recommendation, it is understood, was necessary -in order for Mr. Brooke to obtain a license from the General Court to -practise law; and on the 7th of February, 1785, Robert Brooke and Bushrod -Washington[53] were admitted as practising lawyers before the court. - -Henry Armistead, the first clerk of the court, died about the first of -August, 1787, and on the 6th of August John Chew, Jr., was appointed clerk -to fill the vacancy. By that appointment we have this remarkable record, -that from the appointment of John Chew, Jr., on the 6th of August, 1787, -to the death of Colonel Robert S. Chew, on the 17th of August, 1886, the -clerkship of the hustings court was in the Chew family, except the short -time it was held by W. C. Strait under military appointment. It went from -father to son for the fourth generation, covering a period of ninety-nine -years and eleven days. These generations served as follows: John Chew, -Jr., from 1787 to 1806; Robert S. Chew, from 1806 to 1826; John James -Chew, from 1826 to 1867, and Robert S. Chew, from 1870 to 1886. - -On the 27th of February, 1789, we are told that "James Mercer, Esq., Chief -Justice of the General Court this day in open court took the oath of a -Judge to the District Court, pursuant to an act of the General Assembly -entitled an act establishing district courts, and for regulating the -General Court, which is ordered to be certified accordingly." From this -entry we learn that James Mercer,[54] a Fredericksburg lawyer, was not -only the chief justice of the General Court, which was held in Richmond, -but the judge of the first district court held in Fredericksburg. This -district court was the first court held in the town having jurisdiction -over higher crimes than misdemeanors. Before the institution of this court -all white persons charged with felonies were sent to Richmond for trial by -the General Court. - -From the records of the hustings court it appears that the "Gentlemen -Justices" for many years after the introduction of United States money -entered up fines and judgments in pounds, shillings and pence. The clerk -used dollars and cents in entering up costs as early as 1795, but the -court did not adopt the American count until about July, 1797. It is also -noticeable that the clerk in nearly all entries placed the dollar mark -after the figures, instead of in front of them, according to the present -custom. - -The first intimation that the town needed a watch or police, in addition -to the town sergeant, is given in an order of the court, entered April 25, -1801, when it was "ordered that the sergeant of this corporation do -(within the time limited for the collection of the other taxes in this -corporation) collect of the housekeepers, within the jurisdiction of this -court, two per cent. on the amount of their rents, agreeable to the -assessed value thereof, and that he pay the same to the chamberlain to be -appropriated to paying a watch to be kept in said corporation, the same -being this day levied for that purpose." - -On March 27, 1802, the grand jury of the corporation presented "as a -nuisance the numerous obstructions in the streets, particularly in St. -George street lot, burying the dead in George and Princess Ann streets; -also the irregular burying in the ground west of and adjoining Prince -Edward street." The most of the obstructions complained of were on Hanover -street, west of Princess Ann, and on George street, from Main to the -river. The burying ground adjoining Prince Edward street about twenty-five -years ago was converted into Hurkamp park. - -The court had been in existence more than twenty-two years before any -record is found where a minister of the gospel, of any denomination, -qualified to perform the rites of matrimony. It may have been that the law -did not require such qualification prior to 1804, and was enacted that -year. At any rate, the first one to appear before the court was on the -24th day of December, 1804. On that day "Benj. Essex, having produced to -the court credentials of his ordination and of his being in regular -communion with the Methodist Society, and having taken the oath of -fidelity to the Commonwealth and entered into bond with security according -to law, a testimonial is granted him to celebrate the rites of matrimony -according to the forms and customs of the said Methodist church." Similar -orders were entered by the court for ministers of other denominations as -they applied to the court. From the record we find they applied as -follows: Samuel Wilson, of the Presbyterian church, September 22, 1806; -Samuel Low, of the Episcopal church, September 8, 1808, and Wm. James, of -the Baptist church, June 13, 1811. So it is found that as early as 1811 -any one could be married in Fredericksburg, according to the customs of -the Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Baptist churches. - -On the 24th of December, 1805, John T. Lomax and Carter L. Stevenson -qualified to practise law in the hustings court. They were two leading -citizens of the town and served the public long and faithfully. John T. -Lomax afterwards was made judge of the circuit court and one of the judges -of the district court. He was also the author of several law books. Mr. -Stevenson was thirty-five years Commonwealth's attorney in the town, -holding the office a longer period than any other attorney, before or -since his day. - -The first notary public to qualify in the hustings court was John -Metcalfe. He was appointed by Governor James Barbour, and on the 12th day -of November, 1812, came into court and produced his commission as a notary -public, "whereupon the said John Metcalfe took the oath of fidelity to the -Commonwealth, and that he will without favor or partiality, honestly, -intelligently and faithfully discharge the duties of a notary public." - -[Illustration: The Baptist Church. (See page 209)] - - -REGULATING THE CURRENCY. - -In the early part of the nineteenth century "paper money" superseded -tobacco and tobacco warehouse receipts as currency, and therefore much of -it was issued. The notes of the denomination of one dollar, and more, were -generally designated as bills, while those below one dollar were called -"shin plasters." At first these notes were issued by States, cities and -banks, but in a few years incorporated companies, and sometimes -individuals, issued them. These notes were not always taken at their face -value, especially when they were found any distance from their place of -issue. - -This being the case, it was difficult for the people to distinguish -between the good and the doubtful, or to fix the proper rate of discount. -Therefore the courts took the matter in hand. The question was considered -and passed upon, for the first time in our courts, on the 14th of March, -1816, the subject being the difference between the paper currency of -Virginia and the bank notes of other places, which were found in -circulation in Fredericksburg. Having properly investigated and reached a -conclusion, the court declared and entered on record, as follows: - - "It appears to the satisfaction of the court that the chartered bank - notes of the District of Columbia, State of North Carolina, and cities - of Philadelphia and Baltimore, are current in this town, and it is the - opinion of the court that the chartered bank notes of the District of - Columbia, when compared with the chartered bank notes of Virginia, are - at a depreciation of six per cent.; that the said notes of the cities - of Philadelphia and Baltimore are at a depreciation of five per cent. - and that the said notes of the State of North Carolina are of equal - value with the said notes of Virginia." - -A similar declaration was made by the court each year for several years -thereafter. - -On the 10th day of November, 1831, the will of Thomas Seddon[55] was -admitted to probate. Philip Alexander, John Moncure and Arthur A. Morson -were appointed and qualified as executors and entered into bond, without -security, the deceased requesting that none be required, in the sum of -$240,000, it being the largest bond ever before required by the court. -Appraisers were appointed by the court to appraise his property in the -town of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, Stafford, Prince -William, Culpeper, Fauquier, Shenandoah and Page, and they were ordered to -make returns to this court. - -The court entered the following certificate on its records on the 12th day -of January, 1832: "The court orders it to be certified that it was proved -to their satisfaction by the evidence of Francis S. Scott, a witness sworn -in court, that Major Robert Forsythe, of the Revolutionary army, had two -children, one of whom, Robert, died under age and unmarried, and the other -son, John, is now alive, being the Senator in Congress from Georgia." - - -THE POOR DEBTOR'S PRISON BOUNDS. - -In the olden times, when some claim that the people were more honest and -just and the laws more righteous than they are now, a person who failed or -refused to pay his debts could, by proper process, be placed in "prison -bounds," and kept there until he exhibited to the court a schedule of his -property, made under oath. If he had nothing more in the opinion of the -court, than a reasonable allowance under the law, the court could -discharge him as a poor debtor from custody. For more than fifty years the -prison bounds was the square on which the jail is located. The poor debtor -was allowed the full width of the streets around the square, but was not -allowed to enter a building on the opposite side. Many distinguished men, -it is said, have been confined to this central point in the town because -they were unable at the time to meet their obligations. - -In 1840 the court extended the liberty of the poor debtor by enlarging the -prison bounds to four squares, probably because the law had relaxed its -hold upon him. He could roam anywhere on those four squares and in the -streets bounding them, but he could not go beyond the limits without -being in contempt and becoming liable to additional punishment by the -court. This order of extension was made on the 11th of June, 1840, and -recorded as follows: - - "The court doth fix the prison bounds as follows, to-wit: Beginning at - the intersection of Caroline and William streets, thence up William to - Charles street, thence down Charles street to Hanover street thence - down Hanover street to Caroline street, thence up Caroline street to - William street, including the footways on each side." - -And now having escaped the prison bounds we will visit the public -buildings of the town and take a peep at them. - - - - -CHAPTER X - - _The Public Buildings--The Jail--Courthouse--Town - Hall--Firehouse--School Buildings--Wallace Library--Normal - School--Government Building, &c._ - - -As it was found necessary to have courts to punish crimes, to settle -disputes and to enforce law and order in the Commonwealth for the good of -society, it was also found necessary to have buildings in which to hold -the courts, to keep their records, and a place to confine criminals until -they were tried by the courts, and then to punish them after conviction -for their crimes. Therefore, the act that gave Fredericksburg a name and a -place among the towns of the country, also gave it the authority, and -enjoined it as a duty, to erect a courthouse and a jail, which was soon -done; and it is almost certain that whatever court Fredericksburg had from -1727, when it was first incorporated, to 1781, when it was chartered by -the Legislature of Virginia, was held in that courthouse and that the -criminals were kept and punished in that jail. - -When the hustings court was organized its sessions were held in the -"coffee-house," but as soon as preparations could be made it was held in -the old town hall, or market-house, on Main street, which appears to have -had rooms sufficient for all public uses, as it was a favorite resort for -the "lovers of balls and parties and other public gatherings." - -The first thing, however, that claimed the attention of the court was the -repairing of the "courthouse and common gaol, where criminals could be -placed and safely kept and in due time brought before the court." The -first jail erected for the town seems to have been built partly with -brick, and, from a false notion of economy, was entirely too small, was -uncomfortable and not fit to keep prisoners in. This was so patent that -the matter was, at various times, and for several years, brought to the -attention of the court. Various grand juries, upon examination, had -reported that it was not a suitable place in which to confine prisoners. - -In 1803 a grand jury brought in an indictment against the jail as a -nuisance, and charged that a colored criminal, who had been confined -therein, had contracted a disease of which he afterwards died. This -colored man was arrested, charged with entering a house in the night time -and stealing goods therefrom, which was a capital offence. He was tried by -the hustings court, after considerable delay, and sentenced to be hung, -but was recommended to the mercy of the Governor, who pardoned him. - -It was while the colored man was awaiting a trial, and afterwards the -action of the Governor, that it was claimed he contracted a disease, of -which he died soon after his liberation. Upon this report of the grand -jury the court ordered the small, brick jail torn down and a new one of -stone to be erected in its place. This new building was completed in 1805, -when Wm. Taylor was appointed by the court and ordered to "sell the brick -and other materials of the old jail in this corporation on a credit of -sixty days and make return to this court." - -This jail stood on Princess Ann street, just north of the present clerk's -office, and, long before it was torn down and removed, was "an eye-sore to -the public," and especially to those who lived in that locality. In 1851, -when it was decided to build a new courthouse, it was also decided to move -the jail. This was a joint action of the court and Common Council, and it -met with serious opposition by many of the tax-payers, on the ground that -it was a waste of public money, the present jail being all that was -needed. - -But the order was given, and the jail was torn down and rebuilt in rear of -the courthouse, the public scales, which stood on the spot, to be "moved -to some more convenient place." The most of the stone in the old jail was -placed in the new one, but a portion of it was taken for the foundation of -the fence, which, until some six years ago, enclosed the courthouse yard -and sustained the wall on George street and in Jail alley. The present -granite alignment of the courthouse lot is a great improvement on the old -iron fence. - - -THE COURTHOUSE. - -The first courthouse the town had was built on a part of the ground -occupied by the present building and stood several feet back from the -street. It was a small, brick structure and very uncomfortable. It is -supposed to have been the second courthouse built for the town, the first -having been built soon after the town was laid out. As early as 1820 the -courts complained of the building they had to occupy and declared that it -was unsuitable for court purposes. Various requests and complaints were -made and orders issued to the Common Council by the court, looking to the -erection of a new and commodious building, but the Council appeared to -take no action in the matter, except to lay on the table all -communications from the court on the subject. - -It appears that the town and county were joint owners in the jail and -courthouse, they being public property and the town then being a part of -the county, and possibly contributed some way to their erection. This may -account to some extent for the tardiness of the Council in taking action, -but whether it does or not, the court was not satisfied and did not -attempt to conceal its displeasure. - -Finding its requests and orders disregarded, the court issued an order -declaring that the Council must build a new courthouse or provide a better -place for holding court, but even this did not appear to hurry the -Council, which moved along in its own quiet way. This controversy went on -for several years, the court requesting, ordering, even threatening, -without avail. It finally reached a point where it seems to have exhausted -its patience and determined to assert its authority. - -On the 14th of June, 1849, the court being composed of Mayor Semple and -Justices Wm. H. White and Peter Goolrick, the following order was made and -entered on the record book: - - "It is ordered, that Thomas B. Barton, John L. Marye, Robert B. - Semple, Wm. C. Beale and John J. Chew, who are hereby appointed a - committee for that purpose, do examine and report to this court, some - plan for the enlargement and repairs or rebuilding of the courthouse - for this corporation, for the convenient administration of justice; - and the said committee are also requested to examine and report - whether any other public building, belonging to this corporation, can - be so changed as to answer the above purpose, and to inquire and - report the probable cost of such plan or plans as they may approve - and report upon, and it is ordered that the justices for this - corporation be summoned to attend here at the next court to consider - and decide upon said report." - -While this order and the appointment of the committee, with its -instructions, created considerable comment, it did not seem to excite the -Council or precipitate any action favorable to the proposed building. At -the next court eight justices were present in answer to the summons issued -at the last session of the court. Those present were R. B. Semple, Robert -Dickey, Beverly R. Wellford, Wm. C. Beale, Wm. H. White, Peter Goolrick, -Wm. Slaughter and Wm. Warren. - -The report of the committee appointed at the previous court, was made, and -the court declared "that in obedience to the act of the General Assembly, -which requires that courts for the corporations within this Commonwealth -should cause to be erected one good and convenient courthouse, that it is -necessary and proper to build a courthouse for this corporation," and the -report of the committee "having been returned to court, and therewith an -order from the county court of Spotsylvania, releasing to this court all -title and interest the said county has to the jail and courthouse, within -this corporation, and the said lots on which they stand, being considered -by this court, it is approved and confirmed." - -The court then appointed a commission, consisting of Mayor Semple, Beverly -R. Wellford, Wm. H. White, Thomas B. Barton and John L. Marye, who were -instructed to contract with some responsible party to erect a good and -substantial courthouse on lots 42 and 44, or either of them, according to -the plan submitted to the court, or that plan modified, if it was found -necessary, the cost not to exceed four thousand dollars. The commission -was to report from time to time to the court. - -This action looked as if the court intended to exhaust its powers or have -a new courthouse, but a few days' mixing with the people seems to have -raised a doubt in the minds of the members of the court as to the wisdom -of their action. At any rate, when the August term came the full corps of -magistrates was present. A petition, and counter petition of the citizens -of Fredericksburg, in relation to the action of the court upon the -subject of rebuilding the courthouse, were severally presented, when, on a -motion made to rescind the order for building the courthouse and laying a -levy therefor, the vote stood as follows: - -For rescinding, Robert B. Semple, Peter Goolrick, Wm. C. Beale, Robert -Dicky, 4. Against rescinding, Beverley R. Welford, Wm. H. White, Wm. -Slaughter, Wm. Warren, 4. The court being divided on the question of -repealing or enforcing its own order, the subject was dropped so far as -any action of the court was concerned, and was not again brought up for -several months. - -At the April term, in 1850, however, the court respectfully requested the -Council to appoint a day to have an election, that the voters might -express their wishes as to whether or not a levy should be made for the -purpose of building a courthouse. This paper, although it placed the court -before the Council in the attitude of an humble suppliant, was read before -the Council and laid on the table, as all former papers from that source -had been. - -This seems to have ended the efforts of the court to secure a new -courthouse or the repairing of the old, either by entreaties, threats or -by the power given it under the acts of the General Assembly. Thus things -continued for one year, although the question was warmly discussed by the -citizens, who were very much divided on the subject. An election was to be -held the following March, and the court, finding itself defeated in all -former efforts, transferred the question to the people in their selections -for members of the Council. This was a wise move for the friends of the -measure. The election was held and a Council in favor of building a new -courthouse was elected. The eyes of the public were now turned from the -hustings court to the Common Council which had just been elected. The -contest was not long delayed. - -The election for Councilmen was held on the third Monday in March, 1851, -and at the meeting, held on the first day of April, Messrs. Thomas B. -Barton, John James Chew, J. Minor, Wm. Allen and Beverly R. Wellford were -appointed a committee by the Council to consider the subject of the -location and erection of a new courthouse and report thereon all matters -connected with the cost, style and site of said building. - -The next meeting of the Council was held on the 26th of April. It was one -of unusual importance, because the committee on the new courthouse was to -report, and every member except two was in his seat, and the chamber was -crowded to its full capacity by citizens, who felt a special interest in -the subject. The committee was in favor of erecting a new courthouse, and -therefore reported to the Council plans and specifications for the -building, drawn by J. B. Benwick, Jr., of Baltimore, giving the style and -the probable cost at $14,000. - -The committee recommended the site of the old courthouse, the removal of -the jail to the back of the new building and the removal of the clerk's -office and engine houses. The report was adopted and the committee was -instructed to contract for the erection of the building inside of the -estimated cost. This looked as if the Council meant business, and for the -next three weeks the question was warmly discussed, and the opponents of -the measure undertook to prevent the great waste of money, as they termed -it, by petition and other influences. The Council met on the 21st of May -to receive the report of the committee, appointed to contract for the -building, and every member was present. The interest was intense and the -opposition determined. - -The committee made its report and the clerk of the Council made this -record: "A contract with Wm. M. Baggett, for building a new courthouse, -jail, &c., for the sum of $13,850, together with drawings and -specifications of said buildings made by James Benwick, architect, and to -be taken as part of said contract, and a bond executed by said Baggett, J. -Metcalfe, J. S. Caldwell, and George Aler, in the sum of ten thousand -dollars, for the faithful performance of said contract, by said Baggett, -were submitted to the Council by T. B. Barton, chairman of the committee -appointed for that purpose, for their approval or rejection. - -"Whereupon, and before any action was had thereon, Mr. J. M. Whittemore, -asked and obtained leave to be heard by the Council in support of a -petition, signed by one hundred and seventy-two of the voters of the -corporation, remonstrating against the extravagant scheme of pulling down -the jail and other buildings on the courthouse lot, and praying the -appointment of a committee of their own board,[56] to contract for the -erection of a spacious and comfortable courthouse at a cost not exceeding -six thousand dollars. Said petition was accordingly presented by Mr. -Whittemore, and, being read, was, on motion, laid on the table. - -"On motion, said contract was then approved and confirmed by the following -vote to-wit: Ayes: F. Slaughter, Joseph Sanford, J. Minor, D. H. Gordon, -J. Pritchard, L. J. Huffman, B. S. Herndon, Thomas F. Knox, Charles C. -Wellford and John J. Berrey, 10. Nays: Hugh Scott and Wm. Allen, 2. And it -was ordered that the Mayor, as evidence of said approval and confirmation, -do sign an endorsement to that effect on said contract, and cause the -corporation seal to be affixed thereto, and that said contract together -with the drawings and specifications, be then delivered to the clerk of -the hustings court for safe keeping," &c. - -After this action was completed the Council appointed Messrs. Thomas B. -Barton, John James Chew, J. Minor, Wm. Allen and Beverly R. Wellford a -committee to superintend the entire work and see that it was done -according to the plans and specifications. And so a question that had -vexed the people of the town for more than thirty years, and had caused -considerable friction between the hustings court and the Common Council, -was settled and the town was to have a new courthouse. - -The building was completed in 1852, when the courts and clerks were -removed to spacious and comfortable quarters, and have remained there to -the present day. The south wing on the lower floor has been used for fire -engines until the companies were disbanded prior to the war; but, for -several years in the past, they have been used for the public schools of -the city, while the large room on the second floor is used for an armory. -The vault, for the records and papers of all the courts of the past and -present, as well as of those of the Common Council, is ample for the -purpose and absolutely fire-proof. The building is one of the handsomest -in the State and always attracts the attention of strangers. - -[Illustration: "The Lodge" at Mary Washington Monument. Constructed of -Virginia Granite for Superintendent of Monument and Grounds. (See page -160)] - -[Illustration: The "Wallace Library," now near its completion. The -building and library a donation by the late Capt. C. Wistar Wallace. (See -page 145)] - -The old courthouse, that was torn down to make room for the new one, was -provided with a bell for calling the people together. It was used to call -public meetings, to notify the people of the assembling of the courts, -and, until another bell was provided for the purpose, to sound the alarms -for fires. This bell now hangs in the belfry of the present courthouse. It -was presented to the town by Silas Wood in 1828 and has been on duty more -than three-quarters of a century. Mr. Wood married a Fredericksburg lady, -and it is reported that he was a believer in the adage that a fair -exchange (rather an exchange for the fair) was not robbery; therefore, as -he had taken one bell (belle) from Fredericksburg he ought to give it -another in exchange. The bell has this inscription on it: "Revere, Boston. -Presented to the Corporation of Fredericksburg by Silas Wood, A. D. 1828." - - -MARKET-HOUSE, OR TOWN HALL. - -The first market-house, or town hall, Fredericksburg had, of which we have -any account, either by record or tradition, was located on the west side -of Main street, just below the present "Market alley." It was constructed -mainly of brick, and had several rooms in it that were used for the -courts, the Common Council, balls, sociables, public meetings and lodge -rooms. The Common Council held its sessions in that building, when it -organized at the "coffee-house," which no doubt was one of the rooms in -the market-house, after the rooms were properly fitted up, and continued -there from 1781 until the building was taken down in 1813. - -At what period the market-house was built we do not know, but it was -certainly prior to 1752, as we have record evidence of its existence at -that time, and also evidence that it needed repairs, which shows that it -had been standing for some years. During the Revolutionary war colonial -troops used a portion of the building for barracks, and it was in this -house that the great peace ball was given in 1783, which was attended by -General Washington and his mother. In the year 1813 this old building was -taken down and the present market-house erected. - -While this information was obtained from Benj. Peyton, a very old colored -man, who died some twenty-five years ago, who assisted in taking down the -old and erecting the new building, the truth of it is borne out by the -records. He was a youth at the time, learning the trade of brick mason, -and was employed on both buildings. The present market-house is a -substantial, two-story brick building, with market lot in the rear, market -stalls in the basement and work shops for the city water and gas works. It -has two wings, which have been at different times used for school rooms -and printing offices, but are now used, the south wing for the Council -Chamber and the north wing for the commissioner of revenue and city tax -collector. The second floor is used by the Washington Guards as a reading -room. In 1824 the building was brilliantly illuminated and beautifully -decorated for a grand ball and reception in honor of Gen. Lafayette, who -was then visiting this country, and passed through Fredericksburg, where -he remained for several days. - - -THE FIRE-HOUSE. - -The substantial brick house for the Fire Department, just south of the -courthouse, was erected in 1890. It is two stories high, with a belfry on -the front part of the building. The first floor is used for the reels, the -hook and ladder truck and other fire apparatus. The belfry, or tower, is -so constructed that in addition to its holding the fire bell, the fire -hose can be suspended in it for drying after a fire. - - -SCHOOL BUILDINGS. - -At present we have but two school buildings, one at the corner of Main and -Lewis streets, known as the Union House, and the other at the corner of -Princess Ann and Wolfe streets. The historical Union House, used by the -white pupils, was built in the first part of the last century by a Mr. -Ross for a residence and is quite substantial, being constructed of brick -and spacious, and is three stories high, with a basement. Mr. Ross was a -Frenchman, and royally entertained Gen. Lafayette and his retinue when he -visited Fredericksburg in 1824. Seven grades occupy this building, while -three grades are provided for elsewhere. The school authorities, in the -discharge of their duties, have repeatedly called attention of the City -Council to the fact that this building was inadequate for the rapidly -increasing school population; that it was constructed for a residence and -not for school purposes, the rooms being too small for the large number of -pupils that had to be crowded in them. - -A year ago conditions were investigated by the School Committee of the -City Council (Prof. S. W. Somerville, chairman), which resulted in a -movement of said committee to provide a suitable building for the schools. -Soon plans and specifications were drawn and laid before the Council which -were fully considered and finally adopted, and the committee was -instructed to advertise for bids, let the contract and have the building -completed as soon as possible. Work is now progressing on the building, -which is to be quite a commodious one, with twelve rooms, with all the -modern improvements as to heating, fire protection, &c. The contract price -(Mr. E. G. Heflin, contractor, and Mr. Frank P. Stearns, inspector,) is -$37,700, and the building is to be completed by February 1, 1909. - -The only objection that any one could offer against these changes (and no -one is likely to offer it) is the demolition of the venerable landmark, so -long known as the Union House and the headquarters of Gen. Lafayette when -he visited the town for the last time. - -The school building at the corner of Princess Ann and Wolfe streets, a -two-story, brick structure, with four spacious rooms, was constructed for, -and is occupied by, the colored schools. For years after its construction -it was found to be large enough to accommodate all the grades of that -school, but when a grammar department was added this building was found to -be fully occupied and the high grade had to be provided for elsewhere. - - -THE WALLACE LIBRARY. - -By his will Capt. C. Wistar Wallace, a valuable citizen of the town, who -was born and raised in Fredericksburg, and who died May 20, 1907, left to -the town, under certain conditions, $15,000 for a public library, which -was to bear his name. The conditions were that the city was to adopt legal -papers binding itself to establish said library, within three years of the -donor's death, as a permanent institution of the city and properly -maintain the same; that the city was not to expend more than $5,000 of the -legacy for the purchase of a suitable lot and the erection thereon of a -suitable library building, and the balance of the legacy was to be -expended for the purchase of books for the library. These books are to be -purchased by a board not to exceed five members, to be chosen from time to -time by the President of the University of Virginia, Washington and Lee, -Richmond College and Randolph Macon College. In order to make these -conditions binding upon the city, it was provided that necessary -legislation should be procured by the General Assembly of Virginia as -might be necessary to authorize and enable the city to comply with all of -the conditions of the bequest. - -The whole matter having been laid before the City Council and explained by -the city attorney, Mr. St. Geo. R. Fitzhugh, and discussed, that body -adopted the following: - -[57]Be it resolved, that the city of Fredericksburg, Va., decides to -establish and maintain a public library to be known as the "Wallace -Library," and hereby accepts the said bequest of $15,000 upon the -conditions and according to the terms of said bequest, and hereby binds -itself to carry out the same. - -Under the provisions of the Code of Virginia the duty of appointing the -board of directors of this library devolved upon Major Thomas P. Wallace, -Mayor of the town, the Council concurring. The following letter, -therefore, was communicated to the Council by the Mayor: - -"I herewith transmit, in pursuance to the resolution of your honorable -body, passed at your meeting on the 18th day of July, 1907, the following -named citizens, who shall constitute the board of directors contemplated -by your resolutions: St. Geo. R. Fitzhugh, S. J. Quinn, A. T. Embrey, Rev. -J. W. Roseboro, D. D., James S. Knox, E. D. Cole, A. P. Rowe, B. P. Willis -and James T. Lowery." - -The board of directors organized by the election of Mr. St. Geo. R. -Fitzhugh, president, and S. J. Quinn, clerk. - -The Council and the General Assembly united in permitting the library -building to be constructed on the courthouse lot, and the board of -directors authorized the construction of the building to be proceeded with -at once. It is a two-story house, with basement, and is now nearing -completion. It is constructed under the direction of Mr. Wm. E. Bradley, -chairman of the Public Property Committee, Mr. Geo W. Wroten, contractor, -and Mr. A. M. Garner, inspector. - - -THE NORMAL SCHOOL BUILDING. - -In addition to these public buildings the General Assembly has -appropriated $25,000 and will supplement that with $25,000 additional to -construct in or near the town a female normal school. The board of -directors of this institution are now endeavoring to select a site for -this school, and will likely succeed in the near future. The buildings -will be commenced next Spring and pushed to completion. - -The United States Government has also appropriated money for the erection -of a very commodious brick building on the corner of Princess Ann and -Hanover streets. This site has already been purchased by the government -and will soon be in condition for the brick masons and carpenters. The -work, however, has been delayed for an additional appropriation, in order -to enable them to construct such a building as was contemplated by the -architect of the postoffice department. When the building is completed it -is to be occupied by the postoffice. - -Having inspected the public buildings of the town, and discussed those now -in course of erection and those which soon will be, we will now visit the -private historical buildings and take a view of the monument erected by -the ladies of the country to Mary, the mother of the illustrious -Washington, and the handsome statue of Gen. Hugh Mercer, recently erected -by the United States Government, who stands upon his pedestal, sword in -hand, ready to strike for Liberty and Independence, for Truth and Victory. -They both stand on Washington avenue. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - - _Ancient and Historical Buildings--Mary Washington Monument--Gen. - Mercer's Statue--Mary Washington's Will, &c._ - - -In stating that Fredericksburg has more ancient reminiscent and historical -buildings than any other town of its size in this country, we do not fear -successful contradiction. Fredericksburg is one of the oldest towns in the -State and has from its settlement been the center of refinement and -culture. Here the young men of this section of Virginia were taught and -imbibed those principles of liberty and justice that made them leaders in -the movement against oppression, which resulted in our constitutional -rights and religious liberty. Here they were equipped for all the duties -of life in whatever station they might be placed. Here was the home and -birthplace of men who commanded armies, controlled navies, swayed -statesmen, electrified assemblies, and many of those homes and -birth-houses are still standing, and it will appear but natural if they -shall be pointed out and written about by the inhabitants of -Fredericksburg with patriotic pride. Notwithstanding the quaint -architecture of many of them, and the ravages of time upon them, they are -dear to us and are regarded as heirlooms of the town which have witnessed -the advent and exit of many generations. - -Among the oldest houses now in Fredericksburg are the residence of the -late William A. Little, the Mary Washington House and the Rising Sun -Hotel. It is impossible to give the order of seniority of these buildings, -because we have no way of ascertaining when they were built. Mr. Little, -several years ago, so renewed and extended his residence and adorned it as -to almost destroy its ancient identity. This old mansion has recently -passed to Mr. John C. Melville. - -The Rising Sun Hotel, located on the west side of Main street, just above -Fauquier, is one of the oldest buildings now standing. It is of the old -style of architecture of wooden buildings that prevailed in the first -settlement of the country, which, notwithstanding its hoary age and -frequent necessary repairs, has never been changed. In the first of the -eighteenth century, and even before the Revolutionary war, it was one of -the leading hotels of the town, and was the stopping place of many of the -Southern senators, representatives and other dignitaries as they journey -to and from Washington city. - -It is claimed that the eccentric John Randolph, of Roanoke, has more than -once addressed the people of the town from the steps of this building. -General George Weedon, long years before he entered the Colonial Army for -American Independence, kept hotel in this house. Just prior to that war it -became the property of General Gustavus B. Wallace, a Revolutionary -patriot, and it has remained in the Wallace family until the death of -Capt. C. Wistar Wallace, a public spirited citizen, a little over one year -ago. At his death, May 20, 1907, it became the property of the Society for -the Preservation of the Antiquities of Virginia, by the provisions of his -will. The Fredericksburg branch of the society has charge of the building, -a one and a half story wooden structure, and now has it in good condition -and open for the inspection of those who would like to live for a short -time in the far distant past, when Mrs. Livingston was the "doctress and -coffee-woman" of the town. That society has renovated the building and it -is now in good repair. It has not been kept as a hotel since the Civil -war. - -The handsome residence erected by Mr. Stannard, on the lot now occupied by -Mr. George W. Shepherd, was destroyed by fire in the great conflagration -that occurred here in 1807, which is mentioned elsewhere. The fire -originated in that house and had made considerable headway before it was -discovered. In the year 1815 the large, brick residence now standing on -that lot was erected by Mr. Robert Mackay, a merchant of the town and -Mayor for two years, from 1817 to 1819. It is said that the cost of -erecting that building, and beautifying the grounds, was thirty thousand -dollars, and it so embarassed Mr. Mackay that he never recovered from it. - -For a number of years this place was the residence and home of Thomas -Seddon, a wealthy gentleman, who died there in 1831. As is said elsewhere -herein, he was the father of James A. Seddon, secretary of War of the -Confederate States, who, it is claimed by some persons, was born there, -although his biographers say, and it is substantiated by his relatives, -that he was born in Falmouth, in Stafford county. It is not disputed, -however, that Secretary Seddon spent his boyhood days in that building, -having moved there when he was quite young, but his birthplace is beyond -doubt as his biographers and relatives state it, as he was born the same -year this residence was built, and Mr. Mackay occupied it for some years -before Mr. Seddon moved there. - -The old, one and a half story frame house, which stands on the east side -of Princess Ann street, between Prussia and Wolfe streets, just below -Shiloh Baptist church (new site), was at one time owned by James Monroe. -He was elected to a seat in the Legislature, and the law required that -members of the General Assembly should be owners of real estate. In order -to make him eligible his uncle gave him a pocket deed to this house and -lot. This was the first civil office, except that of Common Councilman of -Fredericksburg, Mr. Monroe ever held. The house at the time stood on a lot -in the upper part of the town and was without the wings it has at present. -Mr. Monroe's boarding place was located on the same lot on which now -stands the handsome residence of Mrs. James H. Bradley. His law office was -in the row of low, brick buildings, formerly known as the "City Lunch," on -Charles street, in rear of Colonel E. D. Cole's store. - -The "Sentry Box," at the lower end of Main street, was the residence of -General George Weedon, of Revolutionary fame, and was afterwards owned and -occupied by Colonel Hugh Mercer, a son of General Hugh Mercer, who was -killed at the battle of Princeton, and a nephew of General Weedon, to whom -it was devised by General Weedon. We are unable to state when this house -was erected or who built it. It is doubtless one of the oldest buildings -in town. It is a large two-story frame house, with a wide hall through the -center and overlooks the Rappahannock river. It has been known as the -"Sentry Box" as far back as the mind of our oldest inhabitant goes, and -the past generations knew it by that name. Tradition has brought the name -down to us and we need not stretch our imaginations as to the "why it was -so called." From the upper story of the southeast end of this stately -building is a beautiful and unobstructed view of the river for some -distance, and there sentinels were placed at various times during the -Revolutionary war, to watch and give the alarm of the approach of the -enemy. It was thus used for three wars to much advantage to the side with -which Fredericksburg was in sympathy--the Revolution, as above mentioned, -the war of 1812 and the Civil war, or the War between the States. Another -thing that gives the "Sentry Box" additional historical interest is the -claim that has been made, which may need verification, that in this house -has been received and entertained every President of the United States -from George Washington to James Buchanan. The property is now owned and -occupied by Mr. O. D. Foster, a veteran of the Confederate army. - -The splendid two-story brick residence, owned and occupied by Gen. Daniel -D. Wheeler, of the United States army, on the east side of lower Main -street, was built by Roger Dixon, a gentleman of means, who owned most of -the land in the lower end of the town about 1764. A few years after its -construction Mr. Dixon died, and most, if not all of his property, was -purchased by Dr. Charles Mortimer. Dr. Mortimer was one of Mary -Washington's physicians, and tradition has it that the last visit she made -was to her much-loved physician; that upon her return home she was taken -down with cancer and after that never left her home. - -Of one of the many delightful dinings and balls at this splendid mansion, -so frequent in that day with the "well to do folks" of Virginia, Mrs. -Roger A. Prior, in "the Mother of Washington and Her Times" says, "Little -Maria Mortimer, aged sixteen, was at the Fredericksburg ball. Her father, -Dr. Charles Mortimer, issued invitations at the ball for a great dinner to -the distinguished strangers the next day but one, and his wife (Sarah -Griffin Fauntleroy), being too ill to preside, that honor fell to the -daughter of the house. The house, an immense pile of English brick, (?) -still stands on the lower edge of the town, facing Main street, with a -garden sloping to the river, where Dr. Mortimer's own tobacco ships used -to run up to discharge their return English cargoes, by a channel long -since disused and filled up. * * * The table, as little Maria described -it in after years, groaned with every delicacy of land and water, served -in massive pewter dishes, polished until they shone again. The chief sat -beside the master of the house at the long table, although at his own -house his place was always at the side of the table among his guests. -Little Maria, 'with her hair cruped high,' was taken in by the Marquis -Lafayette, or Count d'Estaing, or Count Rochambeau--they were all -present--and the little lady's heart was in her mouth, she said, although -she danced with every one of them at the ball--nay, with Bettie Lewis's -uncle George himself!" - -Dr. Mortimer was the first Mayor of Fredericksburg. His remains are buried -near the center of Hurkamp Park, which was for nearly a century a public -burying ground. As has been said, he was Mary Washington's physician, but -not the only one at her late illness, for it is quite certain that Dr. -Elisha Hall, who was the grandfather of Dr. Horace B. Hall, and who lived -on the lot now occupied by Dr. J. E. Tompkin's residence, was also one of -her physicians in her last days. This is shown beyond a doubt by a letter, -still preserved from Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, to Dr. Elisha -Hall, his cousin, written July 6, 1789, a short time before Mrs. -Washington's death. Dr. Hall had written to him for his experience and -advice for cancer treatment and received the following: - -"The respectable age and character of your venerable patient lead me to -regret that it is not in my power to suggest a remedy for the cure of the -disorder you have described in her breast. I know nothing of the root you -mention, found in Carolina and Georgia, but, from a variety of inquiries -and experiments, I am disposed to believe that there does not exist in the -vegetable kingdom an antidote to cancers. All the _supposed vegetable_ -remedies I have heard of are compounds of some mineral caustics. The -arsenic is the most powerful of any of them. It is the basis of Dr. -Martin's powder. I have used it in many cases with success, but have -failed in some. From your account of Mrs. Washington's breast I am afraid -no great good can be expected from the use of it. Perhaps it may cleanse -it, and thereby retard its spreading. You may try it diluted in water. -Continue the application of opium and camphor, and wash it frequently with -a decoction of red clover. Give anodynes, when necessary, and support the -system with bark and wine. Under this treatment she may live comfortably -many years, and finally die of old age." - -[Illustration: The Dam of the Water Power Co., the Canal emerging from -left corner furnishes power for town. (See page 329)] - -[Illustration: "Meditation Rock," Mary Washington's favorite retreat for -reading, prayer and meditation. (See page 157)] - -The house on the south corner of Prince Edward and Fauquier streets, -purchased in 1898 by Mrs. Bernice Hart, tradition says, was for over one -hundred years the clerk's office, and the court records of the trustees of -the town were kept there. There may have been a court held in that small -place under the Colonial charter of the town, but not a criminal court -since that time, as the records show to the contrary. The records of -courts held here before the War of the Revolution--if any were held -here--and the record of proceedings of the trustees cannot be found at -present. The house was a small, one and a half story frame building, -similar in architecture to the old part of the Mary Washington House. The -additions made to it in recent years have completely destroyed its -original form and architecture and have given it a modern appearance. No -one, of course, knows when it was built, but, judging from its style and -the material of which it was constructed, it must take its place with the -oldest of our ancient buildings. - -"Federal Hill," on Hanover street, owned and occupied by Mrs. H. Theodore -Wight, was, in the latter part of the eighteenth and early part of the -nineteenth centuries, the home of Thomas Reade Rootes, who was one of the -most distinguished lawyers of his day. His third daughter was Sarah -Robinson, who married Colonel John A. Cobb, of North Carolina, a son of -Howell Cobb, of Virginia. Soon after his marriage Colonel Cobb settled in -Georgia, where were born those two distinguished lawyers and soldiers, -Howell and Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb. The latter was killed in front of the -Stevens House, at the foot of Marye's Heights, on the 13th of December, -1862, it is claimed, by a shell, which was said to have been thrown from a -gun stationed at Federal Hill, where his mother was born and married. A -recent writer in a Northern journal, however, claims that General Cobb was -killed by a shell thrown from the Stafford side of the river. But both -accounts differ from the report of General Kershaw, who took command of -the line when General Cobb was wounded. In his report of the battle he -says General Cobb was killed by a sharp-shooter stationed in one of the -houses to his left on Hanover street.[58] As General Kershaw was on the -ground a few minutes after General Cobb was wounded, and saw and talked -with him after he was wounded, his version is more than likely the correct -one. No one knows when or by whom Federal Hill was built. At one time the -property belonged to a gentleman by the name of Lovell, who moved to -Fauquier county, and it may be he erected the residence. - -The old, one and a half story frame building on the corner of Prince -Edward and Fauquier streets, now owned and occupied by Mrs. Mary Knox -Moncure, takes its place among the oldest buildings of the town. It was -the birth-place and home of John Forsythe, who made such a brilliant -record as a Statesman from Georgia, to which State he moved while a young -man. His father was Robert Forsythe, a major in the Revolutionary war, who -died in Fredericksburg early in the nineteenth century. - -This house was also said to have been the home of John Dawson, an old -bachelor, who represented this district in Congress from 1797 to 1814. His -success at the ballot-box was due as much, perhaps, if not more, to his -declaring himself a friend to the poor man (a hobby much ridden these days -by politicians) than to any other one thing. He is said to have created -quite a sensation in the courthouse in Fredericksburg during one of his -heated campaigns, which gained him many votes. Political feeling ran high, -the people were much stirred up, the canvas was exciting and the result -doubtful. A public meeting had been extensively advertised to take place -at the courthouse, and the building was early filled to its capacity to -hear a joint discussion between the Congressional candidates. Mr. Dawson, -a few minutes late, reached the courthouse, and, finding his way blocked -by the dense crowd, shouted at the top of his voice from the door--"Make -way, gentlemen, for the poor man's friend!" All eyes were at once turned -to the speaker, and, seeing it was John Dawson, the candidate, the crowd -parted and he was escorted through to the stand, amid thundering applause. -It is needless to say he was reëlected to Congress. - -The old, frame building on the south corner of Main and Amelia streets, -one and a half stories high, for many years of the first of the nineteenth -century was occupied by a Mr. Henderson as a store, and was known for more -than a century as Henderson's corner. It is a very old building and prior -to the Revolutionary war, while political feeling was almost at fever -heat, those who opposed resistance to the Mother Country congregated at -this corner and discussed the "state of the country." This gave it the -name of "Tory Corner," by which it was known for many years afterwards. -This was the only building left in the track of the great fire of 1807, -and has not been used as a storehouse for more than half a century. - -The venerable brick mansion, known as "Kenmore," facing Washington avenue, -and the residence of Clarance Randolph Howard, Esq., was built by Colonel -Fielding Lewis, a man of great wealth, and who owned a large body of land -west of the town. The bricks of which the house was built, tradition had -it, came from England, but that is hardly possible, as elegant bricks were -manufactured in this country at that time--in the seventeen forties--and -the best of clay is found in that locality, where signs of a brick-yard -can now be found. The interior stucco work of this colonial mansion is -probably equal in workmanship to the best in this country, and is said to -have been done by expert Englishmen. It has stood for a century and a half -without repairs, so far as is known, until some fifteen years ago, when -Mr. Wm. Key Howard gave it some slight touches, which compare favorably -with the old work. Col. Lewis, for his second wife, selected Miss Bettie -Washington, sister of Gen. George Washington, and to this beautiful -mansion she was taken as a bride, and lived there until a few years before -her death. Col. Lewis was an officer in the Patriot army and commanded a -division at the Siege of Yorktown, where Cornwallis surrendered and where -the Seven Years' war ended. He was an ardent patriot, and during the -Revolutionary war, at one time, superintended the manufacture of arms, -shells and shot on the north side of the Rappahannock river, just above -Falmouth. The ruins of the old forge are still to be seen there, and also -the old prison barracks, where some German prisoners were kept during that -struggle. The garrison was commanded by Colonel Enever. Colonel Lewis was -also a magistrate in the town after the war, a member of the City Council -and represented the county in the Legislature. - -He died in December, 1781, and, it is said, is buried under the front -steps of St. George's Episcopal church. His wife, Bettie, survived him -sixteen years. In the latter part of her life she went to Culpeper county -and lived with one of her children, where she died and was buried. Colonel -Fielding Lewis was the father of Captain Robert Lewis, who was one of -President Washington's private secretaries, and Mayor of Fredericksburg -from 1821 to the day of his death, February 11, 1829. Captain Lewis -delivered the address of welcome to General Lafayette on his visit to the -town in 1824. - -Mary, the mother of Washington, must have lived in Fredericksburg the most -of her widowhood, which was about forty-six years. Some time after her -husband's death, on the opposite side of the Rappahannock river, she moved -into the town, where she brought up her illustrious son George to manhood. -The dwelling she occupied during that time is now standing on the west -corner of Charles and Lewis streets. Until some fifteen years ago this old -residence was owned and occupied by private individuals, but just prior to -the World's Fair in Chicago a party from that city was negotiating for it, -with a view of transferring it to Chicago. While a difference of five -hundred dollars in the price was under consideration some ladies of -Fredericksburg, who opposed its being disturbed, communicated the -condition of things to the Society for the Preservation of Virginia -Antiquities, at Richmond, who at once purchased the property at four -thousand and five hundred dollars. The Society had the buildings put in -good repairs and the purchase is considered a valuable addition to the -possessions of the Society. - -It is a plain, substantial, old fashioned one and a half story dwelling, -of the prevailing order of architecture of that period, and though it has -been thoroughly overhauled and repaired, the distinctive features of -architecture and general appearance have been faithfully preserved. Mrs. -Mary Washington died in the front room of this building in 1789, and was -buried on a spot which she had selected for her grave there, on a part of -the Kenmore tract, which belonged to the estate of Colonel Fielding Lewis, -her son-in-law. - - -THE MARY WASHINGTON MONUMENT. - -Within a few steps of the place where Mary, the mother of Washington, was -buried is a ledge of rocks and a beautiful grove of original oak trees, -much larger then in area than at present, to which she used often to -resort for private reading, meditation and prayer. The grave was marked by -a small, marble slab, appropriately inscribed. About forty-five years -after her death a stately marble monument, designed to mark her grave and -perpetuate her memory, was partly constructed by the private munificence -of Mr. Silas Burrows, a wealthy merchant of New York. - -The corner-stone of this proposed monument was laid on the 7th of May, -1833, with an imposing military and civic display, by Fredericksburg -Lodge, No. 4, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, President Andrew Jackson, -Past Grand Master of Masons in Tennessee, being present and participating. -This monument, because of the failure of Mr. Burrows in business, remained -in a half completed condition for nearly sixty years and was greatly -mutilated by time and relic hunters. - -An appeal for a Congressional appropriation to restore and complete the -structure by the United States Government, made by a bill, introduced in -the Forty-third Congress by Hon. James B. Sener, then representing this -Congressional district, was unsuccessful, notwithstanding his patriotic -efforts were seconded by a strong appeal of the Mayor and Common Council -of Fredericksburg and unanimously recommended by a Congressional -committee, who visited the place, of which Hon. Horace Manard, of -Tennessee, afterward Post-Master General, was chairman. A similar effort -was made some years thereafter by Hon. George T. Garrison, representing -this district in Congress with the same result. - -Upon the failure of the efforts of these two members of Congress, aided by -the city authorities, to secure the completion of the monument by the -government, came the women's opportunity. They were deeply interested in -the subject, and cherished an honest pride in having the monument -completed to perpetuate the memory and virtues of the greatest of American -women. - -In 1889, the centennial year of the death of this venerated lady, an -association was formed by the devoted and patriotic ladies of -Fredericksburg, with Mrs. James P. Smith as their leader, who resolved to -spare no time or effort to raise the necessary money to complete the -structure, and thus save the grave of this sainted woman from oblivion. A -systematic correspondence and appeals were commenced, and in a short time, -mainly, if not altogether, through the influence of the Fredericksburg -association, a national association was formed in Washington, with Mrs. -Chief-Justice Waite as president. These two associations coöperating, -other strong appeals were sent out to the patriotic women of the United -States, soliciting contributions, and soon money began to flow into the -treasury of the association, until a sufficient sum was raised to complete -the work. - -A sufficient amount of money being in hand this perplexing question -arose--should the old monument be renovated and completed, or should it be -set aside and a new one constructed? This gave rise to considerable -controversy, because there was quite a division of sentiment, and serious -results were feared by members of both associations. This difficulty was -met, however, by an order to have the unfinished monument examined by an -expert, who, upon a thorough investigation, reported that it was so broken -and mutilated that it could not be repaired, and so plans for a new -monument were ordered. The plan submitted by Mr. Wm. J. Crawford, of -Buffalo, New York, was adopted by the ladies and to him was intrusted the -work of erecting the monument on the site of the unfinished structure, -under which the remains of this venerable and venerated woman reposed. The -monument is a square base, with a solid granite shaft fifty-one and a half -feet high--total height, fifty-five feet--with the words "Mary, the Mother -of Washington," in raised letters, cut on the base. The material of the -old monument was broken up and placed in the foundation of the new one, -except such of the fluted columns as remained unbroken, which were donated -to different institutions. One of them was given to Fredericksburg Lodge -of Masons, of this place, by Mr. Crawford, the architect, which is now in -the lodge room. - -In due time the monument was finished to the satisfaction of both the -Fredericksburg and Washington associations, which was accepted, and the -10th of May, 1894, was designated as the time for its dedication. The -Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge, which had laid the corner-stone of the old -monument, was invited to conduct the ceremonies of dedicating the new, but -it gracefully turned that honor over to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, which -performed the work in good style, escorted and assisted by Lodges No. 4 -and No. 22 of Alexandria. - -The day for the dedication of the monument dawned beautiful and clear and -found everything in readiness for the grand event. Besides the National -Association being largely represented from Washington, headed by Mrs. -Waite, there were President Grover Cleveland, with most of his cabinet and -their wives; Vice-President A. E. Stevenson and lady, Chief-Justice -Fuller, Justice Harlan, Senators and Representatives, Governor Charles T. -O'Ferrall and Staff, the volunteer militia from different portions of the -State, the Grand Lodge of Masons of Virginia, with Fredericksburg Lodge, -No. 4, and Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22, and distinguished men and -Masons from different parts of the country. - -The streets of the town were thronged with thousands of people from far -and near, eager and anxious to witness the ceremonies. Never before was -such a vast number of people seen in Fredericksburg, except at the great -battle in December, 1862. The dedicatory services were conducted by the -Grand Lodge of Masons of Virginia, Major Mann Page, Jr., Grand Master,[59] -which were solemn and impressive. Addresses, appropriate to the occasion, -were made by Mayor A. P. Rowe, Governor Charles T. O'Ferrall, President -Grover Cleveland and Mr. Blair Lee, who were followed by Senator John W. -Daniel, the orator of the occasion. - -Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, gave a grand banquet at the opera house in -the afternoon to the Masonic fraternity and several hundred invited -guests, which was presided over by Judge James B. Sener. On that -interesting occasion addresses were made by several distinguished guests, -including President Cleveland, Vice-President Stevenson, Justice Harlan -and others. The Marine band was present and furnished music of the highest -order for both the dedication and banquet. Since the monument was finished -the associations have erected a comfortable granite building on the -grounds for a residence and office for the custodian of the monument and -the grounds, and Mrs. John T. Goolrick, a descendant of George Mason, -occupies that position. - - -MARY WASHINGTON'S WILL. - -The last will and testament of Mary Washington has for many years -attracted general interest, and numerous visitors call at the courthouse -to inspect and feast their eyes upon the original document. So precious -does the court regard this relic that an order was made for its -preservation, and it is now in a case and receives the special attention -and care of Mr. A. B. Yates, the polite and accommodating clerk of the -court. The will is in these words: - - "In the name of God, amen. I, Mary Washington, of Fredericksburg, in - the county of Spotsylvania, being in good health, but calling to mind - the uncertainty of this life and willing to dispose of what remains - of my earthly estate, do make and publish this my last will, - recommending my soul into the hands of my Creator, hoping for a - remission of all my sins through the merits and mediation of Jesus - Christ, the Saviour of mankind. I dispose of all my worldly estate as - follows: - - Imprimis. I give to my son General George Washington all my lands on - Accokeek Run, in the county of Stafford, and also my negro boy, - George, to him and his heirs forever; also my best bed, bedstead, and - Virginia cloth curtains (the same that stands in my best room), my - quilted blue-and-white quilt and my best dressing glass. - - Item. I give and devise to my son, Charles Washington my negro man, - Tom, to him and his assigns forever. - - Item. I give and devise to my daughter, Betty Lewis, my phæton and my - bay horse. - - Item. I give and devise to my daughter-in-law, Hannah Washington, my - purple cloth cloak lined with shay. - - Item. I give and bequeath to my grand son, Corbin Washington my negro - wench, old Bet, my riding chair, and two black horses, to him and his - assigns forever. - - Item. I give and bequeath to my grand son, Fielding Lewis, my negro - man, Frederick, to him and his assigns forever; also eight silver - table spoons, half of my crockery ware, and the blue-and-white tea - china, with book-case, oval table, one bed, bedstead, one pair sheets, - one pair blankets and white cotton counterpane, two table cloths, six - red leather chairs, half my pewter, and one half of my iron kitchen - furniture. - - Item. I give and devise to my grand son, Lawrence Lewis, my negro - wench, Lydia, to him and his assigns forever. - - Item. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter, Betty Carter, my negro - woman, little Bet, and her future increase, to her and her assigns - forever; also my largest looking glass, my walnut writing desk with - drawers, a square dining table, one bed, bedstead, bolster, one - pillow, one blanket and pair of sheets, white Virginia cloth - counterpane and purple curtains, my red-and-white tea china, tea - spoons and the other half of my pewter, crockery-ware, and the - remainder of my iron kitchen furniture. - - Item. I give to my grand son, George Washington, my next best dressing - glass, one bed, bedstead, bolster, one pillow, one pair sheets, one - blanket and counterpane. - - Item. I devise all my wearing apparel to be equally divided between my - grand daughters, Betty Carter, Fanny Ball and Milly Washington; but - should my daughter, Betty Lewis, fancy any one, two or three articles, - she is to have them before a division thereof. - - Lastly. I nominate and appoint my said son, General George Washington, - executor of this my will, and as I owe few or no debts, I desire my - executor to give no security nor to appraise my estate, but desire the - same may be allotted to my devisees with as little trouble and delay - as may be, desiring their acceptance thereof as all the token I now - have to give them of my love for them. - - In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20th day - of May, 1788. - - MARY WASHINGTON. - - Witness _John Ferneyhough_. - - Signed, sealed and published in our presence, and signed by us in the - presence of the said Mary Washington, and at her desire. - - J. MERCER, - JOSEPH WALKER." - -The will was written by Judge James Mercer, first President of the Court -of Appeals, or "Chief-Justice of the General Court." - - -THE MERCER MONUMENT. - -In the year 1906 the government of the United States erected a monument to -General Hugh Mercer, who was mortally wounded at Princeton, N. J., while -gallantly leading his men in a charge against the British in 1777. He -lived one week in great suffering, when he died and was buried near where -he fell, but afterwards removed to Philadelphia, Pa., where he now sleeps. -Gen. Mercer was born in Scotland, studied medicine at Aberdeen and -graduated with high honors. After graduating he soon rose to distinction -as a surgeon and physician and did much service in the army. He was at -the battle of Culloden Moor, Scotland, where his party was badly defeated, -and those not taken prisoners fled to other countries to save their lives. -Gen. Mercer came to this country and settled in Pennsylvania. He was with -Gen. Braddock, who was killed at Fort Duquesne, and, being thrown with -Gen. Washington, became attached to him and came to Fredericksburg "to be -near him," landing here in 1763. He practised medicine and established a -drug store at the corner of Main and Amelia streets.[60] Gen. Mercer -married Isabella Wallace and lived at the "Sentry Box" with Geo. Weedon, -who married his wife's sister, until the beginning of the Revolutionary -War. Soon after his death Congress appropriated $5,000 for the erection of -a monument in this place to his memory, but the matter was overlooked and -the gratitude of the government for his services was not exhibited to the -extent of a memorial until the year 1906, one hundred and twenty-nine -years after his death. In 1905 a bill was passed by Congress appropriating -$25,000 to erect a monument to perpetuate the memory of the grand -hero--two-thirds of the interest of the amount appropriated in 1777--and -he now appears in heroic size, on his pedestal, on Washington avenue, in -the attitude of a patriot, drawn sword in hand, ready to strike for Home -and Country--Liberty and Independence. - -We naturally uncover our heads while we "behold this friend of -Washington--this heroic defender of America!" - -[Illustration: The Presbyterian Church. (See page 207)] - -[Illustration: The Methodist Church. (See page 211)] - - - - -CHAPTER XII - - _Hotels of the Town, old and new--Agricultural Fairs--Ferries and Toll - Bridges--Care of the Dependent Poor--City Water Works--City Gas - Works--Electric Light--Telephone Company--Fire Department, &c._ - - -Fredericksburg, from the time it was first chartered, found itself on the -main line of travel from North to South and _vice versa_. For this reason -it was the main point for stopping, if the traveller could reach it even -by journeying a few hours after dark. As the postoffice department came -into existence and the mail matter increased, the pony had to give way for -the small vehicle, and the small vehicle for a larger one, and the larger -one for the stage, and the one stage for two, three, four and five, for -Fredericksburg was a great mail distributing office, and the travel to and -fro, stopping in the town, became immense. This necessitated the -construction and opening of inns, and so the town became famous for its -many elegant hotels. This continued until broken up by the rapid transit -of steamboats and railroads, where the travellers found floating palaces -and moving cafés. They look not for the hotel in small towns--they have -their dining cars of eatables and drinkables. But let us not forget the -village hotel, our former friend "where we slaked our thirst, ate to the -full," and where we lost ourselves in "balmy sleep, nature's kind -restorer." - -The old time hotels, which have passed out of the memory of the present -generation, will no doubt prove one of the most interesting chapters of -this historical sketch of the town. The ground upon which many of them -stood is now bare or occupied by other buildings, and the names of many of -their keepers have been lost to the town. A short reference to some of -these public resorts will probably refresh the minds of the citizens of -what was at one time one of the principal features of the town, and will -introduce to the younger generation the names of these hotels and their -keepers, so intimately associated with the "good old times." For most of -these references we are indebted to the memory and pen of Mr. Wm. F. -Farish, who died at Lanhams, Md., a few years since. He was born here -eighty-four years ago and spent his boyhood days in the town. - -Near the present opera house, on Main street, was a hotel and oyster -house, kept by Mr. Thomas Curtis. This place was headquarters for the -politicians, and it was there the merits and demerits of candidates were -discussed and their success or defeat was determined upon. It was what -would be called to-day the Tammany Hall of Fredericksburg. The beginning -of the war was the end of this hotel, as it was destroyed during the -shelling of the town in December, 1862. - -The Rappahannock House was located on the east side of Main street, about -half way between George and Hanover streets. It was kept by Thomas -Goodwin. The name of this house was afterwards changed to the Shakespeare, -and was conducted by a Mr. Parker. It was burned down soon after the close -of the Civil war and store houses were built on the ground it occupied. - -The Farmers' Hotel was situated on the west corner of Main and Hanover -streets, and extended up Hanover street to Jail alley, then known as Hay -Scales alley. A part of this building is still standing on the corner of -Hanover street and Jail Alley and is now owned and occupied by Mr. M. E. -Ferrell, who has changed it into a residence. The main part of the -building, on the corner of Main and Hanover streets, was burnt many years -ago. In its stead a large, brick structure has recently been erected, -called the Enterprise Building, the lower part of which is used for store -and postoffice and the upper floors for a public hall, sleeping apartments -and offices. This Farmers' Hotel was regarded as the leading hotel of the -town in its day, and was headquarters for both stage lines--Extra Billy -(afterwards Governor and Confederate General) Smith's[61] and Colonel -Porter's. It was kept at different times by James Young, Wm. E. Bowen, -Bowen and Ramsay, Turner H. Ramsay, Charles E. Tackett, Peter Goolrick and -Daniel Bradford. - -The Exchange Hotel, so well known and in operation to-day, on the south -corner of Main and Hanover streets, was built in 1837 by Wm. D. Green. The -brick work of this building, which was destroyed by fire in 1850, is said -to have been the handsomest in the State. The front walls were of pressed -brick, oil finished and were of a beautiful red. The first building had -three stories and a hall for theatrical purposes, with an entrance on -Hanover street. This hall was known as "Green's Assembly," and very fine -companies occupied it, many of them for several nights in succession. The -present three-story building was commenced soon after the first one was -burnt, but was not fully completed until after the late Civil war. The -Exchange was first opened by Mrs. Wm. D. Green and was succeeded by Mrs. -Fenton Brooke Smith. Since the Civil war it has been conducted -respectively by W. T. Freaner, Captain George Henry Peyton, Cadmus B. -Luck, Cotton and Hills, H. B. Tuttle, John Ultz and W. L. Laughlin, who is -the present landlord. - -Just above the Exchange Hotel, on Hanover street, was the Eagle Hotel. It -has recently been refitted for families and room-renters and is known as -the "Eagle Flats." The Eagle was very popular in its day and was a -favorite stopping place for the farmers. It had a very good patronage also -from passengers on the two stage lines. No hotel has been kept there for -many years. In its day it was conducted by James Newby, James Cunningham, -Jesse Pullen, Wm. P. Quisenberry and Wm. H. Murphy. - -The Alhambra, on Main street, just below the Exchange Hotel, was first -kept by James Timberlake, who was succeeded by Samuel Stone, and he by -Charles F. Barlosius. After the death of Mr. Barlosius, several years ago, -the house was repaired and remodelled by Capt. Thomas P. Wallace and -leased to John W. Allison, Jr., who conducted it some time as the Alsonia. -Some years ago it was purchased by Mr. Michael Long, who conducted it -until his death. It is now a restaurant. - -On the south corner of Main and Charlotte streets stood the Indian Queen -Hotel. This was a fine, old building, erected probably in colonial times -for a hotel, with a porch the entire length of the building, with -colonnade. It was the favorite stopping place for members of Congress and -other travellers going to and from Washington.[62] The first proprietor of -the Indian Queen, in the memory of our oldest inhabitant, was Jacob -Herndon. He was succeeded by James Young, John Gray, Robert Blackburn and -Mr. Rawlings. The last to occupy it was a Mr. Whiting, and during his -occupancy, in May 1832, the building was destroyed by fire and was never -rebuilt. The lot to this large building extended to Princess Ann street, -and the stage yard and stables were located where the Southern Foundry now -stands. It was in this building that the statute of religious liberty was -considered, adopted and written, and it is a matter of great regret that -the house was destroyed. The committee that produced this wonderful -document, which is given elsewhere, was composed of Thomas Jefferson, -George Wythe, Archibald Cary, George Mason and Ludwell Lee. - -On the south corner of Main and Frederick streets stood Traveller's Rest, -a tavern of considerable notoriety and popularity, kept by Jesse Pullen. -It was headquarters for all circuses and manageries, and was frequented by -large numbers of laboring men after their day's toil was over. Here were -talked politics and the general topics of the day by the ward politicians, -and where they laid schemes to carry elections. The house was destroyed -some years before the Civil war and the lot remained vacant for nearly -sixty years. - -The Western Hotel was located at the corner of Commerce and Charles -streets, where Mr. Robert T. Knox and Brother keep store. It was a frame -building, and the business was conducted first by Thomas Procter, then by -Walker Lucas, who was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Sanford. Mr. Sanford, some -years before the war, tore the old frame building down and erected the -present three and a half story brick structure and changed its name to the -Planters' Hotel. During the Civil war it was conducted by Mr. Councellor -Cole, and a short time after the war by a Mr. Mitzell. Since then it has -not been kept as a hotel.[63] - -Liberty Hotel was located on Liberty street, then outside of the corporate -limits, but now a part of the town. For many years it was kept by Boswell -Alsop and was headquarters for the sporting men of the town. General Sam -Houston, after his return from frontier life, spent much of his time at -this hotel, and quite a number of the leading men of the South, on their -journeys to and from Washington, made it their stopping place. It is an -old-fashioned frame house, one story and a half high, of the same style of -architecture as the Mary Washington house, and shows that both of them -were built about the same time. - - -AGRICULTURAL FAIRS. - -We have no means of ascertaining where the fairs previously referred to -were held or how long they were continued under the act of 1769, or any -similar act that might have been passed by the Legislature after Virginia -became a State. In the first of the nineteenth century an agricultural -fair was held on the Kenmore farm, near the Kenmore building. The gate -leading to the grounds was on Lewis street, where it intersects with -Winchester street. The stock was exhibited on the fair grounds and the -ladies' department was kept on the upper floor of the present city hall. - -At one time Mr. Samuel Gordon, then proprietor of Kenmore, was president -of the association, who was succeeded by Hon. James M. Garnett, of Essex -county. It was the custom of this association to have an address by the -president on the first night of the exhibition on agriculture and stock -raising, which was one of the main features of the fair, and drew together -a large number of farmers and others to hear it. - -A silver cup, awarded to Mr. Jacob Gore for the best wheat fan exhibited -at one of these fairs, is now in possession of Police Officer Charles A. -Gore, a grandson of Mr. Jacob Gore. It is in a good state of preservation, -the inscription on it being "Presented by the Fredericksburg Agricultural -Society, 1823." On the left of the inscription is a wheat fan, beautifully -engraved, near which is the letter J, which stands for Jacob, and on the -right is another fan, near which is the letter G, standing for Gore. We do -not know when these annual fairs ceased. - -About the year 1850, possibly a little earlier, fair grounds were laid out -on Green House Hill, covering most of that part of the town where Prof. A. -B. Bowering now lives. A Mr. White, of Caroline county, was the first -president, Mr. W. N. Wellford succeeding him to that office. The first -steam engine for threshing wheat ever seen in this country was exhibited -at one of these fairs by the Hope Foundry, of this place, then operated by -Messrs. Scott and Herndon. It was constructed by Mr. Benjamin Bowering, -foreman of the works. A committee of farmers was appointed to examine it -and report upon its merits. After witnessing its work the committee -condemned it, because "it would burn all the wheat up." Fairs were held on -these grounds about three years. - -A year or so after the Green House Hill fair grounds were closed, the -grounds on which Major W. S. Embrey now lives and those in front of him -for some distance east of Spotswood street were purchased and converted -into fair grounds. Very successful fairs were held there until the -commencement of the Civil war, when they were closed. The last fair held -on these grounds was in 1860, only a few months before hostilities -actually commenced. At one time Major J. Horace Lacy was president of this -society and Major J. Harrison Kelly was secretary. - -After the closing of the fair grounds, in 1860, Fredericksburg had no -other fair for twenty-five years. In 1887 steps were taken by the citizens -of the town to inaugurate annual fairs. A charter for a society was -obtained, stock was subscribed for and the Amaret farm, on the Fall Hill -road west of the town and bordering on the Rappahannock river, was -purchased and converted into excellent fair grounds. The society -inaugurating these fairs is known as the Rappahannock Valley Agricultural -and Mechanical Society, and its annual fairs have been a great success. -The presidents of the society from its organization have been Hon. A. P. -Rowe, of Fredericksburg; Charles Pierson, Esq., of Caroline county; Hon. -S. Wellford Corbin, of King George county; Mr. Oliver Eastburn, of -Spotsylvania county; Frank W. Smith, of Spotsylvania county; Captain -Terence McCracken, of Fredericksburg; Colonel E. Dorsey Cole, of -Fredericksburg; Capt. M. B. Rowe, of Spotsylvania; Chas. H. Hurkamp, of -Stafford; Henry Dannehl, of Fredericksburg, and Thomas F. Morrison, of -Spotsylvania. - - -FERRIES AND TOLL BRIDGES. - -The first ferry across the Rappahannock river, provided by law, was an act -of the House of Burgesses passed in 1748. This act provided for a ferry -from the Fredericksburg warehouse, where the tobacco was deposited and -inspected by public, bonded inspectors, to the land of Anthony Strother, -on the Stafford side of the river. The charge for a horse, which seems to -have been the only one regulated by law, was fixed at three pence. In the -year 1796 a petition was presented to the General Assembly of Virginia for -leave to build a toll-bridge across the Rappahannock river from the lower -line of the land of William Fitzhugh, of Chatham. The Legislature granted -the request and Mr. Fitzhugh built the bridge, which was kept open for the -public travel as a toll-bridge until 1889. - -This bridge has been destroyed several times, some times by floods and at -other times by fire, and has been rebuilt, but the dates of its -destruction have passed from the minds of our oldest citizens. The only -dates that can be given, with anything like accuracy, are, that in 1820 it -was destroyed by a great flood, in 1861 by fire, in accordance with -military orders, and in 1889 by another great flood. In 1890 the city -purchased the site and constructed the present iron bridge, which is about -one thousand feet long. On its completion it was opened to free travel and -has been continued such to the present time. It was at first a toll-bridge -and owned by private parties for nearly a century, and yet so far as we -can discover there have been but three owners up to the time it was -purchased by the city. These three were William Fitzhugh, Esq., Judge John -Coulter and Charles S. Scott. - -Near the beginning of the nineteenth century a covered bridge spanned the -river at the foot of Wolfe street, landing on the farm on the opposite -side of the Rappahannock. The farm was then owned by a Mr. Thompson. No -one knows when this bridge was built or to whom it belonged. It was known -as the Stafford bridge, as the one above it was known as the Chatham -bridge, until it was purchased by Mr. Scott, after which it was known as -Scott's bridge. The two bridges were destroyed in the flood of 1820 and -the Stafford bridge was never rebuilt. - - -CARE OF THE DEPENDENT POOR. - -The first move made by the Common Council, or any other town organization, -to provide for the dependent poor of the town was on the 25th of January, -1805, when the hustings court appointed five commissioners--Elisha -Thatcher, James Smock, Wm. Benson, Benjamin Botts and Wm. Taylor--to -"enquire into the probable and comparative expense of erecting or renting -a poor and work house for the reception of the poor of the corporation, -and ascertain the probable salary of a steward for such poor and work -house and the annual expense of supporting the same." - -These commissioners were empowered to receive propositions from persons -desiring to rent suitable houses for the purpose, and to ascertain who -would be willing to act as steward and report at the next session of the -court. The report was submitted at the March term of the court and was -approved and filed; when another commission was appointed, with Dr. George -French as chairman, to "rent a house for a term of one or more years," at -a cost not exceeding fifty pounds, and John F. Gaullier was appointed -steward of the poor and work house. - -The steward was to be "allowed a salary at the rate of one hundred and -fifty dollars per annum, with two rooms and so much provisions as may be -necessary for himself and family," which should not exceed three in -number. He was to be at his post at all times to receive the poor into the -poor and work house, to "treat them with tenderness and humanity, but at -the same time to make them work." For the better government of the -institution five inspectors were appointed by the court, consisting of -George French, from the lower end of the town to Wolfe street; James -Brown, from Wolfe to Hanover street; James Smock, from Hanover to William -street; Stephen Winchester, from William to Lewis street, and Wm. Taylor, -from Lewis street to the upper end of town. From the record it appears -that John Minor was appointed inspector for the town at large. - -The inspectors were instructed to place all the poor in the poor and work -house and to "advertise a request to the inhabitants to assist no poor -person residing in town, lest imposition and idleness be encouraged." This -manner of providing for the poor seems to have been continued to the -beginning of the Civil war, and, in addition to looking after the steward -and the inmates of the poor and work house, the inspectors (more -frequently recorded overseers of the poor), were to bind out all orphans -who had no one to look after and provide for them. - -[Illustration: The Exchange Hotel. (See page 166)] - -[Illustration: The Fredericksburg College. (See page 198)] - -It is not stated in what part of the town the first poor house was -located, but for many years before the Civil war it was located on the -Lang property, near Gunnery spring, and afterwards the poor were quartered -in a brick house near the western limit of Princess Elizabeth street, -which was rented for the purpose and which is now owned by the Richmond, -Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Company. - -After the war, for about eighteen years, the poor were maintained at the -private houses, with such families as would agree to take them. In some -instances the town paid rent for the houses for the families who would -take one of the poor, and in others a stipulated amount per month for -their maintenance. This manner of providing for the poor caused much -complaint, both from the city and its dependents. The city authorities -charged that the cost per capita was entirely too much, running annually -in the aggregate from two to three thousand dollars, and the poor -complained that they were neglected in both food and clothing. - -But the overseer of the poor (the number having been reduced from five to -one under the city ordinances) aided and assisted by a committee of three -from the Common Council, could do no better with the facilities at his -disposal, and while the subject continued to be discussed the Council had -been slow in making any change. This inaction, however, was not because -the citizens did not favor providing better methods for taking care of the -poor, because the public favored it, and the necessity was recognized, but -because no member felt willing to take the lead in such a movement. - -In the Fall of 1882 a case of small pox broke out in town, and, strange as -it may appear, it caused the erection of the present almshouse. The small -pox case occurred near the corner of Princess Ann and Frederick streets. -The citizens in that part of the town became greatly alarmed and a -stampede was threatened. An extra session of the Common Council was called -in haste, to make arrangements for the removal of the patient (a colored -man) to some isolated place. The Council met and discussed the matter, but -it was found that there was no place to which he could be moved. The town -owned no land where a temporary hospital could be erected, and land -owners declined to rent to the city, for spreading a tent or for erecting -a temporary hospital. - -In this condition of things the economy of having an almshouse, in which -to keep the poor, entered very largely into the discussion, and the result -was the farm and residence of Mr. Frank Beckwith, on the hill about half a -mile west of the town, was purchased for seventeen hundred dollars. The -small pox patient, to the great delight of the citizens in the lower end -of town, was at once sent to that place and the excitement subsided. - -The following year the residence on the farm was greatly enlarged and a -commodious department for the colored poor was built, under the direction -of the Committee on Poor of the Common Council, consisting of Messrs. S. -J. Quinn, E. D. Cole and M. B. Rowe, and the dependent poor of the town -were sent to "Mount Nebo," which was the name given to the place, because -of its commanding position and the splendid view of the town and -surrounding country from that point. - -Since the poor have been kept at the almshouse they are better provided -for and are better satisfied, besides they are more comfortable than under -the former system, and the expense of maintaining them has been reduced -fully one-half. Mr. Albert Hooton, who was overseer of the poor of the -town prior to the erection of the almshouse, was the first superintendent -of the institution. Mr. Hooton died on the 23rd of November, 1897, and Mr. -John Wesley Ball was elected to the vacancy and is now serving. Mr. A. -Mason Garner is chairman of the committee of the Council having the -almshouse in charge, and while it is conducted on economical principles, -the poor are well provided for, in both food and clothing. - - -WATER WORKS. - -For more than one hundred years after the charter by the House of -Burgesses the town was without water works of any description. About the -year 1832 a private company constructed the Poplar Springs Water Works, -which distributed through the principal streets of the town the elegant -water from Poplar springs, located on the Plank road, half a mile west of -the city. About ten years afterwards the Smith spring was added, which -increased the supply. But notwithstanding the addition of the Smith spring -the supply was very inadequate; yet for more than half a century these -springs, together with street pumps, furnished the only supply the town -had. The works were constructed by a Northern contractor, whose name is -not remembered, and are yet operated. Since the Civil war these works were -under the superintendency of Captain Joseph W. Sener, until his death, in -1889, since which time Mr. Robert Lee Stoffregen has been superintendent. - -The inadequacy of the water supply for domestic and manufacturing -purposes, and the great necessity for fire protection, were subjects for -the consideration of the Common Council for many years, without definite -action. On several occasions committees were instructed to have surveys -and estimates made for a system of water works, which were done and -recommendations had been made by some of the committees that works should -be constructed, but the Council in each case had failed to act upon them. -As a case of small pox contributed to the erection of a long-needed -almshouse, so a fire, that threatened the town with destruction, showing -the authorities how helpless they were when confronted by flames, -contributed to the construction of water works. - -The fire occurred in rear of George E. Chancellor's store in 1883, at the -corner of Charles and Commerce streets, now conducted by M. S. Chancellor, -and while it was confined to the premises and did but little damage, it -threatened to be a serious conflagration. There was no fire department in -town and no water to supply an engine, if one was sent from Richmond. This -aroused the authorities and the people generally, whose property was -constantly threatened with destruction, and at the next meeting of the -Council a plan was adopted for "an abundant supply of water for all -purposes, including fire protection," which was submitted to a vote of the -citizens for their approval or disapproval. - -The plan submitted was adopted at the ballot-box by a large majority, and -a special committee of the Council was appointed to carry out the will of -the people, thus expressed, and construct the works, consisting of Messrs. -S. J. Quinn, James S. Knox, Charles E. Hunter, Terence McCracken and Wm. -E. Bradley. After arranging the necessary preliminaries the committee -contracted with Colonel Wm. W. Taylor, of Philadelphia, who constructed -the works and turned them over to the committee in the latter part of -February, 1885, at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars, Mr. Benjamin -Bowering having been appointed by the committee to superintend the laying -of pipe, setting of the pump, etc. - -The introduction of water into the buildings, the extension of water -mains, the changing of the old for newly-patented fire hydrants, and the -erection of additional fire hydrants since the works have been in -possession of the town, together with additional pumps and steam engine -and boiler, have increased the cost of the works to about fifty thousand -dollars. At present there are about eighteen miles of pipe, ranging in -size from eight inches to one inch, and seventy-two fire hydrants. These -hydrants are so located that they protect from fire all the property of -the town. - -The reservoir pressure is from fifty to fifty-six pounds to the square -inch, according to draught, which is sufficient to throw streams of water -over any of our ordinary buildings. The pressure, by the use of the pump, -can be raised to one hundred pounds to the square inch. - -The water is taken from the Rappahannock river, which is known to furnish -the softest and purest of water, the analysis showing that it is free from -any foreign substance, and the reservoirs are so well arranged that the -citizens are seldom served with water that is the least discolored. The -works are under the control of a committee of the Common Council and a -superintendent. Since their construction they have been under the -superintendency of Captain S. J. Quinn, and they are in good condition and -a paying investment to the city, at a comparative small cost to the -consumers. The present water committee consists of Josiah P. Rowe, H. B. -Lane and A. M. Garner. - - -THE OLD GAS WORKS. - -The old gas works of the town were constructed by a private company in -1843-44, at a cost, it is said, of about forty thousand dollars. The -works have changed hands several times since their completion, it being a -private company, and most of the stock holders residents of Philadelphia. -In consequence of the wear and tear of the works, and the erection of an -electric plant in town some twelve years ago, which secured the contract -for lighting the streets, the stock of the gas company depreciated very -much in value, and an effort was made on the part of the town to purchase -the works. - -For this purpose a special committee was appointed by the Common Council, -consisting of Messrs. Wm. I. King, M. G. Willis, James S. Knox, Wm. E. -Bradley and John T. Knight. They entered into negotiations with the -officers of the company and finally purchased the works at a cost of -twenty thousand dollars. Since their purchase the works have been placed -in good repair and the mains have been extended in many parts of the town -where they did not before run. There were about nine miles of pipe, but it -was claimed by many who had examined the works that the plant was too -small to supply the town, and there was much complaint of "no gas" on the -part of the consumers, but it was then fashionable to complain against the -city even if you were getting what you wanted, and so the matter went on -until the "spirit of improvement" struck the town and estimates for a new -gas plant were ordered, and before many months passed it was decided that -the old works must be abandoned and a new plant constructed on a new site. -And so the work of construction commenced and went forward with great -rapidity. After the new plant was completed, and had been in running order -for some time, the superintendent was asked for an article on the works -for this volume, and he remarked that during the latter part of the year -1904 it became obvious that the old gas plant, which had been supplying -the city with gas for fifty years, had gone beyond repair, and that for -the sake of economy it would be necessary to erect a new plant. With this -end in view a plot of ground was selected near the railroad depot and -alongside the right-of-way of the railroad, and here the new works were -built. Mr. Frederic Egner, an eminent gas engineer, was selected to draw -the plans and engineer the construction. - -Early in May, 1905, ground was broken and work progressed rapidly, and on -the 25th of November the first gas was made in the new plant, and by the -28th everything was working smoothly and the old plant was abandoned. The -plant is what is known as a coal gas works, using soft coal for -manufacturing the gas. The manufacturing end of the plant consists of two -benches of inclined retorts, four to the bench, with half depths -regenerative furnaces, and has a manufacturing capacity of 100,000 cubic -feet of gas each day of twenty-four hours. - -Our plant is one of the most modern in the country, and no small plant now -built surpasses it. Mr. Wm. Fitzpatrick, who had faithfully served the -city as superintendent of the old plant for many years, retired upon the -completion of the new plant and Mr. B. F. Bullock was made superintendent. -Gas is $1.00 per thousand, and Mr. John C. Melville is chairman of the -committee. - - -THE ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT. - -Fredericksburg was rather tardy in obtaining an electric light plant for -street lighting, either through a private company or by city purchase. -While the propriety of constructing a plant by the town was under -consideration by the citizens, and often before the Council, application -was made by a private company to erect one and the privilege was at once -granted. In 1887 a plant of the Thompson-Houston system was erected by a -Mr. McNett. Soon after its construction Mr. McNett formed a company, many -of whose members were citizens of the town. It has been purchased by -others and is now the Rappahannock Light Co., with some changes. It has -furnished the town with arc lights for the streets and many of the -buildings with incandescent lights. The dynamo and power house were first -located at Knox's mill, above town, but afterwards removed above the -Bridge Water mills, where they are at present. - - -THE CITY'S ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT. - -The town authorities, concluding that our streets could be lighted better -and at less cost if they had a plant of their own, arranged and purchased -an outfit of machinery, wired the town and now have some seventy-five -lights running. Those who opposed the city owning its own light before the -plant was constructed have now changed their minds, not only as to the -constancy and brilliancy of the light, but also of the cost of lighting -the streets. The plant is located between the silk and woolen mills and is -in charge of the Light Committee, Mr. Wm. Key Howard, superintendent. - - -TELEPHONE COMPANY. - -In 1895 the Occoquan Woodbridge Telephone Company was organized in -Fredericksburg by a Mr. Abner, of Occoquan, and a telephone line was -erected. At first the undertaking did not appear to be popular and the -company received very little encouragement. After the construction of the -line the company, beginning with a small number of subscribers, grew -rapidly in public favor and were soon enjoying a liberal patronage. - -In 1897 all the property, rights and franchises were purchased by a few of -our enterprising citizens, who organized and changed the name of the -company to the Rappahannock, Fredericksburg and Piedmont Telephone -Company; but subsequently the Bell Company extended their line through -Fredericksburg to the South and the local company sold out to the Bell. -The service, at first defective, was placed in splendid condition, and the -service now equals that of the most favored towns and cities. Since the -construction of the Bell line the town has become the center of many -private country lines, which place the citizens in communication with all -contiguous communities as well as with the cities of the country. The -present manager of the local office is W. T. Jones. - - -FIRE DEPARTMENT. - -More than a hundred years ago Fredericksburg had an organized fire -department, and from reports, which, however, were seldom made, was -sufficient in extinguishing fires. In the early part of the eighteenth -century, when the town was built up mostly of wooden houses, with wooden -chimneys, and the water was scarce and inaccessible, several fires -occurred that spread over considerable territory and did great damage, but -even in those instances, although the winds were high, the department did -much to retard the progress of the fires and finally got them under -control. - -The first fire company organized in town was known as the Vigilant. It was -organized in 1788 and the names of its members were certified to the -hustings court and filed with the court papers, but their names were not -placed on the record. How long this company remained in existence is not -known, but in 1814 the Hope Company was organized, which was soon followed -by the formation of the Union. It is not known who commanded these -companies when they were first organized, but we are told that long before -the middle of the century the Hope was commanded by Charles C. Wellford -and afterwards by John Pritchard, and the Union, about the same time, was -commanded by Albert G. Lucas, who was succeeded by John M. Whittemore. - -These fire companies had suction and force engines and got water from the -river, street pumps, and sometimes from the canal west of the town, after -it was constructed, using the source most convenient, and did effective -work. It is said the rivalry between these organizations was very great, -the excitement in times of fires was intense, and often disputes would -arise between the members as to which company did the most effective work, -which often resulted in blows. When they were in their prime fires were -frequent. Scarcely a week passed that a fire did not occur, and often two -or three would take place inside of a week. Then there was a grand rush to -see which company could get the first stream of water on the fire. - -The frequent fires soon led to the suspicion that some of the firemen -originated and were responsible for many of them, and, strange to say, the -disbandment of the companies was encouraged by the property owners of the -town, as a means of preventing fires and saving property. They were -disbanded before the Civil war, and since that time, until the year 1885, -the town was without a fire department, and was without any means of -contending with the flames, save the feeble efforts of citizens in what -was styled "the bucket brigade." This name was applied to the large number -of citizens, who, in times of fire, carried water in buckets to -extinguish it, and used "wet blankets" to prevent the flames from -spreading to adjoining buildings. - -In 1885, after the completion of the present city water works, a new fire -department was organized, with thirty-three members, with Captain Terence -McCracken as chief. This organization is very efficient, and has on -several occasions saved the town from sweeping conflagrations. The -department is now under the command of John H. Robinson, as chief, and -consists of twenty-two members, all of whom render faithful and efficient -service without compensation. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - - _Volunteer Militia--The Confederate Cemetery--The National - Cemetery--The Confederate Veterans--The Sons of Confederate - Veterans--The Schools, Private and Public, &c._ - - -In times of peace and quiet, in free America and even in conservative -Virginia, it is necessary that cities should have some military -organization that can be called upon to protect the citizens in their -persons, rights and property in case of any emergency that might arise. It -is true that such cases seldom occur in Virginia, but if they should, it -is necessary to have some organized force, under the laws of the State, to -meet and put them down. This being true, Fredericksburg has, in all -periods of her history, encouraged and financially assisted volunteer -militia companies. - -And it can be truthfully stated that, in all the past of the town, the -young men have shown a special fondness for military organizations, and, -so far as we can gather from records and tradition, Fredericksburg has -been well protected in this direction. It is very doubtful if at any time -since Major Lawrence Smith seated himself "down at or neare" the falls of -the Rappahannock river and manned a fort with one hundred and eleven men, -Fredericksburg had not a military organization, either active or dormant, -that she could easily call into service in case of need. It is quite -certain she has been well represented in every war since the settlement of -the country, in which her sons have played conspicuous parts and have been -commended for their gallantry and brilliant achievements. - -One of the first companies remembered from tradition was commanded by a -Capt. Blackford, and is said to have been armed with wooden guns. This -company was among the guard of honor to Gen. Lafayette when he was here in -1824. It met the General and his suite at the old Wilderness tavern, -escorted him to Fredericksburg, and, when he left, accompanied him as far -as Aquia Creek, on the Potomac river. It did not last long as an -organization. - -[Illustration: The Home of Dr. Charles Mortimer, first Mayor. To her -physician here was the last visit made by Mary Washington. Residence now -of Gen. D. D. Wheeler. (See page 151)] - -[Illustration: The Eagle Hotel, now the Eagle Flats. (See page 166)] - -The first company remembered by the oldest inhabitants, which lasted -any length of time, was the Fredericksburg Guards, which was organized -many years before the Civil war. It is not known exactly when it was -formed or who was its first commander, but it is remembered that at -different periods it was commanded by Captains Wm. A. Jackson, Wm. M. -Blackford, Robert Smith, John Pritchard and John S. Porter, the order in -which they served being in doubt. - -A company, known as the Mercer Rifles, was also organized and commanded by -Capt. D. Lee Powell some years before the war, but in a year or so it was -disbanded in consequence of the commander changing his residence to -Richmond. - -In the early part of 1859 the Washington Guards was organized, with Capt. -Joseph W. Sener as commander. It was well equipped and elegantly uniformed -and drilled. When John Brown and his party were captured at Harper's Ferry -in the Fall of 1859 by Colonel, afterwards Gen. Robert E. Lee, and turned -over to the State authorities, this company was ordered to Charlestown, by -Governor Wise, to guard the prisoners, and remained there in that capacity -until the last of the party was executed, when they were ordered home. - -In the same year, 1859, the Fredericksburg Grays was organized, with -Captain Wm. S. Barton as commander. It is said this company was called -into existence because of the excited condition of the country and a -determination on the part of the young men of the town to be ready for any -emergency. On the return of the Washington Guards from Charlestown they -were met at the railroad depot by the Grays, who extended them a warm -welcome home, escorted them to the Shakespeare House, where a grand -banquet was given them, which was followed by speeches and a good time. - -These two companies, before the war and preparatory thereto, were formed -into a battalion, of which Captain Barton was made major, Robert S. Chew -becoming captain of the Grays. Many pleasant excursions and picnics were -given by this battalion, which are well remembered by many, now living, -who were participants and enjoyed them. But many of those who took part in -those pleasant scenes have since then passed to the Great Beyond, and -those now with us show the marks of Time upon them and are patiently -waiting for the last call that shall transfer them to the great army -above. The battalion had a drum corps, consisting of eleven drums, which -was presided over by Mr. Pipenbrick, of Falmouth, who was appointed drum -major. - -A boy company, known as the Coleman Guards, commanded by Captain W. F. -Gordon, was also organized just prior to the war. In 1860 great excitement -was caused on the arrival of Robinson's circus here, the charge having -been made that some of the employees or attaches had murdered a man by the -name of Boulware at Port Royal the day before. Warrants were sworn out for -the arrest of the supposed parties, and the three companies, with the -civil authorities, arrested the entire circus and had the suspected -parties before the Mayor. A two days' investigation disclosed no probable -guilt and the circus was discharged from custody. - -Another military company was organized in the town in 1861, known as the -Gordon Rifles, with Captain Robert H. Alexander as its commander. These -three companies, at the outbreak of the war, were placed in the Thirtieth -Virginia regiment of infantry, that did such noble service during the -Civil war. The Washington Guards, which became Company A, was commanded by -Capt. Joseph W. Sener. He was succeeded by Capt. George H. Peyton and -Captain John K. Anderson. The Fredericksburg Grays became Company B and -was commanded by Capt. Robert S. Chew, and, on his promotion to Colonel, -by Capt. H. S. Doggett. Capt. Doggett was on detached duty the most of his -official term as captain and the company was commanded by Lieutenant James -S. Knox in his absence, who was promoted to captain, but his commission -never reached him. The Gordon Rifles became Company C and was commanded by -Captain Robert H. Alexander and afterwards by Captain C. Wistar Wallace. - -After the war the Fredericksburg Grays was reorganized, with Samuel S. -Brooke, now of Roanoke, as captain. He was succeeded in command by Captain -Maurice B. Rowe, and he by the following commanders in the order named: -Captain Terence McCracken, Captain Robert B. Berrey, Captain George A. -Walker and Captain Frank H. Revere. - -When war was declared between the United States and Spain, and volunteers -were called for by the government, the Washington Guards, which had been -reorganized by Captain Maurice B. Rowe, promptly responded and was -mustered into the United States service as Company K of the Third Virginia -regiment of infantry. It went into camp at Richmond, Virginia, and was -soon transferred to Camp Alger, named in honor of the then Secretary of -War, near Washington city. Before these troops were ordered to the scene -of action peace was declared and they were ordered back to Richmond and -mustered out of service, having been in the service of the United States -seven months. The company then returned to Fredericksburg. - -The Guards numbered one hundred and twelve men on the rolls, was a -splendid body of patriotic young men and reflected credit upon the town. -Soon after being discharged from the United States army the company was -reorganized, reëntered the service of the State and now numbers sixty-two -men, under the command of Captain Thomas M. Larkin. They have often been -called upon to discharge important and delicate service, and have -responded with alacrity. - -In 1883 a colored volunteer company was organized in town, called the -Garfield Light Infantry Blues. It was organized by Benjamin Scott, of -Richmond, who was its first captain. Captain Scott soon returned to his -home in Richmond and was succeeded in command by Captain Lucien G. Gilmer. -This organization continued in existence several years, but was finally -disbanded, having fallen below the minimum number required by law. - - -THE CONFEDERATE CEMETERY. - -Soon after the citizens of Fredericksburg returned to their desolated -homes at the close of the Civil war, and had gotten their dwellings in a -condition to be occupied, the thoughts of the patriotic ladies were at -once turned to the Confederate soldiers who had fallen and were buried in -Fredericksburg and on the several adjacent battle-fields. They were -anxious that the remains of these brave men should be gathered up and -interred in some place where their dust would be preserved and the names -of the known saved from oblivion. - -As a result of a consultation, and a call published in the newspapers of -Fredericksburg, the ladies of the town met in the basement of the -Presbyterian church on the 10th day of May, 1865, one month after the -surrender of Gen. Lee, and organized the Ladies' Memorial Association of -Fredericksburg, elected officers, appointed a board of directors, an -executive committee and an advisory board. This was the first ladies' -memorial association chartered in the South and among the first to -decorate the soldiers' graves with flowers. - -The best methods for accomplishing the patriotic work of the association -were discussed and adopted at this early date. The plan was to raise as -much money in town and in Virginia as possible and then issue an appeal to -be sent all through the Southern States for funds, because every Southern -State was represented on the battle-fields in and around the town by their -heroic dead. These appeals were sent out as soon as they could be gotten -ready and had the desired effect. Funds soon began to flow into the -treasury and a suitable site was selected, west of and adjoining the city -cemetery, which was purchased, and the work of gathering up the dead -commenced. The number gotten from the different battlefields and buried in -the ground purchased by the association numbered about fifteen hundred. -The circular sent out had, in addition to the organization of the -association and the list of officers in full, an appeal, which was as -follows: - - "To all true hearted women and men, who would rescue from oblivion the - memory of the brave, who died in defence of home and country, we - present this appeal: The stern pressure of military necessity made it - impossible, properly, to care for the remains of the gallant dead who - fell on the bloody fields of Fredericksburg, Wilderness, - Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania Courthouse and in scores of skirmishes - which, in a war less terrible, would have been reckoned as battles. - - "Our Association proposes to preserve a record, and, as far as - possible, mark the spot where every Confederate soldier is buried in - this vicinity, whether he fell on these memorable fields or otherwise - died in the service. To the bereaved throughout our suffering South we - pledge ourselves to spare no exertion to accomplish this work. - - "In a land stripped of enclosures and forests, desolated and - impoverished as ours, we cannot, without aid, guard these graves from - exposure and possible desecration; we can only cover them with our - native soil. And, with pious care, garland them with the wild flowers - from the fields. But, with the generous aid and cordial coöperation of - those who have suffered less, but who feel as deeply as we do on this - subject, we confidently hope to accomplish far more--to purchase and - adorn a cemetery, to remove thither the sacred dust scattered all over - this region, and to erect some enduring tribute to the memory of our - gallant dead. - - "Shall that noble army of martyrs, who, for years of toil and - suffering, bore, in triumph, the 'Conquered Banner' from Chattanooga - to Gettysburg, sleep on the fields of their fame unnoticed and - unknown? Shall their names pass from the knowledge of the living to be - treasured only in the mind of Him 'to whom the memory of the just is - precious?' - - "What spot so appropriate for the last resting place of these heroes, - as some commanding eminence overlooking the memorable plain of - Fredericksburg? And what nobler work for the hearts and hands of - Southern women, than upon its summit to rear a monument to the - unrecorded Confederate dead, which, through all time shall testify to - the gratitude of the people for whom they so gloriously died? As no - State, and scarcely a town or county throughout the limits of the late - Confederacy, is unrepresented on these battle-fields, may we not hope - that the coöperation required in order to accomplish our holy work - will be as universal? - - "An act of the Legislature of Virginia will be obtained, incorporating - our Association, so that the property may be held perpetually - dedicated to its sacred uses. We solicit such contributions as the - appreciative sympathy of friends in all parts of our country, and of - the world, will extend us. As soon as sufficient means are obtained - our Association will proceed to purchase and improve grounds - appropriate for a cemetery, and remove thither the remains of the - honored dead. - - "Our Association, although its organization is but recent, has been - enabled to rescue from oblivion the names and places of burial of many - of the noble dead, who fell upon the fields of Fredericksburg, - Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, and all the objects of the - Association will be pressed as rapidly forward as the requisite means - are procured. All auxiliary societies, which may be formed, are - requested to correspond with our Association; and, should they desire - their contributions to be specially appropriated to the graves of any - individuals, or of any particular State or section, the trust will be - sacredly discharged. - - MRS. JOHN H. WALLACE, _President_. - MISS ANN J. CARTER, _Corresponding Secretary_. - - _President_--Mrs. John H. Wallace. - - _Vice-Presidents_--Mrs. J. H. Lacy, Mrs. Jane Ficklin, Mrs. James W. - Ford, Mrs. A. F. T. Fitzhugh, Mrs. Fannie S. White. - - _Board of Directors_--Miss Mary G. Browne, Miss S. Freaner, Mrs. W. K. - Howard,[64] Mrs. S. J. Jarvis, Mrs. E. A. Fitzgerald, Mrs. L. J. - Huffman, Mrs. J. H. Bradley, Mrs. Magruder Maury, Mrs. Joseph Alsop, - Mrs. Monroe Kelly, Miss Ellen P. Chew, Miss Lizzie Braxton. - - _Treasurer_--Dr. F. P. Wellford. - - _Recording Secretaries_--Miss L. G. Wellford, Mrs. Lucy Herndon.[64] - - _Corresponding Secretary_--Miss Ann J. Carter. - - _Assistant Secretaries_--Miss V. S. Knox,[64] Miss Mary Thom, Miss - Bettie L. Scott,[64] Miss Lizzie Alsop, Miss N. S. Wellford, Miss Mary - G. Browne, Mrs. L. T. Kearsley, Miss Helen G. Beale, Miss Nannie - Taylor, Miss Virginia Goolrick, Miss S. Freaner, Miss Lizzie Braxton. - - _Executive Committee_--Major J. H. Kelly, Thomas F. Knox, George Aler, - J. W. Slaughter, Edwin Carter, Joseph W. Sener, Dr. L. B. Rose. - - _Advisory Committee_--Gen. D. H. Maury, Gen. Daniel Ruggles, Gen. C. - L. Stevenson, Col. R. S. Chew, Col. C. M. Braxton, Col. W. W. - Fontaine, Major George Freaner, Major Chas. S. Green,[65] Capt. C. T. - Goolrick, Capt. W. R. Mason,[65] Rev. M. Maury, Rev. T. W. Gilmer, - Rev. Patrick Donelan, Rev. W. H. Williams, Rev. F. C. Tebbs, Mayor M. - Slaughter, Judge R. C. L. Moncure,[66] A. A. Little, J. H. Kelly, - Judge R. H. Coleman, John L. Marye, Jr., John E. Tackett, D. H. - Gordon, W. P. Conway, J. L. Stansbury, Ab. P. Rowe, James B. Sener, W. - K. Howard." - -In response to the appeal of the Association, liberal contributions were -received from all the Southern States, with which the ground was -purchased, the present, cemetery laid out and the remains of all the -Confederate dead, who were killed and buried throughout this community, -gathered together, transferred to the cemetery and the graves marked with -cedar posts. These posts were removed a few years afterwards and marble -headstones took their places. The next work of the Association was to -raise money for a monument to be placed in the center of the cemetery, -and, as in their other patriotic work, the appeal was not in vain. The -necessary amount was raised and the monument was erected and dedicated. -Mr. Leyburn, of Lexington, Va., contractor; Mr. Cassell, of Baltimore, -architect. The stone used is gray granite and was taken from the farm of -Mrs. Mary Downman, in Spotsylvania county. The monument contains -inscriptions as follows: - - On the east side--S. Carolina, Virginia, N. Carolina. - - On the north side--Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas. - - On the west side--Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas. - - On the south side--Georgia, Florida, Alabama. - -The monument stands on a mound about five feet high, and is five feet and -six inches high without the statue. With the statue it is twenty feet in -height. On the west side, cut in the granite, are muskets; on the south -side, a castle with battlements; on the north side, sabres; on the east -side, cannon and the inscription "To the Confederate Dead." On each corner -of the monument is a column of red granite, with gray granite plynth and -base. The corner-stone was laid on the 4th of June, 1874, by -Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, A. F. & A. M., Grand Master Wm. H. Lambert -presiding, and was completed and unveiled on Memorial Day, June 9, 1884. -The statue of a Confederate soldier, at dress parade, which crowns the -apex, is of bronze, and was manufactured by the Monumental Bridge Company, -of Bridgeport, Conn. It was ordered through Mr. George T. Downing and -placed in position by him. - - -THE NATIONAL CEMETERY. - -The National Cemetery, in which were gathered and interred the Union -soldiers who died in camp and were killed in the various battles in and -around Fredericksburg, was commenced in 1865, soon after the close of the -war. It is located on Willis's Hill, about half a mile south of the town. -It is on the range of hills known in the war histories and correspondents -as Marye's Heights, which overlooks the beautiful valley of the -Rappahannock and affords a fine view of Fredericksburg and the surrounding -country. It afforded a splendid location for the Confederate artillery at -both battles of Fredericksburg, which did such fearful execution as the -Union troops were advancing on General Lee's position. - -The remains of the Union soldiers were taken from their temporary graves -and conveyed to the cemetery by a "burial corps," consisting of a large -detail of Federal soldiers and a few veterans employed by the -superintendent. The work was continued for three or four years, and it was -thought that all the dead had been cared for, but even now remains of -soldiers are sometimes found in different places and turned over to the -superintendent for interment. The Fredericksburg cemetery is not the -largest in area in the United States, but it has a larger number of -interments in it than any other in the country. Up to the present time the -interments number 15,294, of these 2,496 are known and their names, -regiments and State are registered in a book in the superintendent's -office, and 12,798 are unknown. The superintendent of the cemetery is -Major M. M. Jefferys, and under his management it is kept in good -condition. - -The superintendent has a "lodge" or residence near the cemetery gate, -constructed of stone. It is made of the stone taken from the historical -stone wall, behind which the Confederates were stationed when they -successfully resisted the many gallant charges of General Hancock's men on -the 13th of December, 1862. Several years ago the government constructed a -Macadamized road from the railroad depot to the cemetery, making it a -pleasant drive to that "city of the dead," and it is visited by numbers of -persons, both citizens and strangers. In 1901 Gen. Daniel Butterfield -erected a beautiful monument in the cemetery to the valor of the Fifth -Army Corps, which he commanded, at a cost of $11,000. - - -MAURY CAMP OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS. - -The Confederate veterans of Fredericksburg and surrounding country -organized themselves into a camp in 1883. It was one of the first camps of -the kind organized in the State and had quite a large membership. It was -called Maury Camp in honor of General Dabney Herndon Maury, a native of -Fredericksburg, who rose to the rank of major-general in the Confederate -army, and distinguished himself as a skillful commander as well as for -conspicuous gallantry on many fields of battle during the Civil war. - -Maury Camp flourished for several years, having at one time in the -neighborhood of one hundred and fifty members. At first it was independent -and separate from any other camp, but upon the organization of R. E. Lee -Camp, of Richmond, which obtained a charter from the General Assembly of -Virginia, thereby giving it authority over other camps, Maury Camp -obtained a charter from that organization, and holds its authority under -that charter at present. - -For some cause in late years the camp has not been prosperous; on the -contrary, it has merely maintained its organization. Many of the members -withdrew their membership or allowed their names to be dropped from the -rolls, while those who still retain their membership, with a few -exceptions, exhibit but little interest in the affairs of the camp. -Notwithstanding its decline, however, it has done much good in the past in -assisting needy Confederate veterans, besides they have relieved the -necessities of the widows and orphans of veterans, and have decently -buried their old comrades who have died in destitution. The camp has had -for commanders at different periods Colonel Robert S. Chew, Judge John T. -Goolrick, Capt. Daniel M. Lee, Thomas F. Proctor, Geo. Shepherd and Capt. -S. J. Quinn. At present Prof. A. B. Bowering is the commander and the camp -seems to be taking on new life. - - -SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS. - -The organization of Maury Camp of Confederate Veterans was followed in a -few years by the organization of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. This -camp came into existence on the 10th day of May, 1890. It was organized, -mainly, if not entirely, through the efforts of Mr. James A. Turner, who -was its first commander, and, by annual reëlections, without opposition, -he was continued until he retired and Mr. Wm. H. Hurkamp was elected and -is commander at this time. - -This camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans was named in honor of -Colonel Robert S. Chew, who was, at the close of the war, Colonel of the -Thirtieth Virginia regiment of infantry, a native of Fredericksburg and -was honored and beloved by all who knew him. The camp has done a noble -work in the way of looking after the comfort and supplying the needs of -the destitute Confederate veterans, who are rapidly passing "over the -river to rest under the shade of the trees," and providing for them a -decent Christian burial when they shall have "answered the last roll -call." - -As an organization the R. S. Chew Camp has attended nearly all the -reunions of Confederate veterans in the State, and has taken as much -interest in them as if they had been veterans instead of the sons of -veterans. In all of these visitations the camp, by the discipline and -military bearing of its members soon won for itself a position in the -front rank of Sons of Confederate Veterans in the South. About thirty of -its members volunteered in the United States army in the War with Spain, -some of whom are now in the regular army, holding important -commissions. The camp has flourished from its organization, and has now -nearly one hundred members on its rolls, who are earnest in their work and -faithful to the memories of their fathers. - -[Illustration: "Stevens House," on "Sunken Road"; the Confederate line of -battle, 1862 and 1863, in front of fence. Gen. Thos. R. R. Cobb killed -where gate swings to right. (See page 91)] - -[Illustration: City Hall, in which are Mayor's Office, Council Chamber, -etc., and where a ball was given in honor of Gen. Lafayette on his visit -here in 1824. (See page 144)] - - -THE SCHOOLS OF FREDERICKSBURG. - -Fredericksburg, from its earliest days, possessed educational advantages, -greatly in advance of many larger towns of the colonies. Soon after its -establishment by the House of Burgesses, schools of a high order were -established here by the best of educators and it is highly probable that -the leading men of the State--those who conducted public affairs in -colonial times, and who were the first to oppose and resist British -tyranny and who inaugurated and conducted the movement for separation and -independence--were educated in those schools. And it can be safely said -that from that time to the present Fredericksburg has not been without -schools that would be creditable to any town. - -In 1796 a lottery scheme--which was a popular method of raising money in -those days for such purposes--was chartered by the Legislature of the -State for the purpose of raising money to erect a school building on what -was known as the "old poor-house grounds," at present the property of -Alexander Lang's estate near Gunnery Spring. Whether or not this scheme -was successful is not known, but it is a fact that a male academy was -established by some French refugees, gentlemen of education and -refinement, who, having lost their fortunes, adopted teaching as a means -of support. Many distinguished Statesmen and jurists, in after years, were -educated at this school, among them was Judge John Tayloe Lomax, who, in -his old age, when president of the Young Men's Christian Association of -Fredericksburg, referred to his connection with this school by contrasting -the teaching of the school of French philosophy of that day with the -instruction of Christian teachers of a later period, showing the -advantages of the latter. - -In a letter from Dr. John Brockenburg to Rev. Philip Slaughter, D. D., in -1846, about another matter, he said: "I had been entered as a student at -the Fredericksburg Academy, then (1790) in high repute, under the Rev. -Mr. Ryan, an eminent classical scholar and a graduate of Trinity College, -Dublin." Dr. Brockenburg finished his education in this school, -preparatory to entering a medical college in Edinburg, and speaks highly -of it.[67] - -It is also claimed that Washington, Madison, Monroe, and others who made -their mark as soldiers, statesmen, and in the various professions, were -educated in the schools of Fredericksburg. - -The establishment of a female college at "Federal Hill," in the year 1789, -and which was kept up by different teachers for half a century or more, -was an important event in the history of the town, and, in connection with -the male academy, gave to Fredericksburg great distinction as an -educational center. - -On the 27th of September, 1795, a fund was created by the sale of lands, -which were devised for the purpose by Mr. Archibald McPherson, which fund -was held in trust by the Mayor and Common Council of the town for the time -being, and afterwards, by an act of the Legislature, by six trustees, -annually appointed for the benefit of the Charity School of -Fredericksburg. These trustees organized into a board, the first president -being Major Benjamin Day, who continued as such to the day of his death. -The school was kept in the brick building on the north side of Hanover -street, just below the Masonic hall, now used by Miss Willie F. Schooler -for her Hanover school. The funds derived by the sale of some of the -McPherson property were afterwards supplemented by a legacy from Mr. -Thomas Colson in 1805. - -In the back part of the room in which this male charity school was kept -are to be found three tablets of marble let into the brick wall, in good -preservation, with these inscriptions: - - "In memory of Mr. Archibald McPherson. He bequeathed his property to - the trustees of this town for the education of the poor. By an act of - the Legislature the funds were transferred to this institution as best - fulfilling the testator's charitable design. Died A. D. 1754; age 49." - - "In memory of Thomas Colson, Esq., who, by his last will and - testament, contributed largely to the permanent funds of this school. - His benevolence claims the gratitude of the poor, and the respect of - all. Died A. D. 1805." - - "In memory of Major Benjamin Day, one of the founders of this - institution and its first president. This office he filled for - twenty-six years with zeal and fidelity. As an humble tribute to his - philanthropic services this simple monument is erected. Died A. D. - 1821; age 69." - -On Major Day's tombstone, in the burial ground of Fredericksburg Masonic -Lodge, in reference to this school, is found these words: "The Male -Charity School of Fredericksburg is chiefly indebted to him for its origin -in 1795, and for its prosperity to his unremitted attention in the -principal management of its concerns, over which he presided until the -time of his death." - -These tablets and tombstones furnish a history of this school that can be -had nowhere else, and their transcription here will, it is hoped, enshrine -the memories of these charitable men for their munificence to the poor of -the town in the hearts of the present generation and indelibly impress -upon their minds the solemn, but oft unheeded, words of the Master, "ye -have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them -good." Mr. George W. Rothrock conducted this male school as teacher for -many years, but upon his death, before the Civil war, it was closed and -has never been resumed. - -A reference to other schools of Fredericksburg, some contemporary with the -Male Charity School and the Federal Hill Female College, and others of a -later date, will no doubt be of interest to the numerous descendants of -those who were educated in them, and will recall to many of our older -citizens pleasant memories of their youthful days, as well as the labor -over "tare and tret, which made them mad and sweat." - -Among these was the excellent female school taught by Rev. Samuel Wilson, -in which many of the most accomplished ladies in Fredericksburg received -their early education. Mr. Wilson was succeeded by Miss Mary Ralls, who -was assisted by Mr. Herard, whom she afterwards married.[68] Mr. Herard -was a Frenchman, and although he could not speak English, taught writing -and French in the school. Here commenced the education of a large number -of girls and boys, who were afterwards well known in the social circle and -business pursuits of Fredericksburg and of many other parts of the -country, and some of them are to-day honored citizens of the town. - -The school kept by Mr. John Goolrick, in the small, brick building on the -lower end of Main street, now occupied by Mr. W. Snowden Hitt, was famous -in its day, and in that school were educated some of our substantial -business men and accomplished women. He was assisted in his school by his -son, George, who was an accomplished teacher and cultured gentleman. -George Goolrick succeeded his father in the conduct of the school and -continued it for many years. - -Mr. Thomas H. Hanson, who came to Fredericksburg from Georgetown, D. C., -was principal of the Fredericksburg Male Academy. He was a fine classical -scholar and his school enjoyed a wide-spread reputation as a classical -school. He taught in the north wing of the City Hall, and for several -years on Prince Edward street, above Amelia, in a brick building, where -the residences of Misses Hay and Misses Wissner now stand. The building -was torn down several years ago, when residences were built. Some few of -his pupils are now living. One died a short time ago, at a ripe old age, -with the honorary LL. D. attached to his name. - -Rev. George W. McPhail conducted a school for some years on the west side -of Main street, just above Commerce. The house was a large, frame -building, with a store on the ground floor and school-room above. It was -destroyed at the shelling of the town in December, 1862. Mr. McPhail's -first school-room was located on George street west of the Presbyterian -church, but, it being too small to accommodate his pupils, he moved to -Main street. - -Messrs. Powell and Morrison, for many years, conducted a school for girls -in Citizens' Hall, which stood on Princess Ann street where the Catholic -parsonage now stands. It was known as the Fredericksburg Institute, and -was one of the best schools of that day. It was moved to Richmond and is -now conducted by members of Mr. Powell's family. - -Professor Richard Sterling conducted a school for boys in the old -Colonnade building on Princess Ann street, opposite the courthouse, long -before the war. He was succeeded by Mr. J. J. Halsey. The building was -partially destroyed by fire during the Civil war, and finally, in 1880, -was removed to give place to the Presbyterian Memorial chapel. - -For a number of years a school for girls was conducted by Mrs. John P. -Little, first at her residence, on Princess Ann street, and then for some -time at Federal Hill and at the Union House, which is now used for the -public schools. She was assisted in her school by an accomplished French -teacher by the name of Guillet. - -More than half a century ago Misses Ann and Mary Drinnan conducted a -flourishing school for girls on Charles street, above Lewis, where the -Misses Goodwin now live, and Mrs. Mary Hackley conducted a large boarding -school over the store now occupied by Mr. Thomas N. Brent. For several -years before the war Rev. Wm. F. Broaddus, D. D., taught a school for -young ladies in the basement of the Baptist church. These schools were all -of a high order and fully sustained the reputation of Fredericksburg as a -town possessing the most enlarged educational advantages. Besides the -schools above referred to, schools for boys were taught by Richard Stern, -Mr. Hudson, Mr. Jamison, Stephen A. Boardman, James G. Read, Edward Henry, -Mr. Tchudi, Buckner & Henry, Buckner & Temple, Chas. E. Tackett, Thomas -Moncure, H. W. Rhinehart, Mrs. Judith Anstice, Mrs. A. L. Magrath, Maria -Woodruff, Miss Willie Schooler and others. - -After the war Judge Richard H. Coleman taught a high school for boys at -Kenmore, and Colonel W. Winston Fontaine taught a high school for girls on -the south corner of Main and Frederick streets, and Professor Volley M. -Johnson conducted a similar school at the Union House. When Judge Coleman -moved his school to Guiney's in Caroline county, Messrs. Cuthbert Buckner -and Charles W. Temple opened a school of the same grade. They were -succeeded by Messrs. Cuthbert Buckner and Wm. Caruthers, and they by -Messrs. Charles E. Tackett, James W. Ford and Wm. B. Marye, who added a -military feature to the school, which made it quite popular. These schools -were located on Prince Edward street in a one-story brick house, known as -the Academy, where the Misses Hay have recently erected a modern -residence. - -After Colonel Fontaine moved South a high school for young ladies was -opened by Mr. Wm. Caruthers in the Presbyterian Asylum, known now as -Smithsonia, assisted by his sisters, Mrs. Davis and Miss Caruthers. He was -succeeded by Mrs. Wm. A. Campbell and daughter, two excellent teachers, -but the school did not appear to prosper and was finally closed. In -addition to these schools of high grade there were many excellent primary -schools for girls and boys, which succeeded well until the public free -schools were opened, which became popular because of their graded system -and the thoroughness of their instruction. Since then most of the private -schools have been abandoned, yet some few are yet conducted and are doing -well. - - -THE ASSEMBLY'S HOME AND SCHOOL. - -The Assembly's Home and School was founded by Rev. A. P. Saunders, D. D., -then pastor of the Presbyterian church in Fredericksburg, in 1893. It was -incorporated by an act of the Virginia Legislature December 16, 1893. It -consisted originally of a home designed for the maintenance and education -of the orphans of deceased Presbyterian ministers and missionaries, and -also of a college. The latter was intended as a place for the education of -these orphans and also for the youth of other denominations. - -The General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, each year, commended the -institution to the confidence of the churches within its bounds, and by -their contributions the Home was maintained. The college for some time was -supported partly by contributions from the churches, but more largely by -the pay students attending the school from home and abroad. - -In the year 1897 the General Assembly of the church separated the college -from the Home and ordered the sale of the college and all the property -belonging to it. The city of Fredericksburg recognizing the value of such -an institution in its midst, had subscribed ten thousand dollars of bonds, -the interest on which was to pay for ten annual scholarships in the -college, the scholars being selected from the highest grade of the public -schools of the town. - -This arrangement continued until 1898, when the college and property were -sold and the ten thousand dollars of bonds were returned to the city -authorities and cancelled. The property was purchased by Rev. F. P. -Ramsay, who conducted the college for two years, the city continuing its -patronage of ten scholarships, paying the tuition in money. - -In the year 1900 Mr. Ramsay sold the college and property to Rev. John W. -Rosebro, who had just become pastor of the Presbyterian church in -Fredericksburg. He is a gentleman of rare ability, and, with his corps of -able assistants, is making the college worthy of the confidence and -support of the public. A bright and prosperous future is predicted for the -institution under the management of this scholarly gentleman. - -The Assembly Home is still in operation, supported by the denomination, -and holds a strong place in the affections of the Presbyterian church. It -is now under the management of Professor Samuel W. Somerville. - - -THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. - -The public schools were established in Fredericksburg, under what is known -as the Underwood Constitution, in 1870. For several years they were not -well patronized, principally from the fact that the system was not popular -with the people. When the system was first put in operation in town the -schools were kept at private houses, because the city had no public school -houses and was then unable to build them, and as the appropriations for -school purposes were small the sessions were held only for five or six -months in the year. The teachers, in a majority of cases, were selected -more because of their need of the salary than because of their ability and -fitness to teach. - -In the year 1876 the schools were graded, and the funds received from the -city and State were largely supplemented from the Peabody fund, which -enabled the school board to adopt a ten months' session. By this -arrangement the efficiency of the schools was greatly promoted; they grew -in public favor, the citizens patronized them, and soon they became so -large and popular the town was compelled to provide larger buildings for -the accommodation of the pupils. To accommodate this large increase of -attendance a commodious two-story brick building was erected on the north -corner of Princess Ann and Wolfe streets for the colored schools, -sufficiently large to accommodate four schools, and the Union House, a -three-story brick building on the north corner of Main and Lewis streets, -was purchased for the white schools and converted into a building capable -of accommodating six schools. - -In addition to the schools held at the Union House there are two schools -for the first primary grades, one held in the forenoon and the other in -the afternoon, under one teacher, and were kept in the south wing of the -courthouse until two years ago, when they were moved to the Union House -and other grades removed to the courthouse. The grammar grade of the -colored schools is taught at Samaritan Hall, on Douglas street. These -schools have an efficient corps of teachers and the instruction is as -thorough as is found in any of the schools of the State. - -There are ten grades in the white schools--seven in the primary department -and three in the grammar department. There are six grades in the colored -schools--five in the primary department and one in the grammar department. -The town is divided into two school districts, the Upper and the Lower, -George street being the dividing line. There are three trustees from each -school district, the six members constituting the school board of the -town. - -There have been four superintendents of schools since the inauguration of -the free school system in 1870, who have served in the following order: -Mr. John Howison, General Daniel Ruggles, Mr. Edgar M. Crutchfield and Mr. -Benjamin P. Willis. All of these gentlemen have passed away except Mr. -Willis, who is now serving as superintendent. The school board has had but -four presidents since its organization, thirty-eight years ago, who -served in the following order: John James Young, Captain Joseph W. Sener, -Wm. H. Cunningham and Andrew B. Bowering. Only one is now living--A. B. -Bowering, who is serving at present. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - - _The Churches of Fredericksburg._ - - -If the morals and correct lives of the people of a town are to be judged -by the number of churches within its borders, giving due consideration to -the number of inhabitants, the people of Fredericksburg would be rated -with the best. One of the first things that received the attention of the -founders of the town, under the charter granted by the House of Burgesses -in 1727, was the building of a house of worship and its dedication to the -service of the Almighty, and since that time Fredericksburg has been -blessed with regular divine services. And as the inhabitants of the town -increased in numbers, and the little building became too small to -accommodate all who would wish to attend upon the House of the Lord, the -authorities were not too much engrossed with money-making and -money-getting to enlarge the church and provide for the spiritual comfort -and necessities of the increasing population. So the church building was -enlarged time and again as the growth of the town demanded it. - -Up to the first of the nineteenth century the only denomination holding -regular services in town was the Episcopalians, as that was the only -denomination that had a house of worship, but in the early part of that -century other denominations organized churches in town, built houses of -worship and have continued to occupy them to the present. Since then -Fredericksburg has not been without a sufficient number of churches for -the accommodation of her entire church-going population. There are at -present eleven church buildings in town--seven for the whites and four for -the colored people. The seating capacity of the white church buildings is -about three thousand and that of the colored churches about one thousand -five hundred, making the total seating capacity of the churches of -Fredericksburg about four thousand five hundred, being ample accommodation -for the church-going population, both white and colored. - -[Illustration: Jackson Monument. Erected where he was mortally wounded May -2, 1863. (See page 96)] - - -ST. GEORGE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - -The history of the Episcopal church in Fredericksburg is of peculiar -interest to the people of the town because of its antiquity and because of -its intimate connection with the history and affairs of the town. In the -year 1732, seven years after the town was laid out and named, the first -church building was erected in Fredericksburg.[69] It was in St. George's -parish, which embraced the whole of Spotsylvania county, which then -contained all the territory west, as far as it was or might be settled by -the whites. A church building had previously been erected in the county, -on the Po river, for the accommodation of the people of the county. This -church is said to have been located on the Catharpin road, on the top of -the hill west of Mine run, on the south side of the road, where the Yellow -church was afterwards built by the Baptists and which was destroyed some -years ago. This stream is not the Po, but one of its tributaries and may -then have been called the Po. - -The first pastor the Fredericksburg church had after the completion of its -building was Rev. Patrick Henry, uncle of the great orator and statesman -of that name. He served the church for two years, and in 1735 was -succeeded by Rev. James Marye,[70] of Goochland county, who died as rector -of the church in 1769, having served it faithfully for thirty-four years. -Rev. James Marye was succeeded in the rectorship by his son, Rev. James -Marye, Jr., who was rector for eleven years. From 1780, when the second -James Marye closed his labors, to 1813 the church had many rectors, but -their stay was of short duration. - -In the year 1787 the Common Council, through a committee of its members, -repaired and enlarged the church building by adding another wing, (one -having been previously constructed, mentioned elsewhere,) which made the -building a cross in shape. The cost for this work amounted to four hundred -and six pounds, a part of which was raised by the committee by an appeal -to the private citizens for donations, because of the depleted condition -of the city treasury. In the same year the Council prepared and adopted a -petition to the Legislature of Virginia, praying for a division of St. -George's parish and for vesting "the property of the old church and the -new burying ground in Fredericksburg in the corporation of said town." - -Mr. James Monroe,[71] who was a member of the Council and a vestryman of -St. George's church, (who was afterwards a member of the Legislature, a -Representative in Congress, a United States Senator, twice Governor of -Virginia, twice Minister to France, twice Minister to England, Minister to -Spain, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, two terms President of the -United States, Presiding Justice of Loudoun county and Visitor of the -University of Virginia,) was appointed chairman of the committee to -present the petition and secure the desired action of the Legislature. If -any report was ever made by Mr. Monroe, neither it nor any reference to it -can be found. It is quite likely that the law separating church and State, -which was passed that year, made it unnecessary. - -As has been stated, that after the death of the younger Marye, for more -than thirty years the pastorates of the church were short and -unsatisfactory. The cause for this state of things has not been recorded -and conjecture is needless. In 1813 Edward C. McGuire, of Winchester, -Virginia, came to the church as lay reader, being highly recommended by -Rev. Wm. Meade (who afterwards became bishop of the diocese) as a young -man of character and piety. Mr. McGuire was soon ordained and became -rector of the church, serving it with great acceptance and success to the -day of his death, in 1858, a period of forty-five years.[72] - -Mr. McGuire was greatly beloved by all classes of persons, his ministerial -labors were signally blessed, and the number of communicants was largely -increased. From the death of Mr. McGuire to the present the church has -had several rectors, who did good work and who greatly endeared themselves -to the congregation and people of the town. These pastors served in the -following order: Rev. A. M. Randolph, D. D., now bishop of the Southern -Diocese of Virginia; Rev. Magruder Maury, Rev. Edward C. Murdaugh, Rev. -Robert J. McBryde, Rev. J. K. Mason, Rev. Wm. M. Clarke, Rev. Wm. D. Smith -and Rev. Dr. Robert J. McBryde, a second time, who is the present rector. -During a portion of the time that Dr. Murdaugh was rector he had as his -assistant Rev. Arthur S. Johns, a son of the late Bishop Johns. St. -George's church has a flourishing Sunday school, of which Dr. M. C. Hall -was superintendent for thirty-eight years, his duties closing at his -death. This long service as an officer of St. George's church has been -exceeded only by one rector, Rev. Edward C. McGuire, and one vestryman and -senior warden, Reuben T. Thom, Esq.[73] - -There have been three buildings erected on the ground where the present -house of worship stands. The first one was built in 1732, and was an -oblong, frame building. As the inhabitants of the town increased an -addition was built on one side, and in 1787 another addition was -constructed, rendered necessary by a further increase of the population -and larger congregations. By the year 1814 the old building seems to have -become so old and dilapidated that a new house was thought necessary, and -therefore the old one, which had stood for over three-quarters of a -century, was torn down and a new one was erected in its stead. An aged -citizen, some forty years ago, describing this first building, said: "It -was cruciform in shape, with steeple and bell, capable of holding large -congregations. In each projection of the cross there was a small gallery; -one contained the organ, the others two pews each. It was a frame -building, painted yellow. The pulpit was at one of the angles of the -cross, highly elevated, with reading desk, and clerk's desk in front -below. A clerk, in his desk, generally responded to the minister in the -service, while the people were silent."[74] - -The second house was made of brick, but, like the former one, was not -large enough to hold the growing congregation. The work was commenced in -1814, the corner stone having been laid that year, with imposing -ceremonies. It was completed in the following year, and was reported to -the Council in 1816 by Bishop Moore, who stated to that body that he had -consecrated a handsome, brick edifice in Fredericksburg and confirmed -sixty persons. - -In the short space of thirty-three years it was found that this new, brick -house was too small, and so, in 1849, it was removed and the present brick -building was erected, which is one of the handsomest church edifices in -the State, outside of the large cities. While this house was in the course -of erection the church worshipped in the old Methodist church, just back -of the park, which was destroyed by fire about 1852. The new church was -consecrated and occupied in the Fall of 1849. A few years after its -completion it was very much damaged by fire, but it was at once repaired -and restored to its former beauty. - - -TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - -Trinity Episcopal church, composed of members who withdrew from St. -George's church, and organized with Rev. Dr. E. C. Murdaugh as rector, -worshipped for some time in the courthouse, and afterwards in the -Hanover-street Methodist church, which had not been used for religious -services since the Civil war.[75] With commendable zeal this new -congregation went to work, purchased a lot on the south corner of Prince -Edward and Hanover streets and erected a handsome house of worship, which -in due time was consecrated to the service of the Lord. The change for the -purposes for which this ground was used was indeed radical; it was from -theatrical to church purposes. It is said that after the Revolutionary war -this lot had on it a large frame house, which was at first intended for -an extensive stable, but was converted into a hall for theatrical -purposes. Theatrical companies visiting town would sometimes remain for a -week exhibiting every night to large audiences of the elite of the town. - -The first rector of Trinity church was Dr. Edward C. Murdaugh, who was -succeeded by Rev. J. Green Shackelford, Rev. John S. Gibson, Rev. J. S. -Gray, Rev. Edwin Green, Rev. W. V. Reaney and Dr. H. H. Barber, who is now -serving the church. Some few years ago the congregation erected a -beautiful and commodious rectory near the church building, which adds much -to the comfort and convenience of the pastor. - - -THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. - -The Presbyterian church in Fredericksburg was constituted in the early -part of the nineteenth century. In the year 1806 Rev. Samuel B. -Wilson,[76] a young minister of that denomination, came to town. At that -time there were but two Presbyterians in the place. As St. George's -church, which had the only house of worship in town, was without a pastor, -Mr. Wilson was invited to preach in that church. This invitation was -gladly accepted, and for some time he preached in St. George's church, -large congregations attending the services. In a few years Mr. Wilson -succeeded in getting together a sufficient number of Presbyterians to -organize a church, and a house of worship was erected in 1810 on the lot -where the asylum (at present known as Smithsonia) now stands on Amelia -street. - -This house was occupied until the present brick building on George street -was erected, which was in 1833, and was dedicated on the 26th of July of -that year. The old church on Amelia street stood back several yards from -the sidewalk and was approached through a gate, near which the bell was -suspended on a cross-beam erected on two uprights. In the gallery of the -church, where the choir was seated, a large brass ball was arranged on -the principle of a metronome, which marked the time for the singers. Some -years after the house on George street was built a comfortable manse was -erected on the same street, near the church, for the pastor. - -In 1880 the "Memorial Chapel" was erected just in rear of the present -church building, fronting on Princess Ann street and neatly fitted out by -Mr. Seth B. French, a Fredericksburg man, then residing in New York city, -as a memorial to his daughter Margaretta, who died just as she was -entering into womanhood; upon the death of his wife, a few years -afterwards, who was the daughter of Judge John M. Herndon, he placed a -very beautiful and costly window in the east end of the building as a -memorial of her. This house is built of granite, quarried on the old -Landram farm, two miles west of Fredericksburg, and is of a superior -quality. The Presbyterian house of worship, like other houses of worship -in town, was dismantled during the Wilderness campaign in 1864 and used by -the Federal authorities as a hospital. After the war the Presbyterians had -no bell and their church had been sacked by Federal soldiers. - -In connection with this condition of things an amusing incident occurred, -which was related to us by the perpetrator of the joke, and which is too -good to be lost. Just after the war, when the different church buildings -had been repaired and fitted up for occupation by the respective -congregations, Mr. James McGuire, a prominent member of the Presbyterian -church, met Mr. Reuben T. Thom, senior warden of St. George's church, on -the corner of the street near the Presbyterian church, St. George's being -on the diagonal corner. They engaged in conversation, during which Mr. -McGuire appeared to be very much troubled because all the other churches -had bells to call their congregations together while the Presbyterians had -none. Mr. Thom, kind hearted as he was, sympathized with them very much -and undertook to console Mr. McGuire. Seeing Mr. Thom was very much -concerned, and casting his eyes up towards St. George's bell, just across -the street, his countenance brightening up as if a new idea had struck -him, queried: "Well, Mr. Thom, won't you let the Presbyterians come to -church by St. George's bell?" Mr. Thom, being anxious to accommodate the -Presbyterians, but feeling that he was not authorized to decide the -matter, replied: "Eh, eh, I have no objection myself, Jimmie, but, but I -will lay the matter before the vestry, and will inform you of its action!" - -Mr. Wilson served the church as pastor until 1841, when he resigned to -accept a professorship in the Union Theological Seminary, then at -Hampden-Sidney, in Prince Edward county, Virginia. He was succeeded by -Rev. George W. McPhail, D. D., and Rev. A. A. Hodge, D. D. Rev. B. T. Lacy -supplied the pulpit for some time prior to the Civil war, but was never -the regular pastor of the church. The church has had the following pastors -since the war: Rev. Thomas W. Gilmer,[77] Rev. James P. Smith, D. D., Rev. -A. P. Saunders, D. D., Rev. Benjamin W. Mebane, D. D., Rev. John W. -Rosebro, D. D., and Rev. J. H. Henderlite, who is now serving the church. -Governor John L. Marye was a ruling elder of this church for more than -forty-seven years, giving faithful and efficient service. - - -THE BAPTIST CHURCH. - -The Baptists came into notice as early as the year 1768, when John Waller, -Lewis Craig and James Chiles, three zealous Baptist ministers, were seized -by the sheriff of Spotsylvania county, carried before three magistrates in -the yard of the church building, on the charge of "preaching the gospel -contrary to law." They were ordered to jail in Fredericksburg, and, while -in jail, preached through the iron gratings of the windows and door to -large crowds, who assembled to see and hear them.[78] It is said as they -marched through the streets of the town to jail, in the custody of the -officers of the law, followed by a large, noisy crowd jeering at them, -they sang that old hymn by Watts, to the tune of Wyndham: - - "Broad is the road that leads to death. - And thousands walk together there; - But wisdom shows a narrow way, - With here and there a traveller." - -And as the sweet, solemn notes fell upon the ears of the curious crowd the -jeering ceased, and before the hymn was concluded many persons were melted -to tears. - -The Baptist church of Fredericksburg was organized by Rev. Andrew -Broaddus, Sr., the great orator of King and Queen county and later of -Caroline county, in the year 1804, who for several years was its pastor. -In 1810 Rev. Robert Baylor Semple, in preparing his "History of Virginia -Baptists," says of the Fredericksburg church: "They have no resident -pastor, but are supplied by Mr. A. Broaddus, who attends them monthly. If -there is any objection to Mr. Broaddus's ministry in this city it is that -he is too popular with the irreligious. It may be said of him as was said -of Ezekiel: 'Lo! thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath -a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy -words, but they do them not.' This remark by no means applies to the -church, for, although they hear with much pleasure, they practise with -more. It is a young and rising church." - -The first house of worship erected in town by the Baptists was a small, -frame structure built on the ground now occupied by the Richmond, -Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Company as a depot, but before many -years had passed the congregation had so increased in size the small -building was found to be inadequate and a large, brick building was -erected on Water street, where Shiloh church, old site, now stands, and -for thirty years or more the church worshipped in that building. - -Under the preaching of able and faithful pastors the membership rapidly -increased and the congregations became larger, and by the middle of the -century the house on Water street was found to be too small to accommodate -the increasing attendance. In the year 1854 the present large and -commodious brick building was erected on Princess Ann street, mainly -through the efforts of Rev. Wm. F. Broaddus,[79] the pastor, J. B. -Benwick, Jr., architect, notwithstanding on a tablet in the front of the -church that work is credited to another. - -The new house, with a large addition to it about twelve years ago, has -proved ample for the church and congregation to the present. Rev. Andrew -Broaddus, the first pastor, was succeeded by the following ministers: Rev. -Robert B. Semple, Rev. Carter Braxton, Rev. Mr. James, Rev. John Teasdale, -Rev. John M. Waddey, Rev. George F. Adams, Rev. S. C. Smith, Rev. Wm. F. -Broaddus, D. D., Rev. Wm. H. Williams, Rev. Thomas S. Dunaway, D. D., Rev. -Jacob S. Dill, D. D., and Rev. R. Aubrey Williams, who is now serving the -church. Dr. Dunaway's pastorate covered a period of thirty-two years, -during which he greatly endeared himself to the church and people of the -town, and was eminently successful in winning souls and building up the -church. The Baptist church has a large and flourishing Sunday school -connected with it that has had but four superintendents for sixty-three -years. George W. Garnett[80] was superintendent for thirty and Prof. A. B. -Bowering served nearly twenty-three years, S. J. Quinn ten, and B. P. -Willis, having just been elected, has entered upon the work. - - -THE METHODIST CHURCH. - -The Methodists, who, for a number of years, were designated as a society, -held services in Fredericksburg as early as 1786. For a number of years -they held meetings from house to house, and were very active workers. It -is not known when the first church or society was formed, or by whom it -was organized, but it is known that persons united with that denomination -before the dawn of the nineteenth century, and that Father Kobler -commenced his ministry here as a local preacher in the year 1789, and -continued his labors as such for over half a century. Therefore it may be -concluded that the first organization of that denomination in -Fredericksburg held its meetings in private houses for more than thirty -years. - -The first house of worship built by the Methodists in town, that we have -any record or tradition of, was erected in 1822, on the lot in rear of -Hurkamp park, fronting on George street, and occupied by Colonel E. D. -Cole as a stable and lumber yard. It was then outside of the city limits -and was known as Liberty Town. It was a small frame building and was -occupied until 1841, when the old church on Hanover street was finished. -The services were then held in the new house and the old frame church -building was turned over to the colored Methodists, who occupied it for -some time. It was destroyed by fire about 1852. - -Some years after occupying the church building on Hanover street, the -question of slavery, which had been so vigorously discussed by the -denomination North and South, was the theme of discussion in the church at -Fredericksburg. The feeling became strong between the parties and -increased in intensity until it resulted in a split in the church. One -division was known as the Northern Methodist, as its members opposed -slavery, while the other division was known as the Southern Methodist, its -members favoring slavery. When the difference became so marked and the -feeling so bitter, that the parties could not longer worship together, the -Southern Methodists withdrew, and held services in the second story of the -town hall for some time. The Northern wing remained in the Hanover street -house until the beginning of the Civil war. - -In the year 1852 the southern division of the church erected a handsome -brick building on the south corner of George and Charles streets, where -Mr. P. V. D. Conway's residence now stands, in which they worshipped until -the war came on, when the sessions of the church were almost suspended. -Since the Civil war the two churches united and occupied the George-street -church until about the year 1879, when the old building on Hanover street -was torn down and a house of modern architecture erected in its place. -Since that time the new church has been occupied and the George-street -building was sold. About fifteen years ago an addition was built in rear -of the church for the accommodation of the Sunday school. The church also -has a parsonage on the same street, which was donated to it by Rev. John -Kobler. - -[Illustration: "Kenmore," Mansion of Col. Fielding Lewis, who married -Betty Washington; now residence of Councilman Clarance R. Howard. (See -page 155)] - -[Illustration: "Union House," where Gen. Lafayette was entertained in 1824 -by his friend, Mr. Ross. (See page 144)] - -In 1843 Rev. John Kobler, widely known as Father Kobler, a citizen of the -town, a venerable local preacher of the Methodist church, distinguished -for his piety and ability and greatly beloved by all who knew him, died -and was buried beneath the pulpit of the Hanover-street church. Prior to -his death he wrote his "farewell to the world," which he requested should -be read as a part of his funeral service, which was done. The farewell is -almost as long as a sermon and is "the very perfume of piety and Christian -assurance." 1st. He bids farewell to the ministry of the gospel and all -the ordinances of the church of God. 2nd. He bids farewell to the church -in her militant state. 3rd. He bids farewell to the communion of saints. -4th. He bids farewell to prayer. 5th. He bids a final and hearty adieu to -temptation and to every species of the Christian warfare. 6th and lastly. -He bids farewell to his Bible. This history of him is given on the first -page of the pamphlet: "John Kobler was born 29th of August, 1768; joined -the Methodist Episcopal church 6th of December, 1786; was converted 24th -of December, 1787; commenced his itinerating ministry 3rd of October, -1789; and died with glory on his lips, July 26th, 1843." - -Some ten or twelve years after the death of Father Kobler his devoted and -saintly wife followed him to the glory land and she was interred by the -side of her husband. When the old building was torn down and the new one -erected the sacred dust of these two sleeping saints was left undisturbed, -and so under the pulpit of the new church their mortal remains still -repose. The present pastor of the church is Rev. W. L. Dolly, a faithful -and zealous servant of the Lord. - - -THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. - -About the year 1832 the religious movement, in which Alexander Campbell -was the leader, began in Fredericksburg. A number of citizens, adopting -the views held by Mr. Campbell, were organized into a Christian or -Disciples church. With commendable energy and zeal they went to work, -purchased a lot and erected quite a comfortable church building on Main -street, between Amelia and Lewis streets. The church prospered until the -breaking out of the Civil war, when, like those of the other churches, -its members were scattered and church services were suspended. - -Several efforts have been made since the war to reorganize the church, but -they were unsuccessful until 1897, when Rev. Mr. Rutledge preached here -for some days, got the members together and the church was organized. The -old building has been remodelled and modernized and is now occupied by the -congregation. After the church was reorganized Rev. Cephas Shelburne was -called as pastor, and by his energetic labors the membership was very much -increased. Mr. Shelburne was succeeded by Rev. F. S. Forrer and he by Rev. -I. L. Chestnutt. The church now has no pastor. - - -ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. - -The Roman Catholics had no church organization in town until the year -1859. In 1856 Bishop McGill visited Fredericksburg and preached a sermon -of great ability and spiritual power, and under his influence a nucleus -was formed, out of which the church was organized three years afterwards. -The newly organized church went earnestly to work at once to build a house -of worship, and from amounts subscribed by the members and friends in -town, and the assistance they received from abroad, a neat and comfortable -brick building was erected on Princess Ann street, between Charlotte and -Hanover. A frame parsonage was purchased some years afterwards just below -the church building, which was destroyed by fire about the year 1875, -after which the present brick parsonage was erected. - -The church at different periods has been visited by Bishop Gibbons, now -Cardinal, and Bishop Keene, by whom it was greatly strengthened. It has -had for pastors since its organization Rev. Fathers Hagan, Donnelson, -O'Farrell, Sears, Brady, Becker, Tiernan, Donahoe, Wilson, Kennefick, -Demunych and Coleman. Rev. Father Perrig is pastor at this time. - - -THE COLORED BAPTIST CHURCHES. - -In 1854, when the white Baptists occupied their new house of worship on -Princess Ann street, they turned over to the colored Baptists their old -house on Water street. Prior to that the white and colored members -worshipped together in the same building. Separated to themselves, but -under the care of the white Baptist church, the colored people had Rev. -George Rowe to preach for them, which he continued to do, with success, -until the Civil war came on. - -After the war closed the colored people, being free to act for themselves, -formed separate churches and selected pastors of their own color. The -colored Baptists of the town formed a church, under the name of Shiloh, -and called Rev. George L. Dixon to the pastorate. His pastoral care of the -church continued for several years, when he was succeeded by Rev. L. G. -Walden and he by Rev. Willis M. Robinson. - -In 1887 the church building collapsed and a division of sentiment arose -among the members as to where they should rebuild, which resulted in a -division of the church and congregation and the erection of another church -building. A majority of the members of the church wanted to rebuild on the -old site, but a large minority preferred to sell the old site and build on -Princess Ann street, near the railroad depot. The contention was sharp, -the feeling was intense, satisfactory terms of separation could not be -agreed upon, and finally the controversy was carried into the circuit -court. - -Judge Wm. S. Barton, who was judge of the circuit court, advised a -compromise, which was accepted by the parties, and a division of the -church and property was the result. But then another perplexing question -arose that promised to give trouble. Both parties strenuously contended -for the old name, Shiloh, and no other name it appeared would satisfy -either division. The wishes of both parties, however, were happily met -when some one suggested that the Water-street party should be known as -Shiloh Old Site and the Princess Ann party as Shiloh New Site. This -proposition was agreed to, the separation took place peaceably and both -parties proceeded to build substantial and commodious brick houses, which -are a credit to the colored people of the town. - -Rev. Willis Robinson, who was pastor of the old church Shiloh, went with -Shiloh New Site and became its pastor. Shiloh Old Site extended a call to -Rev. James E. Brown to become its pastor, which he accepted, and served -the church for several years. For some time after the old church building -became unsafe for occupancy the colored people worshipped in the -courthouse. - -In the year 1879 several members withdrew from old Shiloh church and -organized under the name of the Second Baptist church. They erected a -small, but neat, frame church building on Winchester street, near Amelia, -and asked for the ordination of Albert Ray, whom they had selected as -pastor. A few months later he was duly ordained, entered upon the -pastorate of the church and continued as such until disabled by rheumatism -in 1902. - -Rev. Albert Ray's church was sold a few years ago and went into possession -of a new religious sect. The pastor is Rev. Roland Burgess and the sect is -known as "The Church of God and the Saints of the Lord Jesus Christ." The -church has made but little progress up to this time. - -In 1903 Shiloh New Site had a split on the question of pastor, when a -large number of the membership withdrew and erected a frame building on -Wolfe street, called Rev. Willis M. Robinson as their pastor, which -organization is known as Robinson's church. - -At present Shiloh Old Site has for its pastor Rev. John A. Brown and -Shiloh New Site has Rev. W. L. Ransom. Both churches are in a thriving -condition, with large Sunday schools, and both pastors are educated and -fully qualified to lead and instruct their race. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - - _Charitable and Benevolent Societies--The Mary Washington - Hospital--Newspapers and Periodicals--Political Excitement--Strong - Resolutions Condemning the Administration of John Adams--An Address - Approving the President's Foreign Policy--The Names of Those who - Signed the Address, &c._ - - -Next in importance to the churches in a community, dedicated to the -service of God, come the charitable and benevolent societies and -institutions. The former show the state of religion among the people, or -their relations to their Maker, while the latter is an evidence of that -fraternal feeling existing from one to another which binds all the members -in one common cause for humanity. And as Fredericksburg is not wanting in -her church privileges and accommodations, so she is not deficient in the -number of her charitable and benevolent societies. The oldest of these -societies is the Masonic institution. - -Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, was -organized on the first day of September, 1752. Under what authority it was -organized is not positively known, and therefore three authorities are -suggested. The first source of authority claimed is that of Thomas Oxnard, -Grand Master of St. John's Lodge, of Massachusetts and "Provincial Grand -Master of all of North America." A second claim is made that the Masons in -the community organized themselves into a lodge and continued as a -self-constituted body until a charter was obtained from Scotland. This -could hardly have been true. The third claim is, and it is believed by the -best authorities to be the original source of authority, that a -dispensation was obtained from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and this was -the authority by which the lodge was held until it was regularly chartered -by said Grand Lodge. The lodge held its meetings under the authority of -this dispensation for six years, and made Masons, among others, of George -Washington, George Weedon, Hugh Mercer, Wm. Woodford, Thomas Posey, -Gustavus B. Wallace, all of whom became general officers and did -distinguished service in the Revolutionary war. - -In the year 1758 Daniel Campbell, for several years master of the lodge, -visited Scotland, and, at the request of the lodge, applied for and -obtained a charter for the lodge from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, which -was dated July 21, 1758, and designated the organization "The Lodge at -Fredericks-Burg," Virginia. Possessed with this charter the lodge -concluded it had the authority to charter other lodges, and exercised that -authority in chartering one at Falmouth, Va., and one at Gloucester -Courthouse, Va. The latter soon obtained a charter from England and the -former from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. In 1775 the Fredericksburg Lodge -united with four other lodges in the State and organized the Grand Lodge -of Virginia, and received a charter from that Grand Body, dated January -30, 1787, under the name and title of Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4. The -lodge is holding its authority now under the Virginia Grand Lodge charter, -but still has in its possession the old Scotch charter, which is well -preserved. The original dispensation has disappeared and was probably lost -more than a century ago. - -In the years 1798 and 1799 the town was the seat of frequent and heated -political discussions, and the strong, not to say bitter, feeling was -shared in by the entire population of the town. It was during this -excitement, and because of the bad feeling it engendered, a number of -members of No. 4 Lodge withdrew their membership and organized -Fredericksburg American Lodge, for which a dispensation was granted in -1799 by Gov. Robert Brooke, the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia. In the -following year the lodge was chartered and given the number 63. It -continued to flourish until the breaking out of the Civil war, when it -suspended its meetings and finally became extinct. - -In the bombardment and subsequent sacking of Fredericksburg on the 11th, -12th, 13th, 14th and 15th of December, 1862, by straggling Federal -soldiers, all of the records of the Masonic Lodge were destroyed or -carried away except those from 1752 to 1771, which were taken to Danville, -Va., and preserved by Wm. Ware, Esq., a member of the lodge. - -When No. 4 Lodge first organized its meetings were held in the market -house, or town hall, then on Main street near Market alley, but in 1756 -the time for holding the meetings was changed to "the day before -Spotsylvania county court," which was then held at Germanna, on the -Rapidan river, and the place of meeting was fixed at Charles Julien's, who -lived between Fredericksburg and Germanna. The lodge continued there for -about six years, when it was moved back to the market house to "stay for -all time to come," and continued there from 1762 to 1813, when the -building was torn down preparatory to the erection of the present town -hall and market house. - -When it was decided to remove the old market house the meetings of the -lodge were moved to the "Rising Sun Tavern," the old frame building still -standing on Main street between Fauquier and Hawke streets. In the year -1815 the present Masonic hall was completed, which stands on the corner of -Princess Ann and Hanover streets. The Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge has, at -various periods, embraced in its membership eminent men, including -soldiers, Statesmen, professional men and private citizens. Among the -first two classes mentioned--soldiers and Statesmen--was the father of his -country, George Washington, who, in this historic lodge, received the -first degree in Masonry on November 4, 1752, the second degree on March 3, -1753, and the third degree on August 4, 1753, and continued his membership -in the lodge to the day of his death. The Bible used in these interesting -ceremonies is now in possession of the lodge in a fine state of -preservation. It was printed by John Field, at Cambridge, in the year -1668. It is believed that John Paul Jones, the father of our infant navy, -was also a member of this lodge. - -By an order of the lodge, and by funds to the amount of five thousand -dollars, raised by its exertions, a very beautiful and faithful statue of -Washington, in Masonic regalia, was wrought out of white marble by the -great Virginia artist, Hiram Powers, while he was in Rome, Italy. It was -safely transported to Fredericksburg, but before it could be erected the -war came on. For safe keeping it was sent to Richmond, and there perished -in the terrible conflagration of April 3, 1865. Fredericksburg Lodge, No. -4, has furnished six grand masters to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, as -follows: Judge James Mercer, in 1784; Governor Robert Brooke, in 1785; -Major Benjamin Day, from 1797 to 1800; Hon. Oscar M. Crutchfield, in 1841; -Judge Beverly R. Wellford, Jr., in 1877, and Capt. S. J. Quinn, in 1907. -Fredericksburg American Lodge, No. 63, furnished Hon. John S. Caldwell, in -1856. - -In 1873 Fredericksburg Royal Arch Chapter, No. 23, was organized. This -chapter took the place of Fitzwilson Chapter, that flourished in town some -years before the Civil war, although it did not take the old name or -number. - -In the year 1875 Fredericksburg Commandery, No. 1, of Knights Templar, was -instituted, and has continued to flourish to the present. Some years ago -the various bodies of the Scottish Rite branch of Masonry to the -thirty-second degree, were organized in town of the Cerneau division, but -as the question of legitimacy was raised as to that rite these -organizations were abandoned. The three Masonic bodies, however, that are -now in operation are in a flourishing condition and can confer all the -degrees in ancient York Masonry. - -On the 22nd of December, 1753, a "Royal Arch Lodge" was held in connection -with the Fredericksburg Lodge, Simon Fraser, acting Grand Master. On that -occasion the Royal Arch degree was conferred on Daniel Campbell, Robert -Halkerson and Alexander Wodrow. The proceedings of this meeting were -recorded in the record book of the lodge and are preserved to this day; -and, strange as it may appear, the fact is well established and admitted -by the Masonic historians of England that this is the oldest record, by -nine years, of conferring this degree that has yet been discovered in any -country. The next oldest record is found in York, England, which was made -in 1762. - - -ODD FELLOWS LODGE. - -The first lodge of Odd Fellows organized in Fredericksburg was in the year -1839, and was known as Rappahannock Lodge, No. 14. It continued a working -lodge only about three years. The last report it made to the Grand Lodge -showed a membership of thirty-nine. Its suspension seems to have been -brought about by some unruly, if not unworthy, members who had brought -strife and discord into the lodge. In the year 1847, on the petition of -five members of the old lodge--Wm. Baily, Wm. Smith, George Waite, Wm. T. -Lowery and A. B. Adams--a charter was granted for instituting Myrtle -Lodge, No. 50, and which has continued in active operation to the present. -It has a large membership, composed of our best citizens. The charter of -this lodge was signed by Major J. Harrison Kelly, who then lived in -Charlestown, now West Virginia, and who was Grand Master of the State. In -after years he became a citizen of Fredericksburg and ended his days in -this town. - -The meetings of the lodge were at first held at private houses, and at one -time in Haydon's Hall, on Charlotte street, in rear of Wheeler's livery -stable. After the Civil war the meetings were held in the room immediately -under the Masonic lodge-room, and continued there until about 1892, when -the Odd Fellows, in connection with the Knights of Pythias, erected the -splendid hall on Main street, where they held their meetings for some -years, but, believing it to be to their interest to dispose of their stock -in the new hall, they did so and moved the lodge to the third story of the -Bradford Building. - -In 1903 a second Odd Fellows Lodge was organized under a charter from the -Grand Lodge, known as Acorn Lodge, No. 261. Although young, this lodge has -grown with great rapidity and has a large membership. It was organized in -the Masonic lodge-room, and afterward rented the hall under the said -Masonic lodge, where it now holds its meetings. Among the membership of -these Odd Fellows lodges may be found many of the most substantial and -progressive citizens of the town. - - -THE BENEVOLENT ORDER OF ELKS. - -The Order of Elks now stands as the youngest of the three prominent secret -orders on this continent, and since it came into existence, in 1868, has -shown one of the most phenomenal growths that has ever been recorded for a -similar benevolent order. It has for its teaching Charity, Justice, -Brotherly Love and Fidelity, and for its motto "The faults of our brothers -we write in the sand, and their virtues upon the tablets of love and -memory." Five years ago a few progressive spirits of Fredericksburg, -catching the inspiration the order of Elks taught, met and organized a -lodge of Elks. A lodge was organized on the 23rd of June, 1903, under the -name Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 875, Mr. O. L. Harris being the first -presiding officer. The lodge now has ninety members, C. Ernest Layton -being the present exalted ruler. - -There are also in Fredericksburg a number of other benevolent and -charitable fraternities, whose origin is of a more recent date than the -Masons, Odd Fellows and Elks, under the various names of Knights of -Pythias, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, Senior and Junior Orders of -American Mechanics, Laboring Men's Union, Heptasophs, Maccabees, Sons of -Sobriety--a temperance order which originated in Fredericksburg and was -first organized as a moderate drinking society--Red Men, Knights of the -Golden Horseshoe, Good Samaritans and others, all of which are in a -flourishing condition and are doing a good work in dispensing charity, in -providing cheap life insurance and endeavoring to elevate their fellowmen. - - -THE MARY WASHINGTON HOSPITAL.[81] - -The need of a hospital in Fredericksburg had long been felt, and in -January, 1897, a band of ladies, led by Mrs. W. Seymour White, invited the -physicians and ministers of the city to meet with them and consider the -feasibility of undertaking such a work. The medical fraternity pronounced -it a necessity and the ministers heartily concurred. - -The late Hon. W. Seymour White, at that time Mayor of the city, was deeply -interested in the scheme from the beginning and drew up a charter, -constitution and by-laws. The formal organization was effected in -February, 1897, at a large, general meeting held in the courthouse. Mrs. -W. S. White was elected president; Miss Rebecca Smith, vice-president; -Miss Bertha Strasburger, secretary; Mrs. C. W. Edrington, treasurer. - -[Illustration: Entrance to the Confederate Cemetery at Fredericksburg. -(See page 185)] - -[Illustration: Lodge Room of Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, A. F. & A. M.; -the Lodge that made Washington a Mason. (See page 217)] - -Mrs. White served as president for three terms, when she resigned and her -place was filled by Mrs. Walter C. Stearns. The present officers are Mrs. -Judge John E. Mason, president; Miss Virginia Knox, vice-president; Mrs. -Maurice Hirsh, treasurer, and Mrs. D. C. Bowman, secretary. There is a -board of lady managers and an advisory board of seven gentlemen, of whom -the Mayor of the city is always one. The membership fee is one dollar per -year and there is a large number of names on the roll. - -Immediately after the organization of the institution the city was -thoroughly canvassed and both money and furnishings were contributed -generally by our people, besides by a number of persons living at a -distance. As soon as the amount justified the action, a large and suitable -building lot, situated on the corner of Fauquier and Sophia streets, was -purchased. This lot has a beautiful river view and is directly opposite -Chatham, the old historic place, famous both in colonial and recent -history. - -The one inflexible rule, laid down from the beginning of the work, was -that there should be no debt incurred, and the work of raising the -necessary funds was a tedious undertaking. Every lady appealed to her -friends, and the amount thus collected, together with that realized -through holding bazaars, ice cream festivals, entertainments and lectures, -was carefully deposited until the sum of fourteen hundred dollars was -accumulated, which the ladies thought sufficient to erect a small -building. - -The plan was donated by Mr. George Washington Smith and proved acceptable. -The corner-stone was laid April 14, 1899, this day being chosen to -commemorate George Washington's latest visit to Fredericksburg and his -dying mother. The corner-stone itself is a portion of the old Mary -Washington monument, begun in 1833, and never completed, and was donated -by Mr. John H. Myer. It was laid with imposing Masonic ceremonies by -Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, A. F. and A. M., in which George Washington -was made a Mason, District Deputy Grand Master James P. Corbin presiding, -Rev. F. P. Ramsey, D. D., of Fredericksburg College, making an impressive -address on the occasion. - -The hospital was completed the summer following, and all the money in the -treasury was expended. The house faces the east and is a modest structure, -with a porch in front and an extension on the west end. Two rooms open -upon the entrance hall, one of which is the operating room, the other the -especial room for a single patient. Back of this is a hall, running north -and south, beyond which is the kitchen, matron's room, bath-room and store -rooms; cellar beneath for wood and such articles as can be kept there. In -the extensions are respectively the two large, well-lighted and ventilated -rooms for the men's and women's wards. - -The capacity of the hospital is small, but there is plenty of room for any -additions which the future may warrant being made. With the faith that -characterized the movement from the beginning, the ladies met on September -25, 1899, elected a matron, Miss Virginia Aldridge, and appointed -Wednesday, October 4th, "Donation Day." Their confidence was rewarded and -donations poured in from every one, rich and poor. Among so many it would -be invidious to mention names, but Mr. Spencer, of Snowden, a new comer to -Fredericksburg, liberally furnished the single room with every appliance -for comfort in illness, and the ladies gratefully named it, for him, the -Spencer room. From the druggists came a generous donation of accessories, -and everything--chairs and china, beds and other belongings--came in -abundantly. - -On Sunday, October 8th, the building was formally dedicated, Rev. W. D. -Smith, rector of St. George's church, presiding, all the ministers having -been invited to participate in the ceremonies, which were simple, but -appropriate. The first patient was received in December, and since that -time there has been continued service in the hospital. There is no -endowment, and it is hoped that, seeing the work, some humanely-disposed -individual may be moved to undertake this noble charity. - -By heroic efforts there have been no debts incurred, the citizens having -so far responded in every case of need; yet there is much lacking, both in -furniture and appliances. Donations of every kind are urgently desired. -The physicians are most liberal in their services and attentions and their -work is to their great honor, for, of the several difficult cases thus far -operated upon each has been successful, and the recipient has returned -home sounding the praises of the Mary Washington Hospital and its medical -service. May the good work grow and prosper. Since this article was -written the building has been greatly enlarged and improved, and the -hospital is regarded as a permanent institution with a noble mission. - - -NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS. - -The first newspaper established in Fredericksburg was the semi-weekly -"Virginia Herald and Falmouth Advertiser," in 1786, by Timothy Green. It -was soon found that the name was too long and was no advantage to the -paper, and in a few months the Falmouth Advertiser part of the name was -dropped and the paper was continued as the Virginia Herald. Some years -after its establishment Mr. Green associated with him in the conduct of -the paper a Mr. Lacy and Mr. James D. Harrow, and the firm name was Green, -Lacy & Harrow. This firm was succeeded by Wm. F. Gray, and he by James D. -Harrow, a practical printer, who conducted the paper for many years, with -Jesse White, afterwards known as "the old practical printer," as foreman. - -Mr. Harrow died in 1851, and the office, fixtures and good will were -purchased by Major J. Harrison Kelly, who conducted the Virginia Herald -successfully as a semi-weekly until the year 1875, when failing health -compelled him to discontinue its publication and it has never been -resumed. - -A bound volume of this paper, running through the years 1796, 1797 and -1798, is now owned by this writer, who prizes it very highly. Its columns -have furnished accounts of incidents, dates and gatherings of the people -in public meetings, noted in this historical sketch of the town. - -In the year 1795 another paper was started in Fredericksburg, known as the -"Genius of Liberty and Fredericksburg and Falmouth Advertiser." This name -was even larger, longer and less euphonious than the first name of its -competitor, the Virginia Herald, and, like its competitor, soon dropped -most of it. This paper came into existence at a time when party spirit ran -high and the political blood was at fever heat. It vigorously espoused the -cause of what was then known as the "Strict Constructionists" of the -Federal Constitution, while the "Virginia Herald" as vigorously supported -the "Loose Constructionists." - -The Genius of Liberty was conducted by Robert Mercer and George Carter as -a weekly paper until 1798, when it was changed to a semi-weekly, at -"twenty shillings per annum, ten shillings to be paid on subscribing and -the remainder at the end of the year." In 1800 the paper was purchased by -James Walker, who changed its name to "The Courier." Mr. Walker was both -editor and proprietor, and under his management it was enlarged to "nearly -double the size of the Virginia Herald." We have not been able to learn at -what period its publication ceased. - -A volume of this publication, from November, 1800, to November, 1801, -substantially bound, is now in possession of Mrs. James L. Green, of this -place. It is valuable and interesting because of its hoary age and because -of the fact it was published in Fredericksburg. - -"The Fredericksburg News," a semi-weekly paper, was published by Robert -Baylor Semple for several years. At his death, in 1853, the paper was -purchased by A. Alexander Little, who conducted it, except during the War -Between the States, to the time of his death in 1877. When its publication -was resumed after the war, when old things had passed away and many things -had become new, it bore the name of "The Fredericksburg New Era," but -neither the times nor the name suited the editor, so he changed the name -back to the News and made the best he could of the times in which he -lived. - -After Mr. Little's death the publication of the News was continued for a -few years by his sister, Miss Bella Little, who assisted him very much in -the editorial management of the paper during his ownership of it, but -finding it unremunerative its publication was finally suspended. - -Several other publications of a less permanent nature have been started -and conducted in Fredericksburg, but they were short lived and but little -is known of their history, therefore they can be only mentioned as having -existed. - -"The Political Arena" was commenced in the year 1830 by Wm. M. Blackford -and lived for about fifteen years. In 1845 Mr. Blackford moved to -Lynchburg and the publication of the paper was discontinued. - -In 1848 Rev. James W. Hunnicutt established the "Christian Banner," which -continued to exist until 1862, when Mr. Hunnicutt, being a Union man and -opposed to the Civil war, went North, and it has been stated that the -Banner office was destroyed by Southern soldiers. This statement, however, -is thought not to be true. - -"The Virginia Baptist" made its appearance in Fredericksburg about the -year 1857. It was edited and conducted by Rev. W. R. Powell, Rev. John C. -Willis and Rev. Joseph A. Billingsly as a temperance advocate. Its -publication was suspended in 1860 and never resumed. - -"The Democratic Recorder," established in 1842, was owned by James M. -Campbell, but in 1850 he removed to Manchester, N. H., and the office was -purchased and the publication of the Recorder was continued by Robert B. -Alexander, S. Greenhow Daniel and James B. Sener, in the order named. Its -publication was suspended during the Civil war, but upon the return of -peace in 1865 it was resumed by James B. Sener, the name being changed to -"The Fredericksburg Ledger." In 1872 Judge Sener was elected to Congress -and the publication of the Ledger ceased. - -The office and fixtures were sold by Judge Sener in 1873, and for twelve -or fifteen years it changed hands often and several publications were -started, only to cease after a struggle of a year or two. After the -publication of the Ledger was discontinued the first paper sent out from -the office was the "Independent," by Berry & Tierney. One year marked the -life of the Independent and then came the "Bulletin," by Quinn & Tierney; -"The True Standard," by a joint stock company, and "The Recorder," by the -Mander Brothers. None of these publications lived more than two or three -years at most. - -In May, 1887, the office was purchased by Col. John W. Woltz and Wm. E. -Bradley, who established the "Free Lance," which they conducted until the -death of Col. Woltz in 1893, when it was soon purchased by a joint stock -company and its publication continued to the present. Under its first -management the "Free Lance" was issued as a semi-weekly, but as its -circulation increased it was changed to a tri-weekly, and was the first -and only tri-weekly publication the town ever had. Another innovation the -"Free Lance" made in the newspaper history of Fredericksburg was the -introduction of a power press. Prior to this all the newspapers were -printed on Hoe hand presses, but the "Free Lance," under Woltz & Bradley, -boasted of a power press of a capacity of twelve hundred papers an hour, -which was soon exchanged for one of sixteen hundred an hour. A third -innovation made by the "Free Lance" was the purchase and use of a folding -machine. This was a new machine in town and was observed by those who had -never before seen one with much curiosity. It can fold papers as fast as -they are printed, and is quite an improvement on the old way of hand -folding. - -The publication of the "Virginia Star" was commenced in the year 1869 by -Rufus B. Merchant as a semi-weekly, and was so conducted until 1895. -During that year Mr. Merchant added another edition and sent out the -"Daily Evening Star." This was something "new under the sun" in -Fredericksburg, and its advent and probable success were freely discussed -by the public and various opinions were expressed. The prevailing opinion, -however, seemed to be that its publication was a mistake on the part of -the proprietor and the scheme would end in financial loss. Others thought -it would flourish for a short time and receive support because it was a -home enterprise, but that it would eventually be crowded out by the big -dailies of neighboring cities and would disappear. But such was not the -case. It is yet making its daily evening visits, improves as the days go -by, and has evidently come to stay. - -In 1896 the Star office, with its entire outfit, was purchased by W. -Seymour White and Alvin T. Embrey, who continued to publish both editions -of the paper, and upon the death of Mr. White, in the early part of the -year 1898, his interest was purchased by Mr. Embrey, who became the sole -editor and proprietor of the Star. In 1900 Judge Embrey sold out to a -joint stock company, and under its management both editions of the paper -made their regular visits to the homes of subscribers. This paper has been -purchased by the Free Lance Company, which sends out both the Free Lance -and Daily Star. - -On the 2nd day of January, 1837, the first issue of the "Masonic Olive -Branch and Literary Portfolio" was published by James D. McCabe and John -M. Ball. It was a semi-monthly publication, at two dollars per annum in -advance, and was devoted principally to Masonry and Odd Fellowship. A -bound volume of this publication is now in possession of Fredericksburg -Masonic Lodge, and, from its typographical appearance, one would suppose -it to have been printed by Jesse White, the practical printer, on his old -Ramage hand press. By Mr. Ball's retirement a few months after the -appearance of the paper, Mr. McCabe became the sole editor and proprietor. -We have no information as to how long the Portfolio was published. - -In 1868 "The Little Gleaner," a thirty-two page periodical, was published -by Miss L. Fauntleroy. It was a monthly publication, devoted to general -subjects, and intended especially to interest and instruct the young -folks. After two years' labor, toil and sacrifice, not meeting with the -success she had hoped for, the proprietress discontinued its publication. - -In the year 1900 a number of the progressive business men of the town, -feeling that Fredericksburg was not moving along in public improvements as -rapidly as it should, and that the City Council was too slow in passing -the necessary measures for such improvements, organized a joint stock -company and commenced the publication of "The Fredericksburg Journal." The -Journal, different from the other papers of the town, was at first a -weekly issue, its subscription price being twenty-five cents per annum. It -has informed the public in strong language that it has come to stay and -progress is its watch word. In a short time it was sold to Mr. R. L. -Biscoe, when he in turn sold it to the Fredericksburg Journal Company, who -put more life and vim into it, and now its customers are served with both -a semi-weekly and daily, which give the general news from the surrounding -country and stand for improvement of the town, honesty in city affairs, -and justice to all with special favors to none. - - -POLITICAL DIVISIONS. - -Elsewhere we have referred to party divisions in Fredericksburg about the -close of the eighteenth century. This division showed itself, prior to the -Revolutionary war, because many of the people of the town were strongly -opposed to separation from the mother country, deeming the grievances -complained of insufficient for such a radical movement. But even the war -and its result did not allay the bitter feeling. It was still kept up -after peace was declared on all public questions, and became more intense, -even to boiling over at times. This ebullition arose with the question of -the adoption or rejection of the Constitution of the United States, and -after its adoption it continued with increasing intensity over the -construction of that instrument and the authority it conferred upon the -President. New fuel was added to the flame when Congress passed the act -known as the Alien and Sedition law, which conferred extraordinary power -on the President in times of peace. - -These questions were the theme of spirited, and even angry, discussions at -all gatherings of the people on court greens, market places and elsewhere, -but the climax of feeling was reached when the foreign policy of President -John Adams was developed, especially with reference to our attitude -towards France. Mr. Monroe, a citizen of this town, who for some time had -been our foreign minister to France, had been recalled by Mr. Adams and -another more in accord with the administration was sent in his stead, and -it appeared that war with our former friend and ally could not be averted. - -Many of the leading citizens of the town endorsed the policy of the -President, while a decided majority strongly opposed it. The bitter -feeling continued to increase. Not only was Fredericksburg in a state of -ebullition, but such was the case with the people throughout the entire -country. Fredericksburg was the first to speak her views publicly, which -has always been characteristic of her people when questions affecting the -public good were to be considered. - -A public meeting of the people was called at the courthouse by the friends -of the administration to consider and adopt an address to the President, -which was then the prevailing mode of communicating popular approval of -the conduct of high officials. The meeting was extensively advertised and -efforts were made to have it largely attended. This brought on a lively -contest. The anti-administrationists of the town determined to try their -strength with their opponents by attending the meeting, vote down their -address and adopt resolutions setting forth their views and condemning the -policy of the administration. To accomplish this the town was thoroughly -canvassed by them, which had already been done by the other party, and the -courthouse was filled to its utmost capacity. - -The meeting was held on the 14th day of May, 1798, and the "Virginia -Herald," the presidential organ of the town, gave the proceedings in full, -which will show the temper of the people and their defiant condemnation of -the foreign policy of President Adams. The Herald said: - - "On Monday the citizens of this corporation met, agreeably to - notification published in the public papers, to express their - sentiments on the present important and critical situation of this - country. The meeting was called by the friends of the Executive, whose - object was to address the President of the United States and to - express their entire approbation of his conduct with respect to our - foreign relations. - - "An address to this effect was prepared and presented by Thomas R. - Rootes, Esq., which he supported by very lengthy arguments. He was - followed by Capt. John Mercer, Col. John Minor and Col. John F. - Mercer, who successfully combatted the various arguments adduced by - Mr. Rootes in support of his address. And the following resolutions - then, prepared by Dr. David C. Ker, were approved and adopted. A - division was called for on the address and resolutions and tellers - appointed to take the number of votes, who reported that two-thirds of - the citizens present were in favor of the resolutions. The meeting was - more numerous than any we have ever seen in this place. During the - whole of the discussion the most perfect order and decorum prevailed." - -The resolutions, adopted in place of the address, will be interesting -reading to our people, even in this day. They are as follows: - - 1. _Resolved_, As the opinion of this meeting that the administration - of these States received the government of a happy and united people, - in peace abroad and prosperity at home; that under their guidance, we - have been led, oppressed with public, heavy debts, enormous taxes, a - ruined commerce and depreciated produce, into hostility with a nation - who aided to secure our independence by their own blood and treasure, - with a republic the most powerful and successful that has appeared on - earth for eighteen centuries, armed with every weapon to injure us, - but whom we can in no wise injure; with a republic united with a - confederacy so extensive as to separate us from all the civilized - world but Britain, and her dependencies; that they have done this, not - through ignorance and folly only, for they were at all times warned of - the certain consequence of their measures; not through constraint, for - although opposed, they always carried their measures; but men who have - proved themselves by their own works, so unfit to govern us, even with - every advantage, can never without madness be trusted in times of real - difficulty and extreme danger; and that it is equally absurd to found - confidence in our disasters, or to pursue that line, or to support - those men who have already brought us to the verge of destruction. - - 2nd. Resolved, That the speech of the President of the United States - to the ordinary session of Congress, was, in the opinion of this - meeting, calculated to rouse the resentment of the French government - and destroy any reasonable hope of successful negotiations between - that republic and agents appointed by him. - - 3rd. Resolved, That the instructions to our envoys, so contrary to the - spirit of that speech and the whole conduct of our administration, - authorize this conclusion:--that they were rather intended to inflame - the American mind than to produce good in France, under the well - grounded expectation, that the negotiations would, from those and - other causes, fail. - - 4th. Resolved, That the late negotiations with unauthorized swindlers - in Paris, are so unexampled as to afford no justifiable ground for - public measures, and that their publication, so far as they tend to - excite the sensibility of our citizens, is unjustifiable, as they may - commit the safety of the envoys highly imprudent. - - 5th. Resolved, That the militia are the only safe and constitutional - defence of these States; that they alone are adequate to this object, - and that they will ever prove so, if guided by good government. - - 6th. Resolved, That we hold it to be our bounden duty, and we do - solemnly pledge ourselves, firmly, to support our National rights and - independence whenever assailed by foreign invasion or domestic - usurpation. - -[Illustration: The "Charity School," started by Benj. Day and others in -the latter part of the eighteenth century. (See page 194)] - -[Illustration: The Fire Department. (See page 144)] - -Fontaine Maury was chairman of this large gathering of the people and -signed the resolutions adopted by the meeting. They were then sent to Hon. -John Dawson, representative in Congress from this district, who laid them -before the extra session of Congress for the consideration of that body. -These resolutions, adopted on the 14th of May, 1798, setting forth the -principles upon which their authors believed the Union was founded, and -upon which the government should be administered, were the basis for the -famous resolutions drawn by Mr. Madison and passed by the Virginia -Legislature on the 2nd of December of the same year, which have since been -the theme of Virginia Statesmen of that school when they would "revert to -first principles." - -The address, which was presented to the meeting and voted down by such a -large majority, was directed to the President of the United States, and -was as follows: - - We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town and corporation of - Fredericksburg, in the State of Virginia, assembled at our town house, - this 14th day of May, 1798, by a public notice, for the purpose of - expressing our sense of the conduct of our government, in regard to - its foreign relations, do communicate to you, as the sense of the - subscribers, that your several attempts to restore that harmony - between the United States and the French republic, which has been so - unfortunately impaired, and to reinstate that good understanding - between the two nations so desirous to the lovers of peace, have been - wise and prudent, and entitle you to the highest evidence of our - esteem; and that whatever may be the opinion of foreign nations, with - respect to divisions among ourselves, should it be the misfortune of - our country to be involved in a war with any nation, you will always - find us ready with our lives and fortunes to support and defend the - Constitution and laws of our country. - -After the address had been voted down as not reflecting the sentiments of -a majority of the citizens of the town, not to be foiled in their desire -to let the President know that they approved his policy, the friends of -the administration determined to make three copies of the address and -leave it at three places in town for the signatures of those who approved -it. The three places named were Wm. Taylor's, George W. B. Spooner's and -the Herald office. The following gentlemen signed the address: - -George W. B. Spooner, Wm. Drummond, Elisha Hall, Wm. Jones, Anthony Buck, -Richard Richards, Robert Patton, Wm. Glassell, Tho. Southcomb, Andrew -Parks, Tho. Rootes, Peter Gordon, Wm. Taylor, George Murray, James -Pettigrew, Timothy Green, Wm. Payne, James Carmichael, Law. Bowes, Thos. -Hodge, George French, Richard Johnston, Jr., John Anderson, John Coakley, -Wm. Fitzhugh, of Chatham, Charles Croughton, David Henderson, Roger -Coltart, David Blair, Jeff. Wright, Charles Yates, Wm. Lovell, Alexander -Duncan, Wm. Wilson, Rob. Lilly, Thos. Cochran, James Stevenson, John -Brownlow, Jos. Thornton, Benj. Day, Wm. Wiatt, Zack. Mayfield, John -Newton, David Simons, Philip Lipscomb, Daniel Grinnan, James Vanshell, -Daniel Stark, Samuel Stevens, Godlove Heiskell, Thos. P. Basye, John -Harris, Thomas Seddon, Jr., Robert Wellford, Philip Glover, John Legg, -Edward McDermot, John Alcock, Jacob Grotz, John Moore, Adam Darby, Tho. -Miller, James Blair, Wm. Hamilton, R. Dykes, David Williamson, Wm. Acres, -Wm. Talbot, James Ross, John Bogan, Robert Walker, John Kirck, Sam. M. -Douglas, Wm. Welsh, Alexander S. Roe, John Dare, James Slater, Charles -Stewart, Christian Helmstetter, Wm. Smith, Benj. Sabastian, James Adams. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - - _Some Distinguished Men Buried in Fredericksburg--A Remarkable Grave - Stone--Three Heroic Fredericksburgers, Wellford, Herndon, Willis--The - Old Liberty Bell Passes Through Town--Great Demonstrations in its - Honor--What a Chinaman Thought of it._ - - -A town is not less renowned for the noble, heroic dead who sleep within -its borders than it is for its gallant soldiers, Statesmen and others who -are yet on the stage of action. Indeed its renown may be more enduring -because of its dead than of its living. The deeds of the dead are embalmed -in our hearts and in history and cannot be tarnished, obscured or -obliterated. The greatest deeds of the living may be obscured and even -almost blotted from the approving mind by some adverse, evil cloud--by -some act of folly or perfidy. - -If Judas Iscariot had died before he betrayed his Master his good deeds -would have lived forever. If a Britton's bullet had taken off Benedict -Arnold before his treasonable thoughts had resolved into action he would -have been written down in history as one of the heroes of America. We, -therefore, with pride refer to some distinguished men who peacefully sleep -within our corporate limits. - - -ARCHIBALD M'PHERSON. - -Archibald McPherson was born in 1715 in the northern part of England. He -came to this country in early manhood and settled in Spotsylvania county. -He is represented as being a gentleman of education, refinement and -wealth, and a friend to the poor and needy. He died in the prime of -manhood, leaving to the world an unsullied name and to the poor of the -town a legacy to be expended in the education of their children, which is -elsewhere mentioned in these pages. - -Mr. McPherson was interred in the burial ground of St. George's church and -a marble slab erected over his grave, which is now secured to the wall of -the Mission House, at the west end of the lot on Princess Ann street. On -that slab is the following inscription: - - "Here lies the body of Archibald McPherson, born in the county of - Murray, in North Britain, who died August 17, 1754, aged 49 years. He - was judicious, a lover of learning, open hearted, generous and - sincere. Devout, without ostentation; disdaining to cringe to vice in - any station. Friend to good men, an affectionate husband. - - A heap of dust alone remains of thee, - 'Tis all thou art, and all the proud shall be. - - "Elizabeth, his disconsolate widow, as a testimony of their mutual - affection, erected this monument to his memory." - - -COL. JOHN DANDRIDGE. - -In the burial ground of St. George's church, near the northeast corner of -the building, lies buried the father of Martha Washington, which fact has -only some years since been brought to light, or if it had been before -known, it was by the citizens of the past generation of the town. The -reason it was unknown to the present generation is accounted for from the -fact that the slab over the grave has been covered with dirt for more than -half a century, most likely from the erection of the present church -building, and was discovered only a few years ago. When the grave was -discovered the slab covering it was cleaned off, and the inscription on it -was found to read as follows: - - "Here lies the body of Col. John Dandridge, of New Kent county, who - departed this life the 31st day of August, 1756, aged 56 years." - -How he came to be buried in Fredericksburg is not positively known. It has -been claimed by some persons that he was here on a visit to his daughter -Martha, who married Gen. Washington, and the weather was so hot that his -body could not be taken back to New Kent county, but that cannot be true -because he was buried here more than two years before his daughter married -Washington. - -The most satisfactory explanation of Col. Dandridge's presence in -Fredericksburg, that we have heard given, is that he was attending the -celebrated races at Chatham, held by Wm. Fitzhugh, which drew to the town -people from all sections of the country. But be that as it may, this Col. -Dandridge is beyond doubt the father of Martha Washington, unless there -were two gentlemen by that name and bearing the same appellation residing -in New Kent county at that time, which is not probable. Haydon's "Virginia -Families" says of Washington: - - "Married at White House, New Kent county, Va., Jan. 6, 1759, Martha - Dandridge, daughter of Col. John Dandridge, of New Kent county, and - widow of Daniel Parke Custis." - - -WM. PAUL--JOHN PAUL JONES. - -There also lie interred in the burial ground of St. George's church, with -an unpretentious stone marking the place, the remains of William Paul, a -merchant of the town and a native of Scotland, who died here in 1773. In -1770 he purchased from Thomas and Jane Blanton, "for one hundred and -twenty pounds, an acre or one-half of the lot or land lying and being in -the town of Fredericksburg, and designated in the plot of said town by the -number or figures 258, the same being one-half, or south end of said lot, -and purchased by the said Thomas Blanton of Roger Dixon, Gent, and bound -on the main street, called Caroline street, and the cross street, called -Prussia, together with all houses, buildings, gardens, ways, profits, -hereditaments and appurtenances whatever." This lot is designated on the -map of the town to-day as 258, and the house in which Wm. Paul conducted -his mercantile business is the one occupied and owned at present by -Matthew J. Gately. - -Notwithstanding his biographers to the contrary, Wm. Paul made a will in -1772, in which he appointed his friends, Wm. Templeman and Isaac Heslop, -his executors, which was witnessed by John Atkinson, Thomas Holmes and B. -Johnston. The executors declined to serve and the estate remained until -late in the next year without any one being legally authorized to take -charge of it. In November, 1774, John Atkinson qualified, it is supposed -at the instance of John Paul, who had arrived here to wind up the estate, -with John Waller, Jr., as surety, who was afterwards released and Charles -Yates became his surety. - -This Wm. Paul was the brother of John Paul, who afterwards became the -famous John Paul Jones. It has been asserted that Wm. Paul changed his -name to Jones to inherit a plantation from Wm. Jones, either in Virginia -or North Carolina. But this is shown to be a mistake from the fact that -Wm. Paul, in 1770, bought property here as Wm. Paul, made his will in 1772 -and signed it Wm. Paul, and died in 1773 and his tomb stone now bears on -it the name of Wm. Paul. It was further asserted that in the agreement by -which the plantation was to become the property of Wm. Paul, if Wm. Paul -died without issue, the property was to go to John Paul on the condition -that he would add Jones to his name, and that William did die without -issue and the estate of William went to John. This is also a mistake. -William did not die intestate, but made a will and gave his entire estate -to his sister, Mary Young, and her two oldest children. - -One clause of the will reads as follows: "It is my will and desire that my -lots and houses in this town shall be sold and converted into money for as -much as they will bring, that with all my other estate being sold, and -what of my outstanding debts that can be collected, I give and bequeath to -my beloved sister, Mary Young, and her two oldest children in Abigland, in -the parish of Kirkbean, in Stewarty of Galloway, North Briton, and their -heirs forever." It is not believed that Wm. Paul owned any property out of -town from the fact that the bond of his administrator was only five -hundred pounds, which was generally double the amount of the estate. His -estate in town consisted of his houses and lots, his merchandise and -accounts due him, which must have been worth twelve or fifteen hundred -dollars. Therefore the bond of $2,500 was sufficient only for his -possessions in town, and no other is alluded to or mentioned in his will. -It has been held that he owned property in the county of Spotsylvania, but -that arises from the fact there were others by the name of Paul in the -county who had property. But this William Paul is traced by the reference -in his will to the parish of Kirkbean, Galloway, where his sister, Mary -Young, and brother John lived. - -Why John Paul changed his name to Jones was probably known only to -himself. Many writers have undertaken to explain it, but without success, -and the mystery is yet unsolved. In 1775 John Paul Jones's name heads a -list of naval lieutenants, and, because of his meritorious services, he -was soon appointed a captain, and finally rose to the rank of commodore. -His daring exploits and unequal, but successful, contests soon won for him -the thanks of the American Congress, as well as the gratitude of the -American people, while it carried terror and dismay to the enemies of his -country. He greatly humiliated England by landing his fleet on her shores -during the Revolutionary war, a thing that had not been done before for -centuries, if ever, since it was a nation. - -At the close of the war, in which he had covered himself with glory, he -was offered an important command by the Empress of Russia against the -Turks in the Black sea, which he accepted with the stipulation "that he -was never to renounce the title of an American citizen." He died in Paris -in 1792, and was buried in that city, aged forty-five years. General -Washington, then President of the United States, had just commissioned him -for an important duty, but he died before the commission reached him. As -the many years rolled on, rounding up a century, his body laid in an -unknown grave, notwithstanding many efforts were made to locate it. In -1900 a body was found believed to be his, and there was great rejoicing in -this country over the announcement, but, when carefully examined, it was -found to be the remains of another and not those of the great American -commodore. But this did not discourage those who had the matter in hand, -and the search continued under the direction of Gen. Horace Porter, the -American Ambassador to the Court of France, under great difficulties. On -the 7th of April, 1905, the body was found in a cemetery known as Saint -Louis, which was laid out in 1720 for a burial place for Protestants, but -which had been closed more than half a century, and buildings were -constructed upon it at the time of the discovery of the body. The remains -were declared to be those of John Paul Jones, after every test had been -applied that could be, and they were accepted by our government as those -of the great naval hero. Some time was spent in preparing to remove the -remains to this country, but early in 1906 they were placed upon a United -States man of war, escorted by vessels from England and France, and were -landed at Annapolis, where they were reinterred in the presence of -thousands of people from all parts of the country, with booming of cannon -and every honor a grateful people could bestow upon him. - - -GEN. LEWIS LITTLEPAGE. - -Gen. Lewis Littlepage, who died and was buried here in the burying ground -of Masonic Lodge No. 4, was born in Hanover county, Virginia, and was one -of the most brilliant men the State ever produced. His career was short, -but in that short life he greatly distinguished himself as a scholar, -soldier and diplomat. He was the protege of John Jay at the Court of -France in 1782, was wounded at the siege of Gibraltar, was a member of the -cabinet of the king of Poland, and the King's chamberlain, with the rank -of major-general; negotiated a treaty with the Empress of Russia, was a -secret and special envoy to the Court of France to form the Grand -Quadruple Alliance; was with Prince Potempkin in his march through Tartary -des Negais; commanded a flotilla under Prince Nassau at his victory over -the fleet of Turkey; was sent on an important mission to Madrid, in which -he was successful; resisted the Russian invaders of Poland as aide-de-camp -to the King; signed the Confederation of Fargowitz; envoy to St. -Petersburg to prevent the division of Poland, but was stopped by the -Russian government; was with Kosciusko in his attempt to free Poland; was -at the storming of Prague, and was with King Stanislaus when he was -captured by the Russians. - -At the death of Stanislaus, Gen. Littlepage, becoming sick of European -politics and broils, and, with his health shattered and gone, returned to -America, settled in Fredericksburg and died before he had reached the age -of forty years. His grave, in the western corner of the Masonic cemetery, -is marked by a marble slab, which has on it this inscription: - - "Here lies the body of Lewis Littlepage, who was born in the county of - Hanover, in the State of Virginia, on the 19th day of December, 1762, - and departed this life in Fredericksburg, on the 19th of July, - 1802, aged 39 years and 7 months. Honored for many years with the - esteem and confidence of the unfortunate Stanislaus Augustus, King of - Poland, he held under that monarch, until he lost his throne, the most - distinguished offices, among which was that of Ambassador to Russia. - He was by him created the Knight of St. Stanislaus, chamberlain and - confidential secretary in his cabinet, and acted as his special envoy - in the most important occasions of talents, of military as well as - civil, he served with credit as an officer of high rank in different - arms. In private life he was charitable, generous and just, and in the - various public offices which he filled he acted with uniform - magnanimity, fidelity and honor." - -[Illustration: The Christian Church. (See page 213)] - -[Illustration: The Trinity Episcopal Church. (See page 206)] - - -CAPT. WM. LEWIS HERNDON. - -Another hero, a native of Fredericksburg, whose remains found sepulture in -a watery grave far out in the ocean's depths, is worthy of mention in -these pages. "Wm. Lewis Herndon, an American naval officer, born October -25, 1813, drowned by the sinking of the steamer Central America, September -12, 1857. He entered the navy at the age of fifteen, served in the Mexican -war, and was engaged three years with his brother-in-law, Lieutenant -Maury, in the National Observatory, at Washington. In 1851-52 he explored -the Amazon river under the direction of the United States government. * * -* In 1857 he was the commander of the steamer Central America, which left -Havana for New York on September 8th, having on board 474 passengers, a -crew of 105 men and about $2,000,000 of gold. On September the 11th, -during a violent gale from the northeast and a heavy sea, the vessel -sprung a leak and sunk on the evening of September 12th near the outer -edge of the Gulf stream, in latitude 31 degrees 44 minutes north. Only 152 -of the persons on board were saved, including the women and children; the -gallant commander of the steamer was seen standing upon the wheel house at -the time of her sinking."[82] Capt. Herndon was an uncle of Dr. Herndon, -who sacrificed his life at Fernandina, Florida, elsewhere mentioned. - - -JACOB FRIEZE. - -Another man of note, remarkable for his physical endurance and strength of -constitution, who lived in Fredericksburg and whose remains lie buried in -the City cemetery, just to the left of the old gate on Commerce street, -was Jacob Frieze. He died in 1869, just after having passed the -ninety-first anniversary of his birth. He was born in France, and was one -of Napoleon's soldiers from the time his remarkable career commenced in -Paris until it ended so disastrously at Waterloo. - -Much of the soldier life of Mr. Frieze was spent as a member of Napoleon's -"Old Guard," that "could die, but could never surrender," and he was never -so happy as when telling of his thrilling war experiences and narrow -escapes. He was in the famous retreat from Moscow and could tell the most -thrilling stories of the hardships and sufferings of the French army. The -weather was intensely cold, sometimes reaching twenty-six degrees below -zero, and, having to fight cold, hunger and the Russians, it is not -strange that Napoleon left behind him over 330,000 French or allies, dead -or prisoners. This marching, fighting, suffering and dying were all fresh -in the mind of Mr. Frieze, who was a participant and eye witness, and he -would entertain crowds who would gather around him for hours. - -Prior to the Civil war there also lived in Fredericksburg Mr. John Eubank, -who was a soldier under the Duke of Wellington at the battle of Waterloo -and who stood guard over Napoleon on the Island of St. Helena. -Notwithstanding the many years that had passed from their parting at -Waterloo to their meeting again in Fredericksburg, Mr. Frieze and Mr. -Eubank had not forgotten the sword and the spear and had not forgotten to -dislike each other. - -It was amusing to the bystanders to see these old soldiers meet on the -streets, as they would invariably shake their fists at each other and -grind their teeth and pass on without uttering a word. - -Many of the citizens of the town still remember the willow baskets, of -variegated colors, which Mr. Frieze made and peddled about town for a -livelihood, as long as he was able to appear on the streets. Mr. Eubank -moved to Charlottesville, where he died and was buried in that city. - - -A GRAND-NIECE OF WASHINGTON AND NAPOLEON. - -The defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo sent into exile, among others, his -grand-nephew, Prince Charles Louis Napoleon Achille Murat, a colonel in -the defeated army, son of the exiled King of Naples and Charlotte -Bonaparte. He settled in Tallahassee, Florida. Soon Col. Byrd C. Willis, -of Willis Hill, moved to the same city, carrying with him his wife, Mary, -daughter of Col. Fielding Lewis and Bettie Washington, and also his -daughter, Catherine, who married a Mr. Grey and was left a widow at -sixteen. She was beautiful, accomplished, winsome and a leader in society. -She attracted the attention of the young prince, who laid siege to her -affections and was victorious. The marriage soon followed. By this union -Catherine, who was a grand-niece of Gen. Washington, became also a -grand-niece of the great soldier, Napoleon Bonaparte. She was born where -the National cemetery now stands and died in Florida August 6, 1867, in -the 64th year of her age. - - -WELLFORD--HERNDON--WILLIS. - -In the City cemetery lie the remains of Doctor Francis Preston Wellford. -Dr. Wellford was a native of Fredericksburg, where he was held in the -highest esteem by all who knew him for his gentle and kind disposition, -his upright life, his abounding charity and his deep piety. In 1871 he -left his native town and settled in Jacksonville, Florida, where he -commenced the practice of medicine and established a high reputation as a -skillful physician. His brethren of the profession were not slow in -recognizing his ability and great worth, and made him president of the -Medical Association of the State. He was holding that honorable position -when the yellow fever scourge visited Fernandina, in 1877, which almost -depopulated the town. For weeks it raged in the doomed city, and all of -the physicians were either down with the disease or had become worn out -with serving day and night. A call was made for assistance and volunteer -physicians. Dr. Wellford, forgetting self, not fearing his personal -danger, responded to the call and went to the sick and dying of the -panic-stricken Fernandina. It was while ministering to those people he was -stricken down and died of the disease. Thus went down to his grave, -amidst the tears of thousands of people, the noble physician and Christian -gentleman, who sacrificed his life for the good of others. Dr. Wellford's -remains, some years after his death, were brought to Fredericksburg for -final interment, and now repose in our beautiful cemetery. - -In response to the call for physicians made by the people of Fernandina, -another physician, born and raised in Fredericksburg, Dr. James C. -Herndon, made his way to that city, and like Dr. Wellford, was stricken -down and died from the disease. It is peculiarly appropriate that his -sacrifice to professional duty should be acknowledged in connection with -that of his brother physician's. - -To the honor of these noble men a memorial window has been placed in St. -Peter's Episcopal church in Fernandina by Dr. J. H. Upham, of Boston, who -felt that they had honored the profession by the sacrifices they made, and -he wanted their heroism to be placed upon a lasting record. In describing -the window the Fernandina Mirror says: - - "The design is that of a crown in the upper section of the arch. Below - this is a beautiful shield of purple illuminated glass. A cross of - mother of pearl forms the center of the window, ornamented by a bunch - of grapes, with the symbol of the anchor representing Hope, the holy - Scriptures, illustrating Christian Faith; alpha and omega, the symbol - of the Almighty Power, the beginning and the end; the cup of - salvation, and the paten, the emblem of sacrifice. In the lower part - of the window an illuminated tablet has the following inscription: - - Francis Preston Wellford, M. D., - Born in Fredericksburg, Va., - Sept. 12th, 1829. - James Carmichael Herndon, M. D., - Born in Fredericksburg, Va., - Sept. 22nd, 1831. - Died in the faithful discharge of their - duties, at Fernandina, Florida, - Oct. 18th, 1877. - - To whose memory as a grateful record of their noble lives and heroic - deaths this window is dedicated by a New England member of the - profession which they so much honored and adorned. - - 'Greater love hath no man than this, - That he lay down his life for his friends.' - - "The beautiful execution of this window, and the noble purpose to - which it is dedicated by its generous donor, deserve the admiration - and warm appreciation of the citizens of Fernandina, to whom the - memory of Drs. Wellford and Herndon is deservedly dear, and will be - regarded by our citizens as a graceful professional tribute by Dr. - Upham to these noble men, as well as an indication of his kind - feelings towards our city. There is a striking coincidence in the fact - that these noble men should have been born in the same city, in the - same month, and, having volunteered their services, reached Fernandina - in the midst of the epidemic on the same day, and that their deaths - should have occurred the same day. It was, therefore, peculiarly - fitting that the same memorial should have been erected to those who - were faithful in life, even unto death." - -William Willis, whose remains are buried in the City cemetery, left -Fredericksburg for Memphis, Tenn., in the summer of 1870, which city he -made his home. When the yellow fever scourge struck that place in 1878, -and the city was deserted of most of its inhabitants, except the helpless, -the sick and the dying, it was then, in spite of the entreaty of his -friends to leave the city, that Wm. Willis stepped forth and took charge, -as the chief executive in managing the affairs of the city, and in -distributing food, clothing and medicine, sent from all quarters of the -country, to the sick, the helpless and the needy. It was while in the -execution of this noble work that he too, was stricken down, and a few -days' struggle with the terrible disease and William Willis was no more. -In his delirium, feeling the great necessity of some one taking up the -work, he had so faithfully prosecuted, where he was compelled to lay it -down, he uttered these as his last words: "Send some good man to take my -place," and then peacefully passed to the spirit land. - -Thus went down to their graves three Fredericksburg men in the years -1877-78 of yellow fever, who sacrificed their own lives to save the lives -of others. - - -MRS. LUCY ANN COX. - -There is buried in the City cemetery Mrs. Lucy Ann Cox, with this -inscription upon her head-stone. "Lucy Ann Cox, wife of James A. Cox, died -December 17, 1891, aged 64 years. A sharer of the toils, dangers and -privations of the 30th Va. regiment infantry, C. S. A., from 1861 to 1865, -and died beloved and respected by the veterans of that command." The stone -was erected by her friends. Mrs. Cox was the daughter of Jesse White, the -practical printer, and married Mr. Cox just before the Civil war. She -followed him all through the campaign of the entire war, cooking and -washing for the soldiers of her command, and often ministering to the sick -and wounded. - -Molly Pitcher carried water from a spring, at Monmouth Courthouse, New -Jersey, to her husband and others who had charge of a cannon during the -battle, and when she saw her husband shot down and heard an officer order -the gun to the rear, having no one to man it, she dropped her pail, ran to -the cannon, seized the rammer and continued loading and firing the gun -throughout the battle. For this heroic act Washington praised her, gave -her an honorary commission as captain and Congress voted her half pay for -life. - -Mrs. Cox engaged in no battle, but instead of sharing the privations and -dangers of her husband at one battle she followed him through the entire -war of four years, and was voted the honor of a Confederate veteran after -the war by the veterans themselves. It is doubtful whether in all the past -a similar instance can be found. - - -A REMARKABLE GRAVE-STONE. - -There is to be found in the burial ground of St. George's church, at the -east end of the Mission House, a grave-stone that has puzzled all -antiquarians who have examined it and which has never yet been -satisfactorily explained, and perhaps never will be. The inscription is as -follows: "Charles M. Rothrock, departed this life Sept. 29, 1084, aged -three years." The figures that make these dates are well preserved, much -better than on many slabs and headstones in the same burial ground, which -do not date back a century and a half, yet on this slab the figures are -quite legibly cut in the sandstone, and there can be no doubt that the -year is 1084. It has been considered such a mystery and of such importance -that a photograph of the stone was taken and an engraving made for this -publication. - - -THE LIBERTY BELL. - -The very name--Liberty Bell--is music to our ears, and the mention of it -should fill the breast of every true American with patriotic enthusiasm. -That bell hung over a hall in Philadelphia in 1776, in which the -Continental Congress had met to consider the momentous question that was -then stirring every patriotic heart--American freedom. Virginia was -represented in that Congress by George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas -Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee -and Carter Braxton. - -That body of patriots prepared, considered and adopted the Declaration of -Independence, and as they finished signing their names to the instrument, -on the fourth day of July, this bell rang out the thrilling news that -Americans were freemen. Since that stirring event--that memorable -day--that hall has been known as Independence Hall, and the bell that hung -over it as the Liberty Bell. - -On the 4th of October, 1895, the old Liberty Bell passed through -Fredericksburg on its way from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Georgia, where it -was to be exhibited at the great exhibition in that city. Prior to its -coming Mayor Rowe had been notified when it would arrive and how long it -would remain for inspection. The City Council was called together and -steps were taken to give the old bell a grand reception and cordial -welcome. A set of patriotic resolutions was adopted, extolling the events -that brought the bell into such popular favor, recounting the part taken -in those events by Virginians and the precious legacy left to us by our -self-sacrificing forefathers, until a patriotic fervor pervaded the town. - -The bell was accompanied by Hon. Charles F. Warwick, Mayor of -Philadelphia; Wencel Harman, President of the Common Council, and thirteen -members of that body; Charles K. Smith, Chairman of the Select Council, -and thirteen members of that body; twelve officials of the city of -Philadelphia, including S. A. Eisenhower, Chief of Bureau of City -Property, and Custodian of the State House and Bell, with a guard of -honor, consisting of four of the reserve police of Philadelphia. - -A party, including a committee from the City Council--Messrs. John T. -Knight, E. D. Cole and J. Stansbury Wallace--met the bell at Quantico, -where Judge James B. Sener, who had accompanied the party from Washington, -delivered an appropriate address of welcome on the part of the State of -Virginia. The party arrived in Fredericksburg on time, and found at the -depot a vast concourse of people and a procession headed by Bowering's -Band and the Washington Guards, consisting of the Mayor, ex-Mayors, Common -Council, Sons of Confederate Veterans, school children and citizens -generally. - -[Illustration: The Free Lance--Star Office. (See page 227)] - -All the bells in town were ringing, the steam whistles were blowing and -everybody was rejoicing. Such a time had scarcely, if ever, been seen -before by our people. As soon as the train bearing the bell and escort -halted, Mayor Rowe and others went on board the car, and, after the usual -introductions and salutations, Mayor Rowe, who was somewhat indisposed, -presented Mr. W. Seymour White, who made the welcome address as follows: - - _Mr. Mayor of Philadelphia and Gentlemen of the Escort of the Liberty - Bell_: - - It is with a most peculiar pleasure that we greet you and welcome this - sacred relic within the boundaries of the Old Dominion. It is most - fitting that it should rest upon the breast of this great old State, - for it was the voice of a great Virginian that sounded the tocsin of - the Revolution; it was the pen of a great Virginian that drafted the - Declaration of Independence that was greeted by the voice of this - bell; it was the sword of a great Virginian that made that declaration - an accomplished fact, and it was while tolling the requiem for the - soul of the great Virginian jurist, John Marshall, that its voice ever - became silent. It is with feelings of heartfelt delight that we - welcome it within the corporate limits of Fredericksburg, connected - inseparably, as she is, like your own great and proud city of - Philadelphia, with the events proclaimed in that glorious past by that - sacred bell; for it was in Fredericksburg, on the 29th of April, 1775, - that the first resolutions breathing the spirit of the Declaration of - Independence were offered; it was in Fredericksburg that Hugh Mercer - lived, whose ashes rest in your beloved soil, in whose defence he - died; and in Fredericksburg once lived that great American President - that gave to all the ages the grand doctrine that these United States - would never tolerate the acquisition of an inch of American soil by - any prince, potentate or power of Europe. We are glad that this bell - is going about the land, in the language of your great and good - president, Judge Thayer, "stirring up everywhere as it goes those - memories and patriotic impulses that are so inseparably connected with - its history, and which themselves can never grow mute," and we doubt - not that this bell, though voiceless now, can still "proclaim liberty - throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; and who can - tell but that as the rolling waves of the blue Mexican Gulf thunder - upon the shores of the Queen of the Antilles, the proud, triumphal - progress of the Liberty Bell, they may bear to patriots, struggling to - be free in that far off land, the sympathy of the great hearts of - American freemen that yet beat responsive to the efforts of those - whose love of liberty is stronger than death?" We are glad that our - men and women may see it, and at the sacred flame that burns about its - altar replenish the patriotic fire that still is trimmed and burning - in the hearts of a re-united American people. We are glad that our - children may see it to learn from its presence and history that the - dearest heritage left them by their fathers is that liberty and - independence once proclaimed by this bell. And so we bid God speed to - the bell which once "rang redress to all mankind," as it goes through - the land proclaiming to all the nations of the world that a - "government by the people, of the people and for the people" has not - perished from off the face of the earth, but "still lives the home of - liberty and the birth-right of every American citizen." - -Mayor Warwick responded in a patriotic and appropriate address, after -which the guests were driven around town in carriages until the time for -their departure, when they boarded the train and started on their trip -South, delighted with their reception in Fredericksburg. - -A Chinaman who witnessed the demonstration remarked that Christians -charged his people with idolatry in worshipping the dead, because they -honored their deceased parents, but a Chinaman never worshipped an old -bell as he had seen Christian people doing on this occasion. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - - _Visits of Heroes--Gala Days--The Society of the Army of the Potomac - Enters Town, &c._ - - -Fredericksburg has received the visits of many heroes and statesmen, and -on various occasions has been placed on "dress parade," and proved herself -equal to the demands made upon her on every occasion. Only a few of these -visits are mentioned here, but these few should be placed upon perpetual -record that they may inspire our noble youth and the coming generations -and cause them to appreciate more highly the great blessings transmitted -to them through the efforts and achievements of those heroes. - - -GEN. GREEN VISITS THE TOWN. - -The first we mention is the visit of Major-General Nathaniel Green, on his -way from Georgia to his home in New Hampshire at the close of the -Revolutionary war. In 1780 the patriot cause in Georgia and North Carolina -appeared to be lost, in consequence of the overwhelming numbers of the -British and the ravages of the Tories, which brought disaster to our arms. -In this condition of things Washington recommended that Gen. Nathaniel -Green should be placed in command, but Congress sent Gen. Gates instead. -Before leaving for his new field Gen. Gates had an interview with Gen. -Charles Lee--who was then without a command--in Fredericksburg, when Gen. -Lee charged him in parting, "Beware that your northern laurels do not -change to southern willows." Gen. Gates went to his field of operation, -met with disaster, and was relieved by Gen. Green; and it is worthy of -note that Gen. Gates left Fredericksburg for his southern command, and -Gen. Green passed through Fredericksburg when he went down to relieve him. - -Gen. Green was fortunate in having to aid him in his southern department -such dashing commanders as Gen. Daniel Morgan, of Winchester; Col. Wm. -Washington, of Stafford, and Col. Henry Lee, of Westmoreland county--Gen. -Robert E. Lee's father and known as "Light Horse Harry." With these brave -men Green succeeded in driving the British before him and subduing the -Tories, thus restoring peace and quiet to that panic-stricken people, and -greatly endearing him to all patriots. In grateful recognition of his -services the State of Georgia gave him a magnificent farm and residence, -and on his return from the South to his home, in New Hampshire, he met -with grand ovations all along the route. He passed through Fredericksburg -on the 12th of September, 1783. A public meeting of the citizens was -called, which adopted and presented an address to the war-scarred hero. -The masses gathered to greet him, and the old soldiers, who had just -returned home from victorious fields, went into ecstasy over him. The -following is the address of the people of Fredericksburg: - - _To the Honorable Major-General Green, Commander-in-Chief of the - Armies of the United States of America, in the Southern Department_: - - SIR--We, the inhabitants of the town of Fredericksburg, impressed with - just sentiments of the importance of your singular services rendered - our country, as Commander of the Armies of the United States in the - Southern Department, cannot omit rendering you our acknowledgements as - a grateful, though small, tribute, so justly due to your distinguished - character as a soldier, a gentleman and friend to American liberty. We - lament that the absence of the Mayor, and other officers of the - corporation, deprives us of the opportunity of rendering you this - token of gratitude in the style of a corporation, but we trust, sir, - that your own conscious merit will give us credit, when we assure you - that we now present you the united thanks of this city for your - zealous, important and successful services in recovering the Southern - States from our cruel enemy, and restoring peace, liberty and safety - to so great a part of our country. We cannot express, sir, our great - joy in seeing you once more among us, and language is too faint to - paint the contrast in the cause of liberty since you passed us to take - the command of the Southern Army. Permit us, therefore, to pass over - the then gloomy moment and to participate in the pleasure you now - enjoy in the possession of the American _Laurel_, a crown as splendid - as all the honors of a Roman Triumph. We also beg leave to follow you - with our best wishes into domestic life. May you long enjoy - uninterrupted, under your vine, all the happiness of that Peace, - Liberty and Safety, for which you and your gallant officers and - soldiers have so nobly fought and greatly conquered. We have the honor - to be with every sentiment of respect, your most obedient and very - humble servants. Signed by order of the inhabitants. - - CHARLES MORTIMER, _Chairman_. - - Sept. 12, 1783. - -To this address Gen. Green responded as follows: - - _To the Inhabitants of the City of Fredericksburg_: - - GENTLEMEN--Highly flattered by your address, and no less honored by - your sentiments, how shall I acknowledge fully your generosity in - either! From your hearty welcome to this city and your good wishes for - my future welfare I feel the overflowings of a grateful mind. The - noblest reward for the best services is the favorable opinion of our - fellow citizens. Happy in your assurances, I shall feel myself amply - rewarded, if I have but the good wishes of my country. I have the - honor to be, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, - - NATHANIEL GREEN. - - Sept. 12, 1783. - - -GEN. WASHINGTON VISITS HIS MOTHER. - -In December, 1783, General Washington visited Fredericksburg. He had just -resigned his commission of Commander-in-Chief of the American Armies, and -as a private citizen had come to visit his mother and friends at his old -home. He was the uncrowned King of America, and was uncrowned only because -he refused to be crowned. He came with victory upon his brow, and peace -and liberty for the American people. From mouth to mouth went the -message--"the great and good Washington is coming." From town and country -the masses gathered to give him welcome and do him honor. The military -turned out, the civic societies paraded, the cannon boomed and everybody -went into raptures over his coming. The City Council was called together -and the following address was adopted, amid the wildest enthusiasm, and -presented to the grand American: - - _To his Excellency, General Washington, late Commander-in-Chief of the - Armies of America_: - - SIR--While applauding millions were offering you their warmest - congratulations of the blessings of peace and your safe return from - the hazards of the field, we, the Mayor and Commonalty of the - corporation of Fredericksburg, were not wanting in attachment and - wishes to have joined in public testimonies of our warmest gratitude - and affection for your long and meritorious services in the cause of - liberty; a cause, sir, in which, by your examples and exertions, with - the aid of your gallant army, the virtuous citizens of this western - world are secured in freedom and independence, and although you have - laid aside your official character, we cannot omit this first - opportunity you have given us of presenting, with unfeigned hearts, - our sincere congratulations on your returning in safety from the noisy - clashing of arms to the walks of domestic ease. And it affords us - great joy to see you once more at a place that claims the honor of - your growing infancy, the seat of your venerable and amiable parent - and worthy relatives. We want language to express the happiness we - feel on this occasion, which cannot be expressed but by superior acts - (if possible) of the divine favor. May the great and omnipotent Ruler - of all human events, who, in blessing America, has conducted you - through so many dangers, continue his favor and protection through the - remainder of your life in the happy society of an affectionate and - grateful people. I have the honor to be, in behalf of the corporation, - with every sentiment of esteem and respect, your Excellency's most - humble servant, - - WILLIAM MCWILLIAMS, _Mayor_. - -To this beautiful and appropriate address, the noble Washington responded -as follows: - - _To the Worshipful, the Mayor and Commonalty of the Corporation of - Fredericksburg_:-- - - GENTLEMEN--With the greatest pleasure I receive in the character of a - private citizen, the honor of your address. To a benevolent Providence - and the fortitude of a Brave and Virtuous army, supported by the - general exertion of our common country, I stand indebted for the - plaudits you now bestow. The reflection, however, of having met the - congratulating smiles and approbation of my fellow citizens for the - part I have acted in the cause of Liberty and Independence cannot fail - of adding pleasure to the other sweets of domestic life; and my - sensibility of them is heightened by their coming from the respectable - inhabitants of the place of my growing infancy[83] and the honorable - mention which is made of my revered mother, by whose maternal hand - (early deprived of a Father,) I was led to manhood. For the - expressions of personal affection and attachment, and for your kind - wishes for my future welfare, I offer grateful thanks and my sincere - prayers for the happiness and prosperity of the corporate town of - Fredericksburg. - - GO. WASHINGTON. - -The ceremonies of this gala day were closed with a ball at the -market-house at night, which is known in history as the "peace ball." At -the special request of the citizens, Mary, the mother of Washington, -attended this ball and held a reception in company with her illustrious -son. She "occupied a slightly elevated position, from which she could -overlook the floor and see the dancers, and among them the kingly figure -of the Commander-in-Chief, who led a Fredericksburg matron through a -minuet."[84] - -It will be noticed--and the fact will no doubt be treasured with -pride--that Washington, in his reply to the address on this occasion, -alludes to Fredericksburg as the place of his "growing infancy," which -shows that, history and tradition to the contrary notwithstanding, he grew -up in this town, where he was educated, and where the hand of that revered -mother led him to manhood, and the address of Robt. Lewis, nephew of -Washington, to Gen. Lafayette makes the same claim. - - -GEN. LAFAYETTE'S LAST VISIT. - -On the 27th day of November, 1824, Gen. Lafayette visited the town and -remained two days. He was Washington's right arm in the Revolutionary war, -and was visiting for the last time the early home of Washington, where he -took affectionate farewell of Washington's mother, in the early part of -the year 1783, as he returned to France. The General's coming was known -some days beforehand and a splendid mounted guard of honor was organized -in town and country, who met him just above the "Wilderness Tavern." At -that place hundreds of others joined the procession, including the -volunteer companies from Fredericksburg, and thus he and his party--his -son George Washington and Colonel La Vasseur--were escorted to town by -hundreds of mounted men and men on foot, with martial music, amid the -grandest display and wildest enthusiasm on the part of the people. He -received a welcome to the town no less cordial and sincere than was -accorded to Green and Washington, because the liberty, so highly prized -and gratefully enjoyed by them, was not achieved by Green and Washington -without the aid of Lafayette. A public reception was held during the day, -when he was welcomed by Mayor Robert Lewis, Washington's nephew, and -Lafayette's intimate friend, and thousands shook him by the hand and -wished him a safe voyage home to his own beloved France. - -At night a ball was given in his honor over the present market-house, -where hundreds gathered to do him honor and contribute to his pleasure. -The next day being Sunday he visited the Masonic Lodge, which was the -mother lodge of his "bosom friend," Washington, enrolled his name as an -honorary member, eulogized Washington and attended services at St. -George's Episcopal church. - -[Illustration: Entrance to National Cemetery, erected on Willis's Hill, a -portion of the Marye Heights. (See page 190)] - -[Illustration: The Superintendent's Lodge at the National Cemetery, -constructed of the stone taken from the famous "stone wall." (See page -191)] - -On the following morning, with the same mounted escort, with music and -the booming of cannon, he departed for the Potomac river, on his way to -the city of Washington, with the best wishes and earnest prayers of all -the good people of Fredericksburg. - -At the reception at the town hall were Mr. Lafayette Johnston and his good -wife, Mrs. Eliza Johnston. Mr. Johnston was named for Lafayette, and -having a son born to them during Lafayette's visit in this country, -concluded to add a further honor to the General by naming their son for -him, which they did and notified the General of it. Lafayette responded -with the following letter, which is now framed and in possession of Mr. H. -Stuart Johnston, a great-grandson: - - WASHINGTON, _January 6, 1825_. - - DEAR SIR--I am much obliged to the remembrance of my brother soldier - when he gave you my name, and am now to thank you for an act of - kindness of the same nature conferred upon me by his son. I beg your - consort and yourself to accept my acknowledgement to you, my blessing - upon the boy, and my good wishes to the family. - - Most truly, yours, - LAFAYETTE. - - _To Fayette Johnston, Esq._ - - -GEN. ANDREW JACKSON'S VISIT. - -The next hero to visit the town, that we mention, was the "Hero of New -Orleans," Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, who, with most -of his cabinet, came on the 7th of May, 1833. The occasion was the laying -of the corner-stone of the Mary Washington monument, which Mr. Silas -Burrows proposed to erect to her memory. The civic and military display -was very imposing and the crowd was well up into the thousands. - -Military companies from Washington, Alexandria, Fauquier county, and -United States marines, and our own military companies, were in line, under -the command of Col. John Bankhead, of White Plains, chief marshal. Col. -John B. Hill was chief architect of the monument. It was a great day in -Fredericksburg. - - -DEDICATION OF MARY WASHINGTON MONUMENT. - -The next occasion was the dedication of the Mary Washington monument, -erected by the Ladies' Mary Washington Monument Associations, national -and local, on the 10th of May, 1894, sixty-one years and three days after -the laying of the corner-stone of the Burrows monument. A more beautiful -day could not have dawned upon the city, and everything had been well -planned and faithfully executed for the grand event of the day. - -The streets and houses were beautifully decorated all along the route of -the march, and the private residences were adorned and made gay with -national and State flags. It was a general holiday for town and country, -and it appeared that everybody was present and intent upon seeing the -dignitaries who were to be here and hearing the addresses and ceremonies. -Besides hundreds of invited guests from different parts of the United -States, distinguished men and ladies, President Cleveland and nearly the -entire cabinet and their wives, Vice-President Stevenson and Mrs. -Stevenson, United States Senators, Representatives in Congress, Governor -O'Ferrall and his staff, two members of the Supreme Court of the United -States--Chief Justice Fuller and Justice Harlan--were present. The crowd -was so immense that the ground seemed to tremble under their tread. It was -the biggest day Fredericksburg ever had in the memory of man. - - -FREDERICKSBURGERS EVERYWHERE. - -Fredericksburg has one peculiarity that tradition gives her, which is -worthy of a place in this sketch, and that is, that in every city of any -size in the civilized world a native of Fredericksburg, or some one who -has lived in Fredericksburg, can be found. This is said to have been an -old saying of tourists, sailors, marines and naval officers, who candidly -declared that they were always able to find a Fredericksburger in every -place of any size they had visited. - -Capt. George Minor, who was born and raised in Fredericksburg, and who was -a captain in the United States navy, and afterwards in the Confederate -navy, often related this curious fact, and stated that it was positively -true as to him in all his travels both by land and sea. In connection with -this singular fact he related this incident: Before the Civil war he -sailed into the harbor of the city of Honolulu, on the Hawaii islands, -which have recently become a part of the United States. He thought of -this peculiarity of his old home town, but felt confident that no -Fredericksburger could be found in Honolulu, situated as it was away out -in the Pacific ocean. He made his way to the city, and, after some delay, -procured a guide to conduct him about the place, who could speak English. - -As they progressed on their rounds from place to place, the guide pointing -out places of note, giving an interesting history of the place and people, -their customs, habits and peculiarities, he found himself very much -interested in his guide and his narratives, and wished to know something -of his history. So he asked him: "Are you a native of Honolulu!" "No, -sir," was the response of the guide. "Well," continued the Captain, "where -are you from?" "I am from Fredericksburg, Virginia," answered the guide. -"I learned my trade of printer under Timothy Green, in the Virginia Herald -office." "I am from Fredericksburg, too, and know Mr. Green well," said -Capt. Minor, and the two Fredericksburgers had a real love feast. After -that experience Capt. Minor said he never expected to land anywhere that -he did not find a Fredericksburg man. - - -THE SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC ENTERS TOWN. - -The hospitality of the people of Fredericksburg is as well known probably -as any other characteristic of her citizens. It has been thoroughly tested -on many occasions, and has never failed to measure up to the demands and -even exceeded the expectations of the recipients. It is gratifying, too, -to be able to say that even our former enemies have been partakers of the -hospitalities of the town, at our private residences and in our public -halls, and have found language too poor to properly express their -gratification of the warm welcome and the generous hospitality they -received while in our midst. This was the case with the Society of the -Army of the Potomac in May, 1900. - -It had been suggested by some of the prominent citizens of the town that -it would be a gracious thing, and would testify our kind feeling towards -the members of that organization, for the City Council to invite the -Society of the Army of the Potomac to hold its thirty-first annual -reunion, in 1900, in the city of Fredericksburg, as guests of the town. -The society had never held a reunion on southern soil, and it was deemed -appropriate that its first meeting should be here, where they could meet -and mingle with Confederate veterans, where so many bloody battles were -fought between the two great armies of the Civil war. - -It had been intimated that members of the society, and even officials of -the organization, had expressed a desire to hold a session in -Fredericksburg, which would give many old soldiers an opportunity to visit -again the historic grounds, over which they had fought, and view the -country in times of peace. The City Council caught the spirit and approved -the suggestion, and on the 27th of July, 1899, unanimously passed the -following resolution: - - "Resolved by the Common Council of the city of Fredericksburg, - Virginia, That his honor, the Mayor, be and he is hereby, authorized - and instructed to extend a cordial invitation to the Society of the - Army of the Potomac to hold its annual meeting for the year 1900 in - this city, and to urge the acceptance of this invitation by said - society, assuring its members that they will meet with a cordial and - fraternal welcome by our citizens generally, and that every effort - will be made on our part to make their sojourn here pleasant and - agreeable to them." - -While the resolution did not authorize it, it was understood that the -Mayor would attend the reunion in September of that year, either in person -or by a representative, and urge the society to accept the invitation of -the city authorities. Mayor Rowe, being unable to attend the meeting of -the body, requested Judge James B. Sener to represent him, which he did, -and presented the resolution of the Council in an eloquent and patriotic -address, which was well received by the society. The result was Judge -Sener was elected an honorary member of the society and the invitation was -unanimously accepted. - -Upon the information that its invitation had been accepted, and that May -25th and 26th, 1900, were the days fixed for holding the reunion, the -Council appointed a reception committee of fifteen--five of its own body -and ten from the citizens, which was increased by the committee itself to -twenty--to make all the necessary arrangements and see that the members of -the society, and the visitors on that occasion, were properly received and -entertained. Those appointed of the Council were Col. E. D. Cole, John T. -Knight, Wm. E. Bradley, H. B. Lane, George W. Wroten. Those from the -citizens were Capt. S. J. Quinn, Major T. E. Morris. St. Geo. R. Fitzhugh, -H. F. Crismond, John M. Griffin, Isaac Hirsh, James A. Turner, H. H. -Wallace, Thos. N. Brent and James P. Corbin. - -The committee met and organized, with Col. E. D. Cole, chairman, and Capt. -S. J. Quinn, secretary, and the following gentlemen were associated with -the committee: Capt. M. B. Rowe, A. T. Embrey, Judge John T. Goolrick, -Capt. T. McCracken and George W. Shepherd. The committee was then divided -up into sub-committees and assigned to necessary and appropriate duties, -which were well and faithfully discharged. - -To assist at the banquet and lunch on the occasion, the committee -requested the services of the following ladies, who responded cheerfully -and did so nobly the parts assigned them that they merited, and received, -the hearty thanks of the committee and visitors: Mrs. James P. Corbin, -Miss Mary Harrison Fitzhugh, Mrs. Wm. L. Brannan, Miss Mary Shepherd, Mrs. -Vivian M. Fleming, Mrs. H. Hoomes Johnston, Miss Lula Braxton, Mrs. L. L. -Coghill, Mrs. E. Dorsey Cole, Miss Corson, Mrs. H. F. Crismond, Miss E. -May Dickinson, Mrs. Wm. F. Ficklen, Miss Goodwin, Mrs. John T. Goolrick, -Miss Alice Gordon, Miss Sallie Gravatt, Mrs. John M. Griffin, Miss Louise -Hamilton, Miss Roberta Hart, Mrs. David Hirsh, Mrs. Henry Kaufman, Mrs. -Harry B. Lane, Mrs. H. McD. Martin, Miss Annie Myer, Miss Eleanor -McCracken, Miss Carrie Belle Quinn, Mrs. Wm. H. Richards, Miss Lena Rowe, -Mrs. Edward J. Smith, Mrs. R. Lee Stoffregen, Miss Bertha Strasburger, -Miss Sallie Lyle Tapscott, Mrs. W. Seymour White, Miss Nannie Gordon -Willis and Mrs. Mary Quinn Hicks. - -The presidential party was met at Quantico by a sub-committee consisting -of Hon. H. F. Crismond, Hon. A. T. Embrey, Postmaster John M. Griffin, -Major T. E. Morris, James A. Turner and S. I. Baggett, Jr., and escorted -to Fredericksburg. - -At half past ten o'clock on the morning of the 25th of May, most of the -members of the Society of the Army of the Potomac having arrived, the -procession was formed at the courthouse, the society, under command of -Gen. Horatio C. King, secretary, with the reception committee, Confederate -veterans and citizens generally, headed by Bowering's band, proceeded to -the depot to meet the presidential train. Col. E. D. Cole, chief marshal, -with his aides, Capt. Dan. M. Lee, John T. Leavell, A. P. Rowe, Jr., and -W. J. Jacobs, with a cordon of mounted police, had charge of the line. - -At the depot an immense crowd of people had collected, and when the train -arrived there was a vociferous greeting to the President and cabinet and -Fighting (General) Joe Wheeler. The presidential party consisted of -President McKinley, his private secretary, Cortelyou, Secretary Hay, -Secretary Root, Attorney-General Griggs, Postmaster-General Smith, -Secretary Long, Secretary Hitchcock--every member of the cabinet except -Secretary Wilson--Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Commander-in-Chief of the Army, -his aide, Col. Michler, Lieut. Robert S. Griffin, secretary to Secretary -Long, Gen. Henry E. Tremain, Gen. W. J. Sewell, Gen. J. W. Hawley and Gen. -Joseph Wheeler. - -Headed by the celebrated Marine band, of Washington, sixty strong, the -line of march from the depot was up Main street, to George, thence to -Princess Ann and thence to the courthouse. All along the march the streets -were thronged with citizens and visitors, and the waving of handkerchiefs -and cheering kept the President constantly bowing to the right and left. - -When the courthouse was reached the presidential party filed in, followed -by the Society of the Army of the Potomac, visitors and citizens. The -courthouse was densely packed and hundreds were turned away, being unable -to get even standing room. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - - _Society of the Army of the Potomac Enters Town, continued._ - - -When this great crowd entered the courthouse, after making such a long -march in hot weather, most of them were willing to rest awhile before the -exercises commenced. Yet Gen. King is not one to rest long when business -had to be attended to, so he called the large assembly to order, and -announced that illness had prevented the attendance of Gen. D. McM. Gregg, -president of the society, and in his absence Gen. Martin T. McMahon would -preside in his stead. Dr. J. S. Dill, pastor of the Baptist church, was -presented and offered a most earnest prayer. Mr. St. Geo. R. Fitzhugh, who -had been selected by the committee of entertainment to extend the welcome, -was then introduced and made the following address: - - -MR. FITZHUGH'S ADDRESS. - -MR. CHAIRMAN: It is with feelings of profound pride and unfeigned pleasure -that our entire community extends a cordial and hearty welcome to the -illustrious Chief Magistrate of our country, who honors us with his -presence to-day. We recognize in our President the pure patriot and the -stainless statesman, whose wise and courageous administration, in both war -and peace, has endeared him to the hearts of his countrymen and has shed -new lustre upon the exalted office which he fills. - -Our people also welcome with much pride and warmth his eminent official -family, and the brilliant commander of our invincible army, and all these -distinguished men before me, who are guests of the Society of the Army of -the Potomac and of our city. - -And now, our friends of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, I find it -difficult to command adequate words with which to express to you the -supreme gratification and enthusiasm of our people at your prompt -acceptance of their invitation to hold your annual reunion in this old -town and at your presence here to-day in such numbers. - -We not only welcome you with open arms and glowing hearts, but we feel -that this action on your part rises to the dignity of an impressive epoch -in our national life; and we are not surprised that our illustrious -President, and all these distinguished men, should desire to grace this -inspiring occasion with their presence. - -It is the first time that your society has held one of its annual reunions -on southern soil, and, in making this new departure, it was preëminently -fit that you should honor Fredericksburg with your choice. - -A French philosopher has written, "Happy the people whose annals are -tiresome," but the far nobler and more inspiring thought of the -Anglo-Saxon race is that "character constitutes the true strength of -nations and historic glory their best inheritance." - -As American citizens you are proud of the grand traditions and heroic -memories that crowd your country's history; and nowhere else on this -continent could your feet tread on ground more hallowed by historic -memories than here. - -I think before you leave us you will acknowledge that if the immortal -names and deeds that this locality suggests should be stricken from the -annals of time, most of the present school books of our country would be -valueless and our national history itself would be as the play of Hamlet, -with Hamlet left out. - -The school boys and girls of our whole country are familiar with the story -of Capt. John Smith and Pocahontas, and history records that right here -Captain John Smith battled with and repulsed the Indians. So we may fairly -claim, without the exercise of poetic license, that the struggle of the -Anglo-Saxon race, to establish its civilization and supremacy on this -continent, commenced on this spot in 1608, just one year after Jamestown -was settled. - -If we should draw a circle around this ancient city, with a radius of less -than fifty miles, we should find within that narrow compass the birthplace -of George Washington, of Thomas Jefferson, of James Madison, of James -Monroe, of Zachary Taylor, of Chief-Justice John Marshall, of the Lees of -the Revolution, of Patrick Henry, of Henry Clay, of Matthew Maury and of -Robert E. Lee. If we should extend the circle but a very, very little, it -would also embrace the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, of John -Tyler, of Winfield Scott, and likewise the birthplace of this Republic -at Yorktown. - -[Illustration: A Tombstone in St. George's Churchyard, remarkable for its -date. (See page 246)] - -[Illustration: Confederate Monument in Confederate Cemetery. (See page -189)] - -Is there any other similar segment of space on the habitable globe so -resplendent with stars of the first magnitude! - -Seven Presidents of the United States and three of the greatest military -leaders of modern times were born within two hours' ride of this city, -estimated according to the most improved modern methods of travel! - -That meteoric Mars of naval warfare, John Paul Jones, lived and kept store -in this town, and went from here to take command of a ship of our colonial -navy. He was the first man who ever raised our flag upon a national ship, -and he struck terror to the heart of the British navy by his marvellous -naval exploits during the Revolution. - -It was right here that Washington's boyhood and youth were spent, and that -he was trained and disciplined for his transcendent career, and it was to -the unpretending home of his mother, still standing here--which you will -visit--that Washington and Lafayette came when the war closed, to lay -their laurels at her feet; and her ashes repose here, under a beautiful -monument, erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution. - -But there are other memories of heroic type, suggested by this locality, -which come nearer home to our hearts, whose mournful splendor time cannot -pale! - -Here, and within fifteen miles of this city, in Spotsylvania county, more -great armies manoeuvred, more great battles were fought, more men were -engaged in mortal combat and more officers and privates were killed and -wounded than in any similar territory in the world. More men fell in the -battles of this one small county during the Civil war than Great Britain -has lost in all her wars of a century; and more men were killed and -wounded in four hours at the battle of Fredericksburg than Great Britain -had lost in killed, wounded and prisoners in her eight months' war in -South Africa. - -When the fog lifted its curtain from the bleak plains about Fredericksburg -on the morning of December 13, 1862, the sun flashed down on a spectacle -of terrible moral sublimity! - -One hundred thousand Union veterans, with two hundred and twenty cannon, -were in "battle's magnificently stern array," and in motion, with nothing -to obscure their serried ranks from the view of their expectant -adversaries, safely entrenched on the sloping hills adjacent. The -different sub-divisions of this great army were commanded that day by -consummate masters of the art of war, whose names and brilliant exploits -now illumine the pages of our national history, but its commander-in-chief -was deficient in both strategic and tactical ability, and his most -conspicuous merit seemed to be his perfect faith in the courage and -invincibility of his army. - -General Burnside did not overrate the magnificent courage and sublime -self-sacrifice of his army, whose contempt of death that day on the open -plains about Fredericksburg seemed to strike the electric chain wherewith -we all are bound, and a thrill of admiration swept down the line of Lee's -army for four miles whilst yet the battle raged; but General Burnside did -underrate the strength of the positions which, without inspection or -information, he rashly assailed, and he did underrate the valor of the men -who held those positions. The appalling magnitude of his mistake was soon -apparent, alike to his officers and his men, and yet column after column -of that devoted army advanced, without a halting step, to the carnival of -death, over a plain swept by the ceaseless and terrible fire of protected -infantry and artillery--a plain of which General E. P. Alexander, in -command of the Confederate artillery, posted on the heights, remarked the -evening before, that "not a chicken could live there when his guns were -opened." - -No honors awaited the daring of these heroes that day; no despatch could -give their names to the plaudits of their admiring countrymen, their -advance was uncheered by the hope of emolument or fame; their death would -be unnoticed, and yet they marched to their doom with unblanched cheeks -and unfaltering tread. - -Pause a moment and picture those serried ranks as they marched undismayed -with grim precision and intrepid step to certain death, and, very many, to -unknown graves, and tell me whether heroism did not have its holocaust, -and patriotism and courage their grand coronation on these plains about -Fredericksburg; and tell me whether a nation's gratitude and meed of -honor to these unknelled, uncoffined and unknown heroes, who thus gave up -their lives for their country, in obedience to orders, should be measured -by the accident of victory or defeat, or by the unclouded grandeur of the -sacrifice they cheerfully made. Tell me whether the majestic memorial, -which that splendid old veteran, General Butterfield, proposes to erect on -the plains of Fredericksburg, to perpetuate the fame of the Fifth corps, -will not commemorate a higher type of heroism than any similar memorial to -that corps on the heights about Gettysburg! Tell me whether there was not -more courage and more manhood required to assail Marye's Heights than to -hold Cemetery Hill! - -The charge of Pickett's Division at Gettysburg was far grander, even with -its dreadful recoil, than was the defence of the stone wall at -Fredericksburg; and the heroes of the former deserve more of their country -than do the latter. - -Napoleon, after the battle of Austerlitz, addressing his army, said: -"Soldiers, it will be enough for one of you to say, 'I was at the battle -of Austerlitz,' for your countrymen to say, 'There is a brave man.'" - -Impartial history will record that the Union soldiers who fought at -Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness and at Spotsylvania -Courthouse were not only brave men, but that their valor on those immortal -fields decorated the Stars and Stripes with imperishable glory. And no -American army of the future, composed of those who wore the blue and the -gray, or their descendants, will ever permit that glory to be tarnished! - -It was the brilliant prowess of the Confederate army on the battlefields -of Spotsylvania that shed such dazzling lustre on the Union arms at -Gettysburg. If we should blot out the battlefields of Spotsylvania, we -should rob Gettysburg of all its glory; we should filch from General Grant -half his fame as a great commander, and should obscure to the future -student of the art of war Grant's invincible pertinacity and his sagacious -and successful policy of concentration and attrition, which alone explains -and vindicates his famous march of eighty miles from Culpeper Courthouse -to Petersburg, with a loss of tens of thousands of his brave troops, when -he might have transferred his army by transports to the shadow of the -Confederate capital without the loss of a man. - -Grant knew that the destruction of Lee's army, and not the capture of -Richmond, was the profoundest strategy. The Army of the Potomac, under the -consummate leadership of General Grant, won infinitely more prestige at -Appomattox, where eight thousand worn-out Confederates laid down their -arms, than the German army, under its great field-marshal, Von Moltke, won -at Sedan, where the French Emperor, Louis Napoleon, and 86,000 French -soldiers, neither footsore nor hungry, surrendered, and for the plain -reason that no such conflicts as those in Spotsylvania lay across the -march of Von Moltke to Sedan. The march to Appomattox was over the -battlefields of Spotsylvania, and Appomattox was only the culmination of -the courage and carnage of those fields. - -It was the conspicuous characteristic of both the Union and Confederate -armies that their courage was alike invincible; defeat could not quench -it; it shone with additional splendor amid the gloom of disaster, and no -soldier on either side need blush to have borne a part in any one of the -great battles of the Civil war, whatever fortune may have decreed as to -its temporary result. - -It is noteworthy, above almost any other events of history, that the two -most memorable and momentous struggles in which the Anglo-Saxon race has -embarked, both closed on the soil of Virginia, a century apart, by the -surrender of one Anglo-Saxon army to an army of the same race, and without -the loss of prestige on either side. - -For our great race, when vanquished by itself, proudly rears its crest -unconquered and sublime! - -One of those memorable struggles closed at Yorktown, where colonial -dependence perished, national independence was secured and our great -republic born. The other closed at Appomattox, where the doctrine of -secession and the institution of slavery perished and a more perfect union -than our fathers made was established. - -Secession and slavery perished on Virginia soil, and her people, though -impoverished by the loss of the latter, have shed no tears over the grave -of these dead issues; but they love and cherish the memory of the Southern -heroes whose sacred ashes repose in her bosom, and they proudly spurn any -suggestion that such moral heroism and sublime self-sacrifice as they -exhibited could be born of other than conscientious conviction! - -If the South was, by a wise providence, denied in that grand struggle the -honor of final triumph, her people to-day share equally with the victors -of that day the glorious fruits of their victory in a more perfect and -indissoluble union of indestructible States, under that superlative symbol -of a world-power--the glorious Stars and Stripes. - -All through this splendid address Mr. Fitzhugh was vociferously applauded, -the President and his cabinet heartily and enthusiastically joining in the -applause, and when he closed the demonstration was kept up for several -minutes. - -Gov. Tyler was then introduced and welcomed the veterans to Virginia, and -assured them that when their visit to Fredericksburg was ended, Richmond, -the Capital of the Confederacy, awaited them with extended hands and -outstretched arms. Gen. McMahon responded in a short address, full of -harmony and good feeling, and introduced Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, the -orator of the occasion. - -At the conclusion of the able and patriotic address of Gen. Sickles, the -presidential party and Gen. Sickles, lunched at Mr. Fitzhugh's and the -society and visitors were provided for at the Opera House. After lunch the -visitors and citizens marched to Mr. Fitzhugh's residence, where the -President held a reception and where several thousand people greeted and -shook him by the hand. - -The procession then formed and marched to the National cemetery, to -witness the laying of the corner-stone of the monument to be erected by -Gen. Daniel Butterfield to the memory of the men of the Fifth Army Corps, -who fell in the several battles in Fredericksburg and vicinity. - -The Masonic ceremonies were in charge of Lodge No. 4, A. F. and A. M. In -accepting the invitation to preside on the interesting occasion, Gen. -Horatio C. King said: - -I deeply appreciate the honor of being asked to preside on this most -interesting occasion, and in presence of the honored Chief Magistrate and -the members of his official family. I recall with pride the fact that I -first saw the light of Masonry in the Blue Lodge at Winchester, in this -magnificent State, in 1864, when I was a soldier in the great war, and -that from that day to this I have continued in good standing in our noble -order. It may not be amiss for me to add that he who honors and graces -this occasion to-day by his presence, our President, was also initiated at -or about the same time in the same lodge, and that he has also held fast -to the tenets of the organization through his lodge at his home in Ohio. - -It is most fitting that this dedication should be made by this -time-honored Fredericksburg Lodge, whose history antedates the Revolution -and in whose precincts the Father of his Country was enrolled. - -The occasion is one to inspire every patriot, and the generosity of Gen. -Butterfield, in raising this memorial to the fallen comrades whom he so -gallantly commanded, will shine through ages to come on the pages of -American history. - - -MASONIC CEREMONIES. - -The ceremonies were then conducted by the Masonic Lodge, the following -officers, members and visitors being present and taking part: - -Alvin T. Embrey, senior warden, acting worshipful master; Right Worshipful -James P. Corbin, senior warden _pro tem_; Wm. H. Hurkamp, junior warden; -Edgar M. Young, Jr., treasurer; Right Worshipful Silvanus J. Quinn, -secretary; Maurice Hirsh, senior deacon; Allan Randolph Howard, junior -deacon; Rev. James Polk Stump, chaplain, and John S. Taliaferro, tiler; -Worshipful Brothers Albert B. Botts, James T. Lowery, Thomas N. Brent, -Isaac Hirsh. - -_Members_: Joe M. Goldsmith, John Scott Berry, John R. Bernard, John C. -Melville, Robert A. Johnson, O. L. Harris, James Roach, George A. Walker, -A. Mason Garner, Wm. T. Dix, Wm. Bernard, H. Hoomes Johnston, Charles L. -Kalmbach, Edgar Mersereau, Adolph Loewenson, George W. Wroten, Joseph H. -Davis, J. Shirver Woods, Edwin J. Cartright and Maurice B. Rowe. - -_Visiting Masons_: Most Worshipful J. Howard Wayt, P. G. M., Staunton, -Va.; Wm. D. Carter, 102, Va.; W. J. Ford. 163, Ky.; W. C. Stump, 5, D. C.; -B. P. Owens, 14, Va., and Dr. J. W. Bovee, of B. B. French, D. C. - -The handsome silver trowel used in laying the corner-stone, was made by -order of Gen. Butterfield for that occasion and then to be presented to -the Masonic Lodge performing the service. After the service of laying the -corner-stone, Gen. Edward Hill, who spoke for Gen. Butterfield, in an able -address, presented the monument to the Secretary of War to be kept, cared -for and preserved by him and his successors in office, to which Secretary -Root responded in a brief and appropriate speech, accepting the monument -and promising to preserve it as requested. - - -CAMP FIRE AT OPERA HOUSE. - -At 8 o'clock in the evening a "camp fire" was held at the Opera House, -which was crowded to its utmost capacity. Short addresses were made by -Gen. McMahon, Gen. Hawley, Gen. Miles, Gen. Sewell, Gen. Tremain, Gen. -Geo. D. Ruggles, Capt. Patrick, Gen. Sickles, and a letter was read from -Gen. Shaw, all of whom were on the Union side. The Confederate veterans -were represented by Gen. Joseph Wheeler and Private John T. Goolrick. - -When Gen. Wheeler was introduced, Gen. Hawley, who had already spoken, -interrupted with "Just a moment. Something occurs to me. Among the -extraordinary things that are happening in the world, this is especially -interesting to me. I find, on looking over the records, that Moses -Wheeler, more than 250 years ago, married the sister of Joseph Hawley in -Connecticut. Now, General, go on." - -This produced great laughter, in which Gen. Hawley joined with much zest. - - -JUDGE GOOLRICK'S ADDRESS. - -Judge Goolrick, who was introduced as the representative of the -Confederate veterans, and especially the private soldier, of whom there -are so few at this time, spoke as follows: - - COMRADES, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN--With sincere sentiments of good will, - commingled with a sense of gratitude, I welcome you within the gates - of our city, and no man has a better right to bid you come than - myself--for, just after the surrender at Appomattox, I was sitting on - the roadside, weary and worn, foot-sore and hungry, with an intense - solicitude for a change of my bill of fare from parched corn, upon - which I had luxuriated for about three days, when a kind-hearted - private soldier of the Army of the Potomac, seeing my dejected and - depressed appearance, came to me with words of cheer, comfort and - kindness, and, putting his hand down into his not overstocked - haversack, gave me all his rations of hardtack and bacon, and - immediately the gloom of defeat ceased to be so oppressive, and the - intense hunger, under which I had labored, also ceased. This act of - good fellowship, under the conditions which confronted me, at once - inspired a fraternal feeling for my enemy. So you see, Mr. Chairman, I - have a real right to be glad to see here to-day the representatives of - that army of which my benefactor was a member, and bid you be of good - cheer while you pitch your tents once again on the old camp ground. - - You are now on a spot which is consecrated in the hearts of the - soldiers from the North and the South. Within the sound of my voice - Meagher's Irish Brigade immortalized itself by a charge into the jaws - of death, a charge in which the Irishman expressed his loyalty to the - land of his adoption, and gave evidence of that inborn bravery which - has made his name illustrious all over the world. - -[Illustration: St. Mary's Catholic Church. (See page 214)] - -[Illustration: Shiloh Baptist Church, Old Site (colored.) (See page 215)] - - Within this county--at Chancellorsville--the soldiers of the South - conquered in a battle where death pulsated the very air, which was won - by unparalleled bravery and matchless strategy, though it cost the - life of the southland's idolized Stonewall Jackson, the very genius of - the war. Here the two master military leaders met for the first - time at the Wilderness, where was commenced the march by parallel - columns, which culminated in the surrender of the Army of Northern - Virginia, by our grand old commander, Lee, to the great and - magnanimous Grant. - - On these fields Americanism, in its highest and holiest sense, was - illustrated and illuminated. Here a colossal column of men marched to - death, testifying thereby the very highest expression of - patriotism--love of country. For greater love hath no man that this, - that he lay down his life for his friends. It is to this spot you have - come--a place which is, and should be, the mecca of all lovers of - patriotism, self-sacrifice and lofty devotion to duty. And these have - not been lost, and will not be, for as the blood of the martyrs was - the seed and the seal of the church, so the blood and the bravery of - the soldiers of the North and the South have already cemented this - Republic in a closer union. - - There has been a good deal said here, sir, to-day about peace. He who - fought ceased warfare when the war ended. 'Tis true it was waged with - great energy by warriors. After Lee told his boys to go home, and - Grant said, "Let us have peace," these warriors, after the war, were - like that chaplain in Early's army, who was seen going to the rear, - while the battle was raging in front. Early met him and asked him - where he was going. "To the rear--to the hospital department," said - he. "Why not stay in the front?" said old Jubal, "for I have heard you - urging my men for the last six months to prepare to go to heaven, and - now you have an opportunity to go to heaven yourself, and you are - dodging to the rear." These men who want war and talk war now had the - opportunity to take part, but most of them did not feel so inclined - when the battle raged fast and furious. - - I suppose, sir, however, I was called to talk to-night because I am - rather an unique and curious living specimen of a soldier, for I was a - private, and there are few now living. It is said just before the - surrender a poor old soldier laid down to sleep, and he slept _a la_ - Rip Van Winkle, for twenty years. Awaking up he rubbed his eyes; - looking around, he called a man walking on the road-side to him. - "Where," said the soldier, "is old Marse Bob Lee and his army?" - "General Lee," replied the man; "why, he has been dead many years; he - surrendered his army and then died." "Ah!" said the private; "ah, then - where are all the generals?" "They," replied the man, "have been sent - to Congress." "And what has become of the colonels?" "Why, they have - been elected to the Legislature." "What about the majors, captains and - lieutenants?" "They have been made sheriffs and clerks and - treasurers." "Where, then, tell me, where in the world have the - privates gone?" "The privates!" answered the man; "why, they are all - dead." And the old soldier rolled his eyes back and fell asleep again. - If he were to awake again to-day his eyes would be gladdened and his - heart made happy by monuments erected in Virginia's capital city, and - elsewhere, to emphasize the love and reverence with which the memory - of the brave private soldiers are held by a grateful people. - - Sir, far be it from me to hold in slight estimation or little esteem, - the illustrious commanders. I am proud of the grand and glorious - leadership of my great captains, Lee and Jackson, and I willingly pay - a tribute to the greatness of Grant and to the memory of Hancock, "the - superb," and the splendid Meade. I would not, if I could, attempt to - dim the lustre of their names or throw any shadow over the brightness - of their deeds. - - I was an humble private soldier in the Confederate army, and I am - proud here to proclaim that I was a follower of the peerless and - illustrious Lee, but I stand here to pay my loving tribute to the - private soldier of both armies. His splendid achievements, grand - heroism, unfaltering loyalty and unflinching bravery, have no parallel - in all time. He knew that if in the forefront of the fight he were - shot down that then his name would not be written on the scroll of - fame, his uncoffined body would find sepulture in a nameless grave, - and that he would have for an epitaph, "unknown!" Only a private shot; - and thus the story of his daring and dying would be told. - - But, knowing all this, he failed not nor faltered. He was inspired by - the very holiest and highest, because of an absolutely unselfish sense - of duty. He was moved by a purpose to serve his country and its - cause. He marched, battled and bivouacked because his determination to - do, dare and die, if needs be, for the flag under which he served. - Whether under the sultry sun of summer or amidst the sleet and snow of - winter, he stood, unmoved from his unalterable resolve. No grander, no - more beautiful, no more splendid expression of the very highest type - of manhood could be found than was found in the life of the private - soldier of both or either army; and when the war ended, with them - verily it ended, and they all joined hands in a fraternity of - comradeship which was well exhibited by that private soldier of your - army who ministered to my necessities and cheered me in my sadness as - I sat under the very shadow of defeat and amidst the gloom of - surrender at Appomattox. - - And members of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, to which that - private belonged, and to which we of the Army of Northern Virginia - surrendered, I meet and greet you on your first reunion south of the - river whose name you bear. We of the South will ever cherish, ever pay - the homage of our hearts' best devotion to the memory of our great - cause and its champions, we will ever keep them hallowed and sacred, - but with us the war is over. We pay allegiance and bear full fealty to - this great Republic of ours, and the men and the sons of the men who - followed Lee and Jackson stand ready with you to defend, always and - everywhere, the honor, the integrity and the interest of this fair - land of ours against all foes, whether from within or without its - borders. - - We worship at the same shrine of liberty. There is only one flag now. - It is our flag and yours. Under its shadow we stand with the men of - your army. And now, to-night, at this reunion, in this presence, let - me urge, as the shibboleth, the motto of both armies, to be our - inspiration in peace, our rallying cry, if needs be, in war, this: - "Whom God hath joined together let no party, no people and no power - put asunder." - -Judge Goolrick was heartily applauded during the delivery of his address, -and at its close the cheering was loud and prolonged. - -There was no business session of the society the next day and very many of -the Union veterans visited the various battlefields. The most of the -society and visitors went to Richmond on an excursion tendered the society -by Lee Camp, where they were met and entertained by the Confederate -veterans of that hospitable city. - -Addresses were made on that occasion by Judge D. C. Richardson, Mayor -Richard M. Taylor, Gov. Chas. T. O'Ferrall and Attorney-General A. J. -Montague, of Richmond, and Gen. Horatio C. King, of New York, and Gen. -Geo. D. Ruggles, of Washington. - -On the return of the excursionists from Richmond a reception and lunch -were tendered them at the Opera House, where they were met by a large -number of the ladies and gentlemen of the town, and a most enjoyable -evening was spent. Gen. King, secretary of the society, in a brief -address, acknowledged the cordial welcome and unbounded hospitality they -had met with in our town and the homes of our citizens, extended the -hearty thanks of the society to the officials and citizens and stated that -the reception was even warmer and more cordial than they had ever before -met with. - - -RESOLUTIONS OF THANKS ADOPTED. - -At the business meeting of the society on the first evening the following -preamble and resolution, after very complimentary remarks of the town and -people, by many of the visitors, were enthusiastically adopted: - -The reunion of the Society of the Army of the Potomac at Fredericksburg is -of peculiar significance, and the generous sentiment which prompted the -invitation, meets with a hearty response from every patriotic soldier of -that great army. Every animosity engendered by the conflict is here buried -with the more than one hundred and twenty thousand gallant men who shed -their blood and sacrificed their lives in their heroic devotion to -conviction and to duty. The work done here is an imperishable record of -the unsurpassed courage and bravery of the American soldier: therefore be -it-- - -Resolved, That we tender to the civic authorities and citizens of -Fredericksburg, and especially to the efficient local executive committee -and Mr. St. Geo. R. Fitzhugh, our most hearty thanks for a welcome that -sustains, in the highest, the fame of Virginia hospitality. The generous -and unstinted courtesies of all will render this reunion forever -memorable, and the most pleasurable emotion will always arise whenever the -name of Fredericksburg is mentioned. - -As a fitting sequel of this distinguished gathering and the grand -reception on the part of the town and citizens, a letter, written by Gen. -Horatio C. King, twenty-five years secretary of the society, en route to -his home, in Brooklyn, N. Y., is inserted: - - _Captain S. J. Quinn, Secretary Army of the Potomac Committee_: - - MY DEAR CAPTAIN--The generous efforts of your citizens to kill us with - kindness were well nigh successful, but happily we survive to tell the - tale of the most unique and unsurpassed reunion in the history of the - Society of the Army of the Potomac. - - Our first meeting on the soil of the South cannot fail to have a most - happy effect upon the comparatively few--mainly born since the great - conflict--who do not realize that the war ended in 1865. - - The sentiments expressed by your orators, Mr. Fitzhugh, your honored - Governor Tyler and Judge Goolrick, and by Mayor Taylor, ex-Governor - O'Ferrall and Attorney-General Montague, in Richmond, should be - printed in letters of gold and circulated all over the nation. Purer - or more exalted patriotism has never been expressed. - - To the thanks already extended I desire to add my personal obligations - for the untiring energy, zeal and efficiency of your local committee, - which have made my duties comparatively light and most enjoyable; and - I desire to make my acknowledgments especially to you and Brother - Corbin for the promptness of your correspondence and unremitting - attention. - - I am afraid I but feebly conveyed to the audience last evening the - warm appreciation of the superabundant and delightful lunch so - gracefully provided by your people and so charmingly distributed by - your ladies. - - Indeed, I cannot find words to express our gratitude for a reception - so complete as not to have elicited a single complaint or criticism. - We can never forget it or the good people who carried the reunion to - unqualified success. - - -ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT M'KINLEY. - -Visiting Fredericksburg in May, to attend the meeting of the Society of -the Army of the Potomac, and take part in laying the corner-stone of the -Butterfield monument, where he received the most marked demonstrations of -the love and loyalty of his people, without regard to party politics, -President McKinley returned to our beautiful capital with a grateful heart -and a determination to show himself President of the entire country, -dispensing justice to all alike. He was proud of his country and rejoiced -in its unparalleled prosperity. In September, 1901, he visited the -exposition at Buffalo, N. Y., where, while holding a reception on the 6th -of September, he was assassinated in the midst of the thousands who -surrounded him. The sad news was flashed by wire throughout our land and -the civilized world, and was received everywhere with unaffected sorrow. - -Our City Council was assembled upon the sorrowful intelligence, and the -following preamble and resolutions were adopted, and telegraphed Mrs. -McKinley, which were the first adopted and received by her from any -quarter: - - "Whereas, we have heard, with great sorrow and indignation, of an - attempt to assassinate his excellency, Wm. McKinley, President of the - United States, at Buffalo, N. Y., this afternoon; and, whereas, we - rejoice to learn by the latest telegram that his physicians express - the firm belief he will survive the wounds inflicted, therefore-- - - Resolved, by the Mayor and Common Council of the city of - Fredericksburg, Virginia, that we condemn, in the strongest language - we can command, this dastardly and wicked act, and call upon the - authorities to punish the would-be assassin to the full extent of the - law. - - 2nd, That we tender our profoundest sympathy to Mrs. McKinley in her - great affliction and earnestly pray that a kind and all-wise Heavenly - Father may restore her devoted husband and our much loved Chief - Magistrate to perfect health, to her and this united and happy - country. - - 3rd, That our worthy Mayor be requested to communicate by wire this - action of the Council to Mrs. McKinley." - -Notwithstanding the best medical skill was employed to remain with the -stricken President day and night, who endeavored to locate and extract the -pistol ball, and the prayers of the nation, he calmly passed away on the -14th of September, eight days after the assassin's deadly work. The -monster murderer was an anarchist from Ohio, who was condemned before the -courts for his wicked act and paid the extreme penalty of the law. - -As the news of the President's death was sent to the world with electric -speed, and announced in Fredericksburg, the City Council was immediately -assembled again and the following action taken: - - "The Mayor and Common Council of the city of Fredericksburg desire to - unite with all the world in paying tribute to the memory of President - McKinley, as a patriot American, a pure citizen, a fearless Executive - and a Christian gentleman. - - It is with pride and pleasure that we recall his recent visit to our - city and his expressions of gratification at being with us, and this - tribute to his memory is to testify and further emphasize our sincere - sorrow at his death. It is therefore-- - - Resolved, That the public buildings of this city be draped in mourning - for thirty days; that during the hour of the funeral service that the - bells of the city be tolled, and that a committee of three members of - the Council be appointed by the Mayor to confer with the ministers of - our churches in order to arrange a memorial meeting of our citizens, - and that these resolutions be spread upon the records of this council. - - Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, with our expressions of - sympathy in this hour of her great bereavement, be forwarded to Mrs. - McKinley, widow of our distinguished President, signed by the Mayor, - and attested by the clerk, under the seal of this city." - -This action of the Council was one of the few that Mrs. McKinley -personally responded to. To it she promptly replied, evincing her grateful -appreciation, with the tenderest expressions, for the sympathy tendered to -her in her great sorrow. The memorial services were held in St. George's -church, the day of the funeral, conducted by the city pastors, Dr. T. S. -Dunaway, delivering the address. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - - _Dr. Walker's Exploration--Bacon's Rebellion, so-called--The - Fredericksburg Declaration--The Great Orator--Resolutions of - Separation from Great Britain--Virginia Bill of Rights, &c._ - - -It has been said, probably by the facetious or perhaps by the envious--for -such are to be found in all communities--that Virginians are noted for -their bragging--that find them where you may, at home surrounded by -friends and companions, or abroad among strangers and aliens--bragging is -their distinguishing characteristic. It is not probably known whether this -charge has ever been investigated and passed upon by any competent -authority, but if it has been, and the charge was pronounced true--or if -the truth of the charge were admitted by the parties themselves, they can -plead justification, and should be readily excused upon the ground that -they really have something to boast of in the patriotism, endurance, -sacrifices and achievements of a glorious ancestry. If the people of other -parts of the country have whereof to boast, Virginians have more, and -those in that part of Virginia in which Fredericksburg is located may well -take the lead. - -In this and the two succeeding chapters we propose to show what has been -accomplished for this great country by the sons of Virginia, who have -lived in Fredericksburg and within a radius of sixty or seventy-five miles -of Fredericksburg, and show that in the extension of the borders of our -infantile country, in protecting the settlers from the ravages of the -brutal savages, in agitating, fostering and demanding the rights of the -people, in opposing and resisting the unjust laws and oppressions, -usurpations and unreasonable exactions of sordid and wicked rulers, in the -separation, by solemn resolutions and declarations of this country from -Great Britain, in uniting and defending the colonies and in achieving the -independence of the country, in forming and administering the government, -in numbering it with the family of the nations of the earth, and placing -it upon the high road to prosperity and national greatness, Virginians -were ever in the van, and others followed their leadership and reaped -the rich fruits of their splendid achievements and their glorious -victories. And this we do, not in any spirit of vanity, but that there may -be grouped together and brought to public attention, in permanent form, -historical facts, if known to the public, long forgotten and -unappreciated, that Fredericksburg may be placed, where it rightly -belongs, as the most historical spot in the most historical State in this -great nation, that will soon, if it does not now, dominate the nations of -the earth and fully justify her sons in recounting their deeds, if it -shall be termed bragging. - -[Illustration: The present Postoffice Building at Fredericksburg. (See -page 165)] - -[Illustration: Tombstone marking grave of William Paul, brother of -Commodore John Paul Jones, in St. George's burial ground. (See page 237)] - - -DR. WALKER'S EXPLORATION. - -It was Dr. Thomas Walker, of Albemarle county, a Virginian, who, with five -companions, in 1750, explored the wild country, which now forms the States -of Tennessee and Kentucky, and named that chain of mountains and the -beautiful river that flows through the valley, Cumberland, in honor of the -Duke of Cumberland, and then crossed over the country to the head waters -of the Kentucky river and gave it its name, which furnished a name for -that great and prosperous State. - - -BACON RESISTS OPPRESSION. - -It was Nathaniel Bacon, of Henrico county, a Virginian, who first offered -resistance to the colonial authorities in defence of the lives, liberties -and property of the people and put forth a declaration of principles, -which were the guiding star for those who came after him until -independence was achieved, with all of its blessings and glorious fruits. - -In his United States History Dr. Howison says: "In the great declaration -adopted by them in 1776, just one hundred years after the movements under -Bacon, we find embedded not less than five principles among the most -weighty and potent that justified the overthrow of the English rule, all -five of which were in active movement to produce the uprising of the -Virginia people in 1676. These five principles were: - - 1. The right to civil and religious liberty--'life, liberty and the - pursuit of happiness'; - - 2. The right to throw off a government which had 'cut off their trade - from all parts of the world'; - - 3. Which had 'imposed taxes on them without their consent'; - - 4. Which had 'taken away their charters, abolished their most valuable - laws and altered fundamentally the powers of their government'; - - 5. Which had 'excited domestic insurrections among them and had - endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of their frontiers the - merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an - undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.'" - -Mrs. An. Cotton, who wrote an account of this Bacon movement the year it -occurred, and who did not fully endorse all that Bacon did, states that a -large council was held on Bacon's premises in May, at which Bacon charged -that the authorities were guilty of wrong in their eagerness to get rich; -that some persons were rich who were guilty of unjust methods in obtaining -their wealth; that the authorities were doing nothing to encourage the -arts, sciences, schools of learning or manufactories; that the Governor -approves the lawlessness of the Indians against the settlers, and declines -to interfere because it might diminish his revenue in trading with them; -that the Governor refuses to admit an Englishman's oath against an Indian, -where he accepts the bare word of an Indian against an Englishman; that -the Governor is monopolizing the beaver trade in violation of law; that -the traders at the heads of the rivers, being the Governor's agents, buy -and sell the blood of their brethren and countrymen by furnishing the -Indians with powder, shot and firearms contrary to the laws of the colony; -and that Col. Cowells asserted that the English were bound to protect the -Indians, even if they had to shed their own blood. - -At the conclusion of Bacon's address the Council agreed to three things: -1. To aid with their lives and estates General Bacon in the Indian war. 2. -To oppose the Governor's designs, if he had any, against the prosecution -of the war. 3. To protect the General, the army and all who agreed to the -arrangement against any power that should be sent out of England, until it -was granted that the country's complaint might be heard against the -Governor before the King and Parliament. - -The premature death of Bacon occurring, and no competent person to take -the lead being found, the movement soon ceased, the troops disbanded and -went home, and many of those who aided Bacon in protecting the lives and -property of the settlers were put to death by Governor Berkley on the -charge of treason. Thomas Matthews, said to be a son of Gov. Matthews, and -who at that time represented Stafford county in the House of Burgesses, -was appointed by Bacon to the command of all the forces in this part of -Virginia, but he probably had not the courage or means to carry out -Bacon's plans. - -Bacon died from a cold contracted in camp and was buried in Gloucester -county, but for fear the authorities would exhume the body and subject it -to indignities, the place of his burial was kept a secret. Bacon's effort -for the people was just one hundred years before the great revolution, and -when we are fully informed as to his cause of action we may debate in our -minds as to whether Nathaniel Bacon was our first Thomas Jefferson or -whether Thomas Jefferson was our second Nathaniel Bacon. - - -FIRST DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. - -It was in a public gathering in Fredericksburg on the 29th day of April, -1775, that resolutions were passed, approaching in spirit a declaration of -independence, which was twenty-one days before the resolutions of -Mecklenburg, North Carolina, were adopted. The resolutions, adopted in -North Carolina, found their way into print and into the histories, while -those passed in Fredericksburg did not; but they were the first adopted -anywhere in the country, and more than six hundred men were ready to carry -them into effect by marching to Williamsburg to redress wrongs which had -been committed by Gov. Dunmore in removing the gun powder from the public -magazine. Some regard this act as the beginning of the great revolution in -the colonies. It was to prepare the people for any breach of the law or -outrage upon the people's rights, which had been threatened by the -authorities at Williamsburg, and commenced in the gunpowder act, that the -Fredericksburg resolutions were adopted, and the great pity is they were -not handed down to succeeding generations and preserved as the first -Declaration of Independence since the days of Bacon. In referring to these -resolutions, Dr. Howison, in his United States History, says, they were -tantamount to a declaration of independence. - - -HENRY LEADS FOR LIBERTY. - -It was Patrick Henry, of Hanover county, a Virginian, at the time living -in and representing Louisa county, who fired the country with his -matchless eloquence and set in motion forces that achieved liberty and -independence to this country. It was this peerless son of Virginia, in the -House of Burgesses, surrounded by such giant minds as Bland, Pendleton, -Lee and Wythe, that the torch of liberty was set on fire that was never to -be extinguished. We quote from Dr. Howison's United States History: - - "He wrote on the blank leaf of an old law-book five resolutions which - he offered to the House. They were a strong protest against the course - of Parliament. The third declared that taxation by the people - themselves, or their representatives duly chosen, was an essential - characteristic of British freedom. The last resolution was in these - words: - - "'Resolved, therefore, that the General Assembly of this colony have - the sole right and power to lay taxes and impositions upon the - inhabitants of this colony; and that every attempt to vest such - power in any person or persons whatsoever, other than the General - Assembly aforesaid, has a manifest tendency to destroy British as - well as American freedom.' - - "A warm debate ensued. Pendleton, Bland, Wythe and Randolph all - opposed the resolutions; but Henry was the master mind, and made an - impression which is felt to this day. His words were pregnant with a - nation's freedom. In the heat of the debate occurred a memorable - scene. Patrick Henry reached a climax. 'Cæsar,' he cried, 'had his - Brutus; Charles the First, his Cromwell, and George the - Third'--'Treason'! burst from the lips of the president. 'Treason,' - 'Treason!' resounded through the house. The orator paused; then, - raising himself to his full height, with eyes of fire and a voice - which thrilled every soul, he concluded his sentence, 'and George - the Third may profit by their example. If this be treason make the - most of it.' - - "The resolutions were adopted by one vote, and that evening Patrick - Henry left for his home. In March, 1775, the Virginia Convention met - in St. John's church, Richmond. It was a body of the most - distinguished men in Virginia, and among them was Patrick Henry. He - was still far in advance of the leading men of the convention, who, - although there were English fleets in the waters of Virginia and armed - soldiers quartered within her towns, still hoped that the evils - complained of could be remedied by compromise. - - "Henry did not think so, and he was unwilling to sit down quietly - until it would be too late to prepare for defense. He submitted a set - of resolutions, calling attention to the presence of British armies - and the dangers then threatening American freedom, and proposed that - Virginia should be put in a state of defense, and that measures should - at once be taken for embodying, arming and disciplining such a number - of men as may be sufficient for that purpose." - -The proposition was strongly opposed by such men as Bland, Nicholas, -Pendleton and Harrison. Dr. Howison says: "It was now that Patrick Henry -appeared in power. Rising slowly from his seat, he made an appeal which in -eloquence and strength, and in its effect upon the future of the world, -went far beyond any effort of oratory ever previously made. It was the -demonstration that the coming war was to be a war of ideas and principles, -and not a mere war of brute force." No perfect production of this speech -has been preserved--perhaps none were possible; yet enough has been -preserved to enable the thoughtful student to feel something of its -inspiration: - - "Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. We have done - everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming - on. We have petitioned--we have remonstrated--we have supplicated--we - have prostrated ourselves before the throne and have implored its - interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the Ministry and - Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have - produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been - disregarded, and we have been spurned with contempt from the foot of - the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope - of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If - we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable - privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not - basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long - engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until - the object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat - it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is - all that is left us. - - "There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and - who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, - sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, - the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough - to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is - no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged; their - clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston. The war is inevitable, - and let it come. I repeat it, sir, let it come! - - "Gentlemen may cry, Peace! peace! but there is no peace. The war has - already begun. The next gale that sweeps from the North will bring to - our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the - field. Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What - would they have? Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased - at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know - not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or - give me death!" - -A dead silence followed this speech. The feelings it excited were too deep -for applause; but there was no longer any hesitation or division of -opinion. The proposal of Henry was adopted, and, in a short time, Virginia -was alive with military preparation. - -There are two prophesies in this eloquent speech which were fulfilled; one -was that the clash of resounding arms would be heard by the next gale from -the North--the battle of Lexington was fought on the 19th of April; and -the other was that God would raise up friends to fight our battles for us. -Our independence could hardly have been secured without the aid of the -French, whom Lafayette led, and who were the friends that were raised up -for us by a kind Providence. - - -PENDLETON'S RESOLUTIONS. - -It was Edmund Pendleton, of Sparta, in Caroline county, a Virginian, who -prepared, and Cary presented, resolutions defining the position of the -colonies and instructing the Virginia delegation to the General Congress -to vote for a declaration of separation from Great Britain. These -resolutions were heartily indorsed by the troops that had assembled at -Williamsburg, and even by those leading Virginians who so strongly -condemned Patrick Henry's first great speech. - -It was Richard Henry Lee, of Westmoreland county, a Virginian, who -offered, in the Colonial Congress, the resolution that embodied the views -expressed in the Pendleton resolutions, and which brought forth the -Declaration of Independence. The resolution was submitted on the 7th of -June, 1776, which was as follows: - - "That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and - independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the - British Crown; and that all political connection between them and the - State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." - -The discussion of this resolution showed the temper of Congress, and while -the vote was postponed at the instance of some members who still thought -such a measure premature, a committee to prepare and bring forward a -declaration was appointed, of which Thomas Jefferson was made chairman. -Mr. Lee, a member of the committee, was called home because of the -sickness of his wife, but Mr. Jefferson sent him the original copy of the -draft and also the amendments for his inspection, and wrote him: "You -will judge whether it is the better or worse for the critics." - - -GEORGE MASON'S BILL OF RIGHTS. - -It was George Mason, of Gunston Hall, a native of Stafford county, a -Virginian, who wrote the Virginia Bill of Rights and the Constitution of -Virginia. The fact that Mason was a farmer, and not a lawyer, has been -emphasized by several writers, and the fact that he prepared those -important documents, when there were so many eminent lawyers associated -with him in those stirring times, is a matter of surprise. But that he did -write them has never been disputed or questioned, and it was an honor that -linked his name with those of Jefferson and Madison, and will enshrine his -memory in the hearts of his countrymen for all time to come. And the honor -of preparing this important instrument is enhanced when we remember they -were almost original in thought as to most of the principles declared in -them. It is true that some have claimed that the Bill of Rights was based -upon the English Bill of Rights of 1689, yet that bill only asserted the -right of subjects to petition, the right of Parliament to freedom of -debate, the right of electors to choose their representatives freely, and -other minor privileges. These rights had been exercised by the Colonists, -but there were other rights dear to the people which they had not enjoyed -and were not permitted to enjoy, and there were grievous wrongs committed -upon the people that had to cease. - -These things called for a different kind of paper from the English Bill of -Rights and the times necessitated different demands than were made calling -forth the bill of 1689. A paper was needed setting forth the rights of -freemen and providing for the government of freemen, and it is asserted -that the Bill of Rights was a pattern for the Declaration of Independence, -while the Constitution was the first one that was written for the -government of a free and independent people in all the past history of the -world. - -[Illustration: Public School Building (colored.) (See page 144)] - -[Illustration: The Butterfield Monument. "In honor of the Fifth Army -Corps, and also to the valor of every American Soldier." Gen. Butterfield. -(See page 269)] - -The Bill of Rights was adopted by the Virginia Convention on the 12th of -June, 1776, after it had been thoroughly discussed for several days. It -was written for Virginia and did not apply to the other colonies, yet -it is so complete in all its parts we are told that other State -constitutions, in defining the rights of the citizen, largely followed the -phraseology of this famous instrument. All Virginians should read it, -again and again, study it and treasure it as one of the most precious -legacies bequeathed to them. The following is the bill in full: - - 1. That all men are by nature equally free and independent and have - certain inherent rights of which when they enter into a state of - society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their - posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means - of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining - happiness and safety. - - 2. That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the - people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all - times amenable to them. - - 3. That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common - benefit, protection and security of the people, nation or community; - of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best, which - is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, - and is most effectually secured against the danger of - maladministration; and that, when any government shall be found - inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community - hath an indubitable, unalienable and indefeasible right, to reform, - alter or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive - to the public weal. - - 4. That no man, or set of men, are entitled to exclusive or separate - emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of - public services; which, not being descendible, neither ought the - offices of magistrate, legislator or judge be hereditary. - - 5. That the legislative, executive and judicial powers should be - separate and distinct; and that the members thereof may be restrained - from oppression, by feeling and participating in the burdens of the - people, they should, at fixed periods, be reduced to a private - station, return into that body from whence they were originally taken, - and the vacancies be supplied by frequent, certain and regular - elections, in which all, or any part of the former members, to be - again eligible, or ineligible as the laws shall direct. - - 6. That all elections ought to be free; and that all men having - sufficient evidence of permanent common interest with, and attachment - to, the community have the right of suffrage and cannot be taxed or - deprived of their property for public uses, without their own consent - or that of their representatives so elected, nor bound by any law to - which they have not, in like manner, assented for the public good. - - 7. That all power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any - authority, without the consent of the representatives of the people, - is injurious to their rights, and ought not to be exercised. - - 8. That in all capital or criminal prosecutions, a man hath the right - to demand the cause and nature of his accusation, to be confronted - with the accusers and witnesses, to call for evidence in his favor and - to a speedy trial by an impartial jury of twelve men of his vicinage, - without whose unanimous consent he cannot be found guilty; nor can he - be compelled to give evidence against himself; that no man be deprived - of his liberty, except by the law of the land or the judgment of his - peers. - - 9. That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines - imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. - - 10. The general warrants, whereby an officer or messenger may be - commanded to search suspected places without evidence of a fact - committed, or to seize any person not named, or whose offence is not - particularly described and supported by evidence, are grievous and - oppressive, and ought not to be granted. - - 11. That in controversies respecting property, and in suits between - man and man, the ancient trial by jury of twelve men is preferable to - any other, and ought to be held sacred. - - 12. That the freedom of the press is one of the great bulwarks of - liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments. - - 13. That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, - trained to arms, is the proper, natural and safe defence of a free - people; that standing armies, in times of peace, should be avoided, as - dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases, the military should be - under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power. - - 14. That the people have a right to uniform government; and therefore - that no government separate from, or independent of, the government of - Virginia, ought to be erected or established within the limits - thereof. - - 15. That no free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be - preserved to any people, but by a firm adherence to justice, - moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue, and by a frequent - recurrence to fundamental principles. - - 16. That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the - manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and - conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are - equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the - dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to - practise Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - - _The Declaration of Separation--The Declaration of - Independence--Washington Commander-in-Chief--John Paul Jones Raises - the First Flag--He was First to Raise the Stars and - Stripes--Fredericksburg Furnishes the Head of the Armies and Navy--The - Constitution of the United States, &c._ - - -As stated in the last chapter, we continue in this references to the great -deeds of the great men of Virginia that should be grouped, as we are here -endeavoring to do, in the smallest possible space, and preserved to -perpetuate their memory and honor their descendants through all coming -time. It was Thomas Jefferson, of Albemarle county, a Virginian, who wrote -the Declaration of Independence, that struck the shackles of servitude -from the people of this country, and proclaimed the United Colonies a -new-born nation, free and independent. - - -JEFFERSON AND THE DECLARATION. - -A lineal descendant of Thomas Jefferson, three generations removed, Judge -John E. Mason, thus writes on these subjects, for this publication: - -"Some years before the Revolutionary war, the colony of Virginia had -become restless under British dominion. There had been, here and there, -open expressions of discontent, and a growing resentment, if not positive -hostility, against the mother country. In fact, nowhere more than in -Virginia, and especially in this section, had the spirit of independence -more steadily grown; and when the time came for decision and concert of -action by the colonies, public opinion here was ripe to break down the old -barriers, and to resist, with force, the power of England. - -"Among those who had taken a most active part in moulding public sentiment -was Thomas Jefferson, who, because of his extreme views in antagonizing -every element of English ideas, and its government as based upon an -aristocracy, has sometimes been called the 'Great Commoner.' Whether he, -more than others, who were upon the stage of action at that time, is -entitled to the name, those who know his history must be the judge; but -certain it is, he was in advance of many of his contemporaries in -developing antagonism to ancient ideas and ancient customs, which were the -pride of the British people. - -"On the 6th of May, 1776, the delegates from the counties and cities of -the Colony of Virginia, met in convention at its capitol in Williamsburg, -Edmund Pendleton presiding. During this convention certain resolutions -were reported from committee by Archibald Cary, which were unanimously -adopted by the one hundred and twelve members present. The first of these -resolutions--said to have been proposed by Thomas Nelson, and drawn as -reported by Edmund Pendleton, but no doubt the work of both--after -reciting certain grievances against the mother country, declared that the -'delegates appointed to represent the colony in the General Congress, be -instructed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United -Colonies free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to or -dependence upon the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain.' - -"In Congress, on the 7th day of June, 1776, the gifted Richard Henry Lee, -from this section, in obedience to instructions, offered the same -resolution, which had been adopted by the Virginia Convention--that -Congress should 'declare that the United Colonies are, and of right ought -to be, free and independent States.' This resolution was the precursor of -the formal declaration. It was offered by a Virginian, acting under -instructions given by Virginians, and its answer was the Declaration of -Independence. - -"The debate began on this resolution on the 8th of June, but on the 10th, -it having developed that five colonies north of the Potomac were not ready -to vote, the final decision was then postponed until the first day of -July. In the meantime a committee had been elected to draft a Declaration -of Independence. Mr. Lee, the mover of the above resolution, was -unexpectedly called home by the illness of his wife, and was not on the -committee. The committee was not appointed by the presiding officer, but -was elected by ballot by Congress, and Jefferson, having received the -highest number of votes cast, was its chairman. Its work was completed by -the 28th of June. The Declaration of Independence was, on that date, -reported to the House by Jefferson, and was then read and ordered to lie -on the table. The Virginia resolution was carried in the affirmative, in -the Committee of the Whole July 1st. On the 2nd day the Declaration of -Independence was taken up and debated each day until the fourth, when it -was adopted. It will be observed that the Declaration was completed before -Congress had adopted the Virginia resolution. - -"The committee, elected to draft the Declaration of Independence, -consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger -Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Mr. Jefferson drew the Declaration of -Independence at the request of the other members of the committee. Had -another been its author, we believe the Declaration would have been -different in tone, while, of course, the leading principles would have -been the same. Many members were conservative, while Jefferson was -radical. They had in view chiefly independence and freedom; Jefferson had -the same opinions, but even then contemplated a complete revolution in the -existing conditions--for anything which, in the slightest degree, partook -of the nature of the government of Great Britain, her customs or -traditions, was odious to him. He wished an irrevocable change, so that -the new would supersede the old beyond recall. - -"When, in framing that great document, he wrote these words: 'We hold -these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they -are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights,' * * * it -doubtless did not require a prophet to tell what his future course would -be, or the principles, considered radical then, for which he would stand, -or the wonderful influence 'these truths' would have in forming -constitutions and shaping legislation, State and national, provided the -British were beaten on the field of battle. - -"It is worthy of note that the Declaration of Independence, as it came -from his hands, suffered little change, except in two instances. He -inserted in the original draft what might be called an emancipation -proclamation--a clause condemning as piratical warfare against human -nature itself, the enslaving of Africans--the slave trade being then -sanctioned by North and South--the former being carriers and the latter -principally buyers--a business which Virginia would, years before, have -prohibited had she not been met, in every effort, by royal vetoes. The -other change was made by striking out some animadversions upon the English -people. This was done by those who yet hoped for reconciliation, or -something, they knew not what, which might avert the desperate struggle. - -"To those who believe in freedom of thought and action; in the sovereignty -of the people; in the equality of all men before the law, based upon -constitutional rights, restrictions and limitations, made by the wisdom of -the greatest men this world has ever produced; in opening the door to -promotion to all men whose talents, integrity and general high characters -entitle them to such honors, the Declaration of Independence must forever -commend itself; and it seems to the writer that upon the strict adherence -to the principles, therein enunciated, rests the very life of the -government of the United States. - -"There are many other great things which came from the brain of Jefferson -besides the Declaration of Independence, though the Declaration may have -been the basis of all. The principles of the Declaration having been once -established, these followed as a natural sequence. In a limited space only -a few can be simply noted. After he retired from Congress, in 1776, to -become a member of the Virginia Legislature, he presented, in the session -of that year, a bill for the revisal of the laws of the State, which was -soon passed, and Jefferson, Pendleton, Wythe, George Mason and Thomas L. -Lee were appointed a committee for revision. - -"This committee of distinguished men met in Fredericksburg on the 13th day -of February, 1777. Here various propositions were submitted and -discussed--Mason, Wythe and Jefferson almost always agreeing and voting -together, and Pendleton, of all, being the most unwilling to depart from -the old conditions, except, to the astonishment of the committee, he -proposed a new system, that all common law and equity jurisprudence, -which had received the sanction of ages, should be abrogated--a new -institute, after the model of Justinian or Bracton, should be reported, -thus giving us what is called, in this day, a code law, which would have -been set afloat, without a precedent to guide it, and to construe which, -would have taken our courts from that time to this. - -"After this committee had agreed on measures and propositions, and the -general outline of the system to be pursued, Mason and Lee, having given -the other members the benefit of their advice, retired from further -participation in its labors, because they were not lawyers, and left the -work to be done by the other three members, who then divided it, and -completed the arduous task in 1779. - -"There were four measures proposed by Jefferson before the full committee, -then sitting in Fredericksburg, which were his especial pride, and these -were the repeal of the laws of entail, the abolition of primogeniture, the -establishment of a system of public education, and the act for the -establishment of religious freedom. These four bills, he himself -afterwards said, he 'considered as forming a system by which every fibre -would be eradicated of ancient, or future, aristocracy, and a foundation -laid for a government truly republican.' - -"To use his own language again, 'the repeal of the laws of entail would -prevent the accumulation and perpetuation of wealth in select families and -preserve the soil of the country from being more and more absorbed in -mortmain.' - -"Not only was the abolition of the laws of entail resisted by some of the -best talent in Virginia, but when Jefferson proposed to abolish also the -law of primogeniture--a relic of feudalism--there was strong opposition -from the same sources--men who had risked fortunes and lives in the -struggle for independence, but who were unwilling to join Jefferson in his -attack upon institutions whose very age commanded veneration. One of the -chief opponents of Jefferson was Edmund Pendleton, his friend, whose -candor, great ability and benevolence in all these struggles won his -admiration. - -"It was Pendleton, who, when he found the old law could not prevail, -suggested that the Hebrew principle be adopted, by which the eldest son -should inherit double the amount of real estate which would descend to the -heirs of the ancestor. The reply of Jefferson was characteristic and -terse--'I observed,' he says, 'that if the eldest son could eat twice as -much and do double work, it might be a natural evidence of his right to a -double portion; but being on a par, in his powers and wants, with his -brothers and sisters, he should be on a par also in the partition of the -patrimony.' - -[Illustration: The Old Planters' Hotel. The stone in front was used as a -"stand" for slaves when hired or sold at public "outcry." (See page 165)] - -[Illustration: The Opera House. It occupies the ground of the bank and -other buildings burnt at the bombardment, December 11, 1862. (See page -269)] - -"The statute of descents in Virginia was drawn by him--a statute which has -justice and 'natural right' in every line, and so clear and perspicuous is -it, that in all these years only one serious question has been raised -regarding it, calling for a decision of the Supreme Court of Appeals. - -"Jefferson gave an impetus to public education which is felt at this time. -He proposed to the General Assembly of Virginia three bills: the first, -establishing elementary free schools for all children; the second, for -colleges; and the third, for the highest grade of sciences. Only the first -of these was passed by the Assembly, and before this was done it was so -amended that it could not be operative unless the county courts so -decided. Now, as the justices who presided over these courts, while among -the most honorable and talented men in Virginia, were generally of a class -who did not care to bear the taxes necessarily entailed upon them by the -adoption of the system, no free schools were established in any county -within the Commonwealth under this act, with possibly the exception of one -county. - -"It was a fact that our ancestors, especially when under the English -system of government, did not favor education at public expense, and the -royal Governors, as a rule, threw the weight of their influence against -it. But after the Revolutionary war had closed, and the government of the -States was made a government by the people, Virginians, like Jefferson, -proceeded on the theory that to have a good government, the people--the -sovereigns--must be educated, so that they would take, not only a deeper -interest in the affairs of State, but would do so with intelligence--the -more knowledge disseminated the better would be the government, and the -less danger there would be of its falling into the hands of a favored and -exclusive class. - -"The principle of free education, however, so earnestly forced to the -front by Jefferson, eventually bore fruit, though the ripening was slow. -It was gradually adopted by the people of Virginia, until now a system, -backed by a sound public sentiment, is established in every county and -city in the State, and the doors of the colleges are open to those who -have not been favored with fortune. It may be safely predicted that when -the State shall have fully recovered from the wreck and havoc of the Civil -war, that a complete and thorough system will be established, such as that -which was first proposed by Jefferson, and the people of the State will -rejoice to see it done. - -"No more important measure was proposed to the committee which met in -Fredericksburg, on the 13th of January, 1777, than that of Jefferson's for -the establishment of religious freedom, just as it now appears, with -slight modifications in the preamble, in the statute books to-day. The -fact that this act was written in Fredericksburg, we have never heard -questioned; and the people of this city have the same right to claim that -this 'second declaration' had its birth here, that the people of -Philadelphia have to claim that city as the birth-place of the first. It -was, however, a long time before its advocates were able to secure its -passage by the Legislature. Having been written in 1777, it did not become -the law of the land until 1785. - -"In making his fight for religious freedom, the courage, the persistence -and the power of this statesman shone in all their splendor. We consider -this as his most difficult task, but it is his crowning glory. He had -arrayed against him the advocates of a long cherished policy, sustained by -law; one around which tradition had woven a peculiar sanctity, and he who -would lift his hand against it was deemed guilty of sacrilege. There, too, -were the clergy, strong in resistance, backed, as they were, by a wealthy -and powerful class, Jefferson himself belonging to a family whose members, -though loyal in exacting faithful obedience to changes in existing -conditions, loved this church and worshipped in its sacred, but State -protected walls; yet, in spite of all of this, believing that freedom of -conscience was one of the 'inalienable and natural rights,' with a -boldness, which all must commend; with a persistence, which all must -admire, he headed the forces which took the last citadels of monarchial -institutions and leveled them to the ground, thus forever separating -church and State and eliminating the combination of political policy and -religion, so that henceforth no man could be 'compelled to frequent or -support any religious worship, place or ministry, but all men shall be -free to profess, and by argument maintain, their opinions in matters of -religion, and the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or effect their -civil capacity.' - -"In justice to those who were adherents to the established church, it must -be said that some supported Jefferson, and after the change came, none -were more devoted in maintaining the statute, and all others of kindred -import; many being in positions charged with their proper enforcement, -gave them sound judicial interpretation in exact conformity to all -theories of the newly formed government. - -"This act for the establishment of religious freedom is not only a -monument to him, as a liberator of men, but its elegant diction, its easy -and smoothly flowing style, show his genius as a writer. It is worthy of -note, its preamble contains over five hundred words, yet it is but one -sentence; only finished in the body of the act itself, where the first -period appears; and, although he says this preamble was somewhat mutilated -by others, there is nothing doubtful or uncertain as to its meaning, -purpose and scope. - -"To do full justice to the subject in hand would require a volume, but we -must content ourselves with what has been written to show in part the -wonderful and rapid changes then made in old and settled conditions, and -the powerful influence this section had in moulding a government based on -'natural rights and justice,' and in shaping its destinies." - - -WASHINGTON GAINS INDEPENDENCE. - -It was George Washington, a native of Westmoreland county, raised in -Fredericksburg, who led the American armies in the Revolutionary war and -gained American independence. He was called the "Great and Good -Washington." He was truly great. He was great in the eyes of Americans; he -was great in the eyes of his opposing enemies; he was great in the eyes of -the world. He was an uncrowned king, because he refused to be crowned. We -cannot properly appreciate his greatness, because he was so great we have -no one to compare him with. - -It is said a famous scholar has written a long essay in which he argued -that the "traditional Washington" must give place to the new Washington. -Referring to this, Senator Lodge says: "This is true in one sense. A new -idea of Washington comes up in the mind of each generation, as it learns -the story of the father of this country; but in another sense, the idea of -a new Washington is wrong. He cannot be discovered anew, because there -never was but one Washington." - -As to the esteem in which Washington is held all over the world, Senator -Lodge says: "Even Englishmen, the most unsparing critics of us, have done -homage to Washington from the time of Byron and Fox to the present day. -France has always revered his name. In distant lands, people who have -hardly heard of the United States know the name of Washington. Nothing -could better show the regard of the world for this great giver of liberty -to the people than the way in which contributions came from all nations to -his monument in Washington. There are stones from Greece, fragments of the -Parthenon. There are stones from Brazil, Turkey, Japan, Switzerland, Siam -and India. In sending her tribute, China said: 'In devising plans, -Washington was more decided than Ching Shing or Woo Kwang; in winning a -country, he was braver than Tsau Tsau or Ling Po. Wielding his four-footed -falchion, he extended the frontiers, and refused to accept the royal -dignity. The sentiments of the three dynasties have reappeared in him. Can -any man of ancient or modern times fail to pronounce Washington peerless?' -These comparisons, which are so strange to our ears, and which sound -stranger still when used in comparison with Washington, show that his name -has reached further than we can comprehend." - -Speaking of the Declaration of Independence, Maury says: - - "From beginning to end it was the work of Virginia. A Virginia planter - (Mason) conceived it; a Virginia lawyer (Jefferson) drafted it; and a - Virginia soldier (Washington) defended it and made it a living - reality." - - -FIRST FLAG RAISED BY JOHN PAUL JONES. - -It was John Paul Jones, a Fredericksburg man, who raised the first flag -over our infant navy, and the first to throw our National flag--the Stars -and Stripes--to the breeze of heaven. The National Portrait Gallery, -volume 1, giving a short sketch of Jones's life, says: "On the -organization of the infant navy of the United States, in 1775, John Paul -Jones received the appointment of first of the first lieutenants in the -service, in which, in his station on the flag-ship Alfred, he claimed the -honor of being the foremost on the approach of the Commander-in-Chief, -Commodore Hopkins, to raise the new American flag. This was the old device -of a rattlesnake coiled on a yellow ground, with the motto, '_Don't tread -on me_,' which is yet partially retained in the seal of the war-office. * -* * By the resolution of June 14, 1777, he was appointed to the Ranger, -newly built at Portsmouth--a second instance of the kind--had the honor of -hoisting for the first time the new flag of the Stars and Stripes." - - -HEADS OF THE ARMY AND NAVY. - -It was Fredericksburg that gave to the country the head of the armies of -the United States in the great war for independence, in the person of the -peerless Washington, and also furnished the greatest naval commander of -that war in the person of the dauntless John Paul Jones. In addition to -Washington, the small town of Fredericksburg sent to the field during the -great Revolution five other generals--Gen. Hugh Mercer, Gen. George -Weedon, Gen. Wm. Woodford, Gen. Thomas Posey and Gen. Gustavus B. Wallace, -besides many officers of the line of high rank. - - -MADISON THE FATHER OF THE CONSTITUTION. - -It was James Madison, of Orange county, a Virginian, born a few miles -below Fredericksburg, at Port Conway, in King George county, who gave -that wonderful instrument, the Constitution of the United States, to the -country, that has been described as the "grand palladium of our liberty, -the golden chain of our union, the broad banner of freemen, a terror to -tyrants and a shining light to patriots." - -Hon. James D. Richardson, of Tennessee, in his great work of compiling the -messages and papers of the Presidents, with short biographical sketches of -each, after recounting the labors, works and achievements of Mr. Madison, -says: "It was not for these things or any of them his fame is to endure. -His act and policy in the framing of the marvellous instrument, the -constitution of our country, his matchless advocacy of it with his voice -and pen, and his adherence to its provisions at all times and in all -exigencies, obtained for him the proudest title ever bestowed upon a man, -the title of the 'Father of the Constitution.' It is for this 'act and -policy' he will be remembered by posterity." - - -JUDGE WALLACE ON THE CONSTITUTION. - -Hon. A. Wellington Wallace, at one time Judge of the Corporation Court of -Fredericksburg, contributes for this work the following paper on the -Constitution of the United States: - -"No historical sketch of Fredericksburg and its locality would be complete -without at least an epitome of the constitutional form of government of -the United States; for within a radius of seventy-five miles from -Fredericksburg were reared the leading men who inspired the Federal -Constitution. There are few, if any, similar areas in magnitude that can -furnish, in one epoch of time, such a splendid galaxy of names. George -Washington, Richard Henry Lee, James Madison, Patrick Henry, John Blair, -George Wythe, Edmund Randolph, and George Mason, the deputies appointed by -Virginia to frame the Federal Constitution, were natives of this -territory. - -"The inspiration given to the men of the age when our constitution was -framed, was a wonder to the world. No nation had ever attempted by a -written paper to provide a fundamental basis for government to last for -all time and to provide for every emergency which might arise. The -British Constitution, which had been the maternal chart of government -before the Revolution, was a collective name for the principles of public -policy on which the government of the United Kingdom was based. It was not -formulated in any document, but the gradual development of the political -intelligence of the English people, resulting from concessions from the -Crown, successive revolutions, numerous enactments of Parliament and from -the established principles of the common law. But here in this new -country, by young men, born in the territory around Fredericksburg, was -inaugurated a departure from the traditions of our ancestors to govern by -a written fundamental law, a nation, whose progress thereunder has been -phenomenal and has been, and will ever be, a continuing cause of -astonishment to the civilized world. - -"As has been stated in this chapter, the Constitution of Virginia, of -1777, drawn by George Mason, was the first written constitution. -Subsequently, the several colonies that revolted against Great Britain, -entered into written articles of confederation for the common defense and -for government in time of war, but when the independence of the United -States had been recognized by Great Britain, these articles of -confederation were found totally inadequate for the powers of government. - -"The power of making war, peace and treaties, of levying money and -regulating commerce and the corresponding judicial and executive -authorities, were not fully and effectually vested in the Federal Union; -so it became necessary that the freed colonies should either become weak, -independent sovereignties, or should be bound together by stronger -obligations, and, that for the general welfare, the separate sovereignties -should surrender certain rights and powers to central control. With a view -to this object, on the 21st day of January, 1786, a resolution passed the -Legislature of Virginia for the appointment of five commissioners, any -three of whom might act, to meet similar commissioners from other States -of the Union; and, under this resolution, the commissioners appointed -fixed the first meeting in September following as the time, and the city -of Annapolis, Maryland, as the place of meeting. - -"Edmund Randolph, James Madison and Saint George Tucker attended, -representing Virginia, and, as a result of this conference a convention -was called of all the States, to be held in Philadelphia, on the 25th day -of May, 1787, and to that convention Virginia sent the deputies mentioned -before in this paper, and, of these deputies, George Washington was chosen -president of the assembled body. An extended account of the proceedings of -that convention would be inappropriate in this brief narration. It is -sufficient to state that the convention adjourned, having completed its -work on the 17th day of September, following its meeting, and that while -all the Virginia delegates assisted in the work of the convention, only -three of the delegates, George Washington, James Madison and James Blair, -signed the Constitution. - -"The Constitution went into effect on the 4th day of March, 1789, although -George Washington, the first President of the United States under it, was -not inaugurated until the 13th day of April--eleven of the thirteen States -having ratified it, the others, North Carolina and Rhode Island, not -ratifying, the former until November 21, 1789, and the latter until May -29, 1790. - -"The Constitution is a document comprised in seven original articles and -fifteen amendments. Of the original articles the first deals with the -legislative body, prescribing the mode of election to the House of -Representatives and the Senate, the qualifications of members, the method -by which bills shall be passed, and those subjects on which Congress shall -be qualified to act. The second relates to the Executive Department, -prescribing the method of election and qualifications and duties of the -President. The third relates to the Judicial Department, providing for the -Supreme Court and such other inferior courts as Congress may think -necessary. The fourth deals with the relations of the Federal Government -and the separate States, and provides for the admission of new States. The -fifth relates to the power and method of amendments to the Constitution; -the sixth to the National Supremacy, and the seventh to the establishment -of the government upon the ratification of the Constitution by nine of the -States. - -"The amendments, according to one of the methods provided, were -proposed by Congress and ratified by the States. The first twelve were -submitted under acts passed in 1789, 1790, 1793 and 1803, and the last -three after the Civil war, under acts of 1865, 1868 and 1870. The most -important of the amendments are the twelfth, which changed the method of -electing the President and Vice-President to the existing method; the -thirteenth, which abolishes slavery; the fourteenth, which disqualifies -any one who has been engaged in rebellion against the government from -holding office, unless his disqualification has been removed by Congress, -and prevents the assumption and payment of any debt incurred in aid of -rebellion; and the fifteenth, which prohibits the denial to any one the -right to vote because of race, color or previous condition of servitude. - -[Illustration: Shiloh Baptist Church, New Site (colored.) (See page 215)] - -[Illustration: The Church of God and Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ -(colored.) (See page 216)] - -"This is an epitome of the Constitution of the United States, by virtue of -which the government has been maintained to the present time; and the -principles laid down therein were, to a very large extent, the suggestions -of the men we have mentioned from the locality of Fredericksburg. The -Republic based upon this Constitution was an experiment, but it has, for -more than a century, withstood the most terrific shocks of the most -troublous times. It has waged foreign wars successfully; wild party spirit -has always been foiled in efforts to undermine it; the bloodiest -internecine strife in the world's history, sustained on both sides by -unsurpassed valor, has but cemented its strength and prosperity at home -and its power and prestige abroad; from thirteen small, feeble colonies, -it has become a great nation of nearly eighty millions of people, its -domain not only spreading from ocean to ocean, but extending far over the -seas, and the protecting ægis of the Constitution, and the laws passed -thereunder, guarding every race from every clime. - -"No more splendid apostrophe to the Constitution could be added than the -tribute of Mr. Gladstone, of England, the ablest advocate of human rights -the century just closed has produced, when he said, in substance, that it -was the grandest and greatest compendium of principles that had ever -emanated from the brain, or been written down by the pen, of man." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - - _The First Proclamation for Public Thanksgiving--Pennsylvania Whiskey - Rebellion--John Marshall and the Supreme Court--Religious Liberty--The - Monroe Doctrine--Seven Presidents--Clarke Saves the Great - Northwest--The Northwest Explored--Louisiana Purchase--Texas - Acquired--Mexico Adds to Our Territory--The Oceans Measured, Sounded - and Mapped--The Ladies' Memorial Association--The Mary Washington - Monument, &c._ - - -This chapter is taken up with a continuation and conclusion of the -subjects of the last two chapters--that is, a brief reference to what has -been accomplished for the country by the giant minds, and through the -dangerous and daring exploits of the men who lived in Fredericksburg and -within a radius of seventy-five miles of Fredericksburg; therefore no -farther introduction to the chapter is necessary. - - -FIRST THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION. - -It was Richard Henry Lee, of Westmoreland county, a Virginian, styled the -Cicero of America, who wrote the first proclamation for public -thanksgiving in this country. Congress, with the government, had moved -from Lancaster, in Pennsylvania, where it had gone for safety, to York, in -the same State, then containing about 1,500 inhabitants. At that time the -chief cities in the country were in the hands of the enemy, except -Richmond and Savannah, and the American army--again defeated at -Germantown--retreating before a victorious enemy. Congress had been in -session for nine months in York in the years 1777 and 1778, and while -there heard the news of the surrender of Burgoyne, adopted the Articles of -Confederation, received the news from Benjamin Franklin at Paris of the -decision of the French government to aid the Americans in their struggle -for liberty, and issued the first national thanksgiving proclamation. - -The President of Congress appointed Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, with -Samuel Adams, of Massachusetts, and Gen. Roberdeau, of Pennsylvania, to -draft the proclamation. It was written by Mr. Lee, and for its beauty and -comprehensiveness, and being the first paper of the kind ever prepared and -issued by authority in this country, it will, we are sure, be regarded -with interest and veneration. It is as follows: - - "For inasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the - superintending providence of Almighty God, to acknowledge, with - gratitude, their obligations for benefits received, and to implore - such further blessings as they stand in need of; and it having pleased - him, in his abundant mercy, not only to continue to us the many - blessings of his common providence, but also to smile upon us in the - prosecution of just and necessary war, for the defence and - establishment of our rights and liberties; particularly that he has - been pleased, in so great a measure, to prosper the means used for the - support of our troops and to crown our arms with signal success. - - "It is, therefore, recommended to the legislatures, or executives, - powers of these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th of - December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart - and one voice the people of this country may express their grateful - reverence, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine - benefactor, and that together, with their sincere acknowledgments, - they may join in a penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby - they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and earnest - supplication may be that it may please God, through the merits of - Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; - that it may please him graciously to shower his blessings on the - government of these States, respectively, and to prosper the public - council of the whole United States; to inspire our commanders, both by - land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which - may render them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, - to secure for these United States the greatest of all - blessings--independence and peace; that it may please him to prosper - the trade and manufactures of the people, and the labor of the - husbandman, that our land may yield its increase; to protect schools - and seminaries of learning, so necessary for cultivating the - principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing - hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and - enlargement of the kingdom which consists of righteousness, peace and - joy in the Holy Ghost. - - "It is further recommended that all servile labor and such recreation - as at other times innocent may be unbecoming the purpose of this - appointment on so solemn an occasion." - -This historic document was adopted by Congress on the 30th of October, -1777, and sent to the governors of the respective States on the 1st of -November by the President of the Congress, Henry Lawrens, of South -Carolina, who had just been elected to fill the vacancy caused by the -resignation of John Hancock, of Massachusetts. - - -THE WHISKEY REBELLION. - -It was Henry Lee, of Westmoreland county, a Virginian, known through the -war for independence as "Light Horse Harry," who, in 1792, crushed out the -Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania and restored order to the four counties -in rebellion. He was at the time Governor of Virginia, and was in command -of 15,000 troops, raised by special requisition of President Washington -from the States of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. It was -this Henry Lee who delivered the funeral oration in Congress on -Washington, in which he used those words which will last in history as -long as the memory of Washington shall be revered, "He was first in war, -first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen." - - -CHIEF JUSTICE MARSHALL AND SUPREME COURT. - -It was John Marshall, of Fauquier county, a Virginian, who, by his great -ability and firmness of character, brought the Supreme Court up from a -tribunal of little importance and consequence to one of great dignity and -to one equal in power and importance with the executive and legislative -branches of the government. He did more--he established not only the fact -that the Supreme Court was the proper tribunal to declare what was and -what was not law, under the Constitution, but it was to set limits to the -powers and prerogatives of the chief executive himself. - -In an address on the Supreme Court by Justice Brown in 1896, he said: "The -Constitution had been adopted by the vote of the thirteen States of the -Union, but its construction was a work scarcely less important than its -original creation. With a large liberty of choice, guided by no -precedents, and generally unhampered by his colleagues upon the bench, the -great Chief Justice (Marshall) determined what was law by what he thought -it ought to be, evolved from his own experience of the defects of the -Articles of Confederation and from an innate consciousness of what the -country required, a theory of construction which time has vindicated and -the popular sentiment of succeeding generations has approved. In the case -of Marbury against Madison, which arose at his very first term, he -declared the judicial power to extend to the annulment of an act of -Congress in conflict with the Constitution, a doctrine peculiar to this -country, but so commending itself to the common sense of justice as to -have been incorporated in the jurisprudence of every State in the Union. -The lack of this check upon the action of the Legislature has wrecked the -constitution of many a foreign State, and it is safe to say that our own -would not have long survived a contrary decision. Had Marshall rendered no -other service to the country, this of itself would have been sufficient to -entitle him to its gratitude." And Judge A. W. Wallace, writing of Justice -Marshall, said: "By his canons of construction he fortified the -foundations of the Constitution and builded thereon the jurisprudence of -the United States--whose opinions, nearly a century old, stand, like a -great sea-wall, breasting every billow of political frenzy that has -threatened to engulf the safety, permanence and perpetuity of our -institutions." - - -RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. - -It was Thomas Jefferson, of Albemarle county, a Virginian, who wrote the -act of the General Assembly of Virginia, passed on the 26th day of -December, 1785, establishing religious liberty in Virginia, which has been -adopted, or a law of similar import, by every State in the United States, -and made a part of the Constitution of the United States, by the first -amendment made to that instrument. It is one of the grandest achievements -of Mr. Jefferson, and stamps him as a patriot who could and did rise -superior to his environments and surroundings, and even his predilections -and life-long attachments, and secure to the people, by a law which he -expressed the hope would never be repealed, their rights in matters of -conscience as to religion and the worship of their God. It has permeated -this whole country, and its influence is felt more or less throughout -Christendom, and as a little leaven will leaven the whole lump, so its -influence is still at work and time only can tell what it shall -accomplish. - -The act was written in Fredericksburg, and, omitting the long preamble, -which is written in Mr. Jefferson's best and most vigorous style, is as -follows: "That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any -religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be inforced, -restrained, molested or burthened, in his body or goods, nor shall -otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that -all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their -opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise -diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities." - - -THE MONROE DOCTRINE. - -It was James Monroe, a native of Westmoreland county, but for years a -citizen of Fredericksburg, a Virginian, who announced the American -principle, known as the "Monroe Doctrine" that declared that no foreign -power should acquire territory on this continent, which has been the -guiding principle of the United States government since its enunciation, -and which has been the safeguard to all the governments of this -hemisphere. - -The Monroe doctrine and the causes that called it forth, are succinctly -stated in volume 10 of the "Messages and Papers of the Presidents," and -are as follows: "After the overthrow of Napoleon, France, Russia, Prussia -and Austria formed the so-called Holy Alliance in September, 1815, for the -suppression of revolutions within each other's dominions and for -perpetuating peace. The Spanish colonies in America having revolted, it -was rumored that this alliance contemplated their subjugation, although -the United States had acknowledged their independence. George Canning, -English Secretary of State, proposed that England and America unite to -oppose such intervention. On consultation with Jefferson, Madison, John -Quincy Adams and Calhoun, Monroe, in his annual message to Congress in -1823, embodied the conclusions of these deliberations in what has since -been known as the Monroe Doctrine. Referring to the threatened -intervention of the powers, the message declares: 'We owe it, therefore, -to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States -and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their -part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous -to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any -European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with -the governments who have declared their independence and maintained it, -and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just -principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the -purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their -destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the -manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States.'" - - -ESTABLISHED THE YOUNG REPUBLIC. - -And furthermore: Not only did Fredericksburg and vicinity furnish the -leader of the American armies to victory and independence, and the leading -spirit in the navy; not only did they furnish the author of the -Declaration of Independence and the Father of the Constitution, but they -furnished the Presidents of the United States for thirty-two years of the -most trying and difficult part of the history of the Republic,--it being -the formative period of an experiment,--except the four years of John -Adams's administration, during which but little, if any, progress was -made. Washington was the first President, serving eight years; Jefferson -succeeding Adams, who served eight years; then Madison eight years, -followed by James Monroe for eight years, thus making the thirty-two -years. Besides these four Presidents, Virginia furnished three others, -who lived or were born within the circle of seventy-five miles of -Fredericksburg, namely, Wm. Henry Harrison, John Tyler and Zachary Taylor. -It is rather remarkable that both Harrison and Tyler should have been born -in Charles City county, Virginia, elected on the same ticket, Harrison, -who had moved to Ohio, as President, and Tyler as Vice-President, the -death of the former just one month after his inauguration, elevating Tyler -to the Presidency. President Taylor was born in Orange county. - - -THE GREAT NORTHWEST RECLAIMED. - -It was George Rodgers Clarke,[85] of Albemarle county, a Virginian and a -Fredericksburg man, by the authority of Virginia's Governor, Patrick -Henry, with volunteers from Virginia and Kentucky, explored and conquered -the great Northwest Territory. This territory belonged to Virginia under -original grant in her charter, but the British at this time held it, -established strong posts there and encouraged the Indians to make war on -the white settlements. The Continental Congress could spare no troops to -reclaim this territory, though appealed to by Virginia to do so. For this -dangerous task Geo. R. Clarke proffered his services, which were accepted -by the Governor. Enlisting volunteers, he marched into that region, and by -real ability, rare skill, heroic courage and patience in bearing every -hardship and privation, captured Forts Kaskaskia and Vincennes and other -posts, and floated the flag of Virginia over the whole of the Northwest -Territory, it being designated Illinois county, Virginia. - -This campaign cleared that entire country of the British, and secured to -Virginia a clear title to that vast territory, out of which the States of -Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and a part of Minnesota were -afterwards carved, and which Virginia gave to the Union as a free-will -offering, the most imperial gift that State or nation ever laid on the -altar of country.[86] - -[Illustration: R., F. & P. Railroad Company's Iron Bridge over the -Rappahannock River. (See page 328)] - -Senator Daniel W. Voorhees, of Indiana, in his defence of Cook, at -Charlestown, now West Virginia, in 1859, one of the John Brown raiders, -said in his opening remarks: - -"The very soil on which I live, in my western home, was once owned by this -venerable Commonwealth, as much as the soil on which I now stand. Her laws -there once prevailed, and all her institutions were there established as -they are here. Not only my own State of Indiana, but also four other great -States in the Northwest, stand as enduring and lofty monuments of -Virginia's magnanimity and princely liberality. Her donation to the -general government made them sovereign States; and since God gave the -fruitful land of Canaan to Moses and Israel, such a gift of present or -future empire has never been made to any people." - - -THE WEST EXPLORED. - -It was Meriwether Lewis, of Albemarle, and Wm. Clarke,[87] of -Fredericksburg, both Virginians, who explored that great stretch of -country from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, and made it less -difficult for John C. Fremont, who afterwards explored the same territory -and received the proud appellation of the "Great Path Finder," which -appellation rightly belonged to Lewis and Clarke. - - -THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE. - -It was Thomas Jefferson, of Albemarle county, a Virginian, who, while -President of the United States, made the "Louisiana Purchase," which -brought to the possession of the United States more than one million -square miles of territory. This immense territory belonged to the French -government. It embraced the present States of Louisiana, Arkansas, -Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Indian Territory, North and South Dakota, -Montana, and parts of Kansas, Minnesota, Wyoming and Colorado. The price -paid was $11,250,000 in money and the assumption by the government of -debts due our citizens by France, amounting to $3,750,000, making in all -$15,000,000. - -The purchase of this vast territory was bitterly opposed,--as all -acquisitions of territory by the United States have been--especially in -New England, where they threatened to secede from the Union, if it was -consummated, and the legislation of Massachusetts passed and sent to the -President and Speaker of the House a resolution to the effect that they -would consider the adding of the Louisiana territory, to the domain of the -United States, just cause for exercising their right of secession.[88] - - -THE FLORIDA PURCHASE. - -It was James Monroe, of Fredericksburg, a Virginian, who purchased Florida -from the Spanish government for $5,000,000, a land of "Fruits and -Flowers," and a favorite health resort for winter tourists from all parts -of the country. Its Spanish name Pascua Florida, translated, means Flowery -Easter, which indicates that in Florida the flower season is perpetual. - - -ACQUISITION OF TEXAS. - -It was Sam Houston, of Rockbridge county, a Virginian, who wrested the -great State of Texas from Mexico and afterwards ceded it to the United -States, John Tyler, of Charles City county, a Virginian, signing the bills -for its admission three days before his presidential term ended. By this -acquisition the government added to its possessions territory sufficient, -it is said, to furnish comfortable homes for the present population of the -United States, which would then be less crowded than many of the States of -Europe. - - -THE MEXICAN WAR. - -It was Gen. Winfield Scott, of Dinwiddie county, a Virginian, and Gen. -Zachary Taylor (Rough and Ready), of Orange county, also a Virginian, who -subdued Mexico, by which there were added to the territory of the United -States the great States of California, Arizona and New Mexico. - -And thus it will be seen, that all of the territory acquired by the United -States Government, from the union of the colonies for the common defence -to the purchase of Alaska, except the Gadsden purchase, was secured -through Virginians, who were born and raised, and many of them at the time -lived, in or near Fredericksburg. - - -COMMODORE F. M. MAURY. - -It was Matthew Fontaine Maury, of Spotsylvania county, and later a -resident of Fredericksburg, a Virginian, who marked out the tracks of -speed and safety for mariners of every clime over the ocean's bosom, and -showed the beds on the bottom of the seas, where the cable lines now -safely lie, of whom all the officers of the maritime nations came to -learn, on whom kings and emperors bestowed orders, medals and decorations, -and of whom the great Humboldt said he had created a new science.[89] - -The following paper, on this great man's life, character and achievements, -to whom the world is so greatly indebted, was prepared by Rev. J. S. Dill, -D. D., then a resident of this place, and pastor of the Baptist church, -for this volume: - - "On the 14th of January, 1806, only ten miles from the city of - Fredericksburg, in the county of Spotsylvania, was born Matthew - Fontaine Maury. He came of goodly stock, for there mingled in his - nature, in equal parts, the sturdy religious life of the French - Huguenots and the gallantry of the English Cavalier. On his mother's - side he belonged to the Minor family, of Virginia, while his name - testifies that his paternal ancestors were among those who, from the - persecutions of France, stretched their arms to the New World. - - "When Maury was five years old, his parents emigrated to Tennessee and - settled near the present town of Franklin. Thus, in the primeval - forests of Tennessee, far away from the ocean's tuneful chant, there - grew up the lad, who was to become 'The Pathfinder of the Seas.' - - "The early educational advantages of young Maury were but scant. An - accident, disqualifying him for farm service, gave him his best - opportunity at an academy, and this he did not fail to use. Maury - looked to the army for a profession, but his parents denied him. When, - without their knowledge, he then secured his appointment to the navy, - they again objected, and he left home without his father's blessing. - In 1825, an inland lad of nineteen years, Maury was assigned to duty - as a midshipman on the Brandywine. It became evident that he had - resolved to master his profession, and his promotion was rapid. In - 1831 he was appointed master of the sloop of war Falmouth, which was - ordered to Pacific waters. Diligently he sought information as to the - best track for his vessel. Finding no reliable chart for his guidance, - he realized the need of such help and his mind began at once to - grapple with that problem, the solution of which afterwards - immortalized him." - - -WONDERFUL WORKS ON NAVIGATION. - -"At home for a time in 1834, he was married to Miss Ann Herndon, of -Fredericksburg, and from this time on we find much of his family life -woven into the history of our city. On Charlotte street, between Princess -Ann and Prince Edward, still stands the house[90] where he lived and his -children were born. At this time he published his first book--a 'Treatise -on Navigation'--which for many years, even after the Civil war, was made a -text book in the naval academy at Annapolis. His pen now became active in -newspaper articles that startled the country, and there even arose a -sentiment to elevate him to the portfolio of Secretary of the Navy. - -"In the fall of 1839, by the upsetting of the stage in which he was -travelling, his knee was severely fractured. But this untoward accident, -under the guiding hand of God, put him into the very position in which he -was to perform his life-work. His lame leg being unseaworthy, he was -placed in charge of the 'Depot of Charts and Instruments,' at Washington. -Here he grasped his great opportunity. Here, at the capital of the nation, -he wrought for twenty years, and these two decades, from 1841 to 1861, -mark the high tide of his service to the world. - -"At Washington Maury found the vast accumulation of the 'log books' of the -United States warships, stored away as mere rubbish. This he utilized as -valuable data. He also set in operation plans for still more complete and -accurate collections of all kinds of hydrographic and meteorologic -observations. With all this before him, with pains-taking toil, he -prepared his wonderful 'charts and sailing directions.' His work took -ultimate form in a series of six 'charts' and eight large folio volumes of -'sailing directions,' and these comprehended all waters, in every clime, -where fly the white sails of civilized commerce. - -"The charts exhibit, with wonderful accuracy, the winds and currents, -their force and direction, at different seasons, the temperature of the -surface waters, the calm belts and trade winds, the rains and the storms. -The eight volumes of 'sailing directions,' are brim full of the most -valuable nautical information, and are perfect treasures to the -intelligent seaman. This effected a revolution in the art of navigation. -The practical result was that the most difficult of all sea voyages--that -from New York to San Francisco, around Cape Horn--has been shortened by -forty days; and it has been estimated, that in shortening the time and -lessening the dangers of sea voyages, there has been a saving to the -world's commerce of not less than $40,000,000 annually. - -"In writing about these sea routes he has mapped out, Maury has this to -say: 'So to shape the course on voyages as to make the most of winds and -currents at sea, is the perfection of the navigator's art. How the winds -blow and the currents flow along this route or that, is no longer matter -of opinion or speculation. The wind and the weather, daily encountered by -hundreds, who have sailed the same voyage before him, have been tabulated -for the mariner; nay, his path has been literally blazed for him on the -sea; mile posts have been set upon the waves, and finger-boards planted -and time-tables furnished for the trackless waste.' - -"The simple 'Depot of Charts and Instruments,' over which Maury was -placed, soon became the 'National Observatory,' with this man of genius as -its superintendent. The vast work was international and, in 1853, brought -about the great Brussels conference. On his return from this conference, -ladened with honors, Maury stood before the world as the founder of the -twin sciences of hydrography and meteorology. No less a man than -Alexander von Humboldt declared him the founder of a new science." - - -FOUNDER OF WEATHER BUREAU. - -"The limits of this sketch forbid more than a bare mention of the many -other directions in which the genius of this wonderful man blessed the -world. The great Atlantic cable, that flashes the news from continent to -continent, is one of the radiant sparks that flew from his anvil as he -wrought. Cyrus Field declared, at its completion, 'Maury furnished the -brains, England gave the money, I did the work.' He established the river -gauges of the Mississippi and the daily observations that give our best -knowledge of that great river. He established the great circle routes for -ocean steamship travel, and the 'steam laws' now used in ocean travel are -his. He applied his system of meteorology to land as well as sea, and -outlined the work of the 'signal service' and 'weather bureau' of to-day. - -"The 'National Observatory,' under Maury, comprehended in all essential -particulars what now is divided into no less than four departments at -Washington. In 1855 Maury published his popular work 'The Physical -Geography of the Sea and its Meteorology.' The work has passed through -twenty editions, and has found its way into the languages of Continental -Europe. It is the very poetry of his great science, analyzing and -tabulating millions of observations of the sea--its currents and its -climates, its winds and rains and storms, its myriads of animal life, and -marvellous formations of shore-lines and bottoms--he found his way to the -heart of nature and laid before us, like an open book, her majestic laws. -And never did scientific man touch nature in more devout spirit. In all he -saw the handiwork of God. Investigations into the broad-spreading circle -of phenomena, connected with the winds of heaven and the waves of the sea, -never failed to lift his mind to the Creator. As he pondered these things, -he heard a voice in every wave that chipped its hand, he felt a pressure -in every breeze that blew, he knelt and worshipped God." - - -STOOD WITH THE SOUTH. - -"The life of Maury fell on times when there were at work other currents -than those of sea and river. Political passions blew to a gale and the -nation drifted to Civil war. His supreme sense of duty, and loyalty to his -own State, was the current that bore him away from Washington and stranded -him in the final wreck of the Southern Confederacy. In those unhappy times -no man sacrificed more than Maury. He not only resigned his high position -at Washington, but turned his back upon tempting offers from Russia and -France, in order to suffer affliction with his own people. In the Civil -war he rendered most valuable service by introducing submarine torpedo -warfare, and inventing a sure method of explosion by electricity. Much of -his time was spent in England purchasing navy supplies and perfecting -inventions in navy warfare. - -"After the war, Maury turned to Mexico and joined his fortunes to the -Emperor Maximilian; but the tragic end of this friend and patron, again -left him stranded. When, in 1868, the enactment of a general amnesty -removed his political disabilities, Maury accepted the Chair of -Meteorology in the Virginia Military Institute, and there spent the -closing years of his life. He greatly rejoiced in this return to old -friends and scenes, and addressed himself with ardor to congenial -pursuits. But a constitution, not the strongest, gave way to the storms of -the last years. The middle of October, 1872, on his return from a -fatiguing lecture tour, as he crossed his threshold he said 'I am come -home to die.' For four long months he lay weak and suffering. The end came -on the 1st of February. 1873. A heavenly breeze bore him to the anchorage -beyond the sea, and the trusting child of nature rested with his God. - -"Than Matthew Fontaine Maury no American has received higher honors from -foreign countries. Orders of Knighthood were bestowed upon him by the -Emperor of Russia, King of Denmark, King of Portugal, King of Belgium, and -the Emperor of France; while Prussia, Austria, Sweden, Holland, Sardinia, -Bremen and France, struck gold medals in his honor The Pope sent him a -full set of all the medals struck during his pontificate; Maximilian -decorated him with 'The Cross of Our Lady Guadaloupe;' while Germany -bestowed upon him the great 'Cosmos Medal,' struck in honor of Von -Humboldt. It is the only duplicate of that medal in existence. He became -corresponding member of more literary and scientific circles, and received -more honorary diplomas, at home and abroad, than any other man known to -history. - -"Our own National Government has failed to honor his memory by appropriate -memorial, yet his name is so woven with his great science that it must -live. The Hon. Mellin Chamberlain, late Librarian of Congress, in calm -judicial tone, has declared, 'I do not suppose there is the least doubt -that Maury was the greatest man America has ever produced.' - -"A bill to honor Commodore Maury, with an appropriate monument, lies -mouldering in the archives of Congress. It will some day see the light. -During the last years of Maury's life the smoke of a great conflict -gathered about him and hid his face from the National Government; but the -smoke is fast lifting, and the healthy breezes of a great national -fraternity will soon blow it far away. Then his nation will look upon his -face and see the clear outlines of his character--then will he take his -own proper place in America's galaxy of the great." - - -THE LADIES' MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION. - -It was in Fredericksburg, and by the ladies of Fredericksburg, Virginians, -that the first memorial association was organized and chartered for -looking after the dead soldiers, for providing them a final resting place -in some convenient cemetery laid out for the purpose, and strewing their -graves with the first flowers of spring as the years pass by. This was -their second care after their return to their homes at the close of the -Civil war, their first being their own homes, which were almost in ruins; -and since the organization of that memorial association no season of -flowers has passed that these graves have not been piously remembered. - - -MARY WASHINGTON MONUMENT. - -It was the ladies of Fredericksburg, Virginians, who inaugurated the move, -and carried it on to complete success, to raise a monument to a woman, -the tallest and most imposing of its kind that is to be found on this -continent. It towers over fifty feet high, the shaft is solid granite, and -it marks the grave of the greatest of American women--Mary, the mother of -Washington. It is true, that after the work was commenced, the plans laid, -and some money raised, the ladies were assisted by the National Mary -Washington Monument Association, which did good service, but even that -association, brought into being through the local association at -Fredericksburg, was made more active and efficient by the energy and -persistence of the pioneers in the movement. That monument is grand and -beautiful, and reaches high into the heavens, and while it marks the last -resting place of that sainted woman, it reflects great honor upon all the -ladies who assisted in its erection. - -[Illustration: Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury, the "Path Finder of the -Seas." (See page 315)] - -These are some of the things in which Virginians took the lead and which -were accomplished by them. There may be omissions of noble acts and brave -deeds that might have been mentioned of whose existence we are in -ignorance, but these we have mentioned will suffice to show that they were -the leading spirits in throwing off the British yoke of oppression, in -uniting the colonies for common defence, in proclaiming to the world our -grievances and declaring for freedom, in waging a long and bloody war and -securing independence, in forming and conducting the government from its -infancy through its experimental period, in extending its territorial -limits and in contributing to its national greatness. If for all this--if -for what has been achieved by their ancestors in field and forum, on land -and sea, an honest pride should well up in the breast of the Virginians of -the living present, that should find expression in words, where is the -individual that can rise up and charge them with vain boasting? - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - - _Fredericksburg at Present--The Health of the City--Its Financial - Solidity--Its Commercial Prosperity--Its Lines of Transportation--Its - Water Power--Its Official Calendar--List of Mayors, &c._ - - -We now come to the closing words of the history of our venerable city, and -what we shall add in closing will be of Fredericksburg as it is at -present, without going into tiresome details, but before proceeding with -that interesting topic we must turn aside to mention some useful and -honored organizations of the ladies of the town, which failed to receive -attention in a former chapter, after which our subject. "Fredericksburg at -Present," will be resumed. - - -DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.[91] - -The Betty Washington Lewis Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, -was organized in 1899 at the Exchange Hotel. Several prominent members of -the National Society were present and explained the scope and work of the -association. Mrs. Wm. Key Howard, of Kenmore, was appointed regent, by -Mrs. Hugh N. Page, State regent, and twelve charter members were obtained. -At the end of the first year Mrs. Howard resigned, and, in February, 1900, -at a meeting at Kenmore, once the home of the sister of Washington, whose -name the chapter adopted, Mrs. John T. Goolrick was elected regent; Mrs. -H. M. D. Martin, vice-regent; Mrs. B. C. Chancellor, registrar; Mrs. V. S. -F. Doggett, treasurer; Miss Sallie N. Gravatt, secretary, and Mrs. V. M. -Fleming, historian. In addition to these officers the following charter -members were present: Mrs. Marion Maria Mason Daniel, Mrs. Kate Tichenor -Dill, Mrs. C. R. Howard, Mrs. Florence C. Richards, Mrs. Lettie M. Spencer -and Mrs. Florence F. Weir. - -In the preliminary work of organization, which was undertaken by Mrs. John -T. Goolrick, one of her warmest supporters was Mrs. Martin. She actively -interested herself in the cause, her house was always open for meetings -and through her several members were added to the chapter. The work of -Mrs. V. S. F. Doggett was valuable and effective, and to the time of her -death her zeal and interest were unabated. Mrs. Lucilla S. Bradley, a -"real daughter," and Mrs. Maria Jefferson Carr Mason, a great -granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson, were honorary members. - -This chapter has aided many worthy causes outside and inside of the -society, both local and foreign. Colonial balls and other entertainments -have, at different intervals, been given, among the handsomest being a -reception at Kenmore, where an address on John Paul Jones was delivered by -Capt. S. J. Quinn, before a large and appreciative audience. - -In 1904 the State Conference was entertained by the Fredericksburg -Chapter, and the guests were unstinted in their praises of the hospitality -accorded them here. The chapter is at present as vital a force as when -organized, and prepared to use opportunities when found to do work along -historical and helpful lines. The officers elected at a recent meeting are -Mrs. John T. Goolrick, regent; Mrs. W. H. Richards, vice-regent; Mrs. B. -C. Chancellor, registrar; Mrs. H. M. Eckenrode, treasurer, and Miss Sallie -N. Gravatt, secretary. - - -DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY. - -The Daughters of the Confederacy was organized on the 28th of February, -1896, with the following officers: Mrs. Joseph Nicholas Barney, president; -Mrs. J. Horace Lacy, vice-president; Mrs. Vivian M. Fleming, secretary, -and Miss Sallie Nelson Gravatt, treasurer, and an executive committee of -fourteen ex-Confederates. The chapter rapidly grew in numbers and at one -time had upon the roll nearly two hundred names. This society has been -quite active since its organization and has done much good in the way of -helping destitute veterans, looking after and administering to the sick -and burying the dead. It has been the channel of distributing the -Confederate crosses, and if any cross has been bestowed upon the unworthy, -it was because of the ability of the unworthy to obtain vouchers from -genuine Confederates. This chapter has done a good work in looking after -the remains of Confederate soldiers, when found upon the battle-fields or -elsewhere, and having them interred in the Confederate cemetery. One of -the praiseworthy acts of the society, a few years ago, was to disinter the -remains of the brave Gen. Abner Perrin, killed at the "Bloody Angle" while -gallantly leading his brigade, and buried on the Hicks farm near the -courthouse, and Lieut. Wm. H. Richardson, of Alabama, killed at the same -time, and buried by the General, and to place them side by side in the -Confederate cemetery. And yet there is other work for these -self-sacrificing ladies to do. By annual elections Mrs. Barney has -remained at the head of the chapter and is the present presiding officer, -with Miss Sallie M. Lacy as secretary, who is an active support to the -president. - - -ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF VIRGINIA ANTIQUITIES.[92] - -The Fredericksburg Branch of the Association for the Preservation of -Virginia Antiquities is a small but active band. They have acquired the -Mary Washington House and "Rising Sun Tavern." The "Tavern" has been -recently repaired, but retains in all respects its original style of -architecture. Both buildings are furnished in "ye olden style," and are -centers of great interest to visitors. The officers of this branch are -Mrs. Vivian M. Fleming, directress; Miss Rebecca C. Mander, secretary, and -Mrs. Charles Wallace, treasurer. - - -THE CITY MISSION. - -The City Mission was organized on the 14th of March, 1901, mainly through -the efforts of Rev. W. D. Smith, rector of St. George's church, and Mrs. -J. B. Ficklen. It has been quite an active society and much good has -resulted from its labors. The main object of the society is to afford -relief to the destitute of the town, especially the sick, and as it is -composed altogether of benevolent and kind hearted ladies, we know, from -this and their splendid labors in the past, that their mission will be -well performed. They do more than look after the sick. These ladies gather -up secondhand clothing from those who can spare it and sell the same at a -cheap rate to those able to purchase and give to the destitute. The -society is composed of ladies from all religious denominations, and the -city is laid out in districts, each of which is placed in charge of three -ladies, to whom applications for assistance by parties living therein are -referred. By this method impositions are rare and needy persons are not -overlooked. The present officers of the society are Mrs. J. B. Ficklen, -president; Mrs. B. B. Montgomery and Miss Jennie Hurkamp vice-presidents; -Miss Rebecca C. Mander, secretary; Miss Annie Myer, treasurer, and Mrs. -Isaac Hirsh, purchasing agent. - - -THE FREDERICKSBURG TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.[93] - -The faculty of the public schools of Fredericksburg met and organized the -Fredericksburg Teachers' Association in September, 1906. The officers -elected at that meeting were as follows: Miss Kate James Mander, -president; Miss Clarice Crittenden Davis, vice-president; Miss Jennie M. -Goolrick, secretary, and Miss Maggie L. Honey, treasurer. The president of -the School Board, Mr. A. B. Bowering, after the teachers were organized, -was requested to outline a plan for a library, which he did, and the -teachers commenced the work. After obstacles and delays, by solicitation, -and dessert sales, a sufficient amount of money was raised to commence the -purchase of books, and quite a nice collection of the best publications -was secured. Since that additions have been made as the means of the -association would justify, and now the library is an institution formed on -a solid basis. It is popular with the children, and from it they derive -much pleasure and instruction. The present officers are Miss Kate James -Mander, president; Miss Mary Page Waller, vice-president; Miss Agnes P. -Roach, secretary, and Miss Maggie L. Honey, treasurer. - - -FREDERICKSBURG AT PRESENT. - -Fredericksburg is a healthy town--a true Virginia city--almost free from -the fevers and diseases that visit other cities of the coast or even of -tidewater. It is beautifully situated on the west bank of the -Rappahannock river, at the head of tidewater, where its inhabitants escape -the malaria of the lowlands and the fevers peculiar to the mountains. -Therefore, when we compare the death rate of Fredericksburg, which is made -every month by Dr. J. N. Barney, our health officer, with that of other -neighboring cities, we find it quite favorable to our town. - - -PURE WATER SUPPLY. - -Our main source of water supply, the Rappahannock river, has no city or -town of any size above us, and for that reason the water is almost free -from foreign substances, and as pure as are the mountain springs from -which it flows. The analysis of this water, which has often been made in -the years gone by, and repeatedly in the past few years, shows -ninety-eight per cent., which probably more nearly approaches absolute -purity than any other stream of its size in the country. Besides this aid -to health, the sanitary condition of the town is carefully looked after by -the Board of Health, and everything that threatens the introduction of -disease is at once removed or reduced to a healthy condition. In addition -to this, as a convenience for the citizens, and an aid to health -conditions, the main part of the city has been sewered within the past -four years, and laterals are in course of construction to reach those -portions of the town not now sewered. With these aids to health and our -lynx-eyed Board of Health, who are always on the alert, we may hope for -and confidently expect, as we now have, an unusually healthy city. - - -FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE CITY. - -The financial condition of Fredericksburg is good, and her credit is -undoubted. It is true that the debt of the city is large, but for every -bond issued there is something substantial standing for it, except nearly -$120,000 of ante-bellum bonds, issued by our forefathers in an honest and -earnest endeavor to secure for our people improvements of a permanent and -profitable character. But the improvements proved worthless to the town. -Those who voted for them have passed over the river of death, leaving this -indebtedness as a legacy to their descendants, and we take great pleasure -in providing for it. The other bonds were issued for improvements the -town needed and was compelled to have. They are all in use at present, -successfully operated, and are valued far in advance of the price paid for -them by the city, and it is only a question of private or corporation -ownership, as to whether it was a wise policy for the city to erect and -operate them. The City Council thinks it acted for the best interests of -the town and the people back it up in that opinion. Nearly all of the -bonds issued by the city bear four per cent., were sold at or above par -and purchased mostly by our own citizens. This, it would appear, is a -strong indication that our financial affairs are in a satisfactory -condition. - - -PRESENT COMMERCIAL CONDITION. - -The commercial prosperity of the town is probably far in advance of what -it ever was before. We have now about one hundred and fifteen wholesale -and retail stores, each one doing a thriving business. In these stores the -customer will be able to find any article of merchandise he may need and -at as low price as he could find it in the larger cities. In the last few -years there has been a spirit of improvement in business houses, and at -present there are to be found store-houses that would be a credit to a -city of larger pretentions. So changed is the business portion of Main -street by reason of this enlargement and ornamentation that citizens of -the town have often had to inquire for the places they wished to visit. In -addition to this, our manufactures have increased and are still -increasing, and in them hundreds of persons find employment at living -wages. Among the manufacturing institutions may be mentioned two large -flouring mills, one woolen mill, one pants factory, one silk mill, two -sumac mills, three excelsior mills, one mattress factory, two pickle -factories, one canning factory, one shoe factory, one shirt factory, one -spoke factory and six repair shops. The assessed taxable value of property -in town is, personal property $703,782, real estate $1,676,133, making a -total of $2,379,915. Besides this, our several banks, in their periodical -statements, made to the Government, show largely over a million dollars on -deposit, subject to individual checks. In view of these facts truly it -may be said that Fredericksburg is in a prosperous commercial condition -and is rapidly adding to that prosperity. - - -LINES OF TRANSPORTATION. - -The lines of transportation running to and from Fredericksburg are -sufficient for all the requirements of the town, both as to freight and -passenger travel, yet our citizens would not object to the construction of -another road, starting at some deep water point on the coast, crossing the -Rappahannock river at this place and connecting north of us with the great -trunk lines, traversing this extensive country in all directions. But for -this important improvement we must patiently wait. - -The great line of travel and traffic through Fredericksburg, north and -south, at present, is the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad. -This road is probably one of the best conducted roads in the country and -seldom has an accident. Not until a few years ago did it share its track -with any other road, but now three or more companies are running their -cars over this line and the carrying business is immense. This large -increase in business necessitated a double track of the entire line--from -Richmond to Washington--which was done with great rapidity. The present -service on this road that passes through town is nine passenger trains -north and ten south each twenty-four hours. In addition to this, the -increase in freight has also increased the number of freight trains, and -so we now have fifty to pass through in a day and night, and yet it is -more than probable that this large number will soon be further increased. -This road has a new iron bridge spanning the Rappahannock river at this -point. - -The Piedmont, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad--Narrow Gauge--runs -daily from Fredericksburg to Orange, a distance of forty miles. It -connects Fredericksburg and intermediate points, with that great trunk -line, the Southern, at that point, which is an accommodation to the -travelling public along its entire line. Although a narrow gauge road, it -does quite a large business and it has been rumored that it may be -extended beyond the mountains some day, in which event it will become a -line of greater importance than at present. - -[Illustration: The Office of the Fredericksburg Water Power Company. (See -page 330)] - -[Illustration: "Marye Mansion," Gen. Longstreet's headquarters at Battle -of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; now the residence of Capt. M. B. -Rowe. (See page 91)] - -The former citizen, who went out from us even a few years ago, on his -return to his old home now, would find, among other changes, that the -Weems Line of steamers from Fredericksburg to Baltimore, had transferred -its business to another company, and the old familiar name of Weems, of -more than a half century standing, whose line was so intimately interwoven -with all the interests of Fredericksburg, was a name of the past. But he -would also find a line--The Maryland, Delaware and Virginia railroad, not -that their steam boats run upon railroad tracks--had taken its place, and, -by its splendid steamers, so well adapted to the river trade, had brought -us into rapid and easy communication with Norfolk and Baltimore, by the -Rappahannock river and Chesapeake bay, and thence with the whole busy -world beyond. - - -A SPLENDID WATER POWER. - -Some one writing of our water-power some years ago said: "The water-power -of the Rappahannock river at Fredericksburg, made available by the -erection of a magnificent dam, has been harnessed for work to some extent, -but not yet to its full capacity." That this is true is a pity, but that -it will not long be true is a blessing. The old dam, which gave us only -five thousand horse-power, is rapidly yielding to the touch of time, and -already another is in course of construction that will be more substantial -and give us more power than the present dam gives at its best. A -gentleman, well informed as to the plans of the present company, says: -"The dam now in process of construction will be built just below the -present dam and will be of reinforced concrete. It will be about -twenty-two feet above the present water level below the old dam, and will -husband the entire plan of the river; or rather, will render the entire -plan available for power purposes, but will not, strictly speaking, -husband the entire plan, because the pond behind the dam will be rather -limited in capacity owing to the closeness of the hills on either side of -the river and the abrupt fall of the stream. This dam will afford about -eight thousand horse-power, utilized in the city, and at a power-house of -the company to be built near the silk mill, but to the east of the main -Falmouth road. Just above Taylor's quarry it is planned to build another -dam seventy-six feet high, or about one hundred and thirty-eight feet -above the sea, with quite a large pond or storage reservoir behind it, -reaching up the river some ten miles or more. And then above this reach, -and at or about the junction of the two rivers, the large dam, about -eighty-four feet high, or two hundred and twenty-two feet above sea level, -will complete the development so far as the Fredericksburg Power Company -is concerned. This last level reaches to about Germanna. The whole -contemplated scheme will yield about thirty thousand horse-power." This -will be such an enormous increase of power over what we now have that we -cannot realize it. But the question is, what is to be done with this -immense power? Shall it be used in Fredericksburg or transmitted to -neighboring cities to increase their facilities for manufactures? -Capitalists and manufacturers must answer this question. - -It will thus be seen that Fredericksburg, with its quiet ways and want of -bustling activity, is a manufacturing center of considerable importance, -and lying, as it does, on the line of travel from north to south, there is -no good reason, as we have intimated, why it may not be a manufacturing -center of much greater importance. - -It is true that those who estimate a place solely by the number of -industrial enterprises which it encourages, or the amount of traffic which -comes to it, would not rank Fredericksburg as highly as some of the more -busy or bustling towns of other parts of the country, but those who -recognize other agencies besides water wheels and steam engines, and other -earthly products, besides dry goods, groceries and general merchandise, -will find much here to admire and interest them. - -It is also true that with the manufacturing facilities that we possess we -would gladly see them greatly enlarged and more fully developed, also new -ones erected and operated, but with this accomplished we would not forget -that there are better fabrics than those that are manufactured by -mechanical appliances. With a climate unsurpassed, an immunity from -epidemics, a situation enviable because of its surroundings, water as pure -as ever came from mountain springs, with all the advantages as we have -before said of tidewater, without its malaria, with all the benefits of -the mountains, without the mountain fevers, together with a refined and -elevated society--if these, with the additions of home virtues and home -joys, be regarded as valuable in life, then Fredericksburg must rank much -higher than many a place that has more outward show of prosperity. - -The pursuit of gain and the exacting cares of business have not engaged -altogether the thoughts and attentions of our people, to the exclusion of -those things which tend to the _pleasure_, _comfort_ and _health_ of the -community, and to its intellectual development. For the benefit of the -first mentioned of these classes, Hurkamp Park has been located, -Washington Avenue and the National Boulevard have been laid out, completed -and adorned, and the Free Bridge has been constructed, while "Lovers' -Lane" remains the same that it was in the century past. - -For those who would derive comfort from inhaling the pure, fresh air of -the morning or evening in a drive, on horse-back or on a bicycle, can find -on the avenue and boulevard beautifully graded drives, and a variety of -scenes which are ever pleasing to the eye, while the beautiful sun risings -and settings, and the deep blue sky above rival in grandeur and sublimity -those of far-off Italy. - -For those who would spend the twilight hours in a pleasant walk with her -who "claims his thoughts by day and dreams by night," in search of health -the Free Bridge and the enchanting walks beyond are equal to the far-famed -"Lovers' Lane," which in olden times was so attractive, even enchanting, -as it is now, to the belles and beaux, where words were spoken and vows -made that led to unions of hands and hearts that nothing earthly could -weaken or sever. - -For those whose tastes and inclinations lead them to intellectual -enjoyment, the Library and Reading Room, located in the north wing of the -Courthouse and the Wallace Library, soon to be in operation, afford -excellent facilities. The Library at the Courthouse is furnished with -splendid books--historical, biographical, religious and miscellaneous, and -the number is added to as the funds at the command of the association will -allow. It is conducted by the ladies of the town, who are always ready to -give, toil and even sacrifice to benefit, elevate and make more useful -the masses of the people. - -All of these advantages belong to Fredericksburg, with many others that we -have probably inadvertently omitted, that make it one of the most -desirable residential cities in the country; and we can readily agree with -Captain John Smith, the great explorer, "that Heaven and earth never -agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation," than the beautiful -valley of the Rappahannock, and Fredericksburg is located on the most -beautiful, picturesque and healthy spot of that far-famed valley. - -And yet, with all these advantages, pointing out Fredericksburg as a most -desirable place for her educational, industrial, commercial and -residential advantages, its prosperity is not what it should be; but with -a full development of all her varied facilities which we trust will be -done in the near future and which can be done if our people will work -harmoniously, we may hope for more prosperous days; for - - "Reason's whole pleasure--all the joys of sense-- - Lie in three words--HEALTH, PEACE and COMPETENCE." - - - - -OFFICIAL CALENDAR--SEPTEMBER 1, 1908. - - -HUSTINGS COURT. - -HON. JOHN T. GOOLRICK, _Judge_. - -HON. GRANVILLE R. SWIFT, _Commonwealth's Attorney_. - -A. BACON YATES, _Clerk_. - -JOHN SCOTT BERRY, _Deputy Clerk_. - -J. CONWAY CHICHESTER, _City Sergeant_. - -BAYLOR S. PATES, _Deputy City Sergeant_. - - -MUNICIPAL OFFICERS. - -H. LEWIS WALLACE, _Mayor_. - -ROBERT T. KNOX, _Treasurer_. - -A. B. BOWERING, _Commissioner of Revenue_. - -A. P. ROWE, _City Tax Collector_. - -E. H. RANDALL, _City Surveyor_. - - -MAGISTRATES. - -_Upper Ward_--S. J. QUINN, S. E. EASTBURN, R. E. BOZEL. - -_Lower Ward_--A. G. BILLINGSLY. - - -CITY COUNCIL. - -WILLIAM. E. BRADLEY, _President_. - -A. MASON GARNER, _Vice-President_. - -SAMUEL E. EASTBURN, _Clerk_. - -_Upper Ward_--Wm. E. Bradley, Harry B. Lane, Josiah P. Rowe, Joseph M. -Goldsmith, John C. Melville, Clarance R. Howard. - -_Lower Ward_--A. Mason Garner, W. S. Embrey, Jr., Henry Warden, J. W. -Masters, F. L. W. Green, Arthur Brown. - -COUNCIL COMMITTEES. - -_On Finance_--Harry B. Lane, John C. Melville, Wm. E. Bradley. - -_On Public Property_--Wm. E. Bradley, A. Mason Garner, J. W. Masters. - -_On Water Works_--Josiah P. Rowe, Harry B. Lane. A. Mason Garner. - -_On Streets_--W. S. Embrey, Jr., J. M. Goldsmith, C. R. Howard. - -_On Light_--John C. Melville, J. W. Masters, Harry B. Lane. - -_On Almshouse_--A. Mason Garner, Wm. E. Bradley, Josiah P. Rowe. - -_On Public Interest_--Joseph M. Goldsmith. C. R. Howard. Henry Warden. - -_On Ordinances_--Clarance R. Howard, W. S. Embrey, Jr., F. L. W. Green. - -_On Auditing_--Authur Brown, F. L. W. Green, John C. Melville. - -_On Health and Police_--John W. Masters, Henry Warden, Arthur Brown. - -_On Schools_--Henry Warden, Josiah P. Rowe, J. M. Goldsmith. - -_On Fire Department_--F. L. W. Green, Arthur Brown, W. S. Embrey, Jr. - - -SUPERINTENDENTS OF DEPARTMENTS. - -S. J. QUINN, _Superintendent City Water Works_. - -B. F. BULLOCK, _Superintendent City Gas Works_. - -WM. KEY HOWARD, _Superintendent City Electric Light_. - -JOHN W. BALL, _Superintendent Almshouse_. - -SAMUEL FITZHUGH, _Clerk of Market_. - - -POLICE DEPARTMENT. - -_Upper Ward_--WALLACE N. TANSILL, J. A. STONE. - -_Lower Ward_--JOHN H. ROBINSON, WM. R. HALL. - -_Special Police_--CHARLES A. GORE. - - -CITY REGISTRARS. - -_Lower Ward_--J. FRED. BROWN. - -_Upper Ward_--JOHN J. BERREY. - - -PUBLIC FREE SCHOOL BOARD. - -A. B. BOWERING, _President_. - -S. J. QUINN, _Clerk_. - -B. P. WILLIS, _Superintendent_. - -_Upper District_--Isaac Hirsh, W. L. Brannan, J. R. Rawlings. - -_Lower District_--A. B. Bowering, W. H. Hurkamp, Geo. Freeman, Jr. - - -BOARD OF HEALTH. - -MAYOR H. LEWIS WALLACE. - -DR. J. N. BARNEY, _Secretary and Health Officer_. - -DR. WILLIAM JEFFRIES CHEWNING. - -A. BACON YATES. - - -CITY CORONER. - -DR. ANDREW C. DOGGETT. - - - - -MAYORS OF FREDERICKSBURG IN THEIR CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. - - -CHARLES MORTIMER, from March, 1782, to March, 1783 - -WILLIAM MCWILLIAMS, from March, 1783, to March, 1784 - -JAMES SOMERVILLE, from March, 1784, to March, 1785 - -GEORGE WEEDON, from March, 1785, to March, 1786 - -CHARLES MORTIMER, from March, 1786, to March, 1787 - -JAMES SOMERVILLE, from March, 1787, to March, 1788 - -CHARLES MORTIMER, from March, 1788, to March, 1789 - -GEORGE FRENCH, from March, 1789, to March, 1790 - -BENJAMIN DAY, from March, 1790, to March, 1791 - -WILLIAM HARVEY, from March, 1791, to March, 1792 - -JAMES SOMERVILLE, from March, 1792, to March, 1793 - -FONTAINE MAURY, from March, 1793, to March, 1794 - -GEORGE FRENCH, from March, 1794, to March, 1795 - -WILLIAM HARVEY, from March, 1795, to March, 1796 - -FONTAINE MAURY, from March, 1796, to March, 1797 - -WILLIAM HARVEY, from March, 1797--died in office March 13, 1798 - -WM. TAYLOR, from March 17, 1798 to March 19, 1798 - -FONTAINE MAURY, from March, 1798, to March, 1799 - -GEORGE FRENCH, from March, 1799, to March, 1800 - -DAVID C. KER, from March, 1800, to March, 1801 - -WILLIAM S. STONE, from March, 1801, to March, 1802 - -DAVID C. KER, from March, 1802, to March, 1803 - -GEORGE FRENCH, from March, 1803, to March, 1804 - -BENJAMIN DAY, from March, 1804, to March, 1805 - -GEORGE FRENCH, from March, 1805, to March, 1806 - -CHARLES L. CARTER, from March, 1806--resigned August 11, 1808 - -WILLIAM SMOCK, from August 11, 1808, to March, 1809 - -RICHARD JOHNSTON, from March, 1809, to March, 1810 - -GEORGE FRENCH, from March, 1810, to March, 1811 - -JOSEPH WALKER, from March, 1811, to March, 1812 - -GEORGE FRENCH, from March, 1812, to March, 1813 - -CHARLES L. CARTER, from March, 1813, to March, 1814 - -GEORGE FRENCH, from March, 1814, to March, 1815 - -JOHN SCOTT, from March, 1815, to March, 1816 - -GARRET MINOR, from March, 1816, to March, 1817 - -ROBERT MACKAY, from March, 1817, to March, 1818 - -GARRET MINOR, from March, 1818, to March, 1819 - -ROBERT MACKAY, from March, 1819, to March, 1820 - -DAVID BRIGGS, from March, 1820, to March, 1821 - -ROBERT LEWIS, from March, 1820--died in office Feb. 10, 1829 - -THOMAS GOODWIN, from Feb. 12, 1829--died in office Jan. 15, 1836 - -JOHN H. WALLACE, from January 20, 1836 to March 22, 1838 - -BENJAMIN CLARKE, from March 22, 1838, to March 22, 1844 - -ROBERT BAYLOR SEMPLE, from Mar. 20, 1844--died in office Feb. 8, 1853 - -JOHN L. MARYE, JR., from Feb. 12, 1853, to March 21, 1854 - -PETER GOOLRICK, from March 21, 1854, to March 21, 1855 - -JOHN S. CALDWELL, from March 20, 1855, to March 17, 1857 - -PETER GOOLRICK, from March 17, 1857, to March 22, 1859 - -WILLIAM S. SCOTT, from March 22, 1859, to March 22, 1860 - -PETER GOOLRICK, from March 21, 1860--resigned April 4, 1860 - -MONTGOMERY SLAUGHTER, from April 4, 1860, removed by military April 28, -1868. - -CHARLES E. MALLAM, appointed by military April 28, 1868, removed by -military July 15, 1869. - -WILLIAM E. NYE, appointed by military July 15, 1869, resigned Feb. 23, -1870. - -LAWRENCE B. ROSE, elected by Council Feb. 23, 1870, to June 30, 1870 - -WILLIAM ROY MASON, elected by the people July 1, 1870, resigned July 28, -1870. - -LAWRENCE B. ROSE, from July 28, 1870, to June 30, 1872 - -ROBERT BANKS BERREY, from July 1, 1872, to June 30, 1874 - -LAWRENCE B. ROSE, from July 1, 1874--died in office April 10, 1877 - -HUGH S. DOGGETT, from April 12, 1877, to June 30, 1880 - -JOSEPH WARD SENER, from July 1, 1880, to June 30, 1884 - -JOSIAH HAZARD, from July 1, 1884, to June 30, 1888 - -ABSALOM P. ROWE, from July 1, 1888, to June 30, 1896 - -WM. SEYMOUR WHITE, from July 1, 1896--died in office Nov. 26, 1897 - -HENRY R. GOULDMAN, appointed Nov. 30, 1897, to June 30, 1898 - -ABSALOM P. ROWE, from July 1, 1898--died in office June 1, 1900 - -MARION G. WILLIS, appointed June 15, 1900, to June 30, 1902 - -MARION G. WILLIS, elected July 1, 1902, to June 30, 1904 - -THOMAS P. WALLACE, elected July 1, 1904, to August 31, 1908 - -H. LEWIS WALLACE, elected Sept. 1, 1908, and now serving. - - - - -INDEX. - - - Accoqueck, 19. - - Acorn Lodge, I. O. O. F., 221. - - Acquisition of Territory--Walker's exploration, 281; - the Great Northwest, 312; - the Louisiana purchase, 313; - the Florida purchase, 314; - acquisition of Texas, 314; - the territory from Mexico, 314. - - Adams, Capt. Andrew B., 221. - - Adams, John, 230, 294. - - Adams, John Quincy, 311. - - Adams, Rev. Geo. F., 211. - - Adams, Samuel, patriot, 307. - - A great revival of religion, 93. - - Aldridge, Miss Virginia, 224. - - Aler, George, 141. - - Alexander, Capt. Robert H., 184. - - Alexander, Gen. E. P., 91, 266. - - Alexander, Philip, 134 - - Alexander, Robert B., editor. 227. - - Allen, John, town trustee, 42. - - Allen, Wm., 140, 142. - - Allison, John W., Jr., 167. - - Alsop, Boswell, 168. - - Ames, Michael, hostage prisoner, 77, 79. - - Amoroleck, Smith's prisoner, 15, 17. - - Anasheroans, Indian tribe, 19. - - Anderson. Capt. John K., 184. - - Anstice, Mrs. Judith, teacher, 197. - - Argall, Capt., 20. - - Armistead, Henry, court clerk, 130. - - Arts and manufactures encouraged, 46. - - Assembly's Home and School, 198. - - Association for the P. V. A., 324. - - Atkinson, John, 237. - - - Bacon, Nathaniel, 281, 283. - - Baggett, Samuel I., 262. - - Baggett, Wm. M., 141. - - Bagnall, Anthony, historian, 13, 15. - - Bailey, William, 221. - - Ball, Col. Wm. B., 83. - - Ball, John M., publisher, 229. - - Ball, John Wesley, 174. - - Bankhead, Col. John, 257. - - Barber, Rev. H. H., 207. - - Barbour, Gov. James, 132. - - Barksdale, Gen. Wm., 81, 88, 97, 99. - - Barlosius. Charles F., 167. - - Barney, Dr. J. N., 326. - - Barney, Mrs. Joseph Nicholas, 326. - - Barton, Thomas B., hostage prisoner, 74, 77. - - Barton, Judge Wm. S., 68, 183, 215. - - Battle of Fredericksburg, 91, 92. - - Beale, Wm. C., 138, 139, 140. - - Beckwith, Frank, 174. - - Benson, Wm., 171. - - Benwick, J. B., Jr., architect, 141, 210. - - Bernard, Wm., 46. - - Berrey, John J., hostage prisoner, 79, 142. - - Berrey, Robert B., mayor, 184, 209. - - Beverley, Harry, town trustee, 39. - - Beverley, Robert, 28, 35. - - Billingsly, Rev. Joseph A., editor, 227. - - Biscoe, Robert L., publisher, 229. - - Blackburn, Robert, 167. - - Blackford, Wm. M., editor, 227. - - Blair, John, 302, 304. - - Blanton, Thomas, 237. - - Boardman, Stephen A., teacher. 197. - - Board of Health, 335. - - Bonaparte, Charlotte, 243. - - Bonaparte, Emperor Napoleon, 243, 310. - - Boswell, Capt. J. K., engineer, 96. - - Botts, Benjamin. 172. - - Bowen, Wm., 167. - - Bowering, Benjamin, machinist, 169, 176. - - Bowering, Prof. A. B., 169, 192, 201, 211, 325. - - Bowman, Mrs. D. C., 223. - - Bradley, Capt. James H., hostage prisoner, 77, 78. - - Bradley, Mrs. Lucilla S., 323. - - Bradley, Wm. E., 127, 147, 176, 177, 227, 261. - - Bradford, Daniel, 166. - - Braxton, Capt. Carter, 70, 71, 72. - - Braxton, Carter, signer D. I., 247. - - Braxton, Rev. Carter, 211. - - Brent, Thomas N., 197, 261. - - Bridges--Chatham, 171; - Stafford, 171; - Free, 171. - - Briggs, David, 64. - - Broaddus, Rev. Andrew, 210, 211. - - Broaddus, Rev. Wm. F., D. D., 74, 77, 78, 197, 211. - - Brockenburg, Dr. John, 193. - - Brooke, Judge Francis, 125. - - Brooke, Gov. Robert, 130, 218, 220. - - Brown, James, 172. - - Brown, John, 183, 313. - - Brown, Rev. James E., 216. - - Brown, Rev. John A., 216. - - Buckner, Cuthbert, teacher, 198. - - Buckner, Robert, 38, 39, 40. - - Bullock, B. F. Supt. gas, 178. - - Burgess, Roland, 216. - - Burrows, Silas, 157, 257. - - Butterfield, Gen. Daniel, 191, 269. - - Byrd, Col. Wm., 26, 43. - - - Caldwell, J. S., mayor, 141, 220. - - Campbell, Daniel, 218, 220. - - Campbell, James M., editor, 227. - - Campbell, Mrs. Wm. A., teacher, 198. - - Campbell, Rev. Alexander, 213. - - Carter, Col. J. W., 13th Miss., 89. - - Carter, George, publisher, 226. - - Carter, Robert, 49. - - Caruthers, Wm., teacher, 198. - - Cary, Archibald, 168, 293. - - Cary, Col. Milton, 72. - - Castle, Henry, 60. - - Champ, John, 46. - - Chancellor, Mrs. B. C., D. A. R., 322, 323. - - Chancellor, M. S., 175. - - Chancellor, Rev. Melzi, 96. - - Chancellorsville campaign, 94; - Gen. Hooker in command, 94; - moved to Chancellorsville, 94; - Gen. Sedgwick in town, 95; - defeated at Salem church, 96; - Hooker beaten at Chancellorsville, 95. - - Chestnutt, Rev. I. L., 214. - - Chew, Col. Robt. S., 72, 130, 183, 184, 192. - - Chew, John James, 68, 116, 130, 138, 142. - - Chew, John, 125. - - Chew, John, Jr., 130. - - Chew, Robert S., 130. - - Chiles, Rev. James, 209. - - Churches, 202; - St. George's, 203; - Trinity, 206; - Presbyterian, 207; - French Memorial Chapel, 208; - Baptist, 209; - Methodist, 211; - Christian, 213; - St. Mary's Catholic, 214; - Shiloh Old Site, 215; - Shiloh New Site, 215; - Robinson's, 215; - Church of God, 216. - - Citizens, arrested as hostages, 77, 86; - second arrest and names, 102. - - City Council--Accepts situation, 111; - condemns assassination, 112; - levies taxes, 114; - orders an election, 115; - reverses order, 115; - city officers removed, 116; - addition to oath of office, 117; - new council, 120; - orders new courthouse, 140; - passes resolution on death of Prest. McKinley, 278, 279; - standing committees, 334; - Supts. of departments, 334; - police department, 334. - - City Hall, 143. - - City Mission, the, 324. - - City Officers, 52, 130, 333. - - Clarke, Gen. George Rodgers, 212, 313. - - Clarke, Jonathan, 312, 313. - - Clarke, Rev. M., 205. - - Clarke, Wm., explorer, 313. - - Clay, Henry, U. S. Senator, 264. - - Cleveland, Prest. Grover, 160. - - Clowder, Jeremiah, 39. - - Coakley, John, hostage prisoner, 77, 79. - - Cobb, Col. John A., 153. - - Cobb, Gen. Thomas Reade Rootes, 91. - - Cole, Col. E. D., 127, 146, 170, 174, 212, 248, 261, 262. - - Cole, Counsellor, 168. - - Coleman, Judge Richard H., teacher, 197. - - Colson, Thomas, 194. - - Confederate cemetery, 185, 186, 189. - - Confederate Veterans, 191. - - Conflagrations, 59, 64. - - Contagious diseases, 65. - - Conway, P. V. D., 93. - - Conway, Walker P., 120. - - Cooke, Dr. James, hostage prisoner, 77, 79. - - Coons, Jacob, German miner, 24. - - Corbin, Hon. S. Wellford, 170. - - Corbin, James P., clerk, 223, 261, 277. - - Cotton, Mrs. An., 282. - - Coulter, Judge John, of Chatham, 171. - - Courthouse, 142. - - Courts--Hustings Court established, 124; - District Court, 124; - Circuit Court, 125; - District Court of Appeals, 125; - Hustings Court abolished and re-established, 126; - Police Court, 126. - - Cox, Abraham, hostage prisoner, 77, 79, 80. - - Cox, George, 64. - - Cox, James A., 246. - - Cox, Mrs. Lucy Ann, 246. - - Craig, Rev. Lewis, 209. - - Crawford, Wm. J., architect, 159. - - Criminals, punishment of, 55. - - Crismond, H. F., 261. - - Crutchfield, Edgar M., 200. - - Crutchfield, Hon. Oscar M., 220. - - Cultatawoman, Indian king, 14, 19. - - Cunningham, James, 167. - - Cunningham, Wm. H., 111, 201. - - Curtis, Thomas, 165. - - Custis, Daniel Parke, 237. - - - Dahlgren, Capt. Ulrich, 83. - - Dandridge, Col. John, 236, 237. - - Daniel, Mrs. M. M. M., D. A. R., 322. - - Daniel, Major John W., 160. - - Daniel, S. Greenhow, 227. - - Dannehl, Henry, 170. - - Daughters American Revolution, 322. - - Daughters of the Confederacy, 323. - - Davis, Miss Clarice C., teacher, 325. - - Dawson, Hon. John, 154, 233. - - Day, Major Benjamin, 194, 195, 220. - - Dick, Dr. Charles, 124. - - Dickey, Robert, 139, 140. - - Dill, Mrs. Kate Tichenor, D. A. R., 322. - - Dill, Rev. Jacob S., D. D., 211, 263, 315. - - Dixon, Rev. George L., 215. - - Dixon, Roger, Gent., 237. - - Doggett, Capt. Hugh S., 120, 184. - - Doggett, Mrs. V. S. F., D. A. R., 322, 323. - - Dolly, Rev. W. L., 213. - - Dow, Rev. Lorenzo, 66. - - Dunaway, Rev. Thomas S., D. D., 211, 279. - - Dunmore, Lord, 48. - - - Early, Gen. Jubal A., 96, 98, 273. - - Eastburn, Oliver, 170. - - Eckenrode, Mrs. H. M., D. A. R., 323. - - Edrington, Mrs. C. W., 222. - - Eisenhower, S. A., 248. - - Electric light plant, 178. - - Elks, benevolent order of, 221. - - Embrey, Judge A. T., 126, 146, 228, 261. - - Embrey, Major W. S., 170. - - Essex, Rev. Benjamin, 123. - - Eubank, John, 242. - - Eve, George W., 120. - - - Fairs, agricultural, 44, 169, 170. - - Farish, Wm. F., 165. - - Fauntleroy, Miss L., editress, 229. - - Federal Hill, 153. - - Ferneyhough, John, 162. - - Ferry, first constructed, 170. - - Fetherstone, Richard, Gent., 14, 19. - - Fetherstone's Bay, 19. - - Ficklen, Mrs. J. B., 324, 325. - - Field, John, printer, 219. - - Fire Department, 144, 180, 181. - - Fishback, Harman, German miner, 24. - - Fishback, John, German miner, 24. - - Fitzhugh, St. Geo. R., 146, 147, 261, 263, 276, 277. - - Fitzhugh, Wm., of Chatham, 171, 236. - - Fleming, Mrs. V. M., D. A. R., 322, 323, 324. - - Floyd, Gen. John B., 81. - - Fontaine, Col. W. W., teacher, 197. - - Fontaine, John, diary of, 26, 27. - - Ford, James W., teacher, 198. - - Forrer, Rev. F. S., 214. - - Forsythe, Major Robert, 134. - - Fort, constructed on Rappahannock, 1681, 25. - - Franklin, Benjamin, 124. - - Fraser, Simon, 220. - - Freaner, W. T., 166. - - Fredericksburg American Lodge, 218. - - Fredericksburg Artillery, 72, 73, 74. - - Fredericksburg College, 198. - - Fredericksburg Commandery, K. T., 220. - - Fredericksburg, city of, founded, 1727; - streets bear royal names, 37; - act House of Burgesses, 38; - seat of justice, 42; - re-survey, 44; - wooden chimneys, 45; - limits extended, 46; - military ardor, 48; - under the U. S., 50; - chartered by Legislature, 51; - rapid growth, 53; - lends money to government, 54; - important center, 58; - important postal point, 60; - limits extended, 62; - great fire, 64; - trade of the town, 65; - epitome of the city, 67; - limits extended, 68; - charter amended 1852, 1858, 69; - in the Confederacy, 71; - surrendered to Gen. McDowell, 74; - Gen. Pope enters, 76; - evacuation scenes, 81; - bridges destroyed, 82; - Gen. Burnside on Stafford Heights, 83; - authorities consult Gen. Lee, 84; - Gen. Sumner demands surrender, 85; - bombardment, 88 (see Chancellorsville and Wilderness campaigns); - war closes, 110; - under the Stars and Stripes, 110; - military supreme, 113; - new charter, 117; - untrammelled citizens in power, 119; - ante-bellum debt, 119; - present debt, 121; - courts, 124; - its declaration, 283; - furnishes head of army and navy, 301; - Fredericksburg at present, 325; - financial condition, 326; - commercial condition, 327; - official calendar, 333; - council committees, 334; - registrars, 335; - list of mayors, 336. - - Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, 217. - - Fredericksburg R. A. Chapter, 220. - - Fredericksburg Teachers' Association, 325. - - Freedman's Bureau, 127. - - Fremont, Gen. John C., 313. - - French, Dr. George, 172. - - French. Seth B., 208. - - Frieze, Jacob, 242. - - - Garner, A. Mason, 147, 174, 176. - - Garnett, Geo. W., 211. - - Garnett, Hon. James M., 169. - - Garrison, Hon. Geo. T., 158. - - Gas Works, 176, 177. - - Gately, Matthew J., 237. - - Gates, Gen. Horatio, 251. - - Gaullier, John F., 172. - - Gibson, Rev. John S., 207. - - Gill, Beverley T., hostage prisoner, 77, 111. - - Gilmer, Capt. Lucien G., 185. - - Gilmer, Rev. Thomas W., 209. - - Gladstone, Sir Wm. E., premier, 305. - - Gooch, Wm., Esq., Governor, 42. - - Goodwin, Thomas, 165. - - Goolrick, John, teacher, 196. - - Goolrick, Hon. John T., 126, 192, 261, 271, 272, 275, 277. - - Goolrick, Miss Jennie M., teacher, 325. - - Goolrick, Mrs. John T., D. A. R., 160, 322, 323. - - Goolrick, Peter, 138, 139, 140, 166. - - Gordon, Douglas H., 85. - - Gordon, Gen. John B., 98. - - Gordon, Samuel, 169. - - Gordon, W. F., 184. - - Gore, Charles A., 60. - - Gore, Jacob, 60. - - Grant, Gen. U. S., 73, 99, 109. - - Gravatt, George, 111, 120. - - Gravatt, Miss Sallie N., D. A. R., 322, 323. - - Gray, John, 167. - - Gray, Rev. J. S., 207. - - Gray, Wm. F., editor, 225. - - Green, Gen. Nathaniel, 251, 253. - - Green, John W., 64. - - Green, Mrs. James L., 226. - - Green, Rev. Edwin, 207. - - Green, Timothy, editor, 225, 259. - - Green, Wm. D., 166. - - Gregg, Gen. D. McM., 263. - - Griffin, John M., 261, 262. - - Griffin, Lieut. Robt. S., 262. - - - Hackley, Mrs. Mary, teacher, 197. - - Hagen, Rev. Henry, 24. - - Halkerson, Robert, 220. - - Hall, Dr. Elisha, 152. - - Hall, Dr. Horace B., 111, 152, 205. - - Hall, Dr. Marshall C., 205. - - Halsey, J. J., teacher, 197. - - Hanback, ----, German miner, 24. - - Hancock, John, 308. - - Hanson, Thomas H., teacher, 196. - - Harman, Wencel, 248. - - Harris, Gen. T. M., 114. - - Harris, O. L., 222. - - Harrison, Benjamin, President, 247. - - Harrison, Col. Archibald, 72. - - Harrison, Thomas, 120. - - Harrison, Wm. Henry, President, 264, 312. - - Harrow, James D., editor, 225. - - Hassininga, Indian king, 15, 19. - - Hawley, Gen. J. W., 262, 271. - - Heflin, E. G., architect, 145. - - Henderlite, Rev. J. H., 209. - - Henry, Edward, teacher, 197. - - Henry, Patrick, 44, 264, 284, 285, 287, 302. - - Henry, Rev. Patrick, 23, 44. - - Herndon, Capt. Wm. Lewis, 241. - - Herndon, Charles, 111. - - Herndon, Dr. B. S., 142. - - Herndon, Dr. James C., 244. - - Herndon, Jacob, 167. - - Herndon, John M., 126, 208. - - Heslop, Isaac, 237. - - Hill, Col. John B., 257. - - Hirsh, Isaac, 261. - - Hirsh, Mrs. Isaac, 325. - - Hirsh, Mrs. Maurice, 223. - - Hitt, Peter, German miner, 24. - - Hitt, W. Snowden, 196. - - Hodge, Rev. A. A., 209. - - Hoge, Rev. Wm. J., D. D., 94. - - Holliday, John, speaker, H. B., 42. - - Holmes, Thomas, 227. - - Holtzclaw, Jacob, German miner, 24. - - Honey, Miss Maggie L., teacher, 325. - - Hooton, Albert, 174. - - Hotels--Tammany Hall, 165; - Rappahannock House, 165; - Farmers', 165; - Exchange, 166; - Eagle, 166; - Alhambra, 167; - Indian Queen, 167; - Travellers' Rest, 168; - Western, 168; - Liberty House, 168; - Planters', 168. - - Houston, Gen. Samuel, 168, 314. - - Howard, Clarance R., 155. - - Howard, Mrs. Clarance R., D. A. R., 322. - - Howard, Mrs. Wm. Key, of Kenmore, D. A. R., 322. - - Howard, Wm. Key, 155, 179. - - Howison, John, 200. - - Howison, Rev. Robert R., LL. D., 81. - - Howison, Samuel S., 86. - - Huffman, John, German miner, 24. - - Huffman, Landon J., 142. - - Hunnicutt, Rev. James W., editor, 77, 227. - - Hunter, Charles E., 176. - - Hurkamp, Charles H., 170. - - Hurkamp, John G., 111. - - Hurkamp, Miss Jennie, 325. - - Hurkamp, Wm. H., 192. - - - Ironclad Oath, 116. - - - Jackson, Rob., city trustee, 42. - - Jackson, Capt. Wm. A., 183. - - Jackson, Gen. Andrew, President, 257. - - Jackson, Gen. T. J., 81, 84, 95, 272. - - Jacobs, W. J., 262. - - James, Rev. Wm., 132, 211. - - Japazaws, Chief, 20. - - Jay, Judge John, 240. - - Jefferson, Thomas, 167, 247, 264, 283, 292, 294, 296, 313, 323. - - Jefferys, Major M. M., 191. - - Jenkins, Wm., Gaoler, 130. - - Johns, Rev. Arthur S., 205. - - Johnson, Major James, 128. - - Johnson, Capt. Volley M., teacher, 197. - - Johnston, B., 237. - - Johnston, H. Stuart, 257. - - Johnston, Lafayette, 257. - - Johnston, Mrs. Eliza, 257. - - Jones, John Paul, 218, 237, 238, 239, 265, 301, 323. - - Jones, W. T., 179. - - Julien, John, alderman, 124. - - - Kelly, Maj. J. Harrison, 170, 221, 225. - - Kemper, Charles E., 23. - - Kemper, John, 23, 24. - - Kemper, Rev. James, 23, 24. - - Kenmore, 155. - - Ker, Dr. David C., 46, 66, 231. - - King, Gen. Horatio C., 262, 270, 276, 277. - - King, Wm. I., 177. - - Kirkland, Richard, 92. - - Knight, John T., 120, 177, 248, 261. - - Knox, Capt. Jas. S., 146, 175, 177, 184. - - Knox, Miss Virginia, 223. - - Knox, Thomas F., hostage prisoner, 77, 111, 142. - - Kobler, Rev. John, 212, 213. - - - Lacy, Maj. J. Horace, 170. - - Lacy, Miss Sallie M., 324. - - Lacy, Mrs. J. Horace, U. D. C., 323. - - Lacy, Rev. B. T., 209. - - Ladies' Memorial Association, 185, 186, 188, 189, 320. - - Lafayette, Gen., 256. - - Lane, H. B., chairman finance, 176, 261, 334. - - Larkin, Capt. Thos. M., 185. - - Laughlin, Col. W. L., 166. - - Lawrens, Henry, 308. - - Layton, C. Ernest, 222. - - Leavell, John T., 262. - - Lee, Daniel M., 192, 262. - - Lee, Francis Lightfoot, 247. - - Lee, Gen. Charles, 251. - - Lee, Gen. Henry, 251, 308. - - Lee, Gen. Robert E., 73, 83, 99, 108, 109, 110, 183, 191, 264. - - Lee, Gen. Wm. H. F., 83. - - Lee, Richard Henry, 247, 287, 293, 302, 306. - - Lee, Thomas Ludwell, 168, 295. - - Legg, John, 130. - - Lewis, Col. Fielding, 155, 243. - - Lewis, John, 44, 45. - - Lewis, Meriwether, 313. - - Lewis, Robert, 255, 256. - - Lexington, battle of, 48. - - Liberty Bell, 247. - - Little, A. Alexander, 226. - - Little, Miss Bella, 226. - - Little, Mrs. John P., 197. - - Littlepage, Gen. Lewis, 240. - - Little, Wm. A., 74, 85, 102, 111. - - Livingston, Robert R., 294. - - Livingston, Wm., 41. - - Lomax, Judge John T., 132, 193. - - Long, Michael, 167. - - Longstreet, Gen. James, 83. - - Lowery, James T., 146. - - Lowery, Wm. T., 221. - - Low, Rev. Samuel, 132. - - Lucas, Albert G., 180. - - Lucas, Walker, 168. - - Luck, Cadmus B., 166. - - - Mackay, Robert, 149. - - Madison, Pres. James, 264, 301, 302, 304. - - Magdalen, man-of-war, 48. - - Magrath, Mrs. A. L., teacher, 197. - - Mahaskahod, Indian town, 15, 16, 19. - - Mander, Miss Kate James, teacher, 325. - - Mander, Miss Rebecca C., 324, 325. - - Mannahocks, Indian tribe, 17. - - Marshall, John, 249, 264, 308. - - Martin, German miner, 24. - - Martin, Mrs. H. M. D., D. A. R., 322. - - Marye, Capt. Edward, 73. - - Marye, John L., 72. - - Marye, John L., Jr., 44, 74, 138, 139, 209. - - Marye, Rev. James, rector, 44, 203. - - Marye, Rev. James, Jr., 203. - - Marye, William B., 198. - - Mary Washington Hospital, 222. - - Mary Washington, House, 156; - Monument, 157, 159; - will, 160; - 257. - - Mason, George, 168, 288, 302, 303. - - Mason, Judge John E., 127, 292. - - Mason, Mrs. M. J. C., D. A. R., 223, 323. - - Mason, Rev. J. K., rector, 205. - - Massauteck, 19. - - Massawomeks, Indian tribe, 16. - - Maury, Com. M. F., 264, 315, 316, 318, 319. - - Maury, Gen. Dabney H., 191. - - Maury, Rev. Magruder, 205. - - Mayors, list of, 336. - - McBryde, Rev. Robert, 205. - - McCabe, James D., 229. - - McClellan, Gen. George B., 75, 76. - - McCracken, Capt. T., 170, 176, 181, 184, 261. - - McCracken, Patrick, 120. - - McGuire, James, hostage prisoner, 77, 78, 111, 208. - - McGuire, Rev. Edward C., 204, 205, 207. - - McKinley, President Wm., 278. - - McKinley, Wm. and Cabinet, 262. - - McLane, Wilmer, 108. - - McLaws, Gen. Lafayette, 83. - - McMahon, Gen. Martin T., 263, 271. - - McPhail, Rev. George W., 196, 209. - - McPherson, Archibald, 194, 235, 236. - - McWilliams, Wm., 124, 254. - - Meade, Rev. Wm., 204. - - Mebane, Rev. Benj. W., D. D., 209. - - Meditation Rock, 157. - - Meiggs, R. J., P. M. G., 61. - - Melville, John C., 148, 178. - - Mercer, Capt. John, 231. - - Mercer, Col. John Fenton, 231. - - Mercer, Gen. Hugh, 50, 150, 162, 217, 249, 301. - - Mercer, James, 46, 130, 131, 162, 220. - - Mercer, Robert, 226. - - Merchant, Rufus B., 228. - - Metcalfe, John, 132, 141. - - Miles, Gen. Nelson A., 262, 271. - - Military--Fredericksburg Artillery, 72; - Capt. Blackford's Co., 182; - Fredericksburg Guards, 183; - Mercer Rifles, 183; - Washington Guards, 183; - Fredericksburg Grays, 183; - Coleman Guards, 184; - Gordon Rifles, 184; - Fredericksburg Grays (new), 184; - Washington Guards reorganized, 185; - Garfield Light Infantry Blues, 185. - - Ministers qualify to celebrate rites of matrimony, 132. - - Minor, Capt. George, 258. - - Minor, John, 68, 125, 130, 140, 142, 172, 231. - - Moltke, Baron Von, 268. - - Monacans, Indian tribe, 16. - - Moncure, John, 134. - - Moncure, Mrs. Mary Knox, 154. - - Moncure, Thomas, 197. - - Monroe Doctrine, 310. - - Monroe, James, 60, 150, 204, 264, 310, 314. - - Montague, A. J., 276, 277. - - Montgomery, Mrs. B. B., 325. - - Moore, Austin, 28. - - Moraughtacunds, Indian tribe, 17, 18. - - Morgan, Gen. Daniel, 251. - - Morris, Maj. T. E., 261, 262. - - Morrison, Thos. F., 170. - - Morrison, Wm. C., 120. - - Morson, Arthur A., 134. - - Mortimer, Dr. Chas., 124, 253. - - Mosco, Indian guide, 13, 14, 15, 18. - - Mundell, John, 64. - - Murat, Catherine Willis, 243. - - Murat, Prince Charles, 243. - - Murdaugh, Rev. E. C., 205, 206. - - Murphy, Wm. H., 167. - - Myer, John H., 120, 223. - - Myer, Miss Annie, 325. - - Myrtle Lodge, I. O. O. F., 221. - - - Nandtaughtacund, Indian King, 14, 18, 19. - - Napoleon Bonaparte, 310. - - Napoleon, Louis, 268. - - National Cemetery, 190, 191. - - Nelson, Gen. Thomas., Jr., 247, 293. - - Newby, James, 167. - - Newspapers and Periodicals--The Virginia Herald, 225; - The Genius of Liberty, 225; - The Courier, 226; - The Fredericksburg News, 226; - The Political Arena, 226; - The Christian Banner, 227; - The Virginia Baptist, 227; - The Democratic Recorder, 227; - The Fredericksburg Ledger, 227; - The Independent, 227; - The Bulletin, 227; - The True Standard, 227; - The Recorder, 227; - The Free Lance, 227; - The Virginia Star, 228; - The Daily Evening Star, 228; - Masonic Olive Branch and Literary Portfolio, 229; - The Little Gleaner, 229; - The Fredericksburg Journal, 229; - The Evening Journal, 229. - - Normal School Building, 147. - - Norton, Wm. H., hostage prisoner, 77, 79. - - - O'Ferrall, Gov. Charles T., 159, 276, 277. - - Ould, Col. Robert, 104. - - Owens, Rev. Wm. B., 93, 94. - - - Page, Mann, Jr., 160. - - Page, Mrs. Hugh N., 322. - - Passasack, Indian King, 14, 18, 19. - - Patrick, Gen. M. R., 75. - - Paul, John, 238. - - Paul, William, 237, 238. - - Pendleton, Edmund, 49, 287, 293, 296. - - Perrig, Rev. J. F., 214. - - Perrin, Gen. Abner, 324. - - Peyton, Benj., 143. - - Peyton, Capt. George H., 166, 184. - - Phelps, Elijah, 61. - - Pierson, Charles H., 170. - - Pitcher, Molly, 246. - - Pocahontas, 12, 19, 20, 264. - - Political divisions, 230, 231, 233, 234. - - Pollock, Capt. John G., 73. - - Poor Debtors' prison bounds, 134, 135. - - Poor, care of, 171, 174. - - Pope, Gen. John, 75, 76, 77, 81. - - Porter, Gen. Horace, 239. - - Porter, John S., 183. - - Port Royal, 19. - - Posey, Gen. Thomas, 217, 301. - - Postal investigation, 60. - - Postoffice burnt, 89. - - Powell, D. Lee, 183. - - Powell, Rev. W. R., 227. - - Powell, Smith's companion, 13. - - Powers, Hiram, 218. - - Powhatan, Indian King, 19, 20. - - Pritchard, John, 68, 142, 180, 183. - - Procter, Thomas, 168. - - Proctor, Thomas F., 192. - - Pryor, Mrs. Roger A., 151. - - Public Buildings, 137; - Courthouse, 142; - City Hall, 144; - Fire House, 144; - Union House, 144; - Colored School, 144; - Wallace Library, 145. - - Public Free School Board, 335. - - Public Schools, 199. - - Pullen, Jesse, 167. - - - Quinn, Capt. S. J., 147, 174, 175, 176, 192, 211, 220, 261, 277, 323. - - Quisenberry, Wm. P., 167. - - - Ramsay, Rev. F. P., 199, 223. - - Ramsay, T. H., 166. - - Randolph, Gov. Edmund, 124, 304. - - Randolph, John, 149. - - Randolph, Peyton, 49. - - Randolph, Rev. A. M., 93, 205. - - Ransom, Gen. Robert, 83. - - Ransom, Rev. W. L., 216. - - Rapahanock, Indian King, 18. - - Ratliff, Lieut. Wm., 89. - - Rawls, Miss Mary, 195. - - Ray, Rev. Albert, 216. - - Read, James G., 197. - - Reaney, Rev. W. L., 207. - - Reconstruction commenced, 113. - - Religious liberty, 309. - - Revere, John H., 184. - - Rhinehart, H. W., 197. - - Richards, Mrs. F. C., D. A. R., 322, 323. - - Richardson, Hon. James D., 302. - - Richardson, Judge D. C., 276. - - Richardson, Lieut. Wm. H., 324. - - Rising Sun Tavern, 148. - - Roach, Miss Agnes P., 325. - - Roberts, John H., hostage prisoner, 77, 79. - - Robinson, John H., 181. - - Robinson, John, 39. - - Robinson, Rev. Willis M., 215, 216. - - Roddy, Samuel, 124. - - Rolfe, Capt. John, 19, 20. - - Rootes, Philip, 46. - - Rootes, Thomas Reade, 153, 231. - - Rosebro, Rev. J. W., D. D., 146, 199, 209. - - Ross, Alexander, 46. - - Rothrock, Charles M., 246. - - Rowe, A. P., 160, 170, 247, 248, 260. - - Rowe, A. P., Jr., 146, 262. - - Rowe, Capt. M. B., 170, 174, 184, 185, 261. - - Rowe, Geo. H. C., hostage prisoner, 77, 78, 103, 105. - - Rowe, Josiah P., 176. - - Rowe, Rev. George, 215. - - Royston, John, 38, 39, 40, 41. - - Ruggles, Gen. Daniel, 200. - - Ruggles, Gen. Geo. D., 271, 276. - - Rush, Dr. Benj., 152. - - Russell, saves Smith's life, 13. - - - Sanford, Joseph, 68, 142, 168. - - Saunders, Rev. A. P., D. D., 198, 209. - - Schofield, Gen. John M., 115. - - School Buildings--Union House, 144; - Colored School, 144; - new School Building, 145. - - Schooler, Miss Willie F., 194, 197. - - Schools, Fredericksburg Academy, 193; - Federal Hill Female College, 194; - Charity School, 194; - Rev. Samuel Wilson's, 195; - John Goolrick's, 196; - T. H. Hanson's, 196; - Rev. Geo. W. McPhail's, 196; - Powell and Morrison's, 197; - Richard Sterling's, 197; - Mrs. John P. Little's, 197; - Misses Ann and Mary Drinnan's, 197; - Rev. Dr. Wm. F. Broaddus's, 197; - Judge Richard H. Coleman's, 197; - Wm. Caruthers's, 198; - Public Schools, 199; - Fredericksburg College, 198; - Fredericksburg Female Seminary, 198. - - Scott, Capt. Benj., 185. - - Scott, Charles S., 111, 171. - - Scott, Dr. Wm. S., 86. - - Scott, Francis S., 134. - - Scott, Gen. Winfield, 265, 314. - - Scott, Hugh S., 68, 142. - - Scott, John F., hostage prisoner, 77, 79. - - Secobeck, 19. - - Seddon, Thomas, 133. - - Semple, Rev. Robert B., 210, 211. - - Semple, Robert B., 138, 139, 140, 226. - - Sener, Capt. J. W., 111, 120, 175, 183, 184, 201. - - Sener, Hon. J. B., 128, 157, 160, 227, 248, 260. - - Sentry Box, 150. - - Sewell, Gen. W. J., 262, 271. - - Shackleford, Rev. J. Green, 207. - - Shakahonea, Indian town, 15. - - Shelburne, Rev. Cephas, 214. - - Shepherd, George W., 59, 149, 192, 261. - - Sherman, Roger, 294. - - Sickles, Gen. Daniel E., 269, 271. - - Slaughter, F., 142. - - Slaughter, M., hostage prisoner, 74, 77, 78, 84, 86, 87, 104, 111, 112, - 126. - - Slaughter, Rev. Philip, D. D., 193. - - Slaughter, Wm., 68, 139, 140. - - Sligo, small-pox hospital, 66. - - Smith, Augustin, 39. - - Smith, Austin, 30. - - Smith, Capt. John, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 37, 264, 332. - - Smith, Charles K., 248. - - Smith, Frank W., 170. - - Smith, Gen. Gustavus W., 83. - - Smith, George Washington, 223. - - Smith, Maj. Lawrence, 21, 37. - - Smith, Miss Rebecca, 222. - - Smith, Mrs. Jas. P., 158. - - Smith, Rev. Jas. P., D. D., 209. - - Smith, Rev. S. C., 211. - - Smith, Rev. Wm. D., 205, 224, 324. - - Smith, Robert, 183. - - Smith, William, 22. - - Smock, James, 171, 172. - - Society of the Army of the Potomac, 259, 261, 271, 276. - - Sockbeck, 19. - - Somerville, James, 124. - - Somerville, Prof. S. W., 145, 199. - - Sons of Confederate Veterans, 192. - - Spencer, Mrs. Lettie M., 322. - - Spotswood, Governor, 22, 23, 24, 27, 32, 33, 42. - - Stansbury, John L., 84. - - Stearns, Frank P., 145. - - Stearns, Mrs. Walter C., 223. - - Stegara, Indian town, 15, 16, 19. - - Sterling, Richard, 197. - - Stern, Richard, 197. - - Stevenson, A. E., 159, 160. - - Stevenson, Carter L., 132. - - Stoffregen, R. Lee, 175. - - Stone, Samuel, 167. - - Strasburger, Miss Bertha, 222. - - Stuart, Gen. J. E. B., 86. - - Sumner, Gen. E. V., 85. - - - Tackett, Charles E., teacher, 197, 198. - - Tackett, Charles E., 166. - - Taliaferro, John, 39, 42. - - Tapahanock, Indian King, 19. - - Tauxuntania, Indian town, 15, 16, 19. - - Taylor, Col. W. W., 176. - - Taylor, Mayor Richard M., 276, 277. - - Taylor, Pres. Zachary, 264, 312, 314. - - Taylor, William, 172. - - Teasdale, Rev. John, 211. - - Telephone Co., 179. - - Temple, Benj., hostage prisoner, 77, 79. - - Temple, Charles W., 198. - - Templeman, Wm., 237. - - Thanksgiving Proclamation, 306. - - Thatcher, Elisha, 171. - - Thom, Reuben T., 89, 205, 208. - - Thornton, Ira, 42. - - Thornton, Pressley, 46. - - Timberlake, James, 167. - - Tobacco Inspectors, oath of office, 47. - - Todkill, Smith's companion, 13. - - Transportation Lines--R. F. and P. R. R., 328; - P. F. and P. R. R., 328; - Md., Del. and Va. R. R., 329. - - Tremain, Gen. Henry E., 262, 271. - - Tucker, Saint George, 304. - - Turner, James A., 192, 261. - - Tuttle, H. B., 166. - - Tyler, Gov. Hoge, 277. - - Tyler, Prest. John, 264, 312, 314. - - - Ultz, John, 166. - - Upham, Dr. J. H., 244. - - U. S. Government building, 147. - - Utterback, Harman, German miner, 24. - - - Virginia, military district No. 1, 113. - - Vorhees, Hon. Daniel W., 313. - - - Waddy, Rev. John M., 211. - - Waite, George, 221. - - Walden, Rev. L. G., 215. - - Walker, Dr. Thomas, 281. - - Walker, George A., 184. - - Walker, Joseph, 162. - - Wallace, Judge A. Wellington, 126, 302, 309. - - Wallace, Capt. C. Wistar, 145, 149, 184. - - Wallace, Dr. J. Gordon, 74, 120. - - Wallace, Gen. Gustavus B., 149, 218, 301. - - Wallace, H. H., 261. - - Wallace, J. Stansbury, 248. - - Wallace Library, 145, 146. - - Wallace, Maj. Thomas P., 146. - - Wallace, Mrs. Charles, 324. - - Waller, John, 39, 42. - - Waller, John, Jr., 237. - - Waller, Miss Mary Page, 325. - - Waller, Rev. John, 209. - - Waller, William, 44. - - Wardwell, ----, 76. - - Ware, William, 218. - - Warren, William, 139, 140. - - Warwick, Hon. Charles F., 248, 250. - - Washington, Augustine, 42. - - Washington, Bushrod, 130. - - Washington, Col. Wm., 251. - - Washington, George, 42, 46, 48, 49, 143, 217, 218, 253, 254, 255, 264, - 299, 302, 304. - - Washington, Martha, 236, 237. - - Water Power, 329. - - Water Works, 174, 175. - - Wayman, ----, German miner, 24. - - Weaver, Tillman, German miner, 24. - - Weedon, Gen. George, 49, 50, 149, 150, 217, 301. - - Weir, Mrs. Florence F., 322. - - Wellford, Beverley R., 139, 140, 142. - - Wellford, Beverley R., Jr., 79, 220. - - Wellford, C. C., hostage prisoner, 64, 77, 142, 143. - - Wellford, Dr. Francis P., 243. - - Wellford, W. N., 169. - - Wheeler, Gen. D. D., 151. - - Wheeler, Gen. Joseph, 262, 271. - - White, Jesse, 225, 229, 246. - - White, Mrs. W. Seymour, 222. - - White, Wm. H., 138, 139, 140. - - White, W. Seymour, 222, 228, 248. - - Whittemore, J. M., 141, 180. - - Wight, Mrs. H. Theodore, 153. - - Wilderness Campaign, 99, 101, 105. - - Williams, Major Charles, 76, 128. - - Williams, Rev. R. Aubrey, 211. - - Williams, Rev. Wm. H., 211. - - Willis, Catherine, 243. - - Willis, Col. Byrd C., 243. - - Willis, Benj. P., 146, 200, 211. - - Willis, Henry, 39, 44, 45. - - Willis, M. G., 177. - - Willis, Rev. John C., 227. - - Willis, Wm., 245. - - Wilson, Rev. Samuel B., 132, 207. - - Winchester, Stephen, 172. - - Wodrow, Alexander, 220. - - Woltz, Col. John W., 227. - - Woodford, Gen. Wm., 217, 301. - - Wood, Silas, 64, 143. - - Wrenn, Lewis, hostage prisoner, 77, 79. - - Wroten, George W., 147, 261. - - Wythe, George, 168, 247, 302. - - - Yates, A. Bacon, 160. - - Yates, Charles, 237. - - Young, James, 166, 167. - - Young, John James, 105, 111, 120, 201. - - Young, Mary, 238. - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] Description of Virginia by Smith, his spelling modernized. - -[2] Howison's U. S. History, from Smith. - -[3] Walter Russell, in Smith. - -[4] Howe's History of Virginia. - -[5] Howe's History. - -[6] Acts of House of Burgesses. - -[7] Howe's History of Virginia. - -[8] Furnished by Chas. E. Kemper, Esq. - -[9] It is claimed by Rev. James Kemper that the German Reformed Church, -organized at Germanna in 1714, was the first church of that denomination -planted in this country. - -[10] Mr. M. D. Conway, in Magazine of American History, Vol. 27, No. 3, -page 186. - -[11] Memoirs of a Huguenot Family, page 268. - -[12] John Fontaine was the son of Rev. James Fontaine, of France, a -Huguenot who fled to England to avoid religious persecution, and thence -settled in Scotland, where he ended his days. The name originally was _De -la Fontaine_, but John's grandfather, "from motives of humility, cut off -the _De la_, the indication of the nobility of the family." John came to -this country in 1716, with his brother Peter, and at once became a friend -and companion of Governor Spotswood's, while Peter became a minister of -ability and was very popular. From these two brothers sprang the Fontaines -of this country. - -[13] Austain Moore lived at Chelsea, on the Mattaponi river. He was the -Governor's son-in-law.--Maury's History of Virginia. - -[14] Austin Smith lived in the village or settlement afterwards named -Fredericksburg. He is supposed to have been a descendant of Lawrence -Smith, who commanded the fort here in 1681. He no doubt has descendants -here now bearing the name of Smith, while some are known by other names. - -[15] These Indians came from the Meherrin river, where Governor Spotswood -owned a large body of land. He had opened a school there for the education -and conversion of the Indian children, which made him quite popular with -the Indians in that quarter. The Governor and Mr. Fontaine visited that -part of the country a few weeks before they started on this expedition. - -[16] This must be at the junction of the Rapidan and Robinson rivers. - -[17] This is the Rapidan river probably. - -[18] It is likely that this was Conway river, a tributary of the Rapidan, -and the line between Madison and Green counties. - -[19] This is unquestionably the north fork or north branch of the Rivanna -river, a tributary of the James, which runs through Green county, its head -waters coming from the sides of the Blue Ridge mountain. - -[20] This is the Shenandoah river, as no other river in the Valley answers -to Mr. Fontaine's description, and which is a very important part of his -narrative. The distance of the river from the mountains and the -description of the streams crossed in reaching the mountains, enable us to -determine with considerable accuracy the route the Governor and his party -took as they crossed the Blue Ridge into the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, -"the Granary of the World." A careful inspection of the map will show that -they passed through the counties of Orange, Madison and the northern -portion of Green over into Rockingham, where the Shenandoah river is about -seventy-five or eighty yards wide and runs within a few miles of the Blue -Ridge mountains. - -[21] Governor Spotswood, when he undertook the great discovery of the -Passage over the Mountains, attended with a sufficient guard, and pioneers -and gentlemen, with a sufficient stock of provision, with abundant fatigue -passed these mountains and cut his Majesty's name in a rock upon the -highest of them, naming it Mount George; and in complaisance the gentlemen -from the Governor's name, called the mountain next in height Mount -Alexander. - -For this expedition they were obliged to provide a great quantity of horse -shoes (things seldom used in the lower parts of the country, where there -are few stones); upon which account the Governor, upon their return, -presented each of his companions with a golden horse shoe, (some of which -I have seen studded with valuable stones resembling the heads of nails,) -with this inscription on one side: _Sic juvat transcendere montes_, and on -the other is written the tremontane order. - -This he instituted to encourage gentlemen to venture backwards, and make -discoveries, and new settlements; any gentleman being entitled to wear -this golden shoe that can prove his having drunk his Majesty's health upon -Mount George.--Hugh Jones, 1724. - -[22] This Mr. Woodford is supposed to be the father or grandfather of -General Wm. Woodford, of Revolutionary fame. - -[23] The town referred to in the county of King George is the town of -Falmouth, on the opposite side of the river, and a mile and a half above -Fredericksburg. The act that made Fredericksburg a town also gave Falmouth -a legal existence. At the time of the passage of the act that territory -belonged to King George county, but now to Stafford county. - -[24] The water came from two springs--Poplar spring and Smith's spring. - -[25] Died at Crystal Springs, Miss., March 1, 1900. - -[26] This list was obtained from a diary kept by John J. Berrey while in -prison. - -[27] Some amusing incidents are related of Dr. Broaddus while a prisoner -worth relating in these pages. The Doctor was an educated, polished -gentleman, and quite a humorist. When he was received into prison the -keeper proceeded in his usual manner to ascertain his name, age and place -of nativity. When asked his name he said it was William F. Broaddus. "What -does the F stand for?" asked the keeper. The Doctor replied that he did -not know. "Don't know?" demanded the keeper. "I will tell you the -circumstances," said the Doctor, "and let you decide for yourself. My name -was William Francis Ferguson. I did not like the two F's and asked my -mother to let me drop one. She consented and I dropped one, but I never -could tell whether I dropped the one that stood for Francis or the one -that stood for Ferguson. Now, can you tell me which one I dropped?" The -keeper saw he was beaten, and demanded, "What is your age?" "I was born in -the year of one," replied the Doctor. "What! Do you mean to tell me you -are 1861 years old," shouted the keeper. "Not at all," said the Doctor. -"Well, then, explain yourself," demanded the keeper, showing some -impatience. "I was born in the year one of this century," responded the -Doctor. "Where were you born?" indignantly asked the keeper. "Now, you've -got me again," answered the Doctor. "That's a question I have long wanted -settled, and I'll state the case and perhaps you can help me settle it. My -birthplace at the time of my birth was in Culpeper county. Changes in -county lines afterwards placed it in Rappahannock county. Now, if I were -to tell you I was born in Culpeper, and you should go down there to -inquire, you would find the place in Rappahannock. If I were to tell you I -was born in Rappahannock and you were to investigate you would find that -when I was born the place was in Culpeper and there was no Rappahannock -county at the time. Now, will you please tell me where I was born?" The -keeper passed him without further questions. - -It was the habit of Dr. Broaddus to preach on Sunday mornings to his -fellow prisoners, and such others as would come to hear him while the -prison chaplain would hold services in another part of the prison. It is -related of the superintendent of the prison, that in making the -announcements for preaching he would cry out: "All who wish to hear the -gospel according to Abraham Lincoln come this way; those who wish to hear -it according to Jeff. Davis go over there," pointing to Dr. Broaddus and -his congregation. - -[28] The scenes of the evacuation of Fredericksburg are taken principally -from "The Past, Present and Future of Fredericksburg," by Rev. Robert R. -Howison, LL. D., who was aided in its preparation by diaries kept by those -present at the time and the recitals of other eye witnesses, besides -newspaper articles, the reports of Generals in both armies and our own -knowledge, being present. - -[29] See General Lafayette McLaws's report of the battle. - -[30] Extract from Gen. Lafayette McLaws's official report of the battle of -Fredericksburg, made to General James Longstreet--War of Rebellion, Series -1, Vol. 21, page 578. - -[31] It is said that just south of the Stevens house, about a hundred -yards in front of the Confederate line, lay a wounded Union soldier on the -night of the 13th. His supply of water gave out. Just before daylight he -began to call for water. The cry was incessant. Both lines could hear him, -but no one seemed willing to venture to his relief. As the day dawned he -seemed to cry louder--water, water, water; but none came. Among those who -heard him, and whose heart was touched with pity, was a Confederate youth, -yet in his teens. He determined to answer the call or die in the attempt; -and so informed Gen. Kershaw, his commander, who tried to dissuade him -from it. But his purpose was fixed, and it is said that just as "the sun -was gilding the blue arch above with his golden beams," this youth took -his canteen, filled with water, jumped over the stone wall, and, with form -bending low, carried it to the sufferer. Just as the deed was accomplished -a yell of approval went up from both Confederate and Union lines, such as -was never heard before, and which was repeated time and again. The boy -soldier did not have to bend his form in returning to his post. He went -back a hero, and a good Samaritan, proclaimed such by both armies, and he -has since been immortalized in verse. That youth was Richard Kirkland, of -Co. E. 2nd S. C. Vol. He has a memorial stone in the Church of the Prince -of Peace at Gettysburg, and the inscription: A hero of benevolence; at the -risk of his life he gave his enemy drink at Fredericksburg. He was killed -at Chickamauga. - -[32] See Christ in the Camp, by Rev. J. Wm. Jones, D. D. - -[33] See War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 25, Part 1, page 798. - -[34] Still living. - -[35] An amusing incident is told of Mr. Joyce when he was arrested. He is -a native of Ireland, as every one will readily perceive when he hears him -speak. When arrested he was asked in a brusque tone by the officer--"Where -are you from?" He replied instantly: "Be Jasus, oim a Virginnyan, and -niver denoi the place of moi netivity." - -[36] See Council proceedings, June 20, 1864. - -[37] That record not found. Mr. Rowe must have assisted Rev. Wm. F. -Broaddus, D. D., in the release of the nineteen citizen prisoners. - -[38] From Council proceedings of July 8, 1864. - -[39] Not found in the Council proceedings. - -[40] Mr. McLane's residence was in the midst of the first battle between -the two great armies, and, strange to say, it was in the midst of the last -and that the terms of surrender were written and signed in his residence. -When the war broke out Mr. McLane was living in Prince William county, and -at the first battle of Manassas his residence was in the thickest of the -fight. He afterwards moved to Appomattox county to get out of the reach of -the war. During the last engagement of the two armies his residence was -between the lines, and when General Lee and General Grant met they asked -for a room in the house, which was furnished them, and there the terms of -surrender were written and signed. - -[41] Traveller was General Lee's war horse. Every soldier in the army knew -him. At the death of this faithful old horse, that had carried General Lee -through the war, he was turned over to the taxidermist, who prepared and -mounted him. He is now at the Soldiers' Home in Richmond, looking as -natural and life-like as when he bore the Confederate Chieftain into -battle, or when he moved in General Lee's funeral procession, fully -equipped for the march, but without his accustomed rider. - -[42] Blue and Gray. - -[43] GENERAL LEE'S FAREWELL ADDRESS. - - _Headquarters Army Northern Virginia, - Appomattox Courthouse_, April 10, 1865. - -GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 9.--After four years of arduous service, marked by -unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been -compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers. - -I need not tell the brave survivors of so many hard fought battlefields, -who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to this -result from no distrust of them, but feeling that valor and devotion could -accomplish nothing to compensate for the loss that must have attended a -continuation of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice -of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. - -By the terms of agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and -remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that -proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I -earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and -protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to -your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous -consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell. - - R. E. Lee, _General_. - -[44] The assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, -by J. Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. - -[45] See Council proceedings, April 27, 1865. - -[46] This amount was ascertained by Mr. St. George R. Fitzhugh, after a -thorough examination of the indebtedness of the town at the close of the -war, about 1895, which was published in the town papers and also in -circulars and distributed. - -[47] Attorney-General and Secretary of the Treasury in Washington's -Cabinet. - -[48] President James Monroe. - -[49] Afterwards one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. - -[50] Council proceedings, 1867. - -[51] Some of the colored people were told by wags that the object of the -bureau was to furnish a bureau to every colored family that had none, as -it was composed of bureaus. Believing this to be true, some colored women -are said to have driven their wagons from Caroline county to town and -applied to Major Johnson for their bureau, and could not conceal their -disgust when they were informed that "It was a jestis bureau they had in -Fredericksburg and not a furniture bureau." - -[52] Governor of Virginia in 1794-96, and afterwards Attorney-General of -the State. - -[53] Appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States by -President Washington. - -[54] Wrote Mary Washington's will and was one of the witnesses to her -signature. - -[55] Mr. Thomas Seddon was the father of Hon. James A. Seddon, Confederate -Secretary of War, and lived in the residence now owned and occupied by Mr. -George W. Shepherd. - -[56] Thomas B. Barton, John James Chew and Beverly R. Wellford, of the -committee, were not members of the Council, but appointed from the body of -the citizens. - -[57] Council proceedings, July 18, 1907. - -[58] See War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 21, page 590. - -[59] In his excitement, Grand Master Page dedicated the monument to Mary, -the mother of our illustrious brother, George _H._ Washington. A brother -remarked to another, "I didn't know there was an H in Washington's name. -What does it stand for?" As quick as thought the shrewd Essex lawyer -responded, "Hatchet--George Hatchet!" The fun that incident excited is not -over with yet. - -[60] One tradition is that this drug store was at the corner of Princess -Ann and Amelia streets, where Mr. John Stansbury Wallace lives; but -another tradition locates it at the corner of Main and Amelia, most likely -adjoining the corner house. This tradition is strengthened by finding, -some time ago, while repairing the house, many old papers and other things -that must have come from a drug store, and no other such store was ever -known at that place. - -[61] General Smith got his name Extra Billy while in the stage business, -long before he was either General or Governor Smith. It is reported to -have happened in this way: At certain seasons of the year, before the days -of railroads, travel was very heavy and far beyond the capacity of the -regular stages on the road, which was the only means of travel over land -at that time. When this occurred Billy Smith, as he was called, would put -on an extra stage, and if the travel still increased he would put on -another, and so on, until sometimes he would have on the road four or five -stages, where one usually did the work. On this account, and because of -his unsurpassed politeness, he became popular with travellers. On this -occasion a traveller was anxious to get to Washington, and could get no -seat in the stage. In hustling around he found two or three others who -were anxious to go, but, like himself, could not get accommodations on any -part of the stage, and the agent declared it impossible to provide for -them. The impatient and anxious traveller cried out "Where is Extra -Billy?" Extra Billy was sent for, an extra stage was provided and the -travellers went on their way rejoicing, but "Extra Billy" remained with -Mr. Smith, following him to his grave. - -[62] It is said on one occasion John Randolph, of Roanoke, stopped here. -It was soon known, and the Democrats congregated to entertain him. They -prepared a bowl of punch in an adjoining room, and when it was ready Mr. -Randolph was invited to meet the gentlemen and join them in something to -drink. In a gruff voice, he replied to the committee that waited on him, -"I don't drink with strangers, and if I can't rest here one night without -being disturbed by a mob, I will drive to the Sycamores." The Sycamores -was a hotel twelve miles from town on the Bowling Green road. It was said -he was not again disturbed. - -[63] At the corner of Commerce and Charles streets, in front of this -hotel, is a stone block about two and a half feet high and some two feet -in diameter. It was placed there many years before the Civil war, it is -said, for the sale and annual hire of slaves. The slave to be sold was -required to stand on this block in the presence of the gathered traders, -when he or she was "cried out" by the auctioneer to the highest bidder. -Those slaves who were publicly hired out for the year also took their -stand on this block and were hired out at the highest price bid. There is -probably no relic in Fredericksburg that calls back more vividly the days -of slavery than does this stone block. - -[64] Yet living. - -[65] Yet living. - -[66] One of the Judges of the Court of Appeals of Virginia for fourteen -years before the war, and president of said court for twelve years after -the war. - -[67] Slaughter's Bristol Parish. Va., 2nd edition. - -[68] It is related by the "old folks" that when the ceremony closed the -minister looked at the groom and said "kiss your bride." The groom, not -understanding English and imagining it was some figure in the dance, -innocently took the bride by the hands and merrily waltzed up and down the -aisle to the amusement of the audience, but to the great mortification of -the bride. - -[69] Some authorities give 1735 as the date of the erection of this -church. - -[70] Great grandfather of Governor John L. Marye. - -[71] It has been claimed, and it is probably true, that James Monroe held -more important public positions in his life than any other one man, either -before or since his day. - -[72] A memorial tablet erected in St. George's church has this -inscription: "Rev. Edward McGuire, D. D., born in Winchester, Va., July -26, 1783, died Oct. 8, 1858. During forty-five years the faithful, beloved -and highly blessed pastor of St. George's church, Fredericksburg. Amiable -in character, prudent in action, wise in counsel, evangelical in doctrine, -experimental in preaching, he was a pastor of great influence and success, -highly esteemed for his sound judgment and consistent conduct during a -long and useful life." - -[73] A memorial slab erected in St. George's church gives this remarkable -record: "Reuben T. Thom, born 1782, died 1868. He was for 52 years a -vestryman, and for 45 years senior warden of St. George's church. A father -in Israel he was respected and beloved by three generations." - -[74] From a communication in an old copy of the _Fredericksburg News_, -furnished by Dr. Horace B. Hall. - -[75] In the occupancy of this building we have this coincidence: When the -members of St. George's church were building their present house, in 1849, -they occupied the Methodist church, back of the park, which had been -vacated for the new house on Hanover street. More than thirty years -afterwards, when Trinity Episcopal church was organized, they occupied the -Methodist church on Hanover street, the Methodists having moved to their -new house on George street. - -[76] In the Presbyterian church a marble tablet is erected with this -inscription: "Samuel B. Wilson, first pastor; born March 17, 1783: died -Aug. 1, 1869. They that be wise shall shine as the firmament, and they -that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." - -[77] On a memorial tablet erected in the church is this inscription: -"Thomas Walker Gilmer, pastor, born July 25, 1834, died April 5, 1869. I -know that my Redeemer liveth." - -[78] Historical sketch of Fredericksburg, 1883, by Robert B. Berrey. - -[79] A memorial slab in the church is thus inscribed: "In memory of Rev. -Wm. F. Broaddus, D. D., born April 30, 1801, died Sept. 8, 1876. The -beloved and faithful pastor of this church 1853 to 1862, through whose -labors and liberality this house was built. 'He was a good man and full of -the Holy Ghost and faith, and much people was added to the Lord.'" - -[80] In the basement of the church is a memorial tablet inscribed as -follows: "In memory of Deacon George W. Garnett, the faithful, efficient -and beloved Superintendent of the Fredericksburg Baptist Sunday School for -thirty consecutive years, who died July 9, 1876, aged 54 years. 'He was a -faithful man, and feared God above many.' Erected by the school." - -[81] Mrs. V. M. F. prepared this article. - -[82] Appleton's Encyclopedia, Volume 9. - -[83] Mayor Robert Lewis, a nephew of Washington, delivered the welcome -address to Lafayette when he visited Fredericksburg in 1824, in which he -said: "The presence of the friend of Washington excites the tenderest -emotions and associations among a people, whose town enjoys the -distinguished honor of having been the residence of the Father of His -Country during the days of his childhood and youth."--Pamphlet of -Reception of Lafayette at Fredericksburg, page 4. - -"At this place, sir, which calls to our recollection several among the -most honored names of the Revolutionary war, I did, many years ago, salute -the first residence of our paternal chief, received the blessing of his -venerated mother, and of his dear sister, your own respected -parent."--Extract of General Lafayette's reply to the above. - -"The city of Fredericksburg--first residence of Washington--may she more -and more attain all the prosperity which independence, republicanism and -industry cannot fail to procure." Sentiment offered by Lafayette at a -banquet on the above occasion. - -[84] Manly's Southern Literature. - -[85] A son of Jonathan Clarke, who lived at Newmarket, in Spotsylvania -county, and afterwards moved to Fredericksburg. For many years he was -clerk of the county court of Spotsylvania. George Rodgers Clarke is said -to have been born while his father lived at Newmarket.--A letter from a -descendant. - -[86] Jones's U. S. History. - -[87] Capt. Wm. Clarke was a Fredericksburg man. He was a son of Jonathan -Clarke, of Fredericksburg, who was clerk of Spotsylvania county court. He -was, therefore, a brother of General Geo. Rodgers Clarke, who conquered -the great northwest territory.--A letter from a descendant of Wm. Clarke. -See also Maury's History of Virginia, page 158. - -[88] Jones's U. S. History. - -[89] General D. H. Maury's History of Va. - -[90] Pointed out to the author by Mrs. Ann Maury, his widow. - -[91] Paper prepared by Mrs. J. T. G. - -[92] Paper prepared by Miss R. C. M. - -[93] Paper prepared by Miss K. J. M. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF THE CITY OF -FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA*** - - -******* This file should be named 41597-8.txt or 41597-8.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/1/5/9/41597 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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