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The HISTORY
of the
City of Fredericksburg
Virginia

Prepared and printed by authority of the
(Eomutntt Olnitttrtl X\[ixttii,
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 Hbrmitagg Press, Inc.
Richmond, -^a.

Copyrig-ht, 1908,
On all original matter herein,
By
H. B. Lane, Chairman of History Committee,
for the City of Fredericksburg, Va.

Ifbtrattnn

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 SET
TLEMENT AND PROSPERITY OF THE SAID CITY TO THE
PRESENT TIME, 1908, A PERIOD OF THREE HUN
DRED YEARS, THESE PAGES ARE RESPECTFUL
LY 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. F. Somer
ville, C&mmittee 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 he 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 Eevolutionary war. If Major Lawrence Smith, who con
structed 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 managment of the to-wn from the time it was "laid out by
law," until it was chartered by the Legislature of Yirginia. There
fore, 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, hut 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 re
garded as authority on such matters. Nor is there any claim made
for originality. The book is intended to be a history of Fredericks
burg, 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
[5 ]

6 Preface
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 achieve
ments 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 Ci-vil
Contest who performed such gallant deeds upon our hills and with
in our valleys. No soldier of either army — the Army of the Poto
mac or the Army of Northern Virginia — can ever forget Fred
ericksburg. 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, whereso
ever 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  Frontispi^'ce
Catholic Church  272
Chancellorsville Tavern  82 .
Charity School  232
Christian Church  240
Church of Clod  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  266
Exchange Hotel  172
Federal Hill  32
Fire Department  232
First Mayor's Eesidence  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

List of Illustrations. Facing Page
Masonic Lodge  222
Meditation Eock  152
^Mercer Monument  92
Methodist Church  1G2
M. AV. :\I. Lodge  142
Old Planters' Hotel  296
(Jpera ^on.^e  290
Po,stoffice  280
Power Dam  152
Presbyterian Church  lO-J
Pre,^l)yterian ^lemorial Chapel  62
Public School  28S
Ilciiiarkabli' Tonilistone  261
\l.. V. &. P. P. P. Bridge  312
IJisiiii;- Sun Tavern  Wl
Section Slonc AA'all  IPJ
Sriitry Bo.\-  lOi'
Shiloh CUiiii-cli. .\. S  :i()-|
Sliiloh Cliurcli. O. S  272
Stevens Hou.sc  192
St. Geoige"s Cliurch  62
Str)ne House  92
Sunken Road  82
Superintendent's Lodo-f  256
Trinity Clmrcli  240
Ti-ii-tci's' Office  112
I nion Iloii-e  ojo
View on Princess Anne St  42
AA'allace Library  142
AVater Power Office  ."^28
AA^m. Paul's ( iravc^tnnc  ii.SQ

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 Spots-
wood'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 —
Eev. Patrick Henry Rector — Augustine AVashington 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 Punish
ing 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 Concern
ing 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
[7]

8 Contents
Chapter VI
The AVar Clouds Gather — Fredericksburg in the Southern
Confederacy — Troops Raised and Equipped — Town Sur
rendered to Federal Authorities — Citizens Arrested and
Held as Hostages — Thrilling Evacuating Scenes — Citi
zens Flee from their Homes — Bombardment of the Town, 71
Chapter VII
The Great Battle— The Town Sacked by Soldiers— The Fed
erals Recross the River — A Great Revival of Religion —
The Battle of Chancellorsville — Gen. Sedgewick Captures
the Town — The AVilderness Campaign — Many Noncom-
batant Citizens Arrested and Imprisoned — A Statement
by the Council — The Citizens and Federal Soldiers Re
leased, - - - - 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 Denounc
ed — Reconstruction Commenced — An Election Set Aside
by the Military — All Civil Offices Set Aside and Strang
ers Appointed— rThe Financial Condition of the To-wn —
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 AVatch Ap-
poiated — Ministers Qualify to Perform Marriage Cere
mony — 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 — AA'"allace Library — Nor
mal School — Government Building, ... 136

Contents 9
Chapter XI
Ancient and Historical Buildings — Mary AVashington Monu
ment — General Mercer's Statute — Mary AVashington's
AVill, - - - - - - - - 148
Chapter XII
Hotels of the To-wn, old and new — Agricultural Fairs and Toll
Bridges — Care of the Dependent Poor — City AVater AV"orks
— City Gas AVorks — Electric Light — Telephone Company
— Fire Department, - - - - 164
Chapter XIII
Volunteer Militia — The Confederate Cemetery — The National
Cemetery — The Confederate Veterans — The Sons of Con
federate Veterans — The Schools, Private and Public, 182
Chapter XIV
The Churches of Fredericksburg, - - - 202
Chapter XV
Charitable and Benevolent Societies — Mary AVashington Hos
pital — 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, - - - 317
Chapter XVI
Distinguished Men Buried in Fredericksburg — A Remarkable
Grave Stone — Three Heroic Fredericksburgers, AVellford,
Herndon, AVillis— The Old Liberty Bell Passes Through
Town — Great Demonstration in its Honor — AATiat 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

10 Contents
Chapter XVIII
The Society of the Army of the Potomac Continued — AVelcome
Address — Laying a Comer Stone, . . - - - 263
Chapter XIX
Doctor AValker'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
— AVashington Commander-in-Chief of the Armies — John
Paul Jones Raises the First Flag — First to Throw the
Stars and Stripes to the Breeze — Fredericksburg Fur
nishes the Head of the Army and Navy — The Constitu
tion of the United States, - - - - 293
Chapter XXI
The First Proclamation for Public Thanksgiving — Pennsyl
vania AAThiskey Rebellion — John Marshall and the Su
preme Court — Religious Liberty — The Monroe Doctrine —
Seven Presidents — Clarke Saves the Great Northwest —
The Vast AVestern Territory Explored — The Louisiana
Purchase — The Florida Purchase — Texas Acquired — The
AVar with Mexico and its Rich Results — The Oceans
Sounded, Measured and Mapped — The Ladies' Memorial
Association — The Mary AVashington Monument — Gen-
earl Mercer's Statue, ....... 306
Chapter XXII
Fredericksburg at Present — The Health of the City — its Fin
ancial Solidity — Its Commercial Prosperity — Its Lines of
Transportation — Its AVater Power — Its Official Calendar
— List of Mayors, - - - ... 332
Official Calendar— September 1, 1908  333
Mayors of Fredericksburg in Their Chronological Order - - 336

HISTORY

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 — Oov. 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 visi
tor 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.
[11 ]

12 History of Frederickshurg , Virginia
For soon after his release, in writing of the discoveries, having
already explored the Chesapeake bay, he says :* "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.
"AA'ithin 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,
-n-ere 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 south
ward, 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 Poca
hontas, John Smith made a number of trips, exploring the rivers
of this section of Virginia, entered the mouth of the Rappa
hannock and, but for an accident that befell him, might have con
tinued his trip to the falls.
They found fish in abundance in all the streams and, "near the

• Description of Virginia by Smitli, his spelling modernized.

>'^^'mp..

p0^ FROM MARYE'S HEIGHTS.
' GROUND OVER WHICH
FEDERAL TROOPS ADVANCED

View of Fredericksburg from Marye's Mansion, showing ground charged over
by Federals in battle 1S62. Confederate line at fence.
(Sc.. i.a,^e 01)

View of Fredericksburg from Stafford Heights, where Federal guns
were located in 1862, showing the old Scott bridge.
(See iiage 171)

History of Frederichsburg, 'Virginia 13
mouth of the Eappahannock, 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
hea-yy hearts, prepared it. But Dr. Eussell 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."*
Some -writers contend that it was while on this trip that Smith
came up the Eappahannock to the falls and had a battle with the
Indians, but this is a mistake. This trip was commenced on the
30th 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 Eussell, the physician, who ac
companied 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."f If Smith had been very far up the Eappa
hannock he could not have passed the mouth of these two rivers the
next day.
The voyage that Smith made, during which he explored the
Eappahannock 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 AVigh-
conisco, upon the river Patawomeck [Potomac]. AVe supposed

• HowlBon's V. S. History, from Smith.
f Walter Russell, In Smltb.

14 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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. AVood 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, j;ill 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 hay, 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 sen
tinel 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.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 15
"Upon the alarm, hy 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 furi
ous 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, hut
hard hy where we were.
"AVe 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.
"AVe 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 Massawo-
meks that were higher up in the mountains.
"Then we asked him what was beyond the mountains, he answered

16 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
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 Mon
acans, 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 he 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 dilligent in triming 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 yell
ing 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 tUl the sun was
risen. "Beiag well refreshed, we untied our targets that covered us as a

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 17
deck, and all showed ourselves with those shields on our arms, and
swords in our hands, and also our prisoner Amoroleck. A long dis
course there was betwixt his countrymen and him, how good
we were, how well we used him, how we had a Patawoiiiek 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 swiming 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
liundred 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 com,
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
te their friends. Upon this they presently sent to the Rapa
hanocks to meet him at the place where they first fought where
2

18 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
would he the Kings of Nantantacund and Pissassac : which accord
ing 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 Moraugh
tacund 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 pro-vision 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 con
jectured, 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 strenghs 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 travell
ing companions as he ascends ihe 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 to
gether, makes friends of them, settles differences between them
and their tribes and sails out of the river loaded with provisions.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 19
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 Eappahannock, 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 Eichard 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; Fether
stone's bay is in Stafford, opposite the upper end of Hunter's
Island; Accoqueck was near E. Innis Taylor's residence; Sockbeck
was in the neighborhood of J. Bowie Gray's; Anasheroans were
about Moss Neck; King Nandtaughtacund lived near Port Eoyal;
King Cultatawoman was located in Stafford, just below Snowdon;
King Pissassack was located- in AVestmoreland county, near Leeds-
to-wn; King Tapahanock lived in the upper part of Lancaster
county; Mahakahod was about the line of Stafford and Gulpeper
counties; Hassininga was about Indian To-wn in Orange county;
Stegara was in the upper part of Orange, on the Eapid Ann river ;
and Tauxuntania was located near the foot of the Blue Eidge moun
tains. 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
Eolfe, 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.
AVe are told* that in 1611 she was entrusted by her father, Pow-

* Howe's History of Virginia.

20 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
hatan, to Chief Japazaws, who carried her to his home on the Poto
mac 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 Japa
zaws was spent at this point, the favorite gathering place of all the
tribes at the different seasons of the year.
AA'Tiy 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 mar
ried 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"* which
territory must have included one or more plantations on the Rappa
hannock 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 invit-

* Howe's History.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 31
ing" and an excellent place for a settlement, and possibly he recom
mended and procured the location of a plantation in this vicinity.
But, whether or not this supposition be true, we know that the
Eappahannock falls some years afterwards became a point of con
siderable 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 con
tinued troublesome, which was garrisoned by quite a number of men.
"At a grand assemblie held at James cittie, between the 30th 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 Eappahannock
Eiver, 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
florty three pounds of Shott."*
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 "td execute Martiall dis
cipline" 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 con
tracted among themselves, and were free from taxes and levies ex
cept from those laid within their own limits.

* Acts of House of Burgesses.

33 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eappahannock fort —
Smith's fort on the Eapphannock — and it may have been kno-wn
by one or the other until the place was laid out for a town and re
ceived 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 sugggsted, 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 reason
able to suppose that this fort was located eighteen miles above tide
water, where it could not be reached by such vessels. In addition
to this objection, it may be added that the "gallant cavalier, Gov
ernor 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* [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 Gov
ernor until the year 1710. After coming to. this country he became
possessed of lands on the Rappahannock, at the mouth of Massa
ponax run, and from there up the ridge, west of Fredericksburg,
to the Eapidan river at Germanna. AVe do not know when he be
came 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 Spots-

• Howe's History of Virginia.

The Free Bridge over Ihs Rappahannock River to Stafford Heights.
( See iia.OT 1 "] I

The City Court House and Clerk's Office.
(See page 142)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 23
wood 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."
It has been a tradition held by some that the Germans, who set
tled Germanna, came to this country as paupers, and when they
landed at Tappahannock, where tlieir 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 coimtry under contract with Governor Spots-
wood, bringing with them letters of commendation from gentlemen
of infiuence and official position.
From a paper prepared, and left to posterity, by Rev. James
Kemper, a grandson of the emigrant, John Kemper,* 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 to-wn
of Miisen, which was then in the old province of Nassau Siegen,
Westphalia, Germany. At Miisen there is an iron mine which has
been worked since the early part of the fourteenth century, and is

» Furnished by Chas. E. Kemper, Esq.

34 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
operated to this day. They were skilled workers in iron and steel
from the Miisen 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 AVil-
liam, and in 1759 the portion they settled became Fauquier. They
settled about nine miles south of AVarrenton on a small stream
called Licking Run and named the place Germantown — thus keep
ing 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 AVeaver, John Fishback, Harman Fishback, Harman Utter-
back, John Joseph Martin, Peter Hitt, Jacob Coons,  ¦ — AVay-
man and  Hanbaek. 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 fllled 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,* 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

• It is claimed by Rev. James Kemper that the German Reformed Church,
organized at Germanna in 1714, was the flrst church of that denomination
planted in this country.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 35
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.* 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 Rappa
hannock 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 satisfled 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

* Mr. M. D. Conway, in Magazine of American History, Vol, 27, No. 3^
page 186.

26 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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.
"AVe 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."*
Col. Byrd, in 1733, called this a fort.

• Memoirs of a Huguenot Family, page 268.

CHAPTER II
THE KNIGHTS OE THE GOLDEN" HORSE SHOE.
<Governor Spotswood and Others Start on an Expedition over the
Blue Ridge Mountains — They Pass Through what is now Fred-
eiicksburg — They Join Others at Germanna, where they make
Extensive Preparations — The Country Bough and the Woods
Dense — Bears, Deer, Turkeys, Squirrels and Snakes Plenti
ful — The Summit of the Mountain Beached — The Sublime
Scene — The Health of the I£ing 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 Eidge
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* 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 thor
oughly informed of all the particulars. The expedition was made
in August and September, 1716, and the following is John Fon
taine's diary:
Williamsburg, 30th August, 1716. — In the morning got my
horses ready, and what baggage was necessary, and I waited on the

* 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 Scot
land, where he ended his days. The name originally was Be la, FontoAne, 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 Spots-
wood's, while Peter became a minister of ability and was very popular. From
these two brothers sprang the Fontaines of this country.
[27]

28 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
Governor who was in readiness for an expedition over the Appala
chian mountains. We breakfasted and about ten got on horseback,
and, at four came to the Brickhouse, upon York Eiver, where we
crossed the ferry and at six came to Mr. Austin Moore's house* on
Mattapony Eiver, 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. Eobert 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 Eappahannock Eiver ten miles below the falls.
33rd. — Here we remained all this day, and diverted ourselves
and rested our horses.
34th. — In the morning, at seven, we mounted our horses and
came to Austin Smith's house f about ten, where we dined, and re
mained 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, 2.5th. — 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 en
deavored 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.
36th. — At seven we got up, and several gentlemen of the country.
' Austain Moore lived at Chelsea, on the Mattaponi river. He was the
Governors son-in-law. — Maury's History of Virginia.
f Austin Smith lived in the village or settlement afterwards named Fred
ericksburg. 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 39
that were to meet the Governor at this place for the expedition,
arrived here, as also two companies of Eangers, consisting each of
six men, and an officer. Four Meherrin Indians also came.* 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 Eappahannoc Eiver 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.
37th. — ^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.
38th,^ — ^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.
39th. — In the morning we got all things in readiness, and about

* 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 iu that quarter. The Governor and Mr. Fontaine visited that part of
the country a few weeks before they started on this expedition.

30 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
one we left the German-town to set out on our intended joumey..
At five in the afternoon, the Governor gave orders to encamp near
a small river, three miles from Germanna, which we called Expedi
tion Eun, 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 bag
gage forward, and we remained, because two of the Governor's
horses had strayed. At half past two we got the horsey, 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 Rappa-
hannoc 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 ter
rible fall and ran away ; we ran after, and with a great deal of diffi
culty 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-

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 31
killed several deer, and about two miles from the place where we
killed the bear, we encamped upon Eappahannock Eiver. 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 Eappahannock Eiver forks. I saw there the largest timber,
the finest and deepest mould, and the best grass that I ever did see.*
We had some-of our baggage put out of order, and our company dis
mounted, by hornets stinging the horses. This was some hind
rance, and did a little damage, but afforded a great deal of diver
sion. 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. Eobinson's Camp, and the river Blind Eun.
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.
3nd. — At nine we were all on horseback and after riding about
five miles we crossed Eappahannoc river, f 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 AATiite Oak Eiver,! 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

* This must be at the junction of the Rapidan and Robinson rivers.
-j- This is the Rapidan river probably.
I It is likely that this was Conway river, a tributary of the Rapidan, and
the line between Madison and Green counties.

32 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eiver,* just be
low the great mountains. We called this camp Colonel Eobertson's
Camp. AA"e 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 con
venient 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 abun
dance of loose stones on the side of the hill. I killed a large rattle
snake here, and the other people killed three more. We made about
four miles and so came to the side of James Eiver, 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 pro
digious snake, which they killed; so this camp was called Eattle-
snake 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 Eiver, 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 Eiver, where it runs no bigger than a man's arm, from
under a large stone. We drank King George's health and all the
Eoyal 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
* 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.

'Mary Washington House," home of Mary, the Mother of Wash
ington, and where she died in 1789; now the prop
erty of the A. P. of V. A.

(See page l.-jTt

'Federal Hill," home of Thomas Reade Rootes, Gov. Brooke,
etc; now the residence of Mrs. H. Theodore Wight.
(See page 1.53)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 33
could go down that way, but we met with such prodigious preci
pices, 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 flve 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 thaji 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. 6th. — ^We crossed the river, which we called Euphrates.* It is
very deep; the main course of the water is North; it is fourscore
yards wide in the narrowest part. We dranlc 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 flsh 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.* We had a

* 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 narra
tive. The distance of the river from the mountains and the description of the
streams crossed in reaching the mountains, enable us to determine with con
siderable 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.
3

34 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eoyal 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, cham
pagne, 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 Spots-
wood. 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.
Sth. — 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

* Governor Spotswood, when he undertook the great discovery of the Passage
over the Mountains, attended with a sufficient guard, and pioneers and gentle
men, 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 Gov
ernor'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 inscrip
tion on one side : Bio juvat transcendere monies, 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 35
men tha-fe 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 en
gagement. At two we crossed one of the branches of the Eappa
hannock Eiver, and at five we encamped on the side of the Eapid
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 Eun. 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 Eappahannoc
Eiver, and returned to the town.
11th. — After breakfast all our company left us, excepting Dr.
Eobinson and Mr. Clouder. We walked all about the town, and
the Governor settled his business with the Germans here, and ac
commodated the minister and the people, and then to bed.
13th. — After breakfast went a fishing in the Eappahannock, and
took seven fish, which we had for dinner ; after which Mr. Eobinson
and I, we endeavored to melt some ore in the Smith's forge, but
could get nothing out of it. Dr. Eobinson's and Mr. Clouder's boys
were taken violently ill with fever. Mr. Eobinson 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
.V*

36 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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. Wood
ford's* on Eappahannoc Eiver, 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 busi
ness ; 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 Eiver, where we were well enter
tained. 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. Bay
lor'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 Eiver, 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 enter-i
tained. 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 Eiver is in all
319 miles, so that our journey, going and coming, has been in all
438 miles.

* This Mr. Woodford is supposed to be the father or grandfather of General
Wm. -W^oodford, of Revolutionary fame.

CHAPTEE 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 1633, 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 to-wn was not incorporated earlier if it was a place
of importance, it might be answered with the fact that prior to that
tiine the authorities did not seem to think it was necessary, as
neither Eichmond, Petersburg, Norfolk nor Alexandria was incor
porated for several years after Fredericksburg had a legal existence.
Fredericksburg was founded by law in 1727 and named for Fred
erick, 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 attach
ment 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 royality 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,
[37]

38 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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. AVhereas great Numbers of People have of late seated them
selves and their Families upon and near the Eiver 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 Eiver to be shipped off and trans
ported 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 navi
gable Part of said Eiver, 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, CouncU, and
Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby en
acted, 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 Buchner, 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 39
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 Spotsyl
vania, 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 ap
pointed 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 Land
ings, 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 hy
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 Buck
ner and the Heirs and Assigns of them respectively, and of all Per
sons whatsoever claiming by, from, or under them or either of them.
IIL PROVIDED nevertheless, that the said Directors and Trus-

40 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
tees shall pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said John Royston and
Robert Buchner, 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 Eight which the said John Royston and
Robert Buckner now respectively have to the same; and the said
John Royston and Robert Buchner shall also have each of them two
Lots, which shall be assigned to them by the said Directors and Trus
tees, 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 Eules 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

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 41.
fulfil, the Directions aforesaid; and if the Inhabitants of the said
Town shall fail to obey and pursue the Eules and Orders of the
said Directors, in repairing and amending the Streets, Landings,
and publick AVharfs, 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 Col
ony, to be one Body Politick and Corporate, to whom the Govern
ment of the said Town shall be committed. Be it further enacted,
that in Case of the Death of the said Directors, or of their Eefusal
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 refus
ing ; 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 re
corded 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 Eesidue 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

42 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
of the Monies arising by Sale of Lots, as a Consideration and Com
pensation 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., Gov
ernor, 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 to-wn.
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 Fredericks
burg, April 6th 1743, 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 Eoom 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, 1743.
John Taliaferro, John Allen,
John Waller, Eob Jackson.
Ira Thornton,
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

C3

CM

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 43
Holidays, thence to the old Courthouse and finally to Spotsylvania
Courthouse, where it was held until abolished by the new Consti
tution. In 1733, five years after the to-wn was established by law, Col.
Byrd, then living on the James river, where Eichmond 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 Spots-
wood. While here Col. Byrd wrote a description of the new to-wn
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
huilt 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. Be
sides 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 to-wn,
-with the advantages of a na-vigable 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 doetress 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.

44 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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
Mar}-e, 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 flrst 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 Fredericks
burg 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 beneflt to-
both town and county. We have no record as to when they ceased
to be held and no citizen now li-ving remembers to have attended
one. They may have been changed into agricultural fairs, which
are mentioned elsewhere. ANOTHER SUR-VET OE 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 en
croached upon the lands of Henry Willis and John Lewis; and,
as this gave rise to conti-oversies and threatened law suits, the Lieu-

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 45
"tenant-Governor, Council and Burgesses of the General Assembly
passed an act in May, 1743, 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
T)e 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 ascer
tained by this survey, was not quite fifty-three acres.
The irregularity of the buildings having necessitated an enlarge
ment of the original fifty acres, the style of buildings must have
caused serious apprehensions of danger from fire, as we find that,
in 1743, 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 to-wn, 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 — Mili
tary 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 premiun 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 per
son making the second best. It was provided that the money for
these premiimis should be raised by the annual subscriptions of
public-spirited gentlemen who were willing to encourage the under
taking; 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 fol
lowing gentlemen who subscribed two pounds each: Robert Car
ter, Pressley Thornton, George Washington, James Mercer, William
Bernard, David Ker, Philip Rootes, Thomas Reade Eootes, Alexan
der Eoss, 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.
[4> ]

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 47
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 Cus
toms." It was a very lengthy hill, 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 sub
stitute 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, tiae penalty
being five hundred pounds sterling for the faithful performance
of their duties. One of these public warehouses was located in Fred
ericksburg, 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 hags-

48 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
heads 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
a,nd be current in the town and county of Spotsylvania for the pay
ment 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 repre
sented 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 inde
pendent States. The battle of Lexington was fought on the 19th
day of April, 1775, and on the 20th, the following day. Lord Dun-
more 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 Court
house 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 Eichmond and

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 49
Williamsburg to ascertain the condition of affairs and to what point
they should report for duty. In the meantime, those ardent pa
triots, George Washington, Peyton Eandolph and Edmund Pendle
ton, 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, consist
ing 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 Britian, 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 per
petrated 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 con-
-rinced 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 ad
dress, 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 de
fend 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
4

50 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 cele
brated Mecklenburg resolutions in North Carolina were, and more
than a year before the Declaration of Independence by the Ameri
can 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 fol
lowed. 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 Eevolutionary 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 hy 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.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 51
FREDERICKSBURG IN THE REPUBLIC.
The first act of the Legislature of Virginia in reference to Fred
ericksburg, after the establishment of the young republic, was to
grant it a charter, which biU was passed in 1781. It provided for
the town a Mayor, Eecorder, 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 to-wn of Fredericksburg, and by that title
were to have perpetual succession. The Mayor, Eecorder 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 Eappahannock 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 to-wn 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 inhabi
tants and all property within the actual bounds of the town for all
the charges of repairing the streets, and other matters of muni
cipal 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

52 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
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 flnes were
regulated as follows : "For a Mayor-elect, flfty pounds ; for the Ee
corder, 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 Eoads, each thirty pounds."
These several fines were to be imposed by the hustings court, and "to
be le-vied by execution against the goods, and chatties of the offender."
The charter also provided that in case of "misconduct in the office
of Mayor, Eecorder, 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 mis
conduct, 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 Eecorder was to succeed to the
office, the oldest Alderman was to become Eecorder, 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 Freder
icksburg, in law or equity, or in trust, for the use and benefit of the
inhabitants thereof, and particularly the charity donation of Archi
bald McPherson, deceased, now vested in the trustees of said to-wn
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 1783 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 Eappahannock 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

'Rising Sun Tavern," kept by Gen. Geo. Weedon prior to 1775;
now the property of the A. P. of V. A.
(Se.. ])a';e 14N1

Mary Washington Monument, erected by the Women of America;
Wm. J. Crawford, architect.
"^ (See page 1'<1 >

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 53
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 Com
monwealth of Spotsylvania county.
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 1737, had not been enforced by the Council and
complied with by lot owners, the Common Council, in 1783, passed
an order which resulted in great benefit to the town in the way
of improving vacant lots, erecting buildings and furnishing per
manent homes for artisans, mechanics and laboring men. In the
memorial submitted to the Council, these property o-wners com
plained 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 Letts
pay no part, although their property is thereby daily rendered more
valuable; That the proprietors of said Letts, although wealthy,
will neither build on them, nor sell to those who would, unless for
exorbitant prices, by means whereof Eents are high and many use
ful 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 Assem
bly, 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* or so much of the

• The town referred to in the county of King George is the town of Fal
mouth, on the opposite side of the river, and a mile and a half above Fred
ericksburg. 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.

54 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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
Letts that a strict execution of the above mentioned Act of Assem
bly 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 require
ments of the act referred to, the Council ordered "that notice be
given to the Proprietors of unimproved Letts within this corpora
tion, by advertisement in the Public News Papers, that they im
mediately pay up the Taxes due on said Letts within this To-wn
and that they be informed that they must build on their unim
proved Letts, 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 Letts will be sold
agreeble 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 to-wn soon had money for ordinary pur
poses, and also for repairing the public buildings, many of which
had been used during the war by the soldiers of General Washing
ton'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

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 55
¦"Loan office" of the Government in Washington and are duly re
corded 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 Ser
geant John Eichards 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, re
fractory women and dishonest tradesmen, especially brewers and
bakers. The ducking stool for Fredericksburg was erected on the
bank of the Eappahannock 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

56 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 fxdly
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 com
mitting similar offences.

CHAPTEE V
The Lease of the Marhet-House Lots — The First Serious Fire —
Frederichsburg an Important Center — An Act Concerning
Elections — Half of the Town Destroyed by Fire — Fredericks
burg an Important Postal Point — How the Mails were Carried
¦ — A Congressional Investigation — Amendatory Act of 1831 —
The Great Fire of 1822— The Trade of the Town— Conta
gious Diseases — The Town in 1841 — Acts of Extension, 1851,
1853, 1858, 1861, £c.
In the year 1789 an enactment was passed by the Legislature em
powering the Mayor and Commonalty of the town of Fredericks
burg 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 cor
poration. 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 de
stroyed. 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 em
phatic 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.
[57 ]

58 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 prose
cuted, and the trade of the town, in the general merchandise
department, was in the hands of public-spirited, energetic mer
chants ; and it would no doubt surprise the merchants of the pres
ent 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 depart
ments, the leading article being tobacco, which up to and during the
War of 1813 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 to-wn 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 HaU
of the Town," which term was used to denote the Common Council,
a Mayor and Eecorder 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 em
powered to hold a hustings court, except in cases of the examina
tion or trial of free persons or slaves charged with felonies, in which
case flve 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 59
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 per
sons 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, Ee
corder, 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 Eecorder. It was the duty of the Mayor to preside
over the deliberations of the body, and, in his absence, the Eecorder
was to discharge that duty. The Mayor, or in his absence, the
Eecorder, 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, Eecorder and the other ten members
elected as common councilmen, constituted the "Common Hall"
of the to-wn, 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 con
flagration which destroyed nearly one-half of the town. It was in
October of that year, when the to-wn was almost depopulated, the
citizens, old and young, having left their homes to attend and wit
ness 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. Shep
herd now stands, on the north corner of Princess Ann and Lewis
streets. A high wind prevailed at the time, the house was inflam
mable, the weather very dry, and in a short time the flre 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 destruc-

60 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
tion. 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. Stan
nard, 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 com
menced, 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 Decem
ber, 1868, 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 1830, was a very important point for
mail distribution, and the mail matter of not less than flve States
was assorted here and sent on to its destination. About the break
ing out of the War of 1813 mail matter to Fredericksburg rapidly
increased, and continued to increase, for several years, which neces
sitated 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 61
Eeturn J. Meiggs, Jr., of Ohio, was Postmastet 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 ser
vice after that date. It appears from the records that vague
rumors of certain irregularities had been afloat throughout the coun
try and in the 'public prints' for some time, and that they flnally
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 Eepresentatives, of which Hon.
Elisha Phelps was chairman, proceeded in accordance with instruc
tions of the House, in due form and great deliberation, to investi
gate 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 36th 1833, 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 dis
tinguished consideration, the solemn committee of the Honorable
House of Eepresentatives, 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 he 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 suf
ficed for this great, free and intelligent Eepublic.
"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 compen-

63 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
sation of contractcjrs 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 trans
porting mail from the Seat of Government at Washington to Fred
ericksburg, Virginia, a distance of seventy miles. This great mail
route, which would now be termed a trunk line, carried substan
tially 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 horse
back. "But," says the Postmaster General, "by the increased popular
interest in the war of 1813, 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 Fredericks
burg; therefore contractors were authorized to place a sulky, or
curricle service thereon and the remuneration was increased accord
ingly. "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 iinal action of Congress is not contained in the records,
hut 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 1831.
Under the previous acts of the Legislature, extending the limits
of the town and providing for laying out streets, and the amend
ments thereto, it was claimed that mistakes had occurred and ir
regularities had resulted therefrom. In order to correct these mis
takes, and provide for the better government of the town, an
amendatory • act was passed by the Legislature in the year 1831.
In that act the Common Council was authorized and empowered to

f^'^.

The St. George's Episcopal Church.
(See page 20.3)

¦/

^if ;

The Presbyterian Memorial Chapel.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 63
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 reelection 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.
AVhen 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 Eecorder, upon whom all the pothers 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 Eappahannock
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 1831 the Common Council was
authorized to assess and le-vy a tax on the inhabitants of, and prop
erty 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 to-wn. 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 exer
cised by field officers of the militia concerning patrols, shall here
after be vested in and exercised by the said Mayor, Eecorder 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 be
yond the city limits.
In order to correct defects in laying out streets under the former

64 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 lo
cate 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 1832.
After the great conflagration of 1807, a regular and decided in
crease in population is noted with a marked improvement in local
trade. So things progressed with no unusual or startling calami
ties to disturb the usual serenity of a prosperous town — not bust
ling, but active — until the year 1833, 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 flre originated at the eorner of Main
and George streets, where Mr. Thomas N. Brent's dry goods store
now stands, and, curious enough, just where the great flre of 1807
was checked. It was then known as Wellford's comer, 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 destroy
ing 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 65
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 build
ing 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 to-wn, and the resumption of business by the burnt-out mer
chants, 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
Eidge 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 solici
tous 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
5

66 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
their credit that such strict observance and enforcement of the laws
of health, and temporary quarantines at the proper time, have pre
vented 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 rag
ing 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 estab
lished at the mouth of Hazel Eun, just below town, and a hospital
was located at Sligo. Dr. Brooke and Dr. Ker, two skillful phys-
cians 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 1793 the
same disease broke out in Baltimore and a quarantine was again
established at Hazel Eun 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 offi
cers, 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 excite
ment. 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. Eev. Lorenzo Dow, an able, but
eccentric, itinerant Methodist minister, when on a -visit to the
to-wn the year previous to the scourge, it was reported had pre
dicted 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 67
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 Eeform 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* 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 Eappahannock, 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 Eappahannock, 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, $141,300; flve academies, with 356 students, and
seven schools, with 156 scholars. The population in 1830, whites,
1,797; slaves, 1,134; free blacks, 387— total, 3,308. The popula
tion 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 Eappahannock river, a distance of forty

* The water came from two springs — Poplar spring and Smith's spring.

68 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
miles, railroad facilities and river navigation by sail vessels and
steamboats, greatly enlarged her commercial advantages and in
creased 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 circum
stances 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 Alex
andria railroad, now the AA^estern, and the advance of the Balti
more 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 Commission
ers appointed by the Common Council. That extension embraced
the territory we now have within the corporate limits except a por
tion of the AA'ater 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,

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 69
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 Coun
cil, 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 Ee
corder of the town to be present and preside over the hustings court,
but made it la-wful 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 busi
ness men 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, 1853, the Legislature passed another
amendment to the charter of the to-wn, 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 Coun
cil to sell real estate for delinquent taxes due the town. It
authorized the authorities to sell all real estate within the corpora
tion returned delinquent for the non-payment of taxes and interest.

70 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 settle
ment 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 sum
mary 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 o-wners 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 de
scribed as follows :
"Beginning at a point Sixty-seven feet North 64^ degrees east
from the northeast cornerstone of the present boundary of said
town; and running thence to the Eappahannock river twelve hun
dred and fifty feet to a stone ; thence south 58^ degrees west, four
hundred and sixty-sis feet to a stone; thence south 13 J degrees
west, three hundred and seventy feet to a stone; thence south 35-J
degrees east, six hundred and eight feet to a stone ; thence south 38|
degrees, two hundred and eighty-five feet to a stone; thence south
25^ degrees east, one hundred and forty-four feet to a stone in a
line with the present corporation line ; thence with said line north
64J degrees east six hundred and eighty feet to the point of begin
ning, and particularly set out and described in a survey and plat
made by Carter M. Braxton, dated the 23rd day of January, 1861,
a;nd deposited in the clerk's office of the corporation court of said
town."

CHAPTEE 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.
Nothwithstanding 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 propor
tions 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 Fred
ericksburg 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
[71 ]

72 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 Fred
ericksburg 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. AVhen 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-flve thous
and 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 sym
pathizers 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 ordi
nance 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 exist
ence in town for many years, became the nucleus around which
was formed the Thirtieth Eegiment of Virginia Volunteers.
This regiment, commanded successively by Colonel Milton Cary,
Colonel Archibald Harrison and Colonel Eobert S. Chew, immedi
ately entered upon active duty and performed good service through
out 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 Ed-

Hon. Montgomery Slaughter,
"The War Mayor" of Fredericksburg.
(See page 74)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 73
ward Marye and Captain John G. Pollock, greatly distinguished
itself. It is claimed that this company fired the first shot at the battle of
Fredericksburg and was honored with a like distinction at Gettys
burg; and yet a greater honor awaited this heroic band than either
of these or the two combined, which each member and his descend
ants 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 Eobert 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, Gun
ner M. C. Hall, Gunner Samuel H. Thorbum, Picket Sergeant J.
L. Marye, Jr., H. P. Martin, Quarter Master Sergeant; Gunner
J. E. Ferneyhough, Gunner P. V. D. Conway, Gunner W. F. Gor
don, Gunner E. W. McGuire, Harrison Southworth, Guidon; Pri
vates W. A. Anthony, John Scott Berry, John J. Berrey, Wm. E.
Bradley, J. A. Bowler, Oscar Berry, James E. Berrey, Wm. Bowler,
Eobert 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. Crock-
ford, A. P. Carneal, Charles Donahoe, James Donahoe, W. B. Dick
inson, Elijah E. Fines, E. C. Fitzhugh, M. A. Ferneyhough, Duff
Green (of Brooke), J. T. Goolrick, E. C. Grymes, J. E. Gouldman,
Landon Gallahan, Henry Gallahan, John M. Garrett, James W.
Hogans, George F. Harrison, George M. Harrison, John E. Harri
son, Eobert Haislip, Matthew Hudson, John S. Johnson, W. Stan-
field Jones, J. Chester Jones, C. W. Jenkins, John T. Knight,
David Corbin Ker, Hubbard M. Long, Charles Lyell, Alfred J.
Marye, J. W. McAVhirt, J. A. Marye, A. Stewart Marye, J. W.

74 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
Mitchell, Prank A. Maddox, Thomas E. Maddex, Charles W.
Mauley, John McKay, W. Nelson Marye, George Oakes, M. B. Pol
lock, George B. Pearson, Joseph S. Payne, Harvey W. Proctor, An
thony Patton, John T. Eoberts, Henry Eobinson, W. T. Eobinson,
John D. Smith,* E. B. Semple, Warner L. Sisson, Lawrence San
ford, 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, ma
rine, 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,
Eev. William F. Broaddus, D. D., and Gov. John L. Marye, Jr.,
three members on the part of the Common Council and three repre
senting 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 resis
tance would be made to its occupation by the United States troops,
and to ask such protection for persons and property as was consis
tent 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 senti-

• Died at Crystal Springs, Miss., March 1, 1900.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 75
ment, loyal to the existing government of the State of Virginia and
Confederate States." This was an honest and frank statement,
made hy the Common Council of the threatened town to the Com
manding 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 de
struction 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 E. Patrick established his headquarters and took provost
command of the town. Unlike many of the subordinate command
ers Gen. Patrick was considered a generous man and a kind, hu
mane 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 kind
ness 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 Eichmond. 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

76 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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
sisty 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 Fred
ericksburg, and many of her citizens shared the fate of the unfor
tunate 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..
War dwell, of Eichmond — and confined in prison at Eichmond..
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 peniten-

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 77
tiary when Virginia was made "Military District No. 1, with head-
•quarters at Eichmond."
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 to-wn,
exempt from military service by reason, either of age or official posi
tion, and were the natural guardians of the helpless women and
children who were then in town. The list is as follows:* Eev.
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. Eoberts, John J. Berrey, Dr. James Cooke, John
F. Scott, Montgomery Slaughter, George H. C. Eowe, Wm. H.
Norton, Abraham Cox.
The Christian Banner, then published in Fredericksburg by Eev.
James W. Hunnicutt, of the Free Will Baptist denomination, him
self a strong Union man, and who would not have written compli
mentary of these gentlemen beyond their respective merits, pub
lished the following short sketches of the "Fredericksburg prison
ers" :
Thomas B. Barton is the oldest lavvyer 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 manu
facturer, an Old Line Whig and a prominent member of the Epis
copal 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.

• This list was obtained from a diary kept by John J. Berrey while in prison.

78 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
James JIcGuire was one of the oldest merchants in Fredericks
burg, 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 AVhig
and a deacon in the Baptist church.
Rev. William F. Broaddus, D. 1)., was the pastor of the Baptist
church in Fredericksburg and an Old Line AVhig. He conducted
a female school in addition to his pastoral work.*
Montgomery Slaughter, Mayor of Fredericksburg, was a large
wheat speculator and flour manufacturer, was an Old Line AVhig
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.
* 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 con
sented 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 birth
place at the time of my birth was in Culpeper county. Changes in county Hues
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 flnd
the place in Rappahannock. If I were to tell you I was born in Rappahan
nock and you were to investigate you would flnd 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 with
out further questions.
It was the habit of Dr. Broaddus to preach on Sunday mornings to his fel
low 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 tor 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 79
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 AVhig and a very prominent member of the
Episcopal church.
Benjamin Temple was a wealthy farmer, an Old Line AVhig and,
we believe, a member of no church, but a most excellent man.
Dr. James Cooke was a druggist, owning the largest establish
ment, perhaps south of the Potomac river; was an Old Line AVhig
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 AVhig
and, we believe, was a member of no church.
Michael Ames was a blacksmith, an Old Line Whig and a mem
ber 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 AVhig 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 AVhig 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 Rich
mond to effect the release of Major Williams and Mr. Wardwell,.
that he and his friends might be liberated and permitted to re
turn to their homes. Armed with a parole and passports. Dr.
Broaddus proceeded to Eichmond, 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

80 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 Wash
ington 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 38, 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 Mar
shal 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 coun
try and to starve the old men and women into submission to his
demands. In this, however, he was not sustained by the Washing
ton authorities, and especially by President Lincoln.
This condition of things in Fredericksburg continued only for a

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 81
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 Con
federate 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 authori
ties 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 folio-wing 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 wit
nessed 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.* 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;

* The scenes of the evacuation of Fredericksburg are taken principally from
"The Past, Present and Future of Fredericksburg, by Bev. Robert R. Howison, LL.
D., who was aided iu its preparation by diaries kept by those present at the
time and the recitals of other eye witnesses, besides newspaper articles, the re
ports of Generals in both armies and our own knowledge, being present.
6

83 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 do-wn 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 diffi
cult 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 A^irginia 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 3nd 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 hankerchiefs and loudly utter
ing 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 en-

'Chancellorsville Tavern,'
battle there in ISii;-!.

Gen. Hooker's Headquarters during the
Burnt during that^battle, May^Srd.
(See pa.^e '.i.'i)

"The Sunken Road," along which the "stone wall" stood, form
ing breastworks for the Confederates in 18<!2 and 1863.
(See pase ni 1

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 83
joyed the hot rolls, beefsteak and hot coffee, after their long absti
nence 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.
GENERAL BURNSIDE's OCCUPATION OF FREDERICKSBURG.
The Preliminaries to the Great Battle.
On Sunday morning, the 10th of November, 1863, 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 quar
tered 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 Simp
son'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 be
gan to move down from Fauquier, Culpeper and Prince Williain
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 en
counters, 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 di-visions 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

84 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
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 pro
posed 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 bat
tery of four guns and eighty men on the plateau around the old
Fitzgerald residence, at Little Falls, half a mile above the to-wn.
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 fir
ing 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. Rein
forcements are hurrying to you." On Tuesday, the 18th, the
enemy's force was largely increased. General Burnside's whole
force was pouring do-wn 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 move
ments of the remainder of General Longstreet's command and Gen
eral 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

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 85
the Eecorder, William A. Little, Esq., and by Mr. Douglas H. Gor
don, a member of her Council, held an interview with the Con
federate Commander-in-Chief. It was held at Snowden, the resi
dence 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 truce, with a written message to the Mayor and Com
mon 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 flred 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 re
moving supplies to the depots of such troops. This condition of
things must terminate; and by direction of Major-General Burn-
side, 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 wUl 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.
'TTpon 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 deliver
ing the letter to the civil authorities it must be referred to his com
manding 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

86 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
Colonel Ball, through the proper channels forwarded the letter to
General Lee. At twenty minutes before five o'clock in the after
noon 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 com
munication 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 Con
federate 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, de
livered 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 ex
posed, 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 Fred
ericksburg, 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

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 87
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 com
menced, 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 priva
tions, 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 sym
pathy and won the admiration of the South. A movement to
aid them commenced in Eichmond. 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 Eichmond 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 adversarj^, were ready for the bloody conflict. It was
the most restless, anxious night ever passed by the citizens of Fred
ericksburg. 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.
Prom 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. AATiat to attempt to carry, and what to leave to

88 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
be destroyed by the enemy, was the perplexing question, and so in
the anxiety of the refugees to take with them sufficient food, cloth
ing 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,* sounded a note of warning to the people and the army.
General Burnside commenced throwing three pontoon bridges
across the Eappahannock river. One was to span the river at
French Johns wharf, at the foot of Hawke street, one at Scott's
Ferry, at the lower end of Water street, and one at Deep Eun,
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 flre 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

' See General Lafayette McLaws's report of the battle.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 89
and ten sharpshooters from Colonel J. W. Carter's regiment (the
13th) and three companies of the Eighteenth regiment. Lieu
tenant Colonel Luse, under Lieutenant William Eatliff, were all
the troops that were actually engaged in defending the crossings in
front of the city."*
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 Fredericks
burg, to the Washington farm below, on every available place
artillery was stationed, bearing upon the town. About one hun
dred 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 chil
dren, 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 inhabintants who re
mained in the town fled to their cellars and sought to save their
lives from the storm which was beating their homes to p-k'ces.
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. Eeuben 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.

• Extract from Gen Lafayette McLaws'sofBclal report of the battle of Fred
ericksburg, made to General james Longstreet — War of Rebellion, Series 1,
Vol. 21, page 578.

CHAPTEE VII
The great battle — The town sached by soldiers — A wonderful dis
play of humanity — The Federals recross the river — A great
revival of religion — The battle of Chancellorsville — The Wild
erness campaign — Citizens arrested — A statement by the Coun
cil — The citizens and Federal soldiers release, &c.
To those who had a proper idea of the sacrifices made, the suffer
ings 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 rehear
sals by those who experienced them, it might appear that their cup
of sorrow was full even to overfiowing, 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 ncces-
sar}^, rifiing them of all that they wanted of their contents and de
stroying those things that they could not remove. China and glass
ware were broken up and scattered promiscuously; silverware was
carried away, books and family pictures were mutilated and de
stroyed; 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 con
tents. 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
[90 ]

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 91
asserted, of stragglers and camp followers— the most detestable and
destructive scabs of an army.
On Friday, the 13th 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 Eun there
were probably as many more ready for the final charge. The Con
federate 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 dread
ful 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 des
perate charge, with troops en masse, was made all along the line in
front of the stone wall, accompanied by the most terrific flre 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 artil
lery 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, Lieute-
nant-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 fight
ing was the most desperate that had been witnessed up to that time.

93 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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.* Thus ended the battle of Fredericksburg, fought, it is
claimed, against the judgment and advice of every corps com
mander 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 with
drew his army across the river and removed his pontoons. The
citizens returned to their houses, to find them stripped of every
thing 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 institu
tions, 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

• It is said that just south of the Stevens house, about a hundred yards in
front of the Confederate line, lay n. 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 flxed, and it is said that just as "the sun was gilding the blue arch above
witn 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
Kirfcland, 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.

Gen. Hugh Mercer's Monument on Washington avenue.
(See page 16-)

-.¦1
."¦ ¦.«€¦ '-J
Old Stone House near Free Bridge. Supposed to have been a
tobacco warehouse before the Revolutionary War.
(See page 47)
History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 93
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 contribu
tions 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 to-wn were supplied and untold suffering prevented.
A GREAT REVIVAL OF RELIGION.
From the first of January to the second day of June, 1862, Gen
eral 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
ser-vices were commenced in the Presbyterian church by Eev. Wm.
B. Owens, Dr. J. A. Hackett, Eev. E. McDaniel and Eev. W. T.
West, chaplains in the brigade, aided by Eev. John L. Pettigrew,
then a private soldier in Company A, Thirteenth Mississippi regi
ment, 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,* and the congregations became so large that
they could not flnd standing room in the building. To accom
modate these rapidly-increasing crowds, Eev. A. M. Eandolph, 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 re
vival attracted the attention of the leading ministers of nearly all
denominations, many of whom came to the assistance of Mr. Owens

• See Christ in the Camp, by Eev. J. Wm. Jones, D. D.

94 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
and his co-workers. Among those who were at times present,
preached and rendered valuable assistance, were Eev. J. C. Stiles,
D. D., Eev. Wm. J. Hoge, D. D., Eev. James D. Coulling, Eev.
James A. Duncan, D. D., Eev. J. Lansing Burrows, D. D., Eev.
Alfred E. Dickinson, D. D., and Eev. 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 bless
ing had been poured upon the labors of Brother Owens, Methodist
chaplain in Barksdale's brigade. The Eev. Dr. Burrows, of the
Baptist church, Eichmond, had just arrived, expecting to labor with
him some days. As I was to stay but one night. Dr. Burrows in
sisted on my preaching. So we had a Presbyterian sermon, intro
duced by Baptist services, under the direction of a Methodist chap
lain, 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 travel
ling minister, and was drowned while attempting to cross a swollen
stream on horseback, endeavoring to reach one of his preaching
stations. GEXEEAL 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 succeded 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 Eichmond, which his predecessors,
General McDowell, General McClellan, General Pope and General

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 95
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 Eappahannock 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,
Eichmond 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 3nd and 3rd commenced. On
the morning of the 3nd General Stonewall Jackson commenced his
famous flank movement that has been the study and wonder of mili
tary men of this and other countries, which resulted in a great dis
aster 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.* After a
long and fatiguing march, General Jackson's leading division, under
General Eodes, 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 —
Eodes in front, Trible's division, under Brigadier-General E. 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 Eodes's men
pushed forward with great vigor and enthusiasm, followed closely
by the second and third lines. Position after position was carried,

• See War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 25, Part 1, page 798.

96 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 Eodes and Colston dashed
over the entrenchments together and the flight and pursuit were re
sumed and continued until our advance was arrested by the abatis
in front of the line of works near the central position at Chancel
lorsville. It was now dark, and General Jackson ordered the third line,
under General Hill, to advance to the front and relieve the troops
of Eodes 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 pos
sible 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
Snd, but by some mistake General Early was directed to move un
conditionally. Leaving Hays's brigade and one regiment of Barks
dale'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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 97
The line to be defended by Barksdale's brigade extended from the
Eappahannock, above Fredericksburg, to the rear of Ho-wison'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 re
ported to General Early that the enemy had occupied Fredericks
burg in large force and had bridged the Eappahannock 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 Twen
ty-first Mississippi regiment were posted by General Barksdale be
tween 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 Gen
eral Wilcox from Banlcs's Ford, who deployed a few skirm
ishers 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
7

98 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 re-
enforced 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 possi
ble 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 AA''ilcox, 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 fied in
confusion to the rear. They were pursued by the brigades of Gen
eral AA'ilcox 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

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 99
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 Eun, the Wilderness, Todd's Tavern,
the Po, the Ny and those around Spotsylvania Courthouse, in which
both armies, the Confederate, under General Eobert 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. Eesidences,
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

100 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eichmond. This action of the citi
zens 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 con
sider 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 exon-
¦erated 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 Dela-
¦ware. 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 terri
ble 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 sup
plies; 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 impris-

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 101
onment of those whom God had given them to protect and pro-ride
for them. Notwithstanding the intense excitement of the people
of the to-wn, and the sufferings and entreaties of the bereaved ones,
it was thought prudent to defer public action until further de
velopments, 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 Com
mon 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 Fredericks
burg, 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 Eichmond and present to you the following
statement and application. Statement.
On Sunday, the Sth 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.-

102 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
prisoners amounted to about sixty men, of whom but few are said
to have been slightly wounded. In retaliation of this act, the pro
vost marshal, under orders from the Secretary of War at Washing
ton, arrested on the 20th instant some sixty of our citizens and for
warded them to Washington, to be held as hostages for said pris
oners. Ten of the citizens were afterwards released in Washing
ton, 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 restor
ing 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 car
ried 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, E. B. Eennolds, James B. Marye, George Aler,
Charles Mander,* 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,* Thomas New
ton, Eobert H. Alexander, Eobert 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.
AVhite, John Solan, George W. Eve, James Mazeen, Abraham Cox,

• still living.

Birthplace of Hon. John Forsythe, the brilliant Georgia Statesman.
( See page l.j4 )

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ts*'

«,ii/w^J* ,* *

The "Sentry.Box," the home of Gen. Hugh Mercer; now the resi
dence of 0. D. Foster, Esq.

(See page 150)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 103
Wm. Brannan, James A. Turner, A. E. Samuel, Tandy Williams,
Eobert S. Parker, Christopher Eeintz, Thomas F. Coleman, Patrick
McDonnell, Charles Williams, Wm. Cox, Walter M. Mills, Thomas
S. Thornton, John Joyce,* John Miner, Eichard Hudson, Wm. B.
Webb, Alexander Armstrong, Wm. Wiltshire, Gabriel Johnston,
George Mullin, William Burke.
The following citizens -^fere arrested subsequently and are still
held by the Federal authorities: Wm. Lange, Thomas Manuell,
Joseph Hall, Wm. AA^. Jones, Wyatt Johnson.
The committee appointed by the Council proceeded to Eichmond
and laid the matter before the Secretary of War, and, on their re
turn 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. Eowe 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 m.ade 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 further
more, the propriety of, and authority for, this action of the com
mittee 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. Eowe 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

*An amusing incident is told of Mr. Joyce when he was arrested. He is a
native of Ireland, as every one frill reaaily perceive when he hears him
speak. -VSTien 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."

104 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
and was assured by the Secretary of War that the exchange could be
effected. Mr. Eowe further stated that the proposition made by
the Secretary of War was that the Federal prisoners should be re
leased 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. Eowe concluded his report as
follows :* •
"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,! and I am sure with its assent and cooperation as
proposed, I -will now reap a similar result."
Upon the reception of this report by the Council Mayor Slaugh
ter and Mr. Eowe were appointed a commission to visit Eichmond
and secure the release of the Federal prisoners, and, when so re
leased, the commission was authorized to do what might be neces
sary to effect the final exchange. On their arrival in Eichmond
they called on the Confederate authorities and stated the terms of
agreement, and through their solicitation the following order was
issued by Colonel Eobert Ould, the Confederate commissioner of
exchange of prisoners : "Eichmond, 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 trans
portation to Fredericksburg. Please send two or three surgeons
with the party. Eesp'y yr Obt. Sert., E. Ould, Agt."

• See Council proceedings, June 20, 1864.
I That record not found. Mr. Rowe must have assisted Eev. Wm. P. Broad
dus, D. D., in the release of the nineteen citizen prisoners.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 105
The issuance of this order, -with the prerious assurance of the
Federal authorities, encouraged and rejoiced the hearts of all inter
ested 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. Eowe to
procure all the necessary transportation and make proper arrange
ments for the exchange and effect the release of the imprisoned citi
zens 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. Eowe. On his return from Wash
ington he reported the transactions in full to the Council, on
the 8th of July, in the following words :*
"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, com
mitted 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
Eock, 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 Eock on yesterday, forty-nine citizens and two prisoners of
war, according to the roll which accompanies this report, marked
A.f The four citizens and flve 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. Eowe's report, on motion made by Mr.
John James Young, the Council unanimously adopted the follow
ing resolution:
"That the thanks of this body be tendered to Mr. Eowe for the

* From Council proceedings of July 8, 1864.
•[• Not found in the Council proceedings.

106 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 Eock, 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 re
frain, 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 Sth of May, was followed next
day and the succeeding days, until there were in the different im
provised hospitals in town about fifteen thousand sick and wounded
soldiers. They were attended by a large body of surgeons and as
sistants 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 be
come 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 en
dured by the people of Fredericksburg were greater than any that
had previously visited them. But notwithstanding this, and not
withstanding 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 par
ticipants in the scenes referred to above.

CHAPTEE VIII
The Armies Transferred to Richmond and Petersburg — Gen. Lee's
surrender— Citizens Return Home — Action of ihe Council—
Frederichsburg Again Under the Old Flag— The Assassina
tion of President Lincoln Denounced and Deplored — Recon
struction Commenced — An Election Set Aside — The Iron-
Clad Oath — All Offices Vacated and Strangers Appointed —
The Financial Condition of the Town — The Toiun 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 trans
ferred from Fredericksburg to Eichmond 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 Con
federate lines. After the base of supplies for the Union army was
moved from Fredericksburg to City Point about the only troops
that risited 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 Eichmond 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 ex
ceeding 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
•3nd of April. On the morning of the 3rd he commenced the eva
cuation of Eichmond, abandoned his entire line in front of Peters
burg and retreated in the direction of Danville. The overwhelm
ing numbers of Grant against him made his retreat very difficult
[ 107]

108 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
and enabled the Federals to harass him on every side. When Gen
eral 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 hun
ger 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 ad
journed to the residence of Mr. Wilmer McLane,* where the terms
were agreed upon, written out and signed. It was from this build
ing that General Lee mounted old Traveller,! to return to his lines
to announce the sad news to the remaining remnant of his once

* 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 flrst
battle of Manassas his residence was in the thickest of the fight. He after
wards 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. f 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 Eichmond, 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.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 109
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 arins. It was agreed that the officers were to give
their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Govern
ment of the United States until properly exchanged, and each com
pany 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 ad
vanced 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 arins which included the sword. "The number of men
paroled was about twentj'-stx 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, seven
ty-one colors, eleven hundred wagons and caissons and four thous
and horses and mules. The Confederate troops, immediately upon
receiving their paroles, separated and returned to their homes."*

• Blue and Gray.

110 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 affec
tion, was the saddest and most trying that had ever occurred in the
past history of the army. Farewells, amid tears and audible sob
bing 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 TJommander of the Army of Northern Vir
ginia, the day following the surrender he issued a farewell address.*
The address was printed on slips of paper and distributed to the
soldiers, who felt unwilling to leave for their homes until they re
ceived 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 Fredericks
burg 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 adven-

* GENERAL LEE'S TAREWELL 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 battle
fields, 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 con
tinuation 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, oflicers and men can return to their homes and
remain until exchanged. Tou will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds
from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and 1 earnestly pray that
a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. With an un
ceasing 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. E. B. Lee, General.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 111
turers. 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 Con
federacy 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 Confed
erate government had ceased to exist, on which day the Council was
convened, the following members being present: M. Slaughter,
Mayor; Wm. A. Little, Eecorder; Charles Herndon, George Gra-
vatt, Joseph W. Sener, Horace B. Hall, Wm. H. Cunningham,
Charles S. Scott, Beverley T. Gill, John G. Hurkamp, James Mc
Guire, John J. Young, Thomas F. Knox, Councilmen. The fol
lowing paper was submitted and unanimously adopted :
"Whereas, this community finds itself, after four years of dis
turbing 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 com
munity, which it has been their purpose to maintain ;
And whereas further, it is deemed proper that this community

112 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 ap
pointed a Commissioner to proceed to Eichmond and present a copy
of these proceedings through General M. E. Patrick to said au
thority. 3. Trusting that as the community and State is in no way respon
sible for the causes which led to the revolution and have already
suffered so seriously during its progress, a magnanimous govern
ment 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.
Eesolved, That the crime of assassination, which has so recently
deprived the United States of its President,* has, in all ages and
countries, received the unqualified detestation of all honorable and
civilized communities, and that the perpetrator of this crime de
serves the utmost punishment of the law and the condemnation of
all upright men."f
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 gov
ernment had disbanded and ceased to exist.
Fredericksburg had suffered as no other town in the South had
suffered and had sacrificed her all, yet instead of complaining she

• The assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by
J Wilkes Booth on AprU 14, 1865.
f See Council proceedings, April 27, 1865.

Marye's Heights and section of old Stone Wall. These heights
were crowded with artillery in the battle of
December 13, IStJL'.
( See page 01 )

Office of ".Trustees^of the Town from 1727 to 1781;
constructed into a residence.
(See page 153.)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 113
showed herself grand in her sufferings and glorious in her sacri
fices. There clustered around her hallowed memories, grand his
toric events, individual achievements, that, with her war record, im
parted 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 be
gan 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 Eeconstruction, 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 adminis
tration of affairs of State, and was powerless, it appears, to do any
thing 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 be
fore the close of the war — it was only nominally so. They were
powerless to do anything unless it met the approval of the mili
tary authority. This was plainly shown by a communication re-

114 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
ceived from Brigader-General T. M. Harris, commanding, on the
first day of August, 1865, addressed to the Mayor. In that com
munication 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 co
operating, so far as I am able, in this matter and desire the co
operation 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 pur
pose." Of course, under the condition of things, a suggestion from the
General commanding was virtually an order, and it was so under
stood. Accordingly, on the Sth 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 busi
ness 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 Com
mon 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 elec-

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 115
tions 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 ISth 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 pro
visions 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 resolu
tion: "That in pursuance of said oider, the election heretofore adver
tised to be held on Monday, the 18th instant, for Mayor and Com
mon 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 gov
ernment 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 re
spective offices until further orders." And there was a peculiar-
significance in the word orders !
THE lEON-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 1863, 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:

116 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
"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 strang
ers 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 gov
ernment in 1867, and conducted public affairs on the revenues
brought in by the tax bill levied by thfeir predecessors by permis
sion 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

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 117
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 Eevenue 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 o-wn choosing
took charge of the city government on the first of July, 1870,
under the prorisions 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 con
stitution, was passed by the Legislature and approved by the Gov
ernor 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
Eevenue 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 re
sponsibilities 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 1 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."

118 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 acci
dents 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 con
duct 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 prorided; to
fix the salary of the Mayor and all other officers, but no compen
sation 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
hy-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 Eevenue to make an annual
assessment of taxable persons and property within the town, such as

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 119
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 Fredericks
burg from military bondage and misrule, signed, sealed and de
livered, 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 im
provements, 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 unfin
ished 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 appro
priations and other expenditures, amounted to $344,531.48.* 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 judg
ments 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 exe
cution. The members of the Council attended this sale and each

* This amount was ascertained by Mr. St. George E. Fitzhugh, after a thor
ough 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.

130 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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
187D 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 Coun
cil was composed of Walker Peyton Conway, J. Gordon AVallace,
Hugh S. Doggett, George AV. Eve, Patrick McCracken, Wm. C.
Morrison, Joseph AV. St-ner, John T. Knight, John H. Myer,
George Gravatt, Thomas Harrison and John James Young.
The finance committee of that Council, which was expected to
proride for the finances and bring before the Council, for its con
sideration and adoption, such measures as would meet the emer
gency and not oppress the tax-payers, consisted of AV. P. Conway,
J. Gordon Wallace and Hugh S. Doggett. AVith 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 arrange
ments made with them.
In 1876 the old bonds of the city were funded, by mutual agree
ment 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 131
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 $135,000.
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 fioating 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 prorided for, the rate of taxation was not oppressive,
and the town, being under the control of its own citizens, untram
melled by military authority, rapidly moved forward, public confi
dence 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 citi
zen, 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
Pour per cent, electric light bonds, issued January 1, 1901, cou
pons 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 '

122 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
Four per cent, water and gas bonds, issued April 1, 1905, cou
pons 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  $804,400
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.

Confederate Cemetery at Fredericksburg. The pyramid of stones marks the battle-field at
Hamilton's Crossing, between Jackson andJMeade.
(See i>age 1S5)

CHAPTEE 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 — Fix
ing the Value of Bank Notes — Prison Bounds for Debtors —
Public Buildings, d-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 neces
sary to punish crime, settle disputes, protect the weak against the
strong, secure the widow and orphan in their rights, enforce pro-
rision for the indigent poor, and perform other functions for the
benefit of society and the well-being of the country.
AVhat courts Fredericksburg had before the Eevolutionary 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 ques
tions, as a county court might do, until the town was chartered in
1737 and placed in the hands of trustees. These trustees had cer
tain powers conferred upon them by act of the House of Burgesses,
and they were to keep records of their proceedings, but these re
cords 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 Wil
liamsburg. Of this, however, we are left to conjecture, as no re
cords are at our command. But if this had been the manner of
dispensing justice prior to 1781, it furnished a pattern for the
[ 123 ]

134 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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, AVm. MeWilliams, James Somerville, Charles Dick,
Samuel Eoddy and John Julien, "the same being Mayor, Eecorder
and Aldermen of the town," elected to their respective offices on the
ISth 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 Eichmond, the number of judges of that court haring
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 adjoin
ing States. Edmund Eandolph, after lie was Governor and twice
a Cabinet Minister,* and also James Monroe, a citizen of this place,
afterhe was Minister to England, Prance and Spain, were attor
neys before and practised in this court. While attending a session
of this court, on the 3rd day of May, 1798, Governor Eandolph
published the following card in the Virginia Herald:
"My business in the Court of Appeals and High Court of Chan
cery 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

* Attorney-General and Secretary of the Treasury in Washington's Cabinet.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 125
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,* Colonel
John Minor and Francis Brooke, Esq.,f 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, T will be ready to attend the trial of any par
ticular 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 cir
cuit courts constituting the district and the judge of the Court of
Appeals, elected from this section of the State, as president. It

* President James Monroe.
f Afterwards one of the Judges of the Supreme Court.

136 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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
prorision 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 AA^allace, 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 cir
cuit 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 Genera]
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 Eecorder,
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 mis
demeanors and of civil cases, where the amount involved is less
than one hundred dollars, with the right of appeal to the corpora
tion 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

History of .Frederichsburg, Virginia 137
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 con
sists of five counties — King George, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caro
line 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 govern
ment 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

138 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
an army officer and two citizens. In the organization of the bureau
in Fredericksburg two of the judges were appointed by the com
mander 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 com
posed of Major James Johnson, a United States army officer,
Major Charles AA^illiams, 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 Freed
man's bureau, about to be organized."*
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 stores,! 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

• Council proceedings, 1867.
fSome 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."

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 139
ante-bellum services. The papers were prepared in such a case by
one of the so-called la-wyers, 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 30th day of May, 1783, entering the
following schedule:
"Good West India rum, one pound per gallon; bread, ten shil
lings ; 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 1783 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, 35; grain
per gallon, 13^ "stablage" and hay per night, 35 ; Madeira wine,
per quart, 1.00; champagne, per quart, 1.50; other wine per quart,
50; French bramdy, 13^ per gill; rum, 13^; gin, 13^; whiskey,
13|; corn per gallon, 35.
9

130 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 sal
aries as follows: Mr. John Minor, Jr., attorney for the Com
monwealth, 3000 pounds of tobacco; Henry Armistead, clerk,
1300 pounds; John Legg, sergeant, 1200 pounds; Henry Armi
stead, 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 Eobert Brooke* 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, Eobert Brooke and Bushrod Washingtonf 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 Eobert
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; Eobert S. Chew, from 1806 to 1836;
John James Chew, from 1826 to 1867, and Eobert 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

• Governor of Virginia in 1794-96, and afterwards Attorney-General of the
State. f Appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States by Presi
dent Washington.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 131
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,* a Fred
ericksburg lawyer, was not only the chief justice of the General
Court, which was held in Eichmond, but the judge of the first dis
trict 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 Eichmond for trial by
the General Court.
From the records of the hustings court it appears that the "Gen
tlemen 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 35, 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 37, 1803, the grand jury of the corporation presented
"as a nuisance the numerous obstructions in the streets, particu
larly 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 obstruc
tions complained of were on Hanover street, west of Princess Ann,

* Wrote Mary Washington's will and was one of the witnesses to her signa
ture.

133 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 be
fore 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 fldelity to
the Commonwealth and entered into bond with security according
to law, a testimonial is granted him to celebrate the rites of matri
mony 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 re
cord we find they applied as follows : Samuel Wilson, of the Pres
byterian church, September 22, 1806; Samuel Low, of the Epis
copal 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 13th day of November, 1813, came into court and produced his
commission as a notary public, "whereupon the said John Met
calfe took the oath of fldelity to the Commonwealth, and that he

The Baptist Church.
(See page 209)

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 133
will without favor or partiality, honestly, intelligently and faith
fully discharge the duties of a notary public."
REGULATING THE CURRENCY.
In the early part of the nineteenth century "paper money" super
seded 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 in
corporated 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 A^irginia and the bank notes of other
places, which were found in circulation in Fredericksburg. Hav
ing properly investigated and reached a conclusion, the court de
clared 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 Vir
ginia, 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*
• 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.

134 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 $340,000, 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, Cul
peper, 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
13th day. of January, 1833: "The court orders it to be certified
that it was proved to their satisfaction by the evidence of Francis
S. Scott, a vritness sworn in court, that Major Eobert Forsythe,
of the Eevolutionary army, had two children, one of whom, Eobert,
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 ex
hibited to the court a schedule of his property, made under oath.
If he had nothing more in the opinion of the court, than a reason
able 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 deb
tor 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

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 135
not go beyond the limits without being in contempt and becom
ing liable to additional punishment by the court. This order of
extension was made on the 11th of June, 1840, and recorded as fol
lows: "The court doth fix the prison bounds as follows, to-wit: Be
ginning at the intersection of Caroline and William streets, thence
up William to Charles street, thence down Charles street to Han
over street thence do-wn Hanover street to Caroline street, thence
up Caroline street to William street, including the footways on each
side." And now haring escaped the prison bounds we will visit the pub
lic buildings of the town and take a peep at them.

CHAPTEE X
The Public Buildings — The Jail — Courthouse — Town Hall — Fire-
house — 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 build
ings 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
1737, 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.
AAHien the hustings court was organized its sessions were held in
the "coffee-house," but as soon a* 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
[136 ]

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 137
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 consider
able 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 after
wards 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
sis years ago, enclosed the courthouse yard and sustained the
wall on George street and in Jail alley. The present granite align
ment 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

138 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
from the street. It was a small, brick structure and very uncom
fortable. 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 communi
cations 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 request
ing, 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. AVhite and Peter Goolrick, the follow
ing order was made and entered on the record book :
"It is ordered, that Thomas B. Barton, John L. Marye, Eobert
B. Semple, Wm. C. Beale and John J. Chew, who are hereby ap
pointed 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 adminis
tration 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 139
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 E. B. Semple, Eobert Dickey, Beverly E. Wellford,
Wm. C. Beale, Wm. H. AVhite, 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
"haring 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 E. Wellford, Wm. H. AVhite, 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

140 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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, Eobert B. Semple, Peter Goolrick, Wm. C. Beale,
Eobert Dicky, 4. Against rescinding, Beverley E. Welford, Wm. H.
AVhite, AA^m. 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 re
quested 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 E. 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 141
The next meeting of the Council was held on the 36th 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 citi
zens, 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 31st of May to
receive the report of the committee, appointed to contract for the
building, and every member was present. The interest was in
tense 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 Ben
wick, 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 perform
ance 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.
"AAThereupon, and before any action was had thereon, Mr. J. M.
AAThittemore, 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 court-

142 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
house lot, and praying the appointment of a co^mmittee of their own
board,* 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. AVhittemore, 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, 3. And it was ordered that
the Mayor, as eridence of said approval and confirmation, do sign
an endorsement to that effect on said contract, and cause the cor
poration seal to be affised 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 E. 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 1853, when the courts and clerks
were removed to spacious and comfortable quarters, and have re
mained there to the present day. The south wing on the lower
floor has been used for fire engines until the companies were dis
banded 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.
• Thomas B. Barton, John James Chew and Beverly R. Wellford, of the- com
mittee, were not members of the Council, but appointed from the body of the
citizens.

"The Lodge" at Mary Washington Monument. Constructed of
Virginia Granite for Superintendent of
Monument and Grounds.
(See page 1601

The "Wallace Library," now near its completion. The building and
library a donation by the late Capt. C. Wistar Wallace.
(See page 14.-il

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 143
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 inscrip
tion on it: "Eevere, Boston. Presented to the Corporation of
Fredericksburg by Silas Wood, A. D. 1838."
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 organ
ized at the "coffee-house," which no doubt was one of the rooms in
the market-house, after the rooms were properly fitted up, and con
tinued 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
Eevolutionary 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.
AVhile this information was obtained from Benj. Peyton, a very

144 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 build
ings. The present market-house is a substantial, two-story brick
building, with market lot in the rear, market stalls in the base
ment 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 Coun
cil Chamber and the north wing for the commissioner of revenue
and city tax collector. The second fioor 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 recep
tion 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 AA''olfe streets. The historical
Union House, used by the white pupils, was built in the first part
of the last century by a Mr. Eoss for a residence and is quite sub
stantial, being constructed of brick and spacious, and is three
stories high, with a basement. Mr. Eoss was a Frenchman, and
royally entertained Gen. Lafayette and his retinue when he risited
Fredericksburg in 1824. Seven grades occupy this building, while

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 145
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 Com
mittee of the City Council (Prof. S. W. Somerville, chairman),
which resulted in a movement of said committee to provide a suit
able 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, flre protection, &c. The contract
price (Mr. E. G. Heflin, contractor, and Mr. Prank P. Stearns, in
spector,) is $37,700, and the building is to be completed by Feb
ruary 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 accom
modate all the grades of that school, but when a grammar depart
ment 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. AVistar 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

146 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 A^irginia, Wash
ington and Lee, Eichmond College and Eandolph 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. E. Fitzhugh, and dis
cussed, that body adopted the following :
*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 A^irginia the duty of ap
pointing 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 hon
orable 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. E. Fitzhugh,
S. J. Quinn, A. T. Embrey, Eev. J. W. Eoseboro, D. D., James S.
Knox, E. D. Cole, A. P. Eowe, B. P. Willis and James T. Lowery.
• Council proceedings, July 18, 1907.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 147
The board of directors organized by the election of Mr. St. Geo.
E. 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 direc
tion of Mr. Wm. E. Bradley, chairman of the Public Property Com
mittee, 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 $35,000 and will supplement that with $35,000 addi
tional 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 pur
chased by the government and will soon be in condition for the
brick masons and carpenters. The work, however, has been de
layed for an additional appropriation, in order to enable them to
construct such a building as was contemplated by the architect of
the postoffice department. AVhen 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 riew 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 Gov
ernment, 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.

CHAPTEE 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 what
ever station they might be placed. Here was the home and birth
place 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 resi
dence of the late William A. Little, the Mary Washington House
and the Eising 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 Eising 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 pre
vailed in the first settlement of the country, which, notwithstand
ing its hoary age and frequent necessary repairs, has never been
[ 148]

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 149
changed. In the first of the eighteenth century, and even before
the Eevolutionary 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 Eandolph, of Eoanoke, 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 Gusta-vus B. Wallace, a Eevolutionary 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 30, 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 "doetress 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 men
tioned 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. Eobert 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

150 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 Sed
don 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 Freder
icksburg, 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 resi
dence of General George Weedon, of Eevolutionary 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 Eappahannock 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. Tra
dition 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 151
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 Eevolutionary
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 Eevolution, as above
mentioned, the war of 1813 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. 0. D. Foster, a veteran of the Confederate army.
The splendid two-story brick residence, owned and occupied by
Gen. Daniel D. AVheeler, of the United States army, on the east side
of lower Main street, was built by Eoger 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 phy
sicians, 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 Vir
ginia, Mrs. Eoger 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 stran
gers 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. * * * fpj^g table, as little

153 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eochambeau — 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 Eush, of Philadelphia, to
Dr. Elisha Hall, his cousin, written July 6, 1789, a short time be
fore 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 king
dom an antidote to cancers. All the supposed vegetable remedies
I have heard of are compounds of some mineral caustics. The ar
senic 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.

The Dam of the Water Power Co., the Canal emerging from left corner
furnishes power for town.
(See page ;"'.l;',)i

["Meditation Rock," Mary Washington's favorite retreat for reading,
prayer and meditation.
(See page 157)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 153
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 com
fortably many years, and flnally die of old age."
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 char
ter 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 Eevolution — if any were held herei — 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
modem appearance. No one, of course, knows when it was built,
but, judging from its style and the material of which it was con
structed, it must take its place with the oldest of our ancient build
ings. "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 Eeade
Eootes, who was one of the most distinguished lawyers of his day.
His third daughter was Sarah Eobinson, who married Colonel
John A. Cobb, of North Carolina, a son of Howell Cobb, of Vir
ginia. Soon after his marriage Colonel Cobb settled in Georgia,
where were born those two distinguished lawyers and soldiers,
Howell and Thomas Eeade Eootes Cobb. The latter was killed in
front of the Stevens House, at the foot of Marye's Heights, on the
13th of December, 1863, it is claimed, by a shell, which was said to
have been thrown from a gun stationed at Federal Hill, where his
mother was bom and married. A recent writer in a Northern
journal, however, claims that General Cobb was killed by a shell

154 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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.* 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 be
longed to a gentleman by the name of Lovell, who moved to Fau
quier 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 build
ings of the town. It was the birth-place and home of John For-
srthe, who made such a brilliant record as a Statesman from
Georgia, to which State he moved while a young man. His father
was Eobert Forsythe, a major in the Eevolutionary 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 peo
ple 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 fllled to its
capacity to hear a joint discussion between the Congressional can
didates. 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.

* See War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 21, page 590.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 155
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 reelected 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 Eevolutionary
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 Eandolph
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 manu
factured 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 Washing
ton, 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 comr
manded a division at the Siege of Yorktown, where Cornwallis sur
rendered and where the Seven Years' war ended. He was an
ardent patriot, and during the Eevolutionary war, at one time.

156 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
superintended the manufacture of arms, shells and shot on the
north side of the Eappahannock 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 Leg
islature. He died in December, 1781, and, it is said, is buried under tho
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. Colonal Fielding Lewis was the father of
Captain Eobert Lewis, who was one of President Washington's
private secretaries, and Mayor of Fredericksburg from 1831 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 1834.
Mary, the mother of Washington, must have lived in Fredericks
burg the most of her widowhood, which was about forty-six years.
Some time after her husband's death, on the opposite side of the
Eappahannock river, she moved into the town, where she brought
up her illustrious son George to manhood. The dwelling she occu
pied 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 flve 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 A^irginia Antiquities, at Eichmond, who at once
purchased the property at four thousand and five hundred dollars.
The Society had the buildings put in good repairs and the pur
chase is considered a valuable addition to the possessions of the
Society.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 157
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 Ken
more tract, which belonged to the estate of Colonel Fielding Lewis,
her son-in-law. THE JMARY WASHINGTON MONUMENT.
Within a few steps of the place where Mary, the mother of Wash
ington, 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 comer-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 Ten
nessee, being present and participating. This monument, because
of the failure of Mr. Burrows in business, remained in a half com
pleted condition for nearly sixty years and was greatly mutilated by
time and relic hunters.
An appeal for a Congressional appropriation to restore and com
plete 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 unsuccess
ful, notwithstanding his patriotic efforts were seconded by a strong
appeal of the Mayor and Common Council of Fredericksburg and

158 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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, re
presenting 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 monu
ment 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
AVaite as president. These two associations cooperating, 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 com
pleted, 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 muti
lated that it could not be repaired, and so plans for a new menu-

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 159
ment 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 monu
ment 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 Fred
ericksburg Lodge of Masons, of this place, by Mr. Crawford, the
architect, which is now in the lodge room.
In due time the monument was flnished 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. 33 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
AA'ashington, 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 Eepresentatives, 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-AVashington Lodge, No. 22, and distin
guished 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 Fredericks-

160 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
burg, except at the great battle in December, 1862. The dedi
catory services were conducted by the Grand Lodge of Masons of
Virginia, Major Mann Page, Jr., Grand Master,* which were
solemn and impressive. Addresses, appropriate to the occasion,
were made by Mayor A. P. Eowe, 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 hun
dred invited guests, which was presided over by Judge James B.
Sener. On that interesting occasion addresses were made by sev
eral 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 de
scendant 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 docu
ment. So precious does the court regard this relic that an order
was made for its preservation, and it is now is 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 Freder
icksburg, in the county of Spotsylvania, being in good health, but
calling to mind the uncertainty of this life and willing to dispose
• In his excitement. Grand Master Page dedicated the monument to Mary,
the mother of our illustrious brother, George H. Washington. A brother re
marked to another, "I didn't know there was au H in Washington's name.
What does it stand for?" As quick as thought the shrewd Essex lawyer re
sponded, "Hatchet — George Hatchet '." The fun that incident excited is not
over with yet.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 161
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 media
tion of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of manldnd. I dispose of all
my worldly estate as follows :
Imprimis. I give to my son General George Washington all my
lands on Accokeek Eun, 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 phaeton
and my bay horse.
Item. I give and devise to my daughter-in-law, Hannah Wash
ington, 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-ease, 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
11

163 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 dirided
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
AA''ashington, 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
,30th 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

The Presbyterian Church.
(See ]ia;4'0 LH)7i

The Methodist Church.
( See page -\l)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 163
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 fied 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," land
ing here in 1763. He practised medicine and established a drug
store at the corner of Main and Amelia streets.* 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
Eevolutionary AA^ar. 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 $35,000 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 !"

• 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 tra
dition 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.

CHAPTEE 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 Com
pany — 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 in
creased, 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 flve, for
Fredericksburg was a great mail distributing office, and the travel
to and fro, stopping in the town, became immense. This necessi
tated 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 cafes. 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 re
storer." 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 build
ings, and the names of many of their keepers have been lost to the
town. A short reference to some of these public resorts will prob-
[164]

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 165
ably 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.
Parish, 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 head
quarters for the politicians, and it was there the merits and de
merits of candidates were discussed and their success or defeat was
determined upon. It was what would be called to-day the Tam
many 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, 1863.
The Eappahannock 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 after
wards 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 apart
ments and offices. This Farmers' Hotel was regarded as the lead
ing hotel of the town in its day, and was headquarters for both
stage lines — Extra Billy (afterwards Governor and Confederate-

166 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
General) Smith's* and Colonel Porter's. It was kept at different
times by James Young, AVm. E. Bowen, Bowen and Eamsay, Tur
ner H. Eamsay, 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 land
lord. 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

* 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 hap
pened in this way : At certain seasons of the year, before the days of rail
roads, 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 au extra stage, and
if the travel still Increased he would put on another, and so on, until some
times he would have ou the road four or flve 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 aud 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 167
popular in its day and was a favorite stopping place for the farm
ers. 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 prob
ably 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.* 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, Eobert Blackburn and
Mr. Eawlings. The last to occupy it was a Mr. AVhiting, and
during his occupancy, in May 1833, 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 de
stroyed. The committee that produced this wonderful document,
which is given elsewhere, was composed of Thomas Jefferson,

* It is said on one occasion John Eandolph, of Eoanoke, stopped here. It
was soon known, and the Democrats congregated to entertain him. They pre
pared a bowl of punch in an adjoining room, and when it was ready Mr. Ran
dolph 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 dis
turbed.

168 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
George Wythe, Archibald Cary, George Mason and Ludwell Lee.
On the south corner of Main and Frederick streets stood Travel
ler's Eest, a tavern of considerable notoriety and popularity, kept
by Jesse Pullen. It was headquarters for all circuses and manag-
eries, 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. Eobert 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.*
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.

• 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 ou 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.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 169
AGRICULTURAL FAIRS.
We have no means of ascertaining where the fairs previously re
ferred 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 Leg
islature after Virginia became a State. In the first of the nine
teenth 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 flrst night of the exhibi
tion 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 Fred
ericksburg Agricultural Society, 1833." On the left of the inscrip
tion 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. AATiite, of
Caroline county, was the first president, Mr. W. N. Wellford suc
ceeding him to that office. The flrst 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, fore
man of the works. A committee of farmers was appointed to ex
amine it and report upon its merits. After witnessing its work the

170 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
committee condemned it, because "it would bum 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 pur
chased and converted into fair grounds. A'ery successful fairs
were held there until the commencement of the Ci-ril 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
Eappahannock river, was purchased and converted into excellent
fair grounds. The society inaugurating these fairs is known as the
Eappahannock 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. Eowe, of Fred
ericksburg; Charles Pierson, Esq., of Caroline county; Hon. S.
AA^ellford Corbin, of King George county; Mr. Oliver Eastburn, of
Spotsyh-ania county; Frank AV. Smith, of Spotsylvania county;
Captain Terence McCracken, of Fredericksburg; Colonel E. Dorsey
Cole, of Fredericksburg; Capt. M. B. Eowe, of Spotsylvania; Chas.
H. Hurkamp, of Stafford; Henry Dannehl, of Fredericksburg, and
Thomas P. Morrison, of Spotsylvania.
FERRIES AND TOLL BRIDGES.
The flrst ferry across the Eappahannock 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 inspec
tors, 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 171
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 Eappahannock 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 flre, 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 1830 it was destroyed by a great flood, in 1861 by flre, 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 centurj-, 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 Coul
ter 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 Eappahannock. 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 fiood of
1830 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 35th of January, 1805, when the hustings court appointed
five commissioners — Elisha Thatcher, James Smock, Wm. Benson,

173 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
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 ascer
tain 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 ap
pointed steward of the poor and work house.
The steward was to be "allowed a salary at the rate of one hun
dred 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, froin Hanover to William
street; Stephen AA'inchester, from William to Lewis street, and
Wm. Taylor, from Lewis street to the upper end of town. Prom
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 idle
ness 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 re
corded overseers of the poor), were to bind out all orphans who
had no one to look after and provide for them.

The Exchange Hotel.
(See page 160)

The Fredericksburg College.
(See page 198)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 173
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 Eichmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Eail
road Company.
After the war, for about eighteen years, the poor were main
tained 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 com
plained 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 1883 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 comer of Prin
cess 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

174 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
be erected, and land owners declined to rent to the city, for spread
ing 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 en
larged and a commodious department for the colored poor was
built, under the direction of the Committee on Poor of the Com
mon Council, consisting of Messrs. S. J. Quinn, E. D. Cole and
M. B. Eowe, 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
prorided for and are better satisfied, besides they are more com
fortable than under the former system, and the expense of main
taining them has been reduced fully one-half. Mr. Albert Hooton,
who was overseer of the poor of the to-wn 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 haring the
almshouse in charge, and while it is conducted on economical prin
ciples, 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

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 175
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 to-wn had. The works were constructed by a Northern con
tractor, 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. Eobert Lee Stoffregen has been superintendent.
The inadequacy of the water supply for domestic and manu
facturing 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, con
tributed to the construction of water works.
The fire occurred in rear of George E. Chancellor's store in 1883,
at the comer 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 Eichmond. This aroused the author
ities 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 pur
poses, 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

176 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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. Ben
jamin Bowering having been appointed by the committee to super
intend 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 hy
drants, and the erection of additional fire hydrants since the worlcs
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
eighteeen 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-sis pounds to the
square inch, according to draught, which is sufficient to throw
streams of water over any of our ordinary buildings. The pres
sure, by the use of the pump, can be raised to one hundred pounds
to the square inch.
The water is taken from the Eappahannock river, which is
known to furnish the softest and purest of water, the analysis show
ing 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 con
sumers. The present water committee consists of Josiah P. Eowe,
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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 177
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 Com
mon Council, consisting of Messrs. AVm. 1. King, M. G. Willis,
James S. Knox, AVm. 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 fashion
able to complain against the city even if you were getting what
you wanted, and so the matter went on until the "spirit of improve
ment" 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 re
marked 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 engi
neer, was selected to draw the plans and engineer 'the construction.
12

178 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 2 Sth 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. AVm. Fitzpatrick, who had faith
fully 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. AAliile the propriety of constructing a plant by the
town was under consideration by the citizens, and often before tlie
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 S3rstem was erected by a Mr. NcNett. 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 Eappahannock 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 o-wn, arranged
and purchased an outfit of machinery, wired the town and now have

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 179
some seventy-five lights running. Those who opposed the citjG-
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 AVoodbridge Telephone Company was or
ganized in Fredericksburg by a Mr. Abner, of Occoquan, and a tele
phone 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 Eappahannock, Fredericksburg and
Piedmont Telephone Company; but subsequently the Bell Com
pany extended their line through Fredericksburg to the South and
the local company sold out to the Bell. The service, at first defec
tive, 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.
EIRE 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 inac
cessible, several fires occurred that spread over considerable terri
tory and did great damage, but even in those instances, although

180 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
the winds were high, the department did much to retard the pro
gress 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 iiot 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 forma
tion of the Union. It is not known who commanded these com
panies when they were flrst 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. AAHiittemore.
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 conven
ient, 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. AATien 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
hy 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
hucket brigade." This name was applied to the large number
of citizens, who, in times of flre, carried water in buckets to extin-

History of FrcJcrick.sburij, Virginia 181
guisli it, and used "wet blankets" to prevent the flames from
spreading to adjoining buildin,i;s.
In ISS.j. after the completion of the present city water works,
a new fire department was organized, with thirty-three members,
with Captain Terence JleCraeken as chief. Tliis m-ganization is
very efficient, and has on several occasions saved tlie town from
sweeping conflagrations. The department is now under tbe com
mand of John H. Eobinson, as chief, and consists of tweuty-two
members, all of whom render faithful and efficient service without
compensation.

CHAPTEE XIII
Volunteer Militia — The Confederate Cemetery — The National
Cemetery — The Confederate Veterans — The Sons of Confed
erate Veterans — The Schools, Private and Public, &c.
In times of peace and quiet, in free America and even in con
servative Virginia, it is necessary that cities should have some mili
tary 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 Vir
ginia, 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 organi
zations, 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 Eappahannock 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 achieve
ments. One of the first companies remembered from tradition was com
manded 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 Fredericks
burg, and, when he left, accompanied him as far as Aquia Creek, on
the Potomac river. It did not last long as an organization.
The first company remembered by the oldest inhabitants, which
[ 182 ]

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)

The Eagle Hotel, now the Eagle Flats.
(See page 166)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 183
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 Cap
tains Wm. A. Jackson, Wm. M. Blackford, Eobert Smith, John
Pritchard and John S. Porter, the order in which they served being
in doubt.
A company, known as the Mercer Eifles, 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 Eichmond.
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. Eobert 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 com
pany 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, Eobert 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

184 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
those noAV 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 Fal
mouth, who was appointed drum major.
A boy company, known as the Coleman Guards, commanded by
Captain AA". F. Gordon, was also organized just prior to the war.
In 1860 great excitement was caused on the arrival of Eobinson's
circus here, the charge having been made that some of tlie em
ployees or attaches had murdered a man by the name of Boulware
at Port Eoyal the day before. AVarrants 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 Eifles, with Captain Eobert 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 AVashingtou
Guards, which became Company A, was commanded by Capt.
Joseph AA^. Sener. He was succeeded by Capt. George H. Peyton
and Captain John K. Anderson. The Fredericksburg Grays be
came Company B and was commanded by Capt. Eobert 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 cap
tain and the company was commanded by Lieutenant James S.
Knox in his absence, who was promoted to captain, but his com
mission never reached him. The Gordon Eifles became Company C
and was commanded by Captain Eobert H. Alexander and after
wards by Captain C. Wistar Wallace.
After the war the Fredericksburg Grays was reorganized, with
Samuel S. Brooke, now of Eoanoke, as captain. He was succeeded
in command by Captain Maurice B. Eowe, and he by the following
commanders in the order named : Captain Terence McCracken,
Captain Eobert B. Berrey, Captain George A. Walker and Captain
Frank H. Eevere.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 185
AVhen 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. Eowe,
promptly responded and was mustered into the United States ser
vice as Company K of the Third Virginia regiment of infantry.
It went into camp at Eichmond, 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 Eich
mond and mustered out of service, having been in the service of the
United States seven months. The company then returned to Fred
ericksburg. 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, reentered 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 Garfleld Light Infantry Blues. It was organized by
Benjamin Scott, of Eichmond, who was its flrst captain. Captain
Scott soon returned to his home in Eichmond and was succeeded in
command by Captain Lucien G. Gilmer. This organization con
tinued 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 deso
lated homes at the close of the Civil war, and had gotten their
dwellings in a condition to be occupied, the thoughts of the patri
otic 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

186 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 news
papers of Fredericksburg, the ladies of the town met in the base
ment 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 as
sociation were discussed and adopted at this early date. The plan
was to raise as much money in town and in A'irginia 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 battle
fields and buried in the ground purchased by the association num
bered about fifteen hundred. The circular sent out had, in addi
tion 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, AA'ild-
erness, 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 187
this vicinity, whether he fell on these memorable flelds or other
wise 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 im
poverished 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 flelds. But, with the generous aid and cor
dial cooperation 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 endur
ing 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 Chatta
nooga 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 ?'
"AA^hat 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 cooperation required
in order to accomplish our holy work will be as universal ?
"An act of the Legislature of Virginia will be obtained, incor
porating our Association, so that the property may be held perpetu
ally 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

188 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 bur
ial of many of the noble dead, who fell upon the fields of Freder
icksburg, Chancellorsville, the AA'ilderness, and all the objects of the
Association will be jDressed 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. AA^allace.
Vice-Presidents — Mrs. J. H. Lacy, Mrs. Jane Picklin, Mrs.
James AA^ Ford, Mrs. A. F. T. Fitzhugh, Mrs. Fannie S. White.
Board of Directors — Miss Mary G. Browne, Miss S. Freaner,
Mrs. AV. K. Howard,* ilrs. 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.
Trerisurer—Vn:. F. P. AVellford.
Recording Secretaries — Miss L. G. Wellford, Mrs. Lucy Hern
don.* Corresponding Secretary — Miss Ann J. Carter.
Ass\.<<tant Secretaries — Miss V. S. Knox,* Miss Mary Thom,
iliss Bettie L. Scott,* Miss Lizzie Alsop, Miss N. S. Wellford, Miss
Mary G. Browne, Mrs. L. T. Kearsley, Miss Helen G. Beale. Miss
Nannie Taylor, Miss A^irginia Goolrick, Miss S. Freaner, Miss
Lizzie Braxton.
E.recutive Committee — Major J. H. Kelly, Thomas F. Knox,
George Aler, J. AV. Slaughter, Edwin Carter, Joseph W, Sener,
Dr. L. B. Eose.

* Yet living.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 189
Advisory Committee — Gen. D. H. Maury, Gen. Daniel Euggles,
Gen. C. L. Stevenson, Col. E. S. Chew, Col. C. M. Braxton, Col. AV.
AA^. Fontaine, Major George Freaner, Major Chas. S. Green,*
Capt. C. T. Goolrick, Capt. AV. E. Mason,* Eev. M. Maury, Eev. T.
AV. Gilmer, Eev. Patrick Donelan, Eev. W. H. AVilliams, Eev. F.
C. Tebbs, Mayor M. Slaughter, Judge E. C. L. Moncure,f A. A.
Little, J. H. Kelly, Judge E. H. Coleman, John L. Marye, Jr.,
John E. Tackett, D. H. Gordon, W. P. Conway, J. L. Stansbury,
Ab. P. Eowe, 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, -^^-ho 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 monu
ment 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 — Louisana, 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. AA'ith 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

* Yet living.
fOne 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.

190 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 AA^illis'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 Eappahannock 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 tem
porary graves and conveyed to the cemetery by a "burial corps,''
consisting of a large detail of Frederal 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 inter
ment. 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 inter
ments 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 ceme-

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 191
tery 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, 1863. 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 beauti
ful 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 dis
tinguished himself as a skillful commander as well as for conspic
uous gallantry on many fields of battle during the Civil war.
Maury Camp fiourished 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 E. E. Lee Camp, of Eichmond, 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

193 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 com
rades who have died in destitution. The camp has had for com
manders at different periods Colonel Eobert S. Chew, Judge John
T. Goolrick, Capt. Daniel M. Lee, Thomas F. Proctor, Geo. Shep
herd 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 Con
federate A^eterans. 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 com
mander, and, by annual reelections, without opposition, he was con
tinued until he retired and Mr. AVm. H. Hurkamp was elected and
is commander at this time.
This camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans was named in
honor of Colonel Eobert 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 E. 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

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"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)

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 14f)

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 193
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.
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 educa
tors and it is highly probable that the leading men of the State —
those who conducted public affairs in colonial times, and who were
the flrst 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. AVhether 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 reflnement, 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 Eev. 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
13

194 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
repute, under the Eev. Mr. Eyan, an eminent classical scholar
and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin." Dr. Brockenburg
flnished his education in this school, preparatory to entering a
medical college in Edinburg, and speaks highly of it.*
It is also claimed that AA^ashington, 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 37th of September, l';95, 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 Com
mon 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 trus
tees organized into a board, the flrst president being Major Ben
jamin 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 in
stitution 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

* Slaughter's Bristol Parish. Va., 2nd edition.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 195
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 Fredericks
burg 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
muniflcence 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 blaster, "ye have the poor with you
always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good." Mr. George
W. Eothrock 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 contem
porary 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 Eev.
Samuel Wilson, in which many of the most accomplished ladies in
Fredericksburg received their early education. Mr. Wilson was
succeeded by Miss Mary Ealls, who was assisted by Mr. Herard,

196 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
whom she afterwards married.* 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 build
ing 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 Gool
rick succeeded his father in the conduct of the school and continued
il for many years.
Mr. Thomas H. Hanson, who came to Fredericksburg from
Georgetown, D. C, was principal of the Fredericksburg Male Acad
emy. He was a flne 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 resi
dences of Misses Hay and Misses Wissner now stand. The build
ing 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. Eev. 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 to-wn in
December, 1863. Mr. "McPhail's flrst 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.

* It is related by the "old folks" that when the ceremony closed the min
ister looked at the groom and said "kiss your bride." The groom, not under
standing 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 197
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 kno-wn
as the Fredericksburg Institute, and was one of the best schools of
that day. It was moved to Eichmond and is now conducted by
members of Mr. Powell's family.
Professor Eichard Sterling conducted a school for boys in the old
Colonnade building on Princess Ann street, opposite the court
house, long before the war. He was succeeded by Mr. J. J. Halsey.
The building was partially destroyed by flr-e during the Civil war,
and flnally, in 1880, was removed to give place to the Presbyterian
Memorial chapel.
For ^ number of years a school for girls was conducted by
Mrs. John P. Little, flrst 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 Hack-
ley conducted a large boarding school over the store now occupied
by Mr. Thomas N. Brent. For several years before the war Eev.
AA^m. 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. Be
sides the schools above referred to, schools for boys were taught by
Eichard Stern, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Jamison, Stephen A. Boardman,
James G. Eead, Edward Henry, Mr. Tchudi, Buckner & Henry,
Buckner & Temple, Chas. E. Tackett, Thomas Moncure, H. W.
Ehinehart, Mrs. Judith Anstice, Mrs. A. L. Magrath, Maria Wood
ruff, Miss Willie Schooler and others.
After the war Judge Eichard 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

198 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
school at the Union House. AA'hen Judge Coleman moved his
school to Guiney's in Caroline county, Messrs. Cuthbert Buckner
and Charles AA^. 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 AA^. 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 Fontajne moved South a high school for young
ladies was opened by Mr. AA'm. Caruthers in the Presbyterian Asy
lum, known now as Smithsonia, assisted by his sisters, Mrs. Daris
and Miss Caruthers. He was succeeded by Mrs. AA'"m. 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 5'et conducted and
are doing well. THE ASSEitBLX'S HOME AND SCHOOL.
The Assembly's Home and School Avas founded by Eev. A. P.
Saunders, D. D., then pastor of the Presbyterian church in Fred
ericksburg, in 1893. It was incorporated by an act of the Vir
ginia 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 199
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 recog
nizing 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 re
turned to the city authorities and cancelled. The property was
purchased by Eev. F. P. Eamsay, 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. Eamsay sold the college and property to
Eev. John W. Eosebro, who had just become pastor of the Pres
byterian 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 man
agement of this scholarly gentleman.
The Assembly Home is still in operation, supported by the de
nomination, and holds a strong place in the affections of the Pres
byterian 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.

200 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
In the year 1876 the schools were graded, and the funds received
from the city and State were largely supplemented from the Pea
body 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 com
modious two-story brick building was erected on the north corner
of Princess Ann and Wolfe streets for the colored schools, suffi
ciently large to accommodate four schools, and the Union House,
a three-story brick building on the north comer 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 court
house. 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 dis
trict, the six members constituting the school board of the town.
There have been four superintendents of schools since the inau
guration of the free school system in 1870, who have served in the
following order : Mr. John Howison, General Daniel Euggles, 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 201
since its organization, thirty-eight years ago, who served in the fol
lowing 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.

CHAPTEE 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 Freder
icksburg would be rated with the best. One of the first things -that
received the attention of the founders of the town, under the char
ter granted by the House of Burgesses in 1727, was the building
of a house of worship and its dedication to the service of the Al
mighty, and since that time Fredericksburg has been blessed with
regular divine services. And as the inhabitants of the town in
creased 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 with
out 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. [ 202 ]

.Jackson Monument. Erected where he was mortally wounded May 2, 1863.
(See page 00)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 303
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 1733, seven years after the town was
laid out and named, the first church building was erected in Fred
ericksburg.* It was in St. George's parish, which embraced the
whole of Spotsylvania county, which then contained all the terri
tory 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 com
pletion of its building was Eev. 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 Eev. James Marye,f of Gooch
land county, who died as rector of the church in 1769, having
served it faithfully for thirty-four years. Eev. James Marye was
succeeded in the rectorship by his son, Eev. 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

* Some authorities give 1735 as the date of the erection of this church.
•j- Great grandfather of Governor John L. Marye

304 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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,* who was a member of the Council and a
vestryman of St. George's church, (who was afterwards a member
of the Legislature, a Eepresentative 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 AA'ar, two terms President of the United States, Pre
siding 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 AA'inchester, A'irginia, came to the church as lay reader, being
highly recommended by Eev. 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, serv
ing it with great acceptance and success to the day of his death,
in 1858, a period of forty-five years. f
Mr. McGuire was greatly beloved by all classes of persons, his
ministerial labors were signally blessed, and the number of com
municants was largely increased. From the death of Mr. McGuire

* It has beeu 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.
-|- 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."

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 305
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:
Eev. A. M. Eandolph, D. D., now bishop of the Southern Diocese
of A^irginia; Eev. Magruder Maury, Eev. Edward C. Murdaugh,
Eev. Eobert J. McBryde, Eev. J. K. Mason, Eev. Wm. M. Clarke,
Eev. AA"m. D. Smith and Eev. Dr. Eobert 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 Eev. Arthur S.
Johns, a son of the late Bishop Johns. St. George's church has a
fiourishing Sunday school, of which Dr. M. C. Hall was superin
tendent 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, Eev. Edward C. McGuire, and one vestryman
and senior warden, Eeuben T. Thom, Esq.*
There have been three buildings erected on the ground where the
present house of worship stands. The first ohe was built in 1733,
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 congrega
tions. 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 min
ister in the sendee, while the people were silent." f
• A memorial slab erected in St. George's church gives this remarkable
record : "Eeuben 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
¦( Prom a communication in an old copy ot the Fredericksburg News, fur-
Israel he was respected and beloved by three generations."
nished by Dr. Horace B. Hall.

306 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 eliureli edifices in the State, outside of the large cities.
AA'liile tliis house was in the course of erection the church wor
shipped in the old Methodist church, just back of the park, which
was destroyed by flre about 1853. The new church was consecrated
and occupied in the Fall of 1849. A few years after its com
pletion it was very much damaged by flre, but it was at once re
paired 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 Eev. Dr. E. C. Mur
daugh 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.* With com
mendable zeal this new congregation went to work, puchased a lot
on the south corner of Prince Edward and Hanover streets and
erected a handsome house of worship, which in due time was conse
crated 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 Eevolu
tionary war this lot had on it a large frame house, which was at'

* 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 307
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 au
diences of the elite of the town.
The flrst rector of Trinity church was Dr. Edward C. Murdaugh,
who was succeeded by Eev. J. Green Shackelford, Eev. John S.
Gibson, Eev. J. S. Gray, Eev. Edwin Green, Eev. W. L. Eeaney
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 Eev.
Samuel B. Wilson,* 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. AVilson 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 to
gether 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 36th of July of that year. The old church on Amelia
street stood back several yards from the sidewalk and was ap
proached 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

* 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."

208 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 oc
cupation by the respective congregations, Mr. James McGuire, a
prominent member of the Presbyterian church, met Mr. Eeuben
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, sym
pathized with them very much and undertook to console Mr.
McGuire. Seeing Mr. Thom was very much concerned, and cast
ing his eyes up towards St. George's bell, just across the street,
his countenance brightening up as if a new idea had strack him,
queried : "AVell, Mr. Thom, won't you let the Presbyterians come

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 309
to church by St. George's bell?" Mr. Thom, being anxious to
accommodate the Presbyterians, but feeling that he was not au
thorized to decide the matter, replied: "Eh, eh, I have no objec
tion myself, Jimmie, but, but I will lay the matter before the ves
try, and will inform you of its action !"
Mr. Wilson served the church as pastor until 1841, when he re
signed to accept a professorship in the Union Theological Semi
nary, then at Hampden-Sidney, in Prince Edward county, Vir
ginia. He was succeeded by Eev. George W. McPhail, D. D., and
Bev. A. A. Hodge, D. D. Eev. 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: Eev. Thomas W. Gilmer,* Eev. James P. Smith, D. D., Eev.
A. P. Saunders, D. D., Eev. Benjamin W. Mebane, D. D., Eev.
John W. Eosebro, D. D., and Eev. 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, car
ried 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.f 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 tliere;
But wisdom shows a narrow way,
"With here and tliere a traveller."

* 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."
f Historical sketch of Fredericksburg, 1883, by Robert B. Berrey.
14

210 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eev.
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 Eev. Eobert Baylor Semple, in pre
paring his "History of Virginia Baptists," says of the Fredericks
burg 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
Eichmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Eailroad 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 Eev. Wm. F.
Broaddus,* the pastor, J. B. Benwick, Jr., architect, notwithstand-

* 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 be
loved 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.' "

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 311
ing 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 pres
ent. Eev. Andrew Broaddus, the first pastor, was succeeded
by the following ministers: Eev. Eobert B. Semple, Eev. Carter
Braxton, Eev. Mr. James, Eev. John Teasdale, Eev. John
M. Waddey, Eev. George F. Adams, Eev. S. C. Smith, Eev.
Wm. F. Broaddus, D. D., Eev. Wm. H. Williams, Eev. Thomas
S. Dunaway, D. D., Eev. Jacob S. Dill, D. D., and Eev. E. Aubrey
Williams, who is now serving the church. Dr. Dunaway's pastorate
covered a period of thirty-two years, during which he greatly en
deared himself to the church and people of the town, and was em
inently successful in winning souls and building up the church.
The Baptist church has a large and fiourishing Sunday school con
nected with it that has had but four superintendents for sixty-three
years. George W. Garnett* 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 minis
try here as a local preacher in the year 1789, and continued his
labors as such for over half a century. Therefore it may be con
cluded that the first organization of that denomination in Fred
ericksburg held its meetings in private houses for more than thirty
years.

* 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 con
secutive years, who died July 9, 1876, aged 54 years. 'He was a faithful man,.
and feared God above many.' Erected by the school."

212 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
The first house of worship built by the Methodists in town, that
we have any record or tradition of, was erected in 1823, on the lot
iu 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 dis
cussed 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 re
sulted 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 , re
mained in the Hanover street house until the beginning of the
Civil war.
In the year 1853 the southern division of the church erected a
handsome brick building on the south comer 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 Eev. John Kobler.

'Kenmore," Mansion of Col. Fielding Lewis, who married Betty
Washington; now residence of Councilman Clarance R. Howard.
(See i.a;e 1,.,11

'Union House," where Gen. Lafayette was entertained in 1824 by
his friend, Mr. Ross.
(See page 144)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 313
In 1843 Eev. 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 "fare
well 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. 3nd. He bids fare
well 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 pam
phlet: "John Kobler was born 39th 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 36th,
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. AAThen 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 Eev. W. L. Dolly, a faithful and zealous servant of
the Lord. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
About the year 1833 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

214 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eev. Mr.
Eutledge preached here for some days, got the members together
and the church was organized. The old building has been re
modelled and modernized and is now occupied by the congregation.
After the church was reorganized Eev. Cephas Shelburne was called
as pastor, and by his energetic labors the membership was very
much increased. Mr. Shelburne was succeeded by Eev. F. S.
Ferrer and he by Eev. I. L. Chestnutt. The church now has no
pastor. ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The Eoman 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 Char
lotte and Hanover. A frame parsonage was purchased some years
afterwards just below the church building, which was destroyed by
flre about' the year 1875, after which the present brick parsonage
was erected.
The church at different periods has been visited by Bishop Gib
bons, now Cardinal, and Bishop Keene, by whom it was greatly
strengthened. It has had for pastors since its organization Eev.
Fathers Hagan, Donnelson, O'Farrell, Sears, Brady, Becker, Tier-
nan, Donahoe, AA^ilson, Kenneflck, Demunych and Coleman. Eev.
Father Perrig is pastor at this time.
THE COLORED BAPTIST CHURCHES.
In 1854, when the white Baptists occupied their new house of

History of Fredericksburg , Virginia 315
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 Eev. George Eowe 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 Eev. George L. Dixon to the
pastorate. His pastoral care of the church continued for s(8Veral
years, when he was succeeded by Eev. L. G. Walden and he by Eev.
Willis M. Eobinson.
In 1887 the church building collapsed and a division of senti
ment 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 mem
bers 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 feel
ing was intense, satisfactory terms of separation could not be agreed
upon, and flnally 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.
Eev. Willis Eobinson, who was pastor of the old church Shiloh,

316 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
went with Shiloh New Site and became its pastor. Shiloh Old
Site extended a call to Eev. 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 occu
pancy 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 Win
chester street, near Amelia, and asked for the ordination of Albert
Eay, whom they had selected as pastor. A few months later he was
duly ordained, entered upon the pastorate of the church and con
tinued as such until disabled by rheumatism in 1903.
Eev. Albert Eay's church was sold a few years ago and went into
possession of a new religious sect. The pastor is Eev. Eoland Bur
gess and the sect is known as "The Church of God and the Saints
of the Lord Jesus Christ." The church has made but little pro
gress 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 AA^olfe street, called Eev. Willis M. Eobinson
as their pastor, which organization is known as Eobinson's church.
At present Shiloh Old Site has for its pastor Eev. John A. Brown
and Shiloh New Site has Eev. W. L. Eansom. 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.

CHAPTEE XV
Charitable and Benevolent Societies — The Mary Washington Hos
pital — 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 charit
able 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 there
fore 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 au
thority, 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 Washing
ton, George Weedon, Hugh Mercer, Wm. Woodford, Thomas
[217 ]

318 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posey, Gustavus B. Wallace, all of whom became general officers
and did distinguished service in the Eevolutionary 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 31, 1758, and desig
nated the organization "The Lodge at Fredericks-Burg," Vir
ginia. 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 Court
house, A"a. The latter soon obtained a charter from England and
the former from the Grand Lodge of A'^irginia. In 1775 the Fred
ericksburg 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 pre
served. The original dispensation has disappeared and was prob
ably 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
memljership and organized Fredericksburg American Lodge, for
which a dispensation was granted in 1799 by Gov. Eobert 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 sus
pended its meetings and flnally became extinct.
In the bombardment and subsequent sacking of Fredericksburg
on the 11th, 13th, 13th, 14th and 15th of December, 1863, by strag
gling Federal soldiers, all of the records of the Masonic Lodge were
destroyed or carried away except those from 1753 to 1771, which
were taken to Danville, Va., and preserved by Wm. Ware, Esq., a
member of the lodge.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 319
When No. 4 Lodge flrst 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 Eapidan river, and the place of meeting
was flxed 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 1763 to 1813, when the building
was torn down preparatory to the erection of the present town hall
and market house.
AVhen it was decided to remove the old market house the meetings
of the lodge were moved to the "Eising 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 Han
over streets. The Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge has, at various
periods, embraced in its membership eminent men, including sol
diers. Statesmen, professional men and private citizens. Among
the flrst two classes mentioned — soldiers and Statesmen — was the
father of his country, George AA^ashington, who, in this historic
lodge, received the flrst degree in Masonry on November 4, 1753,
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 faith
ful statue of Washington, in Masonic regalia, was wrought out of
white marble by the great Virginia artist, Hiram Powers, while he
was in Eome, Italy. It was safely transported to Fredericksburg,
but before it could be erected the war came on. For safe keeping
it was sent to Eichmond, and there perished in the terrible conflag-

330 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
ration of April 3, 1865. Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, has fur
nished six grand masters to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, as fol
lows: .Iudge James Mercer, in 1784; Governor Eobert Brooke,
in 1785; Major Benjamin Day, from 1797 to 1800; Hon. Oscar
M. Crutchfield, in 1841 ; Judge Beverly E. 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 Eoyal Arch Chapter, No. 33, was or
ganized. 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 pres
ent. Some years ago the various bodies of the Scottish Eite 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 flour
ishing condition and can confer all the degrees in ancient York
]\Iasonry. On the 33nd of December, 1753, a "Eoyal Arch Lodge' was held
in connection with the Fredericksburg Lodge, Simon Eraser, act
ing Grand blaster. On that occasion the Eoyal Arch degree was
conferred on Daniel Campbell, Eobert Halkerson and Alexander
AA'odrow. 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 1763. ODD FELLOWS LODGE.
The flrst lodge of Odd Fellows organized in Fredericksburg was
in the year 1839, and was known as Eappahannock Lodge, No. 14.
It continued a working lodge only about three years. The last

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 321
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 in
stituting 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 Vir
ginia, and who was Grand Master of the State. In after years he
became a citizen of Fredericksburg and ended his days in this to-wn.
The meetings of the lodge were at first held at private houses,
and at cue 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 con
tinued 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. 361.
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 pro
gressive citizens of the town.
THE BENEVOLENT ORDER OF ELKS.
The Order of Elks now stands as the youngest of the three promi
nent secret orders on this continent, and since it came into exis
tence, in 1868, has shown one of the most phenomenal growths that
has ever been recorded for a similar benevolent order. It has for

233 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 inspi
ration the order of Elks taught, met and organized a lodge of Elks.
A lodge was organized on the 33rd of June, 1903, under the name
Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 875, Mr. 0. 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, Eoyal 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 — Bed Men, Knights of the Golden
Horseshoe, Good Samaritans and others, all of which are in a flour
ishing condition and are doing a good work in dispensing charity,
in providing cheap life insurance and endeavoring to elevate their
fello-wmen. THE MARY WASHINGTON HOSPITAL.*
The need of a hospital in Fredericksburg had long been felt, and
in January, 1897, a band of ladies, led by Mrs. W. Seymour AVhite,
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 AVhite, 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
Eebecca Smith, vice-president; Miss Bertha Strasburger, secretary;
Mrs. C. W. Edrington, treasurer.

• Mrs. V. M. F. prepared this article.

Entrance to the Confederate Cemetery at Fredericksburg.

(See page l,S,->)

Lodge Room of Fredericksburg Lodge, No. -1, A. F. & A. M. ; the
Lodge that made Washington a Mason.
(See page 217)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 333
Mrs. White served as president for three terms, when she resigned
and her place was fllled 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
liring at a distance. As soon as the amount justifled 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 risit
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, Eev. F. P. Eamsey, D. D., of Fredericksburg College,
making an impressive address on the occasion.
The hospital was completed the summer follo-sring, and all the

334 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 tbe future may warrant being made.
With the faith that characterized the movement from the begin
ning, the ladies met on September 35, 1899, elected a matron, Miss
Virginia Aldridge, and appointed Wednesday, October 4th, "Dona
tion 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 Sth, the building was formally dedicated,
Eev. 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 diffcult cases thus far operated upon each has been

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 335

V

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 Fal
mouth Advertiser part of the name was dropped and the paper was
continued as the Virginia Herald. Some years after its establish
ment 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 euphoni
ous 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
15

336 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eobert 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 pro
prietor, and under his management it was enlarged to "nearly double
the size of the A^irginia Herald." AA^e have not been able to learn
at what period its publication ceased.
A volume of this publication, from November, 1800, to Novem
ber, 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 Fredericks
burg. "The Fredericksburg News," a semi-weekly paper, was published
by Eobert Baylor Semple for several years. At his death, in ] 853, the
paper was purchased by A. Alexander Little, who conducted it,
except during the AVar 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 con
tinued 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
flnally 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 237
M. Blackford and lived for about flfteen years. In 1845 Mr.
Blackford moved to Lynchburg and the publication of the paper
was discontinued.
In 1848 Eev. 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 Eev. W. E.
Powell, Eev. John C. Willis and Eev. Joseph A. Billingsly as a
temperance advocate. Its publication was suspended in 1860 and
never resumed.
"The Democratic Eecorder," established in 1843, 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 Eecorder
was continued by Eobert B. Alexander, S. Greenhow Daniel and
James B. Sener, in the order named. Its publication was sus
pended 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 1873 Judge Sener was elected'
to Congress and the publication of the Ledger ceased.
The office and flxtures were sold by Judge Sener in 1873, and
for twelve or flfteen 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
flrst 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 Eecorder," 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 con-

338 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
tinned 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 six
teen 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 Eufus B. Merchant as a semi-weekly, and was so con
ducted until 1895. During that year Mr. Merchant added another
edition and sent out the "Daily Evening Star." This was some
thing "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 outflt, was purchased by
W. Seymour AATiite and Alvin T. Embrey, who continued to
publish both editions of the paper, and upon the death of Mr.
AATiite, in the early part of the year 1898, his interest was pur
chased 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 229
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 3nd day of January, 1837, the flrst 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 Eamage
hand press. By Mr. Ball's retirement a few months after the ap
pearance 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 sacriflce,
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 improve
ments, organized a joint stock company and commenced the publi
cation of "The Fredericksburg Journal." The Journal, different
from the other papers of the town, was at flrst a weekly issue, its
subscription price being twenty-five cents per annum. It has in
formed 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. E.
L. Biscoe, when he in turn sold it to the Fredericksburg Journal
Company, who put more life and vim into it, and now its cus
tomers are served with both a semi-weekly and daily, which give
the general news from the surrounding country and stand for im
provement of the town, honesty in city affairs, and justice to all
with special favors to none.

330 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
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 Eevolutionary 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 con
ferred extraordinary power on the President in times of peace.
These questions were the theme of spirited, and even angry, dis
cussions 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, espe
cially 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
hitter 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 flrst 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 tlie people was called at the courthouse by
the friends of the administration to consider and adopt an address

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 231
to the President, which was then the prevailing mode of communi
cating 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 fllled 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 senti
ments 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
E. Eootes, 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. Eootes in support of his address. And the follow
ing resolutions then, prepared by Dr. David C. Ker, were approved
and adopted. A division was called for on the address and resolu
tions and tellers appointed to take the number of votes, who re
ported 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 interest
ing reading to our people, even in this day. They are as follows :

232 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
1. Resolved, As the opinion of this meeting that the administra
tion 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, Avith 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 conse
quence 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.
Snd. Eesolved, 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 gov
ernment and destroy any reasonable hope of successful negotiations
between that republic and agents appointed by him.
3rd. Eesolved, That the instructions to our envoys, so contrary to
the spirit of that speech and the whole conduct of our administra
tion, 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. Eesolved, That the late negotiations with unauthorized
swindlers in Paris, are so unexampled as to afford no justiflable
ground for public measures, and that their publication, so far as
they tend to excite the sensibility of our citizens, is unjustiflable,
as they may commit the safety of the envoys highly imprudent.

The "Charity School," started by Benj. Day and others in the
latter part of the eighteenth century.
(See page I'.ll)

The Fire Department.
(See page 144)

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 333
5th. Eesolved, That the militia are the only safe and constitu
tional defence of these States ; that they alone are adequate to this
object, and that they will ever prove so, if guided by good govern
ment. 6th. Eesolved, 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. Fontaine Maury was chairman of this large gathering of the peo
ple 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 govern
ment should be administered, were the basis for the famous resolu
tions 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 pur
pose 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 har
mony 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

334 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 refiecting the sen
timents 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 fol
lowing gentlemen signed the address :
George W. B. Spooner, Wm. Drummond, Elisha Hall, Wm.
Jones, Anthony Buck, Eichard Eichards, Eobert Patton, AA^m. Glas-
sell, Tho. Southcomb, Andrew Parks, Tho. Eootes, Peter Gordon,
Wm. Taylor, George Murray, James Pettigrew, Timothy Green,
Wm. Payne, James Carmichael, Law. Bowes, Thos. Hodge, George
French, Eichard Johnston, Jr., John Anderson, John Coakley,
AA^m. Fitzhugh, of Chatham, Charles Croughton, David Henderson,
Eoger Coltart, David Blair, Jeff. Wright, Charles Yates, Wm.
Lovell, Alexander Duncan, Wm. Wilson, Eob. Lilly, Thos. Cochran,
James Stevenson, John Brownlow, Jos. Thornton, Benj. Day, Wm.
AA^att, Zack. Mayfield, John Newton, David Simons, Philip Lips-
coml), Daniel Grinnan, James Vanshell, Daniel Stark, Samuel
Stevens, Godlove Heiskell, Thos. P. Basye, John Harris, Thomas
Seddon, Jr., Eobert Wellford, Philip Glover, John Legg, Edward
McDermot, John Alcock, Jacob Grotz, John Moore, Adam Darby,
Tho. Miller, James Blair, Wm. Hamilton, E. Dykes, David Wil
liamson, Wm. Acres, Wm. Talbot, James Eoss, John Began, Eobert
Walker, John Kirck, Sam. M. Douglas, Wm. Welsh, Alexander S.
Eoe, John Dare, James Slater, Charles Stewart, Christian Helm-
stetter, Wm. Smith, Benj. Sabastian, James Adams.

CHAPTEE XVI
Some Distinguished Men Buried in Frederichsburg — A Remarhable
Grave Stone — Three Heroic Frederichsburgers, 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 Britten'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 Ainerica. We, therefore, with pride refer to some distin
guished 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 inscrip
tion: [235 ]

336 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
"Here lies the body of Archibald McPherson, bom 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, gener
ous 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 AA'ash ington,
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 attend
ing the celebrated races at Chatham, held by Wm. Fitzhugh, which
drew to the town people from all sections of the country. But be

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 337
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 AVhite 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 AA^illiam 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 Fredericks
burg, and designated in the plot of said town by the number or
figures 358, the same being one-half, or south end of said lot, and
purchased by the said Thomas Blanton of Eoger 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, hereditraments and appurtenances whatever." This
lot is designated on the map of the town to-day as 358, 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 1773, in which he appointed his friends, AVm. Temple-
man and Isaac Heslop, his executors, which was witnessed by John
Atkinson, Thomas Holmes and B. Johnston. The executors de
clined 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 in
stance 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

338 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 AVm. Paul, made his will in 1773 and
signed it AA^m. Paul, and died in 1773 and his tomb stone now
bears on it the name of AA^m. 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
AA'illiam went to John. This is also a mistake. AA^illiam did not
die intestate, but made a will and gave his entire estate to his
sister, ]\Iary 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 col
lected, 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 AVm. Paul owned any property out of town
from the fact that the bond of his administrator was only five hun
dred 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 fif
teen 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 AA'illiam Paul is traced by the reference in his will to the
parish of Kirkbean, Galloway, where his sister, Mary Young, and
brother John lived.
AVhy John Paul changed his name to Jones was probably known
only to himself. Many writers have undertaken to explain it, but

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 239
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 Eevolutionary war, a thing that had not been
done before for centiiries, if ever, since it was a nation.
At the close of the war, in which be bad covered himself with
glory, be was offered an important command by the Empress of
Eussia against tbe Turks in tbe Black sea, which be accepted with
the stipulation "tbat be was never to renounce tbe title of an
American citizen." He died in Paris in 1792, and was buried in
that city, aged forty-five years. General Washington, then Presi
dent of the United States, bad just commissioned him for an
important duty, but be died before the commission reached him.
As tbe 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 tbe matter in band, and tbe search con
tinued under the direction of Gen. Horace Porter, tbe American
Ambassador to the Court of France, under great difficulties. On
the 7tb of April, 1905, tbe 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 dis
covery of the body. The remains were declared to be those of
John Paul Jones, after every test had been applied tbat could be,
and they were accepted by our government as those of tbe great
naval hero. Some time was spent in preparing to remove the
remains to this country, but early in 1906 they were placed upon

340 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 coun
try, 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 bom in Hanover
county, Virginia, and was one of tbe most brilliant men the State
ever produced. His career was ?hort, but in tbat 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 1783,
was wounded at tbe siege of Gibraltar, was a member of the cabinet
of tbe king of Poland, and the King's chamberlain, with tbe rank
of major-general; negotiated a treaty with the Empress of Eussia,
was a secret and special envoy to tbe 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 tbe fleet of Turkey ; was sent on
an important mission to Madrid, in which be was successful; re
sisted tbe Eussian invaders of Poland as aide-de-camp to the King;
signed tbe Confederation of Fargo\ritz ; envoy to St. Petersburg
to prevent tbe division of Poland, but was stopped by the Eussian
government ; was with Kosciusko in bis attempt to free Poland ;
was at the storming of Prague, and was with King Stanislaus when
be was captured by the Eussians.
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 tbe 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 bom in the
county of Hanover, in tbe State of Virginia, on the 19tb day of
December, 1763, and departed this life in Fredericksburg, on the

The Chri.=;tian Churrh,
(See pa'je -Ji;!l

The Trinity Episcopal Church.
(See page 2(ifil

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 341
19th of July, 1803, aged 39 years and 7 months. Honored for
many years with tbe esteem and confidence of tbe 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 Eussia. He was by him created the
Knight of St. Stanislaus, chamberlain and confidential secretary
in his cabinet, and acted as bis special envoy in the most impor
tant occasions of talents, of military as well as civil, be 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 be acted with uniform magnanimity, fidelity
and honor." 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 35, 1813, drowned by tbe sinking of
the steamer Central America, September 13, 1857. He entered the
navy at tbe 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 1851-53 be explored
the Amazon river under the direction of tbe United States govern
ment. * * * In 1857 he was the commander of tbe steamer
Central America, which left Havana for New York on September
Sth, having on board 474 passengers, a crew of 105 men and about
$3,000,000 of gold. On September the lltb, during a violent gale
from the northeast and a heavy sea, the vessel sprung a leak and
sunk on the evening of September 13th near tbe outer edge of the
Gulf stream, in latitude 31 degrees 44 minutes north. Only 152
of the persons on board were saved, including tbe women and chil
dren; the gallant commander of tbe steamer was seen standing
upon tbe wheel house at the time of her sinking."* Capt. Herndon
was an uncle of Dr. Herndon, who sacrificed his life at Femandina,
Florida, elsewhere mentioned.

• Appletou's Encyclopedia, -Volume 9.
15

343 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
JACOB FRIEZE.
Another man of note, remarkable for bis physical endurance
and strength of constitution, who lived in Fredericksburg and
whose remains lie buried in tbe City cemetery, just to tbe left of
the old gate on Commerce street, was Jacob Frieze. He died in
1869, just after having passed tbe ninety-first anniversary of his
birth. He was born in France, and was one of Napoleon's soldiers
from tbe time bis remarkable career commenced in Paris until it
ended so disastrously at Waterloo.
Much of tbe soldier life of Mr. Frieze was spent as a member of
Napoleon's "Old Guard," tbat "could die, but could never sur
render," and he was never so happy as when telling of his thrilling
war experiences and narrow escapes. He was in tbe famous re
treat from Moscow and could tell tbe 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 tbe Eussians, 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 bim for hours.
Prior to tbe Civil war there also lived in Fredericksburg Mr.
John Eubank, who was a soldier under tbe Duke of Wellington at
the battle of Waterloo and who stood guard over Napoleon on the
Island of St. Helena. Notwithstanding tbe many years tbat 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 tbe bystanders to see these old soldiers meet
on tbe streets, as they would invariably shake their fists at each
other and grind their teeth and pass on without uttering a word.
Many of tbe citizens of tbe town still remember the willow
baskets, of variegated colors, which Mr. Frieze made and peddled
about town for a livelihood, as long as be was able to appear on the
streets. Mr. Eubank moved to Charlottesville, where he died and
was buried in that city.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 343
A GRAND-NIECE OF AVASHINGTON 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 tbe exiled King of
Naples and Charlotte Bonaparte. He settled in Tallahassee, Flor
ida. Soon Col. Byrd C. Willis, of Willis Hill, moved to the same
city, carrying with him bis wife, Mary, daughter of Col. Fielding
Lewis and Bettie Washington, and also his daughter, Catherine,
who married a Mr. Grey and was left f 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 tbe great soldier. Napoleon Bona
parte. She was bom where the National cemetery now stands-
and died in Florida August 6, 1867, in tbe 64th year of her age^
WELLFORD — HERNDON  WILLIS.
In tbe City cemetery lie the remains of Doctor Francis Preston
Wellford. Dr. Wellford was a native of Fredericksburg, where be
was held in the highest esteem by all who knew bim for his gentle
and kind disposition, his upright life, bis abounding charity and
bis deep piety. In 1871 he left bis native town and settled in
Jacksonville, Florida, where be commenced tbe practice of medicine
and established a high reputation as a skillful physician. His
brethren of tbe profession were not slow in recognizing bis ability
and great worth, and made him president of the Medical Associa
tion of the State. He was holding tbat honorable position when
the yellow fever scourge visited Femandina, in 1877, which almost
depopulated the town. For weeks it raged in tbe doomed city,
and all of tbe 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, for
getting self, not fearing his personal danger, responded to the call
and went to the sick and dying of tbe panic-stricken Femandina.
It was while ministering to those people be was stricken down an(J

344 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
died of the disease. Thus went do-wn to his grave, amidst tbe tears
of thousands of people, the noble physician and Christian gentle
man, who sacrificed his life for the good of others. Dr. Wellford's
remains, some years after bis 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
Femandina, 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 tbe disease. It is
peculiarly appropriate tbat bis sacrifice to professional duty should
be acknowledged in connection with tbat of bis brother physician's.
To the honor of these noble men a memorial window has been
placed in St. Peter's Episcopal church in Femandina by Dr. J. H.
Upham, of Boston, who felt that they had honored the profession
by tbe sacrifices they made, and be wanted their heroism to be
placed upon a lasting record. In describing the window tbe Fer-
nandina Mirror says:
"The design is tbat of a crown in tbe 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, orna
mented by a bunch of grapes, with the symbol of the anchor repre
senting Hope, the holy Scriptures, illustrating Christian Faith;
alpha and omega, tbe symbol of the Almighty Power, tbe beginning
and the end; tbe cup of salvation, and tbe paten, the emblem of
sacrifice. In tbe lower part of the window an illuminated tablet
has the following inscription:
Francis Preston Wellford, M. D.,
Born in Fredericksburg, Va.,
Sept. 13th, 1829.
James Carmichael Herndon, M. D.,
Born in Fredericksburg, Va.,
Sept. 22nd, 1831.
Died in the faithful discharge of their
duties, at Femandina, Florida,
Oct. 18th, 1877.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 245
To whose memory as a grateful record of their noble lives and
heroic deaths this window is dedicated by a New England mem
ber of the profession which they so much honored and adorned.
' Greater love hath no man than this,
That he lay down bis life for bis friends.'
"The beautiful execution of this window, and the noble purpose
to which it is dedicated by its generous donor, deserve tbe admira
tion and warm appreciation of tbe citizens of Femandina, to
whom the memory of Drs. Wellford and Herndon is deservedly
dear, and will be regarded by our citizens as a graceful profes
sional tribute by Dr. Upham to these noble men, as well as an
indication of bis kind feelings towards our city. There is a strik
ing coincidence in the fact tbat these noble men should have been
born in the same city, in the same month, and, having volunteered
their services, reached Femandina in tbe midst of tbe epidemic
on the same day, and tbat their deaths should have occurred tbe
same day. It was, therefore, peculiarly fitting tbat 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 tbe summer of 1870,
which city be made bis home. When the yellow fever scourge
struck tbat place in 1878, and tbe city was deserted of most of its
inhabitants, except the helpless, tbe sick and tbe dying, it was
then, in spite of tbe entreaty of bis friends to leave tbe city, tbat
Wm. Willis stepped forth and took charge, as the chief executive
in managing tbe affairs of the city, and in distributing food, cloth
ing and medicine, sent from all quarters of tbe country, to the
sick, tbe helpless and the needy. It was while in the execution
of this noble work tbat be too, was stricken down, and a few days'
struggle vrith the terrible disease and William Willis was no more.
In bis delirium, feeling tbe great necessity of some one taking up
the work, be had so faithfully prosecuted, where be 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 tbe
spirit land.

346 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia
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 tbe 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 infan
try, C. S. A., from 1861 to 1865, and died beloved and respected
by the veterans of that command." Tbe stone was erected by ber
friends. Mrs. Cox was the daughter of Jesse AATiite, the practical
printer, and married Mr. Cox just before the Civil war. She
followed bim all through the campaign of the entire war, cooking
and washing for the soldiers of her command, and often minister
ing to the sick and wounded.
Molly Pitcher carried water from a spring, at Monmouth Court
house, New Jersey, to ber husband and others who had charge of a
cannon during the battle, and when she saw ber husband shot
down and heard an officer order the gun to the rear, having no one
to man it, she dropped ber pail, ran to the cannon, seized the ram
mer and continued loading and firing tbe gun throughout the bat
tle. 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 tbe priva
tions 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 tbe east end of tbe 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 in
scription is as follows: "Charles M. Eothrock, departed this life

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 247
Sept. 29, 1084, aged three years." The flgures that make these
dates are well preserved, much better than on many slabs and head
stones in the same burial ground, which do not date back a century
and a half, yet on this slab the flgures 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 tbe
mention of it should flU tbe breast of every true American with
patriotic enthusiasm. Tbat bell hung over a hall in Philadelphia
in 1776, in which the Continental Congress bad met to consider
the momentous question that was then stirring every patriotic
heart — American freedom. Virginia was represented in that Con
gress by George Wythe, Eichard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson,
Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Ligbtfoot Lee
and Carter Braxton.
Tbat body of patriots prepared, considered and adopted tbe
Declaration of Independence, and as they flnished signing their
names to the instrument, on the fourth day of July, this bell rang
out tbe thrilling news that Americans were freemen. Since that
stirring event — that memorable day — tbat hall has been known as
Independence Hall, and the bell that bung over it as tbe 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 Eowe bad been notifled when it would
arrive and how long it would remain for inspection. Tbe 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 tbat 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-sacriflc-
ing forefathers, until a patriotic fervor pervaded the town.

348 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
The bell was accompanied by Hon. Charles F. Warwick, Mayor of
Philadelphia; Wencel Harman, President of tbe Common Council,
and thirteen members of that body; Charles K. Smith, Chairman
of tbe Select Council, and thirteen members of tbat 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 tbe reserve
police of Philadelphia.
A party, including a committee from tbe City Council — Messrs.
John T. Knight, E. D. Cole and J. Stansbury Wallace — met tbe 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. Tbe party arrived in
Fredericksburg on time, and found at tbe depot a vast concourse of
people and a procession headed by Bowering's Band and tbe Wash
ington Guards, consisting of the Mayor, ex-Mayors, Common Coun
cil, Sons of Confederate Veterans, school children and citizens
generally. All tbe bells in town were ringing, the steam whistles were blow
ing 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 baited, Mayor Eowe and others went on board
the car, and, after the usual introductions and salutations, Mayor
Eowe, who was somewhat indisposed, presented Mr. W. Seymour
White, who made tbe 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 wel
come this sacred relic within tbe boundaries of the Old Dominion.
It is most fltting that it should rest upon the breast of this great
old State, for it was tbe voice of a great Virginian that sounded the
tocsin of the Eevolution; it was tbe pen of a great Virginian that
drafted the Declaration of Independence that was greeted by the
voice of this bell; it was tbe sword of a great Virginian tbat made
that declaration an accomplished fact, and it was while tolling the

The Free Lance— Star Office.
(See page 227)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 349
requiem for the soul of the great Virginian jurist, John Marshall,
tbat its voice ever became silent. It is with feelings of heart
felt delight that we welcome it within tbe corporate limits of Fred
ericksburg, connected inseparably, as she is, like your own great
and proud city of Philadelphia, with tbe events proclaimed in
that glorious past by tbat sacred bell; for it was in Fredericksburg,
on tbe 39tb of April, 1775, that the first resolutions breathing tbe
spirit of the Declaration of Independence were offered; it was in
Fredericksburg tbat Hugh Mercer lived, whose ashes rest in your
beloved soil, in whose defence he died; and in Fredericksburg
once lived that great American President tbat gave to all tbe ages
the grand doctrine that these United States would never tolerate
tbe acquisition of an inch of American soil by any prince, potentate
or power of Europe. We are glad that this bell is going about tbe
land, in the language of your great and good president, Judge
Thayer, "stirring up everywhere as it goes those memories and
patriotic impulses tbat are so inseparably connected with its history,
and which themselves can never grow mute," and we doubt not
tbat this bell, though voiceless now, can still "proclaim liberty
throughout all tbe land unto all the inhabitants thereof; and who
can tell but that as the rolling waves of tbe blue Mexican Gulf
thunder upon the shores of tbe Queen of tbe Antilles, tbe proud,
triumphal progress of the Liberty Bell, they may bear to patriots,
struggling to be free in tbat far off land, the sympathy of the great
hearts of American freemen tbat yet beat responsive to the efforts
of those whose love of liberty is stronger than death?" We are
glad tbat our men and women may see it, and at tbe sacred flame
tbat bums 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 tbat tbe dearest heritage left them by their fathers is
tbat liberty and independence once proclaimed by this bell. And
so we bid God speed to tbe bell which once "rang redress to all
mankind," as it goes through the land proclaiming to all the na
tions of tbe world tbat a "government by tbe people, of tbe people
and for tbe people" has not perished from off the face of the earth.

850 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 tbe guests were driven around town in carriages until
tbe time for their departure, when they boarded the train and
started on their trip South, delighted with their reception in Fred
ericksburg. A Chinaman who witnessed tbe 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.

CHAPTEE 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 states
men, 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 tbe visit of Major-General Nathaniel
Green, on his way from Georgia to his home in New Hampshire at
the close of tbe Eevolutionary 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. Be
fore learing for bis new fleld Gen. Gates bad an interview with
Gen. Charles Lee — who was then without a command — in Freder
icksburg, when Gen. Lee charged him in parting, "Beware tbat
your northern laurels do not change to southern willows." Gen.
Gates went to bis field of operation, met with disaster, and was
relieved by Gen. Green; and it is worthy of note tbat Gen. Gates
left Fredericksburg for his southern command, and Gen. Green
passed through Fredericksburg when be 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
AVinchester; Col. Wm. Washington, of Stafford, and Col. Henry
Lee, of Westmoreland county — Gen. Eobert E. Lee's father and
known as "Light Horse Harry." With these brave men Green
[251 ]

253 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
succeeded in driving the British before bim and subduing the
Tories, thus restoring peace and quiet to that panic-stricken people,
and greatly endearing bim to all patriots. In grateful recognition
of his services the State of Georgia gave bim a magnificent farm
and residence, and on bis return from the South to bis home, in New
Hampshire, be met with grand ovations all along tbe route. He
passed through Fredericksburg on the 13th of September, 1783.
A public meeting of tbe citizens was called, which adopted and
presented an address to the war-scarred hero. The masses gathered
to greet him, and tbe old soldiers, who bad just returned home
from victorious fields, went into ecstasy over him. Tbe following
is the address of tbe people cf Fredericksburg :
To the Honorable Major-General Green, Commander-in-Chief of
the Armies of the United States of America, in the Southern
Department:
Sir — AA'e, tbe inhabitants of the town of Fredericksburg, im
pressed with just sentiments of tbe importance of your singular ser
vices 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 tbat the absence of
tbe 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, tbat your own conscious merit will
give us credit, when we assure you tbat we now present you the
united thanks of this city for your zealous, important and success
ful 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 tbe 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 tbe possession of the American Laurel, a crown as splendid as
all tbe honors of a Eoman Triumph. We also beg leave to follow

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 353
you with our best wishes into domestic life. May you long enjoy
uninterrupted, under your vine, all the happiness of tbat 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.
Sept. 13, 1783. Charles Mortimer, Chairman.
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, bow 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 tbe best services is
the favorable opinion of our fellow citizens. Happy in your as
surances, 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,
Sept. 13, 1783. Nathaniel Green.
GEN. WASHINGTON VISITS HIS MOTHER.
In December, 1783, General Washington visited Fredericksburg.
He had just resigned bis commission of Commander-in-Chief of
tbe American Armies, and as a private citizen had come to visit
his mother and friends at his old home. He was tbe uncrowned
King of America, and was uncrowned only because be refused to
be cro-wned. He came with victory upon bis 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. Tbe military turned out, the civic societies paraded,
the cannon boomed and everybody went into raptures over his com
ing. The City Council was called together and the following ad-,
dress was adopted, amid the wildest enthusiasm, and presented
to the grand American:

354 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
To his Excellency, General Washington, late Commander-in-Chief
of the Armies of America:
SfR — AATiile applauding millions were offering you their warmest
congratulations of the blessings of peace and your safe return from
tbe hazards of tbe fleld, we, tbe 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 tbe cause
of liberty; a cause, sir, in which, by your examples and exertions,
with tbe aid of your gallant army, the virtuous citizens of this
western world are secured in freedom and independence, and al
though you have laid aside your official character, we cannot omit
this flrst opportunity you have given us of presenting, with un
feigned hearts, our sincere congratulations on your returning in
safety from tbe noisy clashing of arms to tbe walks of domestic
ease. And it affords us great joy to see you once more at a place
tbat claims the honor of your growing infancy, tbe seat of your
venerable and amiable parent and worthy relatives. We want lan
guage to express the happiness we feel on this occasion, which can
not be expressed but by superior acts (if possible) of the divine
favor. May tbe great and omnipotent Euler of all human events,
who, in blessing America, has conducted you through so many dan
gers, continue his favor and protection through tbe remainder of
your life in the happy society of an affectionate and grateful peo
ple. I have the honor to be, in behalf of tbe corporation, with
every sentiment of esteem and respect, your Excellency's most
bumble servant, William McWilliams, Mayor.
To this beautiful and appropriate address, the noble Washing
ton responded as follows:
To the Worshipful, the Mayor and Commonalty of the Corporation
of Frederichsburg : —
Gentlemen — With the greatest pleasure I receive in the char
acter of a private citizen, tbe honor of your address. To a benevo
lent Providence and the fortitude of a Brave and Virtuous army.
supported by tbe general exertion of our common country, I stand

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 355
indebted for the plaudits you now bestow. The reflection, bow-
ever, of having met the congratulating smiles and approbation of
my fellow citizens for the part I have acted in tbe cause of Liberty
and Independence cannot fail of adding pleasure to tbe 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* and tbe honorable mention which is made of my revered
mother, by whose maternal hand (early deprived of a Father,) I
was led to manhood. For tbe 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, G° Washington.
The ceremonies of this gala day were closed with a ball at tbe
market-bouse at night, which is known in history as tbe "peace
ball." At the special request of tbe 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 tbe floor and see tbe dancers, and
among them tbe kingly flgure of the Commander-in-Chief, who
led a Fredericksburg matron through a minuet."f
It will be noticed — and tbe fact will no doubt be treasured with
pride — tbat Washington, in bis reply to tbe address on this occasion,
alludes to Fredericksburg as tbe place of his "growing infancy,"

* 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 hav
ing been the residence of the Father of His Country during the days of his
childhood and youth." — P amphlet of Reception of Lafayette at Fredericks
burg, 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
flrst residence of our paternal chief, received the blessing of his venerated
mother, and ot his dear sister, your own respected parent." — Extract of Gen
eral Lafayette's reply to the above.
"The city of Fredericksburg — flrst residence of Washington — may she more
and more attain all the prosperity which independence, republicanism and in
dustry cannot fail to procure." Sentiment offered by Lafayette at a banquet
on the above occasion.
f Manly's Southern Literature.

356 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
which shows tbat, history and tradition to the contrary notwith
standing, be grew up in this town, where be was educated, and
where tbe hand of that revered mother led him to manhood, and
tbe address of Eobt. Lewis, nephew of Washington, to Gen. La
fayette makes tbe same claim.
GEN. Lafayette's last visit.
On the 37th day of November, 1834, Gen. Lafayette visited the
town and remained two days. He was Washington's right arm in
tbe Eevolutionary war, and was visiting for tbe last time tbe early
home of Washington, where be took affectionate farewell of Wash
ington's mother, in the early part of the year 1783, as he returned
to France. The General's coming was known some days before
hand 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 tbe procession, including
tbe volunteer companies from Fredericksburg, and thus be 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 tbe 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 with
out tbe aid of Lafayette. A public reception was held during the
day, when he was welcomed by Mayor Eobert Lewis, Washington's
nephew, and Lafayette's intimate friend, and thousands shook him
by tbe hand and -wished him a safe voyage home to bis own beloved
France. At night a ball was given in bis honor over the present market-
house, where hundreds gathered to do bim honor and contribute
to his pleasure. The next day being Sunday be visited the Masonic
Lodge, which was tbe mother lodge of bis "bosom friend," Wash
ington, enrolled his name as an honorary member, eulogized Wash
ington and attended services at St. George's Episcopal church.
On the following morning, with the same mounted escort, -vrith

Entrance to National Cemetery, erected on Willis's Hill, a portion
of the Marye Heights.
(See page 190)

The Superintendent's I^odge at the National Cemetery, constructed
of the stone taken from the famous "stone wall."
(See page 191)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 357
music and the booming of cannon, he departed for tbe Potomac
river, on his way to tbe city of Washington, with the best wishes
and earnest prayers of all tbe good people of Fredericksburg.
At the reception at tbe town ball 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 bim, which they did and notifled
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, 1835.
Dear Sir — I am much obliged to tbe 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 bis son. I beg your consort and yourself to accept my acknow
ledgement to you, my blessing upon tbe boy, and my good wishes
to the family. Most truly, yours,
To Fayette Johnston, Esq. Lafayette.
GEN. ANDREW JACKSON's VISIT.
The next hero to visit tbe town, that we mention, was tbe "Hero
of New Orleans," Andrew Jackson, President of tbe United States,
who, with most of his cabinet, came on the 7tb of May, 1833. Tbe
occasion was the laying of the comer-stone of tbe Mary Washington
monument, which Mr. Silas Burrows proposed to erect to her
memory. Tbe civic and military display was very imposing and
the crowd was well up into tbe thousands.
Military companies from Washington, Alexandria, Fauquier
county, and United States marines, and our own military com
panies, were in line, under the command of Col. John Bankhead,
of AATiite Plains, chief marshal. Col. John B. Hill was chief
architect of tbe monument. It was a great day in Fredericksburg.
DEDICATION OP MARY WASHINGTON MONUMENT.
The next occasion was tbe dedication of the Mary Washington
monument, erected by tbe Ladies' Mary Washington Monument
17

258 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
Associations, national and local, on the lOtb of May, 1894, sixty-
one years and three days after tbe 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 countrv, 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 tbe entire cabinet
and their wives, Vice-President Stevenson and Mrs. Stevenson,
United States Senators, Eepresentatives in Congress, Governor
O'Ferrall and his staff, two mem^bers of the Supreme Court of the
United States — Chief Justice Fuller and Justice Harlan — ^were
present. Tbe crowd was so immense tbat tbe 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 offi
cers, who candidly declared that they were always able to flnd a
Fredericksburger in every place of any size they had visited.
Capt. George Minor, who was bom and raised in Fredericksburg,
and who was a captain in tbe United States navy, and afterwards
in the Confederate navy, often related this curious fact, and stated
tbat it was positively true as to him in all bis travels both by land
and sea. In connection with this singular fact he related this inci
dent : Before tbe Civil war he sailed into tbe harbor of tbe city of
Honolulu, on tbe Hawaii islands, which have recently become a

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 259
part of the United States. He thought of this peculiarity of his
old home town, but felt confldent tbat no Fredericksburger could
be found in Honolulu, situated as it was away out in the Paciflc
ocean. He made his way to tbe city, and, after some delay, pro
cured a guide to conduct him about tbe place, who could speak
English. As they progressed on their rounds from place to place, tbe guide
pointing out places of note, giving an interesting history of tbe
place and people, their customs, habits and peculiarities, be found
himself very much interested in bis guide and bis narratives, and
wished to know something of bis history. So he asked him : "Are
you a native of Honolulu !" "No, sir," was tbe response of the
guide. "Well," continued the Captain, "where are you from?"
"I am from Fredericksburg, Virginia," answered tbe guide. "I
learned my trade of printer under Timothy Green, in tbe 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 flnd a Fredericksburg
man. THE SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC ENTERS TOWN.
The hospitality of tbe 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 tbe 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 tbe hospitalities of the to-wn,
at our private residences and in our public balls, and have found
language too poor to properly express their gratiflcation of the
warm welcome and tbe 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

360 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
its thirty-first annual reunion, in 1900, in tbe city of Fredericks
burg, as guests of the town. The society had never held a reunion
on southern soil, and it was deemed appropriate that its first meet
ing should be here, where they could meet and mingle with Con
federate veterans, where so many bloody battles were fought between
the two great armies of the Civil war.
It bad 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 oppor
tunity to visit again the historic grounds, over which they bad
fought, and view the country in times of peace. The City Council
caught the spirit and approved the suggestion, and on tbe 37th of
July, 1899, unanimously passed the following resolution:
"Eesolved by the Common Council of tbe city of Fredericksburg,
Virginia, That bis honor, the Mayor, be and be is hereby, author
ized and instructed to extend a cordial invitation to tbe Society of
the Army of the Potomac to hold its annual meeting for tbe year
1900 in this city, and to urge tbe 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 tbat year,
either in person or by a representative, and urge the society to
accept the invitation of the city authorities. Mayor Eowe, being
unable to attend tbe meeting of the body, requested Judge James
B. Sener to represent him, which he did, and presented tbe
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 tbe society and the
invitation was unanimously accepted.
Upon the information that its invitation bad been accepted, and
that May 35tb and 36th, 1900, were the days fixed for holding
the reunion, the Council appointed a reception committee of fifteen

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 361
— five of its own body and ten from tbe citizens, which was increased
by the committee itself to twenty — to make all the necessary ar
rangements and see tbat tbe members of tbe society, and tbe visi
tors 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. E. 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, chair
man, and Capt. S. J. Quinn, secretary, and the following gentle
men were associated with tbe committee : Capt. M. B. Eowe, 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 tbe banquet and lunch on tbe occasion, tbe committee
requested the services of the following ladies, who responded cheer
fully and did so nobly the parts assigned them tbat they merited,
and received, the hearty thanks of tbe 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. Cogbill, 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 Eoberta 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. Eichards, Miss Lena Eowe, Mrs..
Edward J. Smith, Mrs. E. Lee Stoffregen, Miss Bertha Strasburger,
Miss Sallie Lyle Tapscott, Mrs. W. Seymour AVhite, 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

363 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
John M. Griffin, Major T. E. Morris, James A. Turner and S. T.
Baggett, Jr., and escorted to Fredericksburg.
At half past ten o'clock on the morning of the 35th of May, most
of the members of tbe Society of tbe Army of the Potomac having
arrived, tbe procession was formed at tbe courthouse, the society,
under command of Gen. Horatio C. King, secretary, with the re
ception committee, Confederate veterans and citizens generally,
headed by Bowering's band, proceeded to tbe depot to meet the
presidential train. Col. E. D. Cole, chief marshal, with his aides,
Capt. Dan. M. Lee, John T. Leavell, A. P. Eowe, Jr., and W. J.
Jacobs, with a cordon of mounted police, had charge of the line.
At tbe depot an immense crowd of people had collected, and
when tbe train arrived there was a vociferous greeting to tbe Presi
dent and cabinet and Fighting (General) Joe Wheeler. The
presidential party consisted of President McKinley, his private
secretary, Cortelyou, Secretary Hay, Secretary Eoot, Attorney-
General Griggs, Postmaster-General Smith, Secretary Long, Secre
tary Hitchcock — every member of tbe cabinet except Secretary
Wilson — Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Commander-in-Chief of the Army,
bis aide. Col. Micbler, Lieut. Eobert S. Griffin, secretary to Secre
tary Long, Gen. Henry E. Tremain, Gen. W. J. Sewell, Gen. J.
W. Hawley and Gen. Joseph AATheeler.
Headed by tbe 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 tbe march the streets were thronged with citizens and visitors,
and the waving of handkerchiefs and cheering kept tbe President
constantly bowing to the right and left.
AATien the courthouse was reached the presidential party filed in,
followed by tbe 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.

CHAPTEE XVIII
Society of the Army of the Potomac Enters Town, continued.
AVhen this great crowd entered tbe 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 bad to be attended to, so be called tbe
large assembly to order, and announced that illness bad prevented
tbe attendance of Gen. D. McM. Gregg, president of tbe society, and
in bis absence Gen. Martin T. McMahon would preside in bis stead.
Dr. J. S. Dill, pastor of tbe Baptist church, was presented and
offered a most earnest prayer. Mr. St. Geo. E. Fitzhugh, who had
been selected by tbe 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 un
feigned pleasure tbat our entire community extends a cordial and
hearty welcome to the illustrious Chief Magistrate of our country,
who honors us with bis presence to-day. We recognize in our
President tbe pure patriot and the stainless statesman, whose wise
and courageous administration, in both war and peace, has endeared
him to tbe hearts of his countrymen and has shed new lustre upon
the exalted office which be fills.
Our people also welcome with much pride and warmth his emi
nent official family, and the brilliant commander of our invincible
army, and all these distinguished men before me, who are guests of
tbe Society of tbe 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 bold 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,
[ 263 ]

364 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
but we feel that this action on your part rises to tbe dignity of an
impressive epoch in our national life; and we are not surprised
tbat our illustrious President, and all these distinguished men,
should desire to grace this inspiring occasion with their presence.
It is tbe first time tbat your society has held one of its annual
reunions on southern soil, and, in making this new departure, it
was preeminently fit that you should honor Fredericksburg with
your choice.
A French philosopher has written, "Happy tbe people whose
annals are tiresome," but the far nobler and more inspiring thought
of tbe Anglo-Saxon race is that "chara.cter constitutes tbe true
strength of nations and historic glory their best inheritance."
As American citizens you are proud of tbe grand traditions
and heroic memories that crowd your country's history; and no
where 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 tbe
immortal names and deeds tbat this locality suggests should be
stricken from the annals of time, most of tbe 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
tbe 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 tbe exercise of poetic
license, that the struggle of tbe 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 tbat 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 tbe Lees of tbe Eevolution, of Patrick
Henry, of Henry Clay, of Matthew Maury and of Eobert E. Lee.
If we should extend tbe circle but a very, very little, it would also
embrace the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, of John Tyler,

A Tombstone in St. George's Churchyard, remarkable
for its date.
(See page 246)

Confederate Monument in Confederate Cemetery.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 265
of Winfleld Scott, and likewise the birthplace of this Eepublic at
Yorktown. Is there any other similar segment of space on the habitable globe
so resplendent with stars of tbe flrst magnitude !
Seven Presidents of tbe United States and three of tbe greatest
military leaders of modern times were born within two hours' ride
of this city, estimated according to tbe 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 na-vy. He was tbe flrst man who ever raised
our flag upon a national ship, and be struck terror to the heart
of the British na-vy by his marvellous naval exploits during the
Eevolution. It was right here tbat Washington's boyhood and youth were
spent, and tbat be was trained and disciplined for bis transcendent
career, and it was to tbe unpretending home of his mother, still
standing here — which you will visit — that Washington and La
fayette came when tbe war closed, to lay their laurels at ber feet;
and her ashes repose here, under a beautiful monument, erected
by the Daughters of tbe American Eevolution.
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 flfteen 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 ber wars of
a century; and more men were killed and wounded in four hours
at the battle of Fredericksburg than Great Britain bad lost in killed,
wounded and prisoners in ber eight months' war in South Africa.
AVhen the fog lifted its curtain from tbe bleak plains about
Fredericksburg on the morning of December 13, 1862, the sun
flashed down on a spectacle of terrible moral sublimity !

366 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
One hundred thousand Union veterans, with two hundred and
twenty cannon, were in "battle's magniflcently stern array," and in
motion, with nothing to obscure their serried ranks from the view
of their expectant adversaries, safely entrenched on the sloping
bills adjacent. Tbe 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 deflcient in both
strategic and tactical ability, and his most conspicuous merit seemed
to be bis perfect faith in the courage and invincibility of bis army.
General Burnside did not overrate the magniflcent courage and
sublime self-sacrifice of his army, whose contempt of death that day
on the open plains about Fredericksburg seemed to strike tbe elec
tric 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
tbe positions which, without inspection or information, he rashly
assailed, and he did underrate the valor of tbe men who held those
positions. The appalling magnitude of his mistake was soon ap
parent, alike to bis officers and his men, and yet column after
column of that devoted army advanced, without a halting step, to
tbe carnival of death, over a plain swept by the ceaseless and terri
ble 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, tbat "not a
chicken could live there when his guns were opened."
No honors awaited tbe daring of these heroes tbat day; no
despatch could give their names to tbe 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 367
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 tbe
sacriflce they cheerfully made. Tell me whether the majestic
memorial, which tbat splendid old veteran, General Butterfield,
proposes to erect on the plains of Fredericksburg, to perpetuate tbe
fame of tbe Fifth corps, will not commemorate a higher type of
heroism than any similar memorial to that corps on tbe heights
about Gettysburg 1 Tell me whether there was not more courage
and more manhood required to assail Marye's Heights than to bold
Cemetery Hill !
The charge of Pickett's Division at Gettysburg was far grander,
even with its dreadful recoil, than was tbe defence of tbe stone
wall at Eredericksburg ; and tbe heroes of the former deserve more
of their country than do tbe latter.
Napoleon, after tbe battle of Austerlitz, addressing his army,
said: "Soldiers, it will be enough for one of you to say, 'I was at
tbe 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 Spotsyl
vania Courthouse were not only brave men, but tbat their valor
on those immortal fields decorated tbe Stars and Stripes with
imperishable glory. And no American army of the future, com
posed of those who wore tbe blue and the gray, or their descendants,
will ever permit that glory to be tarnished !
It was the brilliant prowess of tbe Confederate army on tbe bat
tlefields of Spotsylvania tbat 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 bis fame as a great com
mander, 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 Court-

268 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
bouse to Petersburg, with a loss of tens of thousands of his brave
troops, when be might have transferred his army by transports to
the shadow of tbe Confederate capital without tbe loss of a man.
Grant knew that tbe destruction of Lee's army, and not the cap
ture of Eichmond, was the profoundest strategy. The Army of tbe
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 tbe
French Emperor, Louis Napoleon, and 86,000 French soldiers,
neither footsore nor hungry, surrendered, and for tbe plain reason
that no such confiicts 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 culmi
nation of tbe courage and carnage of those fields.
It was the conspicuous characteristic of both tbe 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 tbe great battles of tbe Civil war,
whatever fortune may have decreed as to its temporary result.
It is noteworthy, above almost any other events of history, tbat
the two most memorable and momentous struggles in which tbe
Anglo-Saxon race has embarked, both closed on tbe soil of Virginia,
a century apart, by the surrender of one Anglo-Saxon army to an
army of tbe same race, and without tbe 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 tbe doctrine of secession and the institution of slavery per
ished and a more perfect union than our fathers made was estab
lished. Secession and slavery perished on Virginia soil, and he'r people.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 369
though impoverished by tbe 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 tbat such moral
heroism and sublime self-sacrifice as they exhibited could be born
of other than conscientious conviction !
If tbe South was, by a wise providence, denied in tbat grand strug
gle tbe honor of final triumph, ber 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, tbe President and his cabinet heartily and enthusias
tically joining in tbe applause, and when he closed tbe demon
stration was kept up for several minutes.
Gov. Tyler was then introduced and welcomed tbe veterans to
Virginia, and assured them tbat when their visit to Fredericksburg
was ended, Eichmond, the Capital of the Confederacy, awaited them
with extended hands and outstretched arms. Gen. McMahon re
sponded in a short address, full of harmony and good feeling, and
introduced Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, the orator of tbe 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 tbe
Opera House. After lunch the visitors and citizens marched to
Mr. Fitzhugh's residence, where tbe President held a reception and
where several thousand people greeted and shook him by tbe hand.
The procession then formed and marched to tbe National ceme
tery, to witness the laying of tbe corner-stone of tbe 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 Fredericks
burg and vicinity.
The Masonic ceremonies were in charge of Lodge No. 4, A. F.
and A. M. In accepting tbe invitation to preside on the interesting
occasion. Gen. Horatio C. King said:

270 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
1 deeply appreciate tbe honor of being asked to preside on this
most interesting occasion, and in presence of tbe honored Chief
Magistrate and the members of bis official family. I recall with
pride the fact tbat I first saw the light of Masonry in tbe Blue
Lodge at Winchester, in this magnificent State, in 1864, when I
was a soldier in the great war, and tbat 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 bis presence, our President, was also initiated at or about
the same time in the same lodge, and that he has also held fast to
tbe tenets of the organization through his lodge at his home in
Ohio. It is most fitting tbat this dedication should be made by this
time-honored Fredericksburg Lodge, whose history antedates the
Eevolution 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 com
rades whom he so gallantly commanded, will shine through ages
to come on tbe pages of American history.
MASONIC CEREMONIES.
The ceremonies were then conducted by tbe Masonic Lodge, the
following officers, members and visitors being present and taking
part: Alvin T. Embrey, senior warden, acting worshipful master;
Eight AA^orsbipful James P. Corbin, senior warden pro tem; Wm.
H. Hurkamp, junior warden; Edgar M. Young, Jr., treasurer;
Eight Worshipful Silvanus J. Quinn, secretary; Maurice Hirsh,
senior deacon ; Allan Eandolph Howard, junior deacon ; Eev.
James Polk Stump, chaplain, and John S. Taliaferro, tiler ; Wor
shipful Brothers Albert B. Botts, James T. Lowery, Thomas N.
Brent, Isaac Hirsh.
Members: Joe M. Goldsmith, John Scott Berry, John E. Ber
nard, John C. Melville, Eobert A. Johnson, 0. L. Harris, James
Eoach, George A. Walker, A. Mason Garner, Wm. T. Dix, Wm.

History of Frede/ricksburg , Virginia 371
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.
Eowe. Visiting Masons : Most Worshipful J. Howard Wayt, P. G. M,
Staunton, Va.; Wm. D. Carter, 103, 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.
Tbe handsome silver trowel used in laying tbe corner-stone^ was
made by order of Gen. Butterfield for that occasioji and then to be
presented to the Masonic Lodge performing tbe service. After tbe
service of laying tbe corner-stone, Gen. Edward Hill, who spoke for
Gen. Butterfield, in an able address, presented tbe monument to the
Secretary of War to be kept, cared for and preserved by him and bis
successors in office, to which Secretary Eoot responded in a brief
and appropriate speech, accepting tbe monument and promising to
preserve it as requested. CAMP FIRE AT OPERA HOUSE.
At 8 o'clock in tbe 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. Euggles, 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 AVheeler and Private John T. Goolrick.
AVhen 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 look
ing over the records, that Moses AVheeler, more than 350 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.

373 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
JUDGE GOOLRICK's ADDRESS.
Judge Goolrick, who was introduced as the representative of the
Confederate veterans, and especially tbe 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 tbe gates of our city, and no man has a better right to bid
you come than myself — for, just after tbe surrender at Appomattox,
I was sitting on the roadside, weary and worn, foot-sore and hun
gry, 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 bis hand down
into his not overstocked haversack, gave me all bis rations of hard
tack and bacon, and immediately the gloom of defeat ceased to be
so oppressive, and tbe intense hunger, under which I had labored,
also ceased.. This act of good fellowship, under tbe 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 tbe representatives of tbat 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 tbe hearts of tbe
soldiers from tbe North and tbe South. Within the sound of
my voice Meagher's Irish Brigade immortalized itself by a charge
into tbe jaws of death, a charge in which tbe Irishman expressed
his loyalty to the land of bis adoption, and gave evidence of that
inborn bravery which has made his name illustrious all over the
world. Within this county — at Chancellorsville — the soldiers of the
South conquered in a battle where death pulsated tbe very air,
which was won by unparalleled bravery and matchless strategy,
though it cost the life of the southland's idolized Stonewall Jack
son, the very genius of the war. Here the two master military

St. Mary's Catholic Church.
(See page 214)

Shiloh Baptist Church, Old Site (colored.)
(See page 21.j)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 373
leaders met for the first time at tbe Wilderness, where was com
menced the march by parallel columns, which culminated in the
surrender of tbe Army of Northern Virginia, by our grand old com
mander, Lee, to the great and magnanimous Grant.
On these flelds Americanism, in its highest and holiest sense,
was illustrated and illuminated. Here a colossal column of men
marched to death, testifying thereby tbe very highest expression
of patriotism — love of country. For greater love bath no man
tbat this, tbat he lay down bis life for his friends. It is to this
spot you have come — a place which is, and should be, tbe 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 tbe blood of
the martyrs was tbe seed and tbe seal of tbe church, so the blood
and the bravery of tbe soldiers of tbe North and tbe South have
already cemented this Eepublic 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 bis 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 tbe battle was raging in front. Early
met him and asked him where be was going. "To the rear — to tbe
hospital department," said he. "AVhy not stay in tbe 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 oppor
tunity to go to heaven yourself, and you are dodging to the rear."
These men who want war and talk war now bad 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 tbe surrender a poor old soldier laid down to sleep, and he
slept a la Eip 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
18

374 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
Lee and bis army ?" "General Lee," replied tbe man ; why, he has
been dead many years; be surrendered bis army and then died."
"Ab!" said tbe private; "ah, then where are all tbe generals?"
"They," replied the man, "have been sent to Congress." "And
what has become of tbe colonels?" "Why, they have been elected
to tbe Legislature." "AATiat about tbe majors, captains and lieu
tenants?" "They have been made sheriffs and clerks and treas
urers." "AVhere, then, tell me, where in the world have the pri
vates gone ?" "The privates !" answered the man ; "why, they are
all dead." And the old soldier rolled his eyes back and fell asleep
again. If be were to awake again to-day his eyes would be glad
dened and his heart made happy by monuments erected in Vir
ginia's capital city, and elsewhere, to emphasize the love and rever
ence 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 tbe 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, bis uncoffined body would find sepulture in a name
less grave, and that be 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, be failed not nor faltered. He was in
spired by the very holiest and highest, because of an absolutely
unselfish sense of duty. He was moved by a purpose to serve his

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 375
country and its cause. He marched, battled and bivouacked because
his determination to do, dare and die, if needs be, for the flag undei:
which he served. AVhether under tbe 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 Appo
mattox. And members of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, ta
which tbat private belonged, and to which we of the Army of
Northern Virginia surrendered, I meet and greet you on your flrst
reunion south of the river whose name you bear. We of the South
-will ever cherish, ever pay tbe 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 tbe war is over. We
pay allegiance and bear full fealty to this great Eepublic of ours,.
and the men and tbe sons of the men who foUo-wed Lee and Jack
son 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 tbe 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 bis,
address, and at its close the cheering was loud and prolonged.
There was no business session of the society the next daiy and"
very many of the Union veterans visited the various battlefields..

376 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
The most of the society and visitors went to Eichmond on an
excursion tendered the society by Lee Camp, where they were met
and entertained by the Confederate veterans of tbat hospitable city.
Addresses were made on tbat occasion by Judge D. C. Eichardson,
Mayor Eichard M. Taylor, Gov. Chas. T. O'Ferrall and Attorney-
General A. J. Montague, of Eichmond, and Gen. Horatio C. King,
of New York, and Gen. Geo. D. Euggles, of Washington.
On the return of the excursionists from Eichmond a reception and
lunch were tendered them at tbe Opera House, where they were met
by a large number of the ladies and gentlemen of tbe 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 tbe society on tbe first evening the
following preamble and resolution, after very complimentary re
marks of tbe town and people, by many of the visitors, were en
thusiastically adopted :
Tbe reunion of the Society of the Army of tbe Potomac at Fred
ericksburg is of peculiar significance, and tbe generous sentiment
which prompted the invitation, meets with a hearty response from
every patriotic soldier of that great army. Every animosity en
gendered by tbe conflict is here buried with tbe more than one
hundred and twenty thousand gallant men who shed their blood and
sacriflced their lives in their heroic devotion to conviction and to
duty. The work done here is an imperishable record of the unsur
passed courage and bravery of the American soldier: therefore
be it —
Eesolved, That we tender to tbe civic authorities and citizens of
Fredericksburg, and especially to tbe efficient local executive com
mittee and Mr. St. Geo. E. Fitzhugh, our most hearty thanks for a
welcome that sustains, in the highest, tbe fame of Virginia hospi-

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 377
tality. The generous and unstinted courtesies of all will render
this reunion forever memorable, and the most pleasurable emotion
will always arise whenever tbe name of Fredericksburg is men
tioned. 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-flve 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:
Mt Dear Captain — Tbe 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 flrst meeting on the soil of tbe 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 Eich
mond, should be printed in letters of gold and circulated all over
the nation. Purer or more exalted patriotism has never been ex
pressed. To the thanks already extended I desire to add my personal obli
gations 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 es
pecially 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 super'abundant and delightful lunch
so gracefully prorided by your people and so charmingly distri
buted by your ladies.
Indeed, I cannot find words to express our gratitude for a recep
tion so complete as not to have elicited a single complaint or criti
cism. We can never forget it or the good people who carried the
reunion to unqualified success.

378 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT m'KINLET.
Visiting Fredericksburg in May, to attend tbe meeting of the
Society of the Army of tbe Potomac, and take part in laying the
corner-stone of the Butterfield monument, where be 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 unpar
alleled prosperity. In September, 1901, be visited tbe exposition at
Buffalo, N. Y., where, while holding a reception on the 6th of Sep
tember, he was assassinated in the midst of tbe 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 tbe sorrowful intelligence.
and the following preamble and resolutions were adopted, and
telegraphed Mrs. McKinley, which were the first adopted and
received by ber from any quarter :
"AATiereas, 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, where
as, we rejoice to learn by the latest telegram tbat bis physicians
express the firm belief he will survive the wounds inflicted, there
fore —
Eesolved, by the Mayor and Common Council of the city of Fred
ericksburg, 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 tbe full extent of the
law. 3nd, That we tender our profoundest sympathy to Mrs. McKin
ley 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 279
3rd, That our worthy Mayor be requested to communicate by wire
this action of the Council to Mrs. McKinley."
Notwithstanding tbe 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. Tbe monster murderer was an anar
chist 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 tbe 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 tbe 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 bis expressions of gratification at being with us, and
this tribute to his memory is to testify and further emphasize our
sincere sorrow at bis death. It is therefore —
Eesolved, That the public buildings of this city be draped in
mourning for thirty days; tbat during the hour of the funeral
service that the bells of the city be tolled, and tbat 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.
Eesolved, That a copy of these resolutions, with our expressions
of sympathy in this hour of ber great bereavement, be forwarded
to Mrs. McKinley, widow of our distinguished President, signed by
the Mayor, and attested by tbe clerk, under the seal of this city.
This action of tbe Council was one of the few tbat Mrs. McKinley
personally responded to. To it she promptly replied, erincing her
grateful appreciation, with tbe tenderest expressions, for the sym
pathy tendered to her in her great sorrow. The memorial services
were held in St. George's church, the day of tbe funeral, conducted
by the city pastors, Dr. T. S. Dunaway, delivering the address.

CHAPTEE XIX.
Dr. Walher's Exploration — Bacon's Rebellion, so-called — The
Frederichsburg Declaration — The Great Orator — Resolutions
of Separation fi-om Great Britain — Virginia Bill of Bights, &c.
It has been said, probably by tbe facetious or perhaps by the en
vious — for such are to be found in all communities — tbat Vir
ginians are noted for their bragging — tbat find them where you
may, at home surrounded by friends and companions, or abroad
among strangers and aliens — bragging is their distinguishing char
acteristic. 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 tbat they really have something to boast of in tbe patrio
tism, endurance, sacrifices and achievements of a glorious ancestry.
If tbe 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 Vir
ginia, who have lived in Fredericksburg and within a radius of
sixty or seventy-flve miles of Fredericksburg, and show tbat in the
extension of the borders of our infantile country, in protecting the
settlers from the ravages of the brutal savages, in agitating, foster
ing and demanding the rights of tbe people, in opposing and resist
ing the unjust laws and oppressions, usurpations and unreasonable
exactions of sordid and wicked rulers, in tbe separation, by solemn
resolutions and declarations of this country from Great Britain,
in uniting and defending the colonies and in achieving the inde
pendence of tbe country, in forming and administering the govern
ment, in numbering it with tbe family of the nations of the earth,
and placing it upon the high road to prosperity and national great
ness, Virginians were ever in the van, and others followed their
[ 380 ]

The present Postoffice Building at Fredericksburg.
(See page 16."il

Tombstone marking grave of William Paul, brother of Commodore
John Paul Jones, in St. George's burial ground.
(See nage 237)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 381
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 tbat 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 Fredericks
burg may be placed, where it rightly belongs, as the most historical
spot in the most historical State in this great nation, tbat will soon,
if it does not now, dominate tbe nations of tbe earth and fully jus
tify her sons in recounting their deeds, if it shall be termed brag
ging- DR. walker's EXPLORATION.
It was Dr. Thomas Walker, of Albemarle county, a Virginian,
who, with flve companions, in 1750, explored tbe 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 tbe Duke of Cumber
land, and then crossed over the country to the head waters of the
Kentucky river and gave it its name, which furnished a name for
tbat great and prosperous State.
BACON RESISTS OPPRESSION.
It was Nathaniel Bacon, of Henrico county, a Virginian, who flrst
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 bis United States History Dr. Ho-wison says: "In the great
declaration adopted by them in 1776, just one hundred years after
the movements under Bacon, we flnd embedded not less than five
principles among the most weighty and potent that justified the
overthrow of tbe English rule, all five of which were in active move
ment to produce the uprising of tbe Virginia people in 1676.
These five principles were :
1. The right to ciril and religious liberty — life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness' ;

282 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 tbe powers of their govern
ment' ;
5. Which had 'excited domestic insurrections among them and
had endeavored to bring on tbe inhabitants of their frontiers the
merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undis
tinguished 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 tbat Bacon
did, states that a large council was held on Bacon's premises in
May, at which Bacon charged that tbe 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 tbe 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 tbe bare word of an Indian
against an Englishman; tbat the Governor is monopolizing the
beaver trade in violation of law; that the traders at tbe 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 bad 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 tbe arrangement against any power
that should be sent out of England, until it was granted that the

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 283
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 tbe lead being found, tbe 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 tbe charge of treason. Thomas
Matthews, said to be a son of Gov. Matthews, and who at that time
represented Stafford county in tbe House of Burgesses, was' ap
pointed by Bacon to the command of all the forces in this part of
Virginia, but be 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 tbe authorities would exhume the
body and subject it to indignities, the place of his burial was kept
a secret. Bacon's effort for tbe 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, tbat 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 com
mitted by Gov. Dunmore in remoring the gun powder from the pub
lic magazine. Some regard this act as tbe beginning of the great
revolution in tbe colonies. It was to prepare tbe people for any
breach of the law or outrage upon tbe people's rights, which had been
threatened by the authorities at Williamsburg, and commenced in

384 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
the gunpowder act, tbat the Fredericksburg resolutions were
adopted, and the great pity is they were not handed down to suc
ceeding generations and preserved as tbe first Declaration of In
dependence since the days of Bacon. In referring to these resolu
tions. 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 tbe
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 tbe 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 tbe blank leaf of an old law-book five resolutions
which he offered to tbe House. They were a strong protest against
the course of Parliament. Tbe third declared that taxation by the
people themselves, or their representatives duly chosen, was an
essential characteristic of British freedom. Tbe last resolution
was in these words :
" 'Eesolved, therefore, tbat the General Assembly of this colony
have the sole right and power to lay taxes and impositions upon
the inhabitants of this colony; and tbat 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 Ean
dolph 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 tbe heat of the debate oc
curred a memorable scene. Patrick Henry reached a climax.
'Caesar,' he cried, 'bad bis Brutus ; Charles the First, bis Cromwell,
and George the Third' — ^'Treason' ! burst from the lips of the presi-

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 385
dent. '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, Eichmond. 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 tbe
waters of Virginia and armed soldiers quartered within ber towns,
still hoped that the evils complained of could be remedied by com
promise. "Henry did not think so, and he was unwilling to sit down
quietly until it would be too late to prepare for defense. He sub
mitted a set of resolutions, calling attention to the presence of
British armies and tbe 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 pur
pose." Tbe 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. Eising 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 tbe 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 some
thing 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 com
ing on. We have petitioned — we have remonstrated — ^we have

386 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
supplicated — we have prostrated ourselves before the throne and
have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of
tbe 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 spumed
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 inriolate 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 flght ! 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 tbe 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 con
test. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our
chains are forged; their clanking may be heard on tbe 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 tbat sweeps from the North
will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren
are already in the field. AVhy stand we here idle ? What is it that
gentlemen wish ? AATiat would they have? Is life so dear or peace
so sweet as to be purchased at tbe 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. Tbe feelings it excited were
too deep for applause; but there was no longer any hesitation or
division of opinion. Tbe proposal of Henry was adopted, and, in
a short time, Virginia was alive with military preparation.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 387
There are two prophesies in this eloquent speech which were ful
filled; one was tbat 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 tbe other was tbat 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 tbe 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 tbe colonies and instructing the Virginia delegation
to tbe General Congress to vote for a declaration of separation
from Great Britain. These resolutions were heartily indorsed by
tbe troops that had assembled at Williamsburg, and even by those
leading Virginians who so strongly condemned Patrick Henry's
first great speech.
It was Eichard Henry Lee, of Westmoreland county, a A^irginian,
who offered, in the Colonial Congress, tbe resolution that embodied
the views expressed in the Pendleton resolutions, and which brought
forth the Declaration of Independence. The resolution was sub
mitted 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 dis
solved." 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 pre
pare 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. Jeffereon sent bim the original copy of the draft and also the

388 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
amendments for his inspection, and wrote bim : "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 A^irginian, who -wrote the Virginia Bill of Eights and the
Constitution of Virginia. The fact tbat 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 tbat 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 en
hanced 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 Eights was based upon the English
Bill of Eights of 1689, yet that bill only asserted the right of sub
jects 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 tbe 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 bad to cease.
These things called for a different kind of paper from the
English Bill of Eights and tbe times necessitated different demands
than were made calling forth tbe bill of 1689. A paper was needed
setting forth the rights of freemen and providing for the govern
ment of freemen, and it is asserted tbat the Bill of Eights was
a pattern for tbe Declaration of Independence, while tbe Consti
tution was tbe first one that was written for the government of a
free and independent people in all the past history of the world.
The Bill of Eights was adopted by tbe Virginia Convention on
tbe 13th of June, 1776, after it had been thoroughly discussed for
several days. It was written for Virginia and did not apply to

Public School Building (colored.)
(See page 144)

The Butterfield Monument. "In honor of the Fifth Army Corps,
and also to the valor of every American Soldier."
Gen. Butterfield.
(See page 269)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 389
the other colonies, yet it is so complete in all its parts we are told
that other State constitutions, in defining tbe rights of the citizen,
largely followed tbe 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.
3. Tbat 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 tbe com
mon benefit, protection and security of the people, nation or com
munity; of all tbe various modes and forms of government,
that is best, which is capable of producing tbe 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 sepa
rate emoluments or privileges from the community, but in con
sideration 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 tbe members thereof may be re
strained from oppression, by feeling and participating in the bur
dens of tbe 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
19

390 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
and regular elections, in which all, or any part of tbe former mem
bers, 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 attach
ment 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 riglits, and ought not to be exercised.
8. That in all capital or criminal prosecutions, a man bath the
right to demand tbe cause and nature of his accusation, to be con
fronted 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
bis vicinage, without whose unanimous consent he cannot be found
guilty; nor can he be compelled to give evidence against himself;
tbat no man be deprived of his liberty, except by the law of the
land or tbe judgment of bis peers.
9. That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive
fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments infiicted.
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 be
tween man and man, the ancient trial by jury of twelve men is pre
ferable to any other, and ought to be held sacred.
13. That tbe freedom of the press is one of tbe great bulwarks
of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.
13. Tbat a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the
people, trained to arms, is tbe 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

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 391
should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civU
power. 14. Tbat 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
tbe limits thereof.
15. Tbat no free government, or tbe 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 tbe 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 tbe free exercise of religion, according to the
dictates of conscience ; and that it is the mutual duty of all to prac
tise Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other.

CHAPTEE 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 tbe smallest possible space,
and preserved to perpetuate their memory and honor their descend
ants through all coming time. It was Thomas Jefferson, of Albe
marle county, a Virginian, who wrote tbe Declaration of Inde
pendence, tbat struck tbe shackles of servitude from tbe people of
this country, and proclaimed the United Colonies a new-born na
tion, free and independent. JEFFERSON AND THE DECLARATION.
A lineal descendant of Thomas Jefferson, three generations re
moved. Judge John E. Mason, thus writes on these subjects, for this
publication :
"Some years before tbe Eevolutionary war, the colony of Virginia
bad become restless under British dominion. There had been, here
and there, open expressions of discontent, and a growing resent
ment, 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 tbe colonies, public
•opinion here was ripe to break down tbe old barriers, and to resist,
with force, the power of England.
"Among those who bad taken a most active part in moulding pub
lic sentiment was Thomas Jefferson, who, because of his extreme
views in antagonizing every element of English ideas, and its gov
ernment as based upon an aristocracy, has sometimes been called
[ 292 ]

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 393
the 'Great Commoner.' Whether he, more than others, who were
upon tbe stage of action at that time, is entitled to the name, those
who know his history must be tbe judge ; but certain it is, be 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, tbe delegates from the counties and
cities of tbe Colony of Virginia, met in convention at its capi-
tol in Williamsburg, Edmund Pendleton presiding. During this
convention certain resolutions were reported from committee by
Archibald Cary, which were unanimously adopted by tbe one hun
dred and twelve members present. The first of these resolutions —
said to have been proposed by Thomas Nelson, and drawn as re
ported by Edmund Pendleton, but no doubt the work of both —
after reciting certain grievances against the mother country, de
clared tbat the 'delegates appointed to represent the colony in the
General Congress, be instructed to propose to tbat respectable body
to declare tbe 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 7tb day of June, 1776, the gifted Eichard
Henry Lee, from this section, in obedience to instructions, offered
the same resolution, which had been adopted by the Virginia Con
vention — 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 Vir
ginians, and its answer was the Declaration of Independence.
"The debate began on this resolution on tbe Sth of June, but on
the 10th, it having developed that five colonies north of the Potomac
were not ready to vote, tbe final decision was then postponed until
the first day of July. In the meahtime 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 bis wife, and was not on the committee. The committee
was not appointed by tbe presiding officer, but was elected by ballot

294 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
by Congress, and Jefferson, having received the highest number of
votes cast, was its chairman. Its work was completed by tbe 38th
of June. The Declaration of Independence was, on that date, re
ported to the House by Jefferson, and was then read and ordered to
lie on tbe table. The A^'irginia resolution was carried in tbe affirm
ative, in tbe Committee of the Whole July 1st. On the 3nd 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 Vir
ginia resolution.
"The committee, elected to draft the Declaration of Independ
ence, consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin
Franklin, Eoger Sherman and Eobert E. Livingston. Mr. Jeffer
son drew the Declaration of Independence at the request of the
other members of tbe 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 tbe same.
Many members vere conservative, while Jefferson was radical.
They had in view chiefiy independence and freedom; Jefferson
had tbe same opinions, but even then contemplated a complete
revolution in tbe existing conditions — for anything which, in tbe
slightest degree, partook of tbe nature of tbe government of Great
Britain, her customs or traditions, was odious to bim. 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; tbat all men are created
equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalien
able rights,' * * * i^- 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 tbe wonderful infiuence
'these truths' would have in forming constitutions and shaping
legislation. State and national, provided tbe British were beaten on
the field of battle.
"It is worthy of note that tbe Declaration of Independence, as it
came from his hands, suffered little change, except in two instances.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 295
He inserted in the original draft what might be called an emanci
pation 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 Vir
ginia would, years before, have prohibited bad 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 tbe
sovereignty of the people ; in the equality of all men before tbe law,
based upon constitutional rights, restrictions and limitations, made
by tbe wisdom of tbe 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 tbe strict adherence to tbe 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. Tbe 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 be retired from Congress, in 1776, to become a
member of the Virginia Legislature, he presented, in the session
of that year, a bill for tbe revisal of the laws of tbe 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 al
ways agreeing and voting together, and Pendleton, of all, being the
most unwilling to depart from tbe old conditions, except, to tbe
astonishment of the committee, be proposed a new system, that all

296 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
common law and equity jurisprudence, which had received tbe sanc
tion 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 bad agreed on measures and propositions,
and the general outline of tbe system to be pursued, Mason and
Lee, having given the other members the beneflt of their advice,
retired from further participation in its labors, because they were
not lawyers, and left the work to be done by tbe other three mem
bers, who then divided it, and completed tbe 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 tbe repeal of the laws of entail, the abolition
of primogeniture, tbe establishment of a system of public education,
and the act for tbe establishment of religious freedom. These four
bills, be himself afterwards said, he 'considered as forming a sys
tem by which every flbre would be eradicated of ancient, or future,
aristocracy, and a foundation laid for a government truly repub
lican.' "To use his own language again, 'the repeal of the laws of entail
would prevent tbe accumulation and perpetuation of wealth in
select families and preserve the soil of tbe 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 tbe 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, bis friend, whose candor, great
ability and benevolence in all these struggles won bis admiration.
"It was Pendleton, who, when be found the old law could not
prevail, suggested that the Hebrew principle be adopted, by which

The Old Planters' Hotel. The stone in front was used as a
"stand" for slaves -when hired or sold
at public "outcry."
(See page 16.->)

The Opera House. It occupies the ground of the bank and
other buildings burnt at the bombardment,
December 11, 1862.
(See page 2691

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 297
the eldest son should inherit double tbe amount of real estate which
would descend to the heirs of tbe ancestor. Tbe reply of Jefferson
-was characteristic and terse— 'I observed,' he says, 'that if tbe
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 bis brothers and sisters,
he should be on a par also in the partition of tbe patrimony.'
"The statute of descents in Virginia was drawn by bim — a statute
which has justice and 'natural right' in every line, and so clear
and perspicuous is it, tbat in all these years only one serious ques
tion has been raised regarding it, calhng 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 : tbe flrst, establishing elementary free schools for all children ;
tbe second, for colleges; and the third, for the highest grade of
sciences. Only tbe first of these was passed by tbe Assembly, and
before this was done it was so amended that it could not be opera
tive unless tbe county courts so decided. Now, as tbe 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 tbe 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 tbe
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 Eevolutionary 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, tbe 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 — tbe more know
ledge 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.

398 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
"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 tbe people of Virginia,
until now a system, backed by a sound public sentiment, is estab
lished 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 tbat when the State shall have fully
recovered from tbe wreck and havoc of tbe Civil war, tbat a com
plete and thorough system will be established, such as that which
was flrst proposed by Jefferson, and the people of the State will re
joice to see it done.
"No more important measure was proposed to the committee
which met in Fredericksburg, on the 13tb 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. Tbe fact tbat 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'
bad 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 tbe
law of the land until 1785.
"In making bis fight for religious freedom, the courage, the
persistence and tbe power of this statesman shone in all their
splendor. We consider this as bis 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 tradi
tion had woven a peculiar sanctity, and be who would lift his band
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 mem
bers, 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 tbat
freedom of conscience was one of tbe 'inalienable and natural

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 399
rights,' with a boldness, which all must commend; with a persis
tence, which all must admire, he headed the forces which took the
last citadels of monarcbial institutions and leveled them to the
ground, thus forever separating church and State and eliminating
tbe 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 tbe 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 interpreta
tion in exact conformity to all theories of the newly formed gov
ernment. "This act for the establishment of religious freedom is not only
a monument to bim, as a liberator of men, but its elegant diction,
its easy and smoothly fiowing style, show bis 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 tbe 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 tbe 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 Fredericskburg, who led the American armies in the
Eevolutionary war and gained American independence. He Avas

300 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
called the "Great and Good Washington." He was truly great.
He was great in the eyes of Americans ; be was great in tbe eyes of
bis opposing enemies; be 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 tbe "traditional Washington" must give place to the
new Washington. Eeferring 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 tbe story of the father of this
country; but in another sense, tbe idea of a new Washington is
wrong. He cannot be discovered anew, because there never was but
one Washington."
As to tbe 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 tbe present day. France has always revered bis name.
In distant lands, people who have hardly heard of tbe United
States know tbe name of Washington. Nothing could better show
the regard of tbe 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, frag
ments 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. Tbe 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 tbat his name has reached further than we
can comprehend."
Speaking of the Declaration of Independence, Maury says:

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 301
"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 JONFS.
It was John Paul Jones, a Fredericksburg man, who raised the
first flag over our infant navy, and the flrst to throw our National
flag — ^the Stars and Stripes — to the breeze of heaven. The Na
tional Portrait Gallery, volume 1, giving a short sketch of Jones's
life, says : "On the organization of tbe infant navy of tbe United
States, in 1775, John Paul Jones received the appointment of flrst
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 rattle
snake coiled on a yellow ground, with tbe motto, 'Don't tread on
me,' which is yet partially retained in the seal of tbe war-office.
* * * By tbe resolution of June 14, 1777, he was appointed
to the Eanger, newly built at Portsmouth — a second instance of tbe
kind — ^had the honor of hoisting for the flrst time the new flag of
the Stars and Stripes." HEADS OF THE ARMY AND NAVY.
It was Fredericksburg that gave to the country tbe head of tbe
armies of the United States in the great war for independence, in
the person of the peerless Washington, and also furnished tbe great
est naval commander of tbat war in the person of the dauntless
John Paul Jones. In addition to Washington, the small town of
Fredericksburg sent to tbe fleld during tbe great Eevolution flve
other generals — Gen. Hugh Mercer, Gen. George Weedon, Gen.
Wm. Woodford, Gen. Thomas Posey and Gen. Gustavus B. Wal
lace, 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

303 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
county, who gave that wonderful instrument, tbe Constitution of
the United States, to tbe country, tbat 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. Eichardson, 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 bis fame is to endure. His act and policy
in the framing of the marvellous instrument, the constitution of our
country, bis matchless advocacy of it with bis voice and pen, and
his adherence to its provisions at all times and in all exigencies,
obtained for bim the proudest title ever bestowed upon a man, the
title of the 'Father of tbe Constitution.' It is for this 'act and
policy' be will be remembered by posterity."
JUDGE WALLACE ON THE CONSTITUTION.
Hon. A. Wellington Wallace, at one time Judge of tbe Corpora
tion Court of Fredericksburg, contributes for this work the follow
ing 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 tbe constitu
tional 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 Washing
ton, Eichard Henry Lee, James Madison, Patrick Henry, John
Blair, George Wythe, Edmund Eandolph, and George Mason, tbe
deputies appointed by Virginia to frame the Federal Constitution,
were natives of this territory.
"The inspiration given to tbe men of the age when our constitu
tion was framed, was a wonder to the world. No nation bad ever at
tempted by a written paper to provide a fundamental basis for
government to last for all time and to provide for every emergency

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 303
which might arise. The British Constitution, which had been
the maternal chart of government before the Eevolution, was a
collective name 'for tbe principles of public policy on which the
government of tbe United Kingdom was based. It was not formu
lated in any document, but the gradual development of the poli
tical 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 tbe
territory around Fredericksburg, was inaugurated a departure from
tbe 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
tbe civilized world.
"As has been stated in this chapter, the Constitution of Vir
ginia, of 1777, drawn by George ' Mason, was tbe first written
constitution. Subsequently, the several colonies tbat revolted
against Great Britain, entered into written articles of confederation
for tbe common defense and for government in time of war, but
when tbe independence of tbe 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 exe
cutive authorities, were not fully and effectually vested in tbe
Federal Union ; so it became necessary that tbe freed colonies should
either become weak, independent sovereignties, or should be bound
together by stronger obligations, and, that for tbe general welfare,
tbe separate sovereignties should surrender certain rights and pow
ers to central control. With a view to this object, on the 31st 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
tbe city of Annapolis, Maryland, as the place of meeting.

304 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
"Edmund Eandolph, James Madison and Saint George Tucker
attended, representing Virginia, and, as a result of this conference
a convention was called of all tbe States, to be held in Philadelphia,
on the 35th day of May, 1787, and to that convention Virginia
sent tbe deputies mentioned before in this paper, and, of these
deputies, George Washington was chosen president of the assembled
body. An extended account of tbe proceedings of that convention
would be inappropriate in this brief narration. It is sufficient
to state tbat the convention adjourned, having completed its work
on the 17th day of September, following its meeting, and that while
all tbe Virginia delegates assisted in the work of the convention,
only three of tbe delegates, George Washington, James Madison
and James Blair, signed the Constitution.
"Tbe Constitution went into effect on the 4tb day of March, 1789,'
although George Washington, the flrst President of tbe United
States under it, was not inaugurated until tbe 13th day of April' —
eleven of tbe thirteen States having ratifled it, tbe others. North
Carolina and Ehode Island, not ratifying, the former until Novem
ber 21, 1789, and the latter until May 39, 1790.
"Tbe Constitution is a document comprised in seven original
articles and fifteen amendments. Of tbe original articles the first
deals with tbe legislative body, prescribing the mode of election to
the House of Eepresentatives and the Senate, tbe qualifications of
members, tbe method by which bills shall be passed, and those sub
jects on which Congress shall be qualified to act. The second re
lates to the Executive Department, prescribing tbe method of elec
tion and qualifications and duties of tbe President. Tbe third re
lates to the Judicial Department, providing for tbe Supreme Court
and such other inferior courts as Congress may think necessary.
Tbe fourth deals with tbe relations of the Federal Government
and the separate States, and provides for the admission of new
States. Tbe fifth relates to tbe power and method of amendments
to tbe Constitution; tbe sixth to tbe National Supremacy, and tbe
seventh to tbe establishment of tbe government upon the ratifica
tion of the Constitution by nine of tbe States.
"The amendments, according to one of tbe methods provided.

Shiloh Baptist Church, New Site f colored.)
(See page 21.5)

Th9 Church of God and Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ
(colored.)
(See page 216)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia ' 305
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 tbe Civil war, under acts of 1865,
1868 and 1870. Tbe most important of tbe amendments are tbe
twelfth, which changed tbe 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 tbe 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. "This is an epitome of the Constitution of the United States, by
virtue of which tbe government has been maintained to tbe present
time; and tbe principles laid down therein were, to a very large
extent, tbe suggestions of the men we have mentioned from tbe
locality of Fredericksburg. The Eepublic based upon this Consti
tution was an experiment, but it has, for more than a century,
withstood the most terrific shocks of tbe most troublous times. It
has waged foreign wars successfully; wild party spirit has always
been foiled in efforts to undermine it; tbe bloodiest internecine
strife in tbe 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 tbe seas, and tbe protecting segis of tbe 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 tbe grandest and greatest compendium
of principles that had ever emanated from the brain, or been writ
ten down by tbe pen, of man."
20

CHAPTEE 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&c.
This chapter is taken up with a continuation and conclusion of
the subjects of the last two chapters — tbat 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 Fred
ericksburg; therefore no farther introduction to the chapter is
necessary. FIRST THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION.
It was Eichard 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 tbe govern
ment, had moved from Lancaster, in Pennsylvania, where it bad
gone for safety, to York, in tbe same State, then containing about
1,500 inhabitants. At that time tbe chief cities in the country
were in the hands of the enemy^ except Eichmond and Savannah,
and the American army — again defeated at Germantown — retreat
ing 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 tbe decision of the French government to aid the Ameri
cans in their struggle for liberty, and issued the first national
thanksgiving proclamation.
The President of Congress appointed Eichard Henry Lee, of
306 ]

History of Frederichsburg , Virginia 307
Virginia, with Samuel Adams, of Massachusetts, and Gen. Eober-
deau, 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 tbe indispensable duty of all men to adore
tbe superintending providence of Almighty God, to acknowledge,
with gratitude, their obligations for benefits received, and to im
plore such further blessings as they stand in need of; and it having
pleased him, in bis abundant mercy, not only to continue to us the
many blessings of bis common providence, but also to smile upon us
in the prosecution of just and necessary war, for tbe defence and
establishment of our rights and liberties; particularly that be 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 tbe 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 tbat together, with their sincere acknowledg
ments, they may join in a penitent confession of their manifold
sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their bumble and
earnest supplication may be tbat 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 bless
ings on tbe government of these States, respectively, and to prosper
the public council of the whole United States ; to inspire our com
manders, both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wis
dom 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 tbe trade and manufactures of the people,
and tbe labor of the husbandman, that our land may yield its in
crease; to protect schools and seminaries of learning, so necessary

308 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
for cultivating tbe principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under
his nurturing band, and to prosper the means of religion for the
promotion and enlargement of the kingdom which consists of right
eousness, peace and joy in tbe Holy Ghost.
"It is further recommended tbat all servile labor and such recrea
tion as at other times innocent may be unbecoming tbe 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 tbe President of the Congress, Henry
Lawrens, of South Carolina, who bad just been elected to fill the
vacancy caused by tbe resignation of John Hancock, of Massachu
setts. THE WHISKEY REBELLION.
It was Henry Lee, of Westmoreland county, a Virginian, known
through the war for independence as "Light Horse Harry," who, in
1793, crushed out the Whiskey Eebellion in Pennsylvania and re
stored order to the four counties in rebellion. He was at tbe 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 tbe 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 flrmness 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 tbe government. He did
more — ^be established not only tbe fact tbat the Supreme Court was
tbe 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.

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 309
In an address on tbe Supreme Court by Justice Brown in 1896,
he said: "The Constitution had been adopted by tbe 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 unham
pered by his colleagues upon the bench, tbe great Chief Justice
(Marshall) determined what was law by what be 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 vindi
cated and the popular sentiment of succeeding generations has
approved. In the case of Marbury against Madison, which arose
at bis very flrst term, he declared the judicial power to extend to
the annulment of an act of Congress in conflict with the Constitu
tion, a doctrine peculiar to this country, but so commending itself
to tbe common sense of justice as to have been incorporated in
the jurisprudence of every State in tbe Union. The lack of this
check upon tbe action of the Legislature has wrecked the constitu
tion 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 tbe 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 con
struction he fortifled the foundations of tbe Constitution and
builded thereon the jurispudence of the United States — whose
opinions, nearly a century old, stand, like a great sea-wall, breast
ing every billow of political frenzy tbat 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 tbe General Assembly of Virginia, passed on the
26th day of December, 1785, establishing religious liberty in Vir
ginia, 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 tbe flrst amendment made to tbat instrument.

310 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
It is one of the grandest achievements of Mr. Jefferson, and stamps
him as a patriot who could and did rise superior to his environ
ments and surroundings, and even bis 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 con
science as to religion and the worship of their God. It has per
meated this whole country, and its influence is felt more or less
throughout Christendom, and as a little leaven will leaven tbe whole
lump, so its influence is still at work and time only can tell what
it shall accomplish.
Tbe act was written in Fredericksburg, and, omitting tbe long
preamble, which is written in Mr. Jefferson's best and most vigor
ous style, is as follows: "That no man shall be compelled to fre
quent or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatso
ever, nor shall be inforced, restrained, molested or burthened, in
his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his re
ligious opinions or belief ; but tbat 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
ciril 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 govern
ment 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 Napo
leon, France, Eussia, Prussia and Austria formed tbe so-called
Holy Alliance in September, 1815, for tbe suppression of revolu
tions within each other's dominions and for perpetuating peace.
The Spanish colonies in America having revolted, it was rumored

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 311
that this alliance contemplated their subjugation, although the
United States had acknowledged their independence. George Can
ning, English Secretary of State, proposed tbat 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 tbe Monroe
Doctrine. Eeferring to the threatened intervention of tbe 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 tbe existing colonies or
dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and
shall not interfere. But with tbe 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 tbe manifestation of an
unfriendly disposition toward the United States.' "
ESTABLISHED THE YOUNG REPUBLIC.
And furthermore: Not only did Fredericksburg and vicinity
furnish tbe leader of the American armies to victory and independ
ence, and the leading spirit in the navy; not only did they furnish
tbe author of tbe Declaration of Independence and tbe Father of
the Constitution, but they furnished tbe Presidents of the United
States for thirty-two years of tbe most trying and difficult part of
the history of the Eepublic, — it being tbe 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.

313 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
who lived or were born within tbe circle of seventy-five miles of
Fredericksburg, namely, Wm. Henry Harrison, John Tyler and
Zachary Taylor. It is rather remarkable tbat both Harrison and
Tyler should have been born in Charles City county, Virginia,
elected on the same ticket, Harrison, who bad moved to Ohio, as
President, and Tyler as Vice-President, the death of the former
just one month after bis inauguration, elevating Tyler to the Presi
dency. President Taylor was born in Orange county.
THE GREAT NORTHWEST RECLAIMED.
It was George Eodgers Clarke,* of Albemarle county, a Virginian
and a Fredericksburg man, by the authority of Virginia's Governor,
Patrick Henry, with volunteers from Virginia and Kentucky, ex
plored and conquered the great Northwest Territory. This terri
tory belonged to Virginia under original grant in her charter, but
the British at this time held it, established strong posts there and
encouraged tbe Indians to make war on tbe white settlements. The
Continental Congress could spare no troops to reclaim this terri
tory, though appealed to by Virginia to do so. For this dangerous
task Geo. E. Clarke proffered his services, which were accepted by
the Governor. Enlisting volunteers, he marched into tbat region,
and by real ability, rare skill, heroic courage and patience in bear
ing every hardship and privation, captured Forts Kaskaskia and
Vincennes and other posts, and fioated tbe fiag of Virginia over
the whole of the Northwest Territory, it being designated Illinois
county, A-^irginia.
This campaign cleared that entire country of the British, and
secured to Virginia a clear title to tbat vast territory, out of which
tbe States of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and a
part of Minnesota were afterwards carved, and which Virginia
gave to tbe Union as a free-will offering, the most imperial gift
that State or nation ever laid on tbe altar of country, f
• 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.
Jones's U. S. History.

F. & P. Railroad Company's Iron Bridge over the Rappahannock River.
(See r;ige 32S)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 313
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 tbe 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 tbe
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 tbe
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,* of
Fredericksburg, both Virginians, who explored tbat great stretch of
country from tbe Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, and made
it less difficult for John C. Fremont, who afterwards explored the
same territory and received tbe proud appellation of tbe "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 tbe "Louisiana Pur
chase," 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 tbe present
States of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Indian
Territory, North and South Dakota, Montana, and parts of Kan
sas, Minnesota, Wyoming and Colorado. Tbe price paid was
$11,350,000 in money and the assumption by tbe government of
debts due our citizens by France, amounting to $3,750,000, making
in all $15,000,000.

• 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.

314 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
The purchase of this vast territory was bitterly opposed, — as all
acquisitions of territory by tbe United States have been — especially
in New England, where they threatened to secede from the Union,
if it was consummated, and tbe legislation of Massachusetts passed
and sent to tbe President and Speaker of the House a resolution
to tbe effect that they would consider the adding of the Louisiana
territory, to the domain of tbe United States, just cause for exer
cising their right of secession.* THE FLORIDA PURCHASE.
It was James Monroe, of Fredericksburg, a Virginian, who pur
chased 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 tbe country. Its Spanish name Pascua
Florida, translated, means Flowery Easter, which indicates that in
Florida tbe flower season is perpetual.
ACQUISITION OF TEXAS.
It was Sam Houston, of Eockbridge 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 A'irginian, signing the bills for its admission three days before
bis presidential term ended. By this acquisition tbe 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. Winfleld Scott, of Dinwiddle county, a Virginian,
and Gen. Zachary Taylor (Eough and Eeady), of Orange county,
also a Virginian, who subdued Mexico, by which there were added
to the territory of the United States tbe great States of California,
Arizona and New Mexico.
And thus it will be seen, tbat all of tbe territory acquired by the
United States Government, from the union of tbe colonies for the

' Jones's U. S. History.

History of Fredericksburg , Virginia 315
common defence to the purchase of Alaska, except tbe Gadsden
purchase, was secured through Virginians, who were born and
raised, and many of them at tbe time lived, in or near Fredericks
burg. 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 tbe beds on tbe bottom of the seas,
where the cable lines now safely lie, of whom all tbe 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.*
The following paper, on this great man's life, character and
achievements, to whom the world is so greatly indebted, was pre
pared by Eev. J. S. Dill, D. D., then a resident of this place, and
pastor of tbe Baptist church, for this volume :
"On tbe 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 bis nature, in equal parts, tbe sturdy religious life of the French
Huguenots and the gallantry of the English Cavalier. On his
mother's side be belonged to the Minor family, of Virginia, while
his name testifies that his paternal ancestors were among those who,
from tbe persecutions of France, stretched their arms to the New
World. "AVhen Maury was five years old, his parents emigrated to Ten
nessee 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 bim.
his best opportunity at an academy, and this he did not fail to use.

• General D. H. Maury's History of ^Va.

316 History of Frederichsburg , Virginia
Maury looked to the army for a profession, but his parents denied
him. AVhen, without their knowledge, he then secured his appoint
ment to tbe navy, they again objected, and he left home without
his father's blessing. In 1835, an inland lad of nineteen years,
Maury was assigned to duty as a midshipman on tbe Brandywine.
It became evident tbat he bad 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 be sought information as to tbe 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 i\nn Hern
don, of Fredericksburg, and from this time on we find much of his
family life woven into tbe history of our city. On Charlotte street,
between Princess Ann and Prince Edward, still stands the house*
where he lived and bis children were born. At this time he pub
lished bis first book — a 'Treatise on Navigation' — which for many
years, even after the Civil war, was made a text book in tbe naval
academy at Annapolis. His pen now became active in newspaper
articles that startled tbe country, and there even arose a sentiment
to elevate bim to the portfolio of Secretary of the Navy.
"In the fall of 1839, by the upsetting of tbe stage in which be was
travelling, his knee was severely fractured. But this untoward
accident, under the guiding band of God, put him into the very
position in which be was to perform his life-work. His lame leg
being unseaworthy, be was placed in charge of tbe 'Depot of Charts
and Instruments,' at Washington. Here be grasped his great op
portunity. Here, at tbe capital of the nation, be wrought for
twenty years, and these two decades, from 1841 to 1861, mark the
high tide of bis service to the world.
"At Washington Maury found tbe vast accumulation of the
'log books' of the United States warships, stored away as mere rub-
• Pointed out to the author by Mrs. Ann Manry, his widow.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 317
bisb. 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, be 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 fiy the white
sails of civilized commerce.
"Tbe charts exhibit, with wonderful accuracy, tbe winds and cur
rents, their force and direction, at different seasons, the temperature
of the surface waters, the calm belts and trade -winds, tbe rains
and the storms. The eight volumes of 'sailing directions,' are
brim full of the most valuable nautical information, and are per
fect treasures to the intelligent seaman. This effected a revolu
tion in tbe art of navigation. Tbe practical result was tbat tbe
most difficult of all sea voyages — that from New York to San
Francisco, around Cape Horn — ^bas 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 tbe course on voyages as to make the
most of winds and currents at sea, is tbe perfection of tbe naviga
tor's art. How tbe winds blow and the currents fiow along this
route or that, is no longer matter of opinion or speculation. Tbe
wind and the weather, daily encountered by hundreds, who have
sailed tbe same voyage before him, have been tabulated for the
mariner; nay, his path has been literally blazed for bim on tbe
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 inter
national and, in 1853, brought about tbe great Brussels confer
ence. On his return from this conference, ladened with honors,
Maury stood before the world as the founder of the twin sciences

318 History of Frederichsburg, Virginia.
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 tbe 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 anril as be 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 tbe 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 popu
lar work 'The Physical Geography of the Sea and its Meteorology.'
The work has passed through twenty editions, and has found its
way into tbe languages of Continental Europe. It is the very
poetry of bis 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 forma
tions of shore-lines and bottoms — he found his way to the heart
of nature and laid before us, like an open book, ber majestic laws.
And never did scientiflc 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 tbe winds of
heaven and tbe waves of tbe sea, never failed to lift bis mind to the
Creator. As be pondered these things, be beard a voice in every
wave tbat clapped its band, he felt a pressure in every breeze tbat
blew, he knelt and worshipped God.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 319
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 tbe flnal wreck of the
Southern Confederacy. In those unhappy times no man sacrificed
more than Maury. He not only resigned bis bigh position at
Washington, but turned his back upon tempting offers from Eussia
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 ex
plosion by electricity. Much of bis time was spent in England
purchasing navy supplies and perfecting inventions in navy war
fare. "After the war, Maury turned to Mexico and joined bis fortunes
to the Emperor Maximilian; but the tragic end of this friend and
patron, again left him stranded. AVhen, in 1868, the enactment of
a general amnesty removed his political disabilities, Maury accepted
the Chair of Meteorology in tbe Virginia Military Institute, and
there spent the closing years of bis 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 tbe 1st of February,
1873. A heavenly breeze bore him to the anchorage beyond tbe
sea, and the trusting child of nature rested with bis 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 Eussia, King of Denmark,
King of Portugal, King of Belgium, and tbe Emperor of France;
while Prussia, Austria, Sweden, Holland, Sardinia, Bremen and
France, struck gold medals in bis honor The Pope sent bim a full
set of all the medals struck during bis pontificate ; Maximilian deco-

330 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
rated him with 'The Cross of Our Lady Guadaloupe;' while Ger
many bestowed upon bim the great 'Cosmos Medal,' struck in
honor of Von Humboldt. It is tbe 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 tbat it must live. Tbe Hon. Mellin Chamberlain, late
Librarian of Congress, in calm judicial tone, has declared, 'I do not
suppose there is tbe least doubt that Maury was the greatest man
America has ever produced.'
"A bill to honor Commodore Maury, with an appropriate monu
ment, lies mouldering in tbe archives of Congress. It will some
day see the light.- During the last years of Maury's life the smoke
of a great confiict 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 bis face and see the clear outlines
of bis character — then will be take his own proper place in
America's galaxy of tbe great."
THE ladies' MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION.
It was in Fredericksburg, and by tbe ladies of Fredericksburg,
A^irginians, tbat 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 tbe first flowers of spring
as tbe years pass by. This was their second care after their return
to their homes at the close of tbe Civil war, their flrst being their
own homes, which were almost in ruins ; and since the organization
of tbat 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
tbe move, and carried it on to complete success, to raise a menu-

Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury, the "Path
Finder of the Seas."
(See page 31.5)

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 331
ment to a woman, the tallest and most imposing of its kind tbat is
to be found on this continent. It towers over flfty feet high, the
shaft is solid granite, and it marks the grave of tbe 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 asso
ciation, brought into being through tbe local association at Fred
ericksburg, was made more active and efficient by the energy and
persistence of the pioneers in the movement. Tbat monument is
grand and beautiful, and reaches high into tbe heavens, and while
it marks tbe last resting place of tbat sainted woman, it reflects
great honor upon all tbe ladies who assisted in its erection.
These are some of the things in which Virginians took tbe 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 tbe world our grievances and declaring
for freedom, in waging a long and bloody war and securing inde
pendence, 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 fleld and
forum, on land and sea, an honest pride should well up in tbe breast
of the Virginians of tbe living present, that should find expression
in words, where is the individual that can rise up and charge them
with vain boasting ?

21

CHAPTEE XXII.
Fredericksburg at Present — The Health of the City — Its Financial
Solidity — Its Commercial Prosperity — Its Lines of Transpor
tation — 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 men
tion 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 AJIERICAN REVOLUTION.*
The Betty Washington Lewis Chapter, Daughters of tbe Ameri
can Eevolution, was organized in 1899 at tbe Exchange Hotel.
Several prominent members of tbe 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 tbe end of the first year Mrs. Howard resigned, and, in Feb
ruary, 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, his
torian. In addition to these officers the following charter mem
bers were present: Mrs. Marion Maria Mason Daniel, Mrs. Kate
Ticbenor Dill, Mrs. C. E. Howard, Mrs. Florence C. Eichards,
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 ber warmest supporters was Mrs.
•Paper prepared by Mrs. J. T. G. [ 322 ]

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 333
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 tbe time of her death ber zeal
and interest were unabated. Mrs Lucilla S. Bradley, a "real
daughter," and Mrs. Maria Jefferson Carr Mason, a great grand
daughter 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 en
tertainments have, at different intervals, been given, among tbe
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 tbe Fredericks
burg Chapter, and tbe guests were unstinted in their praises of the
hospitality accorded them here. The chapter is at present as rital
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. Eichards, 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
Febmary, 1896, -with the following officers: Mrs. Joseph Nich
olas Barney, president; Mrs. J. Horace Lacy, vice-president; Mrs.
Virian 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 bad 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 help
ing destitute veterans, looking after and administering to tbe 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

324 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
good work in looking after the remains of Confederate soldiers,
when found upon tbe battle-fields or elsewhere, and having them
interred in tbe Confederate cemetery. One of tbe praiseworthy
acts of the society, a few years ago, was to disinter the remains of
tbe brave Gen. Abner Perrin, killed at tbe "Bloody Angle" while
gallantly leading bis brigade, and buried on the Hicks farm near
the courthouse, and Lieut. Wm. H. Eichardson, 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 bead 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 ANTKJUITIES.*
The Fredericksburg Branch of the Association for the Preserva
tion of Virginia Antiquities is a small but active band. They have
acquired tbe Mary Washington House and "Eising 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. Virian M. Fleming, directress;
Miss Eebecca C. Mander, secretary, and Mrs. Charles Wallace,
treasurer. THE CITY MISSION.
The City Mission was organized on tbe 14tb of March, 1901,
mainly through the efforts of Eev. AV. 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 tbe society is to afford relief to the destitute of the
town, especially the sick, and as it is composed altogether of benev-
¦olent and kind hearted ladies, we know, from this and their splendid
labors in tbe past, that their mission will be well performed. They
do more than look after the sick. These ladies gather up second
hand clothing from those who can spare it and sell tbe same at a
*Paper prepared by Miss R. C. M.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 325
clieap 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 rice-presidents; Miss Eebecca C. Man
der, secretary; Miss Annie Myer, treasurer, and Mrs. Isaac Hirsh,
purchasing agent.
THE FREDERICKSBURG TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.*
The faculty of tbe public schools of Fredericksburg met and or
ganized tbe Fredericksburg Teachers' Association in September,
1906. The officers elected at tbat 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. Tbe president of the School Board,
Mr. A. B. Bowering, after the teachers were organized, was re
quested to outline a plan for a library, which be did, and the teach
ers commenced the work. After obstacles and delays, by solicita
tion, 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 tbe 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 in
struction. The present officers are Miss Kate James Mander,
president; Miss Mary Page Waller, vice-president; Miss Agnes P.
Eoach, 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

^ Paper prepared by Miss K. J. M.

326 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
of tbe Eappahannock river, at tbe head of tidewater, where its in
habitants escape tbe malaria of the lowlands and the fevers peculiar
to the mountains. Therefore, when we compare tbe 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 to-wn. PURE WATER SUPPLY.
Our main source of water supply, the Eappahannock 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 fiows. Tbe 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 to-wn 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 por
tions of tbe 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 JHE 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 fore
fathers 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 to-wn. 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 pro-

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 337
viding for it. The other bonds were issued for improvements tbe
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 tbe 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. Tbe City Council thinks it
acted for the best interests of the town and tbe 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 busi
ness. In these stores the customer will be able to find any article
of merchandise be may need and at as low price as be could find it
in tbe larger cities. In tbe last few years there b^s been a spirit
of improvement in business houses, and at present there are to be
found store-houses tbat would be a credit to a city of larger preten
tions. So changed is the business portion of Main street by reason
of this enlargement and ornamentation that citizens of tbe town
have often bad to inquire for the places they wished to visit. In
addition to this, our manufactures have increased and are still in
creasing, and in them hundreds of persons find employment at liv
ing wages. Among the manufacturing institutions may be men
tioned 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 sis repair shops. Tbe
assessed taxable value of property in to-wn is, personal property
$703,783, real estate $1,676,133, making a total of $3,379,915.
Besides this, our several banks, in their periodical statements, made
to the Government, show largely over a million dollars on deposit,
subject to indiridual checks. In view of these facts truly it may

338 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 tbe town, both as to freight
and passenger travel, yet our citizens would not object to tbe con
struction of another road, starting at some deep water point on the
coast, crossing the Eappahannock 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.
Tbe great line of travel and traffic through Fredericksburg, north
and south, at present, is the Eichmond, Fredericksburg and Poto
mac 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 ne
cessitated a double track of the entire line — from Eichmond to
Washington — which was done with great rapidity. Tbe present
service on this road tbat 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 tbe Eappahannock 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 tbe travelling public along its entire line. Al
though 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.

The Office of the Fredericksburg Water Power Company.
(See page 330)

"Marye Mansion," Gen. Longstreet's headquarters at Battle of
Fredericksburg, December 13, 18(j2; now the
residence of Capt. M. B. Rowe.
(See page 91)

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 339
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,
tliat the Weems Line of steamers from Fredericksburg to Baltimore,
had transferred its business to another company, and the old fa
miliar name of Weems, of more than a half century standing, whose
line was so intimately interwoven with all the interests of Fred
ericksburg, was a name of the past. But be would also find a line
— Tbe 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 Eappahannock 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 tbe Eappahannock river at Fredericksburg,
made available by tbe 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 tbat 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 tbat will be more substantial and give
us more power than tbe present dam gives at its best. A gentle
man, well informed as to the plans of tbe 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 tbe pond behind
tbe dam will be rather limited in capacity owing to the closeness of
the hills on either side of the river and tbe 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.

330 Histoi-y of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 tbe 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 tbe development
so far as the Fredericksburg Power Company is concerned. This
last level reaches to about Germanna. Tbe 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 trans
mitted to neighboring cities to increase their facilities for manu
factures ? Capitalists and manufacturers must answer this question.
It will thus be seen tbat 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 tbe 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 tbat 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 accom
plished we would not forget that there are better fabrics than those
tbat 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 tbe advantages as we have before said

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 331
of tidewater, without its malaria, with all the benefits of the
mountains, without tbe mountain fevers, together with a reflned
and elevated society — if these, with the additions of home virtues
and home joys, be regarded as valuable in life, then Fredericks
burg 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 tbe thoughts and attentions of our people, to tbe
exclusion of those things which tend to the pleasure, comfort and
health of the community, and to its intellectual development. For
the benefit of tbe first mentioned of these classes, Hurkamp Park
has been located, Washington Avenue and tbe 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 tbe pure,
fresh air of the morning or evening in a drive, on horse-back or oh
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 tbe beautiful sun risings and settings, and tbe 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 equaPto 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 bands and hearts that nothing earthly could weaken or sever.
For those whose tastes and inclinations lead them to intellectual
enjoyment, the Library and Eeading Eoom, located in the north
wing of the Courthouse and the Wallace Library, soon to be in
operation, afford excellent facilities. Tbe Library at the Court-
bouse 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 con
ducted by the ladies of the town, who are always ready to give, toil

333 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Eappahannock,
and Fredericksburg is located on the most beautiful, picturesque
and healthy spot of tbat far-famed valley.
And yet, with all these advantages, pointing out Fredericksburg
as a most desirable place for ber educational, industrial, commer
cial and residential advantages, its prosperity is not what it should
be ; but with a full development of all ber varied facilities which we
tmst will be done in tbe near future and which can be done if
our people will work harmoniously, we may hope for more pros
perous days; for
"Reason's whole pleasure — all the joys of sense —
Lie in three words — Health, Peace and Competence."

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 333
OFFICIAL CALENDAE— September 1, 1908.

HUSTINGS COURT.

Hon. John T. Goolrick, Judge.
Hon. Granville E. 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.
Egbert T. Knox, Treasurer.
A. B. Bowering, Commissioner of Revenue.
A. P. Eowe, City Tax Collector.
E. H. Eandall, City Surveyor.

MAGISTRATES.

Upper Ward — S. J. Quinn, S. E. Eastburn, E. 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. Eowe,
Joseph M. Goldsmith, John C. Melville, Clarance E. Howard.
Lower Ward — A. Mason Garner, W. S. Embrey, Jr., Henry War
den, J. W. Masters, F. L. W. Green, Arthur Bro-wn.

334 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
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. Eowe, Harry B. Lane, A. Mason
Garner. On Streets— W. S. Embrey, Jr., J. M. Goldsmith, C. E. Howard.
On Light — John C. Melville, J. W. Masters, Harry B. Lane.
On Almshouse — A. Mason Garner, Wm. E. Bradley, Josiah P.
Eowe. On Public Interest — Joseph M. Goldsmith, C. E. Howard, Henry
Warden. On Ordinances — Clarance E. 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 AV. Masters, Henry Warden, Arthur
Brown. On Schools — Henry Warden, Josiah P. Eowe, 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. Eobinson, Wm. E. Hall.
Special Police — Charles A. Gore.

History of Frederichsburg, Virginia 335
CITY REGISTRARS.
Lower Ward — J. Fred. Brown.
Upper Ward — John J. Berrey.

PUBLIC FREE SCHOOL BOARD.
A. B. Bowering, President.
S. J. Quinn, Clerh.
B. P. Willis, Superintendent.
Upper District — Isaac Hirsh, W. L. Brannan, J. E. Eawlings.
Lower District — A. B. Bowering, W. H. Hurkamp, Geo. Free
man, 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.

336 History of Fredericksburg, Virginia
MAYOES OF FEEDEEICKSBURG IN THEIE
CHEONOLOGICAL ORDEE.

Chables Moetimee  from March, 1782, to March, 1783
"William McWuxiams  from March, 1783, to March, 1784
James Someeville  from March, 1784, to March, 1785
Geoege "Weedon  from March, 1785, to March, 1786
Chaeles Moetimee  .from March, 1786, to March, 1787
James Somee-velle  from March, 1787, to March, 1788
Chaeles Moetimee  from March, 1788, to March, 1789
Geoege Feench  from March, 1789, to March, 1790
Benjamin Day  from March, 1790, to March, 1791
¦William Haevey  from March, 1791, to March, 1792
James So:meeville  from March, 1792, to March, 1793
Fontaine Mauey  from March, 1793, to March, 1794
Geoege Feench  from March, 1794, to March, 1795
¦William Hae-vey  from March, 1795, to March, 1796
Fontaine Mauey  from March, 1796, to March, 1797
¦William Haevey  from March, 1797 — died in office March 13, 1798
¦Wm. Tayloe  from March 17, 1798 to March 19, 1798
Fontaine Matjey  from March, 1798, to March, 1799
Geoege Feench  from March, 1799, to MJairch, 1800
David C. Kee  from March, 1800, to March, 1801
¦Willlam S, Stone . .,  from March, 1801, to March, 1802
David C. Kee  from March, 1802, to March, 1803
Geoege Feench  from March, 1803, to March, 1804
Benjamin Day  from March, 1804, to March, 1805
Geoege Feench  from March, 1805, to March, 1806
Chaeles L. Caetee  from March, 1806 — resigned August 11, 1808
¦William Smock  from August 11, 1808, to March, 1809
Richaed Johnston  from March, 1809, to March, 1810
Geoege Feench  from March, 1810, to March, 1811

History of Fredericksburg, Virginia 337
Joseph Walkek  from March, 1811, to March, 1812
Geoege French  from March, 1812, to March, 1813
Chaeles L. Caetee  from March, 1813, to March, 1814
Geoege French  from March, 1814, to MJairch, 1815
John Scott  ,  from March, 1815, to March, 1816
Gaeeet Minoe  from March, 1816, to March, 1817
Robert Mackay  from March, 1817, to March, 1818
Gaeeet Minor  from March, 1818, to March, 1819
RoBEET Mackay  .from March, 1819, to March, 1820
David Beiggs  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 iu office Feb. 8, 1853
John L. Maeye, Jr  ; .from, Feb. 12, 1853, to Ma.rch 21, 1854
Peter Gooleick  from March 21, 1854, to March 21, 1855
John S. Caldwell  from March 20, 1855, to March 17, 1857
Petee Gooleick  from March 17, 1857, to March 22, 1859
William S. Scott   from March 22, 1859, to March 22, 1860
Petee Gooleick  |. .from March 21, 1860 — resigned April 4, 1860
Montgomery Slaughtee, 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.
Laweence 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 Beerey  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

338 History of Fredericksburg , Virginia
Joseph "Waed Senee  from July 1, 1880, to June 30, 1884
Josiah Hazard  from July 1, 1884, to June 30, 1888
Absalom P. Ro-we  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
Maeion G. ¦Willis  appointed June 15, 1900, to June 30, 1902
Maeion 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.

I ISI E) e:^ :x: .

Accoqueck, 19.
Acorn Lodge, I. O. O. F., 221.
Acquisition of Territory — Walk
er's exploration, 281; the Great
Northwest, 312; the Louisiana
purchase, 313; the Florida pur
chase, 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 encour
aged, 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. [ 339

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 pris
oner, 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, 26L
]

340

Index

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; de
feated at Salem church, 96;
Hooker beaten at Chancellors
ville, 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 Cath
olic, 214; Shiloh Old Site, 215;
Shiloh New Site, 215; Robin
son'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 resolu
tion on death of Brest. McKin
ley, 278, 279; standing commit
tees, 334; Supts. of depart
ments, 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., teach
er, 197.
Colson, Thomas, 194.
Confederate cemetery, 185, 186,
189.
Confederate "Veterans, 191.

Index

341

Conflagrations, 59, 64.
Contagious diseases, 65.
Conway, P. V. D., 93.
Conway, Walker P., 120.
Cooke, Dr. James, hostage pris
oner, 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 estab
lished, 124; District Court, 124;
Circuit Court, 125; District
Court of Appeals 125; Hustings
Court abolished and re-estab
lished, 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., Ill, 201.
Curtis, Thomas, 165.
Custis, Daniel Parke, 237.
Dahlgren, Capt. TJlrich, 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, 26L
Embrey, Major W. S., 170.
Essex, Rev. Benjamin, 123.
Eubank, John, 242.
Eve, George W., 120.
Fairs, agricultural, 44, 169, 170.
Parish, 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.

343

Index

Forrer, Rev. F. S., 214.
Forsythe, Major Robert, 134.
Fort, constructed on Rappahan
nock, 1681, 25.
Franklin, Benjamin, 124.
Eraser, 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; lim
its extended, 46; military ardor,
48; under the U. S., 50; char
tered by Legislature, 51; rapid
growth, 53; lends money to
government, 54; important cen
ter, 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 Confed
eracy, 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; untram
melled citizens in power, 119;
ante-bellum debt. 119; present
debt, 121; courts, 124; its de
claration, 283; furnishes head
of army and navy, 301; Freder
icksburg at present, 325; fi
nancial condition, 326; commer
cial condition, 327; official cal
endar, 333; council committees,
334; registrars, 335; list of
mayors, 336.
Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, 217.

Fredericksburg R. A. Chapter,
220.
Fredericksburg Teachers' Associa
tion, 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 prison
er, 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. P., 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., 160.
Gregg, Gen. D. McM., 263.

Index

343

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., Ill, 152, 205.
Hall, Dr. Marshall C, 205.
Halsey, J. J., teacher, 197.
Hanbaek,  , 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; Rap

pahannock House, 165; Farm
ers,' 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 Ken
more, 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.
.lohnston, Lafayette, 257.
Johnston, Mrs. Eliza, 257.
Jones, John Paul. 218, 237, 238,
239, 265, 301, 323.
Jones, W. T., 179.
Julien, John, alderman, 124.

344

Index

Kelly, Maj. J. Harrison, 170, 221,
225.
Kemper, Charles B., 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 P., hostage pris
oner, 77, 111, 142.
Kobler, Rev. John, 212, 213.
Lacy, Maj. J. Horace, 170.
Lacy, Miss Sallie M., 324.,
Lacy, Mrs. J. Horace, XT. 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 Ligbtfoot, 247.
Lee, Gen. Charles, 251.
Lee, Gen. Henry, 251, 308.
Lee, Gen. Robert B., 73, 83, 99,
108, 109, 110, 183, 191, 264.
Lee, Gen. Wm. H. P., 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., IS8.
Mary Washington Hospital, 222.
Mary Washington, House, 166;
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.

Index

345

McCracken, Capt. T., 170, 176, 181,
184, 261.
McCracken, Patrick, 120.
McGuire, James, hostage prison
er, 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., f96, 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.
^,^4tfercer, 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 Artil
lery, 72; Capt. Blackford's Co.,
182; Fredericksburg Guards, 183;
Mercer Rifles, 183; Washington
Guards, 183; Fredericksburg
Grays, 183; Coleman Guards,
184; Gordon Rifles, 184; Fred
ericksburg 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. P., 170.
Morrison, Wm. C, 120.
Morson, Arthur A., 134.
Mortimer, Dr. Chas., 124, 253.
Mosco, Indian guide, 13, 14, 15, IS.
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. P., 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 Gen
ius of Liberty, 225 ; The Courier,
226; The Fredericksburg News,
226; The Political Arena, 226;
The Christian Banner, 227; The
Virginia Baptist, 227 ; The Dem
ocratic Recorder, 227; The Fred
ericksburg 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 Fred
ericksburg 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.

346

Index

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. P., 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 P., 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. P. 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. P. 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 pris
oner, 77, 79.
Robinson, John H., 181.
Robinson, John, 39.
Robinson, Rev. Willis M., 215, 21"
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 pris
oner,, 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.

Index

347

School Buildings— Union House,
144; Colored School, 144; new
School Building, 145.
Schooler. Miss Willie P., 194, 197.
Schools, Fredericksburg Academy,
193; Federal Hill Female Col
lege, 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. P. Broad
dus's, 197; Judge Richard H.
Coleman's, 197; Wm. Caruth-
ers's, 198; Public Schools, 199;
Fredericksburg College, 198,
Fredericksburg Female Semi
nary, 198.
Scott, Capt. Benj., 185.
Scott, Charles S., Ill, 171.
Scott, Dr. Wm. S., 86.
Scott, Francis S., 134.
Scott, Gen. Winfield, 265, 314.
Scott, Hugh S., 68, 142.
Scott, John P., 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., Ill, 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, P., 142.
Slaughter, M., hostage prisoner,
74, 77, 78, 84, 86, 87, 104, IU,
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, Prank W., 170.
Smith, Gen. Gusta-vus 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 Poto
mac, 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.

348

Index

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. P. and P. R. R.,
328; Md., Del. and Va. R. IT.,
329.
Tremain, Gen. Henry E., 262, 271.
Tucker, Saint George, 3Tr4.
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 min
er, 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 P., 248, 2^'
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 P.. 322.
Wellford, Beverley R., 139, 140,
142.
Wellford, Beverley, R., Ji., 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.

Index 349
Woodford, Gen. Wm., 217, 301. Yates, A. Bacon, 160.
Wood, Silas, 64, 143. Yates, Charles, 237.
Wrenn, Lewis, hostage prisoner, Young, James, 166, 167.
77, 79. Young, John James, 105, HI, 120,
Wroten, George W., 147, 261. 201.
Wythe, George, 168, 247, 302. Young, Mary, 238.