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/
EC I s a? o "R. "3r
OF
•f M
UMBER LAND,
MARYLAND^
- niV. TIMK OF THE INDIAN TOWN, CaH:CTUCUO,
IN 1728, UP TO THK PRESKNT DAY,
EMHi^'^fVO AN ACa>UNT OK
>hington's First Campaign,
AND
UATTLE OF FORT NECESSITY,
■■■'n
f
ORYOF
TXXiETllKIi WITH A
>> iiJ.1 ,
&C., hi' :k
WITH MAPS AND ILLUSTRATTONS.
BY WILL H. LOWDERWILK.
*' Ci)-ath«»r up <he F'rHstuentw thnl t^«i«>»in.
WASH[N<;iON, D. C.
lAMKS ANliLIM, 1424 F STREET,
cu
KIIOM Tl
Wash
B^
1
c**
iBC I S T O K. IT
OF
CUMBERLAND,
(MARYLAND)
KIIOM THK TIME OF THK INDIAN TOWN, CAIUCTUCUC,
IN 1728, UP TO THK PRESKNT DAY,
KMHKACING AN ACCOUNT OF
Washington's First Campaign,
AND
BATTLE OF FORT NECESSITY,
T(X}ETnEU WITH A
HISTORY OF BRADOOCrS EIPEDITION.
&c., &c., &c.
WITH MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.
BY WILL H. LOWDERMILK.
'* O-nther up th« ff rfis«»«nt« that remain."
WASHINGTON, D. C.
JAMES ANGLIM, 1424 V STREET,
1878. --.,-.
2 8 n' 5
^<^(^V^*?^/AK, 14/. H.
Entered according to Act ot'ConKresN, in the vear 1878 bv
WILL H. LOWDERMILK, " '
in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
Will II. Lowdprmilk, Printer,
Cumberland, Md.
TO
THE MEMORY
OF
THE EARLY SETTLERS
OF THE
QUEEN CITY OF THE ALLEGHANIES.
BY THE AUTHOR.
Fort Cvm
Pr
AN OF ]
Plan of I
POKTKAIT (
Map of B]
BiiADDOCK'i
BhAF)J)(
OCK
Cresap's F
The Old M
Wash
INGTO
Plat of Cu
The "Narr
City Hall
Court Hous
Al
legany C
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Fort Cumberland,
P'RONTISriECE.
Plan of Fort Necessity, .
. Page 76
Plan of Fort Cumberland, .
. . . 92
Portrait ov Braddock, .
. 100
Map of Braddock's Route, .
. 140
Buaddook's Grave in 1850
. 188
Hhaddock's Grave in 1877 .
. 190
Cresap's Fort
. 254
The Old Milestone
. 257
Washington's Headquarters .
. 280
Plat of Cumberland . .
284
The "Narrows"
. 332
City Hall . . . . .
. 426
Court House ....
. 434
Allegany County Academy .
. 434
tmrnmnm
Academy of]
Allegjiny Coi
Attorneys, iid
Baker, Lieiitt
Baltimore aii<
Bunks
Bcall, Thoma
BiK Ball, Tin
Blair, Captaii
Bland, (;ii)inc(
Boquet, Colon
Bridjfes), over
Braddock, Oei
at
at
l^ti
rou
diivi
hoi
con
tuai
rou
crit
oil t
wou
deal
plac
Ord,
Caiuctucuck
Chesapeake anti
fund
riots
riots
pub]
wate
passj
expe
ceren
Charlottesburg
Cholera
Chrise, WilT/am
Churches... .
City Hall, descri
Civil War: Unioi
India
Twen
Poton
Citize
INDEX.
••A(1K8.
Academy of Muhio 4'_'7
Alle){«ny County erected 207
Attorney!*, admitted to bar of Allegany Court 435-4;i7
Baker, Lieutenant 226
Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad 3o0-.3r)2, 3«1, 3<)5. 'Alii, .'J77
Banks 340, 343. 35!), 3fiO, W'\ 3H6, 408
Beall, ThoninN of Samuel 268
BiK Ball. The 347 340, 3r)(i
Blair, Captain Thomas 2!t7-2!»!>
Bland. Clmncellor Theodoric 235, 2 13
Boquet, Colonel Henry 232, 234, 2;«). 242
Bridges, over Will's Creek 237, 271, 284, 285. 306, 342. 353. 378, .H7!t
Braddock, General Edward 00 101
ut Altxandria 104
at Fort Cumberland 114-137
letter to (JoveriKir Sharpe 130
" re^tardinu Frank lin l.'!5
" to (leneral Shirley l.'*0
route to the M(>noni;ahelu 130-154
diseipline and habit> , 117
holds a eonference with the Indians , 124
contempt for Indians i;{4
march towards the Monongahela 130
route of mareh 130-154
criticism of, by officers 154
ou the battle field 100-102
wounded. 102
death of 10!)
place of burial 16!). 188-Uil
Orderly Book 4!)7
Caiuctucuck 17-20
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal; petition against high level 338
funds exhausted 339
riots amongst employees ut Oldtown 342
riots at tunnel suppressed by militia 340
public meetings in behalf of conipjeting work 34!)
water lei, in for first time 308,309
passenger packet 372
experiments with steamboats 386
ceremonies at opening navigation 438-447
Charlottesburg 31
Cholera 378,379
Chrise, William S., tried and executed 354-356
Churches 521,338, 343, 344, 448-487
City Hall, description of 425-428
Civil War: Union meetings 38!)-.3!»3 405
Indiana Zouaves 3{)8
Twenty-first Bridge 401
Potomac Home Brigade 402-405
Citizens who joined the Confederate army 400
8
INDEX.
i ;l
\l II
Civil WarrCity Guard in 186? - 406, 407
Volunteers from Allegany county 407
Enrolling the militia 407
General Kelly's headquarters 40S
Capture of the town by Confederates 410-412
Emancipation of Slaves 414
Battle of Folck's Mills ., 416
Citi^'en Volunteers 417,418
Bounty for Volunteem « 420
Capture of Generals Crook and Kelly 420-422
County Commissioners , 428
Court, thp first held 269
Court Houses, jails. Ac 270,276.340,345, 368
Cresap. Colonel Thomas 26. 86, 141, 136, 141, 254, 265, 259
CDghan, Georpte 28, 109, 116, 123
Cumberland, the town established 258-261
laid off. .*. 268, 266
first settlers 262
Commissioners 266
a post own 275
resurveyed 285-288
property owners in 1813 293-296
incorporated 301,302
Commissioners elected 303
population 320, 349, 371.388
assessHble property 360, 351, 357
divided into two Districts 360
grant to l^altimore and Ohio Railroad 361
niRht watch esiablished 375
lighted by gas 380
subscribes to Pittsburgh and Connel!sville Railroad 384
city limits extended 385
military hospitals 404,408
captured by Confederates 410-412
land grant to Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 425
Waterworks 425,426
Dagworthv Captain 199,202, 227
De Reaujeu 173, 174. 177, 178
De Contra Coeur 68
De Langlade, Charles 170-178. 212, 213
Dent, Frederick 262
De Rocheblave 176
Dinwiddle, Governor 39,48, 101, 110, 203, 204, 215, 216
Disputes as to Rank 73, 102, 104,202,206
Dunbar, Colonel 95, 118, 166-170, 182-181
Fire, the great, of 1833 324-329, 331, .341
Flight of Settlers 185
Forbes, General 231, 251
his army 249
Fort Cumberland, erected 89
description of 90-93
strengthened and improved 100
visited by Governor Sharpe 103
a demoralized garrison 104
arrival of Sir .lohn St. Clair 108
letter from Thomas Walker 109
" Captain Rutherford 110
General Braddock arrived at 114
troops and Indians at 116, 117
Indian conference at , ....119
punishment of soldiers 121
letters from Washington 121, 132, 180
a military funeral 122 123
Fort Cuml»(
INDEX.
9
Fort Cumberland, ludian women and jealousy 123 127
letter from Braddock 130, 135- 137
Colonel Innes appointed Gov. nor 135
Maryland militia sent to 152
arrival of the retreating army 174 184
letter from Captain Orme 180
" Colonel Dunbar 184
Dunbar's r^jtreat from 185
Newspaper reports from 193, 194
the wounded at 197
Indian out rages at ,.198-201. 244
Governor Shurpe's opinion of it 198
the garrison is strengthened 199
trouble as to the command 202-206
letter from General Shirley 205
beseiged by Indians 207, 210
Colonel Innes' qu -er letter 209
Killbuek's visit 211,212
Wa.shini»ton urges its abandonment 214
Dl.iwiddie opposes the idea 21ij, 216
question referred to a council 215,210
orders ti, strengthen 216
Colonel Stephen in command 21'/
memorandum of atlairs at 218
spies arrested at 219
Lord Loudon's opinion of 220
. Washington's headquarters at 221,222
Virginia troops ordered away 22''
., Maryland refuses to garrison 225
Washington departs from 226
. Dagworthy in command 227
an Indian alarm 227
Reinforcements arrive at 227
address in Maryland Legislature regarding 229
Washington returns to 233
... Indian reinforcements at 234
T ... scanty supplies and sickness at .' 242
Governor Sharpe arrives at 244
. explosion of magazine at 248
Washington's command leaves ...247
a garrison of Hritish troops 253
abandonment of 256
IFnrt Duquesne. 232
IFort Frederick 197
IPort Mount Pleasant 83-88
iFort Necessity - 73-80
capitulation, of 77, 78
iFossitt, Thomas, claims he shot Braddock 187
''ranklin, Benjamin's letter to Pennsylvanians 112-114
•'ry, Colonel Joshua 48. 61, 71
Jage, General, letter to Governor Sharpe 250
larrett county established 432
(iist, Chri.stopher 27,28,41,71,82,86, 1.52, 153
^iist, Nathaniel 167
Iplass works 303
^"irnfl', Henry, murdered 381
irant, Major 249-251
lladel, Dr. .1. F. C. murdered .381
Jlalkelt, Major Francis 247, 248
lalkett. Sir" Peter 95, 130, 135, 154, 155, 161
larris, an excentric character 315
lighwaynen on National Road., 335
lome Industry 337
3
WW'
10
INDEX.
Hotel rates established by law 277
Indians, towns. 18, 19
graves 24,25
conference at Fort Cuinberland 119
incursions.. 207
a* Fort Cuinb'riaiid 220. 224
mas.sacres by 198- 20 i
wardance 120, 126
warriors dud women 123, 124
" Will" 21,22
" Kiilbuck" 211,212
Scarooyiiddi ll.^, 125, 149, 161
Innes, Colonel James 82, 87, 89,135, 138, 179, 197, 202. 209
Jack, Captain 109, 133, 134
Jumonville 47, 54, 67, 69, 70. 74
La Choisie 176
Letters from Fort Cumberland, reporting Braddock's defeat 183
Little Meadows 53
Livingstone, Miijor James, in commaud of Furt Cumberland 208
surprises the Indians 210
degrades Kiilbuck 211-212
sacceeded by Colonel Stephen 217
I/tudon, Lord, letter to Dinwiddle 220
MacKiiye, Captain 73, 79, 81
Marquette, Fatht-r 35
Maryland Assembly 195, 196
Maryland supplies men and money 232
Market House 276, 350
McLaughlin, Captain William's, company in war of 1812 296, 297
McLaughlin, Thomas, executed 370
McSwine, Hugh's, Hight for lite 223
Militia 301,309,383
Mouongahela, battle ot 159-162
night before the battle 154, 155
on the battle field 157
the retreat 163
the killed and wouoded 1(.'4-166
the victorious French 175
Miller, Freilerick, murders two citizens 381-383
Munford, Robert, letter to Colonel Bland 235, 2,W
Nemacolin • 29
Newspaper Reports of affairs at Fort Cumberland 193, 194
Newspapers 301, 306, 316, 321, 329, 357, 375, 377, .386. 402, 408, 423, 429
Ohio Company, The 26-33
Old houses 280-284, 289-291, 299,300
Ord, General K. O. C 282
Orme, Lieutenant, aid-de camp 104
letter to Washingtim 107
wounded 161, 164
devotion to Braddock 162
letter to Governor Sharpe 180-182
Political Campaigns 347, 356
Postotfice established at Cumberland 275
Potomac Kiver 23, 312, 31.1
Pnstninstrrs, lisi iif 435 I
Postoftice, established in Cumberland 275
Powder House blown up 368, 359
Property owners in 1813 2a3-296
Public schools J79, 314, 366
Quantrell, Jesse D. K 362-364
Remarkable accident 308
River transportation 311-313, 316, 333
Road, the first to the West 51
Road, Hraddock'g 136-164 |
INDEX,
11
Road, The National 332-334. .536, 339, 341, 344, 365
Koad8. a nomparison of. 242
Koad between Forts Cunibeiland and Frederick 262, 253
lioad, second to the Ohio 237
Kocheblav«,de 176, 218
Settlers, earlv of the town 262
West of Fort Cumberland 263 266
Sharpe, Oovernor, his visit to Will's Creek 83
inspects the Potomac River 103
address to the LegislHture regnrding Indian outrages 150-151
visits Fort Cumberland to reassure the settlers 192
returns to Annapolis 252
again visits Fort Cumberland 244
takes command of Fort Cumberland 248
Shirley, Oeneral's letter to Governor Sharpe 205
reception of Washingion 204
Spendelow. Lieutenant 136, 137
Stage lines 309-311, 353, 354, 369
Stanwix Colonel marches to Fort Cumberland 227
letter to Oovernor Sharpe 228
Stephens, Captain promoted 201
in command of Fort Cumberland 20'i
letter to Governor of Pennsylvania 217
march to Kaystown 233
his obituary of live heroes 267
Stewart, Hon. Andrew 188, 189, 191
St. Clair, Sir .lohn, Deputy Quartermaster (Jeneral 95
arrives at Fort Cumberland 103
teriirtic threats of 108
purchases of transportation 106
Spottswood, Captain and party massacred 228
Spy executed at Fort Cumberland 219
Swann, Robert 373, 374
Swear ingen, George 317-319
Tanacharison, the Half-King 43, 49
Trent, Captain's mission to Indians 39
neglect of dutv 49
Van liraam, Jacob 41, 79
Vaudreville, M. letter regarding Foi't Cumberland 218
Virginia troops withdrawn from Fort Cumberland 224
Waggoner, Captain 161
Walnut Bottom 258
War of 1812 295-299
Ward, Ensign 47, 49
Washiugtoii's first visit lo Wiir.s Creek 41-48
journal 65-72
lit Logstown ,, ...43
Lieutenant Colonel, at Will's Creek 48
letter to Governor Sharjjc 59
" " the Half-King 59
at Fort Necessity 55-82
resignation 102
aid decamp 107, 117
letter to his brother 121
" " William Fairfax 132
sick on the march 149
at the battle of the Monongahela 154 160, 167, 168
letter to Oovernor Irines 178
letter to his brother 180
return to Mount Vernon 197
appointed Commander-in-Chief 201
letter to Speaker Robinson 214
" " Dinwiddle 215-217, 219-222
wants Fort Cumberland abandoned 213
plan of defense 217
12
INDEX.
Washington, letter to Dinwiddie 226
mnrch to Fort Cumberland 233
letters to Colonel Ilouquet 233,236, 237, 238, 240,244
men in Indian dress 234
expenses of his election 236
letter to Speaker Robinson 245
" " Mrs. Fairfax 246
return to Mount Vernon 253
Washin^jtontown 259
Whisky Insurrection 273-276
Will's CreeV:: origin of name 21
a trading post 29, 30
affairs at 34-88
PREFACE.
For years past I have spent much time in gathering
scraps of history regarding Fort Cumberland and its
surroundings, having no other object than the grati-
fication of my curiosity as to the early events of
the place of my birth and that of my ancestors.
Becoming constantly more interested in the work,
and finding so much of national as well as local
importance clustered about the old Fort, I finally
determined to embody in as comprehensive a form
as possible, for future preservation, all that could
be learned of the place, from the time its primeval
forests were first disturbed by the crack of the
pioneer's rifle up to the close of the centennial
year of our nation. The task thus self-imposed was
found to be no easy one, but was persevered in from
the conviction that it was a duty not to be neglected.
The paucity of reliable history, in every section of
Maryland, made this duty more apparent. The
difficulties to be overcome, and the obstacles to be
surmounted, were greater than T had anticipated,
since the events of many years were involved in
almost total obscurity, or left to the chances of
tradition, which is at best uncertain.
Some of the ideas originally entertained as to the
scope of this work have been, of necessity, abandoned.
14
HISTOIiV OF CUMBERLAND.
Of those, I may mention the purpose of recording the
family history of the first, or earlier, settlers of the
town. Satisfactory data as to but few of these
families can now be obtained, despite most strenuous
efforts made in that direction. Consequently this
purpose could not be carried out without laying the
author open to the charge of invidious discrimination.
To make this history perfect, the careful perusal
of old manuscripts and newspapers, volumes of history,
local and general, records of Legislative, court and
counci^ proceedings, miscellaneous collections of notes
and memoranda, as W(?ll as private papers, became
necessary; and in many instances these were so
imperfect as to seem to bailie the most dilligent
research. The labor of interviewing the oldest
citizens was conscientiously performed, and many
missing links thus obtained. Their recollections
form part of the chain connecting the earlier and
latter existence of Cumberland, and binding the story
of the settlement to the town's birth.
The impossibility of making such a work perfect,
in every detail, must be apparent to every one; and
is certainly fully comprehended by the author. 1
have, however, striven in good faith, and without
stint of labor, to lift the veil which has so long
shrouded the past of our city, and to give a faithful
and accurate record of the march of events, from the
traditionary period ante-dating the establishment oi"
the "King's Fort," through the years of bloodshed
when the banner of England was borne over these
hills in the face of a savage foe, up to the present day
and generation. While asking for its imperfections
PREFACE.
15
the most lenient judgment, 1 trust the reader may
lind as much pleasure in the perusal of this volume,
as the writer has found in its preparation.
I am under obligations, for valuable assistance, to
Mr. A. R. Spofford, the learned and indefatigable
Librarian of the Congressional Library; to Colonel
Brantz Mayer, of Baltimore; Hon. A. R. Boteler,
of Virginia; Mr. Lyman (J. Draper, of the Wisconsin
Historical Library; Mr. James Anglim, publisher, of
Washiugton; Dr Joseph Toner, of Washington ; Mr.
1^]. D. Butler, of the Department of Maps, British
Museum, London; Mr. R. A. Brock, Librarian of the
Virginia Historical Library ; Mr. James Veech, of
Pittsburgh ; Mr. A. C. Nutt, of Uniontown, Pa.; Mr.
D. Shriver Stewart, of Washington City ; Mr. Benson
J. Lossing, the eminent historian ; Mr. John B.
Hurley, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury ; Mr. H.
I). Black, of New York; the Librarian of the Maryland
Historical Society; Messrs. Theodore Lunuxn, Clerk
<»f the Court; T. Leiper Patterson, Civil Engineer;
1. B. Milliier and L. T. Dickinson, of Cumberland ;
the last two named for some of the sketches given.
For many of the facts recorded I have had recourse
to the pages of Spark's Writings of Washington,
Irving's Life of Washington, Sargent's Braddock,
the Colonial Records, Pennsylvania Archives, The
Olden Time, the Pennsylvania Gazette, the Universal
Mag^jine, Sharpe's MS. correspondence, The Monon-
gahela of Old, Kercheval's History of the Valley,
Dodriddge's Notes, and others.
THE AUTHOR.
For n
'liscover^
to the n
great Ger
base of tl
The man
in its pro:
fastnesses
settle do^v
out upon
them froi
forever wl
invoked b
«trange bui
and a half
these boun(
behold thei
were peoph
iJimly prese
was destint
encroachme]
3
CAI-UC-TU-CUC.
1728-1751.
For nearly two hundred and fifty years after the
discovery of the New World had been made known
to the nations of the Eastern Hemisphere, by the
great Genoese navigator, the country lying along the
base of the AUeghanies was a trackless wilderness.
The march of civilization made but little advance
in its progress from the sea-shore to the mountain
fastnesses, and the new-comers seemed content to
settle down upon the coast, whence they could look
out upon the expanse of ocean which separated
them from the ideas and theories they had left
forever when they spread their sails to the heaven-
invoked breezes which were to waft them to a
strange but prolific world. For nearly two centuries
and a half had the gorgeous hues of autumn tinted
these boundless forests, ere the white man came to
behold their beauties. These mountains and valleys
were peopled by the Red Man, whose history was
dimly preserved in unsubstantial legend, and who
was destined to yield his possessions to the sure
encroachments of Anglo-Saxon intelligence.
18
HISTORY OF CUMBKRLANr).
1728.]
The first attempt to penetrate this virji^ii wilder-
ness, with an idea looking to conquest and posnesnion.
was made by Governor Spottswood in 1714, when
he, with a following of the youthful chivalry of
Virginia, sought to realize the golden visions he had
long delighted in, regarding the ])aradise beyond the
mountains. Ilis zeal and enthusiasm led him to the
discovery of the beautiful Valley of Virginia, as well
as the realization of the fact that the geography of
the region was on a grander scale than he had
anticipated. The great Apalachian range still
separated him from the head-waters of the Ohio,
which he had expected to find at the western base
of the Blue Ridge, but the daring enterprise of
himself and his followers opened a charming valley
to the hundreds of immigrants who were then
arriving upon our shores.
Of the region, bordering on the upper Potomac,
however, there is no history, either written or oral,
to enlighten us as to the events of an epoch earlier
than about 1728. At that date there was located
in the Province of Maryland, at the junction of
two streams known as the Cohongaronta and the
Caiuctucuc, an Indian town, which also bore the
latter name. The town of Caiuctucuc was built on
the ground lying between these streams, from their
confluence to a point some distance up the river
Cohongaronta, the greater portion of the town being
located upon the site of the v st side of the present
city of Cumberland. Other towns were dotted alonji
the river's bank, for a distance of more than forty
miles, the most easterly being the present site of
172S.]
INDIAN VILLAGES.
19
Okltown, Allegany county, Maryland. A century
ago the settlement at that point was called
-' Shawanese Oldtown, " but of late years the
oxj)lanatory prefix has been entirely dropped, and
tlio place is now known simply as Oldtown. Other
villages were scattered about between the Virginia
and Pennsylvania lines, two of which were not far
distant I'rom Caiuctucuc. One of these was located
in the narrow valley, three miles westward, on the
banks of Braddock's Run, on what is now known as
the Eckles' place, and within a few yards of the line
of the present National Road, just where it is crossed
by the Eckhart Railroad. Within the memory of
men now living there were many relics of this village
in existence. The ground was heavily timbered
throughout that valley, and a clearing of several
acres had been made there, in which were still to be
seen the renmants of the small huts used by the
natives. Just across the ridge, in Cash Valley, was
another village of the same character; and still
another, of greater dimensions, was situated near the
spot on which Cresaptown stands, probably a little
nearer the river.
The inhabitants of this region were a portion of
the Shawanese tribe, a sub-division of the Algonquin
group, one of the most warlike combinations of that
period. The warriors engaged in hunting and
fishing, and game was sufficiently abundant both in
wood and water to supply them with all that was
needed of food and furs. While the men engaged
in the pursuits of the chase, or went upon the war
path, their families were left at home to till the soil,
\ -
20
HISTORY OF CUMBEKLAND.
1728.]
the rich bottom lands yieldinjjf abundant crops of
maize and grasH. At what time the viUage of
Caiuctucuc wa8 deserted is left to c(mjecture. as
the earliest map of this region, which was made
in 1761, and is now to be seen in the Congressional
Library, at Washington, simply marks the territory
designated as " Abandoned Shawanese Lands," and
at that time roving bands of Indians of other trilx\s.
witli scjittered lodges, were found here by the hard\
pioneers, whose venturesome spirits led them so I'ar
beyond the limits of civilization; while the Shaw-
anese thickly peopled the banks of the Ohio, and the
Monongahela, west of the AUeghanies.
The town of Caiuctucuc was of respectable dimen-
sicms, and consisted principally of lodges built in a
primitive manner. Two forked posts were driven
firmly into the ground, and oh these was laid a
ridge pole. Small saplings, cut to a length of about
eight feet, were laid against this pole, one end resting
on the ground, forming a shelter similar to the /\^
shaped tents so long in use in our armies. This was
covered with bark and skins, and made tight enough
to form a satisfactory protection against lx)tli rain and
snow. On the floor were spread furs, which were
made to do duty both as seats and beds. The
village had its Sachems and chief men, and was
subject to the general form of government which
controlled all branches of the Shawanese family, and
which was well suited to their condition. A favorite
article of diet amongst these Indians was a cake made
of maize beaten as fine as the means at command
would permit. This was mixed with water, and
1728.1
INDIAN "WILL."
21
haked upon a flat Htone which had bocn proviouHly
jieatod in the (ire. The trapperw tbllovvod the Indians'
exain|)le in the bakinji; of "Shawnet? cakes," as they
<;alled them, and the lapse of a few years waw
sulFu'ient to corrupt tiie term into that of "Johnny
Cake," so familiar throii<j;liout the South, and in
common use at this day.*
Tiie darin<2; trai)pers who first came to make friends
of the Red Man evidently had more rejj^ard for the
peltries, which were exchangea))le for coin, than for
the beauty of difficult Indian names, by which
mountains and streams were desi<z:nated; and with
the merciless hardihood of their natures they ruth-
lessly extinguished the aboriginal titles, and cut out
for after generations meaningless names, which had
nothing to commend them beyond their ease of
proiuinciation. Thus, we have to-day no "Caiuctu-
cuc," but simply " Will's Creek." Caiuctucuc Creek,
and the great mountain which forms the northern
homiflary of the city of Cumberland, were b.aptised
by the earliest settlers here, as "Will's Creek,"
and "Will's Mountain." "Will" was a full Wooded
Indian, who with his family and a few followers,
remained in the land of their fathers, and despite
the appi'oach of the white men did not remove
their wigwams, but received their strange visitors
with a kindly greeting, and lived upon terms of
intimate friendship with them. His wigwam was
built in a little cove lying between the west side of
Will's Mountain and Will's Knob, about three miles
from the month of the creek, and in the vicinity of
'■It has been generally claimed that "Johnny Cake" was a corruption of
"Journey Cake."
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND^.
1743.] ■ 1743.]
the rocky Ibnnation known us thr^ "Devil's Ladder."
He had for a neighlK)r another Indian, known as Eve.
[ndian Will exercised a Hort of proprietary rig-ht over
all the land in the vicinity of hin lodjj^iN and one of
the earliest tracts surveyed, by Colonel Thomas
Cresap, at the instance of Governor Bladen, was
designated " Will's To\vn," and was located along the
creek from the mouth of Jennings Rmi, containing
915 acres. The claims of Will to the ownership of
property were respect^^d tt) a certain extent; that is
to say, when grants were obtained the settlers did not
fail to give him some tritle us a pret<?nded compensii-
tion. In referring to this place it became cust(^)mary
with the settlers and trtippers to use Will's name as
the easiest method of designating it, and in a little
while, very naturally, they came to sj^eak of "Will's
Creek." Thus the original Indian name for the
stream was lost; and the mountain finally obtained
its name from the creek.
The date of Will's death is not definitely known, but
that event is supposed to have occurred aljout the close
of the revolutionary war, or shortly thereafter. His
rtimains were buried on the very top of Will's Knob,
and the place of his sepulture is still pointed out to
those who are curious enough to visit it. He left
several children, who intermarried with white settlers,
and their descendants lived near the Pennsylvania
State line, on Will's creek, as late as 1810, but the
last of them has now disappeared.
In the map referred to above, and which was drawn
in 1751, Will's Creek is marked as "Caiuctucuc Creek,"
and at that date was known by no other name
1743.]
THE TOTOMAC.
amongst the Indians. It was a stream of no great
j)reten-«iions during the summer numths, but frequently
overflowed its banks after heavy freshets, and spread
over much of the bottom land near its mouth. Its
fsliores were thickly fringed with tree« and sh"'ibbery,
and its waters flowed lazily tlirough the (u>()ling
.shadows of the "Narrows," a grand rent in the
mountain, a mile to the iioith of the junction of the
creek with the river.
The Potomtuv'' River obtained its name doubtless
from the Potomac tribe of Indians. At the time of
tlie grant of Maryland to Lord Baltimore, iii 1C32, it
was specified as the boinidary line Ijetween Virginia
and Maryland, and referred to lus "Quiriough, or
Potonuic." This title was apj)lied to tlie river only
as far up as the mouth of the Shenandoah. From
the [)oint of its confluence with that stream uj) to
the source of the North Branch it was called
Cohongaronta, or Upper Potomac, while the South
Branch bore tlie name of the Wappacomo or Wappa-
t<^)maka. The Cohongaronta wa.s said to have been
surveyed from the mouth of the Shenandoah to the
head springs, in 178G, by Mr. Benjamin Winslow,
but it is quite pro))able that Mr. Winslow grew
weary of his task, for some reason, and abandoned
it prematurely, a.'< the maps of fifteen years later are
far from being correct. Jnasmuch as the Potomac
was declared the boundary line between Virginia and
Maryland there was much doubt expressed on the
part of the proprietary of Maryland as to the justice
of taking the North Branch as the main stream.
*The word Potomac signifies the "Place ot theburiUDg pine," "reaenibling
a council fire."
24
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
Virgini<a, howevex', claimed through hor Comniissionor.
Hon. Charles James Faulkner, in 1SH2, that while
the South Branch was the longer, the North
Bran(;h was the wider and deeper, and had the
greater volume of water; in addition to Avhich
facts the valley of the South Branch has not the
general direction of the Potomac, while that of the
North Branch has. The discussion of tliis matter
has been frequent and of long duration, the Legisla-
tures having on several occasions appointed "Boundary
Commissioners" with a view to its settlement. There
has been no result further than to confirm the original
boimdary, and the matter is now, doubtless finally
settled.
The lands in the vicinity of Cumberland are rich
in Indian relics, and an interesting collection of stone
pipes tomahawks, rings, tablets, quoits, &c., has been
made by Mr. F. M, Ofl'utt. These were taken from
graves which have been opened by various persons.
Along the banks of the Potomac the curious may still
find these graves, and the writer has himself assisted
in the exploration of a number of them. The custom
of the Indians was to lay their dead upon the surface
of the earth, and to deposit beside them their bows,
arrows, tomahawks, and food in jars or crocks of
pottery, made of clay mixed with finely crushed flint,
and burned. The friends then deposited such articles
as they chose, and the bodies were afterwards covered
with stones, which were laid on to a height of about
two feet. Usually the stones used were boulders from
the bed of the river. It is probable that the graves
thus constructed were those of parties who were on
"»
INDIAN GRAVES.
25
the war path, or traveling from one place to another,
jLs usually not more than two or three graves are
found together. This is rendered more probable
from the fact that few such graves are found in the
immediate vicinity of their towns. At Brady's
Mills, a number of skeletons were unearthed some
years ago, by workmen who were excavating the
ground for the foundations of a distillery built there
by Mr. Samuel Brady. These were, beyond doubt,
the remains of Indians, and were buried in a sitting
posture, some depth below the surface. This was
doubtless the burial ground of the Indian village
which lay between that place and Cresaptown. On
the farm of Mr. Christopher Kelley, fourteen miles
below Cumberland, one of these stone piles was
opened recentW, and a beautiful serpentine pipe, of
green tinted stone, besides rings, &c., taken therefrom.
In that neighborhood, and on the opposite side of the
river, are several other graves of a similar character,
while in the valley of the South Branch they have
been discovered in great numbers, and hundreds of
relics taken from them have found their way to the
Smithsonian Institute. The articles thus recovered
were all of stone, or bone, the latter being used
freely as ornaments. The tomahawk was of
sharpened stone, having a place hollowed out on both
sides near the head, in which the handle was
fastened by strong vines, or withes. The use of
metals was evidently unknown to those people.
^i
THE OHIO COMPANY.
I
Inasmuch as the Ohio Company took a most active
part in the early settlement of this immediate section
of country, and as it has been so frequently alluded
to in the past, and must necessarily be, in the future,
it is deemed expedient to embody here a brief history
of the Company, and its transactions. Indeed, this
work would be incomplete and unsatisfactory, so far
as the history of Cumberland is concerned, were not
the important operations of the Ohio Company
recorded.
In 1748, a number of energetic Pennsylvanians hiid
succeeded in establishing an extensive trade with the
Indians, throughout the valleys along the Alleghany
and headw aters of the Ohio. These traders employed
in their service a class of hardy, daring backwoods-
men, whom they sent into the Indian villages, with
supplies of blankets, rum, trinkets, guns, ammunition,
paints, &c., which they bartered to the Red Men for
furs. The traffic became so profitable that in a little
while it attracted the attention of others, who were
ready to embark in an enterprise promising such
rich returns. Col. Thomas Cresap, who had built for
1749.]
THE OHIO COMPANY.
27
himself a cabin at Oldtowii, and who will be more
particularly referred to hereafter, joined Lawrence
and Augustine Washington in the project of forming
a company for engaging in this business, and
they soon united with themselves Thomas Lee,
one of His Majesty's Council in Virginia, and
twelve other persons in Virginia and Maryland,
besides John Hanbury, a London merchant of wealth
and influence. Afterwards several other English
gentlemen joined the company, and in 1749 the
British government gave them a charter, under the
name of '"The Ohio Company," and a grant of five
hundred thousand acres of land, to be located between
the Monongahela and Kanawha Rivers, west of the
Alleghanies. The company originally issued but
twenty shares of stock, and some of this changed
hands in a short while, Governor Dinw^ddie and
Heorge Mason becoming purchasers. Mr. Lee was
chosen as the principal manager of the company's
affairs, but he died a few months later, and Lawrence
Washington became his successor. One of the re-
({uirements of the charter was, that the company
should select a large proportion of its lands at once,
some two hundred thousand acres, settle upon them
one hundred families within seven years, erect a
fort and maintain a garrison against the Indians.
When these terms were complied with the land was
to be held ten years free of quitrrent. They accord-
ingly set about exploring the country without delay,
and employed in the work Christopher Gist, an
energetic, fearless pioneer, and a man of considerable
intelligence, whose home had been on the borders of
28
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1749.
ii t
North Carolina. Gist* was instructed to examine
the quality of- lands, keep a journal, draw plans of
the country, and to report in full. He came to Will's
Creek in October, 1749, where he made all the prepa-
rations necessary for his trip, and on the 31st day of
the same month he started on his explorations, follow-
ing an Indian trail, which was the only route through
the wilderness. He was gone some months, and made
his way almost to the falls of the Ohio, where
Louisville now stands, besides pretty thoroughly
exploring the ground along the Miama River. He
succeeded in securing the friendship of the Miamas
and other tribes, and although Monsieur Celeron
de Bienville had deposited leaden plates, bearing
inscriptions which proclaimed that all the lands on
the Ohio and its tributaries were the pro}K3rty of the
king of France; and although Captain Joncaire, with
his eloquence and his wit, used every method that
art could invent to induce the Indians to take up
arms against the English, yet Gist, with the assistance
of George Croghan, a popular trader, succeeded in
*Cliri8toph*r Gist was of EngUith deaceot. HIh Krandfather waa Cliristopher Oi»t, who died in
Baltimore county ill 1691. His arandmothcr was Kdith Cromwell, who died in 1694. Tliey had
one child, Richard, who was surTeyor of the Western Hhore, and was one of the coramlHKioners,
ID 1729, for laving otf the town of Baltimore, and presiding magistrate in 1736. In 17145 be
married Zipporah Murray, and ChriBtopher was one of three sons. He married Sarah Howard;
his brother, Nathaniel, married Mary Howard: and Thomas, the third brother, married Violetu
Howard, aunla of Oen. John Kaiser Howard. Krom either Nathaniel or Thomas descended
General Gist, who was killed at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., near the cloxe of the late civil
t^ar. Christopher had three sons, Nathaniel, Richard, and Thomas, and one daut;hter, Nancy,
none of whom, except Nathaniel, were married. Because of his knowh'lue of the country oi
the Ohio, and liis skill in dealing with the Indians. Christopher Gist wa~ ohosen to accompanj
Washington on his mission in 1753, and it was from his journal that Sparks and Irving derived
their account of that e.xpedition. With his sons Nathaniel and Thomas, he was with Braddock
on the fatal Held of Monongahela, and for his services received a grant of 12,UU0 acres of land
from the King of Kngland. Richard was killed in the battle of King's Mountain. Thoniw
lived on the plantation, and was a man of note then, presiding in the courts till nis death aboni
1786. Nancy lived with him until his death, when she joined ncr brother, Nathaniel, and re-
moved with hirn to the grant in Kentucky, about the beginning of this century.
Nathaniel Gist, the grandfather ol Hon. Montgomery Blair, ot Maryland, married Juditb
Carey Bell, of Buckingham county, Va., a grand-niece of Archibald Carey, the mover of tho
Bill of Rights, in the Houseof Burgesses, Nathaniel was a Colonel In the Virginia line during
the levolutionary war, and died early in the nreaent century at an old age. He left two torn,
Henry Carey and Thomas Cecil. His eldest (laughter, Sarah Howard, married the Hon. Jeatt
Bledsoe, a if. H. Senator from Kentucky, and a distinguished jurist; his grandson, B. Qrati
Brown was the Democratic candidate for Vice President in 1872. The second daughter of Col
Gut, Anne (Nancy) married Col. Nathaniel Hart a brother of Mrs. Henry Clay. The third
daughter married Dr. Boewell, of Lexington, Ky. The fourth daughter married Francis P. Blail,
Liid they were the parents of Hon. Montgomery Blair, and FVaooli P. Blair, it. The flftb
daughter ii»rried Benjamiu Qratz, of Lexington, Ky.
>il.
1752.]
TREATY AT LOGSTOWN.
29
(ho died in
1 Tliey li«d
hiHBionera,
17U5 he
Howard;
|d VioletU
dencended
I late civil
Nancy,
lountry oi
Iccomitan;
liK derived
iBraddock
|g of land
Tlioiiiie
|at)i nhniil
aud re-
Id Judith
of th«
during
■two sons,
Ion. Jeaw
IB. Grail
of Col
[he third
] P. Blair,
The fifth
having the Indians declare their friendship for the
English, afterwards, at the council held at Logstown,
in 1762.
In 1750 the company built a small storehouse at
Will's Creek, and ordered goods to the value of
£4,000 from London. Later on, in 1751, Colonel
Thomas Cresap, who still lived at Old town, undertook
to lay out the course of a good road from Will's Creek
to the mouth of the Monongahela, now Pittsburgh.
He employed, as his assistamt, a friendly Indian
named Nemacolin, and they together marked out the
road to be followed by the company.
In June of 1752, Mr. Gist, as agent of the Ohio
(Jompany, with Colonel Fry, and two other gentlemen,
commissioners from Virginia, went to Logstown,*
Home seventeen miles below the Forks,f and made a
treaty with the Indians at that point. The Indiana
agreed not to molest any settlements on the south
east side of the Ohio River, but at the same time they
did not concede that the English had a right to any
lands west of the Alleghany Mountains. After the
treaty at Logstown, Gist was appointed surveyor for
the company, and was told to lay off a town at
Shurtee's Creek, a little below Pittsburgh, on the east
side of the Ohio, and the sum of £400 was assessed
to pay for the construction of a fort. He, with
several other families, then settled in the valley of
the Monongahela, not far from the Creek above
named.
In this year, the Company concluded to make
*IjOgHtoKn was inhabited by ghawanese and Delaware* until 1760, at wblofa time tbej kbltii-
doned it.
tPlttaburgb.
30
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND.
[1762.
iiii:l,:ii
Will's Creek a permanent trading post, and with that
object in view they erected another storehouse and
magazine, which became known throughout the
country as the "New Storehouse." The first store-
house built by this company was located on the west
side of Will's Creek, north of the river, but the New
Storehouse was located on the Virginia side of the
river, at the foot of the bluff on which now stands
the beautiful residence of Captain Roger Perry, very
near the point occupied by the abutment of the
Potomac bridge. It was constructed of logs, and was
of sufficient dimensions not only to contain the mer-
chandise of the company, but to afford a home for its
agents, as well as a place of retreat and defense, in
case of a hostile demonstration on the part of
unfriendly Indians, which event was liable to occur
at any hour.
This point was regarded as a, very favorable or.c
for the future operations of the company, since Indians
were numerous, and the furs obtained here were ot'|
excellent quality, great variety, and satisfactorily
abundant. A heavy consignment of goods was
received, and as the temper of the Indians did not
warrant a venture further into the wilderness
the merchandise was all disposed of at Will's (^reek.
the Indians and trappers being eager buyers. After
the completion of the New Storehouse, a number of |
trappers were engaged, who could be relied upon to
defend the post in case of savage hostility, as well as
to hunt and trap for their employers. The Company
seems to have regarded Will's Creek as a part of their
grant, and they evidently expected it to become an
1752.]
BRITTSI! AND FRENCH CLAIMS.
HI
important point as it should be developed by immi-
gration and civilization. The ground was surveyed
on both sides of Will's Creek, and laid off' into a
town, with streets, lanes, &c., the squares being sul)-
divided into lots. The name of'Charlottesburg* was
given it, in honor of Princess Charlotte Sophia,
afterwards wife of King George III.
The charter of the Ohio (Jompany gave the
members thereof important advantages in trading
with the Indians, and as this was a grant which
must drive out of the market many other traders, the
latter, of course, felt greatly aggrieved thereby, and
undertook to get rid of this monopoly by inciting the
Indians to hostility against it, and fomenting tr()ul)les
of such a character as to make it unsafe for the
Company to send goods further west than the post at
Will's Creek.
The lands granted the Ohio Company were claimed
both by the British and French governments. The
former assumed to have obtained its title from the
Iroquois, through a treaty made at Lancaster, in
1744, when the British had paid these Indians the
sum of £400, in consideration of which the crown
was to receive and hold all the land west of the
Alleghanies to the Mississippi River. Two things
tended to make this transfer rather a doubtful
transaction : first, the Indians were made drunk with
rum before the bargain was entered into; and
secondly, they did not rightfully own a foot of the
*A map of this Town was amonRHt the papei- of the Ohio Company, which were in the po«-
seflsion of Oeneral Charlen Fentoti Mercer, who died at Howard, near Alexandria, in 1857.
Kvery effort was made to trace tlif destiny of these papers, but it is altneether probable that they
have been destroyed, as the papers of Oeneral Mercer were consi);ned to the care of a distant
relative at tlie time oi his dcatli, and diirint; the war the house of this gentleman was occupied
by troops. The papers were contained in chests, and when the troops tool< their departure all
the documents bad disappeared, since which time uo trace ol them baa been found.
32
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
territory thus bartered. The tribes who were in
possession of the hind treated the affair with
contempt, and asserted their rights with evident
determination. The French claimed all this territory
by right of discovery, alleging that, since Father
Marquette had made a voyage from the Lakes to the
mouth of the Mississippi, the title to all that region,
under the customs governing nations, was rightfully
vested in his sovereign. The operations of the agents
of the Ohio Cpmpany and of the English rulers aroused
the jealousy of the French, and they forthwith
undertook to establish their authority in the Ohio
valley. The country was populated entirely by
Indians, not a solitary settlement of whites having
been established. The Red Men found themselves
placed between two fires; and as the struggle thus
begun between the two nations, which were contending
for the supremacy over the rich valleys and plains,
progressed, each labored zealously to win the alliance
of the natives, and thus strengthen itself for the
great contest, which they foresaw must soon come
to pass.
The troubles between the French and English put
a stop to the movements of the Ohio Company, and
it seems to have done nothing further in the prose-
cution of its enterprise, until 1760. At that date a
statement of the Company's case was drawn up bj
Mr. John Mercer, Secretary to the Board, and an
appeal was made to the King for such further orders
and instructions to the government in Virginia as
might enable the Company to carry its grant into
execution. This appeal seems to have met with but I
1703.]
THE OHIO COMPANY.
33
little attention, and the mutter remained in suspense
for three years. I^he Hoard havin«i- by that time
grown impatient over the delay, determined to send
an agt?nt to England to attend to its petition, and to
endeavor to secure such action as would enable it to
obtain the benefits of the grants made l<mg before.
Colonel George Mercer was chosen for this important
duty, and went to London, where he remained for
the sj)ace of six years, constantly urging the
Company's case. 15ut all his efforts proved fruitless,
and it was eventually agreed to merge the Ohio
Company into anotlier organization, known as the
•'Grand Company," formed under Wal pole's grant.
The latter Company partly resulted from a pamphlet
published by Anselm Yates Baley, Esq., in London,
in 1763, entitled "The Advantages of a Settlement
up(m the Ohio in North America." Thus ended
The Ojiio Company."
WILL S CREEK.
1751-1755.
The apparently Imundless tcrritor}' lying west of
the Alleghany Mountains was a [)rize well calculated
to excite the interest of ambitious nionarchs, and it
is not suri)rising that the struggle between the British
and French lor its possession soon became of the
most determined character. It was a grand park of
natural beauties, where majestic forests were watered
by countless streams, and rich phuns lay in wait for
the plough, ready ti) yield an abundant harvest in
return for little labor.
Both parties [)roceeded upon the ground that their
chiims were legitinuite and })erfect, and the rights of j
the Indians were wliolly ignored, as being of no
consequence whatever. Enghmd laid chiim to these
lands upon tlie strength of her treaties with the
Indians, but to the most ordinary judgment it must
be apparent that these treaties were of no merit
whatever, so far as title was concerned, and the real
owners utterly repudiated the British pretensions.
The French cited still higher authority, and based j
their claims upon the fact of prior discovery, b}
"I'l'ther James
[rom the Fo.t an(
Marquette was a
leariiingas welh
J-liristian religior
born in Quebec ii
U'ld devoted to in
1751.]
BRITISH AND FRENCH CLAIMS.
36
Maniiu'ttc, and .loUit't,"' and ujxni the treaties of
Ilynwick, Utrecht, and Aix-la-i'liapelU'. The treaties
of the Eiifxlish had heen nia(k» with the Six Nations,
a confederacy which hordere<l on Lake Ontario,
powcrfnl ill its nnmhcrs, and upon iiostile terms with
the French and ail tiie tribes on the Canadian si(U' of
the Lakes, wiio were adherents of tiu^ Fiench. Tiie
tribes of the Six Nations boa^sted tiiat their ancestors
had, in days lonj^ past, coiKpiered tlie territory west of
the mountains, even to tiie waters of the Mississippi.
Tliey persisted in this statement, in the face of tlie
utter denial given it by the Indians who dwelt uj)oii
the lands, and entered into treaties with the English,
whereby they formally traiisferrefl all thi- v gion to
them, foran insignificant consideration. T' English
consulted their own interests in the uiauer, and
chose to recognize the Six Nations as the parties
who alone had th(^ [)ower to disj)ose of this property.
The French declared that, not only was their title
l)iised u\)(m the rights secured by the discoveries of
Manpiette, Jolliet, Lasalle, and other pioneers, but
upon actual settlements made south of Lake Michigan,
and on the banks of the Illinois River. They further
I declared that these settlements were made many
years before the English had crossed the AUeghanies,
and that their title was recognized by England in
various treaties made with the European powers.
[This was rather a far-fetched fancy, doubtless,
'■■Father James Miirquette and Ijouis .lolliet, in a bark canoe, descended
I from tlie Fox and Wisconsin rivers to tiie Mississippi, in June, 1(373. Father
Murquette was a native ot Lnon in Picardy ; he was a man of great skill and
Jiearning as well as of extraordinary courage, and devoted to the spread of the
I Christian religion. Louis Jolliett was the son of a wheel-wright, and was
I born in Quebec in 164.5. He was thoroughly educated, talented and pious,
|und devoted to mathematics and geography.
36
HISTOKV OF CUMBERLANU.
inasmuch as the passage of a Frenchman down the
Mississippi, and tlie establishment of a few settlements
on that and st)me adjacent streams, could scai'cely be
called, by any stretch of the imagination, a discovery
of the immense territory which covered at least one
fourth of the continent. Their claim might, with
equal propriety, have been made to embrace the
region west of the Mississippi to the Ilocky Moun-
tains.
The proprietary of the actual inhabitants, the
Indians whose ancestors for ages had held these
lands, was wholly ignored by the intruders from the
Old World, and the natives ({uestioned air igst
themselves how it was that they should so suddenly,
and without any act of their own, have all their
estate put in jeopardy, and Ix^ brought to the verge
of a homeless and landless condition.
The Six Nations occupied a position on the borders
between the French and FiUgllsh colonies, a geographi-
cal location giving them great iniiuence,the importance
of which they were not slow Lo comprehend, and they
lost no opportunity to make the most of the
advantages they enjoyed. Shortly after the iirst
settlement of French on the Lakes, a warfare of
the most sanguinary character was waged between
them and the Indians of these tribes, the result of
which was that the Six Nations threw their interests
into the scale with the English. The French
endeavored by every means of persuasion and bribery
to win the savages to their cause, and the English
found it necessary to be constantly manifesting their
friendship by the liberal distribution of such gifts as
1751.]
BRITISH AND FRENCH CLAIMS.
37
were most dear to the Indian heart. The ambition
of these tribes was hardly surpassed by that of the
white powers struggling for territorial aggrandize-
ment, and they had previously laid elaini to niueh
of the land embraced in the colonial grants of
Maryland and Pennsylvania. This had been a source
of great annovance to the Governors of these States,
and, as the easiest method of getting rid of the matter,
the Six Nations had been called to Lancaster, Pa.,
on the 30th of June, 1744, when a treaty was made,
whereby the Indians relin(|uished all their claims to
Maryland territory, in consideration »f the sum of
i^300 paid them. That treaty read in part as follows :
"Now, know ye, that for and in consideration of
the sum of three hundred pounds, current money of
Pennsylvania, paid and delivered to the above named
Sachems or Chiefs, partly in goods and partly in gold
money, by said commissioners,'-' they, the said
Sachems or Chiefs, on ])elialf of the said Nations, do
hereby renounce and disclaim to the right honorable
the Lord Baltimore, lo^d proprietary of the said
province of Maryland, his heirs and assigns, all
pretence of right or claim wdiatsocver, of the said
Six Nations, of, in or to any lands that lie on
Potomac, alias Cohongaronton, or Susquehanna
Rivers, or in any other ])lace between the great bay
of Chesapeake and a line beginning at about two
miles above the u[)permost fork of Cohongaronton or
Potomac on the North Branch of the said fork ; near
whic fork Captain Thomas Cresap has a hunting or
*The!ie commissioners were Edmuud Jenniogs, Philip Thomas, Robert
Kiug, aud Thomas Colville.
38
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
trading c.ibin, and trora thence by a north course
to the boundaries of the Province of Pennsylvania,
and so with the bounds of the said Province of
Pennsylvania to Susquehanna River; but in case such
limits shall not include the present inhabitants or
settlers, then so many line or lines, course or courses,
from the said two miles above the fork, to the
outermost inhabitant or settlement, as shall include
every settlement and inhabitant of Maryland, and
from thence by a north line to the bounds of the
Province of Pennsylvania, shall be deemed and
construed the limits intended by these presents;
anything hereinbefore contained, to the contrary,
notwithstanding. And the said Sachems or Chiefs
do hereby, on behalf of the said Six United Nations,
declare their consent and agreement to be that every
person or persons whatsoever, who now is, or shall
be hereafter, settled or seated in any part of the said
province, so as to be out of the limits aforesaid, shall
nevertheless continue in their peaceable possessions
free and undisturbed, and be esteemed as brethren
by the Six Nations. In witness whereof, the said
Sachems or Chiefs, for themselves, and on behalf of
the people of the Six Nations aforesaid, have hereunto
set their hands and seals, the thirtieth day of June,
in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred
and forty-four."
The French Governor of Canada quickly perceived
the importance of establishing such strongholds as
would enable him to sustain the position assumed by
his government in regard to American territory. He
had already fortifications extending along the lakes,
iimniiniitio
175;{.]
CAPTAIN TRENT S MISSION.
and the English soon received intelligence to the
effect that he w.'is preparing to erect fortifications
and establish posts on the head waters of the Ohio
River. In fact, he had determined to construct a
complete chain of military works from Canada to
Louisiana, reaching from Lal^e Ontario to the forks
of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny, thence along
the Ohio to its mouth, and from that point to
Louisiana along the Mississippi.
This aroused the P^nglish to action at once, and as
their traders had been driven away from the Ohio
by the French, and some of them taken off as
prisoners, they conclued that no time was to be lost
in c^hocking the operations of their enemy. A mes-
senger, Captain William Trent, was sent over the
mountains by Governor Dinwiddies order, in the
guise of a trader, with presents of fire arms and
anunuuition for the Indians, liis mission being to
ascertain their temper and disposition, as well as to
k'arn accurately the movements and intentions of
the French, lie was directx^d to extend his visit to
the important points akmg the Allegliany River, but,
either from intimidation or deception, his mission was
t»iily partly accom[)lished, and he returned with little
information of a satisfactory character.
During Trent's jibsence (Jovernor Dinwiddle had
received orders from the British Ministry to buikl
two forts near the Ohio River, in order to establish
possession, and tf) serve notice upon the French to
leave that section, as well as to cultivates the friend-
ship of the Indians, and to intimidate those who
might prove unfriendly. There had been, however,
40
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
already too much delay, and the Governor of Canada
had by that time established military posts throughout
the disputed territory. For months he had been
sending his troops across the lakes, to the headwaters
of the Ohio, while others had ascended the Mississippi
from Louisiana, and taken position near the falls of
Ohio. They were well supplied with arms, ammu-
nition and stores; roads had been opened, and
commiuiication established from the forks to the
Iiakes.
Accompanying the orders of the British Ministry
to Governor Dinwiddie were thirty light cannon
and eighty barrels of powder. To carry into effect
the orders received, the Governoi- called upon Major
George Washington, believing him to l)e particularly
well qualified for the delicate duties to be discharged.
Washington was as yet barely twenty-one years of
age, yet he was known to l)e possessed of mature
judgment, nice discrimination, imdoubted ability,
great endurance, as well as pretty accurate knowledge
of Indian manners and customs. He had spent much
time in the woods, was a good surveyor, and had the
energy necessary to overcome any obstacles that
might reas(mably l)e expected to present themselves.
Washington accepted the charge offered him. He
was furnished with written instructions, the necessary
credentials, and a passport bearing the great seal of
the colony of Virginia. His orders were, to proceed
at once to Logstown, there to see Tanacharisson,
Scarooyadi, and other Indian Chiefs, and make known
to them the object of his visit, and after learning
the whereabouts of the French to request an escort
1753.]
WASHINGTON AT WILLS CREEK.
41
of warriors to the hoadqiualers of the French
cDmmandaiit, to whom hs \7ii» to present his
<'rcHlentials, together with a letter from the Governor
of Virginia, and demand an answer in the nf\me of
His Britanic Majesty. He was also to inform
himself accurately as to the strength and position
of the French, what reinforcements they expected
from the Canadian borders, the number, character
and location of their forts, the disposition of the
Indians, and such other facts as might be of import-
ance, including the object and intentions of the
enemy. ' • .
He left Williamsburg, on this perilous undertaking,
on the 31st of October, 1753, the day after receiv-
ing his instructions. On arriving at the town of
Fredericksburg, he secured the services of Jacob
Vanbraam, his old fencing-master, a Dutchman by
birth, and John Davidson, an interpreter. He then
repaired to Winchester, where he procured an oitfit
of tents, blankets, horses, and such other equipments
as were necessary, after which he proceeded to
Will's Creek. Here he found Christopher Gist, who
had a cabin at this place, and who gave him a
cordial welcome. Gist was an intrepid pioneer,
versed in woodcraft, and familiar Avith the forests,
which he had penetrated time and again, having
previously rendered valuable services to the Ohio
Company, as a guide. Washington induced Gist to
accompany him. and secured, besides, four other
frontiersmen, with which company he set out to
cross the mountains. In Gist's Journal, published
in the Massachusetts Historical Society's collections,
42
HISTORY OF CUMBKRLAND.
we find the following entrioH regarding thiis matter:
"Wednesday, 14th Nov., 175:].— Then Major
George Washington came to my house at Will's
Creek, and delivered me a letter from the (Council
in Virginia, requesting me to attend him up to the
commandant of the French fort on the Ohio river.
"Thursday, 15th. — We set out, and at night
encamped at George's Creek, ahout eight miles,
where a messenger came with letters from my son,
who was just returned from his people at the
Cherokees, and lay sick at the mouth of the Cono-
gocheague. But as I found myself entered again on
public business, and Major Washington and all the
compan}' unwilling I should return, I wrote and
sent medicines to my son, and so continued my
journey, and encamped at a big hill in the forks of
the Youghiogany, about 18 miles."
Several days later they encamped at Gist's new
house, near the Big Yough, which he had built us
the nucleus of another settlement. The following
night they spent at Jacob's Cabins, twenty miles
further on, and the folloAving day reached John
Frazier's, twelve miles distant, at the mouth of
Turtle creek. Frazier had long been engaged in
trading with the Indians, and spent a considerable
portion of his time in repairing the guns of the
trappers and savages. lie had recently been located
in the Indian village of Venango; but the French
had compelled him to leave, and he returned to his
house on Turtle creek. The season was most
unpropitious, the mountains being covered with
snow, and the streamb swollen to such an extent
175P,.]
WASHINGTON AT LOGSTOWN.
43
that they could not bo forded, so that the horses
were forced to swim them. The roads were poor and
difficult at best, but now wei\' ahnost inipassal)le in
numerous places, and the adventurers could take
themselves and their baggage across the streams only
by means of hastily constructed rafts. After reaching
Frazier's, Washington was furnished with a canoe,
in which he placed all his baggage, and putting it
in charge of two of his men, sent it down the
Monongahela to its mouth. He went on by land,
with the remainder of the party, and arrived there
ahead of the canoe. Washington examined the
ground very carefull}', and declared it to be an
admirable point for a fort, which opinion was justified
by the action of the French officers shortly afterwards,
when they built, on the identical spot. Fort Duquesne.
On the 24th of November, Washington arrived at
Logstown, where Tanacharison, the Half-King had
his headquarters. The Half-King held a private
coiifcMence with Washington on the 25th, and on the
day following the Chiefs, including Sliingi, the King
of the Del.'iwares, met in the council house, when
Washington addressed them in a speech, explaining
the objects of his mission, telling them what
were the wishes of the (Jovernor. and re(|uesting an
escort of young Indians to aceonqiany him to the
French connnander s post. The speech concluded,
he presented the letter he had ))rought and a belt of
wampum, both of Avhicli were accepted by the Half-
King, who said the English were the brothers of
the Indians, that his people would return to the
French the speech belts that had been left with them,
Pkh<'.fcft<fi%*'i«;^Jrt,fc .
44
HISTORY OK CUMBERLAND.
[1753. ■ 1753.]
and that the requisite escort would be iiirninhed. As
the younj5 men were absent, Washington was
compelled, nmch against his will, to wait three days,
at the end of which time he set out with four Indians
and an additional trapper. The distance to the
Frenchman's headquarters was only about one hun-
dred miles, but the inclemency of the weather, and
the condition of the roads, were such that seven days
were consumed in the journey, and it was the 4th of
Decemlxir when the party arrived at Venango, where
Captain Joncaire was in connnand. The headquai^
ters, however, was some distance further on, and
through the worst kind of weather, Washington,
after two days' delay, pushed on tn thnt point, wb^ro
he presented his letters to the Chevalier de St.
Pierre, the commandant. He was a dignified, courtly
gentleman, of mature .age, a knight of the military
order of St. Louis, and affiible and kindly in his
manners. He had Washington and his attendants
comfortably provided for, and promised to give his
immediate attention to the letter brought him from
the Governor of Virginia. This letter was a protest
against the encroachments of the French upon what
Governor Dinwiddle declared to be lands belonging
to the English crown; it demanded to know by what
right, and upon whose authority, French soldiers had
been sent across the lakes, to establish military posts,
and it concluded by insisting that they should with-
draw to Canada without delay. The French
commandant responded, by letter, that he did not
make the treaties and could not discuss them ; he was
a soldier obeying orders, and that the protests made
n
shouh
Manpii.'
then act
to retire
to carry
hereafte
The p
and dm
opportun
making ;i
its size, s
He had h
about the
hpjnn- con
On the :
set out o]
after tweb
quent upoi
Will's Cre<
the night
for Williai
IGth of Jai
the letter (
Washing
the Frenc
council by
tion of the
immediate
of the Fr.
longer be a
since they
the territoi
17511]
RETURN OF WASHINGTON AND GIST.
45
should bo addressed to the Governor of Canada,
Mar(|uiH Duquesne, under whose instructions he was
then acting and should continue to act. He declined
to retire t'roni his position, and said he would endeavor
to carry into effect such orders as he might receive
hereafter from those whom he was serving.
The pre})aration of this letter o<!cupied some days,
and during this time Washington made good use of his
opportunities, in taking observations of the fort, and
making a drawing of it, which was complete, showing
its size, shape and strength, both in men and artillery.
He had his men also take cognizance of everything
al)out the place, count the canoes on hand and those
being constnirted.
On the 25th of December, Washington and his party
set out on their return home, from Venango, and
after twelve days of exposure and hardships, conse-
(juent upon the severity of the weather, he reached
Will's Creek, on the Gth of January, where he spent
the night with Mr. Gist, and left the following day
for Williamsburg, at which town he arrived on the
IGtli of January, and delivered to Governor Dinwiddle
the letter of M. de 8t. Pierre.
Washington's journal, and the letter he bore from
the French commandant, were submitted to the
council by the (Governor, and alter a careful considera-
tion of the matter it was unanimously concluded that
iiiunediate steps should be taken to repel the invasion
of the French, by force of arms. There could no
longer be a doubt as to the intentions of the French,
since they had emphatically declared their right to
the territory in dispute, and their determination to
40
HISTORY OF CUMnERLAND.
retain jmsscsHion of it, if possible. The council,
therefore, endorsed the Governor's determination to
send an armed Ibrce at once to the Ohio, and orders
were issued directing that two companies, each one
hundred strong, should be raised by voluntary
enlistment ; in case the requisite number could not
be secured in that way, resort was to be had toj
drafts from the militia. Major Washington wasi
chosen to the chief command of these troops, and his|
journal was published in all the newspapers of the
Colonies, with the purpose of arousing the people
to an appreciation of the situation.
The importance of securing the estal)lishment of nl
military post on the Ohio, before the French wouM
be able to begin operations in the spring, led thei
Governor to confer the command of one compiniv
upon Captain William Trent, who had (juite til
familiar acquaintance with the frontiers, and who itl
was supposed could readily enlist a large force oil
trappers and pioneers. Captain Trent enlisted abonlj
seventy men, and, as time was important, did noti
wait for more, but started with these for the Ohio,
The sum of £10,(J0() had been appropriated by thcj
Assembly of Virginia, for the purpose of erecting
fort or forts at the junction of the Monongahela audi
Alleghany Rivers, at which point the Ohio Companij
had already partly constructed a fortified tradiiiJ
house. Captain Trent's command was supi)lied witl
ten four-pounder field pieces, and eighty barrels ol
powder, all of which had been sent over from P^nglaiulj
In addition. Governor Dinwiddle supplied such small
arms and accoutrements as were necessary, togethej
754.
1754.]
ENSKJN WAKDS SURRENDER.
47
nicil,
)n to
irdevH
\ Olio
iitary
(I not
liul to I
n wan i
,nd his I
of the
peopk' I
nt of a'
woultV
led thcl
lOmpaiiY
(jiiite a|
who it
force of
(I about
did not
e OUioJ
with [thirty touts, and fh)ur, pork, beof and nun, to
last six months. The unil'oriii worn by these troops
was of the most conspieiious character, consistin;; of
a red coat, and breeches of the same color, with white
cross i)elts. Trent arrived with his company, at
Wills Creek, early in February, and after making
I such pre[)arations as were necessary for the march
tlnoujrh the wilderness, pushed on to the Forks. On
larriving there he set his men to work to prepai-e
Itiiiibers and construct a fort, on the site now occupied
|l>y Pittsburgh. In' March, he left Ensign Ward in
Iconuiiand of his company, and returned to Will's
L'reck, at which point he seems to have liad some
)usiness. On the 17th of April, during Captain
Treiit's absence. Monsieur de Contrecoeur, with a force
about eight hundred men, eighteen pieces of artil-
»ry, sixty batteaux and three hundred canoes, came
lown the river from Venango, and demanded the
junvnder of the fort. Ward was a young officer,
[lid had scarcely fifty men with him. Nothing was
?ft I'or him but to yield to the greatly^ superior force
his front; and upon receiving permission to march
hy theHut with his men and their tools, he gave up the
acting aftrt to the French, who at once proceeded to
liela aii<iBi'engthen it, and add new works, soon making it
ompan}Bii)able of resisting any force that was likely to be
tradiu'mought against it. The ])ost was then garrisoned
lied witlR' nearly one thousand men, under such officers as
lirrels oBimonville, de Villiers, and La Force, and was named
^n"'hiii*lw>i't Duquesne.
ch snialB Meanwhile, tlie Governor of V^irginia h; i concluded
tooetbeH increase the force destined for the Ohio to six
48
HISTORY OF (^.UMBEULAND.
'^ in every way capable, wan then given tlio
iiand, and Washington accepted the position of
hundred men, and the (^onnnand was tendered
Wasiiington, hut by reason of his youth, lie was
doubtful of his own fitness for so great a responsi-
bility, and therefore de(;line(l it. Cohniel .losliua
Fry, a gentleman of English birth, highly esteemed.
a
c
Lieutenant Colonel, be(;oming second in authority.
The ranks were slowly increased, by the accjuisition
of a lot of shiftless fellows, who were destitute of
everything except very scanty clothing, which was
rather discouraging to the officers. Dinwiddle, in
order to encourage enlistments, issued a proclama-
tion, offering some two hundred thousand acres of
land on the Ohio, to be called "garrison lands,"
which were to be divided among the men who
sir 'Id serve in the expedition. This offer led
1 "eds of young men from the Virginia farms to
take up arms, with a view to securing homesteads
for themselves. North Carolina took stei)s towards
aiding Virginia in the exmtest against the French,
but Maryland was inclined to do nothing at all.
Washingt^ju left Alexandria for Will's Creek, on
the 2d of April, with two companies of seventy-five
men each. Colonel Fry was to follow with the
remainder of the regiment, and the artillery. After
being detained a whole week at Winchester, in
impressing the horses and wagons necessary for the
transportation of stores, Washington pursued his
march, building the roads as he went. He arrived
at Will's Creek on the 20th of April, where it had
been arranged that Captain Trent should have a
1754.]
A niLL OF KXl'ENSES.
40
siii)|)lv of pnck h.)rs(»s rviidy lor tho oso of the
coininand in ('rossinjij the mountains. Instead of
lindin^i" the horses, however, he found Trent liere,
totally unprepared for him, and was utterly downcast
hv a rumor l)rou<j;ht him to the elVeet that the entire
comniand at the Forks had heen captured. Trent's
iiiclliciency and incapacity had heen demonstrated
on a former (H'ca.'.ion, and Washin<rton was now
thoroujrhly dissatisfied with him. The intelligence
from tlu! Ohio was partially confirmed by the
arrival of Knsign Ward and his men at Will's
Creek, on the 'i'lth. Ward was acc(mipanied by two
Indian Chieftains, whom Tanacharisson, the Half-
King, had sent as messengers to plight his faith to
the English, and to ask them to come on to the Ohio.
The following acconnt was filed with Governor
Dinwiddie, by Captain Trent, on account of expenses
incurred in the expedition made undei* his coiamand,
showing the method of transporting ammunition, and
the character of presents given the Indians:
'•The Government of Virginia to William Trent, Dr.
'•For Carriage of Fonrteen Horses Loaded with
bk, on H Powder, Lead and Flints, from Col. Cresaps' to Ohio
[y-five H River, at 2 Pistoles a Load is 28 Pistoles, &c. —
I theB "To 12 Deer Skins— For 9 Doe Bear Skins—
[After ■ 3500 Black and White Wampum — For Piece of
k? "' I "^f^tch coat to wrap pow^der in —
|r theH "l Gun, 1 Pistol and Match Coat, gave to one of
hi? ■ the Six Chiefs of the Six Nations, who came down
Irivcd I from the upper Towns, — as he came upon Business
had I he brought no arms with him, he said it was hard
live a I for him to go home Avithout amies, as he should run a
50
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
great Risque, as he was obliged to go through the
French to warn their People from amongst them —
One Case of neat Pistols 'gave to the Half-King and
Monecatootha, and 2 fine Ruffled Shirts, and 2 plain
shirts for themselves and Wives' — These given as a
particular Present, sent by the Governor to them —
&c., &c. ****** *
*'N. B. — There is no carrying out Powder without
Skin Wrappers, &c — there is no such thing as Carry-
ing Powder, without damaging without.
William Trent."
Washington's situation became one of the most
serious character, for a young officer. Will's Creek
was on the very outskirts of civilization. The
country beyond was an unbroken and almost pathless
wilderness; it was separated by many miles of
tortuous mountain roads from the settlements in the
East; the French were vastly superior in numbers,
and he was advised that their strength was daily
increasing, while at least six hundred Chippewas and
Ottawas were also about to reinforce the enemy.
Colonel Fry had not yet arrived, and Washington
keenly appreciated the heavy respcmsibility resting
upon his shoulders. To add to his annoyance.
Captain Trent's men, never having known the
restraints of wholesome discipline, roved about tlie
camp at Will's Creek, in utter disregard of orders,
and set so bad an example for the other troops that
Washington feared all would become dciiioralized,
and subordination in the ranks of his own men be
destroyed. After spending hours in deep thought in
his own tent, over the situation, he concluded to call
^Brownsville, Pa
1754.]
THE FIRST ROAD TO THE WEST.
51
;i council of war; and summoned his ofliccrs to meet
him at once. He notified them that he had sent
expresses to the Governors ol' Virginia, Maryland
and Pennsylvania, telling them of his condition, and
asking that reinforcements l)e sent him at once.
The resolution of the council of war was promptly
taken, and preparations were instantly made to push
on boldly and vigorously into the forests, and to build
51 road as they went. The project w.as, to proceed to
the store house of the Ohio Company, at the mouth
of Redstone Creek,* there to establish fortifications,
;md wait until the arrival of reinforcements. In
compliance with this determination, orders were issued
detailing sixt}^ men and a number of subordinate
officers, who were directed to proceed in advance
and prepare the roads. The route taken from Will's
Creek led immediately into a virgin forest, which
presented innumerable obstacles. Great trees Avere
cut away, rocks removed, and bridges built. This
road was the same that had ])een ])lazed by Nemacolin
at the time he and Colonel Cresap first selected a
route over the mountains. It was afterwards
followed by a part of Braddock's army, under the
advice of Sii' John Ft. Clair. The writer, in company
ith T. Leiper Patterson, Esq., an eminent engineer*
in Cumberland, walked over several miles of this
road, starting at Cumberland, in the summer of 1877,
and clearly traced it as far as the Six Mile House,
Ion the National Road. The route pursued on leaving
Will's Creek was along the valley in which Green
j street extended now lies, the same being the exact
*Brownsville, Pa.
52
HISTORV OF CUMHERLAND.
course of the old National Pike. Aljout a hundied
yards East of Mr. Steele's house, and just where
the Cresaptown Road now leads oft' southward,
the road which Washington followed bore slightly
to the North, and ran in almost a perfectly straight
line to nearly the top of Will's Mountain, involving
a very heavy grade, and from there descended
to the level of the Old Pike at Sandy Gap. The
ascent of the mountain is steep enough to explain
the slow progress made with heavily laden teams and
artillery, yet in many respects the road was admira-
bly chosen; it avoided the ravines so as to obviate
the necessity of bridges or culverts, until the valley
beyond was reached, and much of the distance on the
higher part of the mountain was smooth and
comparatively clear of rocks. At Sandy (Jap it
crossed to the valley in which the present National
Road lies, and by an eas}^ descent led to the base of |
the hills. Near the Five Mile House the old road
can be traced, wdiere it crosses from the left to the
right side of the National l^oad, and runs along
within a few yards of it, a little higher up, on the
hill side, until within two hundred yards of the Six
Mile House. The road is as plain to-day as it was a
ixundred years ago, notwithstanding trees of more
than a foot in diameter are growing thickly in its
bed. Having been used for sixty-live years, as the
only road to the West, until 1818, when the National
Pike was built, it became well worn. The banks of
the road and the evidences of its having been much
used are surprisingly plain. The descent from the
highest point on the mountain is easy enough for
1754.]
THE ADVANCE FROM WILLS CREEK.
53
safety, and from the point of pas.sage through Sandy
Gap was quite gentle. This was the first road built
iicross the mountains, and must ever possess a peculiar
historic interest.
Washington had sent a message to Governor
Dinwiddie, asking him to forward at once a sufficient
quantity of artillery and ammunition, while he
prepared the road for the heavy wagons and guns, so
that there might be no delay when they arrived. The
magnitude of the work, however, was such that not
more than three or four miles a day was accomplished,
and even this required great exertion. He left
Will's Creek on the 29th of April, with all of his
troops, except a snuiU guard, which was to await the
arrival of Colonel Fry, and the next diiy overtook
the advance, near Ceorge's Creek. His whole force
then numbered about one hundred and fifty mm.
With these he arrived at Little Meadows, on the
Dth of May, wiien a number of traders came in
from the West, on their return to the settlements,
having been warned off by the French. These
traders informed AVashington that the French were
in great strenj^th at the Forks, where they were
building a fort, and that they were endeavoring )jy
the free distribution of gifts to win the Indians to
their standard. He recognized the infeasibility of
Ufisaulting Fort Duquesne with his little force, yet he
was desirous of getting as near as possible to the
French post without provoking an. attack. Shortly
ufter leaving Will's Creek liis store of provisions,
clothing, &c., had been discovered to be well nigh
exhausted, and now his men were in a sufi'ering
54
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1754.
condition. Notwithstanding this he pushed forward,
and with a detenniiiation ahnost iinconquera])le in
its nature he overcame every obstacle, and on the
23d of May took up a position at Great Meadows,
where he made an entrenchment and cleared the
ground, so as to he able to defend himself against
surprise. On the 28th he, in company with
Scarooyadi, and a few of his warriors, who had
joined him, attacked a detachment of the French,
consisting of thirty-five men, under M. de Jumonville,
who were in camp not far distant, and killed and
captured almost the entire party. Jumonville, who
was a gallant and esteemed young officer, fell at the
first fire. Only one of the party escaped, and he
proceeded at once to Fort Duquesne, where he gave
intelligence of the affair. The French commander
declared this act to be no less than murder,
since no declaration of war had been made; and
asserted that Jumonville was on a mission as a civil
messenger, to warn the English not to trespass on the
lands of the French, and that he had no hostile
intentions. In France it was the occasion of much
comment, and the government made the most of it.
If Jumonville was acting in the capacity of a com-
missioner, his course of procedure was such as to
at least subject him to suspicion as an enemy,
with a hostile object in view. He came in a
secret Avay, inspected Washington's camp, and then
retired several miles, and pitched his tent, afterwards
sending a courier back to Fort Duquesne, with all
the information he had gathered. The papers found
on the person of Jumonville were of such a nature as
*Mr. Dinwiddij
17.54.]
WASHINGTON S JOURNAL.
55
to indicate th<at the exp jclition was of an unfriendly
cliaracter. The prisoners were soon afterward sent
back to Winchester, to (governor Dinwiddie.
The journal of Major Washington, which was
evidently kept with great accuracy, will doubtless
prove interesting reading, and will show the facts of
this expedition from its beginning to its end. This
journal was for many years lost to the world, but
was eventually recovered, and gives a most interesting
liistor}' of the important facts of that campaign. It
is given below almost entire, only those parts being
omitted which contain matter of no special interest:
Washington's journal, 1754.
"On the 31st of March I received from his honor^
a Lieutenant Colonel's commission, of the Virginia
regiment, whereof Joshua Fry, Esq., was Colonel,
dated the 15th, with orders to take the troops which
were at that time at Alexandria, under my command,
and to march with them towards the Ohio, there to
help Captain Trent to build forts, and to defend the
possessions of his Majesty against the attempts and
hostilities of the French.
"April the 2d. — Everything being ready, we began
our march, according to our orders, the 2d of April,
with two companies of foot commanded by Captain
Peter Hog, and Lieutenant Jacob Vanbraam, five
subalterns, two sergeants, six corporals, one drummer,
and one hundred and twenty soldiers, one surgeon,
OHO Swedish gentleman, who wjis a volunteer, two
wagons, guarded by one Lieutenant, sergeant, corporal
and twenty-five soldiers.
•Mr. Diawiddie, Goveruor of Virginia.
r)(»
irrSTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1754. ■ 1754.]
"We left Alexandria on Tuesday noon, and
pitched our ten*:s about four miles from Cameron,
having travelled six miles.
[From this date to the 19th of the same month,
the journal contains nothing more than a monotonous
detail of each day's march, and a statement that
Captain Stephens, with his detachment, had joined
the command.]
"The 19th. — Met an express, who had letters
from Captain Trent, at the Ohio, demanding a
reinforcement with all speed, as he hourl}- expected
a body of eight hundred French. I tarried at Job
Pearsall's for the arrival of the troops, where they
came the next day. When I received tlie above
express, I dispatched a courier to Colonel Fry, to
give him notice of it.
"The 20tli. — Came down to Colonel Cresap's, to
order the detachment out, and on my route, had
notice that the fort was taken by the French. That
news was confirmed by Mr, Wart,* the ensign of
Captain Trent, who had been obliged to surrender
to a body of one thousand French and upwards,
under the command of Captain Contrecoeur, who
was come from Venango (in French, the peninsula)
with sixty battoes and three hundred canoes, and
who, having planted eighteen pieces of cannon
against the forts, afterwards had sent him a
summons to depart.
" Mr. Wart also informed me that the Indians kept
steadfastly attached to our interest.
He brought
♦Washington has evidently misspelle*! this name, as the person alluded to
was, beyond doubt, Ensign Ward.
1754.]
WASHINGTON S JOURNAL.
67
two young Indian men with him, who were Mingoes,
that they might have the satisfaction to see that we
were marching with our troops to their succor.
"He also delivered me the following speech, which
the Half-King* sent to me :
"'B\)RT Ohio, April 18th, 1754.
I'^'A Speech from the Half -King, for the Governors of Virgivia and
Pennsylvania :
" 'My brethren the English, the bearer will let you anderstand in what
I manner the French have treated us. We waited a long time, thinking
they would come and attack us; we now see how they have a mind to
I use us.
'"We are now ready to fall upon them, waiting only for your succor.
i Have good courage, and come as soon as possible ; you will find us as
ready to encounter with them as you are yourselves.
" ' We have sent these two young men to see if you are ready to come,
land if so, they are to return to us, to let us know where you are, that we
may come and join you. We should be glad if the troops belonging to
the two provinces could meet together at the fort which is on the way.
If you do not come to our assistance now, we are entirely undone, and
[imagine we shall never meet together again. I speak it with a heart full
|of grief.'
"A belt of wampum.
"The Half-King directed to me the following speech :
'"I am ready, if you think it proper, to go to both the Governors with
[these two young men, for I have now no more dependence on those who
[have been gone so long, without returning or sending any message.'
"A belt of wampum.
"April 23d. — A council of war held at Will's
ICreek, in order to consult upon what must be done
|on account of the news broup-ht bv Mr. Wart.
"The news brought by Ensign Wart, having been
loxamined into, as also the summons sent by Captain
jContrecoeur, commander of the French troops, and
[the speeches of the Half-King, and of the other chiefs
*Tanacliarl98on wan the Half-king of the Six Nations, to which position he had heen chooen by
Ithe voice ot liia people. He waa a firm friend of the KnfzliHii, and a tiiploniatiHt )\h weli at^ a
Iwarrior. .^t the time the French made the demand upon Ennign Ward to surrender, tlie Half-
iKiu)! advised him to reply tliat his rank was not of tliat importance which would permit him to
|reei>oiid, and to aak a delay unm the arrival of tht. Commauder-iu-Chief.
8
^^BS7'-; -
58
UISTORY OK CUMBERLAND.
[1754. ■ 1754.]
til'
I 4
of the Six Nations; it appears that Mr. Wart was
forced to surrender the said fort, the 17th of this
instant, to the French, who were above one thousand
strong, and had eighteen artillery pieces, some of
which were nine-pounders,* and also that the detach-
raent of the Virginia regiment, amounting to one
hundred and fifty men, commanded by Colonel
Washington, had orders to reinforce the company of I
Captain Trent, and that the aforesaid garrison
consisted only of thirty-tlnvo effective men.
"It was thought a thing impracticable to mai'cli
towards the fort without sufficient strength ; however,
being strongly invited by the Indians, and particularly
by the speeches of the Half-King, the President gave
his opinion that it would b(! pr()])er to advance as far
as Redstone CVeek, on Monongahela, about thirty-
seven miles on this side of the fort, and there to raise!
a fortification, clearing a road broad enough to pa.«s
with all our artillery and our baggage, and thereto]
wait for fresh orders.
"The opinion aforesaid was resolved upon for the I
following reasons :
"1st. That the mouth of Red Stcmc is the first |
convenient place on the river Monongahela.
"2d. That stores are already built at that i)hice|
for the provisions of the company, wherein our
ammunition may be laid up; our great guns may he
also sent by water whenever we should think it|
convenient to attack the fort.
"3d. We may easily (having all these couvc-l
niences) preserve our people from the ill consequences
*En.sigii Ward had doubtless exaggerated the streugth of the French.
■i^
1754.]
WASIIINHTON S JOURNAL.
59
of inrction, and encourage our Indian allies to remain
in our interests.
Whereupon I sent Mr. Wart to the Governor
with one of the young Indians and an interpreter:
I thought it proper to acquaint the Governors
of Maryland and Pennsylvania of the news; and
I sent away the other Indian to the Half-King, with
the speech which will be found in the following
letter I wrote to the Governor of Maryland :
"'Camp at Will's Ckekk, April 25, 1754.
"' To His Excellennj, Horatio Sharp, Governor of Maryland:
" 'Siu: — I am here arrived with a detachment of one hundred and
fifty men : We daily expect Colonel Fry with the remaining part of the
regiment and the artillery ; however, we shall march j^ently alon^ the
nioiintiiins, clearing the roads as we go, that our cannon may with the
I jrreater ease be sent after us ; we propose to go as far as the Red Stone
River, which falls into Monongahela, about thirty-seven miles this side of
the fort whicli the French have taken, from thence all our heavy luggage
niay be carried as far as the Ohio. A store is built there by the Ohio
Company, wherein may be placed our ammunition and provisions.
"'Besides the French forces above mentioned, we have reason to
Ibelievp, according to the accounts we have heard, that another party is
Icomiiig to the Ohio; we have also learnt that six hundred of the
ICliippewais and Ottoways Indians, are coming down the river Scioda, in
I order to join them.'
"The following is my answer to the speech of the
Illalf-King:
"'To the Half-King, and to the chiefs and warriors of the Shawanese
[iinil Loups, ou' friends and breliiren. I received your speech by brother
lliitlis, who came to us with the two young men six days after their
Idepiirture from you. We return you our greatest thanks, and our hearts
lare fired with love and affection towards you, in gratitude for your
Icoiislaut attachment to us, as also your gracious speech, and your wise
Icounsi'Is.
"This young man will inform you where he found a small part of our
larmy, making towards you, clearing the roads for a great number of our
jwarriors, who are ready to follow us, with our great guns, our ammunition
land provisions. As I delight in letting you know with speed the thoughts
our hearts, I send you back this young man. with this speech, to
60
HISTORY OP CUMnERLANI).
[1754. ■ 1754.]
ril^
acquaint you therewith, Jind the other young man I have sent to the
Governor of Virginia, to deliver him your speech and your wampum, and
to be an eye-witness to those preparations we are malting, to come in all
haste to the as.sistance of those whose interest is as dear to uh as our
lives. We know the character of the treacherous French, and our
conduct shall plainly show you, how much we have it at heart. I shull
not be satisfied if I do not see you before all our forces are met together
at the fort which is in the way ; wherefore, I desire, with the greate.st
earnestness, that you, or at least one of you, would come as soon as
possible, to meet us on the road, and to assist us in council. I present
you with these bunches of wampum, to assure you of the sincerity of my
speech, at d that you may remember how much I am your friend and
brother. (Signed.) " WA.smN(;TON
or CONOTOCARIOUS.*
"April 28th. — Came to us some pieces of cannon,
which were taken up to the month of Pattersons |
river.f
[From the 29th of April, the date of leaving Will's !
Creek, to the 11th of May, the journal contains
nothing of interest.]
"May the 11th. J — Detached a part^' of tAventy-fivc
men, commanded by Captain Stephens and Ensign I
Peronie, with orders to go to Mr. (Jist's, to enquire
where La Force|| and his party were; and in case
they were in the neighborhood, to cease pursuing
and take care of themselves. I also ordered them I
to examine closely all the woods round about, and.
if they should find any Frenchman apart from the
rest, to seize him and bring him to us, that we might |
learn what we could from him. We were exceed-
ingly desirous to know if there was any possibility
of sending down anything by water, as also to find I
♦This Beems to have been au Indian name adopted by Washington with a view to pleasiogthf I
ludianH. I
tThia is evidently the artillery which was brought up the Potomac from the moutb of|
Patterson's creek on boats, or raits.
lAt this time he was in camp not far beyond Little Meadows.
|La Force was a French officer, whom Washington had been told by the Indians was oui |
looking up deserters.
■■A--^^:fi^m^U
1754.]
WASHINGTON S JOURNAL.
()1
out some convenient place about the mouth of Red
Stone Creek where he could ))uild a fort, it being
my design to salute the Half-King, and to send him
back under a small guard ; we were also desirous to
enquire what were the views of the French, what
tlioy had done, and what they intended to do, and
to collect everything which could give us the least
intelligence.
''The 12tli. — Marched away, and went (m a rising
ground, where we halted to dry ourselves, lor we
had been obliged to ford a deep river, where our
shortest men had water up to their arm pits.
"There came an express to us with letters,
acquainting us, that Colonel Fry, with a detachment
of one hundred men and upwards, was at Winchester,
and was to set out in a few days to join us; also that
Colonel Innes was marching witli three hundred
and fifty men, raised in Carolina; that it was
expected Maryland would raise two hundred men,
and that Pennsylvania had raised ten thousand
pounds (equal to about fifty-two thousand five
hundred livres) to pay the soldiers raised in other
colonies, as that province furnisheth no recruits, as
also that Governor Shirley had sent six hundred
men to harrass the French in Canada; I hope that
will give them some work to do, and will slacken
their sending so many men to the Ohio as they have
done.
"The IGth. — Met two tradcis, who told us they
had fled for fear of the French, as parties of them
were often seen towards Mr. Gist's. These traders
are of opinion, as well as many others, that it is not
02
HISTORY OF cumherland.
poHsible to clear a road for any (uirriage to go (Voin
hence to Red Stone Cre(»k.
"The 17th.— This night Mr. Wart arrived with
the young Indian from WiHianiKl)iirg, and delivered
me a letter, wherein the Clovernor is so good as to
approve of my proceedings, but is much (lis[)leasecl
with Captain Trent, and has ordered him to be tried,
for leaving his men at the Ohio. The Governor
also informs me that Captain Mackey, with an
independent company of one hundred men, excluding
the ofticers, was arrived, and that we might expect
them daily, and that the men from New York would
join us within ten days.
"This night came two Indians from the Ohio, who
left the French fort five days ago. They relate that
the French forces are all emi)loyed in building their
fort, that it is already breast high, and the thickness
of twelve feet, and (illed up with earth and stone,
&c. They have cut down and burnt up all the trees
which were a))out it, and sown grain instead thereof.
The Indians Ijelieve they were only six hundred in
number, though they say themselves they are eight
hundred. They expect a greater number in a few
days; which may amount to one thousand six
hundred, then they say they can defy the English.
"The 18th.* — The waters being yet very high,
hindered me from advancinj? on account of mv
baggage, wherefore I determiniKl to set myself in a
posture of defense against any immediate attack
from the enemy, and went down to observe the river.
*At this date the command was encamped on the Youghiogheny, near
where the present town of Smithfield, Fayette county, Pa., stands.
1754.]
WASIlIN(JTON S JOURNAL.
68
[The 10th. — No mention of anything boyond the
(k's[)iit<*li of a spcoch to the Half-King on this date.]
''Tlio 20th. — Embarked in aeanoe with Lieutenant
West, three soldiers, and one Indian; and having
followed tlie river along about half a mile, were
ol)liged to come ashore, where I met Peter 8u.vcr, a
trader, who neemed to discourage me from seeking a
passage by water; that made me alter my mind of
causing canoes to be made; I ordered my people to
wade, as the waters were shallow enough; and
continued myself going down the river in the canoe;
now finding that our canoe was too small for men,
we stopped to make some sort of a bark, with which,
together with our canoe, wq gained Turkey Foot by
the beginning of the night; we underwent several
(lifliculties about eight or ten miles from thence,
tiiough of no great consequence, finding the waters
sometimes deep enough for canoes to pass, and at
other times more shallow.
[The 21st to the 23d contains only a general
description of the topography of the country.]
"The 24th. — This morning arrived an Indian in
company with him I sent to the Half-King, and
brought me the following letter from him :
"To any of Hi is Majesty officers whom this may concern :
"'As tis reported that the French army ia set out to meet Mr. George
Wa,sliinj,'ton, I exhort you, my brethren, to guard against them ; for they
intcncl to fall on the first English they meet ; they have been on their
inarch these two days ; the Half-King and the other chiefs will join you
within five days, to hold a council, though we know not the number we
shall be. I shall say na more ; but remember me to my brethren, the
English. The Hai.k-Kixo.'
"I examined these two young Indians in the best
^^^Agl^^lill,
64
HISTORY OF CUMBERLj».ND.
manner I could, concerning every circumstance, but
was not much better satisfied.
"They say there are parties of them often out, but
they do not know of any considerable number of
them coming this way. The French continue raising
their fort, that part next to the land is very well
enclosed, but next to the water is very much
neglected, nine pieces of cannon, and some of them
very small, and not one mounted. There are two on
the point, and the other at some distance from the
fort next to the land.
"They relate that there are many sick among
them, that they cannot find any Indians to guide
their small parties towards our camp, these Indians
having refused them.
"The same day, at two o'clock we arrived at the
Meadows,'^ where we saw a trader, who told us that
he came this morning from Mr. Gist's, where he had
seen two Frenchmen the night before ; that he knew
there was a strong detachment out, which confirmed
the account we had received from the Half-King;
wherefore, I placed troops behind two matured
intrenchments, where our wagons also entered.
"The 25th. — Detached a party to go along the
roads, and other small parties to the woods, to see if
they could make any discovery. I gave the horsemen
orders to examine the country well, and endeavor to
get some ncv* of the French, of their forces and of
their motions, &c.
"At night all these parties returned without
having discovered anything, though they had been a
*Great Meadows.
Kiv5fe^i^--iK''H- ■'•^«*''S,yA>^'?^ \:
1754.]
WASHINGTON S JOURNAL.
05
"Toat way towards the place from whence it was said
the party was corning.
^'The 2Gth. — Arrived William Jenkins; Colonel
Frv had sent him with a letter fnmi Colonel Fairfax,
[which informed me that the Governor himself, as
[also Colonels Corbin and Lndwell, were arrived at
I Winchester, and were desirous to see the Half-King
[tliere, whereupon [ sent him an account thereof.
"The 27th. — Arrived Mr. (Jist early in the morn-
ling, \N lio told us that M. La Force with hfty men,
Iwiiot^e tracks he had seen five miles oft*, had Ijoen at
lliis })lantation the day before, towards noon; and
[would have killed a cow, and broken everything in
jtlie house, if two Indians whom he had left in the
lliouse, had not persuaded them from their design;
|l immediately detached sixty-five men, under com-
mand of Captain Hog, Lieutenant Mercer, Ensign
*eronie, three sergeants, and three corporals, with
instructions.
"The French inquired at Mr. (list's, what was
become of the Half-King? 1 did not fail to let the
^oung Indians who were in our camp know that the
Krench wanted to kill the Half-King; and that had
Its desired eft'ect. They thereupon offered to nccom-
mny our peo])ie to go after the French, and if they
I'ound it true that he had been killed, or even insulted
jy them, one of them would presently carry the
lews thereof to the Mingoes, in order to incite their
i\arriors to fall upon them. One of these young men
V;is detached towards Mr. Gist's; that if he should
Jut liud the Half-King there, he was to send a
icssage by a Delaware.
•
66
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1754.
" About eight at night received a message from the
Half-King, which informed me that as he was cominc
to join us, he had seen along the road, the tracts of I
tw^o men which he had followed till he was brought
thereby to a low obscure place; that he was of
opinion the whole party of French was hidden there;
that very moment I sent out forty men, and ordered
my ammunition to be put in a place of safety, under
a strong guard to defend it; fearing it to be
stratagem of the French to attack our camp, and]
with the rest of my men, set out in a heavy rain,
and in a night as dark as pitch, along a path scarce
broad enough for one man; we were some fifteen or
twenty minutes out of the path before we could come|
to it again; and so dark that we would often strike
one against another. All night long we continued. I
our route, and the 28th, about sunrise, we arrived at
the Indian camp, where, after having held a council|
with the Half-King, it was concluded we should fall
on them together; so we sent out two men tii
discover where they w ^re, as also their posture, anil
what sort of ground was thereabout; after which ve
formed ourselves for an engagement, marching one
after the other in the Indian manner. We wenl
advanced pretty near to them, as we thought, wlienl
they discovered us; whereupon I ordered my companv
to fire; mine was supported by that of Mr. WagnerV.*!
and my company and his received the whole fire of tin
French, during the greatest part of the action, whidi
only lasted a quarter of an hour, before the enemy Avasj
i^Thotnas Waggeuer, at this time a Lieutenant, but afterwards Captain «'|
Virginia troops. '
1754.]
WASHINGTON S JOUKNAL.
07
routed. We killed M. de Jumonville, the commander
of that party, as also nine others; we wounded one,
and made twenty-one prisoners, among w Ik mi were M.
La Force, M. Drouillon, and two cadets. The Indians
scalped the dead, and tocjk away the most part of their
anus, after which we marched on with the prisoners
an<l the guard, to the Indian camp, where again I
held a council with the Half-King; and there informed
him that the Governor was desirous to see him, and
Avas waiting for him at Winchester; he answered that
he could not go just then, as his people were in too
iiiiiiiinent a danger from the French, whom they had
fallen upon; that he must send messengers to all the
allied nations, in order to invite them to take up the
hatchet. He sent a young Delaware Indian to the
Delaware nation, and gave him also a French scalp
to carry to them. This young man desired to have
a part of the presents which were allotted for them,
but that the remaining part might he kept for
another opportunity. He said he would go to his
own family and to several others, and would wait on
them at Mr. Gist's, where he desired men and horses
!>liould be sent ready to bring them up to our camp.
After this 1 marched on with the prisoners; they
infoi-nied me that they had been sent with a sunnnona
to order me to depart. A plausible pretence to
discover our camp, and to obtain the knowledge of
our forces and our situation! It was so clear that
tliev were come to reconnoitre what we were, that I
admired at their assurance, when they told me they
were come as an embassy; for their instructions
mentioned that they should get what knowledge
68
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
they could of the roads, rivers, and of all the country
as far as Potomac;* and instead of coming as an
Embassador, publicly, and in an open manner, they
caine secretly, and sought after the most hidden
retreats, more like deserters than embassadors; in
such retreats, they encamped, and remained hid for
whole days together, and that no more than five
miles from us; from whence they sent spies to
reconnoitre our camp; after this was done they went
back two miles, from whence they sent the two]
messengers spoken of in the instruction, to acquaint
M. de Contrecoeur of the place we were at, and of our I
disposition, that he might send his detachments to |
enforce the summons as soon as it should be given.
"Besides, an ambassador has princely attendants;
whereas this was only a simple petty French officer;
an embassador has no need of spies, his character
being always sacred; and seeing their intention was
so good, why did they tarry two days at live miles
distance from us, without acquainting me with the
summons, or, at least, with something that related to
the embassy? That alone would be sufficient to
raise the greatest suspicions, and we ought to do them
the justice to say, that, as they wanted to hide
themselves, they could not pick out better places
than they had done.
"The summons was so insolent, and favored the
jj.isconade so much, that if it had been brought openly
by two men, it would have been an immediate
indulgence to have suffered them to return,
*Oii the body of M. de Juraonville were found written Instructions to this
effect.
1754.]
WASHINGTON S JOURNAL.
69
''It was the opinion of the Half-Kinj]; in this case
that their intentions were evil, and that it was a
pure pretence; that they never intended to come to
us hut as enemies; and if we had been such fools as
to let them go, they would never help ua any more
to take other Frenchmen.
"They say they called to us as soon as they had
dii^covered us, which is an absolute falsehood, for I
was then marching at the head of the company going
towards them, and can positively affirm, that, when
they first saw us, they ran to their arms, without
calling; as I must have heard them had they done
so.*
"The 29th. — Dispatched Ensign Latour to the
Half-King, with about tw^entj live men, and almost
as many horses; and as I expected some French
parties would continuallj' follow that which we had
defeated, I sent an express to Colonel Fry, for a
reinforcement.
"After this the French prisoners desired to speak
with me, and asked me in wdmt manner I looked
upon them, w'hether as the attendants of an Embas-
sador, or as prisoners of war; I answered them that
it was in quality of the latter, and gave them my
reasons for it, as above.
*Fn)rii (lie jmiiis wliioh Washington lins taken to justify this nttaek, on the
p!i[;es(iriiis journal, it luustbecoiutluiled that he antioipatfd a seven- criticism of
tiis action wlien the facts shouhl heconie known in Li)i;lan(l anl France, He
<i(iul)tless felt that there was at least a possibility (hat de Jnnioiiville was on
an errand which did not anticipate bloodshed, and that the French would do
all in their power toconvince the world that his death was an "assassination,"
and lia<l been etf'eeted throuifh the positive orders of the Jkitish ministry to
the ettect that WashinKtoti's command should attack the Frenclt wherever
thev were found, notwithstanding there had been no declaration of war. The
diiidid reader of the history ot this atlair can hardly resist the conclusion
lliat the French have the best of the argument, and that the death of de
Juiiionville and nine of his followers, was uu unfortunate blunder.
trtn'iiia»Mi'»'™»»-^ - ■ ■■■»a.^^-~i-«t.^.»«ig^''^"»
70
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1754.
"The 30th.— Detached Liouteiiunt West, and Mr.
8pindorph, to take the prisonern to Winchester, with
a guard of twenty men. Began to raise a fort with
small pallisadoes, fearing that when the French
should hear the news of that defeat, we might be
attacked bj considerable forces.
"June the 1st. — Arrived here an Indian trader
with the Half-King; they said that when M. de
Jumonville was sent here, another party had been
detached towards the lower part of the river, in order
to take and kill all the English they should meet.'''
"We are finishing our fort.
"Towiirds night arrived Ensigii To^vers, with the
Half-King, Queen Alquipaf and about twenty-five or
thirty families, making in all about eighty or one
hundred persons, including women and children.
The old King being invited to come into our tents,
told me that he had sent Monakatoocha to Log's town,
with Avampum and four French scalps, which were
to be sent to the Six Nations, Wiandots, &c., to
inform them that they had fallen upon the French
and to demand their assistance. He also told me
that he had something to say to the council, but
would stay till the arrival of the Shawanese, whom
we expected next morning.
"The 2d. — Arrived two or three of the families ot I
the Shawanese; we had prayers in the fort.
"Theod. — The Half-King assembled the council, and
informed me that he had received a speech fromGrand-
Chaudiere, in answer to the one he had sent him.
*This was undoubtedly a fulsehood ou the part of the traders.
fAu Indian squaw, whom the English had given the title of" Queen."
1754.]
WASHINGTON S JOURNAL.
71
"The 5th. — Arrived an Iiuliaii from the Ohio, who
Imd lately been at the Fi-ench ibrt; this Indian
oonfinns the news of two trader.s being taken by the
French, and sent to Canada; he saith they have set
up their pallisadoes, and enclosed their fort with
exceeding largi> tixjcs.
"There are eight Indian traders on this side the
river, coming to join ns. lie met a French man who
had made his escape in the time of M. de Jnm(mville's
action; he was without either shoes or stockings, and
.scarce able to walk; however, he let him pass, not
knowing we had fallen upon them.
"The 6th. — Mr. Gist is returned, and acquaints
me of the safe arrival of the prisoners at Winchester,
and of the death of poor Colonel Fry.'^'
"It gave the Governor great satisfaction to see the
French prisoners safely arrived at Winchester.
"I am also inl'ormed that M. Montovu'f is coming
with a commission to command two hundred Indians.
"Mr. Gist met a French deserter, who assured
him that they were only five hundred men when
they took Mr. Warts fort, that they were now less,
having sent fifteen men to Canada, to acquaint the
*C()loii('l Josliiia Fry was the officer in command of the entire ex))e<lition,and
was on his way to join Wasiiint'ton with a force ot' ahont one luiiulred and fifty
men. While on the road to Will's t'reek his liorse stunihled and threw hirii
tn the ifround with great force, whereby he sM>taincd fatal injuries, 'J'he
Wdundeil officer was conveyed as tenderly as jxis.sihlc to Will's Creek, where he
w«s made as comfortable as his coii<iition would permit. Dr. James Craik, the
siirp'on of the regimciii, a Scotchman l)y l)irt!i, was with him, and atteniled
liiin faithfally, but al! to no iiurpose, and on the lUst of May, only a few days
after the accident, Colonel Fry died, ami his remains were buried <in the side
i)f the hill. In the dispute as to the boundary line between Maryland and
Virjiinia, in 1745, he was appointed one of the commissioners on tlie part of
the crown to fix the lines, his associates l)eing Colonel Lunsford J>omax and
.Major Peter Hedtjemaii. The di-aih of Colonel Fry left Washington in full
cnnnnand, and the force at Will's Creek inarched forward to Great Meadows
at once.
tMoiitour was a Frenchmuu who had deserted and joined the English.
-, ii 'T.-^rhiagffrt
72
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1754. ■ 1754.]
Governor of their success; that there were yet two
liuntlred .soldiers who only waited for a favorable
opi)ortunity to come and join us.
"The 9th. — Arrived the last body oi the Virginia
Regiment, under the connnand of Colonel Must/-'
and we learnt that the independent company of
Carolina was arrived at Will's Creek.
"The 10th. — I received the regiment, and at night
had notice that some French were advancing towards
us; whereupon I sent a party of Indians upon the
scout towards Gist's, in order to discover them, and
to know their number. Just Inifore night we had an
alarm, but it proved false."
The journal recites that on the 12th nine deserters
came in and stated that one hundred more were
desirous of coming; that Fort Duquesne was completed
.and supplied with eight small cannon; also that the
Delawares and Shawanese had taken up tlie liatchet
against the English. Washington then sent messen-
gers and wampum to these two Nations asking them
to come to a council at Mr. Gist's, hoping to win
them over. From the 13th to the 18th nothing of
interest is recorded. On the latter date a party of
eight Mingoes came into camp, and said they had a
commission, and wanted a council at once. The
Half-King was sent for, and a council was held, there
being present some forty Indians of the Six Nations,
Loups and Shawanese. This council lasted several
days, and the Indians after great professions of
friendship took their departure. Washington then
*Tliis should be Muse, that officer having taken charge of the troops at
Will's Cr»'e!'. OH the death of Colonel Fry, on the .'tlst oi May, and brought
theiu to Washiuijtou.
pursued
expoctet
nil in her
Washi:
Meadows
! because
scantiness
His lore
hundred
com pan;
Captain IV
seemed lil
since he cl
nink above
I and would
While this
lie was coil
had referre
which he h
Captain Mt
Fort Neces!
and while i
had receive
tliat they p
to attack tli
On recei^
back for Ca
A council
determined
oppressive,
nien were ai
and jaded;
10
1754.]
FORT NECESSITY,
73
pursued his way to tlio mouth of Rodstoiio. where he
expected to be joined by Moiiticatootha, and a
number of other Indian warriors.
Washington had already made the fort at Great
Meadows as strong as circumstances would allow, and
because of the exigencies of his fortunes and the
scautiness of his supplies, he called it "Fort Necessity."
His force had now been increased to about four
hundred men, by the arrival of Captain Mackaye's
company of independent South Carolinians; but
Captain Mackaye held a King's commission, and he
.seemed likely to do about as much harm as good,
since he claimed that bis royal commission gave him
•■ank above that of any and every provincial ofhcer,
and would not acknowledge Washington's authority.
While this position was maintained by the Captain
he was courteously friendly with Washington, who
had referred the matter to Governor Dinwiddle, after
which he had marched for Redstone Creek, leaving
Captain Mackaye, with his company, in command of
Fort Necessity. Before reaching Redstone, however,
and while near Gist's, it was learned that the French
bad received reinforcements at Fort Du(j[uesne, and
that they purposed to send out a heavy force at once
to attack the English.
On receiving this intelligence, Washington sent
back for Captain Mackaye, who at once joined him.
A council of war was held, and a retreat was
determined upon. The weather was sultry and
oppressive, the roads were rugged and broken, the
men were worn and hungry, the horses broken down
and jaded; yet, despite all, the march to the rear
10
74
IIISTOIIY OF CUMBEULAND.
[1754.
was Ix'giiu, and, vvhilo the CaroliniaiiH refiiHcd to]
perform any labor, Wasliington's forces dragged the
artillery and wagons, and bore heavy loads of baggage
on their shoulders, toiling on laboriously day after
day, until on the 1st of July they arrived at Fort
Necessity. It had not Ix'en contemplated that a
halt should Ixi made iiere, l)ut, the Virginians
declared they would dnig the artillery and carry the
baggage no further. Washington was connxilled to
do the be«t he could, therefore, and he at once set]
about making the fort still more ca])able of defense,
lie found but few provisions there, and fully believing!
that more troops were at Will's Creek, he sent several
expresses back to that point, with instructions that
all Holdiei'^s there should at once join him, and that a
full supply of provisions should be hurried forward
to him at once.
The retreat from Gist'i- was not made any tfX) soon. I
for a short time after Captain de Villiers, a brother-
in-law of de Jumonville, burning to revenge the death!
of that oihcer, had come up, with at least fivt
hundred French from Fort Duquesne, and made an
attack upon Gist's place. Finding it was deserted,
he concluded that his enemies had lied to the settle-
ments, and was about to return to the fort, when a I
deserter arrived, who told him that Washington wm
in camp at Fort Necessity, and could get no farther,
as his men were in a starving condition. Ilearind
this, de Villiers determined to push on to the Great |
Meadows at once.
From Sparks' ''Writings of Washington," is taken]
the following:
imefi«ui
1754.]
FORT NECESSITY.
75
"Fort Nccoaaity was situate in a level meadow,
about two liuudred and fifty yards broad and covered
witb long grasM and low buslies. The foot of the
nearest hills came within one hundred yards of the
fort, and at one ]»laee within sixty yards. The
Lspaoe between the fort and the hills was open and
.smooth, the bushes having been cleared away. The
[fort itself was an irregular square, each side
mop'^ui thirty-five yards, with a trench partly
f 01 two sides. The entrances weix) guarded
I by three bastions.
"On the 3d of July, early in the morning, an
I alarm was received from a sentinel, who had been
wounded by the enemy, and at nine o'clock intelli-
gence came, that the whole body of the enemy,
amounting, a.s w^as reported, to nine hundred men,
was only four miles off. At eleven o'clock they
approached the fort, and began to fire, at the distance
of six hundred yards, but without effect. Colonel
I Washington had drawn up his men on the open and
level ground outside the trenches, waiting for the
attack, which he presumed Avould be made as soon
as the enemy's forces emerged from the woods; and
he ordered his men to reserve their fire, till they
should be near enough to do execution. The distant
firing was supposed to be a stratagem to draw
Washington's men into the w^oods, and thus to take
then; at a disadvantage. He suspected the design,
and maintained his post till he found the French did
hot incline to leave the woods, and attack the fort
by an assault, as he supposed they w^ould, considering
their superiority of numbers. He then drew his
mrw^m
76
rrrsTORY of Cumberland.
[1754.
I
mon buck within tlio trendies, and jj^ave them orders |
to (ire aecordin/j^ to their discretion, jus suitaMe
opportiniitieH nii<i;ht present themselves. Tl.u; French I
and Indians remained on tlie side of thv') rmwA
ground, wliich was nearest to the fort, and, sheltered
])y the trees, kept up a brisk lire of musketry, but
never appeared in the open plain below. The rain fell
heavily through the day, the trenches were filled with
water, and many of the arms of Colonel Washington's
men were out of order joid used with dillicnlty.
"In this way the battle continued from eleven]
o'clock in the morning until eight at night, when the
French called and requested a parley. Suspecting I
this to be a feint to procure the admission of an
ollicer into the fort, that he might discover their
condition. Colonel Washington at first declined
listening to the proj)osal, but when the call wiis|
re])eated, with the additional recpiest that an oflioir
might be sent to them, engaging at the same time
their parole for his safety, he sent out Captiiiii
Vanbraam, the only person under his cxmmiand that
could speak French, except the Chevalier dc
Peyrouney, an ensign in the Virginia regiment, who
was dangerously wounded, and disabled from render-
ing any service on this occasion. Vanbraam returned I
and ])rought with him from M. de Villiers, the
French commander, proposed articles of capitulation.
These he read and pretended to interpret, and, some
changes having been made by mutual agreement,]
both parties signed them about midnight."
The articles subscribed to were written in French.
and were as follows:
From D. Shriver 8te
Jinti A.J. y.it tr./hrt.Us JI.C . S J9 '^X. 10 f CA. 3 10 m. 6 TertAtt. JiuTu-AiHs -the
Iintj PJB .y. (>■ ttmtnt'n- t'n ill aiat*eSOj>erflirt ff/ Xtutti .
Jijk. itni. aiou^ TtJttoti fi-tm^t/ia I'trt lutd a Itnj »k*ch- the JVtUt'tt-ttZ- Jtrtti,
jui* fJJS/attet-
iifiejj^.1'6 at ta^A J)*ck U admit Wa/Hr tut* the T*rt.
t
J.«
Thu M a nuf Sy mkieh tArJreittA If
/nJititi nuufe eAetr tppta^mnee.and.
cMmtncti ftrtng at «lt« Tmrt ithdi at
ntar 100 itdt dutanea .
I <««/<• a^
A St^%lan^emTed->*iik.a,iltitee srtrcttii^ PaJk.
TimSer, mAere ^e Indian tttcTt^ sheZttr and imtuiML
■the trttt to fin inu_ the Jirt- at 30 U SOJladf.
€■• f i' t
f|4%%*i-£t
2 feet ieilnftAe ZfPelZaTttL.JtirasliieiL-ettvereiCM'iti^liu.iXee tie . tufutTitiv tSSS cletj-ed
vfatiil uUtT*a,e*/l as a,-mfddtw. It wiis toMLHat- t/ie emtetMTiineiUi ATI C ■ -n-ad* ij> si^lUit^
fukeU or/Kitt, im^* tie.ffrfitrtd' anil tHrc^vitig vp earik' om itA- tide* of it •
From I). Sliriver Stewart.
FORT NECESSITY.
SURVEV MADE BY FREEMAN LEWIS, 1816.
17o4.]
Capitula
'•onni]
As oui
peace aiv
Princes i
tion conn
summon,
o.stahlishi
Kin.u', my
willing tc
the said t
We gra
with all 1
his own ci
any insiilt
!i.s shall bi
It shall
him all tli
which we
That wt
they marc]
gun, being
treat them
That as
parties, tlu
BBS
smi
B«m-T«««IBBB^B«».
17o4.]
ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION.
77
Capitulation granted by M. de \Mlliei\s, Captain and
-'ommander of Ilis Majesty's troops, to those
English troops aetually in For^. Necessity :
July the 3d, 1754, at 8 6 dock at night.
As our intentions have never been to trouble the
peace and good harmony subsisting 1)etween the two
Princes in amity, but only to revenge tlie assassina-
tion committed on one of our officers, bearer of a
sunnnon, as also on his escort, and to hinder any
establishment (m the lands of the dominions of the
King, my master; upon these considerations, we are
Avillimr to show favor to all the English who are in
the said fort, on the following conditions.
Article I.
^ye grant leave to the English commander to retire
with all his garrison, and to return peaceably into
his own country; and ])romise to hinder his receiving
any insult from us Frencli; and to restiain, as much
as shall be in our power, the Indians that are with us.
Art. II.
It shall be permitted him to go out, an>l carry with
liiiii all that belongs to them, except tlie artillery,
which we reserve.
Art. III.
That we will allow them the honors of war, that
they march out with drums beating, and one swivel
gun, being willing thereby to convince them, that we
treat them as friends.
Art. IV.
That as soon as the articles are slgn«'d by both
parties, the English colors shall be struck.
78
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1754. ■ 175-1.]
fm
Art. V,
That to-morrow, at break of day, a detachment of
French shall go and make the garrison file off, and
take possession of the fort.
Art. VI.
As the English have but few oxen or horses left,
they are at liljerty to hide their effects, and to come
again and search for them, when they have a number
of horses sufficient to carry them off, and that for
this end they may have what guards they please; on
condition that they give their word of honor, to work
no more on any buildings in this place, or any part
on this side of the mountains.
Art. VIT
And as the English ha\«.' in their power, one
officer, two cadets, and most of the prisoners made at
their assassination of M. de Jumonville, and promise
to send them back, with a safeguard to Fort
Duquesno, situate on the Ohio; for surety of their
performing this article as well as this treaty, M.
Jncob Yanbraam and Robert Stobo, both Captains,
shall be delivered to us as hostages, till the arrival of
our French and Canadians above mentioned. We
oblige ourselves on our side, to give an escorte to
return these two officers in sjifety; and expect to
have our French in two months and a half at furthest,
A duplicate of this being fixed upon one of the
postS of our blockade, tV< day and year above
mentioned.
James Mack aye.
Signed, Messrs. \ G. Washington,
COULON ViLLIERS.
Tliese
purport c
Vanliraair
but little
•scholar,
sibk', on t
interpivta
in con seep
Wiis given
thus ^ya.sh
I made hiir
" assassin a't
afterwards
dcnination
authors ha
I deceived lii
wilfully; b
[probability
carelessness
I more than t
Macka^e w
I stating tliaj
[delphia, an(
lour capituhi
I mentioned J
that they i
contrary to
signed them
I brother-in-la
I based upon i
told him cc
who Iiad eill
k-am^AA^ -:<iai.iS'J j'<[!&mi.^.'
754.
ntof
and
left.
:'.om('
inbci
t for
e; on
work
pint
, oni'
L(le at
Fort
thfir
M.
■cams.
I of
to
t to
host,
i' the
hove
1754.]
THE CAPITULATION.
79
^
IE.
Ins.
Tliese articles were written in French, and the
purport of them read to Colonel Washington by
\'aiil)raain, who was a Dutchman, and at best knew
hut little of English, and was a very poor French
scholar. Besides, the falling rain rendered it impos-
sible, on that miserable night, that a strictly accurate
interpretation of the language used should be made,
in consequence of which the word "assassination"
was given by Vanbraam as "the killing of," and
thus Washington was led to sign a document which
luade him acknowledge that his command had
••assassinated" de Jumonville, and this fact was
afterwards made use of by the French in their con-
(k'nnuition of that act and the author of it. Several
authors have assumed that Vanbraam purposely
deceived his commander and misinterpreted the word
wilfully; but that is doubtless untrue, tbe greater
[)robability being that the error was occasioned by
carelessness or ignorance. In September, somewhat
more than two months after the capitulation. Captain
Mackaye wrote to Washington from Will's Creek,
stating that he had recently returned from Phila-
jdclphla, and adding, "I had several disputes about
I our capitulation, but I satisfied every person that
j mentioned the subject as to the articles in cpiestion,
that they were owing to a bad interpreter, and
Icontrarv to tlie translation as made to us when we
[signed them." M. de Villiers' assumption that his
brother-in-law's dr\ith was an "assassination," was
I based upon an honest belief, on his part, of the story
told him concerning the matter, by the Canadian
who liad effected his escape.
jaasKS
80
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
Early on the niorniiip; of the fourth of July, the
day following the signing of the arlicles, Washington
marched out of the fort, with his command, his|
regimental colors borne in front, and the men
carrying upon their backs their wounded comrades,
and such of their baggage as they were able to
convey in this way. Scarcely had they commenced
their march, when a fresh body of Indians came up
as reinforcements to the French, and these at once
commenced to plunder the baggage and stores that j
were left, and they could scarcely be restrained bv
the French. Seeing this, Washington had his men I
destroy all that could not be taken away, including
his ammunition, military stores, and the one swivel
that was left him. By ten o'clock he was clear of
the neighborhood of the fort, but finding that three
wounded men had been left behind, he sent back for
them and had them brought up. When night camel
on he was barely three miles from Fort Necessity,
and there the command encamped.
The French demolished Fort Necessity, broke tliej
camion that were loft, carried off a few tents, and
then marched back to Port Duquesne. They lost in
the engagement two soldiers and one Indian killed,
and fifteen soldiers and two Indians wounded, beside*
several who had wounds so slight as not to unfit
them for duty. This is according to a statement
made by M. de Villiers, though Washington
computed their losses to be much heavier. The
English lost twelve 'killed and forty-three wounded
in the Virginia regiment; the casualties in Captain
Mackaye's company have never been stated.
1754.]
RETURN TO MILLS CREEK.
81
After several days of painful and laborious march-
ing, encumbered by the wounded men, who sullered
greatly, the passage over the mountains was efl'ected,
and with feelings of great relief the little army made
its entry into the camj) at Will's Creek. Here they
found an ample store of provisions in the magazines,
from which their wants were quickly supplied. The
men were clothed and fed, and the wounded put
into buildings set apart as hospitals, where they
j received medical attention, and compassionate care.
Washington tarried at Will's Creek but a short
[time. When he saw that his men had been provided
[for. he s:3tout with Captain Mackaye, for Williams-
ihurg, where he made a full and complete report of
his campaign to Governor Dinwiddie. This report
was submitted to the House of Burgess(\s, and that
body passed a vote of thanks to Washington and his
officers, for their "bravery and gallant defense of
their country." Tlie names of Captains Stobo and
Vanbvaam weio omitted from this vote of thanks,
the House asserting that the former was guilty of
cowardice, and the latter of treachery, both of which
[charges were unjust.'""
The Governor refused to carry into effect that part
[of tlie capitulation referring to the French prisoners,
[although Washington urged it as an imperative
I necessity and felt that his litmor was involved.
Dinwiddie said in a letter to the Board of Trade, in
[explanation of his conduct: "The French, after the
♦Stolio. while lield ks n hostiiae at Fort Dnqnesno, mnde a porfec', map nf that defense,
I ixplai'iiiiK all il8 i.niiits, staled tlif streimtli ol llic uaiiisoii, liow it ^lllMlld be attiiclifd, «o.,
Undmged ilint itVliould In' taken a» early an iio.-r.il)le, no laller if liis lite wa» lout thereby.
Ho iirj;('il that only tlin s^ooct ol tho expedition nhoulil be coiihidered, williuut lenanl to liiiiiseff.
It seems iin|iii>.;.ible Ironi the learleas'uej.s »o olteii displayed by him, that he could kave been
I puilly at auy time of cuwurdice.
11
!ii#i,wi««iiia!*vi ' ;-Mui «siiiaiiv«(\a'«ffiw
82
HISTORY OK CrcrMr5FJ{LAND.
i
capitulation entered into with Colonel Washington,
took eijiht of our people and exposed them to sale.
and, missing thereof, wnt them prisoners to Canada.
On hearing of this 1 detained the seventeen prisoners,
the officers and two cadets, as I am of opinion, after
they werc^ in my custody, Wa.shington could notj
engage for their being returned, I have ordered a
flag of truce to be sent to the French, offering the
return of their officer and the two cadets, for the two!
hostages they have of ours." The hostages were
not returned, but were sent to Canada, and thence toj
England. The French prisoners were also sent toj
England, except La Force, who escaped, but was
afterwards retaken and closelv confined.
Mr. Gist, who was with Washington, at Great!
Meadows, presented an account to the Governor oil
Virginia, claiming pay for a supply of powder, lead.
bearskins, &c., and for "1 horse killed, helping in,
the Indians by Col: Washington's order, £b. 0. 0.'
which was ordered to be paid.
After Washington's return to Williamsburg Colonelj
James Innes marched to Will's Creek, and on the htl
of September took command of that post, which wasj
principally garrisoned by Rutherford's and Clarks
independent companies fnmi New York, which li
been sent forward to join Washington, Ijut got
further than Winchester. Colonel Innes wai< a|
Scotchman by birth, and at the time he was coin-
missioned was a resident of North Carolina. Hi?
appointment was not at all popular, Jind was said toi
have been made because he was an old friend audi
countryman of the Governor, who was himself
•Qofernor Sliarpe's Ml
m
K
"^""""'"^ ™"
HBKi
1754.]
BUILDING THE FORT.
83
I Scotchman. On his arrival at Will's Creek, he set
about building a fortification, and chose for that
purpose the hill lying between the Potomac River
and the creek, near the mouth of the latter. When
I Washington returned from Great Meadows, he left
jMackaye's independent company of South Carolinians,
about ninety men, and the remnant of the North
Carohna companies, at Will's Creek, to assist in building
the fortifications, which were commenced on the 12th
of September, and completed al)out the middle of
October. Colonel Innes named this fort, which was
built of stoccadoes, "Fort Mount Pleasant." Upon
finisliing that work he set his men about building
barracks for themselves, which were greatly needed,
as the weather was already c^uite cold, and a severe
winter followed, with much snow and icy winds.
By Christmas they had succeeded in erecting a
sufficient number of log houses to accommodate the
entire force, and that day was celebrated by such
festivities as were possible under the circumstances.
Governor Sharpe, of Maryland, had been commis-
Isioned, in July, a Lieuteiumt Colonel in the Royal
Army, and urged enlistments by every me.ans in his
power, but with little success. About the 1st of
December he visited Will's Creek, and inspected the
forces here. On his return to Annapolis, he wrote
I to Governor Dinwiddie as follows:''"
Annapolis, December 10, 1754.
'SSiR: I returned last Thursday from Will's
[Creek, where I found the Independents preparing for
[themselves barracks, having already completed the
•QoTernor Sharpe '» M88. letters, Maryland Historical Library.
■f . .'i^^i-A^^fe ;*^^.*/«-i\'
84
HISTORY OF rUMHERLANI/.
Bmall stoccade fort, al)out which you were advised
thoy had Ixicn employed, but as the fort they have
finished is exceedingly small, iti4 exterior side not
exceedinj^ 120 fcet, I conceived it requisite or rather
absolutely necessary to have another much larger
raised on an adjacent and more elevated piece ofj
ground, which 1 have ordered the Md. Co., to
proceed on, and I hope they will 1x3 able to finish it
this winter. The eminence on which it will \A
situated gives it an entire command of that already
compleated, and will defond a Face of that small
Fort to which an enemy might at present approach
Avithout being much annoyed, or hardly seen from
within. However, that on which the troops havd
been employed may be useful at present, and will
serve to enclose Store Houses or a Magazine after tliel
other is completed, which, I think, by an advanced
outwork or two will be easily defended against
considerable niunlxn- of troops that may presume toj
attack it with only a light train. At my arrival at
the camp I was much surprised and concerned to
find there was no more provision in the Fort than
would suffice the troops for one Day, which I earnestlv
hope will not be the case again, lest the enemy shouW
get intelligence tliereof, and by posting themselves in
different parties on the adjacent Hills, prevent the
arrival of supplies, whereby the Garrison and all the
Troops, notwithstanding their advantageous situation
must be reduced to the necessity of retiring aiiJ
destroying or relinquishing the Fort, their other work.
and perhaps the baggage to tire enemy. That nothini:
will be wanting on your part to avert such au
1754.]
FORT MOUNT PLEASANT.
85
accident, I am well por.suadcd. but conceive the
troops will never be well supplied with Provision
imloss a very diflerent scheme from that hitherto
foiiowed be pursued. '^' '''• * * *
I have enclosed you a calculation of the Expence of
Supplying 3000 Men, with Provisions for S months,
which quantity I ai)])rehend it will be necessary to
lay into the Magazine at Will's Creek, immediately,
by reason I conceive it will be very difficult if not
impossible to procure Beaves or Hogs fit for the
sl.'uightor after this month and next, till July or the
August following. My estimate is made in Maryland
currency, which is at this time with sterling at
about 05 p. Ct. Discount,"
The Governor was surprised to find the camp
entirely destitute of salt, and immediately sent a
courier back, with orders to bring np a supply on
liorsel)ack without the least delay. He also ordered
a number of barrels in which tt) pack meat as fast as
it should be cui'cd for future consumption. Being
destitute of salt, the cattle on hand could not be
killed, and were therefore pastured in the valleys
and on the hill sides in the neighborhood, wherever
grass could ])e found, until an ample sup})ly of salt
was received, after which the cattle were killed and
packed. Amongst the men at Fort Mount Pleasant,
was Andrew Montour, an Indian interpreter, who had
rendered very considerable service to Colonel Innes
a short time before, at v. treatv which had been held
at the Fort with some of the Chiefs of the Six
Nations. Governor Sharpe conceived a great friend-
ship for Montour, and strongly recommended him to
80
HISTORY OF CUMHERLAND.
[1754. ■1754.]
;
,:
(lovcrnor Dinwiddie as a very useful person; and liis
good opinion was amply justified.
Governor Sharpe exerted liimsell' to make
everything at the Fort satisfactory; ho secured u
number of teams for transporting supplies fi-om tlic
east, and for service in hauling hjgs for the new fort
and buildings to be constructed. These teams were
paid for at tlie rate of .£35 ibr a wagon, harness, and
four horses. The farmers who furnished them were
evidently determined to make all they could out ol'|
the necessities of the govennnent, Jis they at first
demanded £70 each for their teams; this sum having |
Ix'en refused them, they firudly agreed to accept
one-half the amount originally asked. Mr. Gist was
the purchasing agent for the Virginia soldiers, and
Colonel Cresap for the Maryland company. Cresap
had purchased 29,130 pounds pork, and 13,11)"
pounds beef already cured, enough to supply tlii'
Mar^'land company for twelve months. The former
gentleman was severely criticised b\' Governor Sharpe,
who charged him with having withheld money and
supplies, with a view to private speculation. Flour
was sold at the fort at 12s. per cwt., and vegetabk<
were scarcely to be had at any price.
Governor Dinwiddie w^as asked to send a few shipi
carpenters to the Fort, as their services were needed
in the work of building; also some cartridge paper,
moulds for musket and swan shot, wire for screws,
and p)rickers, flints and some w^ampum, the supply of
the latter having been almost entirely exhausted.
The New York companies having been supplied!
with blankets and match coats, and the Soiitli
1754.]
FORT MOUNT I'LEASANT.
87
tlu'i
orinor |
arpo,
and I
'lour I
table:*
sliii) I
L^eded |
)apev.
rows, I
)ly of]
d.
plied ]
Hoiitli I
Carolina company ha\'in<r noithor of those articles,
iiiQiv was some confnsion in camp for awiiile, as the
latter company demanded that it should he supplii'd
with these articles; but the matter was finally
arranged, and Governor Sharpe ordered Colonel
limes to divide £V1 between the private soldiers of
the three independent eomj)aiues, as extraordinary
pay for the labor they had undergone in building
their barracks.
There were at this time at Fort Mount Pleasant
three Captains, eight Lieutenants, one Ensign,
twelve sergeants, thirteen corporals, seven drummers
and two hundred and ninety-fiv^e private soldiers, all
under command of Colonel Innes. The supply of
artillery was limited to a few small guns of ojo inches
bore.
After the affair at the (Jreat Meadows, the llalf-
King took his family and went to Aughquick, in
Pennsvlvania, wdiere he w^as maintained at the
expense of the government. He was thoroughly
di.*<gusted with the conduct of the campaign, and
declared that the wdiite men knew nothing about
war. He said that the French were cowards,
and the English fools, and that while Washington
was a very good man, he was totally lacking in
experience, and too fond of his own notions to accept
the advice offered him by the Indians. A short time
after his removal to Aughquick, the Half-King was
taken sick, and in October, 1754, he died. Upon
news of his death being received at Will's Creek,
Colonel Innes called together all the Indians in front
of the Fort. He announced the death of the warrior,
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88
HISTORY OF CUMBEKLAND.
[1754.
and George Croghaii, who was an intimate friend of
Tanacharisson, and a trader at Aughquick, made'
a condolence speech, and gave them a present ofj
goods to cover the grave of the Red man whom tliev
had so highly esteemed. There was great lamenta- M
tion amongst the Indians, who attributed the death
of the Half-King to the French, whom their medicine
man declared had bewitched him, and they threatened
to be revenged upon their white enemies for this]
calamity.
Shortly after the completion of the barracks at]
Fort Mount Pleasant, Governor Dinwiddie received
from the King instructions to proceed at once to the
erection of a fort at Will's Creek, Avhich should be of
such dimensions and character of construction as the
importance of the position seemed to require, in view
of more extensive military operations in the direction
of Fort Duquesne. Governor Dinwiddie at once
transmitted these instructions to Colonel Innes, who
was directed to comply with the orders without
delay. General Braddock, who had been designated
by the Duke of Cumberland as the Commander-in-
Chief of the new expedition, and who had been I
privately instructed by the Duke as to his wishes,
also requested Governor Dinwiddie to have the Fort|
put in condition to accommodate two himdred men.
and announced that it should be named "Fort I
Cumberland," in honor of the Captain-General ofj
the British army, who had honored him with i
important a mission.
FORT CUMBERLAND.
1755-1787.
The orders of the King were obeyed with alacrity
[by Colonel Innes, and under his supervision Fort
jCuraberland was erected and garrisoned, during the
[winter of 1754-55. The citizens of our city have for
generations past pointed out the spot upon whi(ili this
' Fort was located, but they had no information or
conception of the size, shape, and character of the
work, or its surroundings. Fortunately, a sketch of the
i Fort was found by the author amongst the King's
Manuscripts, in the Library of the British Museum,
in London. A photographic copy of this sketch was
secured, and an engraving of the same is here given.
It was drawn by one of the officers in the Fort, at the
time of General Braddock's arrival. The fortifications
were drawn to a scale, but the proportions were not
preserved in mapping out the river, creek, and sur-
rounding grounds. This fact made it somewhat
IditHcult to establish the exact lines of the work, and
(compelled a resort to the memory of our oldest inhab-
litants. Mr. Jesse Korns has a distinct recollection of
('linil)ing over the remaining' earthworks when a boy,
12
90
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
and he fixt' the Easterly line of the Fort, that [>ortion
of it which -uns to a point neai-est WilTft Creek.
Bome forty feet east of Emmanuel Church. The I
confonnation of the ground at that 8pot i.s strongly [
confirmatory of hi.s opinicm, as well as other circum-
stances, which fix the Western line near the Ixjundarj
of Prospect street. The greater portion of Fort
Cumterland was a ])allisado work — all of it, in fact
except the small bastioned work on the Western end.
The pallisades were logs cut to a length of eighteen feet.
and planted in the earth to a depth of six feet, formim
a close woixlen wall twelve feet in height. Tliescj
logs were spiked together, Avith strips and pins on thel
inner side, and the wall was pierced with oixjniiigsf
for musketry along its entire face. Two water gatosl
are shown in the plat, and from each of these
trench was excavated leading to the creek, so that tU
men might secure therefrom a supply of watcrJ
without being exposed to the fire of the enemy, IiT
175G, after Braddock's defeat, the Indians became «j
numerous and so bold as to approacli near enough
shoot those who ventured to the Avater's edge, and id
consequence thereof a well Avas sunk inside of
pallisade near the main gate on the South side. Tlii
well was in use not many years since, and is still ia
existence on the property of lion. Hopewell Ilebl
It was about eighty feet in depth, and within
memory of the Avriter was furnished with an immeus
wheel and two buckets by which excellent cold watd
was draAvn from it. About the year 1799, this wtl
was first cleaned out, after the abandonment of tli
Fort, and the father of* Mr. .Fohn B. Widener waj
1755.]
FORT CUMBEKLAND.
91
present when part of a f^un carriage, a wheel, and a
lar<'^e quantity of cannon balls, musket balls, &c., were
i taken therefrom.
Inside the stockade, were built barracks sufficient
[to furnish quarters for two hundred men, and the
company officers. Besides, there was a j)arade or
drill ground for the companies.
At the west end of the stockade was built a fort,
[with bastions, parapets and ditches, where sixteen
[guns were mounted, which commanded all the
jground north, west and south, as well as the north
land south lines of the stockade. These guns were of
^liffcrent calibre, four of them being I2-pounders, and
twelve 4-pounders. Besides these, there were several
[swivels. A part of this armament was ships' guns,
)rought from Admiral Keppel's fleet. On the west
[face was a sally port, and inside the fort were the
houses used as quarters for the commanding officer,
[t'or storing provisions, and for the guard details while
bn duty.
The entire work was 400 feet in length, and 160
[n Avidth, extending from the point indicated below
Emmanuel Church to within a short distance of
^'ospect street, the northern line extending along
learly the centre of Washington street. The
Fort proper occupied almost the identical spot on
jivhich now stands the residence of Mr. James A.
Millholland, known as the "Hoye House."
This fortification was of considerable strength,
md eonnnanded the approaches from the North,
^ast and South. The ground to the North-west
fvas somewhat higher, but' a small earthwork of a
92
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
temporary character was constructed on the crest,
on the site of the residence of the late James W.
Jones, Esq. The ground on the South side of the
river, opposite the Fort, was high enough to overlook
the work, and somewhat interfered with its efficiency.
The company parade and drill ground was inside the
pallisades, but the dress parades were held on thej
ground now occupied by the Court House and
Academy. Quite a number of log houses for barracks
were built near the crest, and as far back as
Smallwood street, but these were made use of only
when there was present a greater force than could be
accommodated in the Fort, and the barracks imme- 1
diately adjoining.
At the prec^ent day the site of old Fort Cumberland
is one of the most attractive spots in the State of I
Maryland, On the bluff rising from the creek stands |
in bold outline Emmanuel Episcopal Church, a
handsome Gothic structure of native brown stone,
embowered in masses of ivy, and relieved by grassy
slopes, attracting and arresting the attention at once,
The remainder of the ground is occupied by the
handsome residences of R, Chew Jones, Esq., Hon.
Hopewell Hebb, and James A. Millliolland, Esq,
Scores of relics of the days of Washington and
Braddock were gathered from the soil while these
improvements were being made. Cannon balls,
musket balls, bayonets. Hints, musket barrels, &c,,
were amongst the trophies recovered.
In the campaign of 1755, generally known as
"Braddock's Expedition," Fort Cumberland was the
most prominent point occupied on the line of march.
[1755.
3 crest,
nes W.
of the
verlook
ciencv.
ide the |
on the!
5e and
irracks
ick as I
)f onlj
)uld be
imme- 1
erland
tate of I
stands I
ch, aj
stone,
grassy
. once,
y the
IIoii.
Esq.
1 and
these
balls,
, &c,.
n\ as
,s the
arch.
LAND, ill
'OBlaND, 1755.
1755.]
jinrl was
It had be
troops in
Ohio Riv(
for this pi
frontier s
little vail
outskirts ^
liardj pio]
of resort f
to barter
which the-'
house, and
place of 1
designed fc
in the ve:
forests all
ohiu-acter r
eighty mile
the West ^\
the organ izi
of his men ;
until the cl
■scenes and
historic eve
invested it
their carefi
pleasure of
our Countr
earliest less,
time beheld
encamped;
1^ r r T
FORT CUMBERLAND.
93
iind was the scene of important military preparations.
It liad been chosen as the rallying point for all the
troops in the operations against the French on the
Oiiio River, its location being naturally advantageous
lor this purpose, although as a post of defense for the
frontier settlers further East it was practically of
little value. Situated, as it was, upon the very
outskirts of civilization; surrounded by only a few
liardy pioneers, and trappers, it was a favorite place
of resort for those friendly Indians Avho had peltries
to barter for the baubles, cloths, ammunition, &c.,
which they found at the Ohio Company's new store-
house, and was at the same time well adapted as a
place of rendezvous for such forces as might be
designed for operations further w^est. It was located
in the very heart of the wilderness, with virgin
forests all about it, and roads of the most inferior
character reaching back to the settlements, nearly
eighty miles away, while the single road leading to
the West was scarcely worthy being called such. In
the organization of Braddock's forces, the supplying
of his men and animals, and the events that followed
until the close of the contest with the French, the
scenes and incidents that transpired here rendered
historic every foot of ground about the place, and
invested it wdth an interest wdiich should lead to
their careful preservation for the information and
pleasure of future generations. Here the Father of
our Country, the great Washington, obtained his
earliest lessons in the art of w^ar, and for the first
time beheld a body of regular troops systematically
encamped; here he spent many weeks in the
94
nrSTORY OF rUMItERI.ANn.
(Hliicatioii of the cainp and the drill, and iannliari/x'd
liimHelf with those duties which were to Ixicome so
prominent a part of Iuh future life, in the struggle
his country was destined to embark in to preserve
its freedom and integrity. The minutiiip of the
preparations, and contests Avhich arose, as shown bv
the letters and documents to be found in future pages
of this work, are exceedingly interesting, and worthy
of preservation in every library in the country.
Throughout the pages of history frequent inference
io niade to Fort Cumberland, in connection with the
j)rogress of the * plans and operations to which so
much importance was at that time attached, but in |
no single work has there been recorded any con-
tinuous and intelligent narrative which could satisfy
the desires of those who feel an interest in our I
beautiful city, or gratify their thirst for accurate
knowledge as to the discovery, settlement, fortification,
improvement, cultivation, growth and progress of a
section of country so richly endowed by nature with
wealth and picturesque loveliness. This history has|
been gathered from rare volumes and precious manu-
scripts, botii in this country and England, as well as I
from oral traditions and family records, and while]
much has been thus fortunately preserved, many
facts of great interest have doubtless been lost in |
oblivion, never to be recovered.
The campaign which had terminated so unfortu-
nately at Fort Necessity, served to bring Fort I
Cumberland into great prominence, and the English
authorities regarded it thenceforth as their base of I
operations. Intelligence of the disaster above men-l
1755.]
THE ni'KE OF CUMUEULAND.
95
tioiic'd was received in London in August, 1754,
jind caused much excitement in the eal)inet. The
niinistrv (!ould not ignore the importance of immediate
action, and as the colonies seemed to l)e fatally slow
in providing the necessary means of defense, it bectame
apparent that the (Jrown must furnish l)oth troops
and sui)plies. The Duke of Cumberland was sum-
moned to the councils of the King, and his keen
perceptions, and energetic nature, si)eedily led to
preparations for a decisive stroke, the nature of
which, however, was kept secret from the public.
In September the Ministry determined to send to
America two regiments of infantry, the Forty-fourth,
Colonel Sir Peter Halkett, and the Forty-eighth,
Colonel Thomas Dunbar, each 500 strong. These
were to be recruited to 700 after their arrival in
Virginia. Two other regiments, of 1,000 men each,
were also to be raised at the King's cost in America,
one to be commanded by Governor William Shirley,
of the province of Massachusetts, and the other by Sir
William Pepperell. Sir John St Clair, Lieutenants
Colonel of Ofiarrall's regiment, had been appointed
Deputy Quartermaster-General for all the troops in
the colonies, with the rank of Colonel, and before the
close of the year he sailed for Virginia, with a view
to informing himself as to the country and the
necessities of the campaign. In November large
supplies of clothing, tents, marcjuees, arms, accoutre-
ments, ammunition, wagons, &c., were made ready
for use, and £10,000 in cash were sent to Virginia,
together with authority to draw for as much more
j should it become necessary to do sq. Every prepa-
96
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
ration was made with a view to rendering certain the
success of a simultaneous movement upon Forts
Duquesnc, Crown Point and Niagara; and it was
thought that at least twelve thousand men could be
secured for service, counting the Royal troops, the
Militia, and the Indians whom the colonial Governors
had lK3en instructed to secure.
The Duke of Cumix^rland took the deepest interest
in the preparations for this campaign, and his orders
were closelv followed throughout. IIo chose for
commander of the troops to be sent' to Virginia, and
as Generalissimo of all His Majesty's forces on the
North Amer' an Continent, Major-General Edward
Braddock. Shortly afterward Parliament voted the
following sums to pay the expenses of the expedition:
For two regiments of foot to be raised for North America, £40,350 15,v
For defraying the charges of the olHcers appointed to go
with the forces commanded by General IJraddoek - - £7,338 2.v W
For defraying the charges of the oflioers appointed to
attend the hospital for the expedition commenced by
General Braddock £1,119 7s ( I
£4!),t(;8 -is
General Edward Braddock was the son of Edward
Braddock, .<, Major General in the British army, who
served for thirty years as an officer in the Coldstream
Guards, and who was esteemed as an "honest, brave
old gentleman." The date of the birth of the last
General Edward Braddock is not known, but is
supposed to have been about 1695, as it is recorded
that he entered the army on the 11th of October, 1710.
with the rank of Ensign in the Coldstream Guards?.
in which corps his father had served so long, he
was promoted on the 1st of August, 1710, to a
1755.]
GKNKRAL EDWAHD BRADDOCK.
97
I '«uitenancy ; on the oOth of October, 1734, to a
Ciiptain-Lieutenancy; on the 10th of February, 173G,
to a Captaincy in the Second Regiment of Foot
Guards; on the 2d of Ap.ilj 174o, to Lieutenant-
Colonel of the line, and also to be second Major of
the Coldstreams ; on the 27tli of May, 1745, to be
first Major, and on the 21st of November following
to be Lieutenant-Colonel. Braddock won several of
these promotions by his bravery and gallantry in
hard fought and bloody battles, in several of which
the Duke of Cumberland was in command. The
(Joldstreams was a regiment of model soldiers; in
courage and discipline they were unsurpassed by any
troops in the world; its recruiting standard was
oxtniovdinarily high; and no Papist, no Scot, no
Irishman, no "vagabond" w^as under any consideration
porinitted to ])ecome even a private in the ranks of
this body whose every member seemed to feel that
tilt,' liouor and pride of the regiment was in his
kcepiug. They looked upon all other troops as mere
api)reniices in the art of war, and carried their
contempt for them to such an extent that it became
iK'cessiiry to issue an order forbidding them to laugh
iit or make game of other troops while they were on
parade. The regiment was oriuinallv formed of the
cUfe of Fenwick's and llesilrige's Parliamentary
rojiinients. and was universally regiirded as the
cnihodimeiit of all that was valiant, heroic and
soldierly. (Commissions were held in highest esteem
ill tiiis body, and in 1720 the King fixed the price of a
liicutenant-Colonelcy in the Ccddstreams at £5,000; a
Major's c(mnnission at .£o,()00; a Captain's at .£2,400; a
13
98
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[17o5.
Captain-Lieutc'iiaiit's at £1,500; Lieutenant's £900;
an Ensign's £450; and in 176G these rates were
doubled. The payment of these sums, however,
was not alone sufficient; tlie purchaser was required
to be of irreproachaljle character, and to pass an
examination to prove his competency.
For nearly fifty years had Braddock served in
such a regiment^ wlien he was chosen by the Duke
of Cumberland as the commander of the expedition,
which was intended to put an end to all French
pretensions in North America.
A closely disciplined military education, of a
life-time's duration, necessarily made Braddock a
martinet; and with discipline and courage he was,
of course, a soldier, no matter what may have been
his other characteristics. That he was dissipated to
a certain extent is undeniable; and it cannot be
maintained that he was jx)ssessed of such high
personal qualifications as to make his character one
to be admired. He was fond of high living, convivial,
and prone to the laxity of morals that usually follows
excess in those particulars. The gaming table had
its fascinations for him, and he was arrogant, unfor-
giving, and intemperate. He was haughty, severe,
reserved, and full of self-importance, which qualities
served on many occasions to make him greatly
disliked. There was little of refinement in liifi
nature, and he was brutal in his treatment of those
who invoked his resentment or dislike. When he
had heard something of the nature of the business
upon which he was to embark in America, and of
the enemy he was to meet, he evinced a fatal lack
1755.]
OKNEUAT. RmVARD MUDIXM^K,
99
of appreciation of their ntrength and disposition, and
boasted that he would sweep them before him, like
chaff before the wind. His reputation was somewhat
damaged by one or two affairs which indicated really
low instincts — made still lower by strong drink,
disreputable associates, and licentiousness. For these
he was lampooned ])y satirists, and sneeringly
discussed in the coffee-houses. His brother officers,
liowever, evidently knew all the good and the bad
in him, and weighed his vices and virtues; the result
was that he was accepted as "one of them," and
associated with upon terms of equality. His faults
were condoned, because of his good qualities, and for
iiis valor and soldierly acquirements, at least, he was
esteemed. He had fought two duels, one with
Colonel (Jumley, and another with Cohmel Waller,
in the former of which he was disarmed, but had too
much pride to ask his life. Braddock was in
j/ossession of moderate means upon the death of his
father, but his manner of life would soon have
dissipated a fortune less slender, aiid his straightened
finances frequently made him uncomfortable and
morose.
The most reckless display of heartlessness that
was at any time developed in his speech, was on
the occasion of the death of his sister, Fanny
Braddock. This young lady was beautiful, talented,
witty, and lavishly generous. In the fullness of her
friendship she sacrificed her fortune to pay the debts
of a gentleman of whom she waH very fond, and he
repaid the imprudent act with such ingratitude as
must have well nigh broken her heart. She was
100
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755
greatly addicted to gambling, the only vice ever
attributed to her. Her loss of fortune, and the
tailing away of friends, so preyed ujwn her mind,
that in a fit of desperation she hanged herself, with
a silken scarf, on the night of the 8th of September,
1731, at Bath. When Braddock was informed of
this he said: "Poor Fanny, I always thought she
would play until she would be forced to tuck herself
up."
General Braddock had been chosen by the Duke
of Cumberland because his "courage and military
discipline had recommended him as of ability for .so
great a trust." The Duke had heeu an eye-witness
to his courage on more than one occasion, and was
undoubtedly convinced of the wisdom of giving him
this connnand.
Early in November both the Duke and Jiraddock
arrived in London, where they had frequent inter-
views and conversations relating to the conduct of
the exixulition alx)ut to 1k» undertaken. The Captain-
General gave Braddock minute instructions as to the
course he was to pursue; the organization of his
forces; the supplies to be provided; posts to ho
established, &c. Amongst other verbal instructions,
he directed Braddock to see that Vovt CumlK-rlaiul
was strengthened, and made to accomnuxlate a gar-
rison of two hundred men. He advised the greatest
care in dealing with the Indians, who would Ix' round
a foe different in every way from the regular troops
of civilized nations, and practiced in woodcraft. To
the latter suggestions Bra(ldo(;k gave little heed.
expecting to make short work of the savages with his
I..11. "> AK...-.i.Vf...lMi.
lOX/UffMliKS HltrOKY OF CUMBlHiAND
M
AJOR GENERAL EDWARD BRADDOCK
1 755.]
.splondid J
Londoji, ]
tioii.s for i
I'lap.sed b(
not until
was undo]
General ti
Captain tli
on the 2
Centurion,
the Syren,
the 14tli of
Anna, Captain
Halifax, Capta
Osgood, Cuptai
London, Captai
Industry, Ca{)tf
Isabel and Mari
\u\,
Whiting, (
These w
Seahorse an
there were
Meantim(
exerting h
efleetive, a;
£20,000 fo
iinnj to ten
put all u2)oi]
panies, wlu
wliolly desi
was that of
1755.]
GENERAL BKADDOCK S FLEET.
101
si»l('ii(lid regular troops. After two weeks spent in
London, Braddoek went ' to Cork, to hasten prepani-
tions for the sailing of the transports, but many weeks
elapsed before everything was in readiness, and it was
not until the 14th of January, 1755, that the fleet
was under sail. The delay was so irksome to the
General that he emliarked on aboard the Norwich,
Captain the Honorable Samuel Barrington, and sailed
on the 21st of December, accompanied by the
Centurion, the Hag ship of Commodore Kejjpel, and
the Syren, Captain Prol^y. The fleet, which sailed on
the 14th of January, consisted of the following vessels:
Anna, Captain Nevin ;
Halifax, Captain Terry ;
Osi;ood, Captain Crooi<shank8 ;
London, Captain Brown ;
Industry, Captain Niller;
Isabel and Mary, Captain Hall ;
TRANSPORTS.
Terrible, Captain Wright ;
Fame, Captain Judd ;
Concord, Captain IJoynton ;
Prince Frederick, Captain Burton ;
Fishburn, Captain Wm. Tipple;
Molly, Captain John Curling;
Severn, Captain Jehoaa Rawlings.
ORDNANCE SHIPS.
Whiting, Captain Johnson ; Newall, Captain Montgomery.
Nelly.
These were under convoy of two men-of-war, the
Seahorse and Nightingale, and in addition to the stores
there were on board £14,000 in specie.
Meantime Governor Dinwiddle, in Virginia, Avas
exerting himself to make the provincial troops
eHeetive, and the House of Burgesses had voted
£2(),00{) for the i)ublic service. He enlarged the
army to ten companies of one hundred men each, and
put all upon the establishment of independent com-
panies, whereby the regimental organization was
wholly destroyed, and the highest office possible
was that of Captain, and all officers holding King's
102
WrSTORY OF CUMBEULANr?.
[1755.
commissions woi-o superior to officers of similar griido
in the Vin^iuia regiments. T1k» it'sult of this
destruction of re^^iuiental or<^iinizution, was to rotliice
Colonel Wjishin<2;ton to the rank of Captain, and to
put over him officers whom he had eommanderl.
Naturally, and justly, he regarded this as a degrada-
tion, and immediately he resigned his commission,
and retired to his farm at Mount Vernon. Governor
Sharpe, of Maryland, was familiar with Washington's
career, and knew his value, and importuned him
to take up the sword again, assuring him o( a
commission e(^ual to that he before held. He declined,
howevx'r, to accept the invitation, and expressed his
8uri)rise that such a proposition should be made him.
He replied, "if you think me capable of holding a
commission tliat has neither rank nor emolument
annexed to it, you must entertain a very contemptible
opinion of my weakness, and believe me to be more
empty than the ccmimission itself" He concluded In-
saying, "I shall have the consolation of knowing that
I have opened the way, when the siuallness of om*
numbers exposed us to the attacks of a superior
enemy, and that I have had the thanks of my country
for the services I have rendered." Notwithstanding:
he declined to enter the army upon the terms offered
him, he had a desire to engage again in the j)rofession
of arms, and thought much up(m the subject during the
winter, which he passed in almost perfect retirement.*
♦Ttiero liHil, an heretofore siHterl. been A roiitiiot nn to rank bptween Washiiiaton and (^rtpta'5
Mftckaye ut I-'ort Jseoej-sity. \Va:^hir)>:t<)n exprensed Itis belief thut tlin action whicti re-sulted in
throninu out tile liifiliiu' olliccrH, holdiiii; (Juloninl couKiiisMioiif. was " aenerated and ImlchtKl
at Will's Creek," and was cliargeiibleto (iovernor Diiiwiddie. He as.^ured Ooveriior Slmrpetlui
while Ins celf-reappcl lorbii(> him to serve under such circiiniHtaiice». bin feelings were "Mtronslf
bent to arms." These orders, were, however, reiterated during the winter by the Hoveniiin'"'.
•nd olllcer» of theroval troops were given rank over those of the saiiio grade holding Coloiml
cnmmisaions of older date, while provincial field otHcers were allowed uo rank whatever wlien
(ervlug with general and field otUcerii oommiMitloued by the C'rowu.
1755.] C30VERN0R SIIARrE AT FORT CUMBKULAND. \()i\
Aftiiirs at Fort Ciimhorliuid wore very quiet at tin's
time, so far as the enemy was concerned. About the
1st of January, 1755, a party of fndians, nuni))ering
iifteon, arrived at the Foil, and said they had been
with tiie French. Tliey asked a great many questions
as to tlie intentions of the British, and asserted that
the Indians had resolved to remain in the position of
neutrals, and not to take any part in the war. The
conduct of these visitors was so singular as to excite
distrust, and they were permitted to leave the camp,
without obtaining any information other than such
as they could acipiire by close observation.
On the 2(lth of Januai-y, Governor 8harpe again
visited Fort Cumljerland, and on the 26th Sir John
St. Clair arrived. They made an examination of the
works, the sui)plies, and the arms; and two days were
spent in inspection and consultation as to the additions
that were necessary to the stores, and the best method
of getting them to the camp. About the 28th these
jientlenien stepped into a small boat, at Fort
Canil)erland, ant^ descended the Potomac to Alex-
andria. They inspected the river the entire distance
traversed, with a view to determining the feasibility
of sending supplies to Fort Cuml)erland by water, and
Sir John St. (Jlair was of opinion that such a project
was entirely practicable, could the rocks in the
channel at Great Falls be removed. This he thought
could be accomplished by means of gun})owder, to an
extent sufficient to permit the passage of Hat Ijottomed
boats. The experiment, however, was never tried,
iuid the bulk of supplies was afterwards sent over the
rough mountain roads in wagons.
104
HISTORV OF CUMHEULANI).
[1755.
Wlillo at Fort (yUiiibcrland, (Jovi'niorSlmrjK' found
miiitiiry anUirs in a very unsatisliictory condition; the
Virp!;inia (•oni|)anioH wore unruly, discoutcntod iuid
mutinous, while the Marvland company was oi' little
value, iK'cause of its limited numbers and lack of
disei[)line. The ofTicerH of the Colonial compiums
and those holding Kin<:;'s commissions, were at dag<rers'
l)oints, Ix'cause of the dispute as to rank; and this of
itself, was extremely demoralizinji; in its efleets. Sir
John St. Clair ins|K'cted the soldiers at the Fort, nnd
dischar<:^'ed no less than twenty from Captain
Rutherford's company, because of their unhtness for
Hervico. .
On the 20th of February, the Norwich, havinji' on
board (Jeneral IJraddock, Cn])tain Ornie, erne of his
aides-de-canii), and Mr. William Shirlev, his Secretary,
entered IIam])ton Roads. This arrival had been
looked forward to with the utmost interest by tlic
people of Virginia, Maryland and Peinisylvania, wIki
were very solicitous for the defeat and punishinciit
of the French, but felt both unable and unwilling tn
bear the expense of the necessary troops and su|)i)lii's.
Two of the trans})orts, the Osgood and Fishburii.
jvrrived on the 2d of March, and a fortnight later tlic
entire fleet had arrived and [)roceeded to Alexandria.
where the troops were temporarily ({uartered.
Ceneral Braddock had not awaited the .arrival of
the fleet, but had gone to Williamsburg, where lie
consulted with Governor Dinwiddle, and at once
invited the Governors of the various colonies ti) inott
him at Annapolis. On the 14th of April Goveriioi^
Shirley, of Massachusetts; Dinwiddie, of Virginiii:
1755.]
ORGANIZING THK CAMl'AIGN.
105
Di'liiiu'V, of New York; Sliarpo, of Maryland; Morris,
of Pennsylvania; and Dohhs, of North Carolina,
iisseinhled with him, in eonvention, at Alexandria,
and after a len<^thy discussion made articles covering
iirranjfements for the prosecution of a comprehensive
campaign. In addition to these gentlemen. Admiral
Keppel, commander of tlie lleet. was present. The
plan a(lo])ted embraced three dillerent movements,
viz: One against Fort Du([uesne, by IJra(l(h)ck; one
against Niagara and Frontenac, (Kingston,) under
command of (lovernor Shirley, and one against Crown
Point, on Lake Champlain, by General William
Johnson, who was then a resident, and an influential
man, amongst the Indians of the Mohawk nation.
The time fixed upon for the inauguration of active
operations was the end of June, and it was thought
that ail easy victory would be accomplished in every
quarter. '
General Braddock evidently had very crude ideas
regarding the colonies and the inhabitants thereof,
and expected all the orders of the Ministry to be
carried into ef!ect as concisely as was the custom at
home. lie therefore antici{)ated the prompt supply
of the four hundred men who were to recruit the
ranks of the 44th and 48tli regiments, and which
were to come from Pennsylvania. These were not
forthcoming, and he wrote frequent letters to Governor
Morris, entreating him to use every efibrt to secure
the men, and olT'ered a ])ounty of £3 lor each recruit.
M His persistent appeals, however, were fruitless, from
which cause he gave expression to his disgust and
anger in most violent language. It may readily be
106
IIISTOUY Ot CUMnERLAND.
imagined that the Gcncrars tcinpor was not afterwards
improved, when he found that his movements were
to he seriously retarded hy a hick of means of trans-
portation, as well as by scarcity of 8U[)j)lies. Sir
John St. (Jlair had bari^ained with two Dutch settlers
at the foot of the IJlue Ridge, for two hundred
wagons and fifteen hundred pack-horses, to Iw
furnished early in May, at Fort Cumberland; and
Governor Sharpe had agreed to furnish a hundred
wagons to be used in transporting stores, on the
Maryland side of the Potomac, towards Fort Cumber-
land. Neither of these contracts was fully carried
into effect. The Dutch settlers neglected the matter
entirely, and Governor Sharpe experienced the
greatest difficulty in getting together even a few
teams.
In considering the difliculties of this campaign,
some of which began to be apparent to him, Braddock
remembered Washington, with whose course he was
well acquainted, and he deemed it for the good of the
country's service to call him again to the field. He
appreciated fully the dignity of the young Virginian's
action in resigning his commission, and was pleased
with the spirit he had shown. Washington was
already under the influence of a fever of military
zeal, which was fanned to a greater heat day after
day by the preparations he saw being made for war.
and he Avas a frequent visitor to the camp at
Alexandria. A number of prominent personages
represented to General Braddock the value of
Washington's services, he having experience and a
thorough knowledge of the country, and the result
/OiJ.J
WASHINGTON AN AII)-l)i:-CAMI\
107
was that Captain Orinc wrote, by Hniddock's orders,
tlic Ibllowing cordial letter, addresned to Major
Washington:
"WihiJAMSuuRc;, 2 March, 17<'>5.
"Sir: — The Oenerul havinj^ been informed that you expressed Home
doHire to iimko tlic oiun|»iiif,'ii, but llmt you declined it iifion some
(lisn^reeableness llint you tb(ni;^lit niifjbt arise from the rej^nbilions of
coiiiiniind, has ordered me to ac<inaint you that lie will be very ghid of
your company in his family, by which all inconveniences of that kind will
be obviated.
" I shall think myself very happy to form an acquaintance with a
person so nniverpnlly esteemed, and shall use every opportunity of
assuring you how much I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,
"ROBERT ORMK, Aidderavipr
Washington was highly gratified by the compliment
80 gracelully tendered, and hastened to accept a
position so agreeable to his tastes and incHnations.
His position as aid-dc-camp on Braddock's stall' gave
iiiin no emohmients, and in fact could not be other-
wise than expensive, yet he was freed thereby from
the annoyance of questions as to rank, and was
satisfied to accept as compensation the glory he
might Avin, and the experience he might gain.
His private aflairs prevented him from at once
entering upon his duties, and Captain Orme WTote
him: "Tlie General orders me to give you his
oonipliments, and to assure you his wishes are to
make it agreeable to yourself and consistent with
your affairs ; and, therefore, he desires you will so
settle your business at home as to join him at Will's
Creek, if more convenient to you; and whenever you
find it necessary to return, he begs you will look
upon yourself as entirely master, and judge what is
necessary to be done."
108
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
While Braddock was gotting ready for his march
from Alexandria, Sir John St. Clair had returnetl to
Fort Cumberland, where he set everybody by the
ears, and startled the commissioners who had been
sent by Pennsylvania to attend the construction of
the road required by the government. Nothing
wh;itever had been done towards building this road,
and Sir John was in a furious passion, hurling his
strong language at Croghan and the other commis-
sioners, and declaring that the want of the road would
retard ihe expedition, and might cost them a
disgraceful defeat, from the large number of additional
troops the French would send into the country. He
threatened to march an army into Cumberland
county, to cut the roads, press horses, wagons, and
forage, and that he would not permit his soldiers to
handle an ax, but by fire and sword oblige the
inhabitants to do the work, and that he would wreak
general destruction. In case the French should
defeat them he threatened to march through the
province with drawn sword, and treat all inhabitants
as a parcel of traitors, and much more to the same
eftect. These harsh threats, while they called forth
a reprimand from Braddock, as being "officiously
violent,*' had the effect of stimulating the Penn-
sylvanians to activity. Governor Morris exerted
himself to the utmost, and manifested an earnest
desire to do all in his power to forward the
construction of the road, and in the latter part of
April sent Mr. Thomas Walker to Fort Cumberland,
with instructions to see such persons as were
necessary, and to endeavor to have them give their
1755.]
GOVERNOli MORRIS S EFFORTS.
100
aid to the work. Mr. Walker wrote to Governor
Morris as follows :
" Fort Ccmberlaxd, March ye 7th, 1755.
•' IIoxoiKKi» Sib :
" 1 wnitcd on Mr. .Tiimes Wri^^ht nnd John Smith, on my way here.
Thev both oxpresseil the greutost desire of" Coniplyinfr with the InatrnotionB
stnt tlieiii by the Hono\irable Isaac Norris and the other commissioners
in Philadelphia. I could not wait on Mr. Armstrong, without ^j^reat loss
of time, which oicationert me to write to him only.
"I don't doubt but your Honour has had the ajrreeable n'?ws of the
arrival of the English Forces, which will make the greatest despatch
necessary in the Gentlemen who are to purchase the Wheat. Just nDw a
party men cotnmimded by Mr. Lowmain Brought .loseph Nelson to the
ciirap with two otlur men, and one Woman, who the Men had by foi<^c
taken from her Father's House ; one man of Capt. Rutherford's was si-ot
through the arm. I am
"Your Honours Most Humble Servant in Hast
"THOMAS WALKER.
'' To the Hon'ble Robert Hunter Morris
'• Governor of Pensilvania."
Governor Morris undertook .also to organize a band
of Indians for the expedition, and he wrote to George
Croghan, at his place at Aughquick, to get together
as many warriors as possible who were friendly, and
to distribute among thein a number of wamjDum belts,
engaging them to meet General Braddock at Fort
Cumberland, and to take up the hatchet against the
French. Croghan undertook this service, and agreed
t'lirtherinore to furnish a company of hardy, resolute
woodsmen, w^ho knew every trail in the forests, and
who were under command of Captain Jack, one of
the most daring characters that could be found in
the wilderness, and a terror to the Indians.
The following letter was received by Governor
Morris from Governor Dinwiddle, under date of
March 10th:
110
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
" WiLUAMSBURo, March 10, 1755.
"Siu:
" Your favor of the 2Gth ult. I recieved Yesterday — 1 am very glad you
prevailed with Your Committee for the Flour of 1 1,000 bushels of wheat
to be delivered at Conogacheek : this is a very Seasonable Supply, as
that quantity with what I have purchased, I hope will answer the
Breadkiiid, & I hope I have Salt Provisions suHicient, but must entreat
You to direct the delivery of the Flour with all imaginable K.xpedition;
as the Transports are mostly arrived, I hope the General will take the
Field soon & I would gladly hope that no Delay should be on account of
Provisions.
" I hope you will see it necessary to call ye Assembly iramediutclv
now the Forces from Britain have arrived, to endeavor with them to raise
a considerable Sum of Money : for if it please (lod to give the General
success in taking the Fort on the Ohio, it will be necessary that a Garrison
of 250 men be left in it (at the charge of different Colonies) not to prevent
his further Designs ci: this charge I think should be bore by the Colonies,
otlierway his taking the Fort & leaving it without a Garrison, will
encourage the French next Year to retake it & in course, keep the
Colonies in continual war : whereas streiigtiiening ourselves on the Ohio
as above, I am in hopes may prevent any further attempts from the
French and protect our Frontiers — and as a great deal of money will be
wanted for that Service, I have called on our Assembly to meet the firsi
of May, in hO(<_'S to prevail with them for a further supply, for 100,0011
now will be of more Service than a million some Years hence.
"The General goes for Alexandria the Beginning of next Week, and
expects Gov : Shirley to meet him at Annapolis, & I propose to wait upon
him at that place.
" I remain with very great respect,
"Sir Your most obdt h'ble Servt,
" DI>;WID1)IE.'
C.iptain John Rutherford, who was iit Fort
CumberLind during the inspection by Sir John St.
Chiir, wrote to Governor Morris as follows:
"Fort Clmberland, March 22, 1755.
"Sir:
"I write your honor a few lines, tho' I shan't think I have anything
material to say until the two Regiments from Cork arrive. Our review
by Sir .John St. Clair is over, &, after what he has discharged, I think
what remains hero will be fit for any service: I shall want twenty recruits
to compleat my company, in room of those he has discharged & those 1
had discharged before, which 1 have a promise of getting from Maryland
immediately.
1 755.]
THE MARCH FROM ALEXANDRIA.
Ill
" Col. Innes remains here to take care of stores and Indian afTuirs, &
Sir.Fohn.by Gonl Braddock's orders, has left under my command my own
(Vmpaiiy, Capt. Demere's & two companies of Virginia Ranrrers, fifty
men eacii, under Capt. Waggoner and Capt. I'erronee ; Cnpt. Clark's, as
unfit for service, is sent off to recruit, and Capt. Dagworthy's to be drafted
tor comiileating the British Rpgimts. The greatest plague I find in mv
command proceeds from Whiskey, which had always prevailed, in spite of
many expedients since the arrival of troops here. I must get the better
of it if possible, & have punished several soldiers & staved some whiskey,
but great complaints are made by the owners for want of proper warning,
so I must beg your Honor would plea.se order the enclo.sed Advertisement
to be published in your newspapers for three weeks.
*********
" Sir, your Honor's
" most obedient & most humble serv't
"JOHN RUTHERFORD."
General Braddock, although disappointed in the
matter of recruits, as well as of transportation, left
Alexandria on his march to Fort Duquesne on the
•20th of April.
On the 2Gth of April the command arrived at
Fredericktown. in Maryland, where Washington
then joined it. It became apparent to Braddock,
here, that the selection of Virginia as the landing
place for the troops was a great mistake, since neither
provisions, forage nor transportation were there to be
had, and that had they landed in Pennsylvania the
march would have been shortened several weeks, and
a saving of at least £40,000 sterling effected. He
iiad relied upon the promises made that three
hundred horses and two hundred wagons and teams
would be su[)plied him; besides an abundance of
forage and provisions. Instead, however, he found
at Fredericktown barely fifteen wagons, and less than
one hundred horses, which number was totally
inadequate to his necessities. In addition to this, it
112
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
was found upon unloading tlio wagons tliat tlie
provisions were spoiled, and stunk so intolerably that
they were taken out of camp and buried. Those
facts aroused all of the General's bad temper, and he
cursed the army contractors roundly, as well as
Americans generally, denouncing the whole peoj)leas
irresponsible and totally untrustworthy. Most of the
officers shared in the harsh opinions entertained bv
their leader, which both Washington and Benjamin
Franklin, the Postmaster-General, undertook to
combat, the latter stating that Pennsylvania had
voted .£5,000 to the support of the King's troops, mid
was even then engaged in the construction of a road,
at great expense. He furthermore expressed his
regret that tlie expedition had not landed in Pennsyl-
vania, as there every farmer had his wagon, and
there would have been no difficulty in securing all
the transportation that might be re(|uired. Braddock
took hope from this statement, and asked Franklin
if he could not yet secure such wagons as were
required for the success of his army. Franklin
thought he could, and at once undertook the task of
satisfying the General's Avants in this respect. Ih
had observed that the dress of Sir John St. Chiir wa>
that of a Hussar, or nearly approached it in some
respects, and taking advantage of this, he published
a letter, as follows:
"to the inhabitants ok the counties ok l.ANC'ASTEK, YOKK ASH
CUMBERLAND.
"Friends mid Countrymen :
" Being occasionally at the camp at Frederick a few davs since, I
found the General and officers of the Army extremely exasperated on
account of their not being supplied with Ilorsea and Carriages, which hail
been expected from this Province, as most able to furnish thera; but
1755.] franklin's letter to the pennsylvanians. 113
thro' the Dissensions between our Governor and Assentibly, money had
not been provided nor any strps taken for that Purpose.
" It was proposed to send an armed force immediately into these
Counties, to seize as many of the best Carriages and Horses as should be
wanted, and compel as many Persons into the Service as should be
necessary to drive and take care of them.
" I apprehended that the Progress of a Body of Soldiers through these
counties on such an Occasion, especially considering the Temper they
are in, and their Res?entment against us, would be attended with many
and great Inconveniences to the Inhabitants ; and therefore more will-
ingly undertook the Trouble of trying first what might be done by fair and
equitiible Means.
"The People of these back Counties have lately complained to the
Assembly that a snUicient Currency was wanting ; you have now an
Opportunity of receiving and dividing among you a very considerable
Sum, for if the Service of this Expedition should continue (as it's more
than probable it will) for 120 Days, the hire of these Wagons and Horses
will amount to upwards of Tkirtif Thousand Pounds, which will be paid
you in Silver and Gold of the King's Money.
"The Service will be light and easy, for the Army will scarce march
above 12 miles per Day, and the Wagons and Baggage Horses, as they
carry those things that arc absolutely necessary to the Welfiire of the
Army, must march with the Army and no faster, and are, for the
Army's sake, always placed where they can be most secure, whether on
the March or in Camp. ^
"If you really are, as I believe you are, good and loyal Subjects of His
Majesty, you may now do a most acceptable Service, and make it easy for
yourselves; for three or four such as cannot separately spare from the
business of three Plantations a Wagon and four Horses and a Driver,
may do it together, one furnishing the Wagon, another one or two
Horses, and another the Driver, and divide the Pay proportionally
between you. But if you do not this service to your King and Country
voluntarily, when such good pay and reasonable Terms are offered you,
your Loyalty will be strongly suspected. The King's Business must be
done; so many brave Troops, come so far for your defense, must not stand
idle thro' your Backwardness to do what may reasonably be expected
from you; Wagons and Horses must be had; violent measures will
probably be used; and you will be to seek for a Kecompense where
yoH can find it, and your case, perhaps be little pitied or regarded.
"I have no particular Interest in this Affair, as (except tiio satisfac-
tion of endeavoring to do Good and prevent mischief,) I shall have
only my Labor for my Pains. If this method of obtaining the Wagons
and Horses is not like to succeed, I am obliged to send word to the
Gener;.! in fourteen Days, and I suppose Sir John St. Clair, the Hussar,
15
kL^WWiffir;
114
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
with a body of Soldiers, will immediately enter the Province, of which I
shall be sorry to hear, because
" I am very sincerely and truly
" your Friend & Well Wisher,
"B. FRANKLIN."
The promulgation of this document was speedily
effective. The Dutch farmers of the back counties of
Pennsylvania had formerly lived under despotic
power, and they dreaded the Hussars as a scourge,
so that, believing St. Clair to have been a Hussar,
and having heard of his violence and temper, they lost
no time in sending forward two hundred wagons and
two hundred and fifty pack horses, all of which
reported at Fort Cumberland, for service, about the
latter part of June.
On the 30th of April Braddock left Frederick-
town, with his stafl' and a body-guard of light
horse. Before leaving Alexandi'ia he had purchased
of Governor Sharpe a chariot, one of the cumbersome
carriages of that day, ana was making his journey
with a degree of style which would have been
better suited to the cultivated districts of England.
He quickly discovered that the road was ill-adapted
to a conveyance of that character, and did not hesitate
to express his opinion by "• damning it heartily."
The route pursued was that by way of Winchester,
the other, .and shorter road, not having then been
built. He arrived at Fort Cumberland on the 10th
of May. He passed Dunbar's division of troops on
the Oldtown road, a few miles below Will's Creek.
the entire line making room for him to pass on the
narrow road, and the drums beating the Grenadier's
March, as he drove past, surrounded by his staff, in
1755.] braddock's arrival at fort Cumberland. 115
light
testor.
1)0011
lOtb
bs on
reok.
II the
ilier'f
^ff, ill
their bright uniforms. When he arrived at Will's
Creek he was received with a salute of seventeen
guns, fired from the Fort, and the garrison drawn up
in hne, and ready for inspection. It was a little after
noon when the General arrived, and as the road had
been, for several miles back, smooth and easy, lying
along the beautiful river, and as the weather was
mild and pleasant, he and his officers were in fine
spirits, when they dismounted to take possession of
their quarters and join Colonel Innes at dinner, at his
table. At 2 o'clock Colonel Dunbar, with his com-
mand, arrived, and they encamped on the hill to the
west of the Fort, about where the residences of Hon.
George A. Pearre and Mrs. J. Philip Roman now
stand. The number of Indians here at that time was
about one hundred, and their lodges were clustered
in the Avoods, a quarter of a mile distant. They were
all of the Six Nations, and amongst them were
Scarooyadi, or Monicatoocha, successor to the Half-
King; White Thunder, the keeper of wampum;
Silver Heels, and Great Tree. Besides these, Bright
Lightning, the daughter of White Thunder, and
several other Indian women, were quite prominent in
their curiosity, and every day they came to the drill
ground to witness the marching of the soldiers,
seeming greatly surprised by their numbers and the
uniformity of their movements. Of these natives the
Seamen's Journal says: "I would willingly say
something of the manners and customs of the Indians
but they are hardly to be described. The men are
tall, well made and active, but not strong, but very
dexterous with a rifle barrelled gun, and their
116
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
tomahawk, which they will throw with great certainty
at any mark and at a great distance. The wonien
are not so tall as the men, but well made and have
many children, hut had many more iR'fore spirits
were introduced to them. Tliey paint themselves in
an odd manner, red, yellow and black intermixed.
And the men have the outer rim of their ears cut.
which only hangs by a bit top and bottom, and have
a tuft of hair left at the t(jp of their heads, which is
dressed with feathers. Their watch coat is their
chief clothing, which is a thick blanket thrown all
round them, and wear mocasins instead of shoes.
which are Deer skin thrown round the ankle and foot.
Their manner of carrying their infants is odd.
They are laid on a board, and tied on with brocod
bandage, with a place to rest their feet on, and a board
over their head to keep the sun off, and are slung to
the women's backs. These people have no notion of
religion, or any sort of Superior l)eing, as I take them
to be the most ignorant people as to the knowledge of
the world and other things. In the day were in our
camp, and in the night they go into their own, wliei'e
they dance and make a most horriljle noise."
These Indians were from Aughquick, in Pennsyl-
vania, and were brought to Will's Creek by George
Croghan, who was commissioned by Braddock as a
Captain to command the savages during the campaign.
He was thoroughly acquainted with the Indian
customs, spoke tlie language of several nations, and
had great influence with them, having been a trader
amongst them foi* many years.
On the day of General Braddock's arrival at the
1755.]
TROOPS AT FOUT rUMBERI.AND.
117
P'ort ho announcod the appointmont of Major
Wftsliiiigton as aid-de-camp. By the 10th of May
tlie I'orccs were all encamped at this point, and con-
sisted of the 44th and 48th regiments, each 700
stroiijr, tlie Independent companies of New York 100;
carpenters 100; rangers 400, and the South Carolina
detachment 100, a total of 2,100 men. These troops
were encamped according to the plan ai)proved of by
the council of war, and Washington had am})le
opportunity to study the methods of the camp.
Braddock was a martinet, whose education permitted
him to overlook no detail which might prove of the
least importance. Tie enforced implicit obedience,
and punished in the most severe manner every
infraction of law or regulation; his soldiers were
drilled with persistence and precision, and the camp
was made a model of order and regularity. The
recruits were subjected to the most rigid discipline,
and especial pains taken to make them attain to some
degree of perfection in the drill. Drunkenness and
theft were punished with a severity unknown in the
army to-day, the ordinary penalty being a thousand
lashes and ignominious expulsion from the regiments.
Braddock maintained to some extent his old habits
of extravagance and conviviality. He was by incli-
nation and education a hon vlvant, devoted to high
living, and good wine, Avhen it was possible to obtain
those articles which were pleasing to his palate. The
supply of choice things to cheer the irmer man was
lamentably short, however, upon his arrival at the
Fort, But a few days later, through Franklin's
efforts, there was received by the General a present
118
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
of fifty fat oxen and one hundred sheep, for the use
of the army, and the followinj^ articles for his own
table :
Twelve Flams,
Eiglit Cheeses,
Twenty-four Flasks of Oil,
Ten loaves of Sugar,
One cask of Raisins,
A box of Spice and Currants,
Four kegs of Sturgeon,
One keg of Herrings,
Two chests of Lemons,
Two kegs of Spirits,
A cask of Vinegar,
A barrel of Potatoes,
Three tubs of Butter,
A box of Pickles and Mustard,
Eight Kegs of Biscuit.
In addition to these very acceptable supplies, eacli
of the twenty subalterns of the 48th regiment received
a parcel made up of the following:
6 lbs. Loaf Sugar,
C " Muscorado Sugar.
1 " Green Tea,
1 " BoheaTea,
6 " Ground Coffee.
<) " Chocolate,
i chest best white Biscuit,
i lb. Pepper,
I Gloucester Cheese,
1 Keg, 20 lbs., good Butter,
2 doz. old Madura Wine,
2 gallons Jamaica Spirits,
1 bottle flour of Mustard,
2 well cured Hams,
J doz, Dried Tongues,
G lbs of Rice,
6 " Raisins.
1 quart White Vinegar,
Colonel Dunbar caused these latter articles to be
divided between the subalterns of the two royal
regiments. The General again spread a bounteous
table, and his cooks devoted themselves to the
preparation of dishes that might tempt his appetite.
The "two kegs of spirits" were not neglected, and
"punches" were with liberality passed around the
board, on many and oft recurring occasions. A
levee, or reception was held every day at head-
quarters, from 10 to 11 o'clock a. m., at which time
every officer was expected to pay his respects to the
commander. « . - - — -^
On the 12th, the Seamen's Journal states that a
1755.]
CONFERENCE WITH THE INDIANS.
119
congrcHs was held at the Gonoral's tent, at 11 o'clock,
at which time all the officers attended the General,
and the Indians were brought. The guard received
them with their firelocks rested, and the interpreter
was ordered to tell them that their brothers, the
English, who were their old friends, were come to
assure them that every misunderstanding that had
been in former times should now be buried under that
great mountain (pointing to Will's Mountain). Then
a string of wampum was given them, after which a
belt of wampum was held forth, with the following
speech, viz: that this wampum was to assure them of
our friendship ; that everybody who were their
enemies were ours; and that it was not the small
force only that we had here, but numljers to the
northward, under our great war Captains, Shirley,
Pepperell, Johnston, and others, that were going to
war, and that we would settle them happily in their
country, and make the French both ashamed and
hungry. But that whatever Indians after this
declaration did not coni ^, would be deemed by us
as our enemies, and treated as such. The General
told them he should have presents for them in a few
days, when he should have another speech to make
to them, and then, after having the ceremony of
taking a drink of the spirits all round, the Indians
filed out one after another in silence, and returned
to their camp. On the same day one of those sudden
gusts of wind, which sometimes visit this locality,
with thunder and lightning, came down upon the
camp, sweeping away a number of tents and every-
thing moveable, much to the consternation of the
120
HISTOUY OF CUMBEULAND. [1765. ^M 1756.J
soldiers. The following day the weather was so
exceHsively hot, that it was not deen\ed prudent to
re((uire of the men any exeroise until after the sun
had nearly Het. At night the Indians had a grand
war-danee in their cam)), having declared tlioir
determination to take up the hatchet against the
French. At dark they had a fire built, and formed
a ring about it, dancing, gesticulating and shoutiii};
in the wildest manner, their faces and bodies Ijoin;:
covered with war-i)aint. Several Indians sat on tiii'
ground, 1)eating a drum, made of a skin stretched
over a tub, the name of which in their tongue is thi'
toij-wa-egnn. They also contril^uted to the aggre-
gation of unearthly sounds by the rattling of the
shcfiJiefjwon, a bladder dried and filled with pease.
It was a custom with these Indians, once or twice a
year, for the women to dance, and all the men to sit
by, and each woman selected the man she preferred,
danced with lum, and then lived with him for a
week, at the end of which time she returned to her
husband, and they lived as they did before.* The
wild dance of the savages on this night drew manj
of the officers of the Fort to the scene, who looked
on with much interest and some degree of awe,
while these children of nature roused the echoes of
the wilderness with their demoniacal shouts, and
went through a thousand grotesque contortions.
A court-martial which had been convened on the
13th had tried several soldiers upon charges mtKle,
and Luke Woodward, a private in the ranks of the
48th regiment, was convicted of desertion, and
sentenced to death. General Braddock, however,
*|j«aiiun'( JouruBl, writtea by a naval ofUcer, under Cum. Keppel, while at Fort Cumbtrltnd.
i
pardoncf
a rcpetiti
shortly a
regiment.
Thomas
a jug of
nine iuni
each, an(
the Fort,
hi.siies beii
was conipl
Wash in
took place
treasiu'e u)
1111(1 dlspo.*^
delay and t
•' I
and wagon;
of which I
wrote the l
Wasjiiiigtoi
" Dear Bhotiik
"As wearitij
procure me a p
Ciirlyle, wlio I
necessity requir
" I Hce no pn
horses nor wat'oi
fhiUdelphiii ; th
tulties we must
proper convenier
conceive the nitir
J ireraendou.s unde
it as triflinjj. for ]
force to repel the
others, with a boc
Und attempt their
16
1755.]
AFFAIRS AT FORT CUMHERLAND.
121
pardoiu'd him, and wius rewarded for his leniency by
a repetition of the crime, by the ungrateful fellow,
shortly alter wards. Three other soldiers of the 48th
regiment. James Fitzgerald, James Hughes and
Tlioina.s ('onnelly, were convicted of having stolen
a jug of beer. Connelly was sentenced to receive
nine iiuiidred lashes, and the others eight hundred
each, and this punisiiment was inflicted just outside
the Fort, in presence of the command, three hundred
lashe« being given each day until the punishment
wa.s (U)!nplete.
Washington was a close student of everythinfr that
took i)hice in and about the camp. Especially did he
treasure up mM that he witnessed of the government
and dispositi' of troops. He apprehended much
dehiy and trou..n because of the long train of artillery
and wagons which was to be taken over the roads,
of which he knew the worst. On the 14th he
wrote the following letter to his brother, John A.
Washington :
" Fort CnMBKRi.AND, 14 May. 1755.
" Dkar Bkothbk :
" As wearing boots is quite the mode, I must beg the favor of you to
procure me a pair that are good and neat, and send them to Major
Carlyle, wlio 1 hope will contrive to forward them as quickly as my
necessity recjuires.
" I see no prospect of moving from this place soon, as we have neither
horses nor wagons enough, and no forage except what ig expected from
Phil'idelphia : therefore, I am well convinced, that the troubles and diffi-
culties we must encounter in passing the mountains, for the want of
proper conveniences, will equal all the difficulties of the campaign ; for I
conceive the march of such a train of artillery, in these roads, to be a
j tremendous undertaking. As to any danger <'rom the ememy, I look upon
I it as trifling, for I believe the French will be obliged to exert their utmost
force to repel the attacks to the northward, where Governor Shirley and
I others, with a body of eight thousand men, will annoy their settlements,
*nd attempt their forta.
16
122
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755 H 1755.]
•' The General has appointed me one of his aides de-camp, in whici:
character I shall serve this campaign agreeably enough, as I am thcreb;
freed from all commands but his, and give his orders, which must b*
implicitly obeyed.
" I have now a good opportunity, and shall not neglect it, of forminj I
k. acquaintance, which maybe serviceable hereafter, if I find it wortk
while to push my fortunes in a military line.
"I have written to my two female correspondents by this opportunitv,
one of whose letters I have enclosed to you, and beg your deliverance of
it. I shall expect a particular account of all that has happened since mt |
dejjartnre. " I am, dear Jack,
" your most affectionate brother,
" GEO. WASHINGTON."
Not only were horses and wagons still scarce, but
the supply of food for the men was wholly insufficient,
and of th^t. on hand twenty-two casks of heef were I
inspected and condemned, on the 15th, as unfit for
use. On the following day the last division of the |
train reached the Fort, under guard of two companies
of Sir Peter Halket's regiment. This consisted of
three field pieces, four ships' howitzers, several
cohorns,* and forty-two wagons loaded with supplies
The first death at the Fort also occurred on tliat|
day. Captain Bromley, of Sir Peter Ilalkets
regiment, who had been ill for several weeks, died on
the 16th, and was buried with military honors on tlie ]
18th. The weather was excessively hot, and the
men suffered greatly therefrom. The funeral took
place at 10 o'clock in the morning, at which time all
the troops in the camp and the Fort were assembled.
A Captain's guard marched before the corpse, vvitb I
the Captain of the guard in the rear. The men
carried their arms reve. aed, and the drums beat the
*A cohorn in a Bmsll bronze mortar, mounted on a wooden carriage, and having liandlw.in
ttbiob it may b« carried a short distance by two men. It wae iuveDtwl br Barou Coebora.
1755.]
AFFAIRS AT FORT CUMBERLAND.
123
dead march. When the cortege approached the
I'rave, the guard formed two lines, open order, facing
each other, and rested on their arms, with the
muzzle down, and their faces leaning on the buts of
the guns. The corpse was carried between the lines,
the deceased officer's sword and sash lying on the
coffin, and the officers following, iwo abreast. The
Chaplain read the burial service of the English Church,
and after the coffin had been deposited in the grave,
the gi'ard fired three volleys over it, and were then
inarched to their quarters.
The warriors who had come to Fort Cumberland,
wi.L Croghan, had, as before stated, brought their
faniilie,« with them, as they had no means of pro-
viding for their women and children during their
absence. The squaws seem to have been quite
;ittractive in person, being well formed and having
small hands and feet, languishing eyes and soft voices.
To both officers and soldiers they possessed a charm
whlcli led to a great degree of annoyance. The
brilliant uniforms and dashing style of the British
officers had so captivated these untutored beauties
that they spent most of their time in and about the
camp, and willingly accepted the very marked
attentions shown them. Presents of nioney and
other articles were lavishly bestowed upon the young
s([uaws, and Secretary Peters, of Pennsylvania, in
ii letter to Governor Morris, said, "the officers are
scandalously fond of them." To such an extent were
the amours of these oarties carried that the warriors
were roused to a fury of jealousy, and angrily
denounced the officers. Bright Lightning the prin-
124
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
cess, abandoned herself to the dissipation which was
80 novel to her, and her example was followed by
most of her sisters. In ord(>r to prevent a serioui*
outbreak, orders were issued, on the llth, forbiddinj:
the women to come into the cam[), and imposing a
penalty upon officers and men who should give the
Indiaus "rum, other licpior, or money, upon am
pretense whatever." These stringent orders, however,
did not remedy the evil, and the dusky maidens met
their lovers in other places, a i'avorite resort being
the shady grove just opposite the Fort, across the
river, in Virginia. Finally, Braddock determind
to get rid of the women entirely, and on the IStlia
convention was held at his tent, which was
attended by all the warriors. When they had
assembled, the General made them a speech. He
told them he had invited them to join him for the
pur])ose of taking up the hatchet against the Freiidi:
that it became necessary now, in preparing for the
movement to the West that they should send their
fjimilies — the women and children — back to Pennsyl-
vania, where they might remain until the enemy had
been punished. Me said their Father, the King, had
sent them presents for their tamilies, and that lit
felt great interest in them, and was in much sorrow
because of the death of the Half-King, and that In
had ordered guns and amnumition to be given tlu
warriors, so that they might be more successful in the
chase ; he wanted them to be jjrood friends to the
English, who were their brothers. The General
presented them, then, with three belts and a striiiL'
of wampum, as well as beads, knives, rings, paint.
1755.]
AFFAIRS AT FORT CUMEERLAND.
125
cloth, &c., all of which they received with signs of
great pleasure, and they promised to come on the
next day and give their answer. They then returned
to their own camp, and built a hre, around which
they danced and sang all night long.
On the following day they came to Braddock's
tent, and notified him th.at they had called to give
him their answer. Scarooyadi said the Indians had
heard what the great (Japtain had said to them, and
that the words of their white Brother were good;
that they were thankful to their Father, the great
King, for the presents he had sent, and for his kind
words about the loss of the Half-King. The Indians
would be the friends of their Engli;.h brothers, and
would take up the hatchet against the French; they
would do all they could, and would furnish scouts to
go into the country and see what their enemies were
doing, and speedily bring them news. The warriors
theii sung their war soi;^, dancing wildly, and
chanting the deeds by which they promised to
distinguish themselves, when led against the French.
The General afterwards took them to that part of the
Fort where the artillery was in position, which they
examined with a great deal of curiosity, never before
having seen any of these engines of war. He then
ordered the gunners to fire three 12-pounden, three
howitzers and three cohorns, the drums and fifes
playing and "beating the point of war." The
explosion caused by the discharge of nine big guns
startled the Indians greatly, and excited their
liveliest admiration. They afterwards approached
the cannon with great caution, peered into their
126
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755,
* I i I
1 1 'i^
muzzles, and walked all about them, meantime
gesticulating and making comments to each otlier
upon these wonderful engines. After this display
the warriors returned to their own camp. The
General sent them a bullock, which they roasted,
and they had a great feast, upon the conclusion of
which they gathered about the tire, and danced their
war dance, the warriors being decked in their
feathers and hideous . n their war paint. The officers
from the Fort attended this affair, and were quite as
m ich impressed by the wild antics of the Red Men.
as they went through the vaunting exhibition of
their deeds in war, fighting and scalping their
enemies, as were the savages by the tli under of the
Throughout almost half the
was this wild riot kept up, the forests
resounding with the terrible din of the rude drums
and the yells and howls of the seemingly tireless
dancers. Braddock had never before witnessed a
scene like this, and he seemed to regard the painted
sons of the forest as so many demons let loose from
the infernal regions, and looked upon the weird
ceremonies with mingled awe and amusement
While he beheld in them untutored children of the
wilderness, evidently strangers to fear, and filled
with a desire for heroic deeds, he regarded them with
a degree of contempt, because of their total ignorance
of discipline, and those rules of obedience and
unanimity, which he knew were necessary to render
effective the soldiers of civilized nations. He had
now established the most friendly relations witli
them, and hoped to make them useful as scouts
big guns of the Fort,
night
m I
1755.]
AFFAIRS AT FORT CUMBERLAND.
12;
and messengers, to ascertain the condition and
movements of the enemy.
The women and children were a few days hiter
sent back to Aughquick, and White Thunder
and all but eight of the warriors went along
for the purpose of protecting them, promising to
return in a few days. At the same time, the three
Delaware chiefs from the Ohio returned to their
village, for the purpose, as they alleged, of gathering
together their warriors, and promised to join the
command further west. None of them ever returned.
Those who remained were Scarooyadi, and his son;
Cashuwayon, Frason, Kahuktodon, Allscheeokatha,
Dyoquario. and Kash-wugh-daniunto. The bad faith
of the Indians who thus deserted caused the writer of
the Seamen's Journal to declare that they wer<»
"villains, and always side with the strongest."
Previous to their departure they had become so
addicted to the excessive use of rum that it became
necessary to issue stringent orders forbidding any
person to furnish them with spirits, under the
severest penalty a court-martial could inflict.
Braddock had expected to spend only a few days
at Fort Cumberland, in preparing for his march to
the West, but he was unavoidably delayed, by the
non-arrival of the wagons and stores promised, which
were anxiously looked for day after day.
He was by this time out of all patience, in conse-
quence of the delay he was subjected to, on account
of the failure to secure the transportation .and stores
he leemed necessary. He made no allowance for
the difficulties in the way, and expected to obtain
128
HISTORY OF CUMBP:RLAND
[1755.
everything in this new country with the same
facility as at home. lie denounced the contractors
as swindlers and frauds, and in his anger applied the
harshest epithets to all the officials of the Colonies,
and the inhabitants generally. Washington had a
clearer conception of the difficulties to be overcome,
and he defended his countrymen against the attacks
of the General, often becoming quite vehement in
his defense. Notwithstanding these affiiirs of the
moment, the warm friendship between them remained
unbroken, and WashingVjn felt himself warranted in
urging Braddock to abandon the idea of takin;.'
with him a long train of wagons, which he said
would render their march slow and tedious, and
involve the loss of much precious time. He advised
the transfer of stores from wagons to the backs of
horses, which he thought could be more readilv
obtained, and would relieve them of much incon-
venience in traveling over the rugged mountain.^.
and roughly-built roads, which lay between Fort
(Jumberland and Fort Duquesne. Braddock, however,
could not be brought to accept the suggestions thus
made, and persisted in his scheme of transporting
the stores in wagons. He had the utmost confidence
in his own judgment, and in the invincibility of his
officers and men.
This fact, together with his refusal to consult the
chiefs who had come to the Fort, in all matters
pertaining to the campaign, was doubtless the cause
of the departure of most of the warriors. They felt
hurt, and indignant that they should be regarded of
so little importance in the councils, and to Croghan
1755.]
AFFAIRS AT FORT CUMBERLAND.
129
they had protested loudly. Washington and Croghan
had both solicited more consideration for them at the
hands of the General, but he could never be brought
to yield to their entreaties. Both were discouraged,
and knowing their cause of grievance, were not
surprised when the chiefs found a convenient excuse
for taking their departure. Braddock's Secretary,
William Shirley, was impressed by his conduct to
to such an extent that he wrote to Governor Morris,
of Pennsylvania, in very uncomplimentary terms,
saying: "We have a General most judiciously chosen
for being disqualified for the service he is employed
in, in almost every respect. * •'s * j ^jj^ j^q^
greatly acquainted myself with Ii»dian Affairs, tho'
enough to see that better measures with regard to 'em
might and ought to have been taken, at least to the
Soutliwd. * '•'■ * Upon our arrival at this Fort,
we found Indian Affairs so ignorantly conducted by
Colonel Innes, to whom they were committed, that.
Novices as we were, we have taken 'em into our
management." Alluding to Braddock's officers he.
said: "As to them I don't think we have much to
boast. Some are insolent and ignorant; others
capable, but rather aiming at showing their own
abilities than making a proper use of them."
The impatience of the General over the delay in
furnishing supplies led him, on the 10th of May, to
i^end Captain Leslie, Sir John St. Clair's assistant,
into Pennsylvania to purchase forage. On the 20th
eighty wagons arrived at the Fort, to be used in the
expedition, and eleven wagons loaded with supplies
for the officers. He had now about two hundred
17
130
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
wagons and six liuiulred pack-horses, and made
preparations for an early start.
In the Seaman's Journal it is stated tliat
"there were one hundred carpenters employed, under
the carpenter of the 'Sea-Horse,' in building a
Magazine, completing a Flatt, and squaring timber to
build a bridge over Will's Creek; the Smiths in
making tools; the Bakers baking biscuits; and Com-
missaries getting the provisions ready for marching."
This magazine was built in the North-west corner of
the Fort, but the bridge over Will's Creek was never
erected, or, if it was, no record or trace of it has been
left. There was a ford just under the Fort and
directly East of it, which was passable at all times
except during high water.
Two companies of Sir Peter Ilalket's rcgiment.
under connnand of Major Chapman, and ii troop of
light horse, arrived from Winchester on the 21st.
and went into camp.
In addition to the wagons and horses received, tlio
supply of provisions on hand and on their way to
camp was sufficient for the entire camj)aign, and this
once more restored Braddock's good humor. On the
2 2d he wrote to Governor Sharpe, of Maryland, the
following letter, which is amongst the MSS. in the
Maryland Historical Society:
"Port Cumbebi.anu, May 22d, 1755.
Sir:
" As I propose soon to begin my march for Fort Duquesne, I am
desirous of adjusting every future contingency in such a manner to avoid
any mistake or misunderstanding. If I take ye Fort in its present
condition I shall make additions to it as I shall judge necessary, and
shall leave the Guns, Ammunition & stores belonging to ye Fort with a
Garrison of Virginia and Maryland forces. But should they, as I have
1755.]
AFFAIUS AT FOKT CUMBERLAND.
131
? 21st.
3d, the
id this
dn the
id, the
in the
|1755.
he, I nm
I to avoid
present
fry, and
It with a
I have
reason to apprehend they should, ubandon & destroy ye Fortification with
its Guns, Ac, I will repair or construct some place of defence & leave a
Garrison ns before. But as to the Artillery, ammunition, stores,
provisions, &c., they must be immediately supply'd by ye Governments of
Virgiiiiii, Maryland & Pennsylvania, separately or jointly according to ye
agrecraetit made at Alexandria. And that I may not by delays in yours
or the other Governments be detained so long as to frustrate any other
(iesifiiis for this year 1 must beg that you will have all these things in
readiness to be forwarded to ye B'ort, escorted by your militia. A proper
quantity of Flower & Meal should be preparing as these in every situation
must be regarded & if care is not taken to send these convoys the men
must starve & his Majesty's arms be dishonored (should they prove success-
ful) k the e.xpences &, Trouble which his regard for the colonies have
engaged him in rendered useless. Some Indians lately arrived here from
the French fort, mention a bravado of the French and their Indians that
they propose when the troops are far advanc'd to fall upon this back
country and destroy the inhabitants. Make what use or give credit to
this intelligence as you please. However, it may not be amiss to take all
possible precautions.
"As I find impracticable to take my chariot with me, if you will send
for it and ye Harness for the six Horses I shall be much obliged to you
i you will make use of it till I want it. I shall be still more as I am sure
it will be less damaged by good usage than by lying still ; it will also
save you the trouble of sending for another to England, as it shall be at
your service at your own price when I leave this part of ye world ; let your
serv'ts take care of ye harness, and have it oiled if you don't use it. I
shall leave directions to Col. Innes to deliver chariot, Harness, spare
axle-trees and pole to your order.
"I am Sir, your most obedient and
" Most Humble Servant
"E. BRAUDOCK."
On the 27th the commissaries, one of whom was
Colonel Cresap, engaged in loading one hundred
wagons with provisions, in readiness for the march,
and a guard, under command of a Captain, was sent
back to Winchester to escort the rations then on their
way to the Fort. A number ol' Delaware Indians
came to the camp on this day, and wanted an
interview with the General, but they were put off
until the morrow, as the Indiana of that tribe were
132
UISTORY OF CUMBKKLANI).
[1755.
looked upon by the officerH with sus{)i('ioii. Next day
they went to the GeneraFn tent, and told liim they
had come to join him and to make war Ji<2;ainst the
French, and asked him what lie intended to do. He
told them he would march in a few days to attack
Fort Duquesne, and thanked them for coming to join
him. These warriors got out of camp at the first
opportunity, and doubtless returned to the French.
On the 29th Major Chapman marched towards
Fort Duquesne, with 500 men, two pieces of artillery,
and a provision train of fifty wagons. Sir John St.
Clair, with Mr. Spendelow, two engineers, six soldiers
and two Indians, accompanied them, the men to be
employed in repairing the road.
On the 30th Captain Dobbs, with a comjDany from
North Carolina, arrived. Washington also returned
to camp from Winchester, having in charge <£4,()0I)
in money for use of the army, which Braddock liail
sent him for. In speaking of this matter, Washington
wrote, a week later, to Mr. William Fairfax, as
follows :
"Camp at Will's Crkek, 7 June, 1755.
"Sir: 1 arrived with my charge safe in camp on the .30th of last
month, after wasting a day and part of another in Winchester, expecting
the cavalry to escort me up ; in which being disappointed I was obliged
to make use of a small guard of the militia of Frederick county. The
(ieneral, from frequent breaches of contract, has lost all patience;
and for want of that temper and moderation which should be used by a
man of sense upon these occasions, will, I fear, represent us in a light we
little deserve ; for, instead of blaming the individual, as he ought, he
charges all his disappointments to public supineness, and looks upon the
country, I believe, as void of honor and honesty. We have frequent
disputes on this head, which are maintained with warmth on both sides,
especially on his, as he is incapable of arguing without it, or giving up
any point he asserts, be it ever so incompatible with reason or common
sense.
1755.]
AFFAIRS AT FORT CUMBERLAND.
13/
"A line of communication is to be opened from Pennsylvania to the
French fort Dutjucsne, along which, afker a little time wo are to receive
all our convovH of people, who oujrht rather to be chastised for their
jnscnHibilitv to danger, and disregard of their sovereign's expecta-
tions. They, it seems, are to be the favored people, because they have
furnishrd what their absolute interest alone induced them to do, that is
one hundred and fifty wagons and an equivalent number of horses.
"Major Chapman, with a detachment of five hundred men, and the
quarter master General, marched twi) or three days before I arrived here,
to open the road, and lay in a deposite of provision at a small fort which
they lire to erect at the Little Meadows.
"To morrow Sir Peter Halket, with the first brigade, is to begin his
march, and on Monday, the General, with the second, is to follow. One
hosjiital is filled with sick, and the numbers increase daily with the bloody
(lu.v, which has not yet proved mortal to many.
♦ ***#* * # ■»
*' I am sir
"Your most obdt servt
"gp:(). \v.\shington."
Tlie discipline of tho cam]) was made more .stringent
every day, and the punishment of .soldiers for violating
ordens was both frequent and severe. Strict orders
were issued against gaming, and drunkenness, each
of these offences being punishable with two hundred
lashes, without so much as a trial. Several soldiers
were severely dealt with for theft and desertion, and
the terror of an unyielding military law was relied
upon to keep up the morale of the army. The
Sabbath day was also observed, and religious services
held regularly on Sunday mornings by the Chaplains
of the regiments. Braddock's adherence to his ideas
of thorough discipline, and his contempt for the Indians
as warriors, not only resulted in the los,%' of the
services of those who had been brought him by
Croghan, but also of a valuable ally in the person of
Captain Jac'., who was a well known scout, and who
184
HISTOKV OF CUMUEKLAND.
[m,
lollovvod the rnrliiiii mode of warfare. Captain Jack
conuiianded a coiupanv of dariii;^- incii like Minsclf,
who were familiar with tlie woods, and witli all the
Htratiigein.s of the savages, to whom they liad Ion;
been deadly fm's. His family had Ix'en munUrtd
and his eabin burned by a party of Indians, sonn
time before, and he had devoted himself to aveii<;iiii;
his murdered wife and children. Tlis deeds of
prowess had rendered him the terror of the Indians
He was clad in their garb, slept in the open air, was
always alert, swift and certain in his fatal visits tn
their haunts, constantly paying the debt which \w
owed them, and which he had vowed should only In
cancelled when his life should end. His home was
on the Juniata, and he was known as the "Black
Hunter." The alliance of this powerful trapjx'r-cliiit.
and his men, would have been of incalculali'i
importance to Braddock, and their services wen
freely offered, but they were not willing to submit to
the regular discipline (>f the army. For this reason
their ofler was rejected, and they took their departuiv.
When everything had been made ready for
the march from Fort Cumberland, the General seemed
to regret somewhat the rough speeches he had made,
regarding the country and the jx'ople generally, under
the influence of his disappointments, though he
persisted still in being much dissatisfied with tlu-
coil tractors, whom he declared had no patriotic
impulses, and no thought other than to put money in
their purses.
Towards Franklin he entertained the most com-
plimentary opinions, and before leaving he wrote to
[17').'). ^H lyr)').] AFFAIKS AT KOKT crMHKKf.ANI).
135
tin Jmi
lumsolf.
I all till'
lad loiij;
iiinlcrni
iiH, soini'
ivengiii;;
leeds of
Imliaiis.
air, w;i>
viwits til
rhicli lie
I only 1k'
OHIO was
B "Black
|)or-cliiot.
ik'ulaWt'
08 were
ulnnit til
is reason
>[)iirtiiiv.
ady for
seemed
,d mack'.
, under
ugh lie
ith tl!.'
)utriotit'
loney in
it coui-
•rote to
the Secretary of Stato tlie following flattering letter
regarding that eminent num :
"Will's Cukkk, June 5, llCtH.
"Sir:
" BcCorL' I left Williamsburg the Quarter Master (lencrul told me that
I inifjht depend upon twenty five liuiulred horses and two hundred wagons
from \'irginia and Maryland ; but I had great rcasnn to doubt it, having
experienced the false dealings oC all in this country with whom I had been
loncerned. Hence, before my departure from Frederick, I agreed with
Mr. iU'UJHiiiin Franklin, Postmaster in Pennsylvania, who has great credit
ill that Province, to send here one hundred and fifly wagons and the
neressiiry number of horses. This he accomplished with promptitude
and lidelity, and it is almost the only instance of address and integrity
whirh I have seen in all these jtrovinces."
Everything Ijeing ready for the advance, the arniy
was divided into three divisions. On the 7th of June
tiie first division, under Sir Peter Halket, left the
canip at Fort Cumberland ; on the 8th the second
division, under the conunand of Lieutenant-Colonel
(lage, of the 44th Regiment, marched. There was
left in eami) then only a snuiU lunidjer of troops
hesides the garrison of the Fort. An order htid been
issued by the General, on the 2d, appointing Colonel
Innes Gcjvernor of the Fort, and he was to renuiin
with enough of the colonial volunteers to hold the
Fort and protect the country about it from the enemy.
The large number of women in camp, wives of soldiers,
who could be of no service on the march, and would
tend to im})ede the advance as well as to consume the
stores, he determined to get rid of, and therefore sent
twenty-four of them l^ack to Philadelphia, with the
following letter and pass:
" Fort CuMnERLANi), June Dth, 1755. J__
"Sir; _.;„ . _, - - ' - ■ - _
'' I have found it necessary to discharge a number of women who are
wives to soldiers belonging to the forces under my command, and must
136
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755,
beg of you to give orders that they be subsisted in your government;
their names are coTitained in the Passes I hare given 'em for their
Protection, and I have taken care to order stoppages to be made of
one-third Part of their Husbands' Pay to defray the expense of tb«ir
maintenance.
" I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
•'E. BRADDOOK."
" By his Excellency Edward Braddock, Esq, General and
[L. S.] commander in chief of all His Majesty's Forces in Norlli
America.
" I do hereby certify that the Bearers, Mary Welch, Elizabeth Webster,
Mary Walker, Mary Crab, Dorkey Moreton, Margaret Wray, Margaret
Gates, Catharine McFarland, Jane Campbell, Catharine Watson, Annip
Manning, Susanna Duncan, Annie McDonald, Mary Ryo, Margaret
Doggett, Elizabeth Rickerby, Annie Anderson, Jean Anderson, Marv
Scott, Annie Totle, Christiana Ferga8on,Mary Dimond, Eleanor Lemmon
& Sara Lord are wives to soldiers belonging to forces under mv
command ; And all persons whatsoever are hereby required to sufier 'em
to pass without hindrance or molestation.
" Given at the Camp at Fort Cumberland, the 9th day of June, 175,1,
"E. BP.ADDOCK.
" By His Excellency's Command,
"W. Shirley."
Major Chapman had marched with his command,
by the route marked out by Colonel Cresap and the
Indian guide, Nemacolin. This route crossed Wills
Mountain, as heretofore described, by way of Saiidv
Gap. Lieutenant Spendelow, of the Seamen, who
accompanied Major Chapman on his first day's maroh.
to aid in clearing the road, returned to the camp.
impressed with the importance of discovering a less
difficult route, and taking one of his officers and a
squad of men, spent several days in examining the
country. He finally concluded that a much more
desirable road could be constructed along the East
bank of Will's Creek, through the "Narrows."
whereby he would be enabled to strike the old road.
1755.]
BRADDOCKS ROUTE.
137
a few miles beyond, the distance being increased less
than two miles. His advice as to this matter was
accepted, and a road was built at once, the labor not
bnng severe, whereby the heavy grades were entirely
avoided, to the great relief of the transportation
depart II lent. The troops that left the Fort after
Major Chapman's departure took the new route,
which was used altogether in the movements of the
army aftcrw^ards. This route is shown on the map
here given, as well as the original road, which
was located by Mr. T. C. Atkinson, an engineer
of great ability and the nicest accuracy, who
was employed in the survey of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railway, and who spent considerable time in
the examination of Braddock's route, and the traces
still left in 1850 in the forests. The map as pre-
pared by Mr. Middleton showed only the route over
the mountain west of Will's Creek. The author has
added thereto a line showing the new road opened by
Lieutenant Spendelow through the "Narrows.'' and
joining the other, five miles north of Fort Cumberland.
The map as now given may be confidently accepted
as perfectly accurate, in every respect. The route
through the "Narrows" was eventually adopted by
United States engineers in locating the great National
Road, which, however, was made to cross Will's Creek
at the entrance to the -'Narrows," and to skirt the
mountain on the west side of the gorge instead of
the east. Lieutenant Si)endelow's road skirted the
margin of Will's Creek, along the eastern base of the
cliffs of the "Narro^vs" until this wonderful gorge
was passed; it then crossed the creek just above the
18
138
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
mouth of Braddock's Run, and followed the course
of the Run, crossing it at times, and in some
instances taking the bed of the stream. It joined
the other road near the Everstine place, five miles
west of the Fort. Braddock's Run received its name
from this circumstance, .and still retains it.
The task of building Lieutenant Spendelow's now
road was begun on the 3d of .Tune, when an engineer
and 120 men went to work on it, and completed
about one mile a day, until the 7th, at which time
Sir Peter Halket's division marched; en the 8tli
Cage's division followed, and on the 10th DunbarV
division left the Fort, bringing up the rear. Braddock
accompanied Dunb.ar's command, and Fort Cunil)er-
land was left with a small detachment of able men.
under Colonel Innes. Quite a number of men were
left in the hospitals here, besides several officers.
amongst them Commodore Keppel, the commanderof
the British fleet. Most of them were suffering from
the bloody flux, w hich disease proved fatal to several
soldiers, after only a short illness.
The difficulties of the march soon brought
the General to appreciate the apprehensions of
Washington; the steep mountains, rocky roads, and
ugly ravines, incident to this new country were all
beyond his anticipations. It became necessary to
double up the teams in order to pull the wagons up
the rough grades ; in some instances even this was
impracticable, the seamen being obliged to draw
them up by means of ropes and pulleys. Not moiv
than three or four miles a day could be made, and in
order to avoid a further delay, where already weeks
1 755.]
BRADDOCKS ROUTE.
139
of precious time bad been lost, Braddock eventually
viddi'd to Washington's advice, and sent back many
ol" his wagons, taking the animals for pack horses, and
transporting his stores in the only practicable
maiiiKT. The artillery was a source of great trouble;
although the guns were of small calibre, yet they
could not be left, and the army struggled on, day
after day, making only short marches.
Braddock's route has been discussed and speculated
upon to an extraordmary extent, and was for many
years not very clearly defined. In "The Olden
Time," an interesting collection of papers relative to
the history of the settlement and improvement of the
country about the headwaters of the Ohio, is a very
satisfactory description of this route, written from
Cumberland, by Mr. T. C. Atkinson, in 1847, which
is undoubtedly more correct than any other ever
published, and this document is given here in full :
braddock's routj: to the battle of the monongahela.
"The interest with which the routes of celebrated
expeditions are regarded, and the confusion which
attends them after the lapse of years, is well
exemplified in the case of Hannibal, whose march
towards Rome, in order to divert their army from
tiie siege of Capua, was totally lost in the course of a
few centuries. The constant blunders of Livy in
copying first from one writer, and then from another
who made him take a different path, justify a recent
English historian who went to Italy to see the ground
tor himself, in saying that the Punic war was almost
iis hard in the writing as the fighting.
''As the time is coming when the road by which
140
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
the unfortunate Braddock marched to his disastrous
field, will be invested with antiquarian interest,
akin to that attending Hannibal's route, or rather the
via scelerata, by which the Fabian family marched
out of Rome, I have thought it time not idly spent to
attempt to pursue its scattered traces as far as it is
in my power, among more pressing occupations. In
this sketch I do not design to pursue it to its extent.
but only to identify it in those parts where it haj!
been convenient for me to visit it, and in others to
shadow out its general direction. Where it is
obscure I hope to have opportunities to examine it
at a future day.
"Of the well conducted expedition of Col. Boquet.
and its precise path, the publications of Mr. Hutchins,
the geographer, who was one of the engineers, leaves
us very well informed. It is })resumable that similar
details would be found of the march of 1755, if it liml
had a successful termination. The three engineers
who were in the field were wounded; and it is
probable their papers fell into the hands of the enemy,
or were lost in the fight.
"General Braddock landed at Alexandria on the
20th of February, 1755. The selection of this port
for the debarcation of the troops was censured at the
time, though it is probable it had the approval of
Washington. The two Regiments he brought with
him were very defective in numbers, having but
about 500 men each, and it was expected their
ranks would be recruited in America. It is sho\vn
by the repeated requests on this point made by the
General at Cumberland, that this expectation wac
1755.]
vain. A
the Royf
route on
Frederic!
Wincliesl
the 9th o:
master G(
two wee}
"The a
I)ronoiinc(
the spelli
ments,) {
following
of the Pot(
The water
as the sp(
army havi
4th or 5th
"Thear
with a slig
South Brai
that time
having dro
name. Tl
the Ferry
the reside]
settler, anc^
The road ]
and at the
of Will's M
•This is an error, a
referred to must ha
w be passed by Bradi
1755.]
BRADDOCK S ROUTE.
141
vain. After numerous delays, and a conference with
the Royal Governors, we find General Braddock en
route on the 24th of April, when he had reached
Fredericktown in Maryland. Passing thence through
Winchester, Va., he reached Fort Cumberland about
the 9th of May. Sir John St. Clair, Deputy Quarter-
master General, had preceded him to this point about
two weeks.
"The army struck the Little Cacapehon (though
pronounced Cacapon, I have used for the occasion
the spelling of Washington, and various old docu-
ments,) about six miles above its mouth, and
following the stream, encamped on the Virginia side
of the Potomac, preparatory to crossing into Maryland.
The water is supposed to have been high at the time,
as the spot is known as the Ferry Fields, from the
army having been ferried over. This was about the
4th or 5th of May.
"The army thence pursued the banks of the river,
with a slight deviation of route at the mouth of the
South Branch, to the village of Old Town, known at
that time as the Shawnee Old Town, modern use
having dropped the most characteristic part of the
name. This place, distant about eight miles from
the Ferry Fields, was known at that early day as
the residence of Col. Thomas Cresap, an English
settler, and the father of the hero of Logan's speech.
The road proceeded thence parallel with the river
and at the foot of the hills, till it passes the Narrows
of Will's Mountain,* when it struck out on a shorter
'This if) HD error, as Will's Mountsin is beyond the site of Fort Cumberland, and the mountain
referred to must have been Evitt's Mountain, which is Boutb East of Cumberland, and had
to be passed by Braddock before reaching Will's Creek.
142
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[17o
O'J,
line coincident with the present connty road, and
lying hetween the railroad and the mountain, to
Fort Cumberland.
"From the Little Cacapehon to this point the
ground was comparatively easy, and the road had
been generally judiciously chosen. Thenceforward
the character of the ground was altered, not so nnich
in the general aspect of the country, as that the
march was about to a])andon the valleys, and now
the real difficulties of the expedition may be said to
commence.
"The Fort had been conmienced the previous
year, after the surrender at the Great Meadows, In
Colonel Innes, who had with him two independent
companies of New York and South Carolina. It
mounted ten four pounders, besides swivels, and wa^
favoral>ly situated to keep the hostile Indians in
check.
"The army now consisted of 1000 regulars, oil
sailors, and 1200 provincials, besides a train ot
artillery. The provincials were from New York
and Virginia; one company from the former colony
was commanded by Captain Gates, afterwards the
hero of Saratoga. On the 8th of June, Braddock
having, through the interest and exertions of Dr.
Franklin, principally, got 150 wagons and 2000
horses from Pennsylvania, was ready to march.
"Scarooyadi, successor to the Half. King of the
Senecas, and Monacatootha, whose acquaintance
Washington had made on the Ohio, on his mission to
Le Boeuf, with about 150 Indians, Senecas and
Delaw^ares, accompanied him. George Croghan, the
i*'^iwii^t2;:-':-
1755.]
IJUADDOCK S ROUTt:.
143
Indian Agent of Pennsylvania, and a friendly Indian
of great value, called Susquehanna Jack, were also
with him.*
"Tiie first brigade under Sir Peter Halket led the
way on the 8th, and on the 9th the main body
lolk)wc'd.f Some idea of the difficulties they
encountered, may be had when we perceive they
.spent the third night only five miles from the first.
Tlie place of encampment, which is abont one third
of a mile from the toll-gate on the National Road, is
marked by a copious spring bearing Braddock's name.
"For reasons not easy to divine, the route across
Will's Mountain, first adopted for the National Road
was selected, instead of the more favorable one
throuiih the narrows of Will's Creek, to which the
road has been changed within a few years, for the
purpose of avoiding that formidable ascent. The
traces are very distinct on the East and West slopes,
the modern road crossing it frequently. From the
Western foot, the route continued up Braddock's
Run to the forks of the stream, where Clary's Tavern
now stands, 9 miles from Cumberland, when it
turned to the left, in order to reach a point on the
ridge favorable to an easy descent into the valley of
George's Creek. Tt is surprising that having reached
this high ground, the favorable spur by which the
National Road accomplishes the ascent of the Great
Savage Mountain, did not strike the attention of the
•iMr. AtUiiiRon is in error in this. Tlie Indians, as before ntated in tliis worlt, Imd nearly all
left liraddock. and 'Susquehanna Jack" is doubtless the celebrated "Captain Jack" or the
"Black Hunter," who was not an Indian at all, hut a white man with probably some baser blood
iDhin veins, and will) commanded a party of wild trappers like himself, whose services were
rejwteii bv liinddock because they wanted too much liberty to suit bis views.
tTlieae dates are incorrect, as will be seen by comparing them with those given in previous
ptgtia of this book.
144
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[175r),
17W.]
'm
engineers, as the labor requisite to surmount the
barrier from the deep valley of George's Creek, must
have contributed greatly to those bitter com})]aiiit,<
which IJraddock made agjiinst the Coloniid Govern-
ments for their failure to assist him more eflectivelj
in the transportation department.
"Passing then a mile to the South of PVosthurj:,
the road approaches the East foot of Savage Mountain,
which it crosses about one mile S<mth of tlie Natioiiiil
Road, and thence by very favorable ground thr()u;:li
the dense forests of white pine j)eculiar to this region,
it got to the North of the National Road, near the
gloomy tract called the 'Shades of Death.' Thiswa,v
the 15th of June, when the dense gloom of tin
summer woods, and the favorable shelter which those
enormous pines would give an Indian enemy, mu.^t
have made a most sensible impression on all miml.>;,
of the ii .ecurity of their mode of advance.
"This doubtless had a share in causing tlu
c(juncil of war held at the Little Meadows next day.
To this place, distant only about twenty milep from
Cumberland, Sir John St. Clair and Major Chapman
had been dispatched on the 27th* of May, to ])uilda
fort; the army having been 7 days in reaching it,
it follows as the line of march was upwards of three
miles long, the rear was just getting under wa\ ^ H
when the advance were lighting their evening fires.
"Here it may be well enough to clear up an
obscurity which enters into many narratives of these
early events, from confusing the names of the ' Little
Meadows' and 'Great Meadows,' 'Little Crossings
*Tbi8 should read, iheSOtb of May.
ami "(J
*'Th
the fool
the '(•
west, ai
H
Ca.ssclm
and i)\
Voughio
miles vvi
(.'rossing
"The
with a |)i
caiUKHl, {
was resui
tlie Soutl
of Grants
night of i
not been i
midway t(
the 2:]d.
or Fort >
inoniitaint
ground n
keeping oj
owing inl
tlie Cheat
Voughioglj
W^'ishingto
•luinoDvilli
'iiid open f
'iiile west (
19
1755.]
BHAnmX^K S ROIITK.
145
antl'^Ji'tMt CrossiiigH,' whioli aroall (li.stiiict localities.
"Thf 'Little Meadows' have been dcsseribed as at
the foot of Meadow Mountain; it is well to note that
till' '(ireat Meswlows' are about 31 miles i'urther
wost, and near the east foot of Laurel Hill.
"IJy the 'Little Crossings' is meant the Ford of
('a.ssclinan's River, a tributary of the Yougliiogheny ;
and by the 'Great Crossings' the passage of the
Yougliiogheny itself. The Little Crossing is two
iiiik's west of the Little Meadows, and the Great
Crossing 17 miles further west.
"The conclusion of the council was to push on
with a picked force of 1200 men, and 12 pieces of
cannon, and th(^ line of march, now more compact,
was resumed on the 19th. Passing over ground to
the South of the Little Crossings, and of the village
of Grantsville, v, liicli it skirted, the army spent the
night of the 21st at the Bear Camp, a locality I have
not been able to identify, but suppt)se it to be about
midway to the Great Crossings, which it reached on
the ^od. The route thence to the Great Meadows,
1)1' Fort Necessit}', was well chosen, though over a
mountainous tract, conforming very nearly to the
ground now occupied by the National Road, and
keeping on the dividing ridge between the waters
flowing into the Youghioghenv on the one hand, and
the Cheat River on the other. Having crossed the
Yougliiogheny, we are now on the classic ground of
Washington's early career, where the skirmish with
•Tuiuonville and Fort Necessity, indicate the country
laid open for them in the previous year. About one
mile west of the Great Meadows, and near the spot
19
14G
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755
HOW marked as Braddcjck's (Iravo, the roiul Htnick
ofV more to the North-west, in order to reach a pnss
throuj-h Laurel Hill, that would enable them tn
Htrike the Youghiogheny,at a point aft^'rwards known
as Stewart's Crossing, and about half a mile Ixilow
the present town of Connellsville. This part of the
route is marked by the farm known as Mount
Braddock. The second crossing of the Youghioglieiiy
was effected on the )iOth of Jun(». The high grounds
intervening between the river and its next tributary.
Jacob's Creek, though trivial in comparison witli
what they had ah'eady passed, it may be supiwsed.
presented serious obstacles to the troops, worn out
with previous exertions. On the 3d of July n
council of war was held at Jacob's Creek to consider
the propriety of bringing forward Cohmel Dunhiii,
with the reserve, and although urged by Sir .lolni
St. Clair with, as one may suppose, his ehara^rteristic
vehemence, the measure was rejected on snllieiont
grounds. From the crossing of Jacob's Creek, wliicli
was at the point where Welchhanse's mill now st;ind\
about one and half miles below Mount Pleasant, the
route stretched off to the north, crossing the Mount
Pleasant turnpike near the village of the same iiiiinc.
and thence by a more westerly course, passing the
(Ireat Sewickley near Painter s Salt Works, tliciia'
South and West of the Post-office of Madison and
Jacksonville, it reached the Brush Fork of Turtle
Creek. It must strike those who examine the map.
that the route for some distance, in the rear and
ahead of Mount Pleasant, is out of the propii
direction for Fort Duquesne, and accordingly we find
1755.]
UUADDOCKS ROUTE.
147
on tlio 7tl» of July, (Iciicrjil Hr.^ldock in (loul)t an to
his jjioper wjiy of proccodiiig. The crossing of Inrush
Creek, which lie had now reached, appeared to be
utteiuli'd with so niueh ha/ard, that parties were
sent to reconnoitre, some ol' whom advanced ho far as
to kill a French oificer within half a mile of Fcrt
DiKjuesne.
"Their examinations indnced a great divergence
to the left, and availing himself of the valle)' of
liOii}"' Iliui, which he tnrned into, as is supposed, at
Stewaitsville, passing by the place now known as
Siunpson's Mill, the army made one of the best
inarches of the campaign, and halted for the night
at a favorable depression between that stream and
(Jrookcd Run, and about two miles from the
Moiioiigahela. At this spot, about four miles from
the battle ground, which is yet well known as
Braddoek's Spring, he was rejoined by Washington
on the morning of the 0th of July.
"The approach to the river was now down the
valley of Crooked Run to its mouth, where the point
of fording is still manifest, from a deep notch in the
west bank, though rendered somewhat oljscure by
the improved navigation of the river. The advance,
iiiidor Colonel Gage, crossed about 8 o'clock, and
(ontiiuK'd by the foot of the hill bordering the broad
river bottom to the second fording, which lie had
oll'ected nearly as soon as the rear had got through
the first.
"The second and last fording, at the mouth of
Turtle Creek, was in full view of the enemy's
position, and about one mile distant. By 1 o'clock
148
HISTORY OF CUMBEKLAND.
[1755.
the whole army had gained the right hank, and AViis
drawn up on the bottom land, near Frazier's houw'.
(spoken of by Washington, as his stopping place, on
his mission to Le Boeuf) and about three fourths of
a mile distant from the ambuscade.
" The advance was now about to march, and wliilc
a part of the army was yet standing on the plain,
the firing was heard. Not an enemy had yet boon
seen."
The delays to which the army was subjected on
this march were hirgely attributable to the oflHcers
themselves, including the General. They had Iwon
accustomed to a rather luxurious mode of life, in
comfortable nuarters, and on this occasion secinid
unable to divest theuiselves of the baggage and
appurtenances which such sokliers as Washington
looked upon with contempt, and which vvould have
caused the dismissal of an oificer who would have
presumed to thus overburden the (piarterniastoi-
department in our late war, when tlie Colonel of a
regiment was frequently recjuired to be satisfied with
a blanket and a single change of linen. The inarch
to Little Meadows occupied seven days, and the
distance was barely twenty miles. The (u'lionil
deti'rmined to get rid of further incumbraiu'cs it
possible, whereupon Washington advised him to scml
back more A\agons and leduce the officers' baggage;
then 10 push on with all possil)le speed with 1200 of
the best troops, who should travel as light as possihk'.
the renijiinder to follow with the wagtms. Ihaddoik
endeavored to follow this very good advice, and i^oiit
forward 1200 men, with some artillery, the pr<»-
minjmi^aawia.-^- /i i' ..' ■ iag««aat&Mfir^;,aasav& , ^«,s;v:»hi«i ii«,-rA»8:,' h a^
1755.]
BRADDOCKS ROUTE.
141)
visions being put upon p.ack horso.s. The officerH,
however, reduced their baggage very little, and
W;ishingtt)n was the only one of the number who
dispensed with everything else than necessities.
On the 19th the command left Little Meadows,
and the Indians were sent forward as scouts.
Scarooyadi and his son, who were on the flank, wer«^
taken prisoners by a party of French and Indians who
were in the woods, but the latter effected his escape
and brought intelligence of the matter to the other
warriors, who instantly started in hot pursuit. In a
sliort time they found the sachem bound to a tree
and unharmed. The French were desirous of killing
liim when he was taken, but io this the Indians
would not consent. They knew Scarooyadi and held
him in considerable esteem, otherwise they would not
have intervened to save him.
Washington had been for some time feeling unwell,
and every day he grew worse, notwithstanding the
attentions of the surgeon. He was burning with
fever, which was accompanied with severe pains in
the head, and he had to abandon his horse for the
ahnost intolerable discomforts (jf a wagon without
springs. Finally th(> jolting he was subjected to
rendered it impossible for him to go further, and he
was reluctantly compelled to allow the army to
proceed Avithout him; not until the General Iiad
faithfully promised, however, that he should be kept
well informed of their movements, and brought up in
time to participate in the expected engagement. He
stopped at the Youghiogheny, remaining there
several days, until Dunbar came up, by wliich time
150
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
lie was able to resume the saddle, and soon after-
wards joined the General a few miles distant from
the scene of the battle which followed.
From the time of leaving Little Meadows hostile
bands of Indians hung about the flanks of the armj.
on one occasion killing and scalping three men.
They stole the horses at night, carved upon the l)ark
of the trees insulting messages, and watched tli'eir
every movement. The inscriptions were in Frencli.
showing that the Indians were accompanied l)v
whites. The difficulties of the march seemed to
nuiltiply, as the men were worn down with fatigin',
and harrassed by an unseen enemj-, against whom
they had constantly to be on guard.
Bands of savages made their way back towards tin
settlements, wh«.re they created great consternation
by their acts of inhumanity, in consequence of whiili
the aid of the Maryland Assembly was invoked. On
the 1st of July Governor Sharpe sent the following
address to that body:
"GeKT1,KMKN of THK LoWKK HoUSK ok As.SEMlil.Y :
" I luivo just rccoived Letters from Colonel Innea at Fort Cumber
land, and from the Back Inhabitants of Frederick County, advisinfrnu.
that a Party of French Indians, last Monday Morninp, fell on tin
Inhabitants of this Province, and killed two Men and one Woman («ii
have been since found dead); eight other Persons they have takffl
Prisoners, and carried off. The) Names of the Persons who wet*
murdered and left, are John Williams, his Wife, and Grandson; anJ
with their Hodies was also found that of a French Iudi.it). The PtiS'ni!
carried off, are Richard Williams (a Son of .John who was munlereil
with two Children, one Daw on's Wife, and four Children. Richd
Williams's Wife, and two Brothers of the young Man that is killed, liau
made their Ksoapc. This Accident, I find, has so terrified the liisli". j
Inhabitants, that many of them are retiring, and forsaking their I'iiiiVJ
tions.
" .\noiher Letter from Winchester in Virginia inlornn ino, tii:ii »
1755.]
''c
BRADDOCK S ROUTE
.51
Parly of Indians have also attacked the Back Inhabitants of that
Province, of whom thov have killed eleven, and carried away many
Captives.
"Apprehending the French would proceed in this Manner, as soon as
(ioneral Hriiddock, and the Troops under his Command, should have
passed the Mountains, and being confirmed in my Opinion by an
Intimiition in the General's Letter, I issued a Proclamation near a Month
since, cautioning the distant and other Inhabitants of this Province, to
lip on their rSuard, and unite for their common Defence and Safety; at
the same Time, I sent peremptory orders and instructions to the officers
of the Militia of Frederick County, frequently to Muster and discipline
ilicir several Troops and Companies once a Fortnight at least ; and in
case of an Alarm that the Enemy was approaching, or had fallen on the
Inhabitants, to march out and act either offensively or defensively, and
use all Means to protect and defend the Inhabitants from the Devasta-
tions of the French, or their Indians : However, I find neither the Proc-
lamation or Instructions will be effectual unless the Militia can be
assured that they shall receive Satisfaction and Pay for the Time that
they shall be out on Duty. I should think it highly proper for us to have
about a Hundred, or at least a Company of Sixty Men, posted, or
constantly ranging, for some Time on the Frontiers, for our Protection :
in this I desire your Advice, and that you will enable me to support such
u number.
"Gentlemen, At the General's Reriuest, and that I might receive early
intelligence at this Time from the Camp and the Back Inhabitants, 1
liave engaged several Persons betweeu this Place and Will's Creek, to
receive, and speedily convey any Letters that shall come to them
directed for the General or myself; I doubt not you will be convinced of
the Necessity of such a Measure, and provide for the Expence thereof.
"IIORO. SHARPE."
The Assembly, recognizing the importance of
prompt action, at once considered the address, and
iitlopted the suggestions therein contained, as is
.shown by the reply made to the Governor on the
same date :
"To his Excellency, Horatio Sharpe, Esq ; Governor and Commander in
Chief in and over the Province of Maryland. The humble Address of
the House of Delegates.
"May it please your Excellency, This House having taken into
Consideration your Excellency's Message of this Day, have thereupon
come to the following Resolves :
152
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
" Resolved, That this House will make suitable Provision for thf
paying and maintaining Eighty Men, including Officers, for four niontb
(if Occasion) for ranging on the Frontiers of this Province, to protect
the same against the Incursions and Depredations that may he
attempted or made by the French, or their Indian allies.
" Resolved further. That this House will defray the reasonable Expence
of conveying Intelligence from Willa's Creek to Annapolis and back
thither, for four Months."
"H. HOOPER, Speaker."
On the 2d of July the sum of £2,000 was
appropriated to carry into eflect an "Act for securing
the Western frontier of this Province against the
depredations of the French and their Indian allies.
and also for paying and maintaining couriers from
Will's Creek to Annapolis and back to Will's Creek."
A company of militia was quickly formed and sent to
Fort Cumberland, from which point it made frequcm
descents upon the enemy, and ranged the forests alonjj
the borders, and materially aided the settlers.
Meantime Braddock was still advancing, and on
the 4th of July two Indians went on towards
Fort Duquesne to ascertain the condition of the Fort.
and the number of men there. Gist set out the same
day for the same purpose, and they returned on tlio
()th, with intelligence to the effect that the works
had not been increased; there were very few boats
near the Fort; the number of soldiers to be seen was
inconsiderable; the passes were all clear, and tho
enemy seemed to have ver\^ few reconnoiteriiig
[)arties out. Gist narrowly escaped capture by two
Indians who had discovered and pursued him
Irving says in his life of Washington that "•on the
same day, during the march, three or four men
loitering in the rear of the grenadiers were killed and
1755.]
HHAOnOCK S ROUTE.
153
scalped. Several oi' the grenadiers set off to take
revenge. They came upon a party of Indians, who
held up boughs and grounded their arms, the
concerted sign of amity. Not perceiving or under-
standing it, the grenadiers fired upon them, and one
tell. It proved to be the son of Scarooyadi. Aware
too late of their error, the grenadiers brought the
body to the camp. The conduct of Braddock was
admirable on this occasion. He sent for the father
and the other Indians, and condoled with them on
the lamentable occurrence; making them the custom-
ary presents of expiation. But what was more to
the point, he caused the youth to be buried with the
honors of war; at his request the officers attended
the funeral, and a volley was fired over the grave.
The honors thus shown the deceased warrior gratified
the pride of the old chief, and proved a balm to him
in his aflliction. It excited a feeling of deeper friend-
ship toward his white allies, who had thus shown
the most genuine sorrow for him in the calamity
which had so unfortunately befallen him.
For two days Braddock halted at Thicketty Run,
and on the 7th marched with a view to crossing
Turtle Creek, but, dreading the labor of making his
way over the ridges about that stream, and the delay of
Inidging it, he changed his route, on the 8th, marching
ahnost due west towards the Monongahela, along the
valley of Long Run, and encamped that night some
two miles from the river. The "Narrows," a gorge
tlirough which the river passed, near the point of
encampment, was not passable for artillery, and
besides presented many advantages to the French,
20
154
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1750
should they resort to ambush; for tliis reason
Braddock determined to cross the Monongahela at a
ford near by and to recross it by a second ford a
short distance below, near the mouth of Turtle
Creek, thus avoiding the "Narrows," and securing
easy marches.
The condition of tlie firmy was not of the most
flattering character, at this time, and the remark
made some time earlier, to the effect that its com-
mander was most "judiciously chosen for being
disqualified for the service he is employed in, in
almost every respect," was felt to be painfully true
by at least several of the prudent and thinking men
who served under his orders. Braddock was irritable.
arrogant, and intemperate in his hot-headed denun-
ciation of every officer and man who incurred his
displeasure; he Avould not so much as speak t<.) the
two principal officers under his command, or notice
them in anyway, except when required to do so by
the necessity of sending them directions; Shirley, the
General's Secretary, was disgusted and indignant
because of the delays as well as the blunders of the
march; Washington, while he retained his self-
command, inwardly chafed over the bigotry whicli
closed the General's eyes to the most commonplace
necessities in dealing with a foe he would not
understand; Sir Peter Halket was low spirited and
depressed; he comprehended the importance of
meeting the wily red skins with their own tactics.
and while he urged the General to beat the bushes
over every foot of ground from the camp to the Fort,
he had little hope of seeing his advice put into
1755.]
THE Nir.lIT BEFOKK TIIK HATTLK.
155
effect; when he wrapped his mantle about him that
night as he lay upon his .soldier's bed his soul was
iilled with the darkest forebodings for the morrow,
^vllicll he felt would close his own career as well as
that of many another jiallant soldier, a presentiment
which was sadly realized. Not only was there
dissatisfaction, want of confidence, and unfriendliness
amongst the officers, but the men w^ere spiritless,
broken down by the fiitigues of the march- ijoorly
fed, and harrassed by the great time consumed in
travelling so short a distance. On this night,
preceding the day of battle, the men were early
encamped and sleeping about their fires, to gather
strength for the march, and whatever else the morrow
might bring forth. With Braddock, however, there
were no doul)ts or fears; he had luibounded con-
fidence in himself, and firm reliance in his veterans;
a.s well as thorough contempt for the French and
Indians. To him the morrow was gilded with the
glory of victory, and where others feared disaster and
disgrace he anticipated a success which should bring
him new honors and coveted favors at the hands of
his Sovereign. Braddock did not anticipate the
slightest difliculty in putting to Hight the enemy he
was to encounter; and could he have met thateneni}-
upon an open field his anticipations would doubtless
have been verified. He only feared that he might
liave some difficulty in crossing the river at the fords.
But ill any event he had determined to reach the
Fort and attack it before the day should close. At
o'clock on the morning of the 9tli he sent a picked
body of mew under Lieutenant-Colonel Gago, to take
156
HISTORY OF CUMBEKLANI).
[175o,
possesHion of the t'ortls and secure the further shoiv
of the second ford, so that no delay ini<j;ht onsiu'
when the main ])ody and the trahi should arrive,
An hcur later the Quatermaster-General took a ])iirtv
of men forward to make the necessary roads, wliile
some four hundred of the troops were stationed on
the hills near by, to protect the Hanks. At G o'clock
the main ]x)dy moved, under the direct commjind of
Braddock, who remained at the first ford until the
crossing had been made. The General intended to
take Fort Duquesne on this day, and in the takiiiir
of it he was disposed to make the victory both
brilliant and imposing, with
" The spirit stirring drum, the ear piercing fife,
Tlie royal banner ; and all quality.
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war."
When the columns were put in motion on this event-
ful day the men were clad in their scarlet uniforms,
and brilliantly equipped as if for dress parade; even
article of apparel was in perfect ct)ndition; tlioir
burnished arms glistened in the sunlight, while the
royal colors floated in the breeze; and as the perfectly
formed ranks moved forward to the inspiring strains
of the di'uni and fife, every soldier seemed to have
lost the remembrance of his toil and privation; the
bracing atmosphere of the ejirly *inorning in the
mountains; the shadowy groves along the banks of
the tran(piil river, in all their })eauty; and the
prospect of meeting the enemy, raised the spirits of
the entire command. The eyes of the veterans
spai'kled, and they marched with buoyant step, over
a soil that was soon, alas, to be consecrated with
1755.]
ON THE HATTLK FIELD.
157
their blood, and to hv n^idercd forever memorable
bv an almost uiiparallelled sacrifice of brave spirits
to bigoted incompetency.
The advance guard drove a number of Indians
from cover early in the day, and others could be .seen
at intervals, on the hills nearby, watching the army's
movements. With a view to inijjress them with his
•rri'iit strength, Braddock, after crossing the first ford,
and getting on a piece of bottom land almost clear of
timber, put the troops through the various regimental
nianceuvres, in all of which they moved with the
utmost coolness and precision, presenting such a
.«ight as to command the highest degree of admiration
p.nd enthusiasm on the part of Washington, who gave
expression to his delight in extravagant terms.
About noon the men were allowed to take their
dinners, before crossing the second ford; and after
crossing they were halted near the old site of Frazier's
House, close by Turtle Creek, where the order of
march was arranged. In the advance were placed
the guides, with the engineers and six light horse-
men, Lieutenant-Colonel Gage with his command
immediately following; then came Sir John St. Clair,
with two 6-pounder guns and the wagons and men
of the working party. The main l)ody of the army,
under command of Braddock, followed; the artillery
and baggage in his rear, protected by infantry and
cavalry on the Hanks. The provincial troops formed
the rear guard, and aided also in protecting the
flanks.
The river at the point of crossing was quite
shallow, and was easily fordable at any point for
158
HISTORY OF CUMUEKLANI).
[1755
inoiv than half a mile bohjw Turtle (Jreek; the banks
were gently sloping, l)ut recjuired .sonic cutting to
enable the artillery and trains to deseend and ascend
without diflieulty. The elevation of the banks wan
about twenty feet, and when the troo[)s halted iil'tor
crossing they were in the shade of a grove of walnut
trees, which covered the rich bottom land stretchinr
back from the river a distance of a ((uarter of a mile.
the ground being free of un. -rowtli. Farther
back the surface was grn-^ • v.'>vated, until it
reached the base of a line ot lalLs, Avith steep .sidi,^
and heavily wooded. To avoid the soft and s[)()ngy
ground along the river the British marched towards
the hills, gaining the higher plateau at their base.
and then turned to skirt them on their course down
the river. The undergrowth of thickets and bnunhlcs
was quite thick, and concealed entirely several
ravines which stretched down to the river from the
hill sides, the soft earth having been washed out bv
the waters of numerous springs, leaving almost
perpendicular banks. These ravines were as perfectly
adapted to the wants and purposes of the French us
though prepared for the especial emergency which
had now arisen. They were naturally formed riHe
pits, so ct)mpletely masked by foliage as to leave no
suspicion of their existence. On the right of the
unsuspecting army lay one of those ravines, broad
and deep, grown full of lieavy^ trees, and reaching to
the very heart of the forest on the hill sides. As to
the other, about two hundred yards from the ravine
just mentioned, it conniiences right in the middle ot
the plain, or upper plateau, near the base of the hillt',
IT')'').]
BATTI.E OP THK MONONOAIIELA.
ir,!)
•a most .singular ditch, with a depth and l)readth of
a few feet at its hoad, hut increasing soon to ten or
twelve, and at that time overhung and completely
concealed hy a thick growth of vines and hushes; of
"Tasses and trailers and wild Indian plum. Even to
this day it can scarcely he perceived, or, at least, its
full capacity cannot he appreciated, until one is right
upon it, and then in it. It is a most peculiar dit<;h,
and could vot he better adapted, either for attack or
defense, wvre engineers to devise and fashion it. It
could easily conceal a thousand men." Between
these ravines wa8 a forest of trees, and bushes, and
here the troops marched in a road newly cut, and
barely twelve feet wide, their line of march being
diagonal with the ravines, and within easy range of
the enemy therein concealed.
The army was marching \vith its advance almost
at the head of one of these ravines, with the least
conceivable caution, when suddenly the whole com-
mand was startled by a volley of rifle shots in front,
and a terriffic yell, which announced the presence of
a large body of savages. Lientenant-Colonel Burton
Imrried forward with eight hundred men to support
Ciage, leaving the baggage under Halket's care at the
river. The woods seemed to be full of French .ind
Indians, as they kept up a heavy fire of musketry,
and made the air ring with their demon-like shouts;
yet not one of them could be seen. They lay along
the ravines, completely concealed from view, deliber-
iitely selecting their victims and shooting them down.
Burton's troops formed in line of battle, ready to
move forward and meet the enemv from the
l()0
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
iinderf!;r()wtli, whon. imlortiinatcly, Gn«^e'.s nun
becjimo paiiic-Htriokcn, and retrojitod in the utmost
confuHion innnodiatoly u[)on Burton's cominand.
broakiufi; liis lines and inipartinji: some of their own
demoralization to their i'reshly arrived conn-ados.
The two re«j^iments became inextricably mixed, the
men lost their heads, and huddled together in the
narrow road, utterly heedless of the commands of
tlieii; ofhccrs. Braddock became terribly enrajrcd
and charged amongst the paralyzed soldiers with his
horse, striking right and left, and endeavoring to get
them into position. The provincial troops took to
trees and oj)ened fire upon the enemy, doing good
service, and Washington urged Braddock to order
the regulars to do the same, but he refused, and
persisted in his endeavors to get his men formed in
line. The colors of the two regiments were fixed as
rallying points, and the men summoned to fall into
line, but it was in vain. The officers then undertook
to form them in platoons, but the terrible war whoops
of the Indians and the hail of balls from foes thev
could not see had sent dismay to the hearts of the
terrified men, and they were really worse than
useless. Braddock cursed them bitterly; he cut
down several soldiers whom he saw sheltering them-
selves behind the trees, and others he struck witii
the flat of his sword. The officers labored with the
utmost zeal to bring their men to some degree of
reason, and to charge the enemy; they even
dismounted from their horses, formed platoons and
advanced in line, hoping by their example to
encourage the soldiers to follow. Despite every
1755.]
BATTLE OF TIIK MONONCIAHKLA.
161
cfTort, ronfiision roi«];no(l siipromo; tho troops were,
as belbro remarked, worse tlian useless, since tliey
not only miulc no assaults u[)on tiio enemy, but
added horror to the havoc by firinjij u[)()n their own
IVieiids and shooting down the only men who were
doiii}^ any service on the British side, Seeinj^ the
hopelessness of the situaticm, uidess some decisive
stroke could be quitikly delivered, Captain Wa<;goner,
who had command of the provincial troops of
Virginia, determined to get, with his men, on the
flank of the enemy, and drive him out. Some fallen
timber on the brow of the hill was pointed out by
him to Scarooyadi, and they with eighty men made
tlieir way to it, where they took shelter, and poured
a galling fire into the painted imps along the ravine,
causing them to })eat a hasty retreat to better shelter.
Waggoner's men with a shout started to follow
up tlieir advantage, when the demoralized mob
behind them, made the final blunder by finng point
blank into their ranks, killing two thirds of their
number. Those that remained uninjured turned and
lied for their lives, disgusted and distressed.
Braddock had already had five horses killed under
him, and, utterly regardless of danger, was every-
where, urging his men forward; Washington had
bad his clothing pierced, but bad escaped injury;
Captains Ornie and Morris bad both bee!i wounded;
Sir Peter Halket and his son shot dead, and nearly all
the officers as well as hundreds of the men sacrificed.
The French and Indians, seeing the confusion and
dismay of the Britisli, and witnessing the destruction
of Waggoners party, became more and more
21
ir.2
HISTORY OF CUMRKULAND.
[1755.
eiiiboldened. The ravages frcMjiKMitlj niHliod iVoiii
cover to scalp an odu'cr or gatlier a trophy, iind
gradually tlioy .succeeded in almost surrounding the
army. 13etween lour and five o'clock, while iJraddock
was delivering ;";i order, he was struck by a bullet,
which passed through his right arm into his lungs.
He fell Crom his horse to the ground, and lay there
mortally wounded; defeated and abandoned, so far as
his veter;vn soldiers were concerned. Captain Oriiie,
hinis(!lt' wounded, l)egged some of the men to cam
the (iieneral oil' the field, and oflered them his purse
containing sixty guineas as a reward; but not a man
would stay for love, respect or gold. Captain
Stewart, of the Virginia troo])S, with another American
officer and Braddock's servant, carried the fallea
commander fnmi the field in his silken sash, Avlmli
they took from about his waist. V/iien IJraddock's
fall l)e('ame Known, the panic-stricken soldiers threw
down their arms and anmumition, and lletl with the
utmost precipitation. The teamsters raid artillery
meji cut their horses loose, and mounting them rode
olF at full speed. Kverything was abandoned, and
the retreat became a thoroughly disgraceful rout.
while the Indians added to the terror of the
frightened wretches l)y rushing Jifter them Avitii the
wildest yells, ;nid occasiinially tomahawking ami
scalping one of their number, before they reached the
river. A''ter crossing this stream, they continue'l
tf''ir flight ibr more than a (piarter of a mile. Here.
tlie (Jeneral, with several other wounded oflicer^'.
halted, and ilv-y succeeded in getting about one
lu ndnd men to take a position near the road.
1755.]
TIIK HKTRKAT.
163
with a view toholdiiifr the place, until reinlorcements
should arrive from Dunbar. In less than an hour,
however, tlu> soldiers ran away- and the wounded
oilicers, Avith a lew I'aithlid friends who remained
with tlicni, continued their retreat. The General
sent AVashington hack to (Colonel Duidjar. with
in.strui tiuns to send forward M'aji\)ns for the wounded,
and a supply of provisions and hospit d stores, under
the guard of the youngest two Grenadier' companies,
to meet him at Gist's phmtation, or luarer if possible.
(.'oloiK'l Gage then joined IJradd' k with some eighty
men, and continued with him. Braddoek was so
badly wounded tluit he could not sit his horse, and
had to be carried in his sash, by soldiers. Dr. Craik
dressed his Avounds, but the old soldier seemed to
think little of his bodily sulTerings; he expressed his
desire to die and be bui'ied on the site of the great
misfortune of his iile; he was deeply distressed, and
could scarc(dy comprehend the (!alamity Avhicdi had
so unex[K'ct('dly overtaken him in the hour in whicli
he had h'oked for i: brilliant victory, which was to be
the crjwning triumph of his military career and
give him postbuinous fame.
Few instances are recorded a\ iiere so merciless a
slaii^ihter was accomplished upon a ibe so hirgely
oiitiHunbering its assailants. Such scenes of carnage
are fortunately not of frccpient oc(UU'rence. Eighty
nine connnissioned ollicers went into the battle of the
Monoiigaliela; and of these twenty-six were killed
and thirty-seven wounded; lour hundred and thiity
i^oldiers were slain outright, and three hundred and
eighty-five wounded
164
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
The following is a list of the oflicers who were
present, and of those who were killed and wounded
in this disastrous engagement, as reported in the
Gentlemen 8 Magazine, in August, 1755:
STAKF.
Offloeni' Names.
Kuiik.
Killed or Wounded.
Edward Braddock, Esq.
Gen'l and com. in chief
Mortally wounded
Robert Orme, Escj., ^
Roger Morris, Esq.,
George Washington,
Esq J
William Shirley Esq....
Wounded.
Aids de Camp.
^^
Secretary.
Killed.
Sir John St. Clair
Dep'y Quar. Mas'rGn'l
Wounded.
Matthew Leslie, (Jent....
Gen'l Assist, do.
i(
Francis Halkett, E.sq....
Major Brigade.
KOKTY-KOUKril UKCIM KNT.*
OfilcerB* Names.
Sir Peter Halkett.
Gage, Eijq
Tatton,
Ilobson
Beck worth
Githi\i8
Falconer
Sittler
Bailey
Dunbar
Pottenger
Halkett
Treby
Allen
Simpson
Lock
Disney
Kennedy
Townsend
Preston
Clarke
Nortlow
Pennington
Kuiik.
Colonel.
Lieut. Colonel.
Captain.
Lieutenant.
((
(I
Knsijn
11
Killed or Wounded.
"ICilled.
Wounded.
Killed.
Killed.
Wounded.
Wounded.
Killed.
Wounded.
Died of wounds.
Wound d.
Wounded.
II
II
Killed.
Killed.
*Thl; Hut ig inaccurate in uom* sligbl particulam, and was probably made up from mcmorj.
1755.]
THE KILLED AND WOUNDED.
165
FOKTY-EIUHTH KK<JIMENT.
Officers" N«me«.
Burton, Esq
Sparks, Esq
Dobson, Esq
Cholmondeley
Bowyer, Esr|
Ross, Esq
Barbiitt, Esq
Walsliara, Esq
Crymble, Esq
Widman, Esq
Hansard, Esq
(lladwin, Esq*
Holham, Esq
Kdmonstone, Esq
Cope, Esq ,
Brereton, Esq
Stuart, Esq
Montresore
Dunbar
Harrison
Cdlcbatt
Macnnillen
Crowe
Stirlinsr
Rank.
Lieut. Colonel.
Major.
Captain.
u
Lieutenant.
II
«<
<i
<i
<i
u
Ensign.
<>
i<
Killed or Wniitided.
Slightly wounded.
Killed.
Wounded.
Killed.
«
Wounded.
Wounded.
Killed.
Wounded.
Wounded.
(I
VIRGINIA 0KKU;ER.S.
Dunds.
Stevens
Wagt^oner.,
Peyronie...,
Siewjirt
Hamilton...
Woodward.
Wrifiht
Spiitdorph.
Stewart
WiijT.'jener.,
-M'Neiil
Ca])tuin.
li
t<
«
Lieutenant.
it
Wounded.
Killed.
Killed.
Killed.
Wounded.
Killed.
bmorj.
'ThiswuH Hriiry Gladwiu, who wou maoy laurela anemarda, aud became Deputy-A^utant
General in America.
I ia.'A !£:..tiL.'^i'iV i< ;i
IGG
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
*1N1)KI'KNI)KNT.S.
OflicerH' Names
(lUteS
Rank.
Captain.
Lieutenant.
(t
KiUed or Wounded.
Wounded.
Suniain
Killed.
Miller
Haworth
Wounded.
Ol'py
K
AUTIM.KBY.
Orile
Smiili
Captain,
Capt. Liout.
Lieutenant.
ti
Killed.
Uiiclianan
Wounded.
M'Cloiid
MeCullor
it
KKfJINEKR.S.
McKellcr. E.sn
Major.
Captain.
Capt. Jjicutonant.
Wounded.
Ourdon, Esq.
Williamson, Ks(|
NAVAI. OKFICIOK.S.
Spciidelowe
Lieutenant.
Midshipman,
Killed.
Ilavno.f
'I'lilhot
Killed.
VOIA'XTKBKS.
Stone
Captain,
Killed.
Haver
Wounded.
Diiiibar was still forty inilos to tlie rear, liiivini:
boon so slow in his movenionts that lio was therefor
christened "Dnnhar the Tardv." Had he been
present at the battle, however, matters would have
been worse, rather than better, since an accumidatioii
ofnnnibors woidd have proven of no avail where the
*.\iiii)in.'ht tlio imiiieM enliiply omitted ill the lists liero Rivpii is Hint of ;ipii. Kvnii Shelby, kIio
was tlii'ii H i'aplaiii ol Uuiint'i-H, aiiit wiis t?-|teoiaHy kimwii tor liih ki'eh inteltpct. yreat courage,
ftiid ii'iiii miiKtitiiliiMi. He «iisa Welsliiiiaii liv I'ii'tli, till' rami' to Maryland when a miiiiinul
.\ller r.iudiln.'h's lU'leiil l.i' reiiiaiiiiMl iii r(iiiiiiiaii<l i>| h • raimei'n, mid when lioi|not'« os|H'di-
lion was (HL'iiiii/.ed. he juiiied il, mid under Kiirlies dist inyiiislied hinii-eli by his Milur anJ
eiieruy. lie wuHlhe liilher of Nuac ->lielby, a yallant olllci.T who won distiiictiuii in llieUevulii-
liniiaiy war.
I'n/llimh Mercer and .1.1111 '1 (JraiK. Huru'eoin of the VirLMiiia trooiis, were on tiie iVIil ami
the former WHS Moiouslv wounded. When he fidl, the troops wei" i;i full ilinlit. anil lliiJi"J
tiiat ln^ was miahle to join in the retreat, heeonrealed llinl^ell liehiiid n lulleii tree, nliere llie
iiiidei^rowth was heavy, an I tiler • he lay until sunset, viewiii;; the wiM scene of piliiiiie aiiJ
bloody outrage that followed lie witnesspd the slniiirhter of the woiiihIimI and the scnlpins "'
the dead. Alter iiiyhliall he lelt his liidini; place, and. t.ikiiiK the stars lor his conipnus, i-'.o«l*
and I aiiilully iinide his wav bad! toward* K.irf I'li'iiherlaii 1. whji'h pmt he reached Benio ''•
days later, hall-starved, sicli, and in mi'.eh pain. Two years later, while servini! as n (7nul»in in
C'oloiiid .Tohii Ariiistrono's expedition auninst the Imliana at Kiltaniiiiio, he wasa'.'ain woiindfli
and a second tiiiin made his way alone tliioimh tlie woods to Kort I'uniberhirid. In I7i'7 1"
Mercer was umdo a Uold oIUcbi in the Uevolutiouaiy army, bud gave up his lile at I'riucetou.
(00,
1755.]
AFTER Til?: BATTLE.
1G7
Icirlor
bt'cii
liav.
at ion
ro the
clliy. iviio
cinirai;e,
lutnitll \'ii-
Ik i's|»'Ji-
liiliir aaJ
■ Herein-
Jfiplil, anJ
|t llnJii'^
llicre llif
|lll!!(! .Ill'l
■'.ciiily
borne 'H
littiiiiiii i"
^iiunde"!.
1 17" 1>'
lucetoj'
enemy could not be seen, and where the troops were
cioniorali/ed by fear. His command woidd only have
furnished more material for the nnirderous savages.
"Nathaniel Gist, s(m of Christopher, with 'Gist's
Indian,' were dispatched I'roin the battle-held to Fort
Cumberland, with tidings of the overthrow, but with
instructions to avoid passing by, or disturbing the
repose of Dunbar. They traveled a-foot, and through
unfrequented paths, to avoid the Indians. While
snatching some repose during the- darkness of the
first night of their journey, in a thicket of bushes and
grape vine on Cove Run, within view of the can^p
fues of Dunbar, they mistook the noise of the move-
ment of some bird or beast for Indians, and run with
the heedlessness of alarm. They thus became
separated. But each wended his way cautiously
and alone. When nearing their destination, uj)on
emerging from the bushes into the open road Gist
saw a few rods ahead, his long lost Indian, who had
also just taken the highway! Like two soothsayers,
they had to laugh at each other for their causeless
alarm and separation."'^'
Wasiiington, though greatly fatigued by the
events and exertions of the dreadful day through
wlueh he had just passed, and still weak from his
siekness, hurried off to the rear to meet Dfinbar,
and deliver the orders heretofore referred to. lie
was acconn)anied by two orderlies, and the night was
so dark that otlen they were compelled to dismount
and search for the road. The entire night was spent
'Tlii.i sinry was civpii the Riitlior of tli» prtjiern piititled "Tlie Moiionjjftlitjla of Old," by Uenrjr
Meson, llie foiiudeiol Uuioutowu, Fu,, wbo Imd it from Uie hy» of OUt hiuiHulf.
SfS^KMBE^^JE^
168
HISTORY OF CUMBEKLAND.
[1
I -y-i
in the saddle, but at sunrise they reached DunbarV
canii). The distracted teamsters had arrived tlieif
ahead of Washington, and had spread dismay amongst
Dun])ar's troops by reporting that Craddoclv was
killed, the army destroyed, and the Indians pur-
suing the few who were left. The effect of sudi
intelligence upon the camp was instantaneous, and
it was only by the most stringent orders and threats
of instant death to any man who should leave tlie
ranks, that the soldiers were kept from an iinnu'-
diate stampede.
Washington returned to Gist's plantation the next
day, taking with him the necessary supplies, and
there met the wounded officers and their escort.
They reached Dunbar's camp that night, where thiy
remained two nights and one day. The wounded
officers and men were then placed in the wagons.
and as there were left no means by which to earn
the store of provisions and annnunition, all tliese
were destroyed by l^raddock's order. The artillerv
had been left on the field of battle; and the military
chest containing £25,000 in coin, as well as tlu'
General's desk and papers, were all lost. Wiiat
remained to them now was nothing more than was
necessary for the supply of their actual wants until
they should reach Fort Cumberland. On the loth
they nuirched to the Great Meadows. During the
entire day the dying General was in the greatest
distress. His wounds caused him the most intense
pain, yet of tliese he took little account. His spirit
was broken, his pride humiliated, and his niiml
depressed by the disgrace of his terrible defeat. He
. ,->»'fw> iVsacM-JU'ii 'in-^t-!»^ *i*li n.4 V Us:
1755.]
DEATH OK UKAI)I)()CK.
109
tielduin spoke, and when he did it was only to give
such orders as were necessary, or to briefly express
his disappointment and regret. "Wlio would have
tiiought it! Who would have thonglit it!" he re-
peated. As the sun set on this quiet Sunday evening,
it became apparent that the brave old veteran was
about to close his eyes upon the earth, and his faithful
Iriends stood around his couch, with sad hearts. He
turned to ('aptain Orme, and in a thoughtful way,
said, "We shall better know how to deal with thein
auotiier time." A little lat(3r, his eyes closed, and
the spirit of Braddock was with the Master. His life
went out amidst the sombre shades of the forest,
near the scene of Washington's reverse, the previous
year, and his body was buried in silence and sorrow,
at day-break next morning, the grave being
made in the road, and the wagons being driven over
it, that it might not be discovered and disturbed by
tlie enemy. The services for the dead were read by
Washington, the Chaplain having been wounded, and
Washington l)eing the only staft" oiHcer remaining fit
for any duty whatever.
Various statements have been made regarding the
destruction of stores at Dun})ar s camj^ and several
writers have asserted that artillerv, amnuinition and
money were buried near the camp, in consequence of
which nianv searches luive been made there for such
articles. These rumors probably originated in a
letter written by Colonel Burd to Governor Morris,
dated at Fort Cumberland, July 25, 1755, in which
the (.'olonel relates that Dunbar told him, in a con-
versation at dinner, that he had destroyed all his
23
i
170
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
I
provisioiiH except, what ho could ciirry aw suhsistoiRc.
an well as all the powder he had with him, notuiv
50,000 pounds, but that Iuh uiortars and shells lie
had buried. Dunbar was evidently niisunder.stodii
in this matter, as he afterwards, on the 25111 of
August, wrote to Governor Shirley: "We must be;:
leave to undeceive you in what you are pleased to
mention of "guns being buried" at the time Genoni!
Braddock ordered die stores to be destroyed; for
there was not a gun of any kind buried." (Joloiic!
Burd, in 1759, while on his way to make the road to
Redstone, searched for the guns he supposed to k
buried, and dug a great many holes, but found
nothing.
Many relics have been gathered, however, bj tht
persons living in the vicinity of the camp, and wniu
of them have now in their possession, cannon bull''.
bullets, shells, &c. Amongst other articles are
fragments of 9-inch shells, showing the size of tlu'
mortars used, and masses of lead formed by bullet.''
melted and run together, the surface being rouglienod
by the protuberance of the small leaden balls oiilv
half melted.
The part played by the French in the defeat of
Braddock has been variously given, but there seems
to be a lack of accuracy in most accounts. A recent
volume of the "Historical Collections of Wisconsin
contains the Memoirs of Clnirles de Langlade, Avritten
by Joseph Tasse, Esq., of Ottawa, ( -anada, and trans-
lated from the French b}' Mrs. Sarah Fairchild Dean.
The history of the action of Langlade in the battle ot
the Monongahela, was gathered by Mr. layman C.
1755.]
TIIK FHKNCII AGAINST liKADDOCK.
171
feat ui
1 seems
livceiit
mm
[ritU'ii
trans-
iDoaii.
:tl(M.i'
Im ('•
Draper, Corrosponding Sodrotary of the Ilistorioul
Societv of Wis(!()iiHiii, from tho lips of Captain
Aiigustiri (irignon, who had obtained the .statement
from Langhide himself, and the truth and accuracy
of the statements have been abundantly verified.
The Langlade i'amily came originally from France,
ill 1GG8. Charles was born at Mackinaw in 1729,
and spent the days of his youth amongst tho Ottawa
[iidiaiis. who came to regard him as under the pro-
tection of some powerful Manitou, in consequence of
which he early gained a great influence over them,
leading them in their wars with other tribes.
"While (>harles de Langlade thus exhibited his
courage in the obscure combats of tribe against tribe,
events in Canada were becoming complicated, and
tlireatened to take a serious turn. Grave difficulties
had arisen between France and England in Acadia,
and the valley of the Ohio, on the subject of the
frontier boundaries; and although peace still existed,
there had sd ready be«m some bloody encounters in
the wilderness, and it was evident that on either
bide the first occasion would be seized to come to
blows. Thus, the killing of a French officer, M. de
Junionville, sent as an envoy to Washington, at the
head of thirty soldiers, for the purpose of summoning
the English to evacuate entrenchments raised by
thetn near the Ohio, was the signal for that long and
terrible seven years' war which kincHvd the fires of
two Continents, and led to consequences so disastrous
to France.
"Vaudreuil, Governor of the Colony, took the
necessary measures to cope with the enemy, and
172
nrSTOKV OF (nJMUKHf.ANn.
[1755.
Iiiistoni'd to arm tlio rt'jj^iilar troops, and tlio (Canadian
militia. Tlie savaf»;oH of the Nortli-west, joinod tothe
coureurn de hoifi, so numerous at that timo, also
(urnished a valuable contingent; and he, without
hesitation, confided this command to Charles do
Langlade, whose exjjloits were already well known
to him. United to the savajj^es by the ties of blood,
by similarity of habit, familiar with their dialec^ts. and
with their modes of warfare, of acknowledged brawn
and ability, enjoying un({uestionable authority and
iniluence, Langlade was exactly the man for the
situation.
"At his .appeal, the tomahawk is unearthed, the
tribes incite themselves with enthusiasm, and a
crowd of savage warriors gather around the folds of
the French flags. We find at the head of these
Indian bands many celebrated chiefs; among otiiors.
it is believed, the famous Pontiac, who some years
later became illustrious by liis conspiracy against the
English.
"After organizing his forces, Langlade received
orders to direct his steps with all haste towards Fort
Duquesne, of which General Braddock, recently
arrived from England, with veteran troops, was
about to attempt to acquire possession in order to
drive the French out of the valley of the Ohio.
"Langlade arrived at Fort Duqnesne in the
beginning of July, 1755. Le Sieur de la Perade, as
well as some French and Indians, sent to observe the
hostile army whose least movements were watched.
announced on the eighth of July that it was only a
half day's journey from the Monongahela — the
tmsstm
''"^^■■''^'^"••-'"■^■^-•'"^••^''■"'
17-').').]
I.ANGLADK URGES THE ATTACK.
173
KMVOtl
Fovt
;entlv
lor to
II till'
|le, as
re the
ilied.
nly a
•the
Mulenffuentee of the (Jaiiiulian", — and tliat it was
iidvancing in throe colunnis. On tin' r(M'iM|)t of tliose
tidin^^s, the commandant at Fort l)u(|iu»sn(' decided
to oppose the advance of the enemy; and, for tliis
purpose, l)e Beaujeu or«!;anized a, force of al)oiit two
Imndred and fifty Fnuicli, and six liundred and fifty
Indians.
"Leaving the fort on the ninth of .luly, at nine
o'clock in the morning, De Beaujen fonnd himself at
hall' past twelve in the presence of the English, just
at the instant when they lialted on the South shore
of the Monongahela, to take their dinner. The
French and Indians had not yet heen pen^civcd by
theeiieiiiy; and they phiced themselves carefully in
aiubush in the ravines and thick woods, which
formed an impassable belt in the steep bank In front
of tlieni.'''
"Langlade comprehended at once all the advan-
tages of the position, and hastened to de Beaujeu to
boir him to commence the action; but that officer
turned a deaf ear to his entreaties. Unwilling thus
to relincpiish his purpose, he then called together the
Indian chiefs, showed them the importance of an
immediate attack upon the English, and advised
them to go and demand an order to commence battle.
De Beuiijeu gave them a no more satisfactory re[>ly.
Langlade then n)ade a second appeal to the French
connnander, and insisted energetically upon the
necessity of an immediate attack upon the enemy.
_'Thl« is confirmed bvthe relation of M. do Oodefroy, an otlicer In the Fort DuqiiesnegarriBon:
'The party of M. de BoaiijiMi advanced for ntlaclf about three and a hall leaauea from Kort
UiiiHiesiie, when the eneniv were at dinner. " Thir memoir haa been publi»hed by Mr. John O.
i-uei, iu hiB " Kelationfa divers 8ur la batailla du Malaugueule."
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23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
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174
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
'If we are going to fight,' he said, 'we must do it
while tlie English, not suspecting danger, have laid
aside their arms, or when they are fording the River.
for they are too far superior in numbers for us to
resist them in open country.' De Beaujeu was
evidently discouraged by the strength of the enemy.
and hesitated what course to take; but final!}
putting an end to his indecision he ordered the
attack.
"The action commenced with vigor, and took the
army of Braddock by surprise. Officers and soldiers
ran to their arms with such precipitation that many
of the leaders still had their napkins on their breasts
when found among the dead. As they occupied
lower ground than the French, they fired over their
heads, and only hit a small number. The French
and Indians, meanwhile, concealed behind the trees
were, so to speak, invisible; and they returned the
fire of the enemy by a fusillade, which scattered
death and consternation amongst the English battal-
ions. At last the soldiers of Braddock took flight,
and both the Canadians and Indians charged upon
them with tomahawks, forcing them to throw them-
selves into the waters of the Monongahela, where
many of them were drowned.
"This was a disastrous day for the English.
Braddock, who wished to make war after the
European manner in the forests of the Ohio, and had
been unwilling to take advice from any one, paid for
his temerity with his life, and the loss of the largest
part of his army. The bodies of some hundred
soldiers, and many officers, strewed the battle field,
1755.]
VICTORY AND SPOILS.
175
and immense booty fell into the hands of the French*
Had it not been for the Virginia militia, commanded
by Washington, protecting the retreat of the frag-
ments of the English army, that portion of the
savages who did not loiter to pillage the dead, would
not in all probability have spared a solitary soldier
to tell the story of their sanguinary defeat.f
'•The French did not lose thirty men, and the
most of these were killed, not by the English balls,
l)ut by the branches of the trees which sheltered
them, and which were violently torn off by the fire
of the enemy's artillery. The victory was more
brilliant because the French had only an inferior
force with which to oppose the army of Braddock,
numberins: at least two thousand men, which
constrained Washington to say: 'We have been
beaten, shamefully beaten, by a handful of French-
men.'
"After the rout of the English, Langlade took
energetic measures to prevent the savages from
seizing the stores of liquor belonging to the enemy; for,
once under the influence of the liquid fire, they might
have been carried to excesses which would have
tarnished the glory of a day so fortunate. Frustrated
in their jittempt the Indians set about searching the
bodies of the English dead, lying by hundreds on the
'"There were counted dead on tli« battle field >ix hundred men, on the retreat about four
hundreil: along ii little Mreaui three hundred. Their total \o** was reckoned at twelve hundred
and seventy, other accounts place it at one tlioufand, flrteen huwdrei, and even seventeen liun-
dred. Tne wounded were abaudoned, and almost ail perished in tlie woods. Uf one hundred
«nd fixtj oincerM, only six escaped Several pieces of artillery were taken; also a hundred
covered wagons, _the I'nililary clieM, and the ertects of the iiHlcers, wlio were well eiiuipped.
Tlie la^it was the booty ol the savn^'es and Canadians. — Memoirs des I'onchot, vol. 1 . p. 37.
t'"The rout became general, \ll the Uugli-ih took to Hinlit, carrying with them their wounded
n»neral. Terror seized oven those who had takeu no part in "this combat. Dunbar's army,
tiicsmpcd nearly twenty leagues Irom the Held of action, deserted their c»mp and joined th«
niglllves, ivhodid not stop till they reached Kort Cumberland, the longest (light on record. The
Mfiich pursued the Kngltsh till tear uf some ambuscade made them retrace their steps for ther
litd no suspicion that they had struck their foes with so greata panic— Notice ol Daaiel Uyacinth
HanaLieuaidde Ueai^eu. ^7 J<>>>i> ^- H>>ea,
176
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
bloody field. Many of th )fficers wore rich uniforms,
and they despoiled them of every valuable article
they might have upon them.
"BesideH the Indians, many Canadians took part
in the combat, under the command of Langlade:
among others his brother-in-law, Souligny, his
nephew, Gautier de Vierville, Pierre Queret, La
Choisie, La Fortune, Amable de Gere, Philip de
Rocheblave, and Louis Hamelin. All won, by their
brave conduct, the congratulations of their chief
"The Indians were not alone in their desire to
despoil the vanquished. La Choisie having found on
the battle-field the body of an English officer dressed
in a rich uniform, Philip de Rocheblave claimed to
have discovered it at the same moment. The former
took possession of the well filled purse of tlie officer.
but the latter maintained loudly that he had an
equal right to it, and they separated after exchanging
more than one bitter word. However it may have
been, La Choisie was assassinated during the followinj;
night, and the purse disputed with him by de
Rocheblave was not found upon him. Quite naturally
the tragical end of La Choisie was attributed to de
Rocheblave, but his guilt could not be established.
De Rocheblave was the uncle of Pierre de Roche-
blave, who became one of the most important members
of the North-western Fur Company."
Many of these details had never before been
published, and the fact that Langlade should have
taken so decisive a part in the engfigement, must
naturally excite some surprise, but there is little
doubt that the French triumph was largely due to
1755.]
DE BP:AUJEU and LANGLADE.
177
his exertions and liis ability as a military man. He
figured prominently in later days, and in 1777 one
of Burgoyne's officers, in a letter referring to the
expected arrival of Ottawa Indians, wrote: "They
are led by M. de Saint Luc and M. de Langlade,
both great partisans of the French cause, in the last
war; the latter is the person who, at the head of
the tribe which he now commands, planned and
executed the defeat of General Braddock." Burgoyne
himself wrote to the same effect, and he spoke as
though the important part taken by Langlade was
of common notoriety amongst the English. This
history of the affiiir divides the honors of that
memorable battle between Beaujeu and Langlade,
whereas all previous accounts have given the former
the exclusive credit for Braddock's defeat. According
to other accounts Beaujeu ojiginated the plan of
leaving FortDuquesne to make the attack, and secured
a reluctant consent to his scheme on the part of M.
de Contrecoeur, the commander, who was indeed
upon the point of abandoning the Fort, before
Braddock's arrival. The Indians were afraid to
march against a force so largely superior in numbers,
but de Beaujeu vehemently said to them, "I am
determined to go out against the enemy. I am certain
of victory. What! will you allow your father to go
alone!" His language and his manner aroused the
savages, of whom there were gathered representatives
of nearly a dozen tribes, and they responded to his
appeal by declaring they would follow him, where-
cver he might lead. Instantly the entire band
prepared for action, and in less than an hour six
23
178
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
hundred braves were armed, in their war paint.
and on the march with two hundred and fifty
French and Canadians. Beaujeu led his soldiers and
their allies on to the attack, with the greatest bravery
and coolness; he had prepared for the worst as to
himself, having received the holy communion, in
company wdth a party of his soldiers on the evening
preceding the battle. Early in the conflict he fell
mortally v^ounded, and shortly afterwards expired,
His death caused the Indians to falter, and when the
unfamiliar roar of artillery was added to the
confusion of the conflict they, becoming terrified,
began a retrogade movement. Dumas, next in
command, sprang quickly to the front, cheered them
on and led them back, to a still fiercer attack thun
the first. It is too late for history to attempt to
change the records of more than a century far
enough to give to Langlade the glory accorded
Beaujeu and Dumas; but it cannot now be doubted
that the former is entitled to a full share of the
credit due for the victory given the French arms on
that meniorable occasion.
After the last sad rites had been paid the dead
General, the British army continued its dreary
retreat, and on the same evening reached Little
Meadows. From that point Washington wrote to
Colonel Innes the following letter, which was sent
forward by an express:
LiTTLK Mkauows, 16 JuLT, 1755.
Kir:
Captain Orme, beinjr continod to his litter, aud not able to write
has desired me to acknowledge the receipt of yours. He begs the favor
of you to have the room the General lodged in prepared for Colonel
1755.] THE WOUNDED AT FORT CUMBERLAND. 179
lie dead
dreary
Little
rote to
ns sent
to write
I the f^ivot
Colonel
Burton, himself and Capt. Morris, who are all wounded; also that some
firaall place may be had convenient for cooking, and, if any fresh pro-
vision, and other necessaries for persons in their conditiou, may be had,
that you will engage them.
The horses which carry the wounded gentlemen in litters, are so
much fatigued, that we dread their performance; therefore it is desired
that you will be kind enough to send out eight or ten fresh horses for
their relief, which will enable us to reach the fort this evening.
I doubt not but you have had an account of the poor gentlemen's
death by some of the affrighted wagoners who ran off without taking
leave. I am sir, your most obedient servant,
GEO. WASHINGTON.
To Governor Innes,
At Fort Cumberland.
Before the receipt of this letter by Colonel Innes a
number of the teamsters had reached the Fort, and
they spread consternation throughout the camp
by reporting that Braddock and his officers were all
dead, and that the entire army had been either
killed or made prisoners. U])on receipt of Washing-
ton's letter, however, Colonel Innes immediately sent
forward the necessary horses, and prepared quarters
for tlie wounded officers and men. When the
sorrowful cavalcade arrived at the Fort it was
received with the greatest kindness, and every effiart
made to relieve the sufi'erers. Tliey were taken into
buildings before used as barracks, and at once
everything obtainable that could contribute to the
alleviation of their sufferings was supplied.
Washington feared lest the exaggerated statements
made by the badly frightened teamsters should be
carried east, and at last reach his mother. In order
to relieve her mind, he at once dispatched a letter,
assuring her of his safety, and giving her some
account of the expedition, and its unhappy results.
180
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
1
j
On the same date he also wrote to his brother, as
follows :
Fort Cumberland, 18 July, 1755.
Dear Brother:
As I have heard, since my arrival at this place, a circumatantial
account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of
contradicting the first, and assuring you that I have not as yet composed
the latter. But by the all powerful dispensation of Providence I have
been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I liad
four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped
unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of
me I
We have been most scandalously bedten by a trifling body of men,
but fatigue and want of time prevent me from giving you any of the
details until I have the happiness of seeing you at Mount Vernon, whicli
I now most ardently wish for, since we are driven thus far. A feeble
state of health obliges me to halt here for two or three days, to recover a
little strength, that I may thereby be enabled to proceed homewards with
more ease. You may expect to see me there on Saturday or Sunday
fortnight, which is as soon as I can well be down, as I shall take mj
Bullskin Plantations on my way. Pray give my compliments to all mj
friends. I am, dear Jack, your most affectionate brother, G. W.
Captain Orme wrote, the same day, to Governor
Sharpe, giving an account of the battle, as follows:
FouT CuMHERLAND, July 18th, 1755.
My Dear Sir:
I am so extremely ill in bed with the wound I have received in ray
thigh that I am under the necessity of employing my friend Capt. Dob
son to write for me.
I conclude you have had some account of the action near the banks
of the Monongahela about seven miles from the French Fort; as the
reports spread are very imperfect what you have heard must consequent^
be so too. You should have had more early accounts of it but every
officer whose business it was to have informed you was either killed or
wounded, and our distressful situation put it out of our powers, to attend
to it so much as we would have done,
The 9th instant we passed and repassed the Monongahela by advanc-
ing first a party of 800 men which was immediately followed by another
of 200, the General with the column of Artillery, Baggage and the main
body of the army passed the river the last time about one o'clock; as
soon as the whole got on the Fort side of the Monongahela we heard »
1755.]
CAPTAIN ORMES ACCOUNT.
181
very heavy and (juick fire in our front, we immediately advanced in order
to sustain them, but the Detachment of the 200 and the .100 men gave
way and fell back upon us which caused such confusion and struck so
groat a Panick among our men that afterwards no military expedient
could be made use of that had any effect upon them; the men were so
extremely deaf to the exhortations of the General and the officers that
they fired away in the most irregular manner all their ammunition and
then run off leaving to the enemy the artillery, ammunition, Provision and
Baggage, nor would they be persuaded to stop till they got as far as
Guerst Plantation, nor there only in part, many of them proceeding even
as far as Col. Dunbar's party, who lay six miles on this side. The officers
were absolutely sacrificed by their unparalleled good behaviour, advanc-
ing sometimes in body & sometimes 8ep:*rately, hoping by such example
to engage the soldiers to follow them, but to no purpose.
The General had five horses shot under him and at last received a
wound through his right arm, into his lungs, of which he died on the 1.3th
inst. Poor Shirley was shot through the head, Capt. Morris wounded)
Mr. Washington had two horses shot under him and his clouths shot thro'
in several places, behaving the whole time with the greatest courage, and
resolution. Sir Peter Halket was killed upon the spot. Col. Burton and
Sir John St. Clair wounded, & Inclosed I have sent you a list of the
killed and wounded according to as exact an account as we are able to
get.
Ppon our proceeding with the whole convoy to the Little Meadows
it was found impossible to advance in that manner, the General therefore
adranced with twelve hundred men, with the necessary artillery, ammu-
nition, & provision, leaving the main body of the convoy under the
command of Col. Dunbar with orders to join him as soon as possible; in
this manner we proceeded with safety and expedition till the fatal day I
have just related, and happy it was that this disposition was made, other-
wise the whole must have either starved or fallen into the hands of the
enemy, as numbers would have been of no service to us, and our provision
all lost.
As our number of horses were so much reduced and those extremely
weak, and many carriages being wanted for the wounded men, occasioned
our destroying the ammunition and superfluous part of the provision left
in Col. Dunbar's convoy to prevent its falling into the hands of the
Enemy,
As the whole of the Artillery is lost and the troops are extremely
weakened by Deaths, wounds and sickness, it was judged impossible
to make any further attempts, therefore Col. Dunbar is returning to
Fort Cumberland with everything^he is able to bring with him,
I propose remaining here till my wound will suffer me to remove
182
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
:
to Philadelphia, from thence shall make all possible digpa^h to
p]nglfind, whatever commands you may have for me you will do me
the favor to direct to me here,
I am with the greatest sincerity your most obedient and most
Humble Servant,
liOBT. ORME.
By the particular disposition of the French and the Indians it is
impossible to judge of the numbers they had that day in the Field.
As the General's chariot is to be disposed of, I should be glad to
know if you would have it again; it has been at this place sitne our
departure from hence; if you propose taking it again I will semi it to
you and bring the General's coach back, Capt. Morris' complimenta
attend you with Mr, Washington's,
P. S, Writing to you as a friend I flatter myself you will excuse
the hurry in which this is wrote.
To The Hon'bl Governor Sharpe.
Notwithstanding the great distance between Fort
Cumberland and the battle field of the Monongahola,
the rugged mountains, and the very diffieult roads,
the garrison at the Fort was in a state of the greatest
uneasiness lest the victorious French, with their
Indian allies, should pursue the retreating remnant
of the army and strike it another blow. So com-
pletely terrified were the defeated English that every
particle of courage seemed to have been eradicated
from their natures; they forgot their king, their
country, their honor, everything in fact save the
savage war whoop of the Indian and the fatal scenes
of the battle field.
Dunbar, who had been so slow in going forward
with his force that he did not get within sound of
the conflict, made the best use of his time in marching
to the rear. On the 20th of July he arrived at Fort
Cumberland, having fifteen hundred soldiers fit for
duty. In the hands of a proper officer these men
would have been sufficient to set at defiance, and
1755.] duniur's rktkeat to pniLADELPniA. 183
even to overcome, any force tliat the French might
have been able to send againnt them from Fort
Duquosne, but Dunbar was as badly frightened as
any tyro in the ranks, and he did not feel that his
precious body was safe so long as he was in the
shadow of the wilderness. The necessities of the
case were such that he could not continue his retreat
immod lately, and was compelled to remain at Fort
Cumberland until the 2d of August, by which time
the wounded had all been looked after, the weary
and foot sore men somewhat recruited, and an
abundance of supplies secured.
The following extract appeared in Green's Mary-
land Gazette, July 81st, 1755, and is interesting in
several respects:
"By Letters in Town we understand, that Col. Dunbar, with the
Remainder of the two Regiments, and three Independent Companies,
under bis Command, were to march from Fort Cumberlaud on Tuesday
last for Rays-Town in Pennsylvania. The same Letters mentioned the
arrival of one Staut at Fort Cumberland, who gave them the following
accounts : That about the Middle of June last he and his Family were
carried off from the Back Parts of this Province, by a Party of Indians,
to Fort Du Quesne; that when he came thither the French had
not above 400 Men in the Fort; that on the 2d of July, about
1100 French, and 1.300 Indians, came down the Ohio, and in a few Days
afterwards several other large Parties of both French and Indians arrived
also from other Parts: That a small Party of French, with about 2,000
Indians, were soon after sent out to harrass our army on their March, who
understanding the Rout the General had taken, determined to have
disputed his Passage over the Monongahela, but coming too late for that
Purpose, found him entered into the Valley where the action happened.
That after the Engagement the Indians pursued our People to tlie Monon-
!,'ahela, scalped and plunder'd all that were left upon the Field, except
five or six, who not being able to keep pace with the Victors in their
Return to the Fort, were all treated in the same Manner, one Virginian
only surviving it. [Oh I horrid Barbarity I to kill in cool Blood I But,
Protestant Reader, such is the Treatment we may expect to receive from
his most Christian Majesty's American allies, if ever we should be so
184
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
i
unhappy an to fall into their Ilands, except we give up our Uelij^ion
Liberty, and every Thinj( that is deur and vfilmible, and submit to be his
Vassals, and Dupes to the Romish Clergy, whose most tetider Mercies arc
but hellish Cruelties, wherever they have Power to exercise them.]
" Ho further says, that the same Day of the attack, all the artillcrv,
Ac, was carried into the Fort, and the Plunder distributed amongst the
Indians; a great Number of whom, the second Day afterwards, took their
Leaves and set out for Canada, carrying this Staut with them a Prisonpr
who the first Night afterwards made his Escape from them, and with
much Diificulty, arrived at Fort Cumberland, almost famish'd.
"lie says the French have now about 3,000 Men at the Fort."
On the 1st, Dunbar received ii letter from Commo-
dore Keppel, directing him to send the seamen to
Hampton, where they were to go on board the ship
Garland.
On the same day he wrote the following letter to
LieutenantrGovernor Morris, of Pennsylvania :
Fort Cumberland, Aug. 1, 1755.
Sir:
With this you'l receive a Letter for Admiral Boscawen, which pray
T>ut under cover to him, directed to him or officer commanding his
ilajeaty's ship at Halifax, and^if the despatches I sent you are not gone,
or an opportunity immediately oflFering, I would request your sending all
to Halifax directed as before.
I march from this to-morrow with about 1,200 Men. When I shall
have the honor of seeing you at Philadelphia is uncertain on accou.it of
the long march. I hope everything will be fusilitated for our reception,
It would give me infinite pleasure to hear from you on my March. I
flatter myself with agreeable news of our Friends at Sea and Gen. Shirley,
The latter is my greatest concern, as I am assured he will meet with a
vigorous opposition.
I leave here the Virginia and Maryland Companies with some of the
Train to protect this Fort and the General hospital, where there is about
400 Wounded or Sick.
Sir, your most humble and Ob'dent Serv't
THOMAS DUNBAR.
To Governor Morris.
P. S. — I fear Ladys, wives to Gentlemen kil'd, are come or coming
to Philadelphia. If they arrive and want a little Assistance be so good
as to supply them. Mrs. Hanson, Mrs. Brereton, and Mrs Hart is their
names.
1755.]
FLIGHT OF THE SETTLEKS.
186
On the 2(1, with hi.s entire command, and two of
the independent companies, he marched away from
the Fort, and did not conchide to give up his flight
until lie had reached Philadelphia.
Dunbar'.s abandonment of Fort Cumberland left
that post under the care of Colonel Innes' small
couiniiuid, consisting of one Virginia company, and
II company of Maryland rangers, upon whom devolved
the labor of nursing the sick and wounded, as well
as of defending the position from attack. There
were at this time 400 officers and men in the hos-
pitals, disabled by wounds and sickness.
The retreat of the army had a most disheartening
effect upon the entire population of the back country.
The people heard of the flight of the veteran troops,
and taking quick alarm, most of them, gathering
together such of their effects as they could carry, tied
towards the Susquehanna. Everything was aban-
doned, houses, lands, growing crops, and stock. The
forts remained garrisoned by small bodies of colonial
troop.s,and a few hardy pioneers determined if possible
to hold their own. Amongst these latter was the
indomitable Cresap, who prepared for any emergency
that might arise.
The French had no conception of the effect of their
attack, and it was some time ere they learned the
terrible state of demoralization and panic which
followed their slaughter of Braddock's army. They
were not slow to take advantage of this state
of affairs, however, when they became apprised
of it, and quickly the forests became filled with
t^avages and robbers, who extended their raids
24
186
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
almost as far East as Winchester, pillaging and mur-
dering in the most ruthless manner, until the whole
country from New York to the heart of Virginia
became the tlieatre of inhuman barbarities and
heartless destruction.
The defeat of Braddock was totally unlooked for.
and it excited the most painful surprise, both in
England and in the Colonies. The British troops
had been looked upon as invincible, and preparations
had been made in Philadelphia for the celebration of
Braddock's anticipated victory. His defeat and his
death were, therefore, sta^ cling disappointments, and
it was plain that from that time forward the Colon-
ists had a much less exaltod opinion of the \ alor of
the royal troops.
Braddock had entered upon this campaign full of
confidence, pride and self-reliance. Ho was utterly
ignorant of the Indian and his mode of warfare, yet
too proud to receive instruction or advice upon the
subject at the hands of his inferiors in military rark.
He was bigoted to an extent which led him into error
'c^r to the value of the allies offered him, in the bands
of Indians and scouts who were ready to join him.
and whoni he insulted and repelled by his indifference
and neglect. He entered upon the contest without
having in any way fitted himself for it, and the
brave, reckless old soldier paid the penalty of his
errors with his life. During the fatal battle
Washington had besought Braddock to permit him
to take three hundred of the provincials and fight
the Indians after their own method, assuring him
that they could take to the trees and quickly rout
1755.]
THO KILLED BUADDOCK?
187
the enemy. To this he would not consent, and
answered with much warmth, that he w.^g competent
to comnand the troops, and was not yet reduced to
the extremity of asking advice or of resorting to
the disgraceful method of warfare in vogue with the
naked savages. This was the only occasion upon
which lie aroused Washington's anger, and even
then it was quickly forgotten.
It lias never been clearly settled whether Braddock
died at the hands of the enemy, or by the act of one
of his own men, although the question has been
largely discussed, for many years past. Thomas
Fossit,a soldier in Captain Cholmondeley's company,
in his later years persistently declared that he shot
Braddock, and that he was justified in so doing.
Fossit was a large man, of great strength, rude habits,
and strong passions. He had enlisted at Shippens-
btirg, Pa., and h.ad a brother Joseph in the same
command, who was killed in the battle of the
Monongahela. Fossit was living near the top ol'
Laurel Hill, in 1783, at the junction of Braddock's
and Dunlap's roads, where he kept a small tavern.
He was then an old man, but lived many years
afterwards, and died at about the age of J 00 years,
in 1818. Fossit charged Braddock with having
killed his brother Joseph b\' a stroke of his sword, for
having taken shelter liehind a tree during the battle,
and for this reason, as well as to save the army, he
alleged that he shot the General.
Mr. Winthrop Sargent reviews this matter at
considerable length, and concludes that there was no
truth in Fossit's story, because he was mistaken
188
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
entirely in a number of statements made concerning
the incidents of the engagement. There is certainly
no positive proof to contradict Fossit's statement, and
it is not surprising that at his great age he should
have forgotten many of the facts of the transaction,
dating back fifty years or more. There is nothing
more probable than that Tom Fossit, angered by
the stubbornness of the commander who was deter-
mined to sacrifice the army to his foolish ideas of
fighting Indians, should have been impelled to this
deed by revenge and hatred, when he witnessed the
taking of his brother's life. Hon. Andrew Stewart.
when quite a boy, had
heard Fossit assert that
he shot Braddock, and
at that time his storj
was generally accepted
as the truth, as it still
is, by nearly all the peo-
ple living in that part
of Pennsylvania, who
have treasured up the
legends pertaining to
the ill-fated expedition.
The place of Brad-
dock's sepulture was
within a few yards of
a small stream, the banks of which abruptly sloped
down to the water, and distant about two miles—
westwardly — from Fort Necessity. The grave was
made immediately in the road, about a stone's throw
from the present National Road. When the march
BRADDOCK'S GU.VVE IN 1850.
1755.]
BRADDOCKS GRAVE.
189
was resumed the horses, wagons and troops passed
over the grave, the purpose being to prevent its
discovery and desecration by the enemy.
About 1824, a party of workmen engaged in repair-
ing the old road, came upon the remains of a human
skeleton, which was supposed to be that of Braddock.
Numerous insignia of rank were foimd with it, and
there was no knowledge of the burial of any other
officer in that vicinity. Those who were present on
the occasion carried away with them, as souvenirs,
the buttons and other metal articles which had not
been destroyed by corrosion. Some of the party
even went so far in the gratification of their passion
for relics, as to make way with several of the small
I)ones of the hands.
Mr. James Matthews, a blacksmith, who lived at
Mount Washington, as Fort Necessity has since been
called, was present on the occasion referred to, and
witnessed the disinterment of these remains. They
were carried to a point about one hundred and iifty
yards Eastward, and buried in a field, at the foot of a
large oak tree, some twenty-five yards from the
National Road. In order to mark the spot more
clearly to strangers, Hon. Andrew Stewart had
prepared a board upon which was inscribed the fiict
that this was the last resting place of Major General
Edward Braddock, and this board was nailed to the
t';ee. For twenty-five years the National Road was
tlie great highway between the East and West, and
thousands of persons passed over it annually. The
writer can well remember how, when a boy, each
morning and evening long trains of stage coaches
190
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
arrived at and left Cumberland over thin great
highway. Braddock's grave was one of the great
points of attraction on the road, and every day tlie
stages were stopped, in order that the passengers
might disembark for a few minutes to inspect the
j)lace. The old oak tree, ten years since, fell a
victim to the imperious hand of time, and during tlie
prevalence of a storm was blown down, the trunk
BRADDOCK'S GRAVE IN 1877.
breaking oft' some feet from the ground, k^aving
only a strij^ped and shredded trunk to mark tlie
sacred spot. The stump has now entirely disaj)-
peared, and no mark of the old tree remains. I"
1871 a party of gentlemen from England visited tho
place, and before leaving it they had it enclosed witli
a fence of boards securely built: and thus it remains
to-day.
I
1755.]
BRADDOCKS GRAVE.
191
A foot note in De Hass's History of the Indian
Wars of West Virginia states that "many years
since, the remains of General Braddock were removed
to England, and now rest with the quiet sleepers of
Westminster Abbey." Whence this information was
derived has not transpired. However, it is certainly
erroneous. Those remains undoubtedly still lie in
the place above described, and no inhabitant of that
locality has ever heard of their removal to England.
Those bones which were carried away as souvenirs
by desecrating curiosity-seekers were afterwards
gathered together by Mr. Stewart, and are supposed
to have been deposited in Peale's Museum, Phila-
delphia.* ' ■ - ,, . .
It was Washington's intention, when he buried
Braddock, to return at some future day and erect a
monument to his memory, but his time was so much
occupied by the events of the years following that it
was not until after the close of the revolutionary
war that he was able to undertake the self-imposed
task. In 1784 he visited the place, for the purpose
indicated, and "made a dilligent search for the grave,
but the road had been so much turned, and the clear
land so extended that it could not be found." The
British government is not wont to neglect her soldiers,
but she never took the smallest notice of the resting
place of Braddock, and it was left for a stranger's
liand to mark the spot where he lay, more than half
a century after he fell. - -
The demoralization of the settlers generally after
the battle of the Monongahela was so great that
•Uy'iPenn*. 3SI.
192
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[175S
Governor Sharpc again visited Fort Cumberland, and
on his way to that point, promised them ample
protection, wl ereby some were induced to remain
on their plantations.
Governor Sharpe said of his visit here at that
time: "I found by Colonel Dunbar and the other
officers at the Fort that there had been mam
unhappy divisions in the army that General Braddock
commanded. Himself and the two Colonels were
scarcely on speaking terms, and very few beside four
or five favorites mention him with regret. It has
been hinted to me that in case he had succeeded
against the Fort, the several companies that have
been raised in, and that are supported by, these
Provinces, would have been regimented, and given
to Lieutenant-Colonel Burton, of Dunbar's; Captain
Morris, one of the aid-de-camps, was to have been
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain Dobson Major, and
Captain Orme, the other aid-de-camp, was to have
succeeded Burton as Lieutenant-Colonel in the regi-
ment that Dunbar commands."
Washington, wliile dejDrecating the lack of judg-
ment shown by Braddock, in dealing with the
Indians, was disposed to do him the fullest justice.
and said of him: "He was one of the honestest
and best men of the British officers with whom I
was acquainted ; even in the manner of fighting he
was not to blame more than others; for of all that
were consulted, only one person objected to it.
Braddock was both my General and my physician.
I was attacked with a dangerous fever on the march.
and he left a sergeant to take care of me, and James
1755.] NEWSPAPER REPORTS FROM THE BORDERS. 193
fever powders, wltli directions how to give them, and
a wagon to bring me on when I should be able."*
Tlie following extracts are taken from the Mary-
land Gazette, of the dates given:
"Annapolis, August 21, 1755.
" The latest account to be depended on from the Westward is. That a
Fortniglit ago an Officer, who had been sent with a Party of Men over
the Alleffuny Hills to reconnoitre, was returned to Fort Cumberland, and
reported, That on his way towards the Meadows he met with two Friend
Indiiins, who expressing a great Regard for the English, and for his
safely, advised him immediately to retire, and save his Party from the
Hands of 400 French and about 100 Indians, who were then at the Place
where Col. Dunbar was encamped, when he received the News of Gene-
ral Braddock's Misfortune.
"The Indians also told him, that a Detachment of 100 French was
ordered to advance to the Meadows, and prepare some Materials for a
Place of Defence, which is to be there constructed."
" Annapolis, October 2, 1755.
" From Fort Cumberland we learn, that oo the 2l8t ult. a Boy, who
was coming from that Place with a Waggon, was wounded in the arm and
Back by two Arrows, that were shot by an Indian, who lay concealed
near the Road, just on this side Wills's Creek.
"The same Day two Soldiers that were sent on Duty from the Fort,
were surprized near the same place, and taken Prisoners by five Indians,
who carried them towards Fort Du Quesne; one of the Soldiers has since
given them the Slip, and notwithstanding he was dangerously wounded
by a Tomahawk in the Head, is likely to recover."
"Annapolis, October 9, 1755.
"We learn from Fort Cumberland, that as Col. Stevens was going
thence, with a small Party of Men, to Winchester, he was fired on at two
difi'erent Places by some Indians that lay concealed by the Road's side.
Two of the Virginians were killed, but the Enemy did not choose to stay
for their scalps.
" By a Person who arrived in Town last Monday from Col. Crcsap's
we are told, that last Wednesday Sen'night, in the Morning, the Indians
had taken a Man Prisoner, who was going to Fort Cumberland from
I'Vazier's, and had also carried off a woman from Frazier's Plantation,,
which is four Miles on this side Fort Cumberland. The same Morning
they fell in with a Man and his Wife, who had left their Plantations, and
♦Hon. Wm. Findley's letter. XIV Niles Eegister, 179.
25
194
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
wore retiring into the more populous Parts of the Country; they shot tlie
Horse on which the Man rid, but as it did not fall immediately he mndp
his Kacape; the Woman, it is supposed, fell into their Hands, as neithtr
she nor the Horse on which she was riding, have been since seen or
heard of.
" The same Party of Indians have also killed or carried off Benjamin
Rogers, his Wife, and seven Children, and Edmund Marie of Frpderick
County. On Patterson's Creek many Families have, within this Month
been murdered, carried away, or burnt in their llousea, by a Party of
these Barbarians, who have entirely broke up that settlement.
" Another Person, who left Stoddert's Fort last Sunday, acquaints us
that the Inhabitants of that Part of the Country were in the greatest
Consternation; that near 80 Persons were fled to the said Fort for Pro-
tection, and many more gone off in the greatest Confusion to Pennsylvania.
This, it seems, has been occasioned by an Express that was sent Lieuten-
ant Stoddert and the Neighborhood, by Col. Cresap, advising them, that
a Party of 17 Indians had j)a8sed by his House, and had cut off some
People, who dwelt on the Town Creek, which is a few Miles on this
side Col. Cresap's : One Daniel AshlofiF, who lived near that Creek, is
come down towards Conococheague, and gives the same account. He
says also, that as himself and Father, with several others, were re-
tiring from their plantations, last Saturday, they were attacked l)y the
same Indians, as he supposes, and all but himself were killed or taken
Prisoners. It is said that Mr. Stoddert who has a Command of 15
Men, invited a few of the Neighborhood to join him, and to go in
Quest of the Enemy, but they would not be persuaded; whereupon he
applied himself to Major Prather for a Detachment of the Militia,
either to go with a Party of his Men in Pursuit of the Savages, or
garrison his Fort, while he made an Excursion. We hope there will
be no Backwardness in the Militia to comply with such a reasonable
Request, especially as any Party or Person that shall take an Enemy
Prisoner, will be rewarded with Six Pounds Currency; and the Person
who will kill an Enemy, with Four Pounds, provided he can produce
Witnesses, or the Enemy's Scalp, in Testimony of such action."
" Annapolis, October 23, n5f).
" We hear that a Party of 31 Volunteers, under the Command of
Capt. Alexander Beall and Lieutenant Samuel Wade Magruder, marched
from the lower Part of Frederick County towards the Western Frontiers
last Saturday.
" It is said that Col. Henry Ridgely will take the same Rout, with
a Party of thirty Volunteers, next Saturday.
" We hear that next Monday a Party of Volunteers, of about GO
young hearty Men, will set out for the Westward, from Prince George's
1755.]
THE MARYLAND ASSEMBLY.
195
County, for the assistiuicc and Defence of our distressed Friends in the
back Parts of this Province."
Up to this time Maryland liad put no troops in the
field, save a few companies of rangers; and previous
to Washington's defeat at Fort Necessity she refused
to do anything towaixls defraying the expenses of the
Avar. After the Fort Necessity affair, however, the
Assembly was convened, and without delay £6,000
was appropriated, to be expended under direction of
(loveriior Sharpe for the defense of the frontiers, and
the support of the wives and children of the Indian
allies. Several appropriation bills were defeated by
an unfortunate difference which arose between the
two Houses as to how the revenues should be raised ;
and thus Maryland took no part in Braddock's
campaign. She was both willing and able to do so,
but the objection of the upper house to the con-
tinuance of the duty on convicts, which the lower
house proposed, led to a long continued dispute,
whereby ajipropriations were prevented. The dis-
astrous result of the campaign of 1755, however, so
thoroughly aroused the people of Maryland, that
when the Assembly was called together by the
Governor, the lower house yielded its position in
order that the necessary taxes might be levied and
^collected. They recognized the fact that instant
action was imperative. The settlers were in terror,
and hundreds were fleeing from their homes.
Conococheague Creek was the boundary, beyond
which few settlements had extended. Fort Cumber-
land was in a wilderness uninhabited by civilized
meii, save those venturesome trappers and hunters
196
IIISTOFY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
W Sis' '
who had made themselves homes near the Port; it
was separated from the settlements Eastward by an
almost trackless forest, eighty miles in extent.
and was easily flanked, both on the North and tlie
South, so that it presented no obstacle to tlie
predatory bands of savages that attacked the fron-
tiersmen in Virginia and Pennsylvania. The settlers
were compelled, therefore, to provide means for
their own defense. They built stoccade "forts," en-
closing their houses, and thus each man's home
became a castle, which was often the scene of heroic
defense, and not unfrequently of heartrending
disaster, when savage cunning overcame Spartan
courage. Those who were unable to erect these
"forts" relied for safety upon the means afforded by
their more fortunate neighbors, and in case of alarm
they repaired with their families to the nearest
stockade.
On the assembling of the Legislature the emergen-
cies of the situation were clearly set forth, and
£40,000 was at once voted as a fund for defense.
£11,000 of this was to be applied to the building of
a fort and blockhouse on the Western borders, and
sustaining a garrison therein; and £25,000 was
appropriated in aid of any expedition for the general
service." In 175G Pnrt Frederick was commenced,
and before the close of the year it was garrisoned
with two hundred men. This fort was built ujion an
elevated plateau, about one fourth of a mile from the
Potomac. It was constructed of the stone so plentiful
in that neighborhood, and its walls were some fifteen
feet in height, with bastioned corners. As a place of
1755.]
FORT FREDERICK.
107
(lefciipc against Hmall arms it was all that could be
(Icsirt'd, but was not calculated to rcHist an artillery
attack. The shape of the fort was quadrangular,
ciicli of its exterior lines being three hundred and
sixty feet in length, and its walls strengthened with
earth embankments. The work was dcme in the
most substantial manner, as it was designed for
permanent use, and the expense of construction was
something more than £0,000. Barracks sufticient
tor the accommodation of three hundred men were
erected inside, as well as a substantial magazine.
Tilt' walls of this fort are still standing, firm and
strong, covered with wild vines, and shaded by the
tolirtge of large trees which grow in the enclosure.
It is thirteen miles east of Hancock, and maybe seen
from the railroad cars in passing over the Baltimore
and Ohio Road.
Washington remained at Fort Cumberland a few
(lays on his return after the battle, in order to recruit
iiis strength, and then took his departure for Mount
Vernon, at which place he arrived on the 26tli of
July, still suffering from the effects of his illness.
Ho was greatly depressed in spirits, in consequence
of the result of the campaign, in which he had
suffered a very considerable pecuniary loss, in the
matter of his horses and general outfit.
Colonel Innes, being left at Fort Cumberland with
only a very small force of provincial troops, did all
that was possible to alleviate the sufferings of the
wounded soldiers under his care. Many of them
(lied and were buried on the hillside near the Fort.
Others recovered and were assigned to duty. Great
198
HISTORY OF CUMUEKLAND.
[175:1.
care was taken by him to luive the Fort kept in the
most perfect order. The men were recjuirt'd to
thoroughly clean the camp and their (|uarter.s eiioli
day, and every precaution was observed to avoid a
surprise l)y the enemy, which might be attempted at
any moment.
After ]inwldock's army had left Fort Cumlxirliirid.
on the 9th of June, for the advance on Fort
Duquesne, the Indians mmle their appearance with
great frequency and the utmost audacity. Knowiii;:
the weakness of the garrison, they had on several
occasions approached the Fort and fired upon it, but
without doing any damage. Not being ))old enough,
or strong enough, to attack it, they devoted them-
selves to murder and plunder wherever opportunity
offered, and several settlers were killed in the immi-
diate vicinity of the Fort, Others were taken
prisoners and carried off'. The number of persons
who thus fell victims to savage cruelty in a few
weeks was twenty-six.
Governor Sharpe remained some time at the Fort.
upon his visit after Braddock's disaster, and on the
11th of August he declared liis conviction that Fort
Cumberland was not a proper place for a grand
magazine. He had consulted with the engineers ol
the Jirmy, who unanimously agreed with him in
this conclusion, because the Fort was badly l(K',ate(l
being commanded by adjacent hills on two sides.
During the month of August the sick and wounded
were removed to Fredericktown, Colonel Innes fearing
that he might be besieged by an enemy which would
prove strong enough to capture the Fort., Governor
1755.]
INDIAN MASSACRES.
199
SImrpo advised him in case of such an attack, nliould
it iippt'ar that he wouhl ho iinahle to hold the Fort,
to set fnx' to it, and retire at once. After the
(icpiirturc of the men who had been k^ft in the
hospital the }j;arrifl(m amounted tobarely one hundred,
iiiid they became in a Hhort time almost insubordi-
iiiite, the reins of discipline bein}^ greatly relaxed.
Maryland sent a small company of volunteer
soldiers to the Fort, in September, which was under
oominaud of Captain Dugworthy, whom Governor
Sliarpe had commissioned. The strength of the
•rarrison was thtis swelled to one hundred and thirty-
seven men.
Foit Cumberland had never supplied the settlers
with the protection they needed, and many fell
victims to the tomahawk and scalping knife. On the
24th of June the savages had fallen upon two
Dunilios within four miles of the Fort, and near the
river, and killed six men, women and children. On
the 26th they killed seven more, inflicting upon them
tlie most inhuman outrages. In this latter affair the
Indians attacked the house of a settler, and toraa-
Imwked a woman and three children; the husband
seized his gun and fired upon the assailants, but
without effect. One of the Indians fired upon him,
iiiid the ball passed through his mouth; he then
sprang through a back door and ran towards the
woods, when another shot struck him in the thigh,
inflicting a severe wound. He managed, however,
to reach the Fort. A boy who was in the house
was struck npon the head with a tomahawk and
knocked down, after which he was scalped, his
assailants supposing him dead. In a little while he
200
IIISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755,
recovered his senses^ .and found the Indians engaged
in plunder. Fearing they would murder him, he
remained quiet and feigned death. While lying thus
his mother, whose head had been crushed by a blow
of the tomahawk, somewhat recovered, and attempted
to rise u]), when one of the Indians seized her by the
hair, twisted it about his hand, and passing his knife
around her head, with a tremendous jerk tore off
the bleeding scalp. As soon as the Indians left, the
bov fled from the house, and ran into the river.
afterwards making his way to the Fort.
About the 1st of October a war party of Indians
made a descent upon the families living near the
Fort, of whom there were a number on both sides of
the Potomac, some near Colonel Cresap's house, and
others a few miles east of the Fort. A letter written
by Dagworthy at the time said: "It is supposed
that nejir one hundred persons have been murdered
or carried r^way prisoners by these Barbarians who
have burnt the houses and ravaged all the Planta-
tions in that part of the country. Parties of the
enemy appear within sight of Fort Cumberland every
day, and frequently in greater numbers than the
garrison consists of"
A short distance east of the Fort, nenr the river's
bank, two trappers had built themselves houses, and
had brought their families there to settle. About
the 4 til of October a party of savages suddenly math'
their .appearance, completely surrounding ihe housef*.
and taking the people by surprise. Before the men
could catch up their arms they were shot down, and
scalped in the presence of their terror-stricken
families. The houses were plundered, and then
[1755
1755.]
WASHINGTON COMMANDER IN CHIEF.
201
engaged
liim, lie
ing tlub
f a blow
tempted
r by the
lin knife
tore ofl'
loft, tlie
le river,
Indiiiiis
near the
1 sides of
Duse, and
r written
supposed
[lurdered
aus who
Planta-
|s of the
11(1 every
Ihan the
riverV
Ises. and
About
ly made
1 houses.
lie men
ivn, and
Itricken
ll then
burned to the ground, the women and childron being
carried off as prisoners, doubtless to a more horrible
fate, as they were never afterwards heard of.
Four other fjimilies, still closer to the Fort, were
surprised by another war party a few days earlier.
On this occasion the Indians crept stealthily up to
within a short distance of their unsuspecting victims,
fired upon and killed the men, and then tomahawked
every living person they found. They tore the
bleeding scaljis from the still breathing bodies, and
with taunting yells approached the fort and waved
the scalps in the air, in full view of the garrison.
After burning the houses of the settlers the savages
departed tow^ards the north.
On the 14th of August, only twenty days after his
return to Mount Vernon, as a private citizen,
Washington received intidligence of his appointment
as commander-in-chief of the Virginia forces. He
not only had not sought this appointment, but had
declared that he would not accept it unless he could
be assured of the rank and emoluments to which the
office was entitled; be authorized to name his field
officers, and guaranteed such supplies as were neces-
sary, promptly. All his requirements were complied
with, and he was commissioned as commander-in-chief
of all the forces raised, or to be raised, in the colony.
Governor Dinwiddle undoubtedly made this appoint-
ment under the pressure of public opinion, as it was
well known he desired to promote Colonel Innes to
the position, and from that time forward Dinwiddle
was never cordial with the new commander. Captain
Adam Stephens, who had been w^th Washington at
26
202
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1755.
Great Meadows, was made Lieutenant-Colonel. On
the 14th of September Wasliington went to Win-
chester, where he made his headquarters, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Stephens went forward to Fort
Cumberland. After getting matters in a satisfactory
shape at Winchester, and sending out his recruiting
officers, Washington made a tour of inspection of all
the outposts, from Fort Cumberland to Fort Din-
widdie, on Jackson's river, and in order to facilitate
military movements he built a shorter and hotter
road between Winchester and Fort Cumberland, for
the passage of troops and supplies.
In the latter part of this year the old quarrel a.s
tx) rank between provincial officers and those holding
royal commissions was renewed at Fort Cumberland.
and it led to many and bitter disputes. Governor
Sharpe had sent Captain Dagworthy to the Fort with
a company of thirty men, which had been raised in
Maryland, and were the first troops furnished by
that colony. Dagworthy had held a royal comnu!*-
sion, in the preceding war in Canada, and although
he had disposed of the comn)ission for half-pa}', 1k'
assumed n »w to command all provincial officers, no
matter how high their rank might be.
In November, Governor Innes was called to liis
home in North (Jnrolina to look after his estates, ami
before leaving he turned over the command of tiie
Fort to Lieutenant-Colonel Stephens. But no sooner
had Colonel Innes departed than Captain Dagwortliy
issued an order assuming command in despite of the
protest of the officer left in (diarge by the Governor
of the Fort. This assumption on Dagworthy s psirt
175G.
175G.]
THE DISPUTE AS TO RANK.
203
caused wrangling and insubordination amongst the
ofliccrs of inferior grade, all of whom took sides.
The Fort being in Maryland, Governor Siiarpe was
slow to curtail Dagworthy's pretensions, and appeared
rather to sustain him. Governor Dinwiddle argued
that the location of the Fort should not aflect the
matter at all, as it was a "king's fort," built by an
order sent to him from the king, chiefly by troops in
the pay of the king, and that it could not in any way
be regarded as under Maryland authority. The
disputes upon the question of rank continued
throughout the entire winter, and Dagworthy persist-
ently adhered to his right to the command, even
after Washington himself arrived at the Fort.
Dinwiddle declared that it was preposterous for a
Captain in command of only thirty men to pretend
to outrank a Colonel who was Commander-in-Chief of
all the Virginia forces; but as Fort Cumberland was
in Maryland, Dinwiddle would not issue any orders
concerning the matter, and Washington then declared
that unless the dispute was settled and his authority
established he would resign his commission. In
order to secure a settlement of the question, it was
determined to refer it to Major-General Shirley,
Braddock's successor as General in command of the
colonies. The oflicers desired Washington to present
tlie matter in })erson, and on the 4 th of February, 1750,
lu' set out upon a journey to the General's headquar-
ters at Boston, a distance of five hundred miles,
accompanied by Captain Mercer, his aid-de-camp, and
Captain Stewart, of the Virginia light-horse. Thi'
journ(!} was made; upon horseback, the young
204
UISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1756.
officers being dressed in the most stylish uniforms,
and accompanied by their blaclc servants.
^ General Shirley received Washington with the
utmost kindness, and entertained him in the most
hospitable manner. The question as to his rank,
and Dagworthy's pretensions, was fully discussed, and
Washington delivered to the General a letter from
Governor Dinwiddle, bearing date January 23, 175G,
of which the following is an extract :
" Gov. Sharpe has not answered your Excellency's intentions in
removinn; the Dispute between Col. Washinj^ton and Capt. Dapworthy;
he has ordered him to keep the command of the Fort,* which he does in
an absolute manner. We have purchased and laid in provisions for
1,000 men for one year ; as the Fort was the most safe place, they were
deposited there, and a commissary appointed at the charpje of this
country, he will not allow him to discharge his duty, but refuses any
of the provisions to be touched but by his order; and though the provis-
ions are supply'd by this country, he insists on a right to supply his own
men from our magazine, tho' Maryland pays no part of the charj;e; he
otherways acts in an arbitrary manner, & insists on his Rank superior to
any of our officers, and he has not above '.^0 men, when Col. Wasiiington
has upwards of 500.
" This Fort was built by virtue of His Majesty's instructions to me,
and by my orders to Col. James Innes, then in the pay of this colony, and
with a great charge to this country. It's true it happens to be in
Maryland, but I presume His Majesty has .1 right to build a Fort where
he pleases in any of his colonies ; and the guns mounted are guns sent
by His Majesty for the service of Virginia ; it cannot reasonably be
suggested that His Majesty intended them for the Proprietor of
Maryland.
" General Braddock gave a commission to Colonel Innes to be Gov-
ernor of the Fort; his private affairs calling him to his estate, in North
Carolina, he appointed Lieut. Col. Stephens to command in his absence,
Capt. Dagworthy, with his pretended rank, wrested the command from
him without any rule but his commission of Captain in the Canada
Expedition, tho' not on the half pay list, but received a sum of money in
lieu ; by accepting that money I am of opinion he revoked his com-
mission.
♦Oovprnor Kliarpe had ordered Captain D«i»wortliy to cnnflne his authority to troops withl»
lite Fort oJoue, aud not to attempt to coiumaud thoue iu ths camp.
175G.]
THE DISPUTE AS TO RANK.
205
"This afTair makes such noise here that I thought it necessary to
for'd Col. Wash iD/;f ton to you, who can be more particular. If I was to
cull the assembly now, I know this affair has raised the rancour of the
people so much that they would go into extremes of resentment, and do
no business for the service. I am sorry I hare occasion to be so long on
this nffair, but as it makes much noise here, and without you interpose
your authority, I do not know what will be the consequence ; as formerly,
I desire the favor of a Brevet commission to Col. Washington, and to the
other Field officers, and that you would please to reinstate Col. Stephens
to tlie command of the Fort tilt Governor Innes returns. As commander-
incliief of the forces this is in your power only, and without some
regulution in regard to this unhappy dispute I shall not be able to do
anytliing with our Assembly.
•' I forgot to mention that Fort Cumberland being a King's Fort, I
cannot conceive that the proprietor Governor can have any Right to
appoint a Governor, and more so as it has been built by this government ;
the Right is in you, and I doubt not you will assume it in order to restore
Peace."
After reading this letter, and hearing still further
details from Washington, General Shirley put a final
end to all difficulties as to rank, by writing as
follows to Governor Sharpe :
Boston, March 5, 1756.
Sir:
Inclosed is the extract of a letter which I have lately received by
Col. Washington from Gov. Dinwiddie, calling upon me to determine the
right of command between him and Capt. Dagworthy.
You was pleased to assure me at New York that you would send
Buch orders to Capt. Dagworthy as would put an end to this dispute, and
afterwards that you had actually done it,
I should be extremely unwilling to do anything that might appear in
the least disagreeable to any gentleman who had the Honour of bearing
His Majesty's commission, and should have been glad that no such dis-
pute had come before me. But as the command I am honored with from
His Majesty obliges me upon all occasions to act the best for his service,
I must desire that Capt, Dagworthy may be removed from Fort Cumber-
land: or ac(iuainted that if he remains there, he must put himself under
the command of Col. Washington.
I have taken some time to consider this point, and cannot think
that Capt. Dagworthy, who now acts under a Provincial commission, has
any right to the command, as there are no regular troops joined with
those troops now at Fort Cumberland, which would be the only circum-
20G
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[175G.
stance that could oeeusioii a dispute concerning the; riglit of Provinciiil
field olTicers to command in preference to Captains bearinjj cniiimisainns
from His MiijeKty.
I should have sent iny orders to Capt. iJaijworthy through my aid
decamp, but as you have proposed to me to give him such as woulij
clj'ectually remove the occasion of the dispute, I can't but hope you will
still do it ; and I think, besides, as he now acts under a Provincial com.
mission it will be more regular that they should be transmitted to him
from you.
With respect to Fort Cumberland, I am in for- 'd by Capt. Morris.
my aid-de-camp, that the late General Braddock had private instructions
from His R. H. the Duke, to put it in a condition to contain a garrison of
200 men, and that he appointed Col. Junes Gov'r of it, which was given
out in orders; if that be so the matter must remain on the same foot he
put it upon.
1 am with great Regard, Sir,
Your Honour's Most Obedient
Humble Servant,
W. SHIRLEY.
Upon concluding his mission to Boston, Washing-
ton set out on his return to Virginia, spending some
ten dfiys, however, in New York, where he became
greatly enamored with Miss Phillipse, a very elegant
young lady, with whom he became acquainted, and
who afterwards was married to Captain Morris, his
fellow aid-de-camp while with Braddock. In Marcii
he was in Williamsburg, endeavoring to secure the
legislation necessary to secure the frontiers, and to
enable him to march again on Fort Duquesne, wliieh
he was most anxious to capture. He returned
shortly afterward to Winchester, where he received
most startling news as to the depredations of the
savages on the borders.
The Indians had penetrated the country almost to
Winchester, and everywhere they were murdering
175().]
INDIAN INCURSIONS.
207
and scalping the inhabitant!^. lie determined then,
to enter the woods, and punish the redskins. With
this object in view he sent a courier to Fort Cum-
berland for troops, intending to take them, with such
militia as he could organize, and go in search of the
t'liomy. He quickly discovered, however, that this
project would have to be abandoned. The forests
about F'ort Cumberland were literally alive with
hidians, who were constantly devising stratagems
tor destroying tlie Fort and garrison. The troops
here had been sent out in various directions to
punish such parties of French and Indians as they
might be able to overcome, and to rescue settlers.
Those left in the Fort were scarcely strong enough
to defend it, and not a man could be spared. The
courier returned to Winchester, and reported these
tacts. On his return he narrowly escaped with his
life, as upon leaving the Fort the Indians fired upon
him, and endeavored to cut him off. His horse was
sliot under him, and his clothes were cut in several
places by bullets. Governor Innes, who had returned,
and was in command of the Fort, declared that he
could do no more than maintain his position, and if his
force should be reduced he -^vould be compelled to
abandon the post at once. Not only did Washington
thus fail to get the troops he expected, but the
militia neglected also to res^jond to his call.
The Virginia Assembly, seeing the necessity of
prompt action, appropriated £20,000, and proposed
the establishment of a chain of forts along the
AUeglianies from the Potomac to the borders of
North (Carolina. This did not meet Washington's
i
208
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[175G.
1
views. lie advised tlie construction of a strong fort
at Winchester, which should be a central point for
supplies and defense. lie said "Fort Cumberland is
of little use; there is not an inhabitant liviiiL'
between it and Winchester, except a few settlements
about the Fort, and a few families at Edwards's, on
the Cacapehon. At Fort Cumberland I would have
one company to garrison the place to secure it, to
procure the earliest intelligence, and to cover
detachments sent to the Ohio River, which is all tlie
use it can ever be put to." His advice as to makinf;
the fort at Winchester a strong central point was
adopted, and Fort Loudon was the result — the name
being given in honor of the commanding General
who succeeded Shirley. The plan for a chain of
forts was persisted in, the projected number being
twenty-three.
Fort Cumberland was still maintained, however,
and at great expense. Colonel Innes found it neces-
sary in the spring, a second time to go to his home.
and on this occasion he left Major James Livingston
in command.
Colonel Innes was beyond question a gentleman of
much prudence, and one who had a high regard for
his "Perquisites;" besides being rather eccentric in
his orthography. Mr. Brantz Mayer has kindly
furnished a copy of an original letter which came into
his possession through Hon. Alexander R. Botoler,
and which was written by Governor Innes at the
time of turning over the command of the Fort to
Major Livingston. It is quite an interesting docu-
ment, and is as follows :
175G.]
AFFAIRS AT THE FORT.
209
By James Inncs Msqr Govr of Fort Cumberlund,
May 2«th 1756.
To The Fort Major of said Fort or to bis assistant when absent on his
Mnj's Service.
You are to See that all the Out Doors of that Roe of Barracks next
to Potoniack or fasing the New Store be made Stench & Strong not to be
opened upon any account whatever. That the Camp CuUermen be
Appointed & to keep the Garrison Sweet & clean.
Ail the Ilowses & hutts on the Botlome or near the Garison Not being
imediatt'ly occupeyd for Ilis Majestys Use & Service Custome hath
made them a Perquisite of the Governors. & as farr as the Guns in
the Fort cann throw a shott the land is deemd for the use of the Gari-
Bon. You are therefore to insist upon a moderate Rent as my Right.
1 the account of which you are to trance mitt to me.
Given under my hand att B'ort Cumberland this 2()th May 1756.
JAMES INNES.
To James Livingston, Esq.
The "Governor" evidently received some moneys
from the rent of the houses near the Fort, a number
of which were occupied by traders, who had brought
merchandise of such character as the soldiers cared
for, in which they speculated. The sums thus
collected he regarded as his "perquisites," and was
careful to order that Major Livingston should
promptly "trance mitt" them to him.
The location of the Fort was such that several
spurs of the mountain ranges in the vicinity
entirely overlooked it, although when it was con-
structed it was not thought to be within gun-shot of
any of them. The Indians, however, found oppor-
tunity to considerably annoy both the garrison and
the camp at times. On frequent occasions they
would post themselves on the side of Knobley
Mountain and fire into the Fort. They did the same
from the knob now known as McKaig's Hill. And
although the distance intervening was too great to
27
210
UISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1756.
permit them to do much dama<;e, yet very ofUni
their bullets fell inside the palisades, and rendered
the men so uncomfortable that they became anxious
to put an end to such aggressions. On one
occasion, during the summer of 1750, a large party
of warriors had been loitering about the Fort for
several days with a view to taking the scalps of such
unwary soldiers as might venture within their reach.
The troops were on their guard, however, and the
Indians, despairing of cutting any of them off, took a
position on one of the hills, and spent the entire day
firing into the Fort. By loading their guns with
heavy charges of powder, they were enabled to inakf
it rather djingerous for such of the troops as were
exposed. Major Livingston became much annoyed,
finally, and determined to punish the redskins
severely. Accordingly he ordered a Captain to take
seventy-five men and dislodge the enemy. The niglit
was cloudy, and there was no moon. The Captain
took his force out under cover of the darkness,
crossed the creek at the ford just above its mouth,
and in perfect silence marched to the foot of the hill;
here they formed a line, and cautiously surrounded
the Indians, ascending and approaching to within
about seventy-five yards of them. The savages were
totally unprepared for an attack, and had posted no
guards, evidently believing the garrison was too
weak to molest them. The soldiers lay quiet,
awaiting daybreak, at which time they intended to
make an assault. As the light broke in the east,
every man lay with his hand on the trigger of his
gun, and as soon as the Indians began to move about
[I7r)(i.
1750.]
KILL-BUCKS STRATEGY FAILS.
211
y often
[jnderod
iinxious
)n OIK'
re part)
b'ort for
1 of such
Ir reach,
and the
T, took a
itire day
ns with
to make
as were
innoyed,
I redskins
to take
le night
Captain
irkness,
mouth,
the hill;
rounded
within
res were
isted no
Ivas too
quiet,
lided to
lie east,
of his
le about
tlie signal was given, when a volley was poured into
tlieir midst. The siirprise was complete. The
savages were utterly confounded; they had no time
to secure their arms before the whites discharged
another volley, cutting down most of them. Those
who were not killed or wounded sought safety
in liigiit, but they were picked ofl' one after another,
and few succeeded in getting off with their lives.
The Indians after this troubled the garrison but
little by firing from the hills, but they sought by
every means to be revenged for the slaughter of their
comrades, and gathered in great numbers about the
Fort. Amongst the most cruel, bold and bloodthirsty
of these warriors was Kill-buck, a Shawanese chief,
who had, previous to the war lived near the settlers,
on the South Branch of the Potomac, most of whom
he knew. He was a powerful man, and possessed of
much intelligence, but inhuman in his nature. He
had made good use of his knowledge as to the homes
and strength of the settlers, and had been guilty of
many cruel murders. He had command of the
Indians who had gathered about Fort Cumberland,
and held a council for the purpose of determining
upon the best method of capturing the Fort and
destroying the garrison. It was finally determined
to resort to stratagem, and a plan was made by which
they were to secure an entrance, on the pretense of
friendship, after which they were to overpower the
troops and put all, officers and men, to death.
Accordingly, Kill-buck, marched up to the Fort, at
the head of his warriors, making signs of friend-
ship, and requested Major Livingston to admit
212
HISTORY OF CUMBEULAND.
[1756.
them, in
order that they might have a con-
Hultation; he said they were the friends of the
English, and did not wish them harm, but woulij
bury the hatchet. Major Livingston knew the
character of Kill-buck too well to trust him, but
nevertheless pretended to Ixilieve his professions, and
ordered one of the gates to be opened to them,
Feeling secure in the success of their stratagem, the
warriors filed in, grimly looking to the right and k'ft,
So soon, however, as the principal warriors had
entered, the gates were closed, and Kill-buck found
the troops drawn up in line in front of their barracks,
with their loaded guns in their hands ready for
service. He turned upon the Major and haughtily
asked the cause of this treatment, whereupon that
officer charged him in the most forcible and con-
temptuous language with having come with a lie in
his mouth and murder in his heart, to deceive liini:
he told Kill-buck that he had seen through his
stratagem, and now intended to punish him severely
for his treachery. Kill-buck and his chiefs were
seized and disarmed, and were then dressed in
petticoats; the gates were opened, and they were
driven forth with jeers and laughter by the soldiers,
who taunted them with being squaws, and old
women. This humiliation was greater punishment
to the Indians than death, and they left the place
utterly dejected and disgraced.
One of the parties of Indians that visited Fort
Cumberland in August was commanded by Langlade,
who was sent here to ascertain what the English
were about, and whether preparations were being
1750.]
TWO OPINIONS ABOUT THE FORT.
213
iiiii(lo for aiiotht^r advance.
lie ciinic! waH as follows :
The order under which
'' Dmuiis, ('hevalier oi the Royal and Military Order of St Louio,
Captiiiii of Infantry; commandant of the Ohio and its tributaries : It is
ordfred liiat Sicur Lnnghide, Knsign of Infantry, start at the head of a
detachment of French and Indians, to go in the direction of Fort Cum-
biirland.
" In case the savaires prefer to quit the great highway, Sieur Langlade
will, with the French detach himself from them, in order to follow them ;
the principal object of his mission being to examine if the enemy is
malting any movement in those parts.
"He will march with caution and distrust, to avoid all surprises f.nd
any ambuscade. If he strike in conjunction with his Indian allies, ho
will employ nil his talent to prevent tin m from the exercise of any
cruelty npoii those who may fall into their i i^ls :
" Uone at Fort Duquesne, the ninth of Ai t, 1756,"
Langlade's party advanced no rther than Fort
(.'iimberland, and they did little or no damage.
Washington's views as to the campaign proposed
to be r.ov,- commenced differed from those of Governor
Dinwiddie, very materially. Washington was anxious
to get rid of Fort Cumberland, as he thought it
useless, for various reasons which he gave; among
others, it was commanded by adjacent hills; was not
strong enough in its construction; and was easily
tlaiiked. Dinwiddle had persistently declared that
it should be maintained, and he had made it the
chief depot of stores; besides which he had sent a
portion of the troops from Winchester, and thus
hiterfered with the work on Fort Loudon, which
Washington was desirous of having comj)letea.
Dinwiddle had found it convenient to oppose
Washington in all of his plans, and gave him much
annoyance; losing no opportunity to vent his reseni>
ment in this manner upon the commander of the
214
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1756.
Vir<2;inia forces, bocauso he had Hoeurod tho phicc tlid
Governor intended lor his favorite, Colonel linit's.
Washington wrote as follows to Speaker Robinson:
WlNClIKHTKll, iJlh August IT.)!).
Sib :
Fort Cumberland at present contains all our provisions and vuliiiilil'
stores, and is not capable of an hour's defense, if the enemy were
only to bring a sin/^le halfpounder aj^ainst it, which they m\<r\\\, do
with great ease on horseback, l^esides, it lies so remote from tliis
jilace, an well as from the neighborinn; inhabitants, that it requires as
much force to keep the communication open to it as a fort at the
Meadows would do, and employs one hundred and fifty men, who are
a dead charge to the country, as they can be of no other use than just to
protect and guard the stores, which niiurht as well be lodged at Cox's
Fort;* indeed better, for they would t.-i-n be more contiguous to this
place, to the inhabitants, and to the enemy, and more serviceable if we
should ever carry an expedition over the mountains, by opening a road
where the Indians have blazed. A strong garrison there would not only
protect the stores, but also the few remaining inhabitants on the Hninch,+
and at the same time waylay and annoy the enemy, as they pass ami
repass the mountains. Whereas the Ibrces at Fort Cumberland, iyin;r i-
a ( irner quite remote from the inhabited parts to which the Indians
always repair to commit their murders, can have no intelligence of am-
thing that is doing, but remain in total ignorance of all transactions.
When I was down I applied to the (iovernor for his particular and
positive directions in this affair. The following is an exact copy of his
answer: — "Fort Cumberland is a king's fort, and built ch idly at the
charge; of the colony, therefore properly un<ler our direction until a
governor is appointed." Now, v.'hcther I am to understand this ay or no,
to the plain, simple question asked, — "Is the fort to be continued or
removed ?'' I know not.
To this letter Speaker Rol)iiison rc^plied, saying,
"The Committee were all in opinion with you, that
the keeping of Fort Cinnberhmd was an unnecessary
expense; but upon my mentioning their opinion to
the Governor, he appeared very warm, ana said Lonl
Loudou might do what he pleased, but for his part
*Cox'h Fort wa8 on rnt.or.soii's Creak, 2S mllea from Fort CMimberlaiid.
tSouth Brancb of the rotomao.
17-%.]
A COUNCII. AT THE FORT.
215
he would not remove the gai-rison, nor order tlu^ fort
to be demolished."
Siiortly iifter this, Washinfjjton, while on a visit
to Mount Vernon, wrote as follows to (Jovernor
Dinwiddie:
I liuve in sevcrHl letters to your Flonor expn-ssed my opinion with
ciuulor and froodoui about tlm sitimtion, works and garrison at l''ort
Ciimlicrlfind. I havu upon all oc-oasions said that Kort ('umbcrland is a
|i|(i(eorno strf!nj»th, and never can be tenable from the badness of thn
proiinil. It is far remote from any of our inhabitants, exposed to the
insults n( the enemy, contains ail our /aluublo stores (save what 1 have
removed to Winchester), and a pitrrison of 170 men, which is too larpe a
number to be spared fron •her places, nierelv to defend the stores at
this, and 'oo small to afford detachments to waylay and .surprise the
pncniy. I .shall, therefore, be^ leave to observe, in regard to Fort ('urn-
berland, that if it is continued wc must be confined to act defensively,
and keep our forcea dispersed as they now are. The jilaci; must be
fortified with strong works or else it will inevitably fall, garrison and
stores, into the enemy's hands. I inclose Col. Shepherds' letter on this
lipad in answer to one I wrote him.
1 have the honor to be &e., etc.,
(iKO. WASHlN(iTt)N.
Mount Vkknon, Sept. 23, 1750.
Dinwiddle still vehemently opposed all proposi-
tions lor the removid of the Fort, and wrote to
Wii.sjiington, stating his reasons for its maintenance;
hut finally proposed to him that the entire matter
nhoiild be referred to a council of officers to he held
at the Fort. This was agreed to. The council was
iij)pointed, aiul in due time held its sessions, at
wliieh the ((uestion was fully argued, and carefully
considered in every particuliir. The council rept)rted
at large, assigning the reasons which might be urged
l)oth for retaining and for abtrndoning the Fort, but
I'orbore to express a decided opinion. Colonel
Washington approved the report, .and endorsed
thereon his own comments, after which he forwarded
216
niSTOKY OF CUMBERLAND.
[175C,
ii
K
the whole to Governor Dinwiddle. The Council
agreed that the Fort was wholly defenseless,
imperfectly constructed, and commanded by several
hills within gunshot; but they thought it important
that a post should be maintained in this quarter,
since the only road to the West for wlieel carriagos
passed in this direction. With this view of the
subject Colonel Washington concurred, but was still
of the opinion that a more favorable position ought
to have been chosen, and suggested that it should be
in advance of Fort Cumberland, somewhere in the
vicinity of Little Meadows. He thought, also, that
Virginia should not be expected to maintain this Fort
alone, but that Maryland and Pennsylvania should
unite with her in the enterprise, as they were all
equally interested in the prime object, which was to
facilitate an expedition to the Ohio River, and to
furnish a means of protection against the advance of
the enemy into either of the Colonies.
Upon receipt of the report, Governor Dinwiddle
wrote to Washington in reply: "■! received the
opinion of the council of war in regard to Fort
Cumberland; as it was an affair of great consequence
I called the council tor their advice. In consequence
thereof I hereby order you, immediately to march
one hundred men to Fort Cumberland, from the
forces you have at Winchester, which Captain Mercer
says are one hundred and sixty enlisted men. You
arc to remain at Fort Cumberland, and make the
place as strong as you can in case of an attack.
You are to send out parties from the Fort to observe
the motions of the enemy, if they should march over
1756.] COL. STEPHEN IN COMMAND OF THE FORT. 217
the Alleghany mountains. Any stores at the fort, not
absolutely necessary for its defense, you are to send
to Winchester."
Previous to the calling of the council, Washington
had been requested by the Assembly to prepare a
plan of defense for the frontiers, by means of a line
of forts extending from Maryland to North Carolina.
In compliance with this request, he submitted a plan
embracing twenty-three forts, of which Cox's Fort
was the most advanced, Fort Cumberland being left
entirely out.
Colonel Stephen succeeded Major Livingston in
command of the Fort in the fall, and the Colonial
Records furnish us with the following letter written
bj him to the Governor of Pennsylvania :
Port Cumberland, Sept. .SO, 175G.
Sir:
Yesterday came into this garrison John Adam Long, who lived in this
neighborhood, and was taken Prisoner on the 3d of April last, ne&r to a
fort on thti Virginia Frontiers, commanded by Captain Cox. He is a
sensible man of fifty five years of age, and informs me that he was
carried directly to Fo'*t Duquesne, on his way to which place he met one
liundreil and fifty Indians near to this Fort, going against the inhabitants
of the Virsrinia frontiers ; that this party, joined with several others down
before them, engaged Captain Mercer, at the head of a detachment from
this Fort; that there were nine Indians killed in that engagement, which,
with their seeing the Tracts of several scouting parties after them, made
them return without doing much mischief to the Inhabitants ; that he
was detained at Fort Duquesne about twenty days, during which time
the Dekwares carried in several Prisoners, One of which they roasted A
hive. Two others they put to death in a Cruel and Barbarous Manner.
ADAM STEPHEN.
The French officers constantly professed a desire
to prevent everything of a barbarous character on
the part of their Indian allies, but as there are
numerous well authenticated instances in which
28
218
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1756.
they were witnesses to scenes of torture, which
they made no eflbrt to prevent, the honesty of their
professions may well be doubted.
In a letter of M. Vaudreuil to M. de Machault,
dated Montreal, August 8th, 1750, found in the New
York Colonial Manuscripts — Paris Documents, vol.
X., under the head of "Occurrence since the 10th of
June," are the following entries :
" Five deserters from Fort Cumberland iirrived at Fort Duquesne.
"A detachment under the command of Sieur de Celeron de Blainville
fell in \rith some of the enemy's scouts at this side of Fort CumberlanJ.
These two parties met unexpectedly, and (iced point blank, the enemv
immediately fell back; we killed three of them, whose scalps have been
carried off by the Indians, but we lost Sieur de Blainville, one Huron,
one Delaware, and one Onondago.
" Five Chouanons had a similar adventure a little nearer Fort
Cumberland. They scalped three English. One of their men was
killed.
" A party from different tribes having divided, returned in squaJs
with a number of scalps.
''Sieur de Rocheblave, with another cadet, a corporal, a militianian,
and twenty Chouanon's knocked at the gate of a small fort, three \ci\fm
beyond Fort Cumberland, where there remained some families and thirty
militia. He killed four Englishmen, whom the Indians scalped; wounded
three who dragged themselves into the fort, and took three prisoners.'
" A detachment under the command of M. de Celeron had a Hl'IiI
near Cresap's Fort, in the rear of Cumberland; killed eight Englishmen,
whose scalps the Indians were not able to secure, finding themselves in
the dusk of the evening, under the musketry of the Fort. We have had
two Indians killed and one wounded.
" The garrison at Fort Cumberland is not paid; it is greatly dimin-
ished b' sickness which has prevailed there all winter, and still continues.
''Cn the 8th of June the grass was growing in the roads couimuni
eating with Cumberland. lOxpresses no longer came any furtiier than
Winchester on account of our Indians, who are always in the field.
" Not a grain of Indian corn has been planted betft aen that post and
Kaneghuigik, twenty five leagues distant from it towards the sea.
" It was thought that Fort Cumberland would be soon ubamloned;
*U is not known tlint any fort was in existence "tliree leuKuex beyond Fort Cumberlanii.
Cresap'a fort was about four leaKueB east, and is probably tlie one referred to. Below Knln
Creek, and about three mileH from Cumberland, there is a tract of land which wan namM i»
1791 "Fort Lip," which ia referred to in Jacob's Life of Creoap. There auiy liave beeu a »»*"
fort tliere.
[1751).
:, which
of their
iachauh.
the New
nts, vol.
2 10th of
luqueane,
ie Blainville
]!iiml)erlaml.
i, the enomy
s have been
one Huron,
nearer I v.:
nv men was
(1 in squaJs
\\ mllitiainiiii.
hree leajrues
OS and thirty
(h1; wounded
prisoners*
had a li?bt
•in)?lishmen,
lemselves in
e have had
|-eatly dimin'
111 continiies.
lis com muni
further tlian
1 field.
Lat post and
lsea<
I abandoned;
1 CiimberlMil-,"
Ileliiw Kviti*
Iwiis Diitati 111
I been » so""
1750.]
EXECUTION OF A SPY.
219
more than tJirt« int nths have elapsed aince a waggon or bateau had come
there,"
It will be seen that the French were constantly on
the ah^rt, and were kept well inlbrmed of all that
tran^pirod. In the fall of 175G, two of their spies
came to Fort Cumberland, and endeavored to
possess themselves of an accumtc knowledge of the
strength of the garrison, the number of men in the
guard, the weakest points in the Fort, &c., with a
view to arranging a plan by wdiich the Indians might
capture it. The movements of these fellows were
closely watched, and finally the commandant of the
fort ordered their arrest. They were immediately
tried by a court martial, convened for the purpose,
and the evidence being conclusive they were re-
manded to prison, one of them being sentenced to
death. He was taken out next morning, and hanged
to a tree in the vicinity of the Fort. The other was
sent under guard to Annapolis, to Governor Sharpe,
his life being spared on condition that he would
divulge to the Governor certain important informa-
tion concerning the French and Indians.
When Washington received Governor Dinwiddle's
order, requiring him to march one hundred men to
Fort Cumberland from Fort Loudon, he was much
annovod thereby, and WTote to Dinwuddie, assuring
him that the ch.'v ,go would occasion much inconve-
nience, as the works at Winchester were still
incomplete, and the force there was so small that it
was barely sufficient to protect the place. He did
not, however, want it inferred by his acts and words
tliat he objected to Fort Cumberland, on any personal
220
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1756.
grounds, and concluded his letter by saying, "I had
rather a thousand times be at Fort Cumberland."
Washington had visited the Fort only a short time
before, early in November, and had ordered all stores
to be removed to Winchester, except feucli as were
absolutely needed for the use of the garrison. While
here he had a conference with a number of Catawba
Indiana who came in, and were friendly. They
asked him to supply them with clothing, wampum.
pipes, tomahawks, and silver trinkets for the hands
and arms. He regretted his inability to gratify their
demands, but assured them of the friendship of the
English for the Catawbas, and gave them tomahawks
and wampum, which he purchased for them.
The question as to the abandonment of Fort
Cumberland was still discussed very earnestly, and
Lord Loudon wrote to Governor Dinwiddie, saying;
" As to the affair of Fort Cumberland I own it gives me great
uneasiness, and I am of the same opinion with you, that it was verv
material to have supported that Fort this winter, and after that we could
easily have made it a better post than ever it has been, from what I hear
of it. I cannot agree with Colonel Washington in not drawing in the
posts from the stockade forts in order to defend that advanced one; anJ I
should imagine much more of the frontier will be exposed by retiring
your advanced posts near Winchester."
Washington was convinced that Lord Loudon's
opinions were based upon the representations of
Governor Dinwiddie, and he became soon after greatly
annoyed by the contradictory orders transmitted
to him by the Governor, in consequence of which
he was uncertain as to what was really expected of
him. He said "if, under these circumstances, my
conduct is responsible for the fate of Fort Cumber-
[1750.
1756.] SHOULD THE FORT BE MAINTAINED? 221
"I had
md."
ort time
11 stores
as were
While
Catawba
. They
ampiim.
le hands
ify their
p of the
lahawlts
of Fort
ptly, and
saying:
me great
WHS very
we could
idt I hear
in^ in the
one; and I
)V retiriiifr
oudon's
ons of
greatly
mitted
which
cted of
OS, my
iniber-
iand, it must be confessed that I stand upon a
tottering foundation indeed." He steadily opposed
the abandonment of the stockade forts on the South
Branch, and protested against the scheme, as dan-
gerous and unwise, involving the peril of the entire
frontier. He wrote to Speaker Robinson again,
giving expression to his fears. That gentleman in
his reply said :
"lam truly concerned at the uneasiness you are under in your
present situation, and the more so, as I am sensible that you have too
much reason for it. The resolution of defending Fort Curnberlam' \ud
evacuating the other forts, was taken before I knew or mistrusted ..iy-
thing of the matter. I must confess I was not a little surprised at it, and
took the liberty to expostulate with many of the council upon it, wnc
gave me in answer, that Lord Loudon had insisted that Fort Cumberland
should be preserved, and as we had so few troops, it could not be done
without breaking up the small forts and taking the men from them.
'' It was to no purpose to tell them that our frontiers would thereby be
entirely exposed to our cruel and savage enemy, and that they could
re ■ ive no protection from Fort Cumberland, as it was in another
province, and so remote from any of our inhabitants; and further that the
act of Assembly, which gave the money solely for the defence and pro-
tection of our frontiers, would be violated and the money applied
otherwise than the Assembly intended. Yet notwithstanding all I could
say they persisted in their resolution without alleging any other reason
than that it was in pursuance of Lord Loudon's desire.
"It cannot be a difficult matter to guess who was the author and
promoter of this advice and resolution, or by whom Lord Loudon has
been persuaded that the place is of such importance. But supposing it
were really so, it ought to be defended by the people in whose province
it is [Maryland], or at least at the expense of the three colonies jointly,
and our own frontier not left exposed for the defence of a place, from
which we cannot receive the least advantage or protection. The present
unhappy state of our country must fdl the mind of every well-wisher to it
with dismal and gloomy apprehensions, and without some speedy altera-
tions in our counsels, which may God send, the fate of it must soon be
determined."
About the first of January, 1757, Washington estab-
lished his headquarters at Fort Cumberland, where
222
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1757.
he remained until March. lie had concluded that
Lord Loudon's opinions had been based uj)on Governor
Dinwiddie's representations, and learning that there
was to be a conference of the Southern Governors
with Lord Loudon, in March, he asked Governor
Dinwiddie's permission to attend, and in response to
his request received a very ungracious letter from
that official, granting him the privilege in the most
churlish terms. Washington then wrote Lord Loudon
a lengthy letter, explaining in full all military
matters with which he had been connected, and the
defects of the militia law of Virginia, which had
caused no end of trouble and confusion. This letter
impressed Lord Loudon very favorably, and when
Washington arrived in Philadelphia he was received
by him in the most cordial manner, and frequently
consulted upon matters of importance. The con-
ference discussed the plan for future operations, and
the result of Washington's representations as to Fort
Cumberland was, that the Virginia troops, provision;*
and stores were ordered to be moved to Winchester,
which was to be made headquarters, and Fort
Cumberland was henceforward to be garrisoned
by Maryland forces. The Fort had been greatly
strengthened during the winter, and a considerable
sum of money expended in its improvement.
About this time Captain Jacobs, an Indian chief.
and forty warriors, made their appearance in the
Cove, near liaystown, or Bedford, on their way to
attack the garrison at Fort Cumbr^'land, expecting
to be joined by others to a number sufficient to
enable them to carry out their project. They killed
1757.]
A FIGHT FOR LIFE.
223
iuul captured all the people at the little settlement
of the Cove, and burned the houses. Hugh McSwine,
one of the settlers, was absent from his home,
and on his return, finding the ruin that had been
wrought, started in pursuit and overtook the Indians.
Jacobs declared him a spy and made him prisoner.
With the Indians was a white man, named Jackson,
who was more bloodthirsty and villainous than his
red comrades. McSwine and another prisoner were
put in charge of Jackson and an Indian, while the
rest of the party went in search of other settlers.
Jackson and the Indian, with the prisoners, traveled
all day, and in the evening stopped at a deserted
cabin, where McSwine was given an ax, and sent to
cut wood for a fire. As soon as he got the ax
McSwine struck the Indian in the head with it and
killed him, after which he turned upon Jackson, but
that individual was too quick for him, and the result
was a hand to hand encounter. Both were powerful
men, and the struggle was long and fierce, the other
prisoner being so badly frightened that he gave no
aid. McSwine finally got hold of the dead Indian's
gun, and succeeded in dispatching Jackson, after
which he scalped him and the Indian, and started at
once for Fort Cumberland, where he arrived the
following evening, and warned Washington of the
intended attack. Jacobs afterwards discovered the
dead bodies of his friends, and finding the trail of
the prisoners to lead towards Fort Cumberland,
abandoned his intention of attacking it. McSwine
was sent by Washington to Winchester, where he
received a Lieutenant's commission.
224
niSTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1757.
McSwine had numerous adventures with the
savafjoH afterwards, and was finally killed in a battle
with them near Li^onier.
On the 5th of April, Governor Dinwiddie ordered
the immediate evacuation of Fort Cumberland by the
Virginia troops, two companies of which were to
proceed to Fredericksburg, under command of
Colonel Stephen, to be sent thence by direction of
Lord Loudon to South Carolina, where it was
anticipated an attack would soon be made. Thi«
letter miscarried, and on the 8th of April a
council of war was called at the Fort, at which it was
determined that the place should be held until
the arrival of Captain Dagworthy with the Maryland
troops.
On this day one hundred and twenty-four Catawba
Indians arrived at the Fort, and were hospitably
received by Colonel Stephen. They declared their
intention to help their white brothers, the English,
to drive out the French. A few days after their
arrival, two of these Indians were in a canoe on the
Potomac, near the Fort, intending to cross the river.
When they had reached the middle of the stream
they were suddenly fired upon from the shrubbery
on the opposite side, and both Indians fell dead in
the canoe. All the Indians in the Fort, and about
one hundred white men, went at once in pursuit of
the foe, and succeeded in securing a number of
scalps.
Fort Cumberland long continued to be a source of
uneasiness and dispute. It was the cause of nuich
annoyance to Washington, as well as to the Gover-
1757.]
COMMUNICATION UNSAFE.
225
iiors and Assomblios of Virj^inia and Maryland.
Wlieii the Maryland AH.sonibly nu't. Governor SliariH)
appealed to it for money to Hii])i)ly the wants of the
irarrison, hut was met with a most indignant refusal.
"That garrison," said the Assem))ly, ''wius stationed
contrary to the i)hun destination of all the forces
raised and to be supported hy law; and, if any evil
consequences have heretofore or may hereafter follow
a want of supplies, let those answer for them who
liave. contrary to law, been the means of stationing
troops where they had no right lo place them."'''
The dilhcultie,-' of keeping up connnunication
between the Fort and Winchester were of the most
serious character. The whole country was infested
with Indians, and the couriers were often killed or
captured. Dinwiddle's letter of the 5th, heretofore
referred to, was lost entirely, and another, of
the 7tli, was three days in reaching its destination.
Washington wrote to Dinwiddle as follows:
Sill:
Fort Cvmberlanh, 10 April, 1757.
Your letter bj express on the Sth instant, I fear has fallen into the
hands of the common enemy, for I have never seen it. The other, of the
"til, I this day received, and being exceedingly embarrassed to come at
your intentions, and really at a loss to know in what manner to act in
such perplexed and difficult circumstances, I called a council of officers
to my aid. The result of tin; advice you will find onclosed.f
It will not be in my power to be in Williamsburg by the 22d, as your
Honor desires ; but as soon as I can I certainly will. I leave orders with
Colonel Stephen to march this garrison to B'ort Loudon, as soon as it is
relieved, which cannot be before this express may return, and then your
further orders may be received. We have no advice of Dagworthy's
marching, though orders were sent him.
I shall order all the country's stores ;o be carried to Fort Loudon,
♦VoteBaml TrocBedlngs Maryland Assembly, Oct. 1757.
tlliia »u.s lu the elTect that the Fort sUauld uot be evacuated until the arrival of the Maryland
troops
29
*^
226
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1757.
k
•
»!i(1 the two coiiipanieK on PatlnrHon'R Creek to bo posted )n the Brancli
to complete tlio iiumhor tl\Ht wiis (loHifrned for thut phice. I Imvi!
ordered a purticiilar return of the proviHions to be mude out, and Colonel
Stephen to take Captain l)a},'wortliy'8 rcceip*, for the (juantitjr lell.
We have been at a ^'ood deal of unavoidable expenae and trouble to
furnish the Indians with .such things as they wanted. Some hostile
Indians killed two Catawbaa, on Thursday last, at about one hundred and
fifty yards from the Fort, and seventy from a .sentry, and made thtir
escape, though pursued by other (/atawbaa and near two hundre'' men.
And the day before yesterday, two soldiers were killed and a third taken
prisoner, as they were coming to this place from the Fort below. The
rest of the party, b«iing ten in number, with Captain Wa{,'gener arann)(
them, made their escape.
The enclosed remonstrance I have just received, and think ii
expedient to send it to your Honor, that you may know the temper and
disposition of the troops. As I expect to be with you in two or thw
days after the express, I think it needless to add anything but an apology
for the incoherence of this letter. The Indians are all around, teazini;
and perplexing me for one thing and another, so that I scarce know what
I write.
I have the honor to be &c.,
GEO. WASHINGTON.
About the ITtli of the month Washington took
his departure from Fort Cumberland, and at once
made hia headquarters at Fort Loudon, where he
remained until near the close of the year, at which
time he obtained a leave of absence, and retired to
Mount Vernon to recuperate his health, which was
Beriously broken.
On the 8th of June, Lieutenant Baker, who had
been out to within n few miles of Fort Duquesne, on
a scouting expediticui, returned to Fort Cuml>erlan(l.
He had taken with him a party of five soldiers and
fifteen Cherokees, and they had surprised some
French and Indians on Turtle creek, about twelve
miles from Fort Duquesne. They brought in five
scalps and one prisoner, a French officer named
Velistre; and, besides, they had killed two other
1757.]
A FALSE ALARM.
227
French officcrH, wliose nainos were Lusosaia and St.
Oure.
A few dayH after Washington's departure six
Cherokee Indians, who had been as far West as the
Oliio River, returned to the Fort, and stated U) Captain
Dagworthy, who had arrived and taken command,
tliat they had seen a large force of Frencli and
Indians near Fort Duquesne; that they were armed
with big guns, and had plenty of wagons and horses,
and were marching to attack Fort Cumberland.
Captain Dagworthy, who questioned them very
closely, was so strongly impressed with their story
that he at once sent an express towards Winchester
to overtake Washington, and to notify the people
tiii'ougliout the country. (Jolonel Stanwix, with his
regulars and the militia from the forts on the Branch,
was at once marched to Fort Cumbeiland, and every
preparation possible made for its defense. Washing-
ton had long feared a movement of this kind, and
was convinced that it could not be successfully
resisted. He said the road from Fort Duquesne to
Fort Cumberland was the only one over which it
would be possible for the French to bring their
artillery, unless they should build a new road, which
would involve a great deal of expense and months of
hibor. To ascertain the exact strength and the
intentions of the enemy, he had spies sent out to
watch their movements. He wrote: "We have
received nothing new from Fort Cumberland since
the IGth. The Indians who brought the first news,
imagine that some of Spotswood's party are yet
watching the enemy. On the contrary, I apprehend
228
HISTORY OF CUxMBERLAND.
[1757.
they are all cut ofT;''' for a man who left Fort
Cumljerlarid on the lOth snys the woods apj)ear to
be quite alive with hostile Indians, who show them-
selves oi>enly in the day. This is unusual with tlieni
unless they are strong." Fortunately the rumor as
to the approach of the French was untrue, and none
of them made their appearance. But Washington
was constantly a[)prehensive of an attack by the
Indians on Fort Loudon, and observed the strictest
caution.
At the close of the month of June, Captain Beale.
who was commanding at Fort Frederick, endeavored
to persuade Colonel Stanwix to order Washington to
reinforce Fort Cumberland again. Colonel Stanwix.
who was then at Carlisle, was commander-in-chief of
the Middle and Southern provinces, at the time, and
he concluded to give that matter into Governor
Sharpe's hands to act according to his own judgment.
Washington s:aid he did not deem it advisable to
send any of his troops to Fort Cumberland, as it was
not in imminent peril, and as V^irginia was under the
necessity of looking after her own frontier, which
was constantly threatened. Colonel Stanwix wrote
to Governor Sharpe as follows:
Camp near Cakuslk, July t, 1757.
Sir:
I did iinarrino that on rt'CM>ipt of an account of our First Alarm bcintr
(.'Oiitradicted that you would send home your militia, and I am at liif
same time glad to hear that you f-au depend upon the 500 men when
any real occasion recjuires it; as )ou apprehend it is for his Majesty's
service that an ofllicer & Detachment from the new companies be sent to
reinforce Fort Cumberlanil you will please to order it to be done in such
proportion as you who must bo the best jud},'e think necessary.
*CHptaiu Spotuwood and bis pnrty were actuuUy cut off by the Iiidiaaa and every one of them
kill' ^.
1757.] ADDKESS AS TO FORT CUMBERLAND.
229
A careful inspection of all the provisions in the
Fort waf made in August, and Mr. Kennedy, in
whose charge they had been placed, had all the meats
repacked and pickled, for use in the future. A
considerable portion of the stores was spoiled, and
Colonel Stanwix sent fresh supplies to replace them.
The condition of Fort Cumberland was taken up
for consideration in the Maryland Assembly at the
session of 1757, and the following address was read
in the House of Delegates on the 15tli of December:
'"Fort Cumberland we are informed, was first begun by some gentle-
men of the Ohio Company, as a storehouse of their goods designed for
the Ohio Indian trade, and never was garrisoned by troops stationed
there by the direction of any law of this province, but commonly by
Virginia forces. That fort, we have too much reason to believe, from an
extract from your Excellency to the Secretary of State, laid before the
lower House in September session, 17o<J, in which are the following words :
"There are no works in this province that deserve the name of fortifica-
tions ; just behind, and among our Western settlements, are some small
stoccado or pallisadoed forts, built by the inhabitants for the protection
of tiieir wives and children; and besides these, there is one larger,
though, in my opinion, not much more capable of defense, on Potowmack,
ab' ai oC, miles beyond our settlements. It has been distinguished by
tlie appellation of Fort Cumberland, and is at present garrisoned by
three hundred men from Virginia. It is made with stoccados only, and
commanded on almost every side by circumjacent hiils' ; a considerable
quantity of military stores, that was left by Gen. Braddock, still remain
there, and two of the carriages that his Majesty was pleased to order to
\ irginip. two years ago, are mounted therein;" is not tenable even against
a trilling force, should they come with any cannon ; and therefore humbly
submit it, whether it might not be a prudent measure to remove his
Majesty's artillery and stores (though indeed the provisions we are told
are thielly spoiledjfrom thence to a place of security.
"Though Fort Cumberland may be constiucted, for anything we
know, near a place proper for the stationing a garrison at, for his
Majesty's sorvicn in general, yet being, as we have been informed, between
fighty and ninety miles from the settlements of the Westernmost inhab-
itants of this province, and in the truth of that information, are confirmed
by your excellency's message of the 11th of this instant, wherein you
say 'the distance from fort Frederick to fort Cumberland, by the wagon
230
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1757.
road, is 75 miles,' and consequently the carriage of provisions thither
very expensive ; we humbly conceive it cannot be reasonably desired, that
the people of this province should be burthened with the great expense
of garrisoning that fort, which, if it contributes immediately to the
security of any of his majesty's frontier subjects, it must be those of
Virginia or Pennsylvania, who do not it present contribute anything
towards the support of it, that we know of.
" We understand the most common track of the Indians, in makin;
their incursions into Virginia (which have been lately very frequent) is
through the wild desert country lying between fort Cumberland and fort
Frederick, and yet we cannot learn that the forces at fort Cumberland
(though most of these that are in our pay, the summer past, have been
stationed there, contrary, we humbly conceive, to the law thai, raised
them) have very rarely, if ever, molested those savages in those their
incursions ; from whence we would willingly presume their passage is
below the Ranges, which troops stationed at Fort Cumberland, can
with safety to that fort, extend themselves to ; and consequently, that any
security arising from those troops, even to the Virginians wlio are most
in the way cf being protected by them, must be very remote, and to us
much more so.
" When from the incursions and horrid depredations of the savaw
enemy in the neighboring colonies, an opinion prevailed, that a force
was necessary for the defense and security of the western frontier of
this province, it was thought most likely to be conducive to those end?,
to have it placed some where near the place fort Frederick is now
constructed; because from thence, the troops that might be judged
proper to be kept on foot for the security of the frontier inhabitant?
might have it in their power to range constantly in such manner as
to protect them against small parties ; and in case any considerable
body of the enemy should appear, or the fort should be attacked, the
troops might at very short warning be assisted by the inhabitants.
" Near the sum of £G,000 has been expended, in purehasina; the
ground belonging to, and constructing fort Frederick, and though we
have not any exact information what sum may still be wanting to com-
plete it, (if ever it should be thought proper to be done) yet we are
afraid the sum requisite for that purpose, must be considerable ; and we
are apprehensive that fort is so large, tiiat in case of attack, it cannot be
defended without a number of men larger than the province can support,
purely to maintain a fortification."
After his retirement to Mount Vernon, Washington
was attacked by a fever which prostrated him, and
rendered him unfit for duty during the next four
1758.]
A GRATIFYING CHANGE.
231
months. On the 1st of March, 1758, he resumed his
command at Fort Loudon. A great many changes
for the better took place in these four months.
Governor Dinwiddle turned over the government to
Mr. John Blair, President of the council, and sailed
for England in January. Mr. Blair had charge of
the government then until the arrival of Mr. Francis
Fauquier, who had been appointed as Dinwiddle's
successor. A still more important change was found
in the addition of William Pitt to the British min-
istry, he having a fuller comprehension of affairs in
America than was displayed by any other members
of the cabinet. Pitt determined upon retrieving the
misfortunes and disgraces of Braddock's campaign,
and at once a combined expedition westward was
mapped out, with a view to putting an end to the
power of the French on the Ohio. Lord Loudon
returned to England, and the command fell upon
Major-General Abercrombie. The forces were
divided into three bodies; the first, under Major-
General Amherst, was to attempt the reduction of
Louisburg and Cape Breton, and was to be aided by
the fleet under Boscawen; the second under General
Abercrombie, was to march against Crown Point; and
the third, under General Forbes, was to proceed to
Fort Duquesne, and capture it. Many distracting
([uestions were peremptorily disjiosed of before the
troops marched. First, the colonial troops were j)ut
upon the same footing as the regulars, except that
the colonies were to clothe and feed them; and finally
the questions as to rank were settled; the provincial
officers of rank no higher than Colonel were to be
232
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[^58.
equal in command with thoHe who hokl royal
commissions. Thus Washington found everything,
under the new administration, much pleasanter, as
we
11
as more
encouragmg.
Virginia augnienteil
its forces to two thousand men, who were divided
into two regiments, one of which was placod
under Washington (who still retained his position of
commander-in-chief of all the Virginia troops), and
the other under Colonel Burd. As General Forbes
was detained at Philadelphia, Colonel Boucjuet* was
sent on to Raystown, now Bedford, Bedford county.
Pennsylvania, with the advance of the regular troops,
where the final preparations for the march upou
Fort Duquesne were to he made, and where the
troops were to be concentrated while the roads were
being opened and prepared.
Meantime the Maryland Assembly, on the 2Gtli
of February, had passed an order for the enlistment of
four hundred men to range the frontiers, and protect
the settlements. The sum of £10,000 was appro-
priated to pay for their equipment and support.
The construction of roads to insure easy communi-
cation with all necessary points first attracted Colonel
Bouquet's attention, in order that there should be no
delay in forwarding either supplies or reinforcements,
lie regarded Fort Cumljerland as a post not to be
neglected in the perfection of his plans, and wrote
as follows to Governor Sharpe :
CoNiGOGEcjH, 1:5th of Juue, 17J8.
Sill : As it will be the greatest benefit to his Majesty's Service to have
a Road of communication open from each of the Provinces to Fort
*nt'iiiy Bouquet was of French (iCTCeiit ; be was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel in the Urilisli
ariu7 iu 17S6. Ue was apiK>iated a Brigadier iu 176S, aud died at Feuaacola, Florida, iu 1760.
1758.] WASHINGTON'S RETURN TO FORT CUMBERLAND. 23'?
Cumberland, I am under the necessity of requesting of you to have the
straijilitost Road reconnoitered leading from Fort Frederick to Fort
Cumberland. Recommending to those you appoint to mark it out, to
report the time that 500 men will take to cut it. Any Expense you
may be at shall be paid by Sir John St. Clair, as he will be the nearest
to you. Please to send him the Report of it, that if found practicable he
mavsend troops to work at it.
I am with the highest Regard Sir, your most obdt
and most humble serv't
T(. the Honble Gov. Shaki-k. HENRY BOUQUET.
Tlie Virginia troops were ordered to join Colonel
Bouquet's forces, and V/ashington marched for Fort
Cumberland on the 24th of June, arriving here on
the 2d of July. The march was made in detach-
ments. Washington being with the advance, and
Licutenant^Colonel Stephen taking six companies
direct to Rays town by another route. Upon his
arrival at Fort Cumberland, Wtishington addressed
the following letter to Colonel Boucpiet :
V\Mi' NK.Aii Fonr CuMBKiii.ANn, 3 July, 1758.
T" Colonel Henry Bouquet,
Comnianding at liaystown :
Sir: According to orders I marched from Winchester on the 24th
ultimo, and arrived at this place yesterday, with five companies of the
lirst Virji;inia regiment, and a company of artificers from the second, as
you may observe by the enclosed returns. My march, in consequence of
liail teams, and bad roads, notwithstanding I had sent forward the artifi-
cers and a covering party three days before, was much delayed. As 1
cannot suiipose you intended to send any part of my men upon the roads,
till joined at this place by Colonel Byrd, I shall decline sending any on
timt service till he arrives, which I presume will bo to morrow.
There came twenty-eight wagons with me to this place, and I believe,
if they were wanted, ten more might be had upon the South Branch,
strong and good, but carrying horses are certainly more eligible for the
sfrvice to which they are destined. I have received a very scanty allow-
ance of tents for the five companies, namely, sixty-nine only. Out of
these most of the officers must eithisr be supplied or lie uncovered. They
**'" readily pay for what they receive if required. No bell tents were
sent to ns.
30
234
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND.
[1758.
My men are bare of regimental clothing, and I have no prospect ofa
supply. So far from regretting this want during the present curapaigu,
if I were left to pursue my own inclinations, 1 would not only order the
men to adopt the Indian dress, but cause the officers to do it also, and be
the first to set the example myself. Nothing but the uncertainty oi
obtaining the general approbation causes me to hesitate a moment to
leave my rogimentals at this place, and proceed as light as any Indian in
the woods. It is an unbecoming dress, I own, for an officer ; but conve
nience, rather than show, I think, should be consulted. The reduction of
bat-horses alone would be sufficient to recommend it, for nothing ii.
more certain than that less baggage would be required, and the public
benefitted in proportion.
It appears that within a short time after writing
tlie above letter Washington actually did put his
men in Indian dress, as the fact is referred to in a
letter written him by Colonel Bouquet, from Rajs-
town, in July, in which he commends the costume,
and declares it should be a pattern for the dress of
the soldiers in the expedition then going on.
Several hundred Indians had joined Washington.
and many of them were with him still, at Fort
Cumberland. These proved useful on frequent occa-
sions. The construction of a passable road between
the fort at Raystown and Fort Cumberland was
absolutely necessary, and had been commenced, but
numerous parties of hostile Indians being about the
forts, as well as along the line of the road, rendered
the work exceedingly dangerous. The couriers going
forth and back were constantly fired upon, and a
wagoner was' shot down one day within five hundred
yards of Will's Creek, and in siglit of the fort.
Washington sent out several parties of Cherokees to
attack these prowling bands, but Colonel Bouquet
rather checked their efficiency by ordering that an
officer and several soldiers should accompany tlie
1758.]
A LETTER FROM THE FORT.
235
Indians. The largest party sent out consisted of
cigliteen Cherokees, and they succeeded in driving
oft' the enemy.
On the 6tli of .^uly Robert Munford wrote the
following letter, from Fort Cumberland, to his uncle,
Colonel Tlieodoric Bland, of Prince George's County :
Honrl Sir,
Had opportunities offered, as frequently as Inclination would have
induced me to write to you, you might have read a Letter from every
cncampinent. After being delayed at Winchester, five or six weeks
loiiirer than Expected (in which Time I was ordered Express to Williams-
burgh & allowed but a day after my return to prepare) we pushed ott'
into the wide Ocean. I was permitted to walk every step of the Way to
this humble Fort, to eat little, to lay hard, over Mountain, thro' Mud and
Water, yet as merry & hearty as ever. Our Flankers & Sentrys pretend
they saw the Enemy daily, but they never approached us. A De-
tachment is ordered off this moment to clear a Road thirty miles, and
(lur Companies to cover the Working . Party. We are in fine scalping
ground I assure you, the guns pop about us, & you may see the fellows
prick up their Ears like a Deer every moment. Our Colonel* is an
Kxaniple of Fortitude, in either Danger or Hardship, and by his easy,
polite Behaviour, has gained not only the Regard but affection, of both
otlicers and soldiers. He has kindly invited me to his Table, for the
Campaign, offered me any sum of money, I may have occasion for,
without charging either Principal or Interest, and signified his appro-
bation of my conduct hitherto, in such a manner, as is to my advantage.
In passing my recruiting Acct : I was allowed 18f pr : man, you may
judge how much I was Looser when several officers had 408. Col.
Charles Carter, junr, has a horse of mine in keeping "till my Return •
where he may remain if you think proper. The Batt : money and Forage
money allow'd me amounts to £6<). In everything possible, I shall be
upon the frugal scheme. You may depend upon hearing by all opportu-
nities from Dr Sir, yr truly Affect: & ever
obliged nephew
ROBT. MUNFORD.
Camp near Fort Cumberland,
•luly Gth, 17r)8.
To Mrs. Blaxd :
Hoiid Madam :
fho' I've hardly a moment at my own Disposal, I can't omit sending
..!Ji'-"^*''''''"'"'<'"e' Win. Burd, of tli« 2d Virginia Begimeat and not to Waghington, ••
<t«lM lu « foot note to the BUnd Papers.
236
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1758.
a few words to my dear aunt, Employed from Sun to Sun, yet from Light
to Night, I am mindful of my dear distant Kriends. That yon and your'
may enjoy Every Blessing that Heaven can bestow, is the triliuto of a
Heart sincerely yra llOBT. MUNFORD.
P. S. My love to the Lasses.
To Col Theo Bland, in Prince George.
About this time Colonel Bouquet proposed an
expedition, with a force of regulars, into the enerayV
country, but Washington opjMjsed the movement, as
he said it could only be made with a cumbersome train
of supplies, and must prove futile. He wanted to
move at the earliest p«)ssible moment, with a force
large enough to take Fort Duciuesne, and thus by a
brilliant stroke close the campaign. He Avrote
another letter then, as follows, to Colonel Bouquet:
Camp near Fort Cumuekland, 19 July, 1758.
Sir:
Your obliging favor of this date I just now had the pleasure of
receiving. You flatter me much by coinciding with me in opinion
relative to the proposed expedition.
Captain Dagworthy returned hither yesterday in conseijuence of
orders from Sir John St. Clair, forwarded by the commanding officer at
Fort Frederick. I will send out a party on Braddock's Road whicb I
shall be able to reinforce when Col, Mercer returns.*
I am exceedingly obliged by the handsome and polite manner in
which you are pleased to give me leave to attend the election at Win
Chester. Although my being there under any other circumstances woulJ
be very agreeable to me, yet I can hardly persuade myself to think of
being absent from my more immediate duty, even for a few days. I will
not, however, come to any absolute determination till I receive answers
to some letters on that subject, which I expect this night or to-morrow/
Just before going to Fort Cumberland, Wasliington
had met, courted, and become
engaged
to Mrs.
*Colouel Mercer was then engaged in making the rood between Fort Cumberland lud Bi;$'
town.
tWashington having resolved to (^uit the army at the close of this campaign, had propc*"
himself a« a candidate for tiie Hcise of liiirgCKseH, and his friends wanted liim to be present n
the election, as he had three active competitors, who were at work in person to defeat hio.
He, however, declined to attend, and remained at Fort Cumberland, where he shortly all"'
wards received intelligence of his election by a handsome miyjority. A Vlrgiiiia election in
those days was rather peculiar in so-jie respects, and the participators must have had a "2i™
old time," as Washington was called on to foot a bill of £39 sfi. Items : a, hogshead and a b»rH'
of punch ; ,16 gallons of wine, i3 gallons strong beer and cider, and dinner for his friends.
[1758.
1758.]
ANOTHER ROAD TO THE OHIO.
237
from Light
and your*
ributti of a
"OKU.
ased an
enemy's
tnont, as
mw train
anted to
1 a force
hus by a
e wrote
Kouquet;
y, 17jH,
pleasure o(
> in opinion
ieiiuence of
ijT officer at
iul whiclil
manner in
ion at Win
iinces woulJ
to think of
ays. I will
ve answers
to-morrow.^
shington
Ito Mk.
Innd »u<i "•?*■
I. li»d propo*'
|> be present »i
1 to defeat liii».
B sliortW »ft"-
,1,1 election i»
Jve liad a "P«<«
Id and8b«ii«'
T frieuds.
Martha Cu8tis, a charming young widow, «nd ho
wrote I'rom this place a volume of ardent love letters
to that huly. These, however, liave not been made
pubHc, and the curiosity of the world as to this love
afl'air must remain ungratified so far as this corres-
pondence is concerned.
On the 21st a letter from Washington to Colonel
Bouquet apprised him that Colonel Burd was in want
of a supply of vermillion for the Indians, who needed
it in putting on the war paint, and preparing for
battle. He says:
"The bridge is finished at this place,* and to morrow Major Peachey,
with three hundred men, will proceed to open Gen. Braddock's road. I
iihail direct them to go to George's Creek, ten miles in advance. Hy that
time I may possibly hear from you. If they go farther it may be
requisite to reinforce the party. Hut this matter, I suppose, will be
ordered according to the route determined on by the General, for it will
be needless to open a road, of which no use will be made afterwards.
"Colonel Stephen gives me some room to apprehend that a body
(if light troops may soon move on, I pray your interest most sincerely
with the General to get my regiment and myself included in the num-
ber. If any argument is needed to obtain this favor, I hope without
vanity I may be allowed to say, that, from long intimacy with these
woods, and frequent scouting in them, my men are at least as well
acquainted with all the passes and difficulties as any troops that will be
employed."
Washington had supposed that the advance upon
Fort Duquesne would be made over the old road
whicli Braddock had used. He was greatly surprised,
therefore, to learn that Colonel Bouquet had declared
his intention of constructing a new road from Rays-
town to the Ohio River, and marching a part of his
force by that route, the other part to take Braddock's
•Nowhere has any record been found as to the location of tliiH bridge. Braddock's men had
prepared llie timbers for a bridge, over Wilts' Creek, iu 17S5, but there is no liistory of its
'reclioii. The probability is that it was found necescary to put up a bridge for use during the
nring and (all freshets, as at such times the creek was too much swolieu to permit of wagoni
[■awing the ford.
238
HISTORY or CUMBERLAND.
[1758.
Road, and the t^vo bodies to unite on the Monoiifra-
hehi. The account.s which Braddock had given of
his road, in his dispatches, were of such a character
as to lead the commander of the present exjx'ditioii to
beHeve the road well nigh impassable, and Boufpict's
project of a new road through Pennsylvania was
encouraged by interested parties in that State, who
Uiisured him it could Ik) easily built, and that tlic
grades would be light. Washington strongly opposed
the idea; he assured Colonel Bouquet that it would
cost the army a fatal loss of time, and result in a
barren victory, at best, in the end. He wrote as
follows to Colonel Bouquet:
Camp near Fort Cumberi,and, 25 July, 1758.
De\r Sir :
I do not incline to propose anything tliat may seem otlicious, but
would it not facilitate the operations of the campaign, if the Virginia
troops were ordered to proceed as far as I Great Crossing, and con
struct forts at the most advantageous situations as they advance.
opening the road at the same time? In such a case I should be glad
to be joined by that part of my regiment at Rayatown. Major Peachy,
who commands the working party on IJraddock'a road, writes me that
he finds few repairs wanting. Tonight I shall order him to proceed
as far as Savage River, and then return, as his party is too weak to
adventure further.
We have received advice that our second convoy, of more than
seventy wagons, will be at the South Branch to-day, where I expect they
will be joined by other wagons with forage. They will all proceed to
this place immediately.
I shall most cheerfully work on any road, pursue any route, or enter
upon any service that the General or yourself may think me usefnllv
employed in, or ([ualified for, and shall never have a will of my own,
when a duty is required of me. But since you desire me to speak
my sentiment freely, permit me to observe, that after having conversed
with all the guides, and having been informed by others, who have a
knowledge of the country, I am convinced that a road, to be compared
with General Braddock's, or, inrl.eed that will be fit for transportation
even by pack-horses, cannot be made. I have no predilection for the
route you have in contemplation for me, not because difficulMes appear
[1758.
1758.]
THK TWO ROAHR.
239
ivon of
amcter
lition to
)U(iiU'tV
lia was
to, who
hat the
opposed
t would
lilt in a
rrote as
1758.
Ik'ious, but
le Virjjiniii
I, and con-
advance,
!d be slail
or Pencliv,
OS uie that
() proceed
weak to
liore than
ipect they
proceed to
\, or enter
nsefnlly
my own,
I to speak
lonversed
have a
lompared
lortation
for the
appear
therein, but because I doubt whether satisfaction can be )»iven in the
execution of the jilan. I know not what reports you may have received
from your reconnoiterinfj parties, but I have been uniformly told that, if
you expect n tolcrabhi road by Uaystown you will be disappointed, for no
movement can bo made that w;»y without destroyinj? our horses.
Bouquet was not convinced by Washington's
representations, yet he was desirous of liilly consult-
ing with him, and fixing upon a plan which would
meet with his approval. He therefore wrote to
Washington, saying: ''Nothing can exceed your
generous dispositions for the service. I see, with the
utmost satisfaction, that you are above the influences
of prejudice, and ready to go heartily where reason
and judgment shall direct. I wish sincerely that we
may all entertain one and the same opinion ; therefore
I desire to have an interview with y^u <'t the houses
built half way between our camps." Both officers
went to the place designated, half way Ijctween Fort
Cumberland and Uaystown, and entered into a
•liscussion of the question at issue. Washington
stated that the road taken by Braddock had been
laid out by the Ohio Company, aided by traders and
Indians, the sole object being to secure the best and
most direct route; that the road was in pretty good
order, and could be made ready for use with but
little labor, and that the building of a new
road by another route would consume precious time,
and extend the campaign into another year, which
would have a demoralizing effect upon the soldiers,
as well as upon the colonies. But General
Forbes had determined upon the new route through
Pennsylvania, and Colonel Bouquet naturally took
the same position. Washington succeeded, however,
f
240 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1 T'jS.
in persuadin*]^ him to abandon tlie idea of dividing;
hiH (brcos, and it was finally determined that the
advance upon Fort I)u(iuesne should be over a now
road to be built from KayHtown. Washington Avas
greatly dispirited by this, and he wrote to Major
Halkett, in August, that this Avould ruin the exjx'-
dition, as they would be utterly unab'e to get beyond
Laurel Hill during the winter, lie also wrote again
to Colonel Bou(j[uet:
Camp near Pokt Cumbkbi.and, 2d August, 175.4.
Sir:
The matters of whicli we spoke relative to the roads, have, since
our parting, been the subject of my closest reflection, and so far am I
from altering my opinion, that the more time and attention I bestow, tlif
more I am conlirmed in it, and the reasons for taking Braddock's road
appear in a stronger point of view. To enumerate the whole of thesn
reasons would be tedious, and to you, who have become so much
master of the subject, unnecessary. I shall, therefore, briefly mention a
few (inly which I think so obvious in themselves, that they miiM
effectually remove objections.
Several years ago the Virginians and Peniisylvanians commenced a
trade with the Indians settled on the Ohio, and to obviate the many
inconveniences of a bad road, they, after reiterated and inetl'ectuui
efforts to discover where a good one might be made, employed for tin
purpose several of the most intelligent Indians, who, in the course of
many years* hunting had actjuired a perfect knowledge of these uioiin-
tain.s. The Indians having taken the greatest pains to gain the rewards
oftered for this discovery, declared that the path leading from Will's
Creek was infinitely preferable to any that could be made at any other
place. Time and experience so clearly demonstrated this truth that the
Pennsylvania traders commonly earned out their goods by Will's Creek.
Therefore, the Ohio Company in 1'J5.^, at considerable expense opened
the road. In 1754 the troops whom I had the honor to command greatly
repaired it, as far as Gist's plantation; and in H;");") it was widened
and completed by General Braddock to within six miles of Fort
Duquesne. A road that has so long been opened, and so well and sc
often repaired, must be much firmer and better than a new one, allowing
the ground to be equally good.
But supposing it were practicable to make a road from Raystown
quite as good as General Braddock's, I ask have we time to do if.
[IToS.
ividinji
lat tile
• a now
on \v)b
i Major
e expi'-
beyond
te again
, i7:).s.
liave, sincf
80 far am I
bestow, llie
Idock's road
ole of the8^
e HO much
y mention a
thev must
IT^-iH.]
A QUESTION OF ROADS.
241
lliayslowii
'do it-
Certainly not. To sunnoiint the dilTirulties to he encountt'red in nmkinjj
it over sucli mountiiins, covered with woods and roeks, would require so
much time .im to biiisl our otherwise well grounded hopes of striking tho
important stroke this season.
The favorable accounts that some give of the forage on the Rays-
ti)wn nmd, as Iteing so much better than that on the other, are
certainly exaggerated. It is well known that on both routes, the rich
valleys between the mountains abound with good forage, and that those
which are stony and bushy are destitute of it. Colonel Hyrd and the
in.'ineer who accompanied him, confirm this fact. Surely the meadows
on Hraddoik's road would greatly ovi balance the advantage of having
grass to the fool ot the ridge, on tho llaystown road ; and all agree that a
mnrc barren road is nowhere to be found, than that from llaystown to the
inhabitants, which is likewise to be considered.
Another principal objection made to Oenerul Hraddock's road is in
regard to the waters. Hut these seldom swell so much as to obstruct the
nassagt. The Youghiogany river, which is the most rapid and soonest
filled, 1 have crossed with a body of troops, after more than thirty days'
ahnost continuous rain. In fine, any dilRciilties on this score are so
trivial that they really are not worth mentioning. The Monongahela, the
lurgest of all these rivers, may, if necessary, be easily avoided, as Mr.
I'razier, the principal guide informs me, by passing a defile, and even
that he says, may be shunned.
Again, it is said, there are many defiles on this road. I grant that
there are some, but I know of none that may not be traversed ; and I
siinidd he glad to be informed where a road can be had over these moun-
tains, not subject to the same inconvenience. The shortness of the
distance between llaystown and Loyal Hanna is used as an argument
against this road, which bears in it something unaccountable to me ; for
1 must beg leave to ask whethc^r it requires more time or is more difficult
and expensive, to go one hundred and forty-five miles on a good road
already made to our hands than to cut one hundred miles anew, and a
great part of the way over impassable mountains.
That the old road is many miles nearer Winchester in Virginia, and
Fort Frederick in Maryland, than the contemplated one is incontestible ;
and I will here show the distance from Carlisle by the two routes, fixing
the different stages, some of which I have from information only, but
others 1 boliove to be e^act. From this computation there appears to be
a difference of nineteen miles only. Were all the supplies necessarily to
come from Carlisle, it is well known that the goodness of the old road is
a sufficient compensation lor the shortness of the other, as the wrecked
and broken wagons there clearly demonstrate :
31
242 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1758.
FROM CARLISLE TO FORT DUQUESNK «Y WXY OF RAYSTOWN.
Miles.
From Carlisle to Shippensburg 21
" Shippensburg to Fort Loudon 2i
" Fort Loudon to Fort Littleton 20
" Fort Littleton to Juniatta Crossing , 14
" Juniatta Crossing to Raystown 14
" Raystown to Fort Duquesne 100
193
FROM CARLISLE TO FORT DUQUESNE BY WAY OF F0BT8 FREDERICK AND
CUMBERLAND.
Miles.
From Carlisle to Shippensburg 21
" Shippensburg to Chambers' 12
" Chambers' to Pacelin's 12
" Pacelin's to Fort Frederick 12
" Fort Frederick to Fort Cumberland 40
97
" Fort Cumberland to Fort Duquesne 115
212
All that Washington could say, however, was of
no avail, and Colonel Bouquet was ordered at ouce
to have his men go to work on the new road.
About one-fifth of the force at Fort Cumberland was
taken sick early in August, and no salt provisions of
any kind were on hand, nor an ounce of salt, so that
all fresh meat had to be barbacued in Indian style.
which process caused a loss of at least one-lialf
There were no pack horses in camp, and in
order to equip Captain McKenzie's company for a
march of fourteen days, upon wliich it had been
ordered, five horses W(;re pressed from some country-
men who had come to the camp on business.
Colonel iJurd's men were sick, and all were
greatly dispirited. Washington said, ''This sickness
and depression of spirits cannot arise from the
situation of our camp, which is undoubtedly the most
healthy oi' any grouiid in this vicinity, but is
1758.]
AN INDIGNANT EPISTLE.
243
occasioned, I apprehend, by the change in their mode
of living, and by the limestone water."
There was a vast amount of impatience exhibited
l)V some of the officers, and this was aggravated by
the selfislmess and lack of patriotism displayed by
those settlers and traders who had inliuence, and
who were more interested in securing the construc-
tion of a road at the expense of the government than
in the success of the enterprise against Fort Duquesne.
The following letter was written by Robert Munford,
a Virginian, to his uncle ,Theodoric Bland, Sr., and
is found amongst the "Bland Papers :"
Camt near Fort Cumhkrland, August 4th, 1758.
Hon'i) Sir : If 'tis honorable to be in the service of one's country,
'lis a reputation gain'd by the most cruel hardships you can imagine,
occasioned more by a real anxiety for its welfare, than by what the poor
carcase suffers. Every officer seems discontented in camp, liappy on
■ommaud, so deep is the interest of our country implanted in the minds
of all. Sometimes the army wears a gloomy, then a joyous, aspect, just
as the news either confirms our stay here, or our departure. The General
with the small pox in one, the flux in the other, division of our forces,
anci no provision ready, are indeed excuses for our being here at present;
yet all might have been prevented. A few hearty prayers are every mo-
ment offered up for those self-interested Pennsylvanians who endeavor to
I'levail on our General to cut a road for their convenience, from Rays-
town to Fort Duquesne, that a trifling good to particulars, should retard
what would conduce to the general welfare ! 'Tis a set of dirty
Dukftmeu, they say, that keeps us here ! It would be impertinent to
condemn, yet I must [think] our leaders too deliberate at thi& important
juncture, when all are warm tor action, all breathing revenge against an
enemy that have even dared to scalp our men before our eyes. The
amusement we have in the meantime is only following the brave dogs
over the mour.lains for some miles, and our sole satisfaction sufficient
fatigue to make us sleep sound. An old scoundrel has intimated to the
(teneral that the Virginians have bribed the guides; for 'tis practicable
to f(o the new road, contrary to their report. We have lost all our
Indians by the assistance of a man, the [aforesaid] old dog, who inter-
posed through some dirty views he has of superseding Mr. Atkins. Thus
jtre our officers in a manner ruined by persons whose souls scorn a
244
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1758.
thought that tends not immediately to their own advantage. I'm sorry
to live upon my country, when I've so small a prospect of repaying her
by any service. We shall march to Raystown .shortly, thence to the Fort*
it' permitted. I shall embrace the next opportunity of writing you our
transactions, and am as always, dear sir, your most
aflTte nephew, «^c
R. MUNB'ORI).
P. 8. By express, we have an acc't that some of the enemy Indians
have joined the Pennsylvanians.
On the 17th of August a wagoner was shot, and
his horse killed, within three miles of the Fort, and
several parties of hostile Indians were seen in the
woods. Four days later the following letter was
written to Colonel Bouquet, by Washington :
Camp at Fort Cumherland, 21 August, 1758.
Dear Sir :
Twenty-five Catawbas came here this evenir.^, and the convoy may
be expected day after to morrow, as it was at Pearsall's last night.
Governor Sharpe may be expected here in a day or two. I am at »
loss to know how he ranks and whether he is entitled to the conimaiui.
In the British army his rank is that of Lieutenant-Colonel only, but what
it may be as governor, in his own province, I really do not know, nor
whether he has any out of the troops of his own province. I should,
therefore, be glad of your advice, being unwilling to dispute the matter
with him wrongfully, or to give up the command if I have a right to it.
Governor Sharpe arrived at Fort Cumberland
shortly afterwards, but Washington's position as
commander-in-chief was not interfered with. Indeed
Governor Sharpe was more interested in the suc-
cessful prosecution of the enterprise against Fort
Duquesne than in tlie matter of personal glory. He
gave all the aid and encouragement in his power to
the project, and did all that could be expected ot
him. The delay, however, in the movements of the
army had resulted in the greatest depression to tlie
entire command, and in the total annihilation of the
•Fort Duquesne.
I^^aa^^b!^^^^^?^^^mw]7^^^^7^
1758.]
WASHINGTON DESPONDENT.
245
enthusiasm with which they had advanced thus far.
Two months of inactivity had filled Wasliington with
disappointment and apprehension, and he addressed
the ibllowing letter to vSpeaker Robinson, of the
House of Burgesses, than which a more gloomy one
he probably never indited :
Camp at Fort Cumherland, 1 September, 1758.
My Dkau Sir :
We are still encamped here, very sickly and quite dispirited at the
Iirnspect before us.
That appearance of glory which we had once in view, that hope, that
laudable ambition of serving our country, and meriting its applause, are
now 110 more; all is dwindled into ease, sloth, and fatal inactivity. In a
word all is lost, if the ways of men in ])Ower, like certain ways of
Providence, are not inscrutable. But we, who view the actions of great
min at a distance, can only form conjectures agreeably to a limited
perceJ)tion ; and being ignorant of the comprehensive schemes which
limy be in contiMuplation, might mistake egregiously in judging of things
from appearances, or by the lump. Yet every fool will have his notions —
will prattle and talk away; and why may not 1? We seem then in my
opinion to act under the guidance of an evil geiiius. The conduct of
our leaders, if not actuated by superior orders is tempered with something
I du not care to give a name to. Nothing now but a miracle can bring
this campaign to a happy issue.
Washington evidently devoted a considerable
portion of his time while at Fort Cumberland, on this
occasion, to a correspondence of a more tender nature
tiian tliat given in these pages. There are on record
numerous evidences of many hours spent in the
contemplation of the graces and perfections of his
lady love, whose vision brightened the solitaiy
oveniugs of camp life, and recently there was sold in
New York an autograph letter written by him at
tliis time, to Mrs. Sarah Fairfax, who was formerly
II Miss (Jary. She had at one time been the object
of Washington's aifections, and he had made her a
246
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1758.
proposal of marriage, whicli she declined, as she
had already given her heart to Mr. George William
Fairfax. Until twelve months since this letter was
never published, and is now for the first time
embraced in the contents of a book. It was fouml
among the papers of Mrs. Fairfax; who died at
the age of eighty-one years, in Bath, England, where
she had lived widowed, childless and infirm for nianv
years. The letter is as follows:
Camp at Fort Cumberland, 12th September, 1758.
Dear Madam :—
Yesterday I was honored with your short but very agreeable favor of the
first i.ist — how joyfully I catch at the happy occasion of a renewing a corres-
pondence which I feared was disrelished on your part, I leave to time that
never failing expositor of all things— and to a monitor equally faithful in my
own breast to testify. In silence I now express my joy. Silence, whicli, in
some cases— I wish the present — speaks more intelligently than the sweetest
eloquence.
If you allow that any honour can be derived from my opposition to our
present system of management you destroy the merit of it entirely in me by
attributing my anxiety to the animating prospect of possessing Mrs. Custis—
when— I need not name it— guess yourself— Should not my own Honor ami
country's welfare be the excitement? 'Tis true. I profess myself a votary
of Love — I acknowledge that a lady is in the case— and further I confess that
this lady is known to you. — Yes, madam, as Well aa she is to one who is too
sensible of her charms to deny the Power whose Influence he feels and must
ever submit to. I feel the force of her amiable beauties in the recollection of
a thousand tender jiassages that I could wish to obliterate, till Iain bid to
revive them, — but exjierience, alas ! sadly reminds me how impossible this
is,— and evinces ail opinion which I have long entertained, that there is a
Destiny, which has the sovereign control of our actions- not to be resisted by
the strongest efl'orts of Human Nature.
You have drawn me, d-ar madam, or rather I have drawn myself, into au
honest confession of a simple Fact — misconstrue not mv meaning— doubt it
not, nor expose it— The world has no business to know the object of my Love
— declared in this manner to you— when I want to conceal it. One tbiu|:
above all things in this world I wish to know, and only one i)erson of your
acquaintance can solve me that or guess my meaning — but adieu to this till
happier times, if I ever shall see them. The hours at present are nielancholy
dull, neither the rugged toils of war, nor the gentler conflict of A
is in my choice. I dare believe, you are as happy as you say
huppy also. Mirth, good humor, ease of mind and
render you so and consummate your wishes.
If one agreeable lady could almost wish herself a fine gentleman for the
n — s
I wish 1 was
what else ? cannot fail to
;^si^i-;'A"v.iaKl««i«i«
1758.]
THE TWO ROADS.
247
sake of another; I apprehend, that many fine gentlemen will wish themselves
finer e'er Mrs. Spotswood is possest. She has already become a reigning toast
in tiiis camp; and many tliere are in it, who intend (fortune favoring) to make
honorable scars speak the fullness of their merit and be a messenger of their
liOve to her.
I cannot easily forgive the unseasonable haste of my last express, if he
deprived me thereby of asingle word you intended to add,— the time of the
present messenger is, as the last might have been, entirely at your disposal.
I can't expect to hear from my friends more than this once before the fate of
the expedition will somehow or other be determined. I therefore beg to
ismiw when you set out for Hampton and when you expect to return to
ISelvoir again — and I should be glad also to hear of your speedy departure as
I shall thereby hope for your return before I get down; the disappointment of
seein(» your family would giye me much concern — From anything I can yet see
'lis hardly possible to say when we shall finish. I don't think there is a proba-
bility of it till the middle of November, Your letter to Captain Gist I
forwarded by a safe hand the moment it came to me, His answer shall be
carefully transmitted.
Col. Mercer, to whom I delivered your message and compliments, joins i.ie
very heartily in w' hing you and the Ladies of Belvoir the perfect enjoyment
«,•■ every happiness ihis world affords. Be assured that I am, Dr madam, with
the most unfeigned regard, yr most obedient and most oblig'd H'ble serv't,
G. WASHINGTON.
N. B. Many accidents happening (to use a vulgar saying) between the
cup and the lip, I choose to make the exchange of carpets myself, since I
find you will not do me the honor to accej)t mine.
On the 10 til of September Washington left Fort
Ciiinberljind, for Raystown, at which place he arrived
on the same day. He had a conference with General
Forbes, in which the situation was discussed at
length. Major Halket wrote to Governor Sliarpe,
the same date, as follows :
Camp at Reastown, Kith September, 1758.
Dkar Sir : This evening Colonel Washington arrived, who .surprises
the (renernl extremely by the account that he gives of the great scarcity
|>f provisions at Fort Cumberland, after having wrote to Colonel Boq.iet
!*!) Itiliy upon that subject, however, the (Jeneral (who is greatly fatigiKnl
rrom the business that his just coming to Reastown has oblidged him to
L'o through) has ordered me to inform you that he will Rend off a convoy of
provisions to morrow, the particulars of which Mr. Sinclair will inform
.V1U of, at the aatne time the bearer carries orders for all the Virginians
to be ready to march immediately upon the arrival of Colonel Wash-
ui(,'ton, who sets out for that purpose to morrow morning, which will
the consumption of provisions at Fort Cumberland very
248
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1758.
considerably, and make it a very easy matter to support you for the
future, as your numbers will be so much diminished.
Three days ago commissary clerk wrote to Mr. Rutherford, ut
Winchester, to supply } our people with spirits, and all the other necessary?
that you desir'd which letter I hope will be in good time to answer your
expectations. I am dear sir, your most obdt humble servant,
To GovKiiNoR SiiAKPE. FRANCIS HALKETT.
Upon Washington's departure from Fort Cumber-
land, Governor Sliarpe took command of the post, and
had a garrison composed of Maryland troops alone,
after the Virginians had left. In the latter part of
Sej)tember, by an unavoidable accident one of the
storehouses located on the river bank, and used for
the deposit of ammunition was blown up, and most
of its contents destroyed. A few days after this
occurrence Governor Sharpe received the followin;:
letter :
Sir:
Cami' at Rkastowx, 2d October 1T58.
About this time we expect their will be a number of the Shannomlo
Waggons arriving at Fort Cumberland with provisions from Win-
chester; the General therefore begs that you will be so good as to
engage as many of them as possible upon the same terms as the
Pennsylvania waggons, to go upon our Expe 'ition, and tluit you will
take the opportunity of their coming here, to send over all the Buck sbott
at Fort Cumberland, seven Boxes containing two hundred weight each,
were lodged in the new store under the hill, which was sent from Fort
Frederick along with the shelles. Six hundred weight was likewise
lodged in store that was blown up, if any of that remains undistroyed.
you will send it also, and provided the carriages can be ready time
enough they may take the benefite of the officer and thirty men sent from
the Second Virginia Regiment for horses, to escort them — if this party
marched before that the waggons can be got Ready they must be escorteil
by the Recover'd men of the Virginia Regiments.
If their are any spair wheels or carriages for Howitzers be pleiiseil
to send them likewise in some of the empty Waggons, Captain Hiiy
having brought no spair ones with the Train, and we may come to
have occasion for them. I am, sir _„
your most obedient humble servt,
To Gov. SiiARi'K, Fort Cumberland. FRANCIS HALKETT.
&--_£:a
vi^
>.S#'*;\-
1758.]
GENKRAT- FoKBKS' ARMY.
249
In compliance with this letter Governor Sharpe
sent forwartl all the .shot and shell remaining at the
fort, except a small quantity necessary for the
garrison.
The force under (jieneral Forbes command, at
Ravstown, at this time, was as follows:
Name of Corps.
tal.|
IS. i
No. of field Company
Officers
Division of 1st. Battal
of Royal Americans
The Hidiland or r)2d reg't, ;{
Division of ditto. 1^
1st Viri^inia Regiment. '^
'ind Virginia Regiment. 3
H N. Carolina companies. 1
4 Maryland companies. I
1st Biittallion ) „ , :{
., , 1 [ I enn a. .,
id do > I, • t ■<
., 1 1 1 Regiment .,
,{d do ) ^ .1
The three lower Counties,
Total,
ficers.
Total
12
3ti3
37
12
32
36
10
998 1
2691
782)
702 1
141
15
270
41
75.5]
40
6G6 ■
46
771
26.3
1267
1484
5980
Detachments on the frontiers of Pennsylvania and the road of commu-
nication.
From the I Total
Penn'ii. Repiment. | 1 Major. 10 Captains. 17 Subalterns. 563
From the North I Total
Carolina Regiment ) 1 !! 61 62 1
Early in September the advance of the army at
Raystown had moved foi'ward to Loyal Hanna, near
Fort LigDiiier, and on the 11th of that month Major
Grant, of the Highland Regiment, marched oft' on a
proniature movement against Fort Duqiiesne, taking
with him a force of 37 officers and 805 men. On the
Uth he reached a point within eleven mih^s of Fort
l^uquesne, where he left the baggage, under a guard
<tt-^<hnon, and moved forward with the rest of the
t-Diinnand to the summit of a liill, less than half a
inik' from the fort, which point he reached al)out
midnight.
'Major Grant sent two offit^ers and fifty men to
250
HISTOKV OF CUMBERLAND.
[1758.
the fort, to attack all the Indians, &c., thev should
find lying out of the fort; they saw none, nor were
they challenged by the sentries. As they returned,
they set fire to a large store house, which was put
out as soon as they left it. At break of day, Major
Lewis was sent, with 200 men (loyal Americans and
Virginians), to lie in ambush a mile and a half from
the main body, on the path on which they left their
baggage, imagining the French would send to attack
the baggage guard and seize it. Four hundred men
were posted along the hill lacing the fort, to cover
the retreat of Major M' Don aid's company, who
marched with drums beating toward the fort, in
order to draw a party out of the fort, as Major
Grant had some reason to believe there were not
above 200 men in the fort, including Indians;
but as soon as they heard the drums, they sallied
out in great numbers, both French and Indians.
and fell upon Captain M'Donald, and two columns
that were posted lower on the hill to receive them.
The Highlanders exposed themselves without any
cover, and were shot down in great numbers, and
soon forced to retreat. The Carolinians, Marylanders.
and Lower Countrymen, concealing themselves
behind trees and the brush, made a good defence; but
were overpowered by numbers, and not being suj)-
ported, were obliged to follow the rest. Major (rrant
exposed himself in the thickest of the fire, and
endeavored to rally his men, but all to no purpose,
as they were by this time Hanked on all sides. Major
Lewis and his party came up and engaged, but were
soon obliged to give way, the enemy having the hill
l7^jS.]
MA.lOli (JRANTS DKFKAT.
251
of hini, and flanking him vvory way. A number
wore drove into the Ohio, most of whom were
(liowiR'd. Major Grant retreated to the baggage,
where Captain Bullet was posted with fifty men, and
again endeavored to rally the tlying soldiers, by
entreating them in the most pathetic numner to stand
liy him, but all in vain, as the enemy were close at
their heels. As soon as the enemy came up to
Captain Bullet, he attacked them very furiously, for
some tinic!, Init not being supported, and most of his
men killed, was obliged to giv ' way. However, his
attacking them stopped the pursuit, so as to give
many an opportunity of escaping. The enemy
followed Major Grant, and at last separated them,
and Ca[)tain Bullet was obliged to make off'. He
imagines the Major must be taken, as he was sur-
rounded on all sides, but the enemy -would not kill
him, and often called to him to surrender. The
French gave quarters to all that \vould accept it."'"'
The rear division of the British army moved from
Raystown for Loyal Hanna on the 14th of October,
at which place itlaj until the 18th of November, when
it marched under General Forbes for Fort Duquesne.
On the 25th of November the command arrived at
Fort Duquesne, but the French had set fire to the fort,
and retreated down the river, so that General Forbes
had no difficulty in taking possession of the place.
On approaching the fort it was discovered that a
imniber of the Highlanders who had been taken
prisoners in the fight with Major Grant, had been
horribly mutilated, their heads having been impaled
♦Pemiovlvaiiitt Oazette, 17S8 .
262
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1768.
on stakes driven in the ground, and their kilts at-
tached thereto. 'IMiis act of l)arbariHni thoroudilv
enraged the Highlanders, who were in an ecstacy of
disappointment at not being able to avenge their
decapitated comrades.
Governor Sharix3 returned to Annapolis in the
middle of Octoljer, and on the 22d the militia at Fort
Cumberland were paid off, but Avere continued there
on garriscm duty.
In December the Maryland Assembly took into
consideratitm the condition of the road between Fon
Frederick and Fort (Juud)erland, with a view to
securing the construction of a shorter road between
these points, the locjition of which should be entirely
in Maryland, thus obviating the necessity of fordin^i
the Potomac. A committee, consisting of Messrs.
Colonel Thomas C /esap, Oabb, Josei)h Chapline, E.
Dorsey, Josias liei.ll and Francis King, members of
the Assembly, was ai)pointed for the purpose of
inquiring into the convenience of clearing a road
from Fort Frederick to F^ort Cumberland, through
Maryland, and to make an estimate of the cost of
the same. The committee reported as follows :
Vour committee have made an eiKjuiry into the Situation of the
present wagon road from Fort Frederick to Fort Cumberland, and are of
opinion that the distance by that Road from one Fort to the other is at
least Eighty miles, and find that the wagons which go from one Fort to
the other are obliged to pass the river Potowmuok twice, and that for one
third of the year they can't pass without bouts to set tliem overtiie
River.
Your committee have also made an Enquiry into the condition of the
Ground where a road may most conveniently be made to go altogether
on the north side of the Potowmack which will not exceed the distance
of Sixty-two miles at the expense of £250 current money, as miy appear
from the following Estimate, viz : ,, .
1758.] COST OF THK NEW HOAD. 253
AN KSTIMATK UF THIO KXPKKSK OF CMiARINO KOAP KK(/M KURT ntKDKHIC'K
TO FORT (lUMIIKRI.ANI), AND TIIK 8EVKRAI. DIKFIOKKN'T HTA(;ii:8 :
£ B d
For clearing a lload from Fort Frederick to liicking creek, 3^
miles
From Licking creek to Prakes's creek, 8} miles 12
From I'rakcs's creek to Sideling Hill creek, 12 miles 16
For a bridge over Sideling Hill creek CO
From Sideling Hill creek to Fifteen Mile creek, 4 miles 22
From Fifteen Mile creek to Town creek, IS miles 140
From Town creek to Col. Cresap's, a good road, 4 miles
From Col. Cresap 's to Fort Cumberland, wants no clearing, 15
miles
£250
Your committee are of opinion that a Rood through Maryland will
contribute much to lessen the expense of carrying Provision and warlike
stores from Fort Frederick to Fort Cumberland, and will induce many
jieople to travel and carry on a trade in and through the Province, to and
from the buck country.
This road was eventually constructed.
Washington returned to Mount Vernon, irom Fort
Diiqiicsne, where he was married to Mrs. Custis, and
settled down to domestic pursuits.
After the capture of Fort Duquesne, a small force
of British troops was returned to Fort Cumberland,
iind continued there as a garrison, the Maryland
Assembly having manifested a decided disinclination
to incm^ the expense of keeping it up. The King's
oificers did not feel at liberty to abandon it, since it
was a King's Fort, and might be useful in preventing
hidians from descending upon the settlements in
force, without being observed. As a matter of f^ict,
Iiowever, the garrison was useless, it being so weak
ill point of numbers that the men liardly dared go
"utof sight of the Fort. Hostile savages drove the
people from their homes, killing many and destroy-
ing their property. Colonel Cresap, whose house
SwitlMiiiililWl
254
HISTORY OF CUMUFHLAND.
[1758.
was tlie shelter of many holplt'ss n(M^lil)orH, fniiillv
took his own family back to the Conococheague, for
safety, tand all the settlors about OhUown followed
him. Having i)lacecl his family in security, CreHap
raised a company of volunteers, and came to Fort
Cumberland, from which point he followed Braddocks
road to Savage Mountain, at the £c' *^ of whicb, on
the west side, he met a small partj' of Indians, iuid
had an engagement with them, in the course of which
"his son Thomas was killed by an Indian; but as
both fired at the same time, he also killed the Indiiin.
or so badly wounded him that he was killed a few
minutes afterwards by William Lynn. Nothiiif;
more was done at this time or place, and the pait\
returned home."*
While the Indians were carrying on this desolatiii::
war upon the lioad
waters of the Potomac
they on several occa-
sions attacked tholioiif*c
of (Jolonel Cresap, and
some sharp battles oc-
curred there. Killhiick.
who bated Cresap bit-
terly, made several at-
tempts to kill him, on one
occasion hiding about in
the vicinity for several
'^^W^^*^. CBESAP'S FORT. , , , li.* „ n
^' days, but never gettnig a
view of his enemy. On one occasion when Crcsap's
house was attacked, the Indians killed one of his
CBESAP'S FORT.
^Jacob's Life of Captain Cresap.
1758.]
COLONEL CKESAr AS A PUOTECTOll.
255
Irii'iids, Mr. WildiT, which CrcHap described us
foUowH ill a letter to Ciovernor Siiarpe:
As Mr. Samuel Wililer wufi K"'"^ '" •* house of his about .'100 yards
(listHiit from miiio, with I men and Hcvcral women, tlic IiidiaiiH fi-hed
(in lliem from a risin;,' j^round, but thL7 perceiving them co'iiiuj;, Hun
towurds my house hoUowiiif^, which being heard by those at my house,
ihey run to their assistancu and met them and the Indians at the Kntiance
(if luv lane, on which the Indians Immediivlely fired on tiieui to the
iimouiit of 18 or Twenty, and Killed Mr. Wilder, — the party of white men
Returned their fire and killed one of them dead on the spot and wounded
severall of the others as appeared by Considerable t^uantity of Hlood
sircwed on the Ground, p..i they Run off, which they Immediately did, and
by liieir leaving behind them '.\ Gunns, one pistole and Sundry other Km-
pioments of war, Ac., &c.
I have Inclosed a List of the Desolate men, women and children, who
have !l(t' lo my house which is Inclosed by a small stockade for safety,
by wliicli you'll see what a number of poor Souls, destitute of Ev'?ry
'.ecpssary of Life are here penned up and likely to be Butchered without
Immediate Relief and assistance, and can Kxpect none, unless from the
province to which they Belong. I shall submit to your wiser Judgment
the Best and most Effectual method for 8noh Kelief, and shall Conclude
with hoping we shall liiive it in time.
Indian hostilities being kept up with great perti-
nacity, Colonel Cresap organized another company
of Volunteers, and "with his surviving sons — Daniel
and Michael — and a negro of gigantic stature, marched
again, taking the same route on Braddock's road.
They advanced this time as far as Negro Mountain,
where they met a party of Indians. A running light
took place; Cresap's party killed an Indian, and tlie
Indians killed the negro; and it was this circum-
stance — the death of the negro on the mountain —
that has immortalized his name by fixing it on this
ridge forever. This was, I ])elieve, Cohmel Cresai)'s
hist battle with the Indians, for after peace was nuide
lie returned to his farm at Oldtown."*
'Jacob B Life of Captain Cresap.
256
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[17()0.
Ill 17GG the contiict bctAveeii the Indians and the
whites ceased, peace having lx:'en agreed upon.
Seven months previous, however, the British troops
had l3;3en withdrawn from Fort Cumljerhmd, and the
settlers were left to their own resources. The final
fict of the British government u: connection with
Fort Cumlxirland was foreshadowed in the followin-i
letter written by General Gage to Governor Sharpc.
^nd sixty days later the troops here were sent to the
South :
New York, May 12, ITiJj.
Sir:
As 1 sliall soon find it necessary to witlulraw the Troops which
are now in Garrison in Fcrt Cumberland in your Province, I think it
proper to acquaint you of it, that you may give such Direction concerninfr
* * * * the Fort, or any stores which tliere may be beion;(in2 to
your Province, as you shall judge necessary.
tlis Majesty having been plea.sed to appoint Colonel Bouquet to the
rank of Hngadier General, and to the command of the Troops in the
Floridas, Lieutenant Colonel Reid will take the command on the sifit ul
Pittsburgh, who will have Directions to correspond with you and to p;ivt'
you timely notice of everything of moment which .shall be proper for
your Information.
I have the honor to be with great Regard,
Sir,
your most obedient
humble servant,
Hon'ble Gov"r SIIARPE. TIIOS. GAGH,
The cessation of Indinn hostilities rendeivtl ;i
garrison at Fort Cumberland longer unnecessiiry, iiii'l
after the abandonment of the place 1.)y the English
soldiers, the provincial stores were removed, and thr
|)ost was never again occupied, save for a lew dav.>*.
ill 17'.U, when the troops engaged in suppressing th'
whisky iiisurrectioii were gath<nvd here.
Tile restoration ol' peace, and the feeling of seciirit}
resultinu' therefrom, led maiiv i)orsons from the
1780.]
KAULY SKTTLEMENTS.
257
Eiisterii counties to settle in this section of country.
From what is now Frederick county came most ol"
the early setth'rs about Fort Cuniherhuid, nearly all
of ^liciu 1)eing emigrants from Germany and England.
.Sottlements sprung up at Fort Cum])erland. Oldtovvn.
on George's Creek, and at points further west.
Fivderick county then embraced all the Western
part of Maryland, and it was not until 177G that
Washington count}' was taken from it. In ITS'J
Allegany county was organized.
''^T»^?«?«^
STONE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN ERECTED BY BRADOOCK'S COMMAND. ANC STiLL STANDING AT EftOSIBURG ■
33
CUMBERLAND.
1785-1876.
The various Hottleineiits west of Sideling Hill
continued to grow in nunil:Kirs, until the population
became suffi' ioiilly great to justify the general desire
for the ere'.'tion of a new county, in order that the
public business might be more reachly transacted.
The great distance which the people in the neighbor-
hood of Fort Cumberland were compelled to travel
in order to attend court, and to look after the record?^
of their lantls, &c., also proved of great inconvenience.
The first steps towards furnishing greater con-
veniences were in the direction of incorporating ii
town, and at the meeting of the Legislature in ITS"
a petition was read in the House praying that tiu-
town of Cumberland might l>e established, the town
having already been laid of!' in 1785. by Tlioniiis
Beall, of Samuel, who was owner of the hind.
The town was located upon a tract of land called
''Walnut Bottom," -which was described as •'beginning
at two bounded white oak trees standing on a cliff of
rocks at the lower end of a bottom near half a mile
17S.1.]
U'ASltlNGTON TOWN.
'ioO
Ix^low the mouth of Will's creek, near the river side."
•Wahiut Bottom" was surveyed by Th(mias Cresap
oil the 1st of June, 1745, for Governor Thomas
Bliiden, who took up several large tracts of land in
this .section of the State, which was at that time em-
braced in Prince George's county. Governor Bladen
t^old his right to "Walnut Bottom" to George Mason.
of Fairfax county, Virginia, who obtained a grant
for the same on the 25th of March, 1750. On the
2oth of October, 1783, Mason sold "Walnut Bottom"
and another tract, in close proximity, called "Lime
Stone Rock," (which he had bought of Daniel Cresap,)
to Thomas Beall of Samuel, for the sum of .£1,407.10
current money. "Walnut Bottom" embraced all the
bottom land lying along the river from Mr. F.
Mortens' boat vard to Mr. J. G. Lvnn's residence,
and extending back *n Maryland Avenue, Front
Street to Vallev Street, and thence bv a line tlirou^h
the Will's Creek Tannery across to the river.
Immediately after purchasing this land, Beall went
to work clearing that part of "Walnut Bottom"
lying west of Will's Creek, and erected several build-
ings. In 1785 he laid out a town, which was
commonly called Washington Town, and sold a
number of lots to settlers. Two years later the
inhabitants of the place petitioned the Legislature
for authority to establish a town, which they wished
to name after the old Fort, as being more appropriate
and distinct than any other title that could be given it.
On the 2()th of January, 1787. the following act
was passed by the Legislature, authorizing the erection
I'fthe town of Cumberland:
260
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[178;
CHAPTER XXVII.
An Act for erecting a town at or near the mouth of Will's Creek, in
Washington County.
Whereas, It is represented to this general assembly by Thomas Beall,
Son of Samuel, that he is possessed of a tract of land called Walnut
Bottom, contiguous to the mouth of Will's creek, in Wuiihlngton eountv,
whereon, at the instance of many of the inhabitants of said county, he
hath been induced to lay out gnnind for a town : and the said Thomas
IJeall hath prayed a law to appoint commissioners to lay out and erect a
town on the said land and to secure the purchasers of lots tiierein,
reserving the right of the proprietors and their interest in the said land;
and this general assembly are of opinion that the erecting of a town at
the mouth of the said creek may be convenient and beneficial to the
public.
IT. Be it eimcted by the deneral Assembly of Maryland, That Andrew
Bruce, Dfiiiiel Cresap, George Dent, .lohn Lynn and Evan Gwynn, or
any three or more of them, be and are hereby appointed conunissionersto
survey a quantity of land not exceeding two hundred acres, being partol
the said tract of land called Walnut Bottom, contiguous to the mouth of
Will's creek, in Washington county, and the same, when surveyed, to lav
out into lots, streets, lanes and alleys, (the main streets running in the
direction of Patowmack river, not to be less than eighty feet wide; and
the streets crossing the said main streets not to be less than sixty feet
wide,) to be erected into a town, and to be called and known by the name
of Cumberland; and a correct and accurate certificate and plot thereof
returned to the clerk of Washington county court, who is hereby required
to record the same among the Land Records of the said county, and to
keep the original plot in his office, and a copy from the originil or the
record thereof shall be conclusive evidence as to the bounds and lines of
the lots of the said town, and of the streets, lanes and alleys thereof.
III. And be it enacted. That the said commissioners, or a major part
of them, shall cause the said lots in the said town to be substantially and
fairly bounded and numbered, and they and their successors are hereby
required, from time to time, to take care that the said boundaries be con-
stantly kept up and preserved.
IV. And be it enacted. That on the death, removal or resignctioniOt
any of the said commissioners, the major part of the remaining coramis
sioners shall appoint another to serve in the stead of such commissioner
so dying, removing or resigning.
V. And be it enacted, Tiiat the said commissioners of the said town,
or a major part of them, shall have full power to employ a clerk, who
shall be under oath, fairly and honestly to enter into a book to be kept for
that purpose, all the proceedings of the said commissioners relating to the
[1781
rs;.]
LAYING OFF THE TOWN.
261
Creek, in
nan Beall,
ed Walnut
ton county,
county, he
id Thomas
and erect a
its therein,
said land;
P a town at
icial to the
hat Andrew
Gwynn, or
)issioncrs to
►einf^ part oi
he mouth of
eyed, to lay
inin<( in the
t wide; ami
sixty feet
)y the name
lot thereof
jy required
nty, and to
nil or the
md lines of
lereof.
major part
ntially and
are hereby
ies be con-
Ignn
tion.of
aor commis
imissioner
said town,
Iclerlc, who
Ue kept lot'
Itingtothe
■iaid town, in which hook, among other things, shall be entered a copy of
the plot and certifica'e of the said town, describing every lot by its num-
ber, and who the taker up, or purchaser was or shall be ; and the said
book shall always be open to the inspection and examination of the said
eomtnissioners.
VI. And be it enacted, That the said commissioners, or a major part
of them, are empowered to levy, assess and take, by way of distress, if
needful, from the inhabitants of the town, by even and equal proportion,
;i sum not exceeding ten pounds current money yearly, to be paid to their
clerk : and they shall have power to remove or displace their clerk as
often as tliey shall think fit.
VII. And be it enacted, That every purchaser of any of the lots of the
said town in fee, and every lessee thereof, for years, or rent reserved,
shall hold and possess the same against any person hereafter claiming
title to the same, and shall not be disturbed in their possession ; and if
any person shall hereafter make claim to the land, or any part thereof,
laid off in virtue of this act, and shall, by due course of law, make good
title thereto, such person shall be entitled to recover from the said
Thomas Heall, his heirs, devisee, executors or administrators any pur-
chase money or rents by him received from any of the purchasers or
lessees of any of the said lots, and, upon any such recovery the
tenants holding under the said Thomas Beall shall thereafter hold
under pay the rent reserved to the person making title to and recov-
ering the same land.
VIII. And be it enacted^ That if any of the buildings already built
on the land so as aforesaid to be laid out by the said commissioners,
.ind erected into a town, should happen to interfere with, or stand on
any of the streets laid off in virtue of this act the same shall be
permitted to continue, but shall not at any time hereafter be repaired
or rebuilt.
The provisions of this act were carried into effect
so for as to lay off the town, but the surveys, boun-
iliiries, map, &c., were not filed amongst the land
rocords as required.
At the date of the passage of the act authorizing
the erection of the tovm of Cumberland there were
l»iit few houses here, and scarcely more than thirty-
live families. So far as can be ascertained the actual
'■''sidents were as follows :
^<l
202
HISTOKV OF CUMHKRLAXI*.
[178;
Thoma.s Beall, George Dent, Andrew Bruce, David
Lynn, Kvim Gwynn, (lived at Everstine place) George
Lovvdermilk, Michael Kersliner, George Calmes.
Benjamin Wiley, Peter D'Evecnion, Dickeson Sim-
kins, William Hoye, Charles F. Broadhag, John
Graham, Charles Clinton, George Iloflinan, David
Watkins, James McCoy, Jacob Lowry, Jonathan
Cox, Th(mias Stewart, David Hoffman, John S. Hook.
George Payne, Robert Clark, John Lynn, Jereniiali
Wilson, John C. Beatty, George Simmons, James
Slicer, David Harvey, Eli Williams and Jolni
Mustard, George Blocher and Henry Wincow.
The town was located then almost entirely on tiie
west side of Will's Creek, and nearly all the houses
were built along the old Braddock Road, now (Jreen
street; but on the bluff in the neigh))orhood of Wash-
ington street several had been erected. There was
also a large log house at the " Blue Spring," which
is still standing, just above the Cumberland Hose
Company's house, on North Mechanic street, and one
or two a short distance further up the road.
The first white child l)orn in Cumberland, after its
incorporation, was Frederick Dent. In a log house
(now rough-coated, and known as the "Dent House."
or "Devecmon House," on Green street,) lived Gcorgv
Dent and wife. To them in October or November.
of 1787, was born a son, who was christened Frederick.
This son moved to Pittsburgh while a young man.
and in 1817 removed to Missouri. He was the father
of the wife of General U. S, Grant, the commander-
in-chief of the national armies in the late war, and
late President of the United States. Mr. Dent died
17S7.] SKTTLERS AVEST OF FORT CIJMRERLAND.
263
ill Washington city, at the White House, in 1870,
witliin one hundred and fifty miles of the place of
liis birth, at the ripe age of 89.'''-
By an act of the Legislature, in 1777, it had heen
ordered that a bjunty of fifty acres of land should be
iiiveii to each able-bodied recruit who should enlist
and serve in the American army for a period of
three years; and that a bounty of one hundred acres
of land should be given to each recruiting ofiicer who
should enlist twenty able-bodied recruits. An addi-
tional act was passed, in 1781, directing that these
lands should be chosen from the territory of the
State lying westward of Fort Cumberland. In 1787
the Governor and Council, by authority of the Legis-
hiture. appointed Francis Deakins to survey these
lands and make a return of a general plot of the
coimty westward of Fort Cumberland. Mr. Deakins
performed this duty, showing that 4,165 lots of fifty
acres each had been laid off, he being careful to
indicate those lots which were already occupied and
improved by settlers, they being conditionally secured
to the persons settled thereon. This return showed
that three hundred and twenty-three families were
settled on six hundred and thirty-six of the aforesaid
lots, which they had improved and cultivated.
These settlers were authori'/ed, by an act of 1788,
to })urchase their lots, and were given preference
thereto, at a price not less than five, and not to
exceed twenty, shillings per acre, the payments to
h' made in three equal instalments, the whole
I !
1.
*Mr. Frederick Dent etupped to dine in Cumberland, while en route to the West in 1872, and in
' ^rif f cnnvprfntion with the writer remarkod with Home pride that he was the flret white ohild
"I" 111 t"umli«rlond.
204
HISTORY OF CUMIJERLANI).
[1787.
amount ti) be paid in three years. Variou.s acts wert-
afterwards passed by the Legishiture to secure to
each of the officers and soldiers of Mary hind the lots
to which they were entitled for their military services.
The following is a list of the settlers then located
upon the lands lying in Maryland w^est of Fort
Cumberland :
William Ashbj,
Anthony Able,
George Anderson,
Patrick Burnes,
Charles Boyles,
Thomas Baker,
Philip Bray,
Mallner Burnstredder,
John Beall,
John Blair,
John Brendage,
Peter Bonham,
Norman Bruce,
Daniel Cresap, Sr..
Daniel Cresap, Jr..
Robert Cresap,
James Cresap,
Joseph Cresap,
John Durfin,
Aaron Duckworth,
Nicholas Durbin,
William Durham,
John Domer,
Joseph Davis,
Steven Davis,
Levi Davis,
Samuel Dawson, Sr.,
Samuel Elliott,
Adam Eckart,
John Ervin,
Herman Frazee,
Joseph Frost,
George Fezenbaker,
Briant Gaines,
Edward Grimes,
Paul Grim,
John Great,
Benjamin Green,
Samuel Humphreys,
Edward Huston,
James Henderson,
John House,
Ralph Adams,
John Arnold of A.,
John Arnold of Jno.,
Andrew .'iruce.
William Barnes,
Michael Beem,
Benjamin Brady,
John Buhman,
Ben. John Biggs,
Frederick Bray,
Thomas Barkus,
George Barkus,
Samuel Barrell,
William Coddington,
Peter Crawl,
Thomas Cordray,
Henry Crosley,
John Cruise,
Samuel Dawson, Jr.,
William Dawson, Sr.,
William Dawson, Jr.,
Edward Dawson, Sr.,
Edward Dawson, Jr.,
Thomas Dawson,
Joseph Dye
Barney Dewitt,
Terrance Dyal,
John Elbin,
Samuel Ellison,
John Eckhart,
John Firman,
John Friend,
Gabriel Friend,
Richard Green,
Daniel Green,
Thomas Green wade,
Salathiel Goff,
John T. Gnff,
Andrew House,
Elisha Hall,
•John Harshan,
Moses Hall,
Anthony Arnold,
Moses Ayers, Sr.,
Moses Ayers, Jr..
Robert Boyd,
Matthew Ball,
Frederick Burgett,
Josiah Bonham,
Micajah Burnham,
Amariah Bonhaiu,
John Brufly,
John Buckholder.
Jacob Beall,
Nathan Corey,
Godfrey Corbus,
Edmund Cutler.
Ely Clark,
Michael Corn,
Benjamin Coddington,
Samuel Durbiu,
James Denison,
Peter Doogan,
Samuel Durbin,
Edward Davis,
Jacob Duttro, Sr.,
Jacob Duttro, Jr.,
Peter DeVecraon,
David Eaton,
George Eckhart,
Charles Friend,
Hezekiah Frazier,
Joseph Friend,
Harry BVanks,
George Fiddler,
James C. Golf,
Evan Guynn,
John Glasman,
John Garey,
John (Haze,
Nicholas HoLsbury.
Charles Huddv,
Richard Hall,'
George Harness,
1787.] SKTTLERS WF^T ni.^ ,, .
^^EST Of poKT CUAfliKRLAND. 265
fieorpp Hrtvor . ,
'"'eor^e Havur,
H'illiam Howell,
I'aiil llnyc,
Hobert Johnson.
Kvaii .lanics
Cotirud Joleman,
•fohn Keyser,
Ueiirj Kite,
.'oil" L)w<Jeriiiilk.
\Viiliam Lo^rsden,
I'aniel Levit,
•'acob Lower,
Koseaiond Loner,
■'oseph Lee,
.'Stephen Masters,
•iabrioi MeKin.sy,
■'"li" Matthew, Sr..
■'"li" Mn/romery,
Christopher Mvers
•'ampsMcMnllen,'
Xatlianiel Ma/jruder,
'losiah Marrrudep,
.SamuclMcKiiisv,'
''•'ler iViinirck,
(ienr<j(; J>ai„e,
Henrv I'ortcr.
Moses Porter,
[jeor<je Preston.
Henry Peters,
•'ohii Piir/riison,
I'cterPolin^r,
S'epben Pie^rson
jiodfrev Kiehards.
f '"'am K-'deford,
•'olin Richards
•/o*in Rubash, '
'«"'>! Iteeknor.
• o'ln Simpk.'ns.
•'"eob Storm.
(j^orse Sapp.
•'olin Steyer
;'"'"i Trotter,
,'"'■'1 Tro.vel|.
/'t'-- Titlle, .Sr
-*''-'ol Totten,"'
""'^^ Utter, Sr.,
'"^■sL-tter, .Jr
7" V«nbuskirk
'"''"''y^o^r.uT.j^^
A'lam {fieksenI,aM.rh
"enjam,,, FIu||, "
fiejiard irarcourt.
" illiam ./ones,
•'olin Jonas,
JV'illiani Jacobs,
Jacob Ivoontz,
Wenrv Kemp,
('eorffc I.aporte,
vvilmn. Lo^raden.
«»Iph Loirsden,
'^'iHha /.ogsden,
John Lvnn,
/^Hchariah Linton,
"cnry A[attin<r|y.
Ic^nry Myers. ^
I '"lip Michael,
Moses Mnnro,
'Solomon Mnnro,
•'oHiah McKinsy,
John Metz,
.'^an.es McPipe.
'homas Matthew.
John Neff.
•/ohannes P,ui.rh
"ohert Parker'
I'abriel Powell'
Nicholas Pitfi,u,(.,
{{enry I'ittinpe,
Htzekiah Pound,
Martin Poli„,,, y^
John Price, '
•/ohn Hvan]
John Riioads,
John Ratton,
favid Robertson,
Adam Rhoades,
i;eter Stuck,
JVilliamShaw.
•'oseph Scott,
'Sitnon Speed
Matthew Snooke,
John Seyltr,
^^ illiam SUifTfr,
Jame.s Schimer,
f eter Tittle, Jr..
Michael Tedrick,
Jesse Tom linson.
John Trimble,
VV >lliam Utter,
ihomas Umbertson,
David Vansickle,
Wilham Wells,
•Sa-i'i.el Hatton,
Abraham Hjte
Jacob Hazlewood.
'Samuel Jackson.
♦V^ilbam Jone.s,
Jacob Krp^jer,
John Kelly,
Leonard Kimble,
"avid (,ee,
John Liptz,
'Breton J.evit,
Jacob Lee,
James Montain,
Vvilliam xMoore*
John Matthews, Jr
Jacob Miller,
Alexander Afoore,
Daniel Moore,
Moses McKin.sy,
Daniel McKinsy,
Conrad Millen,
I'^lias Majors,
John iVepton,
«;!nH'el Postlewait,
Michael Paugh,
Margaret Polin.r.
John i>orter, "
'"iaiiiuel i'oling,
Martin J'olin-r
Richard Poling,
Charles Queen."
benjamin Rush,
iinoch Jiead
Roffer J{<,bertson,
Aaron Rice,
Michael Rawav
JohnRagan, ''
John Streets,
Moses Spicer,
Abel Serjeant,
Adam Seigler,
Jaccb Seigler'
Joshua Scuteh'field,
John Siblev, '
^Vederick thaxter,
Jol". Tomlinson, '
Jacob Trullinffer
Moses Tilsonel,
Richard Tilton,
Charles Uhl,
John Vincent
Henry Woodger
John Workman,'
„ . — — — '■' ""rKman.
2CA\
HISTORY OF CUMBKULAND.
[1788.
Arclulmid While.
Arthur Watson,
.Ft'Hst! W (liter,
John Wikoir,
Alexander Wilhe)in,
(jleorire Wilhelm.
IVter Wikoff,
Jacob WikofT,
James Wells,
I'eter Wells.
Samuel WikolV,
(leorfje Winters,
•lames Wnoilrinfrer.
Al|)heus Wi^wire,
(ieor<j;e Waddle,
Isaac Workman,
Andrew Workmini.
.laeol) Workman,
Ste|dien Workman,
Thomas Williams,
Joseph Wartiiek,
John Whitemnn,
William Workman.
The act of 1788 provided that throe commissioners
be iippointed to fix the value of the hinds oceupid
by the aforej^oing persons, and to settle all dis])utos
that might arise concerning pre-emption.
The commissioners appointed were David Lynn.
Daniel Cresaj), and Benjamin Brookes, In making
the surveys Mr. Deakins had ten assistant surveyors,
they being Henry Kemp, Daniel Cresap, Lawrence
Bringle, lienjamin Price, John Tomlinson, Jonas
Hoginire, Thomas Orm, John Hooker, John Lynn.
and William Hoye, and they were paid for their
services ten shillings current money j)er day. The
distribution of the lots to officers was made by lottery.
each ticket designating four lots contiguous to etu;h
other, or as nearly so as possible.
Dr. Jos M. Toner, of Washington City, furnishes
the following extract from The Columbian Magazine,
for April, 1788, page 216, showing that the brave
deeds of the soldiers in the expedition against the
French were highly esteemed. The final sentence
contained in the extract, to be sure, somewhat tinges
the obituary with the ridiculous, but it was doubtless
quite gratifying to the returned heroes to he able to
read this testimonial to their courage:
To the Editor of the Colmnhian Magazine ■
Sir: The followin^f is an extract from the journal of an otficprmi
(lencrfll Forbes's expedition ajjfainst Fort Duquesne (now Fort Pitt) in
the year 1 758 :
mj.]
ALLKGANY dOUNTV KKK('TKI).
207
ISSIOIUTS
" About one hundred yards (rom Fort CiinihcrlHud, is h large Htjaare
iHist with a pyrainiilical toji, liiivin<r a plate of leatJ, with the followinjf
iniicri|itioii nailed on one side of it, viz :
TO THK MEMORY OK
8ERGEANT WILLIAM SILAW, SEIUiEANT TIMOTHY
SHAW, JEREMIAH POOR, AND JAMES COPE, SOL-
DIERS OF THE 1st VIRGINIA REGIMENT; THIS
MONUMENT IS ERECTED, TO TESTIFY THE LOVE
AND ESTEEM PAID THEM BY THEIR
OFFICERS FOR THEIR
COURAGE AND GALLANT REHAVIOUR.
NOV. 1751). TUEY WENT WITH U CATAUAS TO
GAIN INTELLIGENCE; AND IN THE FIRST EN-
COUNTER WITH THE ENEMY MET WITH THE
SUCCESS THEIR COURAGE DESERVED-INCITED
BY THIS ADVANTAGE, AND FIRED WITH NOBLE
AMBITION TO DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES, THEY
ENGAGED A PARTY OF THE ENEMY, HARD BY
FORT DUQUESNE, AND FELL GLORIOUSLY, FIGHT-
ING BRAVELY, BEING GREATLY OVERPOWERED
BY SUPERIOR NUMBERS.
"IN PRKMIUM VIRTUTIS KttlQENDUM CURAVIT.
ADAMUS STEPHEN."*
Risiiiii teneatus! — Some of these men, afterwards returned, and are
now otliters in the Virginia service. B. ;"
At the session of the Legislature of 1789, a petition
was presented asking for the erection of a new
county, and the following act was passed on the 25th
of December, in that year:
An Act for the Division of Washin^'ton county, and for erectinjf a new
one by the name of AUefrany :
Whereas, .\ luunb'^r of the inhabitants of Washington county, by
'heir petition to the General Assembly, have prayed that an act may pass
iura division of said county by Sideling Hill Creek, and for erecting a
"ew one out of the Western part thereof; and it appearing to this (Jeneral
Assembly that the erecting such a new county will conduce greatly to
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268
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1789.
the due Hdininistration of justice, and the speedy settling and improvin?
the western purt thereof, and the ease and convenience of tlie inhabitants
thereof,
II. Be it enacted by the General Assenobly of Maryland, That all
that part of Washington county which lies to the westward of Sideling
Hill Creek, shall be and is hereby erected into a new county, by the name
of Allegany county, and the inhabitants thereof shall have, hold ami
enjoy, all such rights and privileges as are held and enjoyed by the
inhabitants of any other county in this State.
III. And be it ena<;ted. That the county court and orphans' court for
Allegany county shall be held at the town of Cumberland, until the
voters of said county, by election to be held as hereinafter provided, shall
determine on some other place ; and until a place shall be fixed on by the
said election, and a court house shall be built, the justices of said county
may contract and agree at the county charge for a convenient place in
the said town to hold their courts, and for a convenient place in the said
town for the keeping of their books, papers and records.
IV. And be it enacted, That all causes, pleas, processes and plead-
ings, which now are, or shall be depending in Washington county court
before the first Monday in December, 1790, shall and may be prosecuted
as effectually in that court as if this act had not been made, and in case
any deeds or conveyances of land in that part of Washington county now
called Allegany county, have been, or shall be before the first Mondiiv
in December, 1790, acknowledged according to law, the enrollment or
recording thereof in either of the said counties, within the time limited
by law shall be good and available.
V. And be it enacted. That the county charge of Washington county
heretofore assessed shall be collected and applied as if this act had not
been made.
VI. And be it enacted, That the County Court and Orphans' Court
of Allegany County shall first be held on the first Monday in April, 1791,
and the said County Court be afterwards held on the first Mondaj in the
months of April and September yearly, and the said Orphans' Court
shall be afterwards held on the second Monday in the months of June,
August, October and December, and the same Courts shall have the same
powers and jurisdiction respectively us other County and Orphans
Courts within this State.
VII. And be it enacted. That all civil causes to be brought in Alle
gany County shall be determined within two Courts from the appearance
court, and none shall continue longer, unless under such circunistanceF
as Civii causes in other County Courts may be continued longer than
three courts from the appearance court.
1791.]
THE FIRST COURT.
269
lans' Court
^pril, 1791.
daj in the
ans' Court
s of June,
e the same
Orphans'
la in Alle-
ippearance
;u 111 stances;
oii''er than
VIII. And be it enacted, That the Governor and Council be author-
ized and required to commission fit and proper persons in the said
county to act as Justices of the Peace, and fit and proper persons as
justices of the Orphans' Court, as also Surveyor and other officers, and
that a fit and proper person be appointed by the Governor and Council
Sheriff of Allegany County, and be commissioned and qualified in the
usual manner, to continue in office until a new appointment shall take
place in the other counties of this State, under an election according to
the constitution and form of government.
IX. And be it enacted, That at the first election to be held in the said
county for a Sheriff", the voters of said county shall and may, by a
majority of votes determine the place at wliicli the courts of the said county
shall be held after the said election.
In December of 1790, an act was passed appoint-
ing Andrew Bruce, Evan Gwynn and Josejih Cresap
Commissioners of the Tax for Allegany County, and
requiring the Tax Commissioner of Washington
County to transmit to them an account of all the real
and personal property in the new county.
The first Court held in Allegany County was
convened on the 4th Monday and 25th da v of April,
1791. There being no Court House the session was
held at the house of John Graham, in Cumberland.
Upon the opening of the Court, Andrew Bruce
produced his commission as Associate Justice, and
was sworn in and took his seat upon the Bench.
John Beatty was appointed Sheriff, and John Lynn
Clerk of the Court. On the 27th of April Richard
Potts appeared in Court and presented his commis-
sion as Chief Justice of the County Courts in the
Fifth Judicial District. John Simkins also presented
his commission as Associate Justice, and took the
oath of office. Jeremiah Willison was appointed
Crier, and the following attorneys admitted as mem-
bers of the Bar : — George Magruder, Samuel Selby,
270
HISTOKY OF CUMHKRI.AND.
[1787.
John Johnson, Lenox Martin and William Claj:
each of whom paid a license of £3 for the privilojic
of practicing.
Lenox Martin presented his appointment, from tlic
Attorney-General, as Prosecutor for the State in this
Court, after which the business of the Court was
proceeded with. The session commenced on ihe
25th of April, and closed on the 29th, embracing five
days.
In laying off the town the ground now occupied
by the county buildings, comprising four lots, was set
apart for that especial purpose by the proprietor of
the town, Thomas Beall of Samuel, and in 1793, bv
an act of the Assembly. Thomas Beall, John Lynn.
William McMahon, George Dent and Benjamin
Tomlinson were appointed commissioners to contract
and agree for the building of a Court House and Jail.
and to prepare the plans and superintend the con-
struction thereof. The Justices of the Levy Court
were required to levy the sum of six hundred pounds
current money to pay for the same; £200 to be levied
in 1794; £200 in 1795, and the remainder in 1796.
In compliance with this act a building was erected
on the lot adjoining that now occupied by the
Allegany County Academy, on the north side of
Washington street, the basement of which was of
stone, and the upper story of brick. The basement
was used as a Jail, and the upper portion as a (^ourt
room.
At the session of the Justices of the Levy Court,
held in 1794, the sum of £200 was levied, in accord-
ance with the law, towards paying for the erection ol
1700.]
BRIDGES OVER WILLS CREEK.
271
the Court House and Jail. In 1795 a further sum of
£200 was levied. In 1796 the sum of £100 was
levied to pay for work on the Court House, and
£37 10s for the completion of the Jail. In 1799 a
final levy of £76 was made for the completion of the
Court House, making a total expenditure for the
work of £012 10s.
Ill 1790 there was a small wooden bridge over
Will's Creek, very near the site of the present
Baltimore street bridge, and in 1791 the Levy Court
of the County appropriated to Thomas Beall of
Samuel, and Alpheus Beall, the sum of £20, to be
expended in repairing the bridge. In 1792 a further
8um of £20 was appropriated for a similar purpose,
to be expended under the direction of William
McMahon and Joseph Kelly. In 1795 David Hof**^
man, John Grah.am, and P. Murdoch were appointed
Commissioners to superintend the building of a bridge
over Will's Creek, for which purpose £30 was appro-
priated from the County Treasury. These Commis-
sioners entered into a contract with William Logsden
on the 29th of April, 1796, the conditions of which
were that Logsden was to rebuild the bridge over the
Creek, and to have it completed and readj' for use
by the 1st day of September following. It was to
have good and sufficient abutments, to be five feet
higher than the former bridge was; to be sixteen
tieet wide, and furnished with a railing three feet
high; the contractor to maintain the bridge for
!*even years, and rebuild it if carried away by freshets,
t'xcept in case the water should become so high as to
float the structure and carry it off. The sureties
272
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[17'JI.
of the contractor were John and Ralph Logsden
The work was completed in the time specified, hi
1799 the sum of £20 12s U]d was levied to pay for
some improvements made upon the bridge, and to
pay the balance due on account of its construction.
This bridge stood until 1810.
The value of the taxable property in Allegan v
County, in 1791, was fixed at £78,978 Is lid; the
tax levied was 7s od on each £100. In addition to
the funds raided by taxation considerable sums were
secured by the rigid enforcement of the laws imposing
fines for drunkenness, profane swearing, and failure
to work on the roads. In some instances the
violations of these laws were quite numerous, and the
penalties incurred were various, ranging from 5d for
'•one profane curse" to £1 12s Od for "profane
swearing" and £2 7s Od for "drunkenness and Sabbath
breaking."
Liberal rewards were paid by the county authorities
for the destruction of wolves, the premium for an old
wolf's scalp being £5, and for a young wolf £1.
The Judges of the Orphans' Court in 1791 were
James Prather, Daniel Cresap, and John H. Bayard.
The Justices of the Levy Court were: — Daniel
Cresap, Thomas Beall of Samuel, Samuel Barrett.
James Prather and John H. Bayard.
In 1792 the Justices of the Levy Court were:—
John Orm, Samuel Barrett, James Prather, Gabriel
Jacob, John H. Bayard and John Reed.
In 1794 Cumberland again became the scene ol
warlike preparations, and again an army was assem-
bled on the historic ground about the old Fort, but
1794.]
THE WHISKY INSUHKKCTION.
278
now tlio stars and stripes of the young Republic
waved in the place once occupied by the old English
ensign. The enactment of laws, by Congress, laying
a duty upon spirits distilled in the United States, and
upon stills, caused a feeling of violent opposition to
spring up in the Pennsylvania counties of Alleghany,
Washington, Fayette and Westmoreland, where
considerable quantities of whisky were made. In
Washington County the opposition was most bitter,
and in a little while the officials whose duty it was
to enforce the requirements of the law became sub-
jected to violence and insult. Public meetings were
held by the malcontents, and resolutions were passed
strongly condemning the law as well as any person
who might attempt to enforce it. The first eftbrt
to impose the duties levied was made in 1791,
and in September of that year Robert Johnston, a
collector of the revenue, was seized at a place on
Pigeon Creek, in Washington County, Pa., by a party
of men, who tarred and feathered him, cut off his
hair, and otherwise insulted him. The leaders in
this outrage were known, but no officer dared arrest
them. Other outrages were perpetrated, and for
three years the troubles grew" worse and worse, the
insurgents sending their men into adjacent Counties
of Virginia and Marvland to breed disaffection. In
the outset men of influence and property had
encouraged the rebellion, but they had not anticipated
the serious results which followed. On the 7th of
August, 1794, the President issued a proclamation
atmouncing his intention to enforce the laws by
calling out the militia, and he called upon the
35
274
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1794
^^^^■<n
•^
i
Governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, M.^ryland
and Virginia for suflficient militia to form an army of
15,000 men, which was to be organized and })repare(l
to march at any moment. A second proclamation was
published on the 25th of September, when the stub-
born persistence of the insurgents rendered further
temporizing impossible, calling the troops into active
service. The New Jersey and Pennsylvania soldiers
were ordered to assemble at Bedford, and those of
Maryland and Virginia at Cumberland. Ciovernor
Lee, of Virginia, was put in command of all the
troops, and the Governors of New Jersey and Penn-
sylvania took subordinate commands.
The assembling of the militia from Maryland and
Virginia at Cumberland, crejited great excitement in
the village. Hoav long they remained here is not
exactly known, but on the 18th of October, 1794.
Washington arrived, and spent several days inspect-
ing the condition of the men and their supplies.
On the 19th he appeared in full uniform, and held
a review, on the old parade ground of Fort Cumber-
land, at which the entire population of the town was
present. This was the last occasion upon which he
wore his uniform.
The troops had been encamped along Will's Creek.
on what was known as the "Island," where tliev had
good water from a spring, near by. On the 19th the
command was marched up to the parade ground, and
drawn up for inspection. General Washington rode
along the line, from the right to the left, and was
loudly cheered by the men. Afterwards the com-
mand marched in review, and Washington raised his
171)5.]
A POST OFFICE ESTABLISHED.
275
hat iis a salute, while they passed. Generals Lee and
Morgan were both present, and participated.
Hon, Alexander R. Boteler has in his possession
an oil painting representing this review. It was the
work of an amateur artist, and upon its completion
passed into the hands of General Daniel Morgan.
The army marched in two divisions, from Cumber-
land and Bedford. The insurrection was suppressed
without difficulty, as the great strength shown by
the government overawed the disturbers, and General
Morgan was left with a detachment of troops during
the winter, in the disaffected district, as a safeguard
against further trouble.
The necessity existing for good roads was greatly
felt at this time, since all the supplies of the inhabit-
ants were brought from the East, and a great part of
the year the muddy roads and steep hills made
transportation botli slow and expensive. On frequent
Dccasions salt, rope, cloth, iron, &c., were brought
fruni the Eastern towns on pack horses, a cheaper
and more expeditious method than by wagons. The
Legislature passed acts for improving and straighten-
ing the roads from Hancock to Cumberland, from
('umborland to Turkey-foot, and from Cumberland
to Winding Ridge.
On the 1st of January, 1795, Cumberland was
iiuide a Post-town, and by order of the Postmaster
('oneral a post office was established therein, and
Charles F. Broadhag appointed Postmaster, which
position he held until July 1st, 1802.
Tn order to provide facilities for the purchase and
^ale of produce, &c., in the town, a shed was erected
276
mSTORV OF CUMBERLAND.
[1797.
on a lot of ground on the bank of the Creek, about
Hixty feet south ea«t of the present gas works property,
and in December, 1795, an act of the Legishxture was
passed making it a market house for the town, and
providing that from and after the first day of May,
1796, Wednesday and Saturday of eacii and every
week should be held and considered as market days,
the hours to be from any time in the morning until
9 o'clock A. M. A fine of fifteen shillings was imposed
upon any person who bought or sold any articles of
provision at any place other than the market house
during market hours.
In 1797 the Justices of the Orphans' Court were
John H. Bayard, Evan Gwynn and A. A Browne.
The Associate Justices of the County Court were
Patrick Murdoch and Hanson Briscoe. Sherifl^
Robert Sinclaire.
The Court House at this date was still uncompleted,
and the sessions of the Court were held at the tavern
of Abraham Faw, a building located on Green street,
west of Small wood, just where the residence of the
l.ate William Landwehr now stands. For the use of
his house for this purpose, in 1797, Mr. Faw was
paid the sum of £3, as also 4s lOd for 9 days' use of
rooms for meetings of Tax Commissioners, and Is lOd
for three days' session of the Levy Court.
It is thought that a temporary Jail was made of
an old log house of very limited dimensions, which
stood on the opposite side of the road, a short
distance west of the tavern. This old house was one
of the structures supposed to have been built about
1755, and used as a guard house. It had no windows.
■)^^-A
1707.] HOTEL KATES. 277
iind the sinj^le door wjih tliioklvstuddod with wrouijlit
iron nails.
At the meeting of the Court, in 1707, Andrew
McClery, Robert McClery, John McClery and Henry
McCiery, carpenters; John Wright, weaver; William
Thistle, farmer; Thomas Thistle, student at law,
natives of Ireland; and Christian Deetz, tailor, a
native of Germany, were naturalized, and fully
invested with all the rights of American citizenship.
The following. Inn Keepers' Rates, established at
the April Term of Court, 1798, are somewhat in
contrast with those o^ the present day :
S. I).
A Hot Dinner for a Gentleman, with Beer or Cider 3
A Supper or Breakfast 2
French Brandy, per J pint 1 10
Peach Brandy, per J pint 1 3
Lodging in clean sheets 1 10
tlitto double ditto 9
Ditto in sheets before used 6
Hay per nifrht for Horse 1 6
Ditto for 24 hours 2 6
Madeira and Claret Wine per quart 10
Port, Sherry or Lisbon Wine 7 6
Whisky per gill 5}
Other Wine per quart 5
Corn and Oats, per quart 3
Lodgings for Servants 6
Cold Dinner, per gentleman 1 lOJ
Supper and Breakfast per servant 1 6
Dinner per Servant 1 10
The town grew steadily, and in 1797 had one
hundred dwellings and one hundred and twenty
families, three merchant mills and three church
congregations, German Lutheran, Methodist and
Honian Catholic. Amongst the persons who came
!^78
IIISTOIlY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1798.
here to live fVoir 170<') 1 > 1800 wore families of tin-
following llllm(^s: — Dow.iul, Broii(llia<5, Bridenlmrt.
Beatty, Bayanl. Brown, BriHCoe, Beard, Deetz, Davis.
Deems, Erb Entler. Faw, Fisher, Gephart, Graliani.
lIugheH, KornH, Liehlider, McMahon, McCleary, Ma-
grnder, Murdoch, Moore, Miller, Milburn, Morri.s.
Osborn, Perry, Pigman, Richards, Russell, Kizer.
Rafters, Shuck, Smith, Selby, Stonesifer, Sinclair.
Thistle, Wineow, Wright.
Benjamin Tinnlinson was amongst the earliest
settlers in the county, and in 1781) he built the hoii8o
on Will's Creek, some five miles from Cumbcrlaiid.
now occupied by Mrs. Alexander King, a grand-
daughter.
The militia law in existence at this date caused
the citizens of Allegany county much annoyance, as
they were compelled to travel long distances, citlici
on horseback or on loot, to attend the drills providetl
for by law. Consequently they caused a statement
to be made to the Legislature setting forth their
grievances, and that body in 1798 passed an act
authorizing the field officers having command of tiu'
militia of Allegany county to appoint certain days
for drill each year, at such place in the county as they
might direct.
The subject of Roads attracted considerable atten-
tion again in 1798, and in order to improve the
condition of the road from Cumberland to Sidelin;:
Hill a liberal appropriation was made. A further
sum of £56 5s was levied in 1802 for this purpose.
In January, 1799, an act of the Legislature was
secured for the opening of a road from ''MartinV
1799.]
ALLEGANY COUNTY SCHOOL.
270
Ford, on the North Branch of the Potovvniaok, to
iiitorwct the main road heading from the mouth of
(ii'orfie's Creek to the town of Cumberland," and
Josepli Cresap, Thomas Dawson of William, and
Kl)onezer Davis were apj)()inted Commissioners for
the purpose of layin<^ off this road in the most direct
and convenient way; it was to be kept in order by
till' persons living on the tracts of land known as
•'The Cove," "Long Bottom," and "Lot No. :J58L"
Tlie first ellort towards advancing the cause of
e(hication in Allegany county was made in 1791).
On the I5th of January, ii^. that year, an act was
pas.sod 1)}' the Legislature entitled "An act to incor-
porate a school in Allegany County, by the name of
Allegany County School, tlie [)urj)oses of which are
sliown by the following extract from the law, viz:
" WhereuH, it is reiisonahle Unit nducation should be extended to
the several parts of this State, and that there should bt; a public
seiioni in Allegany County, thc^refort; :
Be it enacted by the (Jeneral Assembly of Maryland, That in order
10 the erecting and building a house and other conveniences for a
county scbool, the persons hereinafter named shall have power to
purchase one or more acres of land in or adjoining the town of
Cumberland, in Allegany county, to wit: John liynn, Kvan (irwynn,
William McMahon, Joseph Cresap, David Lynn, Patrick Murdoch,
Hanaon Briscoe, John B. Beall and John C. Beatty, who shall be visitors
ot said school ; which said persons so nominated visitors for Allegany
county school, and their successors, appointed in the manner hereinafter
declared, shall and are hereby declared to be one community, corporation
and body politic, to have continuation forever, by the name of The Visitors
of Allegany County School, and by that name to sue and be sued, implead
or be impleaded, and to make and have a common seal, and the same
'0 break, alter or renew, when and so often as they shall think fit.
Under the provisions of this act a building was
t'l'octed for school purposes on the lot now occupied
by the school building of SS. Peter and Paid's Church.
i
280
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1790-1 800.
German Catholic. Tlie School building was of
brick, one story in height, and amongst the earh
Principals of the school were Professors Pierce
and Benjamin Brown. The Academy was placed in
charge of a board of visitors, who were given power
to elect their own successors, and the organization is
maintained to this day. The original board appointed
b}" the act of 179o, consisted of John Lynn, Evan
Gwynn, William McMahon, Joseph Cresap, David
Lynn, Patrick Murdoch, Hanson Briscoe^ John B.
Beall and John C. Beatty, and the sum of $200 r v
year was granted them from the State Treasury.
The lack of data, either written or printed, renders
it extremely difficult to procure a correct list of the
people residing here at a date so early as 1800.
especially since there are few persons living, old
enough to remember distinctly such matters.
To designate the houses that are oldest is equally
difficult. Certainly the moot venerable of them was
that known as "Washington's headquarters," which
occupied the ground on which Mr. 0. C. Gepliart's
residence- now stands.
and Vfhich is well re-
membered by hundreds
of citizens, as it was not
removed until about the
vear 1844. It was co-
temporary with Fort
WASHINGTON'S HEADriCABTERs. Cuuiberland, aud stood
but a short distance from the parade ground. This old
house was occupied at one time by Mrs. Bridenhari.
a daughter of Michael Kershner. and she entertained
1190-1800.]
OLD HOUSES.
281
several students there as hoarders for some years.
h was also occupied for several years hy David Lynn
as a residence, afterwards by (Jeorge Bruce, and
linally by John Kane.
In 1844 it was l)ought by George Blocher, who
moved it to a lot on the Bedford road, a mile distant,
wliore it was repaired and occupied for twenty-two
vears by Jolui Bak' r. It still stands, on the ground
of Christian Eichner, a -^hort distance from Cumber-
land.
About 1784 George Lowdermilk built a frame
liouse some fifty yards west of Washington's head-
quarters, and occupied it for twenty years.
The -McMahun House," — still standing on the
Southwest corner of Snialhvood and Green Streets —
was built about the year 1792, and had a stoi-e-room
mljoining. The back building, erected several years
afterwards, was constructed cf brick, and was the
first of the kind in the town. The brick were
brought up the river in a keel boat, from some point
l)elo\v. The mason work was done by Henry Wineow,
who was then the only brick mason in the place.
Mr. McMahon was a gentleman of some wealth, and
thoroughly hospitable. In October, 1794, while
Washington was here for the purpose of inspecting
the Western Army, on the occasion of the Whiskey
Insurrection, he was the guest of Mr. McMahon, and
tlio entire population of the town called there to pay
their respects to the great man. This old house is
HOW a deserted and dilapidated wreck, but deserves
to be held in some degree of veneration, as one of the
few rciiiaining landmarks of those early days. The
36
282
HISTORY OF CUMRERLAM). [179O-l,S00.
lot on which this building stood is marked ''9" on
the map. In this house John V. L. iMcMahoii \va«
born, a man of great intellect and scholarly acquire-
ments.
On the north side of (Ireen street, lot No. ol.
Michael Kershner built a two-story house, with a
porch, about 1790. This has disappeared altogether,
unless a portion of the plastered house standing there
may be a remnant of it.
A short distance west of the McMahon house, and
about where Mrs. W. Landwehr s house no'y stands,
was built a twostory log tavern, by Abraham Fuav.
In this building were born J. Galloway Lynn, and
afterwards General E. O. C. ()rd, of the United State!*
Army. Previous to the erection of a Court House.
several sessions of the Grand Jury and the Court
were held there, and this tavern became the general
resort of most of the persons who came to the town.
The Devecmon house, on (Jreen street, east of
Smallwood, was Ijuilt about 1790, by George Dent,
who was the surveyor of the town. This house is
still standing, the lower story being now several feet
below the street. Mrs. Dent died about 1807, in the
house of Dickeson Simkins, on north Mechanic street.
corner of Valley street.
Probably the first house built on the east side of the
Creek was that erected by David Hoffman, a little
south of the Blue Spring, on north Mechanic street.
It was constructed of logs, and was about 40 x 2t
ieet in size. i
The log house on north Mechanic street, above
the "Blue Spilug," was built about 1791, by an old
1790-1800.]
OLD HOUSES.
28B
hacliolor. iiaincd Wyatt. It wa:^ used in 1809 by
Siiimu'l Smith, as a htoro liouse, and the Post office
was then ivept there, Mr. Smith heing the Postmaster.
The log house, now weatherboanled, standing on
the corner of north Meohanie street and Valley street,
was built })y Dickeson Simkins, in 1700.
About the same time the house on north Mechanic
street. No. 209, next below Wegman's store, was
built by Benjamin Morris, a shoemaker, and brother-
in-law of Simkins, who carried on his business there.
The log house next to J. Wegman's dwelling, No.
215 north Mechanic street, was built at the same
time Ijy John Snowden Hook, a farmer, who came
liore from Washington County, and purchased a con-
siderable tract of land, embracing what is known as
'• Hook's Oravevard."
Till' house occupied by the late Emanuel Easter,
No. 132 north Mechanic street, was built about 1800,
and a pottery established by Jacob Neff. Mr. Easter
was an apprentice with Neft', and afterwards carried
on tiie business up to the time of his death, at an
old age, in 1877.
The house of Mrs. Charlotte Wright, No. 140
north Mechanic street, was built about the year
1800, and Mrs. Wright has now i)een living there
continuously for more than fifty years.
A house, supposed to have Ijeen built by Jonathan
'ox, stood near the spot now occupied by Lewis
Smitlf s tavern on north Mechanic street, and David
iuid Jonathan ('ox, tanners, had a tannery a short
ilistance above the ground now occupied by Withers'
tannorv. Cox's house was built of stone.
284
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1790-1800.
r
:
:
George Shuck, who came here about 1790, from
York, Pa., lived in a log house, where Shipley's tavern
now stands, in 1800.
Thomas Beall, of Samuel, built a house on Lihorty
street, a short distance below the City Hall, on the
opposite side. The date of its erection is uncertain,
but is supi30sed to have been about 1785. It h still
standing.
A log house, was built by John Miller about 1794.
on the lot on the corner of Liberty and Bedford
streets, and is still in use, immediately opposite the
City Hall, and is known as the "Snyder property."
George Payne had a liouse in 1796, on the Little
Valley Road, near "Payne's Spring," which was on
his property.
Several other old buildings are still in existence,
which are supposed to have been constructed previous
to 1800, but their history is not positively known.
The effort to preserve the chronology of the history
of the town, so far as its growth is concerned becomes
exceedingly difficult at this time, since there were
no newspapers in existence, and the memory of the
old inhabitants utterly fails to establish dates with
an}^ degree of accuracy. Consequently the events of
the next twenty years must be treated as best they
may be under the circumstances.
It has been heretofore stated that in 1755 a bridge
was built across Will's Creek, near the mouth of the
stream. This was carried away by a freshet, and
about 1790 a wooden bridge was built where the
present iron bridge stands. The new structure was
built upon wooden piers, and by frequent repairs and
90-1800.
'90, from
^-''-s tavern
11 Liberty
11, on the
uncertain,
It is still
3utl794.
Bedford
osite the
roi>erty."
tie Little
I was on
xistence,
previous
■ known,
e history
becomes
ire were
J of the
tes with
3vents of
•est they
a bridge
h of the
hct. ami
lere the
ure was
lairs aiif]
MAP OF
m 1801
imt
%k
v^y
AP OF (■ND, 1806
I
'^mm
ISOo.]
SURVEY OF THE TOWN.
285
mucli |)iit('hin<^ was kopt in serviceable condition until
IMM, when it was damaged by high water. In
Jamiarv, 1805, the Legislature passed an act author-
izing Lipton Bruce, David Iloftman, senior, Thomas
Thistle, George IlolVman, and William McMahon to
hold a lottery, and thereby raise a sum of money not
to exceed $2,000 for the purpose of purchasing a fire
engine for the town of Cumberland, and directing
them to appropriate the balance of the money on
hand, after making such purchase, to the erection of
a bridge over Will's Creek. Whether the lottery
was held is not recorded, but certainly another bridge
was erecti'd, and this was in turn washed away. by a
.rreat freshet, in 1810, at which time the Creek
rose to an unprecedented height, entirely flooding
Mechanic street. After the bridge was destroyed,
ill 1810, a ferry was established, and kept in use
until a new })ridge was erected. The ferry consisted
of a rope stretched across the Creek at the foot of
Ikltiniore street, the ends being lashed to large
walnut trees, and a flat boat being attached to a ring
which was made to slip along the cable. Another
wooden l)ii(lg:' was shortly aftx^r put in the place
•i' the one destroyed, and this stood until 1820,
when a suspension chain bridge was substituted
therefor, a full description of which will hereafter be
'iiven.
The survey of the town, as made in 1787, having
never been filed in the office of the Clerk of the
Court of either Washington or Allegany County, as
i'0([nired by the law authorizing the survey, the
Legislature passed an act January 27, 1805, reciting
28(1
HISTORY OF CUMBKHLAND.
[isoi;
that '' Whereas, Thomas Beall, son of Samuel, and
other persons, did lay of!" a parcel of their laud
contijiuoiis to the mouth of Will's ('reek, in Allegany
(Jountv, into lots, a jj:reat part of which have since
heen purc^hased, and consideral)le improvements niadi'
thereon, and there heing no record of the same, the
title of the proprietors thereof .'ire precarious and
uncertain; and it appearing right and proper that
commissioners should be apjminted to lay out and
erect a town on the said lands, and to secure the
purchasers of lots therein, reserving the right of
the proprietors and their interests in said lands,"
therefore. Roger Perry, Evan Gwynn, Jonathan
Cox, George Hoffman, and Upton Bruce were
ai)})ointed Conunissioners to have an accurate sur-
vey made, and an exact plot thereof, showing the
original location of the streets, lanes, lots, &(•., filed
in the office of the Cerk of the Court. 1'hey were
re([uired to have the lots numbered one, two, three.
and so on, and these numbers were to be given at*
they were in the origimil location. They were
authorized to summons witnesses tor the purpose of
securing such information as should be necessary to
ascertain the true lines, and were then to set up
boundary stones at the beginning of the lots. This
act contained provisions for securing purchasers in
their rights, and repealed the act of 1 « 86.
In 1800 the provisions of this act were fully carried
out by the Commissioners, Mr. George Dent havinj;
been employed as the surveyor, and the plat made
by him was filed in the Land Records of AUeganv
County, an exact copy of which is here given. That
180(1.]
SUKVEV OV TllK TOWN
287
portion of the town lying on tlio east and north side
of Will's Creek was (Irst laid out in 17!)8.
The (yonunissioners in inakin<i: their return, sul)-
mitted the t'oUowinj^' remarks, wliieh were liled
together with the map, and an iicenrate description
(if I'licli lot :
The Town of Cuinberliind had grown into considerable Hi/.e before
the piissiige of the law authorizing its being laid out, and as no correct
plat had been preserved of its ancient location, or boundaries set up, by
which it could be ascertained correctly, the Commissioners for the want
iif some guide of this kind met with considerable ditliculty in assigning
to each lot its due and proper situation, particularly so, on the east side
of Will's Creek, where the lots being of no given size, and the streets
crooked and irregular one lot became of little service in leading to the
establishment of another; the conveyances or titles by which many of the
lots were held were very imperfectly drawn, and many blunders com-
mittfid, so that they frecjuently served rather to add to our perplexity than
liirnish us with correct information. The Commissioners, nevertheless,
trust they have produced as perfect a return as could be desired or «;x-
pected, and that besides the advantage of every man knowing how and
whereto find the precise situation of his lot, many disputes will be quieted
from the having a settled and determined record to refer to. Several
additions have been made to the Town as just laid off, and as each
addition begins with number 1, 2, and so on, it follows that there are five
lots thus numbered in the Town of Cumberland, a circumstance it was
impossible for the Commissioners to avoid under the restriction of the
law giving them their powers. At first glance of the plat this may seem
like confusion, but which it will be easy to avoid if where in searching for
any number due regard be had to the addition it is distinguished by as
lyine in. There are on the plat two lots numbered 219, which could not
be avoided, as by some error conveyances had been made to two different
persons for two adjoining lots by this number, but to distinguish we have
failed one the senior and the other the junior lot. Occasionally on our
approach to the neighborhood of some metalic substance, we found our
>elves led astray from the attraction of the needle; sometimes we were
unable to discover where the cause lay, though the effect was quite plain.
It was observable that in passing by where had been several years back a
smith shop the attraction from small particles of iron concealed under the
LTound WHS very considerable, and would have thrown us totally into
toufusiou had it not been discovered in time. So that in any future
288
HISTOKY OF CUMHKKLAND.
[181(1.
4
running due caution ou<?ht to be paid to this circumstance. The Com
iniHsionerH aHk for their intcntionH, and their r(;turn, a fair and iil)i>ru!
interpretation, and while thoy are conlident Htrict and eiiual re^Mnl lu-
been paid to each particular interest, express a hope their hiljors will Ijc
found to have given order, form and certainty to what was herotol'ort;
perplexed, confused anil doubtful, and that each proprietor of a lot in the
Town of Cumberland may discover its situation, extent and liuiit.s, bv a
reference to the plat, and without an appeal to the remedy at Olw. which
la always attended with expense and delay.
nOQKR PFOIUIY,
EVAN (JWYNN,
JONATHAN COX.
GEOUGK HOFFMAN',
W. BRUCE.
The accumulation of the record.s of the Court
rendered it necessary that a proper i)lace .should Ix-
provided for their ])re.servation, and in 1800 the
lieginlature authorized the County Conuni.>*si()ners to
levy the .sum of $1,200, which wa.s to be collected in
one, two and three year.s, for the purpose of buildiiifi
offices for the reception of the papers and records of
the County, and for the proper accommodation of the
Clerk of the Court. Such a building was erected on
the public grounds in the vicinity of the Court
House, and just whore the Academy building now
stands. It was occupied continuously until the com-
pletion of the new Court House in 1840.
In 1810 an act supplementary to the act erecting
the town was passed authorizing the appointment of
a Street Supervisor, and directing that all monies
collected as taxes on the property on the west ami
east sides of Will's Creek should be expended on
that side on which it was C(jllected, except so miicii
as might be necessary to pay an equal proportion ot
the salaries of the Clerk and Bailiff.
[1810.
1813.]
RESIDENTS AND HOUSES.
289
Thn Com
irnl liberal
ors will be
lien-lofori'
a, li)t in thi'
limits, by a
t niw. which
lY,
ho Court
should be
180C) tlu"
isi oners* to
)lk'('tod in
■ buildinir
records of
ion of the
'I't'cted oil
ho ('oui't
iling no\v
the coiu-
erectiug
itinent of
jl monies
Ivest aiul
I'nded on
ISO mucli
bortiou of
The following is a sketch of tlio houHos Htanding
in 1813, from the most roliahle data that can ho
ui)tiiinod, taking the oldo.st HtVoots in HucoosHion, and
tR'jrinning with the west side of the Creek.
Oil the south side of Green street, where it is
intersected by Water street, stood a house and
siiop, which was used by a man named Glenn.
who was a nail-maker; the brick building now used
as the residence of the Chief Engineer of the Water
Works, was erected by Roger Perry, in 1811; next
wiis the Dent or Dovecmon house; opposite Glenn's
nail-shop was the house of Captain Thomas Blair,
who was a hatter; nearly opposite the Dent house
was the house of Michael Kershner. Ttiese com-
prised the houses east of Smallwood street. West
of this street were, on the south side, William
McMahon's dwelling and store, and Faw's tavern;
on the north side were the houses of Rev. Mr. Ken-
nedy, a minister; Mr. Glissan ; the old guard quarters;
George Hughes, and Andrew^ McCleary.
On Rose Hill was the residence now occupied by
J. G. Lynn, Esq., which was built by his father, in
1810. The house now occupied by Dr. James M.
Smith was built in 1810, by Upton Bruce, who
resided there.
Wasliington street was then a very steep and
rough road. There were but four houses on the
f^outh side, one built by Mr. Deakins, and afterwards
bought by John Hoye; the old Washington head-
'luarters; a frame house a few yards west of it, and
1' brick house on the site now occupied by Hon.
^Villiam Walsh's residence. On the north side were
37
29(1
HISTORY (IF CUMBERLAND.
[ISIJ
the Court Uoust' and jail, the Clerks' office, and tlu'
house built by Roger Perry.
On the gTound north of Fayette street, near the
present railroad line, were Hanson ]5riscoe's house.
the Methodist Church, the Academy, and a small
house in the r ;ar of the ground now occupied by the
residence of Mr. R. D. Johnson.
These co!nprised all the houses on the west side of
the Creek.
On Bedford street, now Baltimore street, a black-
smith shop stood noi^r the banks of the Creek, and
in close proximity to the bridge; on the southwest
corner of Baltimore and Mechanic streets was a
frame store house ; on the ground now occupied by
Mrs. S. Thress's store, was a log house, built by
Robert McCleary. (This was torn down and re-
placed by a brick house in 1830). On the north side
Peter Gephart had a dwelling where McKaig's block
stands, below Liberty street; near the corner was
Dowden's house. Between LilxTty and Mill (now
(Jentre) streets the ground was occupied by John
Shryer's tan yard, and on the northwest corner of
Baltimore and Centre stood the old Lutheran Church.
On Liberty street there were no houses, except
those occupied by Captain Thomas Beall of Samuel.
and John Miller.
Mechanic street was at that time the main street.
and the houses located there were as follows, taken
in sequence from the south to the north : On the
west side l)elow Harrises street, Elnathan Russell."*
house and blacksmith shop, both still standing at the
t)ffset in the street; A. Rogers, butcher; Nicholas
1 c 1 *> T
RESIDENTS AND HOUSES.
291
Kooiitz; Michael Fi.sher, cooper; Henry Wineow,
hrickmason ; Tlionias Dowdeii. bljicksmitli. Between
Creek and Baltimore streets : — first, Slicer's tavern,
the Cumberland Bank, Wyatt's drug store, corner
Baltimore. Between Baltimore street and Bedford
street: — Reeside's,or McKinley's, hotel, (old National)
John Scott, Dr. Reese, McGill's drug store, E. Vowell's
store, Samuel Lowdermilk, Peter Lowdermilk, har-
ness and saddlery shops; William Shryer s cabinet
shop. George Ho])litzeirs store. Between Bedford
street and the Blue Spring: — The first house was
where the gas works stand, and was occupied by a
shoemaker named McDonald; then came Adam
Zoigler's store; Jacob Neft"s pottery; W. Boyd, a
Methodist Episcopal minister; James Simmons.
Initoher; Robert McCleary, and Jacob Korns, black-
Miiith. just below the Blue Spring. Above the Spring
wore Samuel Smith, store and post-office; Henry
Koriis, c(mi)Mnaker; M. Soyster, tan yard; Jacob
Soyster, saddler, and Wm, Beard. West side of
Mechanic street: — First, Martin Rizer's house;
Ix'tween Harrison and Baltimore streets, Michael
Korshner's new house; Arthur Rose; John Boward;
Christian Deetz; N. Bassnet; George Hoffman, and
on the southeast corner of Baltimore, John Murrell's
store. Between Baltimore and Bedford: — Barton
'arico's tavern; Justice's store; Ryan's tavern; C. F.
Broadhag's store; George Hoblitzell; Jacob Saylor;
•lohn Gephart, hatter; Solomon Davis, tailor, and
•^acob Hoblitzell's store. Between Bedford street and
Little Valley Road : — John Scott's mill, (corner Bed-
ford.) George Thistle; Peter Lowdermilk; Jacob
292
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1818.
Shuck; Dr. Murray; Henry Baker; Benjamin WiUn-;
Francis Madorc, (corner of alley below Kjiilroad
viaduct); Michael Wire's drug store; Wolf; (loorfro
(Jox, Joinithan Cox, tanyard; James Hook,wheelrig}it;
John Wickard, farmer; Jacob Sease; B. Howard;
Henry Korns ; Dickeson Simkius' " Three Butts
Hotel." North of Little Valley street :~Thomas Clin-
ton; .Petc;rs(m ; Elias Hook; Hector Mcintosh, coml)-
maker; Strieker, tailor; Crawford, shoemaker; David
Shultz, wagon-maker; John Howe; Jonathan llon-
drixon, carpenter; Peter Lichlider; and Starner.
Mill street, now Centre street, was then a narrow,
crooked road through a commons, with but few
houses scattered here and there. At the corner of
Centre and Baltimore streets was Shryer's tan yard.
on the north west, and the Lutheran Church on tlie
northeast. At the corner of Bedford street, where
the City Hall now stands was the house of John
Clise. On the northwest ccu'ner of Bedford and
Centre was Startzman's tan yard, and on the north-
east corner was Thomas Thistle's house, a tavern.
The Catholic Church stood on the ground now
occupied by the Carroll Hall school building, adjoin-
ing the present Church grounds. Immediately south
of it was James White's house, and across the street
lived Peter Louderbaugh. James Bean occupied a
house a few hundred yards north, and above Litth'
Valley road were two other houses, one of which was
the house of Mrs. Waugh, a midwife.
Bedford street, or, as it was then called, IJlocher
street, boasted a very limited number of buildings*
On the south side, near the corner of Centre, lived
1818.]
KESIDENTS AND HOUSES.
203
Mrs. Willison and James Moore; on tho _
occupied by Mrs. Henry Korns' residence
house of Francis Deems; in a field
gronnd now
was the
(corner of
Decatur street) lived Abraham Simkins. On the
iiortli side of the street, where Jesse Korns now lives,
was a block of small honses known as " Berry's
Row." A short distance above were James P.
Ciirleton's and John Lingo's, and next Eckles'
Pottery, George Blochers, (house still standing,)
Jacob Shuck's and John McMahon's.
A grist mill stood at the mouth of the race, where
the wharf of the Consolidation Coal Company is
located. This mill was built somewhere about 1800,
bv Peter Devecmon, at a cost of i|8,000, and was
regarded as one of the finest mills in the State. It
was bought by Patrick Murdoch, but payments not
hoing made a law suit resulted after Murdoch's death.
These embraced all the houses in the town, with
the exception, possibly of three or four. The whole
number of houses was one hundred and thirty-eight.
Till' taxable property amounted to $22,829, according
to the assessment, which was put at very low figures.
The following is a list of the names of property
holders, and the amount with which each was
assessed :
John Anderson $1,080
Harmenus Alricka 25
l!i)l)prt Armstrong 2.5
Christian Albright 100
''hKrles F. Broiidlian 21*0
•l(hn I. Bnph • I'j
Mary Ann Boyd'.s heirs .'5.S0
N'ehcmiah Hasrictt's heirs 450
Peier Buniwnrt 200 j Robert Beaver 100
Margaret & Hlizabeth Beard. :^0 Upton Bruce 700
'ieorjre Bloeher 252 Thomas Beall, of Samuel 1,815
■lohn Bridenhart GO I Hanson Briscoe 175
Daniel C. Brant's heirs $ 115
Jacob Blocher .'UiO
John C. Beatty's.heirs 225
Andrew Bruce 12
Upton Bruce and J Cox tlO
Jeremiah Berry H(t
C. V. Broadhag and (Jeorge
Magruder.
294
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[181^J.
Jonathan Cox $ 184
Dennis Corbet 20
{j(}ni<ic Clmk'a hum 40
Absalom Chambers ")0
David Cox 28.5
Oeorpre dice's heirs 100
Zadoek Clark 40
Frederick Christman 80
David Cook 15
ChriHtiaii Deetz's heirs. I2.j
Frederick Deems 00
Mary Davis heirs 87
Francis Dtakins 30
Grafton Duvall 25
Solomon Davis 80
Haniiah Entler's heirs 40
Leonard Kxtines heirs 50
Michael Fisher 100
George Fnnke 175
Abrahan Fawn 205
.lobn Folk 240
Jacob Fair 75
James Glenn 25
J(jhn Graham 7.")
Peter Gephart 11 1
Peter Geary 70
James Hook 75
Geor-ire Uebb 280
Jacob Holitzell 4()5
(ieorge Hoffman 280
T>avid Hoffman, Sr 817
James Hendrixson 90
John L. Hook 71
John Hunter 80
John Hoblitzell 200
Daniel Haner 80
George M. Houx 15
Beall Howard 115
John Hoye 485
George Hoblitzell 80
Jonathan Hendrixson 40
Clement Engle 15
Michael Kershner 05
Nicholas Koontz 105
Lawrence Klemmer's heirs... 50
Joseph Keiley's heirs 40
Christian Kealhoover 10
John Kime's heirs 56
.lacob Korns 180
H. Kornsand J. Witt 80
James Kinkead 200
Samuel Lowdermilk's heirs... G
Robert Larimore 15
John Lynn's heirs 55
Peter Lowdermilk $ 12,",
William Lamar 240
David ]>ynn H(i
Patrick Murdoch 20.",
John McCiearys heirs Ifi
George Marrow I4(i
Mary Myers H(i
Jacob Myers' heirs %
William Moore 7(i
Robert McCleary.Sr 7;,
William McMahon (lie
Henry Mattingly il,')
Henry McCieary i:,
Nancy Mcintosh 3,'^
John Myers 5U
Andrew McCleary's heirs 50
John McKim, Jr 80
Clement Masters 4.'p
John Milbourn .lO
Isaac Miintz 2.'i
Robert McCleary, Jr 120
Francis Madore jO
Henry McKinley 210
Mary Murdoch 2'^J
Jane Mcintosh in
Jacob Neff. j'>
William Osborn I'T
Richard J. Orms i.'i
John Patterson H.j
Joseph Poison li'i
George Payne's heirs "J
Thomas Price's heirs 10
Edward Pannell !J
Roger Perrv 600
John Peter.". 80
Martin llizer, Jr liiJ
Anthony Reintzell 1''
EInathan Rnssoll (10
Thomas Reid's heirs ">'
John Ryan T'
William Roberts 10
Martin Rizer's Sr.. heirs 1m
George Rizer, of Martin 200
.lames Robardent's heirs •>''
Martin Rizer of Mathias 1'
.Jacob Shuck '"
George Shuck 12"
John J. Seiss '^^
Robert Selby's heins '"
Gilbert Strong •^•'
Henry Startzman ^^^
Michael Soyster '''
John Shryer 210
James Scott 210
1814.]
THE WAR WITH ENGLAND.
295
Uickeson Simkius $ 17'>
I'atrick Sullivim I'J-}
Waller Slicer l)*^!^'^
.lyiiii Scott '-i""
.lames Seiiright -tO
,l(iscph Shumate -10
John Searight Ij^O
Samuel Smith's heirs 230
.lohn Shuck ^0
Benjrtmin StoiKlert's heirs :^0
(leorge Thistle 270
.lamp? Timmons
.lohiiTimilinson
.l(.-iali Thoinpson
Sainiitl Tiiorntis
i'o<j;ress of the war
IK)
10
l.-)
1.-)
Kbenezer Vowell S 471
IJenjamin G. Vaughn 75
John B. Wright, t>i3
Henry Wineow 170
John Walls 00
Samuel Walls -10
Sarah Willison's heirs :iO
Michael Wire l";'-5
Charles Worthington 20
Benjamin Wiley "^
O. II. and Eli Williams 20
John Wickanl 50
(Jeorge W. VKnt/ ^^
Total ^22,821)
The progress of the war of 1812-14, and the,
arrival off our coasts of a large imiuber of British,
who threatened the National Capital, as well as
Ikltimore, led the President to issue a proclamation
on the 4th of July, 1814, calling upon the Governors
of the various States for militia. Maryland was
rt'([uired to furnish one Major-General, three Brigadier
(ienerals; one Deputy (Quartermaster-General, one
Assistant Adjutant-General, and six regiments, to
consist of 600 artillerists, and 5,400 infantry. The
Democrats and Federalists in the State were divided
upon the war question, the Federalists calling them-
sehes the -'Friends of Peace," and demanding that
tlie government should confine itself to a defensive
war, and make no pretense of war upon Canada. In
the foil of 1814, they elected their candidates in this
county, to the Legislature, their ticket being made
up of Jesse Tomlinson, WilHam McMahon, William
HiUeary, and Jacob Lantz. The Democrats, or '' war
hiuvks," as they were called, nominated Thomas
Cresap, Thomas Greenwell, Benjamin Tomlinson and
Upton Bruce.
Allegany's quota towards filling the State requisi-
•' *
200
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1814.
tion was filled, there being a considerable degree of
enthusiasm manifested. Two companies of infantrv
were formed in the county, one under Captain
William McLaughlin, and the other under Captain
Thomas Blair. The first was made up in the lower
part of the county, while Captain Blair's company
was composed largely of citizens of the town.
Cfiptain McLaughlin's company went to Baltimore
in August, and joined the First Regiment of Maryland
Militia, under Colonel John Ragan, on the lltli of
August, 1814, and served until October 13th, when
it was mustered out, returned to the county, and
was disbanded. The following is a list of the names
of members of
CAPTAIN MCI-At'<iHI,IN S COMPANY.
Names.
Wm. McLaughlin
James Hook
Oeor^e Shuck
Frederick Rice
Robert Little
Frederick Deems
John Porter
James M. White
Jacob Waggoner
Rezin Hook
Daniel Poland
John Waltz
William Street
Joseph S. Stafford
John North
Busey John
Brown Benjamin
Bryan James
Barr David
Barnes Nathaniel....
Bevana Michael
Bevans James
Banks Samuel
Beenian Thomas
Bryan Nathaniel
Broadwater William.
Bover James
Rank.
Names.
Captain. ;
1st Lieut
2d liieut.
Ensign.
Sergeant.
do
do
do
do
Corporal. i
do '
do '
do
do
do i
Private.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do <
do '
do
do !
Busey Charles
Burrows Klias
Clabaugh Martin
Connelly Bernard ,
Clemmer liewis
Cox David ,
Chapman Samuel
Creamer John
Clark Jacob
Connelly F^dward
Crawford Samuel
Davis Isaiah
Deverbaugh Benjamin.
Entler Michael
Erb Joseph
Garey Frederick
Gowar Nicolas
Hoblitzell Samuel
Hager George
Isenhart .Jacob
Jadwin Thomas
Jolley Benjamin
Johnson William
Mohnson John
'.Folley William
Kennedy Robert R
Kcmpton James
Runk.
Private,
do
d(.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
d..
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
W^m
1814.]
legree of
infantrv
Captain
p Captain
the lower
company
Baltimoiv
■Maryland
le 11th of
1 3th, when
Dunty, and
the names
THE WAR WITH ENGLAND.
.Al'TAIX MCl.AU(iHMN\S lOMPANY.
297
Names.
Kinsey David
I.anlz John
I.iitey niMijiiinin II..
Lt'iters Daniel
I.oar George
Lee .lames
I.ee .Iiicob
i.ee John
Love Arcliihahl
l.auijhridge .lohn....
Lee Frederick
Morrow .lames
Martin Jolin ,
Melntire John
Markee .lohn
Myers Peter
Moore James
Miller George
Michaels Abraham.
Madore Francis
NetfJdlin.Jr
Xorthcralt M....
Perriii .Inseph
Paxton .Inseph
Paxton William
Rank.
'rivate.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Names.
Rank.
Porter Hen ry
Private.
[lice (Jeori'c
do
[iesoner Arjahm
do
llhodeH Diiniel
Russell John
do
do
Ilice Frederick
do
Hobinette El izophr
lliley Thoinas
do
do
Sterner Jacob
do
Shellhorn Ilenrv
do
Spencer Moses
do
Sherry James
do
Spill in an Peter
do
Say lor Jacob
Sch'^pper Jacob
do
do
Shuck John
do
Stoyer Absalom
do
Tumbuster Jacob
do
Willson Jonathan
do
Willson Isaac
do
White Samuel
do
Willson Joshua
do
iWhnllev Levi
do
iWillison Amos
do
jZumbuly Jacob
do
The Company formed in Cumberland was made
up of excellent material, the organization having
been effected some months before. By frequent
drills, and the most friendly rivalry amongst the
members, a state of discipline and proficiency had
Itoen arrived at, which put them upon a footing with
veterans, and Captain Blair was j ustly proud of his
command. The following is a list of the officers
iiiid men of the company, which marched to
Baltimore in the latter part of August, and was in
tlie service of the government as part of the
iiiUional army from September 2d to November 6,
l!^U, which time was spent at Camp Diehl, near
e:
38
298
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1814.
CAPTAIN BliAIRa (.OMPANY.
Names.
Blair Thomas
MeAtee Walter
!>ow(lermilk Samuel.
Shaw \Vm
liinkle Alpheus
Shuck .lacob
IIoux George M
Delouhrey John
Strahan Robert
Keath .lainea
Taney James
McKinsey* Moses....
Clinton* Thomas —
Allen John
Bernard James
Bowlie Jacob
Backer John
Burns James
Britton Nathaniel....
Bruce Francis
Beall Alpheus B
Burgess Alfred
Bumsby William B.,
Broadwater Charles.
Britt Robert
Cox John
Coddington Robert..,
Case John
Clark Zadock
Conrade Michael
Uart John
Devore Aaron
Deaking John
Drain Thomas
Drain James
Elbin Reuben
Fisher John
Fling John
Foley John
Forsyth Joseph
Fryer George
Frazee Elisha
Gross Adam
Griffy John
Golding Wm
Gordon William
Hoffman Jacob
Hoff Frederick
Rank.
Captain
Ist Lieut.
2d Lieut
LstSergt
'2d Sergt
:}d Sergt
1th Sergt
IstCorpl.
2d Corpl.
:{d Corpl.
4th Corpl
Drum'r.
Fifer.
Private,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
dc.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Names.
Humphrey John
Harding John
Hoffman .Fohn J
Hall Solomon
Hendrixon Thomas...
Irons James
Irons Thomas
Knott Wm
iKight Cornelius
JKennedy .lames
Kelly William
Kelly Joseph
Korns Charles
Kelly Moses
Kelly Samuel
Layfoot John
Lowery John
Long George
Milhollaiid Stephen...
Moor John
Moore Gabriel M
Martin Joseph
Massor John
Mart/. Henry
Murphy James Ist....
Murphy .James 2d
Morrison Arthur
Miller Godfrey
McKinsey Jesse
Mumau David
.McCartney James....
Majors William
Morrison George W..
Morris Elisha
Neptune William
Newman John C
Newman George A.,
Northcraft Edward...
Newton Athanias
Potter John
Porter Joseph
Poland John
Potter David
Pliimmer Thomas...
Parkenson William.
Peters George
Peterman John
Riland Thomas
Rank.
Private
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
*Mo»es McKiiisev and Thomas Clinton liad both served in tl)e Revolutionary *''™r- fe
lived in Cuniborland, and on all public demonstrations were accuetomed to come out o"
streets and play tlie drum and life.
1814.]
THE WAR WITH ENGLAND.
299
CAPTAIN BLAIR'a COMPANY.
Names.
Rank.
RHvenscraf't James \ Private.
Riley Klisha
Koiids .liicob
Hizer John
Stephen William.
Sil'ord David
Savage Samuel...
Sapp Adam
Shepherd John...
Spiker Adam
Shimer Jacob....
Smith Henry
Shircliil' Lewis....
Stanton Joshua..
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Nn
mes.
Shockey John
Shelhouse John
Tasker I'^lisha
Thrasher Peter
Tomlinaon Jesse
Trail Abner A
Taylor Mai
V'ansickle Zachariah.
Wolfe Jacob
White James T
Wilson William
Woodroufrh Samuel..
Winzett William
Rank.
Private,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
The officers of the First Regiment Maryland Militia, were as
follows :
The officer in command at Camp Diehl was Major General Samuel
Smith. John Ragan, Jr., Colonel. Stephen Steiner, Lieutenant-Colonel.
John Blackford, Major Ist. Benjamin G. Cole, Major 2d. Nathan
Cromwell, Adjutant. John Markle, Quarter-Master. George W. Boerstler,
Paymaster. William Hilleary, Sergeant. Arthur Nelson, Ist Mate.
Daniel Fifzhugh, 2d Mate. Christian C. Fechtig, Adjutant. Joab
Doggett, Hospital Steward. Christian Baker, Sergeant Major. Adam
Fisher, Quartermaster Sergeant.
At the January session of the Legislature an act
was passed authorizing George Thistle, Samuel
Smith, John Scott. Jacob Lantz, John Folck, Peter
Lowdermilk, and William Lamar, Sr., to hold a
lottery for the purpose of raising |2,000 to be applied
to the purchase of a fire engine for the town.
In addition to the names of residents heretofore
iiiveii, in 1814, the following persons were engaged
business in the town, viz : — James M. White,
Middles and harness ; John Gcphart, auctioneer ; W.
T. A. Pollock, saddles, &c.; Dr. Read, drugs, &c.;
Wm. IIoux, chairmaker ; John Milburn, auctioneer ;
John Folck, warehouse ; Zadoc Clark, hat factory ;
ill
;^oo
HISTORY OF CUMliEKLAND.
[1814
Robert MTiuiro, watchmaker; Dr. Veirs, phyf^iciiin;
MisH Bradley, teaclier.
Tlie Perry Ilou.se, just acroHs the river, in West
Vir<'inia, was built by (ieorge Cahnes, in 181 (i, and
afterwards ])asse(l into poHsessiou of Roger Perry.
In 1811 the Legishiture liad establislied " The
Cuniberhmd liaiik of Allegany," to be located in
Cumberland, the capital stock to be $200,0(10, and
to be divided into four thousand shares of fiftv dollars
each, and the stockholders to be exempt from anj
liability beyond their stock. The bank was to be
managed by eight directors and a president.
When the bank issued its notes, by some misun-
derstanding as to the orthography of that much
abused word " Allegany," the engraver spelled it
" Alleghany," and as the notes had been put in
circulation before the error was discovered, in order
to avoid the exi)ense of new plates, as well as the
inconvenience of calling in the circulation, an act
was secured at the June session of the Legislature.
in 1812, changing the name to "The Cumberland
Bank of Alleghany."
The officers of the bank, chosen at its first election
were, Upton Bruce, President ; and M. Wallace.
Cashier.
In 1814, in consequence of the war, the Eastern
banks suspended specie payments, and on the 17tli
of September, 1814, the Cumberland Bank followed
their example.
About 1812, the first newspaper in Cumberland
was established, by Samuel Magill, and was called
the "Allegany Freeman." It was Democratic in
1814.]
THE FIKST NEWSPAPERS.
301
politics, and was edited in a very vij^orous manner.
On tlie l^tli of Jannary, 1814, Williani Jirown
cstaMislied the "Cumberland (Jazette," a sixteen-
(M)liiirin Federalist paper, puhliKlied every Thursday.
The olliees oi' these two papers were located on
Mechanic street, near Baltimore street. Their
tolunms were given up entirely to war news, politics
and advertisements. Local matters were wholly
JL'nored, and the most oftensive personalities freely
indulged in, together with a great many high-tlown
patriotic sentences.
In the organization of the Maryland Militia, the
50th regiment was ordered by the Council to be
organized in Allegany County, and the following
officers were appointed : Thomas Greenwell, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel ; John Folck, Major ; Captains, John
Mi'Elfish, Dennis Beall, Conrad Corl)us, Joseph
France, and Thomas Porter; Adjutant, Levi Hil-
leary. It does not appear that they acquired any
LTeat proficiency, or that they ever held even so much
as the annual "cornstalk" drill.
September 27th, the town was brilliantly illumi-
nated in honor of the gallant victory won by Captain
.MacDonough, on Lake Champlain, wherein he
vanquished a British fleet greatly his superior.
Processions paraded the streets, singing and shouting,
and the entire population took part in the celebrar
tion. •
The town was incorporated in January, 1815, at
whic'ii time the Legislature passed an "Act to provide
for the appointment of Commissioners, for the regula-
tion and improvement of the Town of Cumberland,
302
HISTOKV OF CUMHKHLANr).
[18b)
ill Allc^j^uny County, and to incorporate tlu' mnw."
TliiH act provided that five jiidiciouH and (liMcivi't
porsonw rosidinp; in tiio town, ami holding real \)Yon-
orty therein sliouM be elected by ballot on the first
Mon(biy of .Fune, 1816, and on the same day ovorv
year tliereal'tei', at tlie Court House, by the free white
male citizens of the a<jje of twenty-one years, who had
resided in the town one whole year m^xt [jrecediii;:
the eh'ction, and that the live persons having the
highest number of votes should be declared elecUMJ
These (.onnnissioners were ordered at the lirst
elxKrtion to (diooso one of their own number as Cim'l
Burgess for that year. They were reijuired to moet
at least four tiIn(^s each year, on the first Monday of
May, .iuly, October and I)ecend)er, and oftenor il
necessary, to attend to the business of the town.
They were incorporatcKl under the name of "Tin
Chief Burgess and the other (Jommissioners of the
Town of (Juml)erland," The limit of taxation for
town purposes was fixed at one dollar ibr every one
hundred dollars' worth of property. They vvcro
authorized to emjjloy a clerk and a bailift", who wfro
to receive a reasonable compensation.
In 1816 an additional act was passed by the Legis-
lature, appointing Roger Perry, William McMahoii
and John Scott commissioners to lay olF, locate, mark,
bound and nundjer into lots, streets, lanes and alleys.
the land lying between Flat street and the Potomiu'
river, and between Smallwood and Chase streets, but
exempted from city taxation all the lots thus laid oil
until they should ))e improved.
At the January session of the Legislature, in 181(1.
i8i(;.]
TMK (JLASS FACTORY.
803
ii jx'tition was j^nintod lor tlio inrorponition of tho
('umlK'rljiiul Wiitor Oornpany, the objcol lHMn«; to
iiitroduoc Hol't water into the town. Tlic (■otm)any
was autliorizcd to rai.so a capital of iflO, ()()(), by the
isHiio of i")!)!) nliarcs of .stock at $20 per nharo. Tho
siihscription hooks were to be opened under the care
of John Scott, Peter liowdennilk, Samuel Smith,
Oorfre Thistle, David Schriver and Michael C.
Sprigf,', who were to have ample jjowern and privi-
leges. The project was never carried into eflect.
On the first Monday in June, 1816, the first elec-
tion in the town was held for Comini.ssicmers. and
the following i)ersons were chosen : David Shri^ <•,
Jr.. George Thistle, Henry McKinley, John 1' ''
iind John Scott. These Commisaioners met at once,
and elected from their own number .Tohn Scott to be
riiief 15urges.s. Thomas Pollard was then appointed
Clerk to the body.
Early in 1810, Messrs. Roger and Thomas Perry
erected a glass factory, on a lot of ground near the
site of the residence of Mr. John B. Widener. They
found sand suitable for their purposes on Will's
Mountain, in the vicinity of the Narrows. The
first glass they produced was from a coal fire, and
proved to be very green. This blast was worked up
into green bottles. Wood was tlien used for fuel,
:nid some very excellent glass turned out. The
manufactured article was sold in the towns East^
ward, as well as in Pittsburgh. Mrs. Grace Neill
lias in her possession at present several pieces of
;ilass made at this factory, which she carefully
preserves as interesting relics. The management of
304
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1819.
this enterprise did not yield the expected results, and
after the lap*<e of a few years, about 1819, the Messrs.
Perry felt compelled to abandon it, they havin"f
sustained heavy losses, and feeling unable to m.ike
any further ventures. Some portions o/ the old
building are still standing.
The ])rojected establishment of slack water naviga-
tion on the Potomac viver, between tide\rater and
Cumberland, led to the most extravagant expectations
of commercial progress in Cumberland, and owners
of lots bordering on the river expected to realize
fortunes in the sale of their property. Several
persons, anticipating heavy trade by the new watc
route to be opened up by the Potomac Company,
erected warehouses for storing goods, intending U»
engage in the forwarding business. Amongst others.
John Folck built a large brick warehouse on the
river bank, near where Mr. A. L. Miller s residence
now stands. The failure of the project rendered the
speculation unprofitable, but the warehouse was used
some vears afterwards as a warehouse and store
room at a time when a considerable business was
done on the river in transporting coal and merchandise
by means of flat boats.
By an act of the Legislature of 1812 'a considerable
sum of money had been appropriated for the improve-
ment of the road from Cnml^erland to Winding Ridge,
and the old pike leading from the mouth of Wills
Creek through Sandy Gap to the old Braddock Road
WHS built. The ford at the foot of Creek street was
passable and frequently used, as repeated disaster
overtook the bridge over the stream. In 1820 the
1820.]
THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE.
305
brid'it' wii.s carried away by a freshet, and the county
authorities, determined to provide against any proba-
ble contingency of the kind in the future, after
examining the bridge architecture of the period, con-
cluded to erect a suspension bridge of iron chains,
upon a phm invented by James Finley, of Fayette
County, Pa , in 179G. Mr. Finley 's were the first
suspension bridges introduced into the United States,
and ho had already built several spans of 200 feet.*
The County Commissioners contracted with Valentine
Shockey to construct one of these bridges over the
Creek, and in 1820 the Chain Bridge was ^uilt. The
piers v>^ere single locust pos*:s, there being two at
each end, braced together at the top. The span was
115i feet clear. Tv/o chains stretched from one side
of the Creek to the other; the deflection was one-
sixth of the span. "The double links, of li inch
square iron, were ten feet long. The centre link was
horizontal, and at the level of the floor; and at its
ends were stirruped the two central transverse
girders. From the ends of this central link the
chains were carried in straight lines to the tops of
the posts, 25 feet high, wdiich served as piers or
towers. The back stays were carried away straight,
at the same angle as the cables; and each end was
confined to four buried stones of about half a cubic
yard each. The floor was only wide enough for a
mgh line of vehicles. All the transverse girders
were ten feet apart, and supported longitudinal joists,
to whi the floor was spiked. There were no
restrictions as to travel; but lines of carts and wagons.
'Trautwiue'ii Civil EDgineen' I'ocket Book.
39
306
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1822.
in close succession, and heavily loaded with coal
stone, iron, &c., crossed it almost daily, together with
droves of cattle in full run. The slight hand-railing
of iron was hinged, so as not to be bent by the
undulations of the bridge. Six-horse wagons were
frequently driven across in a trot. The iron was of
the old-fashioned charcoal, of full thirty tons per
square inch ultinuite strength. The united cross-
section of the two double links was 7. 56 square inches,
which at thirty tons per square inch, gives 227 tons
for their ultimate strength, or say 76 tcHis with a
safety of 3." The work was all done by Mr. Shockey
in his own shop, and was of the most durable and
satisfactory character. Amongst the several work-
men who were engaged with Mr. Shockey in building
the bridge was Godfrey Richards, father of Mr. Isaac
Richards, one of the old citizens of the town. In 1831.
several of the posts or piers gave way, and Jonathan
Witt was employed by the Commissioners to replace
them. This was done by the substitution of new
and heavier locust posts, the work when com^jlcted
being declared more permanent than ever before.
In 1822 George Bruce was Sheriff of the county.
In September of 1823 the "'Maryland Advocate,"
a Democratic paper, was established by Tohn M.
Buchanan, the "Allegany Freeman" having been dis-
continued.
In October, at the town election, Samuel Magill was
chosen Chief Burgess, and John McNeill, Jr., was
appointed Clerk. An ordinance was passed by the
Commissioners requiring all property owners on
Mechanic street to pave their sidewalks.
1824.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
307
At the county election on October 1st, the follow-
inj]^ persons were elected to represent the county in
the Legislature, viz: George Bruce, Michael C.
Sprigg, John McMahon and John McHenry. The
whole vote polled was 3,777.
November 30. — Captain Thomas Beall, of Samuel,
proprietor of the t(jwii, and an old revolutionary
Holdier, died at an advanced age, highly respected.
February 24, 1824. — The Legislature passed an act
limiting the levy of taxes in Cumberland, for town
purposes, to fifty cents on each one hundred dollars
of assessable property.
April 1. — James Black refitted and opened the
tavern on south Mechanic street, near Creek street.
and called it the "Columbian Inn."
The Judges of the Orphans' Court were Thomas
Cresap, John McNeill, aiid William McMahon.
The Levy Court was composed of Benjamin Tom-
linsoii, Samuel Coddington. John Burbridge, George
W. Glaze, William Price, (of Westernport.) Meshack
Frost and Walter McAtee.
The town officers chosen were. Chief Burgess,
Roger Perry; Commissioners, Peter Garey, John
Boose, John Gephart, Jr , and Gustavus Beall; Clerk,
C. Heck. Tax levied, 20 cents on each $100.
May 26. — General Andrew Jackson, arrived in
Cumberland, on his way from Washington to his
home, and while here visited the site of old Fort
Cumberland, and walked over the ground.
A remarkable accident occurred in the summer of
1824, the result of which was little less than
miraculous. At the time of the building of the Jail
308
HISTORY OF CUiMBERLAND.
[1824.
and Court House, about the beginning of the century,
the want of good drinking water led the Commis-
sioners to determine upon sinking a well. Accordingly.
in 1805, they appropriated the sum of £200 for that
purpose, and Upton Bruce and Roger Perry were
appointed a commission to have the work done.
They selected a spot just in front of the Court House
yard, on Prospect street, and sunk a well ninety feet
in depth, which was walled up with stone, and
furnished with a large wheel and two buckets. The
water obtained was excellent. At the time above
indicated, Belle McMahon, a little daughter of
William McMahon, about five years of age, was play-
ing about the mouth of the well, when suddenly she
lost her balance and fell headlong into it. A number
of persons at once ran to the spot. The light
clothing of the child could be seen on the surfiice of
the water, but every one was convinced that she
must have been instantly killed. Her mother,
frantic with grief, could with difficulty be restrained
from plunging in after her child. Dr. S. P. Smith
wfis amongst the first to come to the rescue. He
procured from the jail a long rope, with grappling
hooks, which was used for recovering the buckets
when they were lost, and with this he caught the
little girl, and drew her to the surface. She was
apparently lifeless, but the prompt use of restoratives
soon brought her to consciousness, and it was then
discovered that she had sustained no injuries what'
ever, beyond a slight abrasion of the skin on the
forehead. The diameter of the well is not greater
than four feet, and she must have fallen like a plum-
1824.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
309
met to have escaped being dashed to pieces against the
rocky sides, in her fearful descent. This well was
covered over and converted into a pit for draining
the Academy, in 1876.
During the summer a military company wa«
Ibrnied under the name of "Allegany Blues." The
officers chosen were, H. B. Tomlinson, Captain;
T iinas Dowden, First Lieutenant, and S. M. Keene,
Ensign.
August 26. — Hon. John C. Calhoun, Secretary of
War, and Major Roberdeau, of the Topographical
Engineers, arrived, and after tarrying a few hours,
and dining, went west along Will's Creek, to view
the sunnnit level of the contemplated route of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
A line of coaches to run between Baltimore,
Washington and Wheeling was established during
the summer, by Reeside, Moore, Stockton & Co.
Stages left the two Eastern cities named at 2 A. m.,
Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and made the
trip to Wheeling in 31 days. An accommodation
stage left every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and
Saturday, and went through by daylight, in four
days.
At the election for Congressmen in October,
Thomas C. Worthington was elected over John
Lee. The vote was as follows: Allegany County,
Worthington, 669; Lee, 510. Washington County,
Worthington, 2,095; Lee, 1,446. Frederick County,
Worthington, 1,558; Lee, 1,533. Total, Worthing-
ton, 4,322; Lee, 3,489.
The candidates for the General Assembly were
310
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1825.
John A. Hoffman, John McMahon, Jacob Lantz.
Lewis F. KHpstine, John McNeill, Thomas Cresap.
and Samuel Thomas. The first four named were
elected.
William McMahon was Sheriff'.
Samuel McGill, the Postmaster, resigned, and
James Whitehead was appointed to fill the vacancy.
December 1. — A post office was established at
Flintstone, and Walter Slicer appointed Postmaster.
Robert Kenned}^ was at this time principal of tlu'
Allegany County Academy.
February 2, 1825. — An act was passed by the
Legislature, repealing previous acts, and giving
the Commissioners of the town enlarged police
powers.
February 5. — The following persons were appointed
Justices of the Orphans' Court: Thomas Cresap.
John McNeill and Robert Swann.
Justicesof the Levy Court: Benjamin TomlinHoii.
Samuel Coddington, John Burbridge, William Price.
Walter McAtee, Valentine Hoffman, Benjamin
Robinson, Archibald Thistle, and George Rhinehart,
March 10. — A stage bound West, when four miles
east of Cumberland, upset, and John S. Dugan.
proprietor of a line of stages between Wheeling and
Zanesville, was so badly hurt that he died in a few
hours.
The mail stages during this summer left Cumber-
land on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at G a.
m., for the East; and Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays at 4 p. m., for the West. The through rate>
of fare were as follows :
1825.] RIVER NAVIGATION. 311
From Wheeling to Wa.shitifrton, Pa $ 2.00
" Washington to T'niontown, Pa 2.2.')
" I'niontown to Cumberland 4.00
• Cumberland to Hagerslown 5.00
• Hagerstown to Frederick 2.00
•• Frederick to Baltimore .3.50
i)istniiv;e 2(!7 miles. Through SIB.?.*)
Sunday, May 8. — George H. Drake and Dennis
M. Atliey went hunting, eight miles north of
(iumberland, and after a day of amusement were
returning home, when a dispute arose as to who
should carry the gun. Drake threatened to shoot
Adiey, and drew the gun up to his side, when it was
discharged, the load entering Athey's body and
killing him instantly. Drake reported the facts, but
avowed the killing was wholly accidental, and that
he was jesting when he made the threat. He was
arrested, but, on the Gth of July, made his escape
from jail. A reward of $50 was offered for his
apprehension.
At this time a considerable amount of business
was done on the Potomac River, in the way of
transporting coal, flour, &c., by means of suitable
boats. Coal was loaded on flat boats at Cumberland,
and whenever the stage of water would permit they
were floated down to Georgetown. The place
of loading was the ground now occupied by the City
Water Works. When the trade was first established
these flat boats were only capable of transporting '>00
'nishels of coal, but as the river became known, and
experience was gained, their size was gradually
increased until they were given a capacity of 1,500
bushels.
312
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1825.
a
Keel" boats were also built, sharp at either end,
with keel and stem posts. Their greatest length
was 70 feet, and their average width 10 foet, their
freiglitage being from 100 to 125 barrels of tlour.
These bo«ats were manned by a crew of four:
steersman, head oarsman and two side oarsuieii.
The boat was floated into the current, and wlien
necessary w.as propelled by the side oarsmen, by
means of long sweep oars, the steersman and head
oarsmiin being required to guide it through tlu'
difficult channel. The season for boating generally
opened in February, and continued usually until
the first of May. The boats occasionally ran during
the fall freshets. The round trip (from Cumljcrland
to Georgetown and return) occupied from twelve
to eighteen days. The down trip occupied only
three days, but the returr; was both la)>oriouH and
painful, as most of the distance the boat was
propelled by means of poles, which the men placed
against their shoulders; and on their arrival in
Cumberland, frequently their shoulders would be raw
and sore.
, This enterprise was attended with many difficulties
and risks, and the wreck of a boat and the loss of its
cargo was a common occurrence. The devious
channel, hidden rocks, and frequent islands were
serious obstacles. One of the most disastrous places
on the river was "Cumberland Falls," just where the
dam now is. Many boats were lost here, and several
men drowned. The Potomac Company had done
something towards lessening the dangers by plantnig
signal posts to mark the channel, and had also
182G.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
313
erected stone walla as courses, some of which may yet
he seen a short distiuice below Ciunberland. Most of
the flat boats taken below, loaded with coal, were not
returned, but were broken up, at Georgetown, and
the liiinber sold.
On the 2d of March, John Oglebay, who went
down as steersman on a coal boat, was drowned five
miles below, by the capsizing of the boat. lie left a
wife and eight children.
July 1. — Judges Orphans' Court: Thomas Cresap,
John McNeill and Roljert Swann.
Justices of Levy Court: Benjamin Tomlinson,
Samuel Coddington, William Price, Upton Bruce,
Martin Rizer, Benjamin Robinson, Archibald Thistle,
William McLaughlin, Valentine Tlofl'man aiid Walter
McAtee.
July 29. — Between 9 and 10 p. m. a fire broke out
in Oustavus Beall's large grist mill; the small mill,
distillery, two store houses, two stables, and several
smaller buildings, as well as a frame store house on
the opposite side of the street, belonging to Hoblitzell
k Payne, and several other houses, were destroyed.
Beall's loss was $10,000; Hoblitzell & Payne's loss
So,000. Beall saved the goods in his store, and
opened again in John Scott's house, next to Searight's
tavern.
Suspicions were entertained that James Palmer, a
i*ort of desperado, living some distance from town, on
the Virginia side of the river, had set fire to the
mills, as he had been heard to make threats that he
would burn the town. A party of citizens went
quietly to Palmer's house and arrested him. A lot
40
314
HISTORY OF CUMHKHLANI).
[1820-!^^
of stolen «j^(kk18 was foiiml in his poasesHion. and lie
waH indic-ttcl for arson and tlioft, on whi(;h cliiirfjcs lie
was trii'd and found J2,uilty, and sontenced to fifteen
years in the penitentiary, fifteen months of wliicli
time was to be passed in solitary confinement.
At the election for Congressmen, in October, the
(candidates were Michael (J. Spring, Joliii Lee.
Thomas Kemiedy and Samuel Ilujrhes. The vote
in the county was as follows: Spring, 1,030; hee.
282; Kennedy, 41; Ilugiies, 12. Total vote of the
county, 1,305; in Cumberland, 388; in Frostburjr.
205; Flintstone, 137. The vote in the Congressional
District footed up 3,085 for Sprigg; 2,075 for Lee;
()71 for Kennedy, and 007 for Hughes.
A vote was taken at the same time upon the
proposition to establish primary schools in the county,
Avhicli was defeated by a vote of 1,031 against 24(1.
The delegates chosen to the Assembly were Wni.
Ridgely, Jacob Floblitzell, Robert Armstrong and
Wm. Shaw.
In June, 1827, the following justices of the
Orphan's Court were appointed: Thomas Cresap,
John McNeill and Robert Armstrong.
Justices of Levy Court: Benjamin Tomlinson,
Samuel Coddington, William Price, Valentine Hoff-
man, Archibald Thistle, William McLaughlin, Walter
McAtee and Francis Reid.
July 27. — A fire broke oi.t in "•Berr3''s Row," on
Bedford street, and three houses were destroyed, two
of which were occupied by Rev. N. B. Little and
Samuel Magill. J. P. Carleton's house took fire
several times, but was saved.
182S.]
LOCAL INGIDKNTS.
315
October 2. — An oloction held, at vvhioli Richard
Ik'iiU was elecU'd Sliorill', and John McNt'ill, .Jr.,
.Inliii A. irollinan, .lacoh IIolit/A'U and (Icorgv
McCiilloli, Dck'gatos to the Cleneral AHsend)ly.
hi the Hprii)<5 of 1828, an eccentric (dniractiM', by
the name of Harris, made his a[)pearance in the
town, and hej^an to preach on the street corners,
propiu'sying a terrible cahimity to fall n\Hm the
|i('()j)ie. Harris was a middle aged man, and a
Quaker, of good physical proportions, <p)iet demeanor,
and Innnble manners. His home was somewhere
in the neighborhood of Leesbnrg, Va., and he was
evidently of unsound mind. After sojourning for a
while he took his departure, but year after year he
iiiiuk' his reappearance, and began disrobing himself
and parading the streets in a nude state. On one
occasion he suddenly made his appearance in one of
the churches, in this condition, and walked up the
aisle almost to the pulpit, belbre the congregation
recovered from its surprise sufficiently to eject him.
For this exploit he was sent to jail, but was shortly
afterwards released. His propensity for walking the
streets naked led to his chastisement on several
occasions, and this iniliction he bore without a mur-
mur, saying his mission was to suffer and to warn
the people. It was finally resolved that he should
Ik? permitted to have his walk out, the hope being
entertained that he would then regard his mission
as fulfilled, and cease to annoy the public. He then
paraded Mechanic street from Bedford to the southern
end of the thoroughfare, loudly proclaiming a ^ ceat
evil near at hand, and in earnest tones invoking the
:U6
IIISTOUV OF CUMHKRLANI).
[1828.
inhahitiints to pri»j)iiro for it. Upon undertaking to
repeat tliJH journey, .shortly afterwards, he wjis
arrested and sent lionie to liis friends who tiiereartcr
jj^uarded him earefidly. The visits of this sinjiiiliir
man extended over a period of nearly live years, and
shortly after their eessation the great fire of I83;i
took phi liieh is said to have consumed all the
houses al(Mig the route he so persistently paraded.
In 182.8, the Cumberland Hotel and Stage Ofiicc
were kept by Jacob Fechtig.
February 8. — "The Civilian" was established
by Samuel (Jharles, as the organ of the friends of
Henry Clay, and was given its name of "The Civilian "
to indicate the sentiment of its originators and
supporters, in favor of a civilian for the Presidency as
against Andrew Jackson, a military man.
During Mie spring of this year business on the
river wi '?ry brisk, over fifty boats leaving in a
single weeiv, loaded with coal, flour, bacon, butter,
&c., for Harpers Ferry and Georgetown. Some
2,500 barrels of flour were shipped.
May 29 — The town was brilliantly illuminated in
lumor of the passage of the bill by Congress appro-
priating $1,000,000 towards the construction of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. A handsome arch was
thrown across Mechanic street, at the corner of
Bedford street, and in the windows were displayed
the motto, "Gratitude to Charles Fenton Mercer.
and Andrew Stuart," both of whom were indefati-
gable workers in the cause.
June 8. — A dinner was given at Black's Hotel to
Hon. Andrew Stuart, as a testimonial to his services
1828-211.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
:U7
iiilH.'li!ilf of the public intcrostH, on which occiiHioii
Mr. Stuart uuide si Hpecch which wiis onthu.MiiiHticali y
received.
Septcuiher 8. — George Swearingen, Sheriff of
Wasiiiugton couuty, munU'red liis wile, one iiiik'
above Cresaptown in the woods. Suspicion of foul
play being aroused, the body of the murdered
woman was disinterred on the llth, and the coroner'^
jury, which sat upon the case returned the following
verdict :
"After a curedil and full lixaminatioii of nuimToiiH witncssfs we are
(if opinion that Mary C. Swearin^'cii uanio Id lior death by the handsi of
her hiislmnd, (icorge Swearingen."
Before the body was taken up for examination
Swearingen iled, taking with him Rachael Cunning-
liiiiii, with whom he was known to have been on
unduly intimate terms.
Mrs. Swearingen was the daughter of James Scott,
one of the most prominent citizens of Cumberland.
Hir remains were brought to town and placed in the
family burying ground. She was a most estimable
and lovable lady, and left an interesting little
flaughter.
October 3. — William V. Buskirk, William Price,
Joseph Dilly and William McMahon were elected to
the Assembly.
January 12, 1829. — .Tustices of the Orphans' Court:
Tliomas Cresap, John Scott and John McNeill.
Justices Levy Court: Benj. Tomlinson, Samuel
Coddington, Walter McAtee, Valentine Hofinian.
Francis Heed, Arch. Thistle, William McLaughlin,
Ipton Bruce, Martin Rizer, and John Miller.
March 25 — Henry Clay arrived and stopped at
■rJ
318
HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND.
[IS21I.
Slicer's Hotel. Ho was given a hearty wek^omo. and
an enthusiastic entertainment, which was hirgeh
attended. In the evening he made a speech to the
assembled crowd, and on the ioHowing day pursued
uis journey.
March 27. — News was received of the arrest of
George Swearingen, which took place in New
Orleans, on the 17th of February. On his escape
the Governor of i'ilaryhind had oflered $300 for liis
capture. Swearingen had disguised himself and
cha^iged his name to Thomas Martin. He made his
way to the Ohio river, and there got aboard a Hat
boat bound for N(»w Orleans. He was armed with a
rifle, pocket pistols, and a large dagger. He had
been in New Orleans several days before he was
discovered. One day he walked into a store kept by
a man named Sloo, for the purpose of making sonu'
purcliases, and it happened that John V. L. Ramsay.
a Marylander, who knew him, was in the store at
the time. Ramsey at once recognized Swearingen.
m spite of his disguise, and without delay lodged
information with the Mayor. Ollicers were at once
put upon his track, and followed him to a flat boat
where they saw him go through a hole in the roof, te
the corn, with which the boat was laden. The
officers quickly followed him in, whereupon Swear-
ingen started up and drew his dirk, but pistols beini:
leveled at him. he surrendered, and was bountl. .Vi
first he denied his identity, but when facet, by
Ramsay, he no longer attempted concealment.
Sw<'aringen was taken to Baltimore, on the brii;
Arctic, arriving there April 2M. He had a hearing
18211-30.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
;U9
iu'lbiv ii city niajiistrato, and was comniittod to jail
to await removal to A.llogany comity, the scone of
his crime.
A special term of Court was convened in August,
lor the purpose of trying Swearingen. On the Ditli
of August a jury was obtained, and the trial com-
menced. The Prosecuting Attorney was Mr. Dixon;
Counsel for the deiense, William Van IJuskirk,
William McMahon, and William Price, all ahle
lawyers. On the bench were Chief Judge J. Buch-
aniui. and Associate Judges T. Buchanan and A.
Sliriver. The case was not concluded until the 22(1,
when the jury retired and returned in fifteen minutes,
witn a verdict of "guilty of murder in the first
ik'iiive." The Court sentenced the prisoner to bo
hiinircd on the 2d of October.
Ootober 2. — An iunnense crowd of people came
intt) the town, from every direction, to witness the
terrible vengeance of the law. The place of execu-
tion was on the flat ground on the West side of the
Creek. Swearingen was peiiectly calm and collected,
iiiul said he had no fear of death. Rev. Mr. Miller, of
We.sternport, was with him, administering spiritual
comfort. Volunteer mili^^ia companies were present
from yi'dtbrd and Somerset, Pa., as also the Wash-
ington Guards, of Cuudjerland. The number of
people assembled was estimated at 4,000. The
fxecution was speedily accomplished, and the body
..ivcM to its friends.
thi New Year's Day, ISoO, the people of this
>t'i'ti(iii of country had a "graiul circular hunt."
Hu' lirst briuad*. embraced the countrv from Cum-
•^i^jj-^fe-
320
HISTORY OF CUMBERLANF).
[1830.
})erland to the mouth of Jennings Run. Tlie second
brigade, from Jenning's Run up the road to Cornelius
Devore'.s Mill, on Will's Creek. Third brigade, from
Devore's Mill across to Frederick Rice's in Casli
Valley. Fourth brigade from Frederick Rice's alouL^
the Bedford Road to Cumberland. About one
hundred persons participated in the hunt, and a
large amount of game was taken.
Justices Orphans Court: Thomas Crcsap, John
Scott and George Iloblitzell.
Justices Levy Court: Joshua O. Robinson, Joseph
Frantz, George Blocher, William McLaughlin, Jacob
Iloleman, John Mattingly, Thomas D. Beall, Walter
Bevans, Henry Myers, and Jasper Robinette.
Surveyor: Benjamin Brown.
At the census taken in 1880, William McMahon
De})uty Marshal, the population of the town ot
Cumberland was as follows:
Males.
Females.
Total
Under
i) years
'ears o
of
ntrp
H-1
71
153
Of 5 y
f age
and
under
10
years 62
7(>
1.^8
ono'
■1
(i
ti
15
It
74
;w
113
Of If)
it
It
li
20
ti
72
70
142
Of 20
ti
It
t>
:^o
It
91
78
169
Of 30
(t
It
(1
40
It
ofi
5:^
101)
or 40
it
It
it
50
it
44
.1(5
80
Of 50
(1
ti
It
(JO
ti
18
33
51
Ot (50
It
it
11
70
it
11
01)
20
Of 70
*i
it
>t
80
it
7
8
15
Of 80
41
It
(1
1)0
it
5
2
475
7
522
!»1)7
Slaves
. 4(;
. 1.')
83
21
12!»
Free colored..
....
....
....
30
58H
579
1162
The population of Allegany County was 10,590.
February 28. — A little .son of George Kearn.s, four
1830-j1.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
321
years of age, fell into tlio well at the jail, a depth of
iiinoty leet, and was instantl>' killed.
March 18, — The Western stage while leaving town
run off the road and upset. Bisliop Chase, of Ohio.
apaf^Hcnger, was badly injured, having three of his ribs
broken, and his left arm dislocated. He remained
hero until his recovery, and preached at the (^hurch
on Fort Hill.
April 20. — The new Episcopal Chur'oh, on Fort
Hill, was consecrated by Bisliop Meadj, of Virginia.
At the election in October, William McMahon,
William Kidgely, William Shaw, and William Reid,
wvw t'lected to the Oeneral Assembly, and Mr.
Rinvliiigs Sheriff.
October 28. — The "Advocate" was sold by John
M. Buchanan to Kichard P. Bailey and Daniel
Bloclier.
November 22. — George Jacobs, of Hampshire
('ounty, Va.. aged 50 years, wjis found dead on the
Ci'e8a})t()wn Road, the result of an accident.
December 10 —The Cumberland Fire Engine
Company was organized, at Newnam's Hot^l.
December 17. — John Custer was found frozen to
death, on the Cresaptown road.
January 14, 1 831. — Snow fell to a depth of twenty-
t'lur inches, and travel was almost suspended, as the
roiids were blocked.
•lanuary 20. — A public meeting was held, and Dr.
^. P. Smith, Janu^s Everstine, David Shriver, Jacob
'^nydor and John Hays were appointed a committee
to petition Congress for aii appropriation to improve
tlie Cumberland Road.
^99
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1831.
Justices of the Orphans' Court: Thomas Cresap.
John McNeill .and John Scott.
The popuhition of the county was at this time
10,602.
A fire company was formed, in February, and sup-
plied with ladders for use in case of fire. Two ladders
were kept against Hook's fence, corner Centre and
Frederick streets, and two against Shriver's shed,
over the mill race, on the turnpike.
August 2. —Two railroads were put in operation
in Allegany County, one at the coal mine of William
Ward, and the other at the mine of John Porter,
both within ten miles of Cumberland. They were
about one hundred yards in length, the rails being
of wood, and the wheels of the cars of cast iron.
The cars were drawn by horse power.
Bene S. Pi^^nian was elected to the Senate, in the
fall, and William Armstrong and Thomas Blair (anti-
Jackson) and George M. Swann and Jacob Lantz,
(Jackson) elected Delegates to the Legislature.
Francis Thomas was elected to Congress by a
majority of 601 over Michael C. Sprigg.
October 15. — The Synod of the Lutheran Church
of Maryland assembled in Cumberland.
George Smith was appointed Collector of Taxes,
and Aza Beall, Clerk of the Court.
November 24. — Public notice was given that the
proprietors of coal mines in Allegany County, and all
other persons interested in procuring a charter for a
railroad from the coal mines to Cumberland would
meet in Frostburg, to consider the project, and agree
upon a route. , '
■.Y.^Tr-^r.^
m¥^
1831-32.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
32n
December 1. — Henry Clay arrived, en route
to Washington, and had a reception during his
stay.
February G, 1832. — A good wtage of water in the
river, and forty loaded boats left.
February 22. — This being the centennial anni-
versary of Washington's birth-day, the event was
celebrated with unusual enthusiasm.
February 4. — .Justices of Orphans' Court: Thomas
Cresap, John McNeill, Sr., and John Scott.
()ctol)er 2. — Andrew Bruce, Jacol) Lantz. Moses
H. Louthan and John Slicer were elected to the
Leiiislature.
Octoljer 14. — The stiible and carriage house of
Kliiatlian Russell were destroyed l)y fire, and several
dwellings in the neighborhood were with difficulty
saved. The firo was caused by a burning cigar being
thrown into the stable.
October 18. — A meeting was held at Jacob Fechtig's
tavern in Cumberland, with a view to securing the
construction of a turnpike from Cumberland to inter-
sect the Cumberland and SiHuerset Road at the
Pennsylvania line. A number of persons from
Somerset were present, and a committee was appointed
to draft a petition to the Legislature asking authority
for the construction of the road,
October 22, — Great fears were entertained that
the cholera, which prevailed elsewhere, might visit
the town, in consequence of which a meeting was
held at the Union Hotel, when it was resolved to at
once prepare a building to be used as a hospital, and
to procure contributions for the purpose of supplying
'^24
iriSTORV OF CUMHERLANI>.
[183:i
food, merlicino, &c. Fortunately the epidemic did
not make itw a{)})earance.
February (>, 1888. — Justices Orphans' Court:
Thomas Cresap, John McNeill and George Hehh.
Manili 22. — A new assessment of the real and
personal property having been determined upon,
Thomas Wilson, John Sheer, Stephen Mulhollan,
James Totten, John Nell', Jr., Joseph Everstine,
George P. llinkle, Israel Mayberry, Lecmard Siiir-
clift", and Amos Robinette, were appointed assessors.
April 14. — A terrible calamity befell the town, on
this date, whereby the greater part of the inhabitants
were in a few short hours rendered homeless. It
was Sunday, and the bells were calling the people to
church, at 10 o'clock in the morning, when the start-
ling cry of "fire" was given. A volume of smoke
was seen issuing from the cabinet shop of William
Sliryer, on Mechanic street. An excited multitude
of people quickly gathered at the scene of the fire.
and endeavored to stay it, but in vain, as the dry
wooden building, and its highly inflammable contents
furnished rich food for the eager flames. The wind
blew quite strong from the west, and the means for
suppressing fires being of the most inadequate
character, in a short while the houses adjoining
became ignited, and the roaring flames went leaping,
flashing and surging down the street, enveloping
house after house, in quick succession, until every
building from the place of the origin of the fire to
Russell's carriage shop, near Harrison street, a
distance of more than a quarter of a mile, was involved
in the general ruin. When it became apparent that
1S33.]
TIIK (JKKAT FIRE.
iiotliiiiir could be done t<> check the conflagration, the
people at once went to work to save the contents of the
stores and houses, but even in this they were able to
ito but little, owing to the great rapiditj' with which
the Haines spread.
Tiie destruction of both the newspapers of the
town prevented any detailed account of the disaster
from being published here at the time, and when the
pajiers had been re-established it did not occur to
the pul)lishers to give a minute history of it. The
following letter appeared in the Hagerstown "Herald
and Torch Light," several lays after the misfortune :
Cumukkland, April 15,1833.
Seventy-five houses comprisinj;^ the heart of our town now lie in
ruins. The fire originated in a cabinet maker's shop, three doors north
iftiie "Civilian" printing office. Many citizens have nothing left. The
"Civilian" office is burnt, except its account books. All the stores but
onp are burnt — Bruce tt Beall's. Mr. Shriver's large 3-story tavern.
Mr. Fechtig's tavern and the Bank. 'I'he fire commenced at 10 o'clock,
am] the wind being high, the flames soon spread, leaving ^ttle time to
move goods. Nothing now remains but parts of walls and chimneys,
^bereoncp the principal part of the town stood. The "Advocate" office
also burnt, saving only the cast iron press (badly damaged) and a few
type. The ruins commence at Mr, (rustavus Beall's mill, and extend
iown to Mr. Elnathan Russell's carriage shop; the mill and Russell's
house are saved, but on both sides of the street, between these there is
not one house standing — distance about j mile. The principal suft'erere
are;
'ieorge Hoblitzell, 3 or 4 houses,
•lames Kverstine, 3 houses,
I'r. Lawrence, 1 house,
''leorge Wineow, 1 house,
B. S. Pigman 2 houses,
Lowndes 1 store,
•'ohn T. Sigler, 2 houses,
Ifi'c.Inhn Scott, 1 house,
I'r S. P. Smith & R. Worthington,
•i houses,
Bank property, 3 or 4 houses,
Henry Wineow, 1 house and fL-'iOO
I'ash.
J. M. Buchanan, 1 house,
George Hoffrrian, 2 houses,
Shriver, I! houses,
Mrs. Gephart, 1 house,
Dr. J. M. Smith, 2 houses,
Samuel Hoblitzell, 1 house,
George Hebb, 2 houses,
Thomas Dowden 2 houses,
George Deetz, 1 liouse,
S, Bowden, 1 house.
John G. Hoffman, 2 houses,
Butler's store, 2 houses,
Robert McCleary 3 or 4 houses,
m^^ms
82G
HISTORY OF CUMBEKLANI).
[1833.
Adam Fisher, ) or 2 houses. Robert 8wnnn,'2 houses,
Ciptiiiii Lynn, 1 house, Mrs. Siiylor, 1 house.
Martin Rjzer of M., 1 house,
Besides others, mostly brick houses, and two story log buildings.
At a meeting at the Court House, in Cumberland, composed of the
citizens of the town, the Court, the Bar and Juries, as8enil)led on the
15th of April, for the purpose of instituting an inquiry into the extent of
the calamity occasioned by the late destructive fire, and of devisini;
means for the relief of the sufferers, the following proceedings were had:
Upon motion of \Vm. Price, Esq., the Hon. John Buchanan, Chiei
Justice of Maryland, was appointed Chairman, who in a feeling and
appropriate address explained the object of the meeting. I'pon motion
of John Hoyo, Esij., Wra. Price was appointed Secretary. Upon motion
of Bene S. Pigman, the chair appointed the following Committee, to
enquire into the extent of the calamity occasioned l)y the late fire.
together with the niimber and description of the sufferers, and report
thereon to the meeting, viz : John McHenry, Thomas 1 McKaig, ,\.
W. McDonald, \Vm. Price, B. S. Pigman, David Shriver, (ieorge Hebli,
Df. Samuel P. Smith, .lolin Hoye, Dr. .John M. Lawrence, Dr. .lames
Smith, David Lynn, Robert Swann, and Richard Beall, who havinj
retired for the purpose, afterwards returned and submitted the followin;:
report :
The committee appointed to ascertain the calamity by which the town
has been visited, together with the number and description of the sufferers
have in the execution of the tuelancholly duty assigned them, ascertained
the following particulars for the information of the meeting:
It is ascertained that the entire business portion of Cumberland has
been destroyed. All the taverns, and all the stores in the place, bnt om',
are now in ashes; about thir':y flourishing mechanics, all in prosperous
business, have been reduced to ruin, and their families left without a
shelter to cover them. The three physicians of the town have lost nearly
all their property and medicines. It is believed that two thirds of thi"
inhabitants are houseless.
The value of property destroyed and the description of citizens to
whom it belonged, the committee have estimated an(i classed as follows
7 Merchants, whose loss in real and personal property
and goods is estimated at $i)4,000
:i Physicians 12,000
!5 Hotels, including the losses of the owners MfiW
80 Mechanics, (real and personal property, stock, &c).. 71,000
Citizens not included in above description 31,000
Citizens not residing in the town 14,000
Total loss $262,000
Upon motion of Mr. Pigman, a committee was appointed to draft
an address to the people of the United States, inviting their aid in behalf
of the Cumberland sufferers. Upon motion of Mr. Pigman, it was
Resolved, That the Chairman of the present meeting be the Chairman
of said committee. The following gentlemen compose the committee:
Hon. John Buchanan, Hon. Thomas Buchanan, Hon. Abraham Shriw ]
1833.]
THE GREAT FIRE.
327
A. VV. Mcl)<)iiHld, John McHenry, Wm. Price, James Dixon, Frederick
A.Schley, and .John Kinfr, Escjs.
Tpon motion the following gentlemen, residents of Cumberland, >vho
are not sufferers by the fire, were appointed a committee to receive
donations, distribute them, and of correspondence, viz ; John Hoye,
Thomas I.McKaig, Richard Bell, Rev. Jj. ILJohns, Wm. McMahon and
Jatnes P. Carleton.
Upon motion of Thomas I. McKaig, Esq., it was unanimously
Rexohed, That the thanks of the meeting are due to the Hon. John
Buchanan, for the dignified and able manner in which he presided over
its deliberations.
ITpon motion of Mr. Buchanan, it was
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the
Chairman and Sacretary and published.
John Buchanan, Chairman,
WiLi-iAM PuiCE, Secretary.
N. B. — There being now no press in Cumberland the proceedings are
forwarded to Hagerstown fur publication.
The fact that the scope of the fire embraced that
part of Mechanic street, along which the demented
Quakerj Harris, had so often walked while predicting
a terrible calamity to befall the town, led many
persons to conclude that the old man really had
possessed some powers as a prophet, and the su{)er-
stitious were thoroughly convinced that he had been
ant by some supernatural power as a messenger to
warn the people of "wrath to come."
The following is a full list of the persons who
sustained losses in the disastrous fire, 14th of April:
'ieorge Hoblitzell, losi 6 houses, ^Jonathan Butler, store goods and
store poods and house furniture. furniture,
'ieorwe Wineow 1 houso, Edward Johnson, household furni-
Wm. Shryer, stock and furniture, ' ture,
■loseph Everstine,3 houses, furniture, J. G. Hoffman, 2 houses, tinware
shoes and leather, i and furniture,
Charles Howell, house furniture, i Dr. S. P. Smith, 2 houses, medicines
•lohn Gephart, 2 houses, and furniture,
^WdowSaylor, 1 house, deo. Hoffman, ;5 houses and furni-
A. King and family, clothing and ture.
luriiiture, J. M. Buchanan, 1 house,
"iddw Anders, furniture, &c.,
l'r.J.Siiiith,2 houses,medicines, &c.,
G. S. Evans, furniture and $800 in
money,
"hn Rutter, house furniture and | Widow Frilhey,! house and furniture
leather, 'S. Bowden, 1 house,
328
IlkSTOKY OF CUMBEHLANt).
[1838.
UohfTt Swann, '2 hoiiHOS,
Diivid Shrivcr, li houHcs,
•lolin MurroH'H lioirs, 2 liouaoa,
I'i. Mobley, I'urriiture, tools and
wagon stud',
M. Uizer, of M., 1 house and furni-
ture,
Kersliner's heirs, 1 iiouHe,
Geo. Deetz, 1 iiouse and furniture,
Geo. Lowdermilii, house furniture,
John Ueotz, house furniture,
Widow (iephart, 1 house and furni-
ture.
Widow Of^lebay, t irniture,
R. McCleary, 7 houses, tools, stock
and furniture,
Blocher & Harry, 1 printing press,
type and ofHco furniture.
John Cress, bl.'ieksmith tools and
iron,
Post odice, ''urniture and papers,
David Lynn, 1 house,
iTatnoH Sires, furniture and tools.
Widow ''■'oontz, 2 houses,
Sarah Koontz, furniture,
M. Fi.shor, 2 houses, furniture and
stock,
John B^isber, $r>00 in money,
Wm. Fisher, .f 100 in money,
H. Wineow, 1 house, grain, furni-
ture and $1,000.
Thos. Dowden, 1 house, shop, fur-
niture and tools,
.lari. Hlack, grain and furniture,
The Dank, t! houses,
Jacob Fechtig, furniture, &c.,
S. Slicer, furniture, &c..
Widow Scott, furniture, &c.;
John Scott's heirs. 2 houses,
George Ilebb, 2 houses, with furni-
ture and goods,
A. McNeill, tools and jewelry,
John Wright, tools, jewelry and fur-
niture,
B. Mattingly, furniture and cloth,
James Reeside, who was for a number ol" yoarf^
largely engaged in the stage-coach business on the
Cumberland Road, upon hearing of the disaster,
caused his son to write the foUowing hotter to the
Postmaster here :
R. Worthiugton, I house, lurniturf
and goods,
Smith, Worthiugton &, Co., 1 liouse.
J. F. Sigler, 1 house, saddlery anil
furniture.
Dr. Ijawrence, I house, inediciiie.
and furniture,
Messrs. Lowndes, I house and sinri .
gootls, furniture and $700,
S, lloblitzell, furniture, &c.,
B. S. Pigman, ;{ houses,
1'. A.S. Piguian, furniture,
S. Pritchard, tools and clothiii;;,
\j. W.Stockton, 2 mail coacheH,
J. W. Weaver, 1 mail coach,
H. D. Carleton, furniture, Ac,
Eleanor Merryman, clothing,
John Beall, clothing,
.lohn P. Lowdermilk, clothnig,
Sophia tlohnson, clothing,
Klizabeth Bevans, clothing,
H. B. Wolfe, tcxils, books ami t'urin
tare,
Samuel Charles, The Civilian oIKn-
entire,
J. Wolf, tools, leather and shoes,
J. Marr, tools, A:c.,
II. Smouse, 1 carryall,
T. Adams, furniture, &
B. W. Howard, furniture, &u.,
W. \'. Buskirk, furniture, law libran
and papers,
Bruce & Beall.part of stock of good,*.
Krebs & Falls, store goods ami fur
niture,
S. & G. Shockey, hats, fur and tools.
John M. Carleton, clothing, &c.,
Nancy Davis, clothing, &c.,
Edmund Hoffman, furniture, &c.,
W. W. Weaver, furnit\ire, &c.,
Wm. Hoblitzell, clothing, &c.,
M. Rizer, Jr., a lot of bacon. Ac,
,\. B. Wright, money and clothinf.'.
Louthan & Utfutt, stock of goo(ls,ic.
1833.]
THE TfREAT FIRE.
329
riiii.ADKM'iUA, April l.S, IS'.V.i.
J. p. Carleton, Esq., I\ M., Cnml)crl'ind, Md.
DkarHir: It is with regret that we have this diiy heard the Had
news of the coiiflftijration at Cumberland, that once flourishinj^ town, and
the loss and cotidition of ita inhabitants, anionp whom we lived so lon<^.
My fiither is contined to his bed, and not able to write, but rtiquests to say
to you that one half of all his property, in the town of Cumberland situated
on the west side of Will's Creek, shall be sold for the benefit of the
sufferers; he also requests me to say to you, as soon us a committee is
appointed for their relief, he will immeiliately transfer the property by
deed or otherwise for that purpose. Yours with respect,
Jamks Rkksuik, Jr.
linniodiate steps were taken for the relief of the
.siill'erers, and from all parts of the country eontril)ii-
tions weix; received. Up to June, |il5,OI)0, had been
distributed amongst them. Those who could aflord
to do so, set about rebu'dding. and the new houses
wore "vnerallv of M much better chnracter than tliosr
(k'sti'o\ed.
July 4. — The celebration of Independence Day
was marked by a feast in McCleary's Hollow, when
Jaines P. Carleton, Jr., delivered the oration.
Workmen were at this time engaged in building the
National Road, and those cm})ioyed at the "Narrows.'*
placed a Hag on the top of the tallest tree on Will's
Mountain, fi'om which it iloated for many days.
In Jul V "The Civilian" ollice was located in the
new building on Mechanic street below the Cumber-
laiid Bank, which had also been rebuilt, (the old brick
walls being used,) and its publication recommenced
1)\ Sanuiel Charles, who then called his paper "•The
Phoenix Civilian."
July 13. — Messrs. Ducatel, Tyson, and Alexander,
I't Baltimore, who had been ai)pointed by the
Governor to collect information, plats, and reports of
><iuvey8. with a view of publishing an accurate map
42
380 HIST(»KY OK CUMHEKLANI). [1833.
of Maryland, and to make gt^ological reHoarcheM,
arrived here. They went to the western part of the
county, and on their return explored the coal !vgion
about Frostburg.
July 25. — The work on that portion of the new
location of the National Road, from the town ot
Cumberland to the site ehosen for the bridge over
Will's Creek at the "Narrows," was suspended, in
consequence of its supposed interference with the
route of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
The following is the report made by the Assessors
of the real and personal property in Allegany county,
assessed under the act of 1832:
Real. Personal. Total.
District No. 1 *r20,t;2H oS *.X''>.17!t 30 ^IjW.RO? kh
" 2 t;i.«yi (12 41,047 7j lOH.lKii* :i:
" " :5 107,8!»l :{8 2H,t;81 .50 i:t(;,")72 S(^
" " i iio,.")40 ;u; 4y,2!)i 00 it;i.8:{i ;«;
" '• .'» 105,344 (J2 44,579 00 149.92;n;j
" " "(i i70,(i52 17 4H,0()t; 00 218.718 K
Cumberland Town* i;{(;,!)52 44 ;}(;,8:{0 00 173,782 44
Pistrict No. 7 77,822 75 .33,9(i2 00 111,784 75
" 8 »;.5,187 73 18,527 50 83.715 21',
" 9 98,457 90 37,41150 135,869 40
.'!il,0()3,369 55 $373,575 55 $l,43(;,y45 10
Mechanic street, from the mill race, at the Rail-
road viaduct, was paved by the Government, under
the direction of Lieutenant Pickett, the engineer in
charge of the w(jrk on the National Road at thi.**
place.
October 4. — At the election for Congress, Francis
Thomas and James Dixon were the candidates, the
former receiving 4,012 votes, and the latter 3,421
votes, ill the District.
October 8. — A town meeting was held at the Court
•District No. 6 and (Tiimbcrland Town were biith included in Cumberland.
[18.U
1833.]
liOCAl, INGIDKNTS.
381
'searches,
art of the
jal ivgion
f tlie new
B town of
•idge over
xuided, In
with the
I Assessors
ny county.
Total.
$l.').'),807 HH
lOB.'jii'J :i:
i:Ui,572 Hf
i(;i.8:n 'm>
lt'J,y23 CJ
218.718 i:
17;U82 44
111,784 75
8:1.715 2;i
ia.'),869 40
|$l,4;i(;,945 10
the Rail-
lent, under
Ingineer in
lid at this*
^s, Francis
idates, the
|tt«r 3,421
the Court
House, to raise funds for the relief of .lames Stoddard.
whose liouse, near flrantsville. was destroyed by
fire, on the 4th, together with its (Hjntents.
October l"). — Henry Sniitli, an aged and respected
citizen, was found dead near his home, seven miles
east of Cuml)erland.
Delegates to the Legislatuit; : Norman JJruce,
William Ridgely, Jeremiah Berry, Jr.. and Jacob
Lantz.
(k^tober 19. — A new two-story log house, belonging
to Martin Rizer, Jr., on South Mechanic street, was
burned out, but the logs were not destroyed.
October 20 — A public meeting w as held to devise
means for aiding the peoi)l(' ol' Sonu'r.set, Pa., who
had suffered by a destructive fire in the town, wliich
involved a loss of 1^100.000. More than thirty
families had been rendered homeless. The sum of
S'200 was collected and donated.
October 20. — All the prisoners in the jail escaped,
1)}' digging a hole through the wall, near a window.
November 19. — The entire population w^as in a
high state of excitement, cimsequent upon the falling
of a shower of meteorites.
November 22. — A public meeting to hear the final
report as to the action of the Conmiittee of Distribu-
tion, for the relief of the sufferers by the fire of
Uth of April, was held at the Court House.
The ('Ommittee reported that it had rectuved in
money $20,684.98. From the people of Maryland
^9.972.00. From Pennsylvania $7,239.89. District
of Columbia $870.76. Virginia $1,075.50. Miscel-
laneous $1,526.12. Also a quantity of clothing,
laBBI
:^32
HISTORY OF CUMREHLAND. [1833-34.
Hour, bacon, &c. That all had Ix'on distiihuted to
the best advantage. The accounts were examined,
and the action of the committee endorsed.
The rebuilding of the town progivssed steadily,
and before the close of the year there were thirteen
stores on xVIechanic street, where there iiad been onh
six previous to the fire.
During all of the year 1833, a party of engineers
and workmen in the empK)y of the Government, had
been engaged in changing the course of that part of
the National Road extending from Cumlx>rlaiid to
the Six Mile House. The original road, as surveyed
and built, lay along Green street, and across Wills
Mountain, through Sandy Gap. The new location
abandoned Ihat route, and lay along Will's Creek.
through the Narrows, and thence along Braddocks
Run, exactlv as it remains to-day. In the winter of
1833 General Gratiot, the Chief Engineer, submitted
bis report to the War Department, showing how he
had repaired a large part of the Cumberland Road;
that tlie new locatit)n had been opened, and that the
bridge over Will's Creek was in course of construe-
tion. He recommended still further repairs and
estimated the total cost to be !?G4 5,000.
January 2. 1834. — The tavern liouse of Mrs. Bruee.
widow of Francis IJruce. live miles above town, on
the Natit)nal Road, was destroved by fire, with all its
contents. The imn.ii'es saved themselves by ;ainpin!i
from the second story, not even saving their clothiiiii.
.Taniuiry 7. — Notice was given that the CumberlamI
Bank of AUeuanv would resume business, on tlu'
13th inst., with .Toseph Shriver as Cashier.
■■■^viilllKiMitiHY'iim^.'^it.'JimiiVm
lulled to
xaniined,
steadily.
; thirteen
been only
engineers
nient, had
lat part of
jerland to
8 surveyed
:oss Will's
\v location
llVs Creek.
BraddockV
winter of
submitted
how lie
md Road;
id that the
construc-
11
tpairs
and
llrs. Bruce,
town, on
rith all it?
IV iiunpiiiii'
|r elothin;:.
innberlanil
Ks. oil tlu'
Q
z
<
-J
on
ui
00
S t;;
=3 "
c
C/) 2
S °
> o
o -"
DC
<
z
LlI
X
k-:^iW.-^ '■ i?^r^'-'-
Le,
iiic
eve
c<ev(
dial
The
of t
Cum
mile
from
thet
k
iveon
A,.
"1 eoi
J
in
a|.|.r„j
Koad
Pick
el
i\tv
(
out
'•■pairs
istr
!,V,
t'tlOl)
\r\\
iS:;4.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
O.O.
January 11). — Four boats loaded with coal went
down th(^ river; two of them belonging to John J.
Hoft'niiin, sunk ten miles below, each loaded with
l.liOO bushels.
Justices of the Orphans' Court: Thomas Cresap,
Joliii McNeill and George Hebb.
March 4. — Mr. Lantz presented a petition to the
Li\irislature praying that body not to pass a bill
iiuorporating the town. The bill was passed, how-
ever, amending the act of 1815, and })roviding that
seven Councilnien should be elected each year, and
tliat they should elect one of their number^as Mayor.
The town was incorporated under the name and title
of the "Mayor and Councilnien of the Town of
CmnlM'rlnnd." The limits were fixed at "half-a-
mile all round the town, to be computed and measured
troin the town lots on the outer edge or confines of
the town proper, as located and settled by law, and
bv the plat already recorded among the land
records."
April 14. — Many of the houses draped in black,
in commemoration of the fire, one year previous.
June 24. — Notice received that Congress had
appnijjriated $o00.000 to repair the Cumberland
Road. Work then went on. under care of Lieutenant
Piekell, and the stone bridge of two arches, each
sixty feet span, was completed.
'"ontracts for work were given as follows in the
it'pairs ol" the Cumberland Road:
1st Culvert Section — Jonathan Witt; 2d Culvert
[Section. R. A. (Elements.
New Locatioii.— Section No. 2, Gustavus Beall;
J.3k.*iiiii(atSSIsS&S: 'i*ilAti.^iienSt!S!tiiXSl}it!<miil^M£UUI
384
HISTORY OK CUMBERI,A\r>.
[1884.
No. 8, Mattingly & Mulholhin; No. 4, Edmund
i5ulger; No. 5, Cahoono & Moore; No. 6, Miller.
Baker & Co.; No. 7, Lonogaii, O'Neill & Kennedy:
No. 8, Thomas Feely.
Old Road.— Section No. 9, R. A. (Jlenients; No. 10.
Hewe8, Stewart & Howard; No. 11, John Neff; No.
12, Josiah Porter; No. 18, Hews, Stewart & Co.; No.
14, Meshack Frost; No. 15, Joseph Dilley; No. IG.
Josiah Frost; No. 17, T. Beall & Coombs ; No. 18, M.
Meneer; No. 19, Adam Shooltze ; No. 20, Micha«l
McGaverin.
The U. S. Mail Stage from Wheeling for Baltiiiioiv.
was attacked near the tup of Savage Mountain, 1"
miles from Cumberland, not fnr from a gloomy plare
known as the '"Shades of Death." on the niiilit (it
Wednesday. August ()tli. about 10 o'clock, by two
highwaynnen. They had cut a (juantity of brusli
which thev threw on the road so as to obstruct it.
and as the stage was ascending the mountain, one of
the robbers sprang out from the shrubbery on tin'
side of the road, seized the bridle of a lead horse and
stopping the team, ordered the driver to dismount.
The highwayman had mistaken bis man. however,
and had met more than his match in the person nl
the driver, Samuel Luman. a young man of splendid
physique and perfectly fearless. lie declined tn
dismount, and put the whip to his horses with a will
The team being spirited horses bounded forward.
dragging the robber with them. A second highway-
man appeared at the door of the stage, and to him
the first robber called out, "shoot the driver, yoii
d d coward, why^ don't you fire at him?" The
1834.]
HHiHWAYMKN.
335
robber at the side «)!' the stage ealled out, "how many
passengers have you?" and the driver replied "a full
load." The ''gentleman of the road" then looked at
the baggage, and seeing an unusual number of trunks
on, concluded to keep clear of a shot from the door,
so he took a position behind the stage. The first
robber was a desperate fellow, however, and he
succeeded in turning the lead horses square around
;iiul stopping the stage. He then undertook to
uiiliitcli the traces, but the brave driver lashed him
about the face with his whip so mercilessly that the
fellow was compelled to abandon his purpose, but
he leveled a pistol at the driver's head, and
pulled the trigger. The pistol was a Hint lock,
and the priming having become damp from the
(lew and f()g, it missed fire, and the horses were
soon in full gallop up the hill, broke through
the brush fence on the road, and never let up
their pace until they went into Frostburg. The
highwaymen wore nuisks, and gowns of tow linen, by
which their identity was destroyed. In the stage
were five men and one woman, and not one of the
passengers was armed. They had a large sum of
money with them, besides which a heavy U. S. mail
was on the stage, and had the robbers succeeded
they would have obtained valuable booty. After
having been safely landed at Frostburg the passen-
gers gave a vote of thanks to the valiant young
'h'iver.
August 13. — Patrick Mahon was found dead on
the side of the Cumberland Koad, six miles above
the town, his horse standing near by hitched to a
336
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[im
tree. He was on his ro«id to Frostlmrg, and U'comiuM
overheated he drank freely of cold water, which \va>
undoubtedly the cause of his death.
August 24. — A man nam^d B. Kisly. a stnuiger.
who arrived in Cumberland some days previoush.
was missed on Sunday, ITtli, and on the followiiiii
Saturday his body was found in the woods, alx)ut
one mile from town. Coroner's jury returned verdict.
death caused by himself in a fit of derangement i'rom
dissipation.
Delegates to Assembly: Al})heus Beall. Norniand
Bruce, G. W. Devecmon, William McMahon.
County Commissioners: Jonathan Wilson. John
Slicer, John Wiley, John Poland. Peter Preston.
Thomas Dowden, Martin Rizer. William Xewniaii.
Daniel Folck, Daniel Woolford.
November 11. — Travel began on new location of
National Road through Will's Creek. The occasion
was celebrated in a very enthusiastic way. by the
citizens of Cumberland and Frostburg. and otlicrs.
Early in the morning a large number of the citizen>
of Cumberland assembled in the public scpiarc, and
forming into companies marched up the new road to
Percy's tavern, where they were met by anotiiei
company from Frostburg. A grand procession, a
mile in length, was then formed, under command ol
John J. Hoffman, Alpheus Beall. James P. Carlctoii
and Richard Lamar of R., as marshals, and marched.
with a band, in advance to Cumberland, the line
being formed of stages, carriages, barouchels, gigs.
wagons and horsemen. With Hags Hying, and tiie
band playing, the procession passed through the
>^4^
1885.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
887
Narrows, .and paraded tho main streets of the town to
the public square, where Thomas I. McKaig delivered
ii brief address, and was followed by Lieutenant
Pickcll, who in a lenuthy and elo({uent speech con-
gratulated the people upon the completion of this
work.
February 21. — A meeting of mechanics was held
;it the Court House, when a committee of five was
appointed to prepare an address to the citizens of
Cumberland and Allegany, setting forth the greviances
under which the mechanics of Cumberland labor,
and the best means of remedying them. The com-
mittee afterwards reported at great length, to the
effect that it was wrong and unwise for the merchants
(if Cumberland to send PLast for such articles as were
manufactured at home; that they ought to encourage
home manufactures, and build up the town, &c.. and
finally submitted the following pledge, which was
signed by 42 persons:
We, the undersigned raembera of the Farmers' & Mechanics' Union
Society of Cumberland, mutually pledge ourselves to support each other
by using, and causing to be used in our families, by ourselves and our
servants, the manufactures of the mechanics of this community, and will
give our undivided support to those who encourage us in like manner. To
the faithful performance of which we individually pledge our sacred
honor.
Justices Orphans' Court: — Thomas Cresap, George
Hehb and John McNeill.
April 2. — Grand jubilee meeting in commemora-
tion of the passage of the $2,000,000 Canal Loan Law
of Maryland, for the purpose of completing the Canal.
April 11. — Captain David Lynn, a soldier of the
Kt'volution. died at '' Rose Hill," in the 78th year of
his age.
43
^:J8
HISTOKV OF CLMBEKLAND.
[1835.
Major, .lolu) (lephart; Councilmen, Peter Ilotrmaii.
Einaniiel Easter, Jairob Snyder, Richard Beall aiui
John M. Lawrence. Clerk, William McMfhon.
Thomas Shriver appointed Superintendent of that
part of the National Road lying in Maryland.
June 20. — Elijah (Jurtis fell from the clift' in the
Narrows and was killed.
There were at this time five Churches in Cumber-
land, viz: ( ■atholic, Father M. Marshal; Lutheran.
Rev. Kehler; Presbyterian, Rev. McDonald; Metho-
dist, Rev. Lipsicomb; Episcopal, Rev. Leavenworth.
Septemb(;r 29. — A town meeting was held with a
view^ to petitioning against the location of the Canal
along the "'high level/' as it was feared the work
would be located along the base of the hills, near the
present line (^J' the Cumberland and Pennsylvania
Railroad to the Narrows. A portion of the population
favored this route.
At the election October 13, William McMahon.
Joseph Frant/, Jeremiah Berry, Jr., and William
Matthews were elected to the Legislature, over
Robert Bruce, Wm. Shaw, A. Bruce and H. Shircliff.
November 20, — Captain George Calmes died, at his
home, on the bluff across the river, at the age of 80
years. He was an officer of the Revolution. Hi"
wife. Mary, died December 17th, following, aged 8*2
years. She was a daughter of Captain Thoma.<
Price, of Frederick.
At this time there seemed to be a prospect of the
completion of the Canal, and in consequence thereot
real estate advanced in price, the population increiised.
and man^' new buildings were erected.
18:^6.]
U)CAL IXCIDKNTS.
:i3t)
In Jiinuiiry. 1836, it wan {innouiuvd that tin-
appropriatiDU for the Canal had been exhausted, and
work waH stopped, whereupon a panic occurred, and
town lots were offered at insignificant prices.
A town meeting was held and resohitions [)assed
urging the Legislature to appropriate $2,500.()()() to
continue the work. David Shriver. John Hoye.
George McCulloh, Rol)ert Bruce, and James Smith
were aj)pointed a committee to go to Annapolis, and
present the petition.
In April a company of Boston capitalists purchased
some coal lands, and secured a charter to huilu a
railroad along Braddocks Run. and their operations
caused some improvement in affairs.
May 2. — At the town election John Wright was
chosen Mayor, the Councilmen being Peter Hoffman.
E. Easter. Baptist Mattingly. E. Worthington, and
George Blocher.
In November George Smith. Robert Bruce. Thomas
Perry, and John M. Buchanan were elected to the
Legislature, and Thomas Dowden, Sheriff.
The County Commissioners were James D. Arm-
strong, John Slicer, Henry Brown. Cornelius Kight,
Peter Preston, Burgess Magruder, John Cress, Wm.
Newman. Daniel Folck and Robert Lashlew
In December the stone bridge over Will's Creek,
at the Narrows, was completed, under the superin-
tendence of U. S. Engineers Page and Turnei-, the
contractors being Lane & Sumner. This work had
i>een much delayed by freshets. Upon its completion
tlie National Road was opened by this route for
travel.
340
IIISTOUV OF CUMBKRLAND. [183()-87.
In 1833 tho rA'<5iwlatuiv hiid autliori/ed the erection
of a new Court House in CufulK-i'liintl, and .lolm
Hoye, Martin Rizer, .lolm (i. llofVinan and liene S.
Pignian had been ap[)ointed Connnissionens to su|K.'r-
intend the work. A levy of 1|5,()0() was to Ix^ madi'.
$1,000 to be collected eacii year until the amount was
secured. Some efl'ort was made to have the building
located on the east side of the Creek, but it did not
amount to anything:;. The excavation for the founda-
tions was connnenced in the fall of 183G.
Andrew Bruce and Richard Beall were electwl
members of the electoral college and were of tiu'
"innnortal twentv-one" whig electors who prevents
the subversion of the State government.
January 3, 1837. — The Mineral Bank commenced
business, with George E. Dysui., cashier.
Justices of Orphans' Court: Thomas Cresap, Jolm
McNeill jind George Hebb. Surveyor, Benjamin
Brown.
Mayor, Gustavus Beall; Councihnen, Thomas 1.
McKaig, Moore N. Falls, J. P. Carleton, John Hoye.
B. Simkins, M. Rizer of M.
A forcing engine was purchased for fire protection,
and a special tax of 30 cents on each $100 levied to
pay for it. This engine was known as the "Goose
Neck," and was about the size of a No. 1 store bo.\,
May 13. — The Cumberland Bank suspended specie
payment, and the Mineral Bank followed, three da}>
lat<3r.
The receipts and expenditures of the town for tin
fiscal year, ending May 30. amounted to !|G14.97.
The vote for Congress in the County was, Merrick.
1.s:^j7.]
L()(^AL INCIDKNTS.
341
iwliiji) «S'51 ; Thoiiuis, (Dt'iiMcnit) 732. Francis
Tlioiiias had a majority in ihv. District of 2l)() votes.
Michael C. Sjjri^^g, Jolin NcH", Daniel Bh)cher, and
.loiiiithan IliiddU'son were elected to the Legislature.
By the close of the year, 1837, the burnt district
had lu'cn almost entirely rebuilt, and many of the
houses were large and substantial. The Cumberland
Hank, the N '*'onal Hotel, the buildings on each of the
(•(iniers c' '* .^'-'ore and Mechanic streets, and several
iitliors i.^. .'r up street, having been reconstructed.
A large hotc ' building was erected on the North side
of Baltimore street, where the St. Nicholas now
stands, known as Slicer's Tavern, which was kept at
tills time by Joshua Johnson. The ground on this
(•(irner was bought several years previous to this date,
by Peter Lowdermilk, wlio gave in payment therefor
dill' lady's saddle. A frame house was erected just
Ih'Iow the hotel, and another on the Southeast corner
ol Baltimore and Liberty streets. A row of two-
story frame buildings, lathed and plastered outside,
were built on Baltimore street, South side, just below
Lilwrty street, and on the Southwest corner of
Liberty a residence by Levi Hilleary. On the South-
east corner of Centre and Baltimore Edward Sullivan
placed a blacksmith shop. A stable was built on
Sliryer's tan-yard property, on Centre street, and a
ilouble brick house on Baltimore street, a short
ilistance East of the Lutheran Church. A number
'li residences had been also erected on Bedibrd street.
("onnnerce between the East and West rapidly
increased, and the Cumberland Road became the
:;i'eat highway of traffic. The heavy passenger travel,
H42
niSTOKV OF (TMHKKI.AM). [l,S87_MJ.i
and the tnuiHportatioii of ^ooiIh, lod to the cstablisli-
inent of Imiidrcds of iiouscs of cntcrtiiimnciit nhw
tho road, and ('iiinhcrland reaped licr I'ldl share
of patronage, heinji- the j)rincij>al point hetwecn
Baltimore and Wlieelin*;.
In the constnu'tion of the ('heHa|x»ako and Oliii,
Canal thonsands of Iriwh laborers were euiplovod.
and aH bad feeling existed betwetMi the elans, riots
were of freciuent oeein-reiu^e. On New Year's Day.
1838, a number of men employed at the tunnel
marched up to Oldtown, and made a raid on the
place, almost demolishing Nicholas Ryan's tavern
Thomas Dowden. the Sheriff, sununoned the Cnm-
bcrland Guards, and other citizens, as a jyosse, and
went down to quidl the riot, but the disturbers liml
left.
In view of these troubles a (company of ritloniei)
was organized, and the Governor sent toCuniberlaiid
189 muskets and 120 rifles to arm the Militia.
The following officers of the 5()th regiment.
Maryland Militia were appointed : C. M. Thruston.
Colonel; Thomas I. McKaig. Lieutenant Colonol:
Normand liruce. Major; Dr. II. G. Grieves, Surgeon:
Alexander King. Captain; George M. Reid. 1st
Lieutenant, and John M. Carleton, 2d Lieutenant.
April 25 — The chain bridge over Will's Creek
gave way at the Western abutment, and the structure
fell into the stream. At the time of the accident
two men and a boy were on the bridge, and all went
down with it. The men saved themselves !t,\
swimming to the shore, and the boy clambered over
the wreck to a point of safety. The (J reek at the
is;;h.]
LOCAL INCIDKXTS.
343
time was imicli swollen. Court was in st'ssion. and
tiic arcidont occurred only about half hour before the
time for persons to attend
Gustavus Heall. (leor^'e liloclier and Goor'j!;e IIol)-
litzcU were appointi'd Connnissioners to rebuild tiio
hridge, and on the 4th of May advertised for proposals.
The construction of a. wooden bridge was shortly
utter coninienced, the plan being two wooden arches
rciicliing from shore to shore, with a carriage way in
till' centre, and a foot walk on either Bide. This
bridge was covered, and closed in, with heavy lattice
work on the sides, and the lloor covered with tan
liiii'k.
May "il. — (leorge E. Dyson, Cashier of the Mineral
liiiuk was thrown from bis buggy and killed. C. M.
Thruston was then President of the bank, and
Jonathan W. Magruder was elected (Jashier.
Mayor, Frederick Deems; Councilmen, George
Il()blit7.ell, J. Witt, Robert McCleary, Henry Wright,
Poter IlolVnian, and Henry Wineow. Clerk, Daniel
Bk)clier.
October o. — State Senator: William Matthews.
Delegates to Assembly : John Neff, Jonathan Hud-
dleson and Daniel Blocher.
Comity Connnissioners: Jno. Slicer, Henry Brown,
Cornelius Kight, George M. Bloclier, Martin Rizer,
Burgess Magruder, John W. Mountz, Walter Bevanst
and (leorge H. A. Kunst.
October 13. — (Ordinance to grade and pave Wash-
ington street from Will's Creek bridge to Spruce Alley.
October 17. — Evangelical Synod of Maryland met
in Cumberland.
344
HISTOKY OF CUMBERLANf>. [IS^S-I^'J
f-
Octol)er 28. — Methodist Protestant (.'liunili. Bed-
ford street, dedicated. Rev. Isaac Webster. President
of Mar viand Conference, oir.ciating.
October 30. — John Bnrbridge, living five iniks
below town, on line of canal, l)eaten nearly to death
by a lot of Irish laborers, on that work. Colonel
Thrnston took t'le militia companies of Captains
King and Haller to the section on which the giiilt\
parties were at work, and arrested thirteen v>iin
were suspected, and brought them to to\\'n for n
hearing.
The first semi-annnal report of the Superintendent
of the National Road, showed the receipts for the
half year ending November 20, to be i|3,980.5().
Deceml>er 15. — The Mountaineer Hose ('onipiun
was organized, the following officers being chosen
President, John Beall; Treasurer, J. (r Iloflinan:
Secretary, John M. Carleton. The town supplied
them with a suction engine at a cost of .f750.
During the greater part of the year the scarcity of
small money led tiie merchants generally to issue
'shinplasters," for the accommodation of the public.
On tbe 22d of December a meeting of the merchants
and traders was held at the National Hotel, when it
was resolved that the nec;essity for such currency no
longer existed, and that they should not thereatter
be circulated.
January 18, 1839. — The Presbyteria.i Church on
Liberty street was opened for worship, ; nd on th''
20th it was dedicated, Rev. Samuel H. McDonaW
officiating.
The progress of the work on the new C jurt Houst'
., '-:-^
1839.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
845
was very slow, and in January a petition was senl
t(t tlio I/'ffislature praying that the location of the
liiiilding might be changed to the East side of the
Creek, and alleging that such a change would he just
;iik1 wise, since the hotels, business and population
wore there; also, that the petitioners would con-
tribiitL a lot and pay for the removal of the material.
Another petition was presented protesting against
such removal, and setting forth the advantages of the
location which had been selected by the proprietor ol"
the town in 1785. The petition asking the change
luid 14 o signers; the other 390. The Tjcgislature
declined to order any change, aiiJ the Court House
was finished during the year, proving a large, roomy,
and comfortable building.
February 12. — Kllen J. Albright, a young lady.
lil'teeri years of age, was burned to death, her clothing
having taken lire from a stove.
February 24. — A fire broke out in a frame l)uilding
1)11 North Mechanic street, just above Bedlbrd strc'-t.
occupied by John Mollinanas a cabinet-maker s .Vhoi).
That and six adjoining buildings were destroyed.
March 25. — The town council [)assed an ordinance'
i'0([uiriHg every person owning a house or store inside
the corporate limits to provide a leathern bucket, of
at least two and a half gallons capacity, for every
Wilding such person owned, and to have his name
plain I V marked thereon.
The "Gooseneck" lire engine was given in charge
"1 the '"Cumberland," »)r "(Canada," Hose Company,
by the town, together with lour axes, three hooks
mil four laddt»rs, and $30 was appropriated to build a
U
u^
HISTOKV OK CUMBERLAND. [18o9-4(J.
house I'or tliein. The hose were carried on a wagon.
Mayor, Samuel Charles; Counciluien, Baptist M:it-
tingly, George Shuek, Daniel Wineow, Archibald
McNeill, Martin Uizer, and Robert A. Robinson.
Clerk, Charles Heck.
August 27. — In consequence of a nund^er of seri6us
riots on the canal, at the tunnel, Colonel Thruston
went with the military companies of Cumberland to
that point, where he was joined by Colonel lIollinj:s-
worth's troops from Washington county, and ;i
company of cavalry from Clearspring, Md., under
Major Barnes. Colonel Thruston took command, and
arrested twenty-five of the ring-leaders, captured and
destroyed about two hundred five •irms, and sixtv
barrels of whisky, and pulled down fifty shanties.
The prisoners were brought to Cundjerland, and put
in jail, and most of them afterwards sent to the
penitentiary, for terms ranging from one to eighteen
years.
May 17, 1840. — Mayor, Samuel Charles; Coinicil-
men, Thomas Perry, (jleorge Shuck, Daniel Wineow.
Archibald McNeill, and E. Easter. Clerk, Charles
Heck.
The political campaign of 1840 was probably one
of the most enthusiastic ever known in Allegany
county. The Harrison men were particularly active,
and two interesting events occurred in tl)e town ot
Cumberland during the spring. On the 28th of
April delegations from the Pennsylvania counties ot
(u*eene and Favette arrived here, on their wav to the
Young Men's Ilairison Convention, at Baltimore.
A lariiv nnndjer of citizens left Cumberland at 2 p.
1840.]
THE CAMPAIGN OF '40.
:^.47
111. to meet the delegations and escort them to town.
They went out on horseback, in carriages, and in
cimches, under command of Wm. Lvnn. marshal of
the tlay. Three miles from town thoy met the
delegations, which were marching with a hand, flags
and banners, and a log ca])in on four wheels. As
the procession marched into town there was great
t'lithiisiasm, the band playing and the people shout-
iiiir, the streets and houses being crowded with the
iimltitnde. The log cabin was the feature of the
(k'lnonstration; it was drawn by six gray horses, and
was decorated with coon skins, buck horns, &c. The
Peiuisylvanians stayed over night, and an immense
mooting was held in the new Court House. On the
following day they were escorted out of town and
went on their way. One da^- later, the Allf'vany
ilelegation, consisting of about fifty young men.
also left for Baltimore. Thev were clad in the
blue hunting shirts of the mountaineers, and made a
fine appearance. Under the energetic direction of
Thomas Shriver, Allegany had prepared the most
novel and striking feature of the campaign. A large
wooden ball, some twelve feet in diameter, was built
in the barn of Mr. Shriver, for the occasion. Tt was
made of light timber, lirndy joined, and a wooden bar
passed through its centre, protruding some two leet
on each side; to this was attached ropes, and at
intervals of three or four feet short hand bars were
fastened in the njpes, by means of wdiich tiie delega-
tion dragged it forward, and the ball, once set in
motion, was kept rolling till the election gave the
Hard Cider and Log (Jabin" Roys a victory. Upon
:US
IIISTOKV OF CUMBERLAND.
[1840.
the complftion oi' tho })all it was found t'.iat it was
larger than the opening in the barn, and it l)ecamt'
necessary to tear out parts of the walls to increase
the means of egress. The ball was covered with red.
white and blue cloth, in alternate stripes, and at the
polls were stars on a blue ground. It was covered
with various inscriptions, amongst them being the
loUowijig:
OLD ALLK(}ANY,
With heart and soul, tliis ball we roll;
May times improve, as on we n. )ve.
This Democratic ball first set rollin;^ by Benton
Is on another track from that it first was sent on.
Farewell, dear Van; you're not the man
To ;/ui(le the Ship; we'll trv old Tip.
"stop that ItALI,."
The Kiithciin}; biiU is rollinir still;
And still leathern as it rolls.
The delegation from Allegany started oft' in hijrh
sj)irits for Baltimore. The ball was rolled through
the streets and along the Baltimore pike for some
distance, and was then placed on a wagon [)repared tor
the purpose. When a town was approached on the
I'oute the ball was unloaded and rolled through, Avith
shouts and so)igs. At the great procession in Balti-
more it was greeted with cheer after cheer, Jind Ilenrv
(Jlav declared it to be the '" Lion of the Day." It was
regarded as so great a novelty that the New York
delegation asked and secured permission to take it
with them, to their celebraticm of the battle of Fort
Meigs, on the Sth of M;iy. They took it through
lMiiladeli)hia and New York City, and every where it
iittrtu'ted gr?at attention, of which, of course, the
Alk'gany hoys were very proud.
[1840.
184(1.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
349
at it ^vlls
it ])ocame
increase
1 with red,
and at the
IS covered
being the
n
on.
ijff in liigh
d through
for some
re pa red for
lied on the
;ou,U'h. with
,n m Balti-
land llenr}
It WilS
ew York
to talvc it
le of Fort
lit througli
Irywhere it
ouise, the
On the 22d of Sei)tem])er the Whigs had a grand
procession in (Jninherhmd, and on this occasion rolled
anotlier ball, about twenty feet in diameter, through
the streets, while the town was literally packed with
people.
February 9. — A disastrous freshet occurred. The
river and creek had been frozen over, and a sudden
thaw took place, causing ))oth streams to rise to a
:reiit height, doing much damage and badly injuring
the work on the canal.
February 12. — A public meeting was held at the
Court House, and resolutions passed, urging the
Legislature to give additional aid towards the com-
pletion of the (.'anal. The meeting was very large,
md a memorial setting forth the sentiments of
tl'e people Avas adopte'd, and sent to Annapolis in
iliarge of (J. M. Thruston, Thomas Perry and Samuel
-M. Seinmes. The committee discharged its duty,
I lit tiie Tjegislature failed to make a further appro-
[iriutiun, and the people of Cumberland became quite
Icspondent in consequence thereof.
April 1.— -Another public meeting was held for the
purpose of determining upon the best means to be
tiiken to secure the completion of the work. It was
ietermined to petition the Governor to call an extra
"'t'ssion of the Li^gislature in order that the matter of
I lurther appropriation might be again considered.
April 30. — Beall's Row, consisting of nine small
buses, on the west side of North Mechanic street
i»'K)ve Bedford, was destroyed by lire.
July 1 1.— Population of the town 2,384. In 1830
It was 1,162.
f^Tr»-irtniMiiriiimrnr»t'rTTniiim'-niir»"iiTi'T
350
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1841-42.
^
May 18, 1841. — Major, James Smith ; Counoilincii.
E. Eastor, Bcniamin Simkins. J. CI. Hofrmaii. Goor^c
Shuck, Martin Rizor of M,. Georgo Bh)cher. (Mork.
S. A. Swartzwchior.
January 15,1842. — A little daughter of Theopliilus
Beall, 4 years of age, was accidentally burned to
death, her clothing having taken fire from an open
fire place.
February 28. — The Baltimore and Ohio Railioad
Company, during the construction of its road in the
vicinit}^ of Cumberland, paid its employees in its
notes. For some months they j)assed current at their
face value, but on this date the merchants of the
town held a meeting and determined that thencefor-
ward the}' would accept them only at a discount of
20 per cent. In Baltimore they were subject to a
discount of 25 per cent. The Good Intent Stage
Company were then issuing ''shinplasters'" whieli
commanded their full value, and were redeemable od
presentation.
May 18. — Mayor, John Gephart: Councilinen.
George Mattingly, Martin Rizer of M., Samuel
Eckles, James A. Annan, George Shuck, and Arch.
McNeill. Clerk, S. A. Swartzwelder.
The new Council contracted with Nelson Beall.
for the construction of a market house, which wa.«
finished in 1848, at a cost of .■$1,700.
October 5. — Sherift', Normand Bruce. Delegates.
W. V. Buskirk, John Neff and John Pickell.
County Commissioners: John Brobst. Heiirv
Bruce, Peter Yeast, G. Fazenbaker, H. Kreigbauiii.
Alexander King. George M. Reid. L. M. Jamison,
-i55S^-.fr,^...„^-_.
;i 84 1-42.
uiioilincii.
in. George
r. (nerk.
^heopliilus
burned to
a an open
lo Railroad
road in the
^eos in its
ent at their
lilts of the
: thcncetor-
discount of
fubject to ii
itent Stage
ors which
eenialjle on
I'ouncihnen.
yl., Sanuiol
and Arch.
Idson Beall.
[which wfti^
Delegates.
[ell.
1st. Henr}
kreighaum.
Jamison,
1842.] ].(K'AL INCmENTS. 351
Henr}' Bevans, Robert Lashly, and John Frantz.
The following was the assessment of property in
(!uinl;orland in January:
Lands and tenements $152,229
Slaves 40.100
Slock in trade Ifl.'i.OW.j
Bank nnd other stock.e (il.H77
Private ■seciiritie.'* 200,27:5
Live stock 2:i,;'.2T
Household furniture ;!2,440
Plate 2,4SS
Gold and silver watches ."{.(Itil
Other property 8,7:58
Total $0:^1,118
November 1. — The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
was on this date opened to Cumberland, and the
wonderful locomotive made its first appearance here.
No other event has ever transpired in the history of
the place which crcjited so much pleasurable excite-
ment. Business was entirely suspended, and men,
women and children gathered al)out the terminus of
till' road to witness the arrival of the trains. From
the mountain tops, and valleys, throughout the
luljoining country, the people came in crowds, and
the town was in a fever of excitement for many
days.
The opening oi' this road proved the inauguration
of a new era in the history of the town. This was
made the point of exchange for passengers and
merchandize between the East and West. Hotels
were erected for the accommodation of travelers, and
large ware houses, along the railroad tracks, for the
j'toring of goods which were to be transhipped from
cars to wagons for the West, and from wagons to
'•ars for the P^ast. The facilities thus furnished for
852
IirSTORV OF Cl'MHRKI.ANO.
[1842.
rapid transportation induced man}- persons to mtikc
tlio journey across the mountains, and the sstjiirc
com[)anie.s were coinpelled to ))uild new coaclies and
to erect large stables Every morning and eveniiii;
upon the arrival of the cars long lines of stages drew
up in front of the hotels. Inside they can-ied nine
passengers, and outside one on the seat with the
driver. In the "boot" and on the roof wus phiccd
the baggage. When all were loaded, at a given
signal, a dozen whips would crack, a dozen four-liorsc
teams would take the road, and dash through the
streets at a brisk trot, which would be kept up until
Frostburg was reached, in less than two h()uiT<.
Here horses were exchanged, and up the moiuitain
grade they went, on their way to Wheeling.
In a little while after the completion of the i-iiihuad
to Cumberland, the National Road became a thorough-
fare such as the country has never before or since seen.
for a like distance. On every mile of the road were
to be seen stages, carriages, and heavy freight wagons.
carrying tons of merchandize piled up under their
canvas-covered bows, drawn by six powerful iior.ses.
In addition to these, great droves of cattle. hog.s.
sheep, &c., were daily on the road. Taverns were
to be found every few miles, with jolly landlords, wliu
knew all the teamsters, drivers and guards. Those
were ''good old times." and tiie "pike boys" still
living look back to them with man}- a sigh of regret.
May 19, 1843. — Mayor, Thomas Shriver; Council-
men, A. McNeill, George Shuck, A. L. Withers.
Samuel Eckles, Benjamin Sindcins, and John Gephart.
Clerk, S. A. Swartzwelder.
184^l]
I/X-AL INCIDKNTS.
35:^
This ('omioil. iiiuler the I'liergotic inspiration ol'
Mayor Shrivor, mado great improvements in the
town. Grades were estal)lishe(l on all the principal
streets, and sidewalks laid on Mechanic street almost
its ontii'e length. Baltimore, Liherty. Bedford and
George streets were paved, and new bridges built
over the mill rsice, and paved with stone. The Blue
Spring was improved and walled up, and protected
by ordinance. Late in the fall Washington street
was paved to Sniallwood street.
The steadily increasing tide of [>assengors passing
to the East and West, over this route, led to still
greater enterprise in the supply of stages as a means
of conveyance. "The National Road Stage Com-
piinv." owned bv Stockton & Stokes, found an active
competitor in the "Good Intent Stage Company," the
owners of which were Wm, H. Still, John A. Woert,
.\lpheus Beall and Thomas Shriver. I)i the summer
ofl848 Reesides & Sons staited the "June Bug Line,"
and a short time afterwards the keepers of the
taverns along the line of the National Road, put on
a splendidly equipped set of stages and horses, and
established the "Landlord s Line." This company
had many advantages, as the active, energetic men
wiio fed the passengers were the owners, and
constantly exerted themselves to make it popular.
Amongst them were John W. Weaver, Joseph Dilley,
Samuel Luman and William Willis. Still another
line waH put on the road, between Hagorstown and
Wheeling, by Peters, Moore & Co., and known as
the "'Pioneer Line." The competition became so
great that the June Bug Line was driven off the
45
354
HISTORY (IF fUMHKHLAND.
[184;;.
road, and the Baltiiiiorc and Oiiio Kaii'oad ^'ontpaDv
cntcrod into a new agnrnicnt with tlio two old
roinj)ani('« by wliii^li they vvcrt? to have an advanta<i,c'
t)l"$2 per paswngor over the "'LandlordH' Litjc " Thin
created great excitement ithmg the entii'e route, iunl
it was lil;)erally di.scussed in tlie newspapers, until
tlie railroad eoinpany took ahirin, and advised tiic
old companies to l)uy out the fjandh)rils. This was
done, and the "National" and the "'(lood Intent"' wore
then left to all the honors and profits, and accumu-
lated large sums ol' money, in the ten years follow-
ing.
July 22. — Abraham Krey, living near Selbysport.
was murdered by William S. (.'hrise, a short distaiuc
from the murdered man's house. Chrise was a largo.
rugged man, and for some time had been on inidiir
terms of intinnicy with Mrs. Frey. which led lici
husband to express his desire that (.'hrise should
not come to his house. Chri.se resented this, and
threatened to kill Frey, and take his wife for hiniscll:
and did on one occasion endeavor to take her off.
On the 22d of July, Chrise met Frey near his house,
in the the woods, and struck him with a hoe, theblow
falling on the back of his head and crushing the
skull. The murderer then concealed the body o\'\w
victim behind a fallen tree, where it was found sonic
days later. Chrise was then arrested and brought t(i
Cumberland, where he was confined in jail until tin-
Kith of OctolK^r, when his trial came u]). On tin
17th a jury was obtained. Hanson 15. Pignuui and
Wm. V. Buskirk were counsel for the prosecution.
George A. Pearre, then a young lawyei' at the bar.
m:\.]
KXKCrriON OK CHHISE.
yM
was coiin.st'l lor tlu' j»ri.s(iiu'i*. and nt liis rcquost the
Court appointed VVillimn Price iiH additional coiuiHel.
The trial was concliidt'd on the lonrtli dav. and in
tuciitv minutes the jury returned a verdict of
"iruiltv (»1 inurdei* in (he first def^ree." On the 20th
the Court passed sentence' upon the prisoner.
The execution ()r(.'lirise took place in Noveniher.
IK' was utterly uinnoved throughout the trying
iinlciil. and was a[)parently the least interested of
all the great crowd assendjled on the occasion. He
walked from the jail to the scailold, which had heen
nvcted on (he commons, at a [)oint now lying very
near Fayette street where it is ei'ossed b\ the rail-
road. On the route to the scatt'old he was guarded
li\ the "('uud)erland (luards,' commanded by (,'ai)tain
Alt'\;iiider King, with a drum and lile in advance.
Tiic services at the [)lace of execution were (juite
lengthy and impressive, several hynnis being sung,
in all of which the prisoner joined. During the
intervals Chrise sat calmly chewing tobacco, occa-
siunally rising i'rom his seat to spit beyond the fatal
trap, as though fearing to soil it. .fust before the
last moment he sang in a clear, loud and unbroken
voice, a hymn of which the foUowing couplet is a
part :
"This lA the way I lonj,' have sought.
And mournod because I found it not.''
Ihe Sherifl". Normand Bruce, was deeply aftected
'•y the un])leasant duty he was called on to perform,
iiiid it was doubtless the most painful act of his
iif^' When the rope was cut, several witnesses of
till' scene fainted, and much excitement prevailed
.V
IMAGE EVALUATION
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23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, NY. MS80
(716) 872-4503
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35fi
HISTORY OF ('UMBERLANr». [1S48-44.
1
1
if
i
1
1
f
1:
Amongst those who looked on, was a brother of the
doomed man, who seemed to be but little affected,
but remarked, ''It is a pretty hard sight." When
lil'e became extinct the body was taken down, and
conveyed to the old Court House, where the physi-
cians made some experiments with it. It was
afterwards dissected, and "old Joe Shumate," an
eccentric man, and one regarded as very wicked,
secured a portion of the skin and tanned it, the
leather proving soft and pliable,
November 6. — The Maryland and New York Coal
and Iron Company asked permission to build a rail-
road track through the town, but the Council
declined to grant it, unless the sense of the citizens*
should first be taken upon the question.
May 19, 1844. — Mayor Thomas Shriver; Council-
men, John (Jephart, George Shuck, A. McNeill.
Benj. Simkins, A. L. Withers and Samuel Eckles.
Clerk, Wm. R. McCuUey.
The Presidential campaign of this year was in
many respects similar to that of 1840. The Whigs
carried out a most enthusiastic campaign, reproducing
the big ball, which a large delegation, clad in hunting
shirts, took to Baltimore, and rolled through the
streets of that city. Under the guidance of Thomas
Shriver they erected on Fort Hill, just where the
Episcopal Church now stands, a magnificent Hag
staff, rigged like the mast of a vessel, and at an
elevation of 250 feet from the water of the creek
Hoated a Hag seventy feet in length.
" In October Howard Shriver and Upton R.
Lowdermilk were appointed a commission to ascertain
1845-47.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
357
'jir was 111
tlie lines of such streets {is were closed, and to
rtMiuiitJ the owners thereof to o}x*n them and free
them from obstruction. They opened (Jentre street
through to the National Road, at the North end of
the town.
May 5, 1845. — Mayor, Thomas Shriver; Council-
men, John Gephart, George Shuck, A. McNeill,
Samuel Eckles, Benj. Simkins, and A. L. Withers.
Clerk, George F. Shryer.
May 6, 1846. — Mayor, Thomas Shriver; Council-
irien, John Gephart, B. Simkins, Samuel Eckles, A.
L. Withers, George Shuck, and A. McNeill. Clerk,
Cieorge F. Shryer.
November 6. — Aix^hibald Carey puixjhased the
('ivilian, and took charge of it.
December 81. — "The Mountaineer," a new weekly
paper, established by Calhm & (Jherry.
January 1, 1847. — Lieutenant W. H. Fowler, of
llie Artillery which served at Palo Alto, arrived for
the purpose of opening an office to enlist recruits to
lill up the ranks of the First Artillery. A number
of young men enlisted.
The assessed value of the proi)erty of the county,
at thif' date, was $4,234,720; levy, $10,586.80.
April 4. — A general celebration of our army's
victories in Mexico was had.
May 7. — A fire broke out at 4 i'. m., in a small
stable belonging to Joseph Dilley, corner George and
Union streets. The large stable of the National
Hoad StJige Company, near by, caught, and was
hunied to the ground. Two horses, tour stages, and
ii large lot of grain were destroyed. W. F. Triplett's
358
IIISTOKV OK riMHKHLAXO.
[1847-48.
Tlic
dwelling took fire, and was partially ooiisumed
loss was about $5,000.
May 11. — Mayor, Thomas Shriver; (•ouncilmcii,
John Beall, Peter Gephart, J. M. Maguiiv, Joseiili
Hughes, John Hunibird and J. W. Jones. Clerk,
Ceorge F. Shrjer.
June 21. — George W. Clark, a young man
living on Bedford street, stuck a pick-ax in the
ground and sat down on a shingle, which he had placed
on the point of the pick. The shingle split, and tlic
sharp point of the implement penetrated his IxkIv,
causing injuries from which he died in a few hours.
June 24. — John Siders fired three shots from a
revolver at a dancing master named Martin. The
first shot passed through Martin's hat, and the third
struck him in the shoulder, Martin lived in
Frederick, and Siders alleged that he had caused u
separation between him and his wife. Siders was
tried and acquitted.
During the summer of this year the Lena Fnniaco
was built and put in operation. The iron ore was
obtained from the Rose' Hill estate. The venture
proved unprofita])le. sind was abandoned.
December 1. — William 0. Sprigg, cashier of tlu'
Mineral Bank, resigned, and Joseph H. Tucker, of
New^ York, was elected to the office.
Fulton and Polk streets were graded and paved:
Frederick street was extended beyond Decatur, and
the sidewalks on Decatur street were paved.
April 2, 1848. — An alarm of fire, about U o'clock
at night, aroused the inhabitants, and the sky wiu^
illumined by a brilliant light, caused by the bm-ning
1848.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
59
of a small fra. ' shanty at the base of Shriver's Hill,
where Iiidepondence street now lies. This building
was used for storing powder, as the nierehants were
allowed to keep only small ((uantities in their stores.
About 1,600 pounds of powder was stored in the
house, and in a short while a terrific explosion
(K'curred, which shook every house in the town, and
made a report which was heard I'or a distance ol'
twenty miles. Fortunately no person was injured,
though the windows throughout the town were shat-
tered. The large and handsome brick residence of
Mrs. M. C. Sprigg, in the grove (now occupied by
Judge John Coulehan), was much damaged, some
of the walls being cracked, and the structure being
jarred from the foundations to the roof. The fire was
the malicious work of incendiaries, and, although a
ivward ol' $250 wa« offered tor their discovery, they
were never detected.
The Mineral Bank building (now occupied by the
First National Bank) was built aud occu))ied early
in 1848.
March 30. — The Mineral Bank closed its doors,
and the officers issued a card, stating that the sus-
pension was due to the failure of Joseph S. Lake &
Co., of New York, who had a large amount of the
bank's notes, drafts and bills in their hands for col-
lection.
April 10. -The Mineral Bank oj)ened its doors,
iiid resumed operations, the indebtedness of Laki' &
' 0., having been secured.
May 12. — Mayor, Thomas Shriver; Couneilnien,
-lohn (Jephart. CJeorge M. Reid, Jauies Anderson,
JJ60
mSTOHV OF rUMBEKLAND.
[1848.
Peter Gephart. W. W. McKai^ and George Shuck.
Clerk, George F. Shrjer.
This ('oimcil divided the town into two diHtricts.
the first comprising all that part lying South ol"
Baltimore street and all West of Will's Creek: tlie
second embracing the remainder of the town. It
was ordered that the taxes levied should be expended
in the respective districts in which collected.
June 5. — The Cumberland Savings Bank was
organized and went into o})eration. J. R. Annan,
President; Robert Bruce, Cashier.
In 1847 the Belvidere Hall Association had Ixioii
organized, the officers being: President, Thomas 1.
McKaig; Directors, A. Cowton, G. W. Clabaugli
and Joseph Sliriver; Secretary, William (). Sprigg:
Treasurer. E. T. Shriver. Thev erected Belvidere
Hall, and thus furnished the public a very creditable
place for public amusements.
July 10th, Belvidere Hall was opened for the first
time, by Edmund Peale, of Philadelphia, lesse. with
the Virginia Serenaders.
The first telegraph line erected here was com-
pleted in August, and extended from Cumberland to
Bedford. The builder was Henry O'Reily.
Another line between Cumberland and Baltimore
was opened a few weeks later, and the office was
located in a frame building, about where Mr. Alplieiis
Beall's residence now stands.
The principal hotels at this time were the •' United
States," (now "St. Nicholas") kept by A. Cowton:
the "Barnum," kept by Barnum & Stephens: the
"Virginia Hotel," kept by Washingt<m Evans; the
1848-49.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
3fil
"National" kopt In Jaiiios Scaright, and afterward.s
t)V James Black.
October 4. — Countv ComniisHioners: John Hoye.
Will. Fear, Robert Koss. Francis Mattingly, Daniel
Wineow, Peter Smouse, James Twigg, L. Benton.
George Robinettt^ and Isaac Thompson ; Sheriff, John
Barnard.
November 3. — At the Presidential election the
vote for Cumberland was 713 for Cass, and 517 for
Taylor; in the County 1,619 for Cass and 1,579 for
Taylor.
The Whig miners at Eckhart had a cannon cast at
the foundry of A. B. Tower in Cumberland. It w^as
made of iron fro\u ore mined in Allegany County,
fused by Allegany coal, and was named "Allegany."
They fired fifteen guns as a salute to ^'old Zack."
one gun for each vote of Frostburg's majority.
In November the Maryland Mining Company was
engaged in building its railroad through the Narrows,
mid across the Creek to the basin, near Washington
street.
December 30. — Under the weight of a heavy fall
of snow, the shed of the Good Intent Stage Com-
pany fell. Mr. Thomas Keid was caught under it,
and had his leg broken.
January 12, 1849. — The Town Council passed a
resolution giving the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
tho privilege of using steam j)ower on the line of their
road within the limits of the corporation, in per-
l)otiiity, on condition that the speed of trains should
Ijf limited to six miles per hour, inside the corporate
limits.
46
n62
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1840.
Jauuary 10. — Miles Alwino, a .stage driver, was
shot and killed by William G. Mitchell, at a house
of ill-repute, on North Centre ntreet.
February 4. — Samuel Jenkins, a colored man, dit-d
at Lancahter Ohio, aged 115 years. lie was born a
.slave, and was the property of Captain Broadwater,
(jf Fairfax county, Va., and drove a provision train
over the mountains, in the J5raddock campaign.
He was doubtless the last of the men who took
part in that disastrous affair.
February 22, —General Taylor arrived here from
the West, and stopped at Barnum's Hotel. In the
evening he had an enthusiastic reception, and made
a speech from a window, though feeble and suflferinjr
from a fall he had at Madison, Indiana.
March 5. — ^On this evening the United States
Hotel was the scene of great excitement. The pro-
prietor of the hotel was A. (^owton, a highly esteemed
gentleman, who had some years before married Mrs.
Quantrel, the former wife of Jesse D. E. Quantrel.
Quantrel was a finely formed, handsome man, witli a
soft voice, and polished manners. He was possessed
of a naturally fine mind, an<l had read and studied
much. While quite a young man he wooed and won
an estimable young lady, of good family, and they
lived together in Williamsport, Washington county.
Md. For a year after marriage their wedded life was
happy. Becoming embarrassed, he made application
for the benefit of the bankrupt laws, and was after-
wards arrested ' • a charge of fraudulent insolvency,
and was confined in the jail for six months, whither
his faithful wife tbllowed him, sharing his confinement.
1840.]
JKSSE I). E. lilANTHKL.
30n
Upon trial, he was acquitted, and set at liberty, alter
which he removed to St. Louis. He was there
guilty of fraudulent practices, and w^us thrown into
prison, but was released through a compromise
effected by his wife, on condition that he would
return with her to Maryland. They came as far East
as (.'incinnati, and then went to New Orleans, where
he shamefully neglected his much abused wife, and
plunged into dissipation. Her health gave way
under the mental suffering she endured, and, stung
with temporary remorse, he abandoned his haunts.
and they started again for Maryland. While on the
river, however, a few days after leaving New Orleans,
ho committed a forgery on a Cincinnati bank, for
which he was arrested, and sent to the Cincinnati
jail. After seven months, she secured his release <m
bail, which he forfeited, and made his way to
Hagerstown. True to his evil instincts, he committed
another forgery before reaching that place, and was
again imprisoned, but soon escaped. Other crimes of
a similar nature followed, until finally he was sent to
the Pennsylvania penitentiary for forgery, and served
a term of three years. His wife, at the solicitation
of her friends, finally determined to free herself from
so bad a man, and the Maryland Legislature annulled
the marriage. This made Quantrel furious, and hi;
threatened to wreak a fearful revenge upon her and
her friends. Upon his release from prison, however,
he quickly married a Philadelphia woman, and in a
few weeks was again arrested for forgery, and sent to
the penitentiary for seven years. Mrs. Quantrel then
married Mr. A. Cowton, and they took up their
:;()4
lUSTOBY OF ( UMHKKLANI>.
[1849.
roHidoiice in (Jmnberland, vvIutc they were highly
eHteemed. (^ijintrel's imprisonmciit came to an end
in the .sinmier of 1848; but nothing was heard of
him here until on the r)tli of March, 1849, he arrived
in Cumberhind, on the evening train. He at once
inquired for Mrs. Cowton, at the hotel, (learning that
Mr. Cowton was absent,) find was shown to her
room by the unsus[)eeting servant. Entering tlie
room, where the hidy was seated alone, he h)cked the
door, and seized her, with a threat to kill her. The
lady cried for help, when Quantrel caught her by the
throat, threw her to the floor, placed his knee on her
breast, and attempted to shoot her, but for some reason
his pistol missed lire. While he was in the act of
drawing a knife, a numl)er of gentlemen came to her
rescue, and Quantrel was securely bound with a rope
and committed to jail. On the 19th of April he was
tried, convicted and siniteneed to five years imprison-
ment in the county jail, and a (ine of $500. He
soon became a favorite at the prison, and was per-
mitted to walk about the groujids, becoming in facta
a sort of assistant jailor.
On the 20th of November, 1851, he was pardoned
b}^ the Governor, on condition that he should leave
the State and never return.
Quantrel afterwards led a life of criminal romance,
a portion of the time under the name of Dr. Hayne.
and is said to have married no less than six ladies.
some of whom were of high social standing. During
the civil war between the States, he became a noto-
rious bushwhacker and rcjbber, and finally died about
the time of the close of hostilities. - t^
lS4i».]
LOCAL INCIDKNTS.
365
The extent of the passenger travel, over the
National Road dnrin<^ 1849 was inmiense. and the
report of the agents showed that from the 1st to the
•IWih of March, the nnmber of ]»erso)is carried was
■1M\.
The Post Office was on this diite removed to a one-
story frame bnilding, wliich stood back some forty
ti'ct from the cnrb, on lialtimore street, adjoining the
Savings Bank, where Reynohl's bloci^ now stands.
James ('. Magraw was the Postmaster.
May 14. — Mayor, Thos. F. White; Conncilmen,
A fionder, Baptist Mattingly, Sanuiel So3'ster, John
B, Widener, Gerrard S. Watts, and Francis Madore.
Clerk, John T. Hoblitzell.
Liberty street was extended from Baltimore to
Harrison.
June 2. — Thomas Shriver. wlio iiad been for so
many years Mayor, and under whose administration
>o many important improvements had been made,
ik'livered his farewell address to the Council. It is
not probable that Cumberland will ever again have
ii Mayor who will so generously devote his time to
the public good or leave so many monuments to his
energy, zeal, good judgment and self-sacrifice.
In the summer of 1849 the (Jouncil ordered
the destruction of the old ta\erii building near
Baltimore street, as it had become a nuisance.
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (Company was
•ngaged at this time in extending its road to the
Ohio River. Surveys had been made for a line on
the Vii'ginia side of the river, and the citizens fearing
th'ft route might be adopted, presented to the Com-
3GG
HISTOKV OF CUMBERLAND.
[1841».
paiiy inanv roanon^ why the road slumld Itc
taken thr<)u«;h (/umhcrland. Kvontiially the Viririnj..,
project wiiH ahaiidoncd, and the route tlirou^'li
Cumberland detenniiied upon. Durhig thin year the
construction of the spkmdid viaduct acu'o.ss tlie town
waH commenced.
June 18. — Hugh Walker, a watchman of tin
railroad e()m{)}uiy at the depot, waH run over by the
cars at the crossing at Baltimore street, and wsis
killed.
June 27. — A convention of the Presidents and
Directors of coal companies, individual proprietors
and lessees of lands, engaged in coal mining in tin-
county, was held at the (yourt House, and resolutioir-
ado{)ted for tlie organization of a Hoard of Tnidi.
which should have the power of regulating the rates
of mining, and the prices at which coal should In
sold at different points.
For several years James (J. Magraw had bciii
principal ol' the Academy, but upon his appointment
as Postmaster he resigned, and Allen P. Weld, of
Boston, was made principal. He had for his assist-
ant W. H. Boardman, and Captain De Hass was
engaged as Military Instructor. The new principal
declared the Academy building insufficient for tlu'
accommodation of the pupils, and the Trustees at
once secured from the citizens subscriptions for tin
erection of a suitable structure. The County Com-
missioners appropriated for the purpose the hit
occupied by the old Clerk's offices, adjoining tlie
jail. On this site was built the present Acadeinv
building, which has a frontage of 4e5 feet and a depth
Ih4!).]
U)CAL 1N(UI)KNTS.
3G7
III" (iO feot ; it is two storioH high, witli a Grecian
portico, eight feet wide, sustained ])y Doric cohnnns.
The [)rincipal room on the second floor, is 42 I'eet
MjUiire, and has recitation rooms adjoining. The
Idwcr Hoor has a wide hall and two large school
rooms. The new building was occupied June 8, 1850.
At the election in tlie fall Thomas I. McKaig
received 1,682 vottns for Congress, and William T.
lliunilton 1,720. Hamilton was elected, re<3eiving
ill tiie District 7,274 votes, against 7,158 for McKaig.
The Delegates to the liCgislature were J. Sands
Fell, George B. M. Price, Jacob Reel and George
Kildow .
October 10. — The old engine house at the Balti
more street bridge was removd to the Bedford Road,
mid the warehouses of Clabaugh and Bruce erected.
October 28. — A riot occurred on Bedford street,
near the Market house, between the Far-Downs and
• 'onnaught men, who had been spending the Sabbath
ill drinking and carousing, and numerous "shilalehs"
were Ireely used, to the great detriment of sundry
heads.
November 7. — Henry Clay arrived from the
West, on his way to Washington. He came from
Wlieeling in one of the cojichesof the "Good Tiitent"
line, and while passing through Uniontown it was
upset by the carelessness of the driver. Mr. Clay
was smoking a cigar at the time of the accident,
and preserved such a degree of self-possession that
lit' continued to puff away very cooly, even when
;?oing over.
Februar- 18, 1850. — John J. Hickman, a destitute
368
rirsToKV OF (;umbeki,axd.
[I8:>u
lellow, hanii't'd liimsell" mider the plationn of one
of the warohouses of tlic Baltimore and Oliio Rail-
road.
At the January sewsion oi' tlie Legisbitiuv the
following acts were passed: Providing for tlie pur-
chase of hind and erection ()( an Ahns House; incor-
porating tlie town of Frostbui'g; enlarging the [)()W('rs
and authority of the C:)uncilnien of the town of
Cumljerland ; ; ithorizing the rebuilding of the jail,
incorporating the (Juniberland and Pennsylvaiiin
Railroad.
April 21. — Jos<^ph iM'unmawas sliot and l^illed In
August Beernian and Joseph Stick, both of wliom
fired upon him at th«i same instant, Mumma eiidcnv-
oied to enter the house of Mrs. Bet/all. on the North
end of Mechanic street, when the t\v\) men naiiiod.
who were inside, shot iiini. They were arrested and
sent to jail on a charge of murder.
May 5. — Mayor, Thomas Shriver; ('ouncilnuii.
Frederick Shipley, John Beall, John B. Wideiii'i.
Jesse Korns. (Jeorge Hughes, and F. B. Tower.
County Commissioners: John T. FjdwaiJs, Noi-
mand Bruce, (Uistavus Beall. George Rizer. and John
J. Ilofl'man.
June II. — For years the completion of the Chesn-
peake and Ohio (^anal had been looked forward to in
the people of Maryland with the greatest auxietv
and brightest anticipations Cmnberland, more thiiii
all others, was interesuni, as her future depended updn
it. And now the long looked for hour was near iit
hand. On this date the western level was declaivd
ready for the current. At 5 o'clock p. m., Cliiirlf:-
1850.]
LOCAL INCIDKNTS.
869
B, Fisk, the Chiof Eiiiriiieer. ojK'iied the wickets in
the teed-gates, and the waters of the Potomac rushed
gladly into the new channel, which was soon to prove
an artery of vital import to the interests of the
County. Great crowds of i)eople <!:athered at the
locks to witness the cei'emonv. When the level was
filled, a party w^ent to the l)oat yard of J. H. Clark.
on the Creek, above the bridge, an<l wero fiuiiished
with a new canal boat, on which sever<al hrndred
persons end>arked, and Hoated down to the locks.
Here Major Thomas G. Harris was requested to
name the boat, which was to be the lirst to go into
the canal. Major Harris promptly responded in a
brief s})eech, concluding by christening the boat the
•'Ciunberland." Amidst great enthusiasm the "'Cum-
Ijcrlaud" was then passed through the lock into the
Clu'sapeake and Ohio Canal, and floated calmly on
the bosom of the great water-way. A more complete
account of this important w«)rk will be given in future
pages.
-Tune 27. — During the j)revalence of a severe
timnder storm, the stage stable oi" the National Road
Stage Company was struck by lightning, and burned
to the ground, together with James Spriggs livery
■stable.
July 4. — A daily line oi' stages was established
l)et\veen Cinnberland and Bedford. An effort w^as
imule to organize a company to build a plank road
to Bedford, but proved unsuccessful
During the summer of this vear there was great
rivalry between the fire companies, wdiich led to
'lightly acts of incendiarism, and riots The Council
47
370
HISTORV OF rUM«ERLANr>.
[1850.
fiiiiilly adopted soverc uu'usuros. whoreb} the evil
was checked.
The small-pox broke out with considerable viru-
lence, and wa.s not eradicated for several months.
A plank road was built from (Jum])erland to West
Newton, Pa., at the head of steamboat navigation
on the Youghiogany. The officers were Thomii.^
Shriver, of Cumberland, President; James (J. Atclii-
son, William H. Steele, Alpheus Beall, A. M.
Shoemaker and John A. Woart, managers; and Dr.
Howard Kennedy, Treasurer.
In Sei)tember, Thomas McLaughlin, an Irishman,
employed on the works of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad, near Oldtown, killed his wife, and Imried
her body under the earth at a point that was being
tilled up to grade, expecting the carts to be dumped
there in the morning, whereby she would be entirely
hidden. The body was discovered, however, and the
murderer was arrested, tried and convicted. Judgt'
Weisel sat in the case, and John M. Brewer was the
Prosecuting Attorney, assisted by Henry W. Hoff-
man, then a young and rising lawyer. On the 7th ot
March, 1851, McLaughlin was hanged, in a hollow
on the old pike, a short distance beyond the termina-
tion of Grnen street. The weather was cool, and a
slight snow fell. There was a great crowd of \wo\)h
at the scene of execution, embr;iciiig men, women and
children, many of whom came from adjoining States,
Septendjer 6. — William Mitciiell, who shot and
killed Michael Allwine, a stage driver, in Januarv.
was arrested at LaFayette, Ind., and was released
on a writ of habeas torpus. He was al'terward
18oU-51.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
371
brought back, and tried. The jury rendered a ver-
dict of " not guilty," on the ground of self-defense.
At the same term of (Jourt, Noveml>er, 1850,
August Becrnian was tried for the murder of Joseph
Munnna, and a<3<juitted.
The po[)ulation of (,'uniberland at this time was
0,105, Frostburg. 790, and of the County, 22,799.
Jiuniary 2, 1(S51. — James P]vans and George W.
Hoover, commenced the publication of a new papei'
called ''The Unionist."
The Mount Savage Iron Com[)any, in conjunction
witli the Messrs. L>nn, had constructed the Potomac
Wliiirf, for loading boats with coal, and extended its
railroad from the main line, at the Narrovrs, to the
rivor. passing down the west side of the (Jreek, and
through the deep cut of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad to the river. This company also engaged
larEjelv in the manufacture of ''continuous" railroad
iron, and fire brick, at Mount Savage, giving employ-
ment to hundreds of men.
It also extended its railroad from Mount Savage,
to the foot of the hill at Frostburg, where it received
till' coal from the mines opened at that [)oint.
The Gerge's Creek Coal and Iron Com])any, whose
coal lands are located at Lonaconing. during this
year constructed a railroad from that i)oint to Pied-
inont. where it connected with the Baltimore and
Ohio Road jind thus prepared for the transportation
111 its own coal. These improvements led to the
rapid development of the coal (ields, and largely
enhanced the value of all the property lying along
tlic lines of the new roads.
:M2
rilSTORV OK (;UMBKKLAND.
[1851.
Mayor, l>«iniol Saylor; ( ■ouncllinen, John B. Wide-
iier, Epliraim Shipley, (i. S. Watts, B, M. Blocher,
8. A. Vrooman, and D. W. McCleary.
County Commissioners : R. Fairall, John Fraiitz.
T. W. Dawson, II. Broteniariilo, H. D. ('arleton.
Jesse Wilson, E. R. En^le, A. Chisliolm, Leonidas
Bevans, George McCJulloh, F. L. Friend and U. R.
Long.
April 30, -Richard W. (Jhirk, a shoemaker, at
FHntstone, was arrested on a charge of murdering hif*
wife, by strangulttion, and s«Mit to the i)enitentiary
for eighteen years. He afterwards confessed the
murder.
October 1. — The election for Congressmen resulted
in the county in LoGi) votes for Wm. T. Hamilton.
Democrat, and 1,542 for J. Philip Roman, Whig.
Hamilton's majority in the District was 282.
State Senator, Wm. Weber; Delegates to General
Assembly, John Everett, Richard Fairall, Jefferson
M. Price, and John Frantz, of Joseph.
Register of Wills, Wm. R. McCulley; State's Attor-
ney, Josiah H. Gordon; Sheriff, George M. Blocher.
Orphans' Court : Jacob Fechtig, Edward Mullen,
and Jasper Robinett.
County Commissioners: J. W. Browning, George
Matthews, Eli Engle, G. W. Dawson, C. A. Scott, N.
D. Smith, A. Willison, Elza McElfish, James Watson.
Jesse Wilson, J. McC. Mason, and Perry Schultz.
Clerk of the (Jourt, Horace Resley. - -
A passenger packet was placed on the canal and
made regular trips, between (Cumberland and George-
town, carrying a full list of passengers.
1851-52.]
LOCAL LVCIDENTS.
373
November 2. — The Mountaineer and Pioneer Hose
(Companies visited Baltimore, and toolc part in the
Firemen's Parade there, the former as the guests of
the New Market Company, and the latter as guests
of the Vigilant Company. Our firemen made a fine
display, and were highl}- complimented. The
Mountaineers had their apparatus surmounted with
;i splendid buck, which was afterwards served up for
dinner.
February 11, 1852 . — A distressing tragedy occurred
on the evening of this day, which plunged a large
immlx3r of persons into the deepest distress, and
created the most intense excitement. About 7 o'clock
in the evening Robert Swann, stepped into the Large
room used as can office and bar-room, of the Barnum
Hotel, armed with a double-barrelled shot gun, with
which he instantly fired at William O. Sprigg, of
Joseph, who was seated near the stove. Imme-
(hiitely upon seeing Swann raise the gun, Sprigg
sprang to a door opening into a side yard ; the door
was fastened, however, and being unable to open it
he turned to escape through another door, some
twelve feet distant, opening into the dining room.
The first shot fired by Swann passed through the
woodwork of the door, a few stray shots taking effect
in the object of his aim. Sprigg had hardly taken
half a dozen steps when Swann fired again, with
'loadly aim, the charge entering the back of Sprigg's
iK'ck at the base of the skull, and lodging in the
pupil of his right eye, causing instant death. Swann,
who made no effort to escape, was arrested and con-
i^igiied to jail. This tragedy was the result of a
■u
IIISTOKY OK CUMBKKLANI).
[W)'>.
(juarrel which occurred between the tw^o young men
some months previous. Both were of higli social
standing, and the consequence was a great bitterni'ss
of feeling between their respective friends. On the
fith of May, Swann's trial was begun. His Honor.
Judge Perry, decHned to sit in the case, l)eing a lu-ar
rehitive of the prisoner, and Judge J. J. Merrick, of
Washington county, took his place on the bench. The
prosecuting attorney. J. H. Gordon, before the jurv
had been fully impanelled, applied for a removal of
the case, on the ground that an impartial trial could
not be had here. The motion was argued at great
length, and finally granted. Swann's counsel then
asked that he be admitted to bail ; after hours of
argument, this too was granted, bail being (ixod at
.f20,000. The greatest excitement now ifrevailed
amongst the friends of all parties, and on the one
side this resulted in an indignation meeting, and the
passage of resolutions condemning Judge Merrick's
action, after which a crowd of men carried an efligv
of the Judge through the streets on a scaffold, and
burned it in front of the Revere House. Eventu-
ally Swann was tried in Washington C.^ounty and
acquitted.
April 1. — Washington Evans left the Virginia
House, and took the United States Hotel, the
former proprietor, A. Cowton, having removed to
Baltimore. On the 1st of June, J. A. Heftelfiiigei
left Barnum's Hotel and opened the Revere House.
which had just been finished in the most attractivt
manner.
March 9. — The annual Conference of the Metli"-
1852.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
.) i
(list Pjpiscopal Church was held here, reniaiiiing in
I'ssion one week.
April 18. — A great freshet occurred, the river and
iioek both overflowing their bankvS. The water
broke through the wall between Bru(!e's and Brengle's
warehouses, on (Janal street, and a considerable
portion ofthe town was overflowed. Both the railroad
and the canal were badly damaged, the latter suffer-
ing to the extent of |80,000.
April 18. — David Shriver died, in the 84 thy ear of
his age. He had been engineer in charge of the
construction of that portion of the National Road lying
l)t'tween Cumberland and Washington, Pa., and was
at the time of his death President of the (Jumberland
Bank.
March 1 .— The City Council concluded that it was
mcessary to establish a night watch, and passed an
ordinance for that purpose, laying off the town into
difiitricts, and appointing a captain and six w^atch-
iiien.
May 12. — Mayor, John Hayes; Councilmen, H.
1). Carleton, Jesse Korns, James Duff, Samuel Ma-
i[uire, F. M. Gramlich, and D. W. McCleary.
The corporation tax was fixed at 50 cents on each
•^100. and $1,000 was appropriated towards building
an engine house for the Mountaineer Hose Company-,
the building being located on South Liberty street,
corner of Hay street.
May 21. — H. W. HofTman purchased a half interest
in "The Civilian," and became associate editor with
Archibald Carey.
October 7. — In order to furnish better facilities for
376
HISTOKV OF ('UMHKRLAND.
[1853.
protection against fire, the authorities had larirf
cisterns built in the streets in various sections of the
town. Tliese proved very useful on many occasions.
and were relied upon until the establishment of the
Holly system of water works, in 1871, wlien tliov
became useless.
Jaiuuiry 10. — The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
was opened for travel l)etween (Jumberland and
Wheeling, and two great excursion trains passed ovor
the road, from Baltimore to the Western terminus.
The effect was soon felt in Cumberland, as most of
the stage lines were taken off, and the great business
of transferring merchandise at this point was large!}
diminished.
February 7, 1853.— D. W. McCleary, James Dull
and H. D. Carleton were appointed a conunittee to
have the town surveved, with a view to the exton-
sion of the corporate limits.
February 14. — "Hofl'man's Row," the three storv
block of buildings extending from Liberty to ('cntre
streets, on Baltimore street, was set on fire by an
incendiary, and a great conflagration resulted. The
upper story of the block was burned from one street to
the other, as well as four or five houses adjoining. The
losses by fire, water, breakage, theft, &c., were very
heavy. On the same day several other houses were
set on fire, amongst them Belvidere Hall, the United
States Hotel, and Semmes' block, corner Baltimore
and Mechanic streets. Fortunately the fire was
discovered in these buildings before any damage was
done.
March 7. — The Pioneer Hose Company having
1853.]
LOCAl- INriDKNTS.
87
iiiulertakeii thv coiiHtrnction of its new houHe, corner
of Centre and Frederick streets, the city approjjriated
:J;1,000 towards payinji; for tlie same.
March 7. — A great <lisaster occurred on the Balti-
more and Ohio Raih'oad, one mile from the (Jheat
River bridge, on the heavy grade. While passing
down the grade, the passenger train was thrown
from the track, and several of the cars rolled down
the mountain side. Seventeen persons were killed,
and thirty-nine wounded hadl y. Almost every person
on the train was more or less hurt. The killed and
wouiuled were brought to Cumberland, and cared for
;it the Revere House.
April 1. — Washington Evans took charge of
Biirnuiu's Hotel.
The United States Hotel was improved, remodeled
luid greatly enlarged, by M. P. O'Hern, and opened
as the finest hotel in Western Maryland.
April 28.— The "(.'umberland Telegraph," a
weekly newspaper, luid been established in 1851,
In Hilleary & Ogden. On the above date T. E.
Ogden sold his one-half interest to Aza Beall, who
shortly afterward ])urcliased Hilleary 's share, and
iKcanie sole editor and i)roprietor.
Messrs T. I. McKaig. William W. McKaig,
Alpheus Beall .1. H. Tucker. M. P. O'Hern, S. M.
Semines, M. O. Davidson and A. T. Roberts formed
ii joint stock company, and erected and put into
operation a cotton factory, which was located at the
rxtreme north end of Centre street. The mill was
managed by Ira Stan brough.
May 6. — Mavor. F. B. Tower; Councilmen, D. W.
48
.'}78
niST(M<V oi' (UMKERLAND.
[l8o
McCMcary, .lolm K. KiisscU, Josst^ KoniH, .Joseph
llu<2,lu'8, llonry Slmck and J. B. 11. CainplM'll.
Davidson street was ^railed and paved in .Tinic.
The brid<^e over Will's ( Veek Ixicame unsafe, many
of the timbers having rotted and given way, and
in August it wms i)ro})[)ed up with heavy timl)er8.
Steps were at onee taken towards having it replaced
by an iron structure.
July 27. — The Postottiee was removed to No. 93
Baltimore street, by W. A. Taylor, P. M., where it
remained until Novembt^r, 1800, when it was*
removed to a new building, erected for the ])ur{)08e,
on Centre street, Ix'tween Baltimore and Frederick
streets. Will H. Lowdermilk being the Postmaster.
August 12. — Thonuis (Jcmner, jailor, was killed
while engaged in (coupling cars at the Cumberland
Coal and Iron (\impany\s wharf.
A little daughter of U. Stineman, aged 8 years,
fell into the r.ice near Beall's mill, and was drowned.
August 13. — A son of Thomas Sheridan, aged 8
years, fell into the canal, and was drowned.
August 16. — A heavy rain of several days' duration
caused the river and creek to ovei'flow their banks
and a great part of the town was inundated. Bedford,
Centre, Liberty, Mechanic, Frederick and Baltimore
streets were covered with water, and a great mass of
filth and ooze was deposited in the streets, cellars,
&c., on which the hot sun poured down for several
days, generating disease. On the 17th a case of
cholera occurred, and this was followed by others, the
scourge soon becoming epidemic, and producing a
panic. Thousands of people fled to the country, and
1853-54.]
LOCAL INCIDKNTS.
S7U
to distant ritic«. For two weeks tlu> town was
iilmost de])oi>uliito(l, business liavin^r been abandoned.
Tliose who remained, and es('ai)ed the disease, devoted
themselveH lieroically to tlie care of the suflerers.
At the expiration of two weeiss frost came, fortunately
somewhat earher than usual, and the epidemic ter-
minated. During that time theiv were fifty-live
deaths from cliolera.
Prominent among those wiio gave themselv(?s
unremittingly to the relief of the si(^k. were J. II.
r. Morrison, W. 11. Billmire, Asburj- Simkins,
Maria Shuck, Mrs. McGirr and Mi-s. I5acon. The
City Council in September. a])})ropriated sums of
money to each of these persons, in recH>gnition of their
services.
May 1, 1854. — Stone arches were built over the
race on South Liberty and Harrison streets, each
costing about $700.
The necessity for the innnediate construction of a
new bridge over Will's Creek became so a})[)arent
that active steps were at once taken by the County
Commissioners, The board proposed to the City
Council that the cost of the improvement should be
divided between the County and the (Jity. the former
to pay four-fifths of the cost, and the latter one-fifth.
The proposition was promptly accepted, and a C(m-
tract made with a Baltimore firm for the erection of
nn iron bridge of the Bollman pattern. The new
structure was erected before the close of the year.
May 7. — Mayor, A. L. Withers; Councilnjen,
Joseph Hughes, John B. Keller, John T. Peterman,
B. M. Blocher, Joseph McCuUoh and James Sullivan.
380
HlSiOKV OK (1 MHKRLANI). [l854-')5.
At this tiiiie the {^rouiid now occupied by Sutler's
furniture loonis and factory, and the lotH udjoiniiifr.
were vacant, and poorly drained, and constituted an
uuHiglitly marsh. Tlie authorities caused a brick
sewer to be constructed, crossing Centre and Balti-
more streets, and running tlience to the race on
vSouth Lilxirty street, by means of which tolerable
drainage was secured. During heavy rains, however.
this sewer now gets choked up and ))ursts, as its
capacity is not equal to the volume of water Hewing
into it.
November 10. — The city was, on this date, lighted
by gas, for the tirst time. The Cumberland Ga**
Light Company was organiz.ed in May, 1854, Messrs.
Pericardus & Iloye, of New York, Joseph Shriver, E.
T. Shrivor and Alpheus Beall, of Cumberland, being
the stockholders. The officers of the corporation
first chosen were : Joseph Shriver, President; E. T.
Shriver, Treasurer, and (J. A. Seay, Superintendent.
These gentlemen still occupy the ])ositions to which
they were then chosen.
December 21. — The Council passed an order
authorizing the erection of twenty iron lamp post.s.
on the princi})al streets, at a cost of $25 each, and
contracted with theCJas Light Company to Hght them
with gas at $80 each per annum.
February 15, 1855. — The City Council entered
into contract with (Jonnor & Brant, for cleaning the
streets, for one year, at $095.
April 23. — Columbia street was graded and paved
from Bedford street to the alley north of the viaduct.
May 8. — Mayor, W. W. McKaig; Councilnien.
1855.]
LOCAL INCIDKNTS.
nsi
John Beall, Win. (Jo[)liiirt, Joshc KoriiH, FraiiciH
Madore, D. W. Mc( -leary and II. Start/nian.
August 25. — An ordinance was pawsed for grading
and paving Baltinioro ntroet, between Mechanic
street and the new iron bridge.
October 14. — Thin (hiy marked the brutal murder
of two citizens of Cuniberhind, by a German adven-
turer known as Frederick Miller. Miller's antece-
dents were unknown, but he had been in Cumberland
some weeks, and formed the acquaintance of Dr. J.
F. C. Hadel, a practicing physician, and a popular
gentleman. Miller, from some cause, became im-
pressed with the belief that Dr. Hadel carried on his
person a considerable sum of money, and with a view
to securing it, he determined upon the Doctor's
murder. On Sunday nioi-ning, October 14, he called
on Dr. Hadel, and by some means induced him to go
with him into the woods, on foot, taking him along
the old turnpike, through Sandy Gap, to a point
within sight of the National Road. When they
arrived at the old school house, near the Eckhart
Railroad, Miller deliberately shot Dr. Hadel in the
back, with a heavily loaded shot gun. The wound
must have produced death in a few minutes. The
wretch then stripped the body, hid the clothes under
the floor of the school house, and then proceeded to
sever the head from the body . After this he secreted
the head in the crevices of some rocks, and dragged
the mutilated remains into the woods and concealed
them among the bushes. Miller then returned to the
Doctor's office, evidently intending to rob it; but he
found there Henry Graft', a young German, who was
382
HISTOKV OF CUMIiKKLANn.
[1855.
a carver of wood, in the employ of K. H. Butler, and
who was a friend of ILadel's and a student of medicine
in his leisure hours. Miller inducid Graff to aeconi-
pany him, also, and thoy took tho same route the
unfortunate Iladel had taken in the morning. At
Steel's house, the nuu'derer stop[)ed to get his shot
gun, which he had left there after killing Iladel.
They then went a short distance further, when thev
reached the culvert on the old })ike. Here tlie
monster emptied the contents of his gun into the
)>ack of Graff, and taking tiie hody dragged it into
the culvert and covered it with stones. Again he
returned to Dr. Hadel's office, which he robbed of
jewelry, clothing, ijooks, nxedicines, &c., all of wiiich
he packed in a box; this he had removed, next
morning, to his boarding house, on north Mechanic
street.
The disappearanc of the murdered men led to
much anxiety on the part of their Iriends, and wlien
it became known that they were last seen on the
pike with Miller, foul })laA- was suspected. On
Tuesday the fire bells were rung, and hundreds of
persons went in search of the missing men. Graft's
body was found first, and a few hours later the niuti-
lated remains of Dr. Hadel, Miller was arrested iit
his bed, at n^idnight. and taken to jail. Court being in
session, he s immediately indicted, tried and con-
victed of nmrder in the first degree. Judge Pern
passed sentence upon him, .and the doomed man was
the most unconcerned of ail in the court room.
On the 4tb of January, 1856, he was hanged. The
execution took place near the almshouse, and although
1855.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
883
the day was bitterly cold, thousands upon thousands
of persons Hocked through the deep snow to witness
the horrible sigiit. The prisoner was wholly
unmoved, and when his spiritual advisers, Rev. M.
Mair and Rev. W. T. D. (Jlemni, told him he was
about to die, and that he might say anyt^iing he
de.sired, he raised his right hand, and s.iid : "v7Ith
my last breatli, and in the full knowledge of the
judgment awaiting me, I deny all knowledge of the
death of Dr. Hadel and Herny Graff. I am pre-
pared to meet tlieir spirits, in the presence of God,
as witnesses of my innocence."
Tlie execution then immediately took place. Dr.
John Everett, the Sheriff, performing that unpleasant
ikity.
The evidence against MiUer was undeniable. He
even went so far as to wear Dr. Hadel's studs after
th; murder, and wlien arrested had them in his
possession.
November, 10. — The candidates for Congress were
y^m. T. Hamilton. Democrat, and Henry W. Hoff-
man, American. Hoffman was elected by a majority^
of 732. Hamilt(m carried Allegany by 88 majority,
and Hoffman carried Frederick by 710. and Washing-
ton by 54 majority.
December 8.— Tlie (.'ouncil })assed an order appro-
priating $100 to Captain James M. Schley, of the
'Cumberland Guards," and (^aptai.^ J. H. Tucker, of
the "Cumberland Continentals/' towards fitting up
ill! armory. The old ten pin alley on George street,
'tpposite the Mineral Rank, was rented, and used for
tills })urpose. These companies became wonderfully
384
UrSTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1855-56.
proficient in the drill, and attracted a great deal
of attention on their visits to other cities.
December 14. — The extension of the Pittsburgh
and Connellsville Railroad to Cumberland was
undertaken in 1854, and Hon. Andrew Stewart and
M. O. Davidson appeared before the City Council,
and submitted a proposition from the Company with
a view to securing the city's aid in the matter. The
Mayor called a public meeting at Belvidere Hall.
which was largely attended, on which occasion Mr.
Stewart addressed the citizens, explaining the inten-
tions and desires of the Company. The meeting'
passed resolutions endorsing the projected improve-
ment, and requesting the City Council to subscribe
$200,000 towards the compieticm of the work, on
condition that the company should establish its
machine shops and other local improvement.s in
Cumberland. Thi
s was agreed
upon, and the city
went so far as to have its bonds prepared, but they
were never issued, some insurmountable difficultie.s
having occurred in Pennsylvania. The extension
to Cumberland was then delayed for nearly twent\
years.
May 12,1856. — Mayor,.Toseph IT. Tucker; Council-
men, William R. Beall, Thomas Devecnion, Jesse
Korns, Henry Korns, D. W. McCleary, and John
B. Widener.
October 0. — Smallwood street, between Washing-
ton and (/umberland streets, was graded and paved.
An ordinance was passed forbidding burials inside
of the corporate limits. - — .
May 11, 1857. — Mayor, Jas. W.Jones; Councilmen.
1857-58.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
B85
Henry Hagaii. Henry Korns. Jlanson Willison, John
Loiigabaugh, A. McEldowiiey. and F. M. Granilich.
H. McKeon, Clerk.
June 22. — An order was passed in the Council tor
the construction ol' a brick arch bridge over the race.
at the foot of Mechanic street.
An appropriation of .f 50 was made towards the
[iiirchase of a town clock, to be placed in the tower
of the German Lutheran Church, Bedford street.
October 5. — The Mineral Bank closed its doors.
nntl appointed Trustees to settle up its business,
Tlie Trustees were Messrs. John Beall and Ge<^rge A.
Pearre; the total liabilities amounted to $199,681.38.
The losses sustained by the creditors of the bank
were small, since the Trustees paid them at 8oi
feiits on the dollar, besides defraying all tlie expenses
incurred by this method of settlement.
November 5. — lion. Jacob M. Kunkel was elected
to Congress over Hon. H. W. Holl'man, by a small
majority. The vote in Allegany ('ounty stood.
Kunkel, 2,236; Hoffman, 1,843.
December 7. — The Council passed an order for the
sale of Plum Alley to the German Catholic, or
Redem})torist, Association, for the sum of $300.
The sale was never effected, however, and the alley
\m never been closed up.
January 4. 1858. — An order was passed by the
'ouncil for the extension of the (Jitv limits, the line
to run from the north east corner of Rose Hill
•ometery to the iron railroad bridge; thence north to
Stony Battery; thence to Mullen's Lime Kiln; thence
to top of Shriver's Hill; thence south-east to T. I.
49
:-i80
JUSTOKY OF CUMHKHLANl). [1858-;')'.).
McKaig's lot, on the Baltimore turnpike; thenco to
the top of McKaigH Hill, and thence along the base
of the hills to the river, below Mertenn' bo.at yard.
April 12. — An effort wan made to secure tin-
location of a Jiational foundry at this place, as such
an enterprise was talked of in government cirdes.
The project was never carried into effect.
May y. — Mayor, D. VV. McCleary; (Jouncilincn.
C.B. Thruston, .1. B. Walton. W. (). Sprigg, C. 11
Ohr, Geo. Clark, and Michaef Treiljer. H. McKeoii.
Clerk. The tax was reduced to 40 cents, this year.
In June the (Jommissioners had the Court House
grounds inclosed by an iron fence, to take the place
of a dilapidated wooden fence.
June 18. — A little daughter of John Blackhurst fell
into the water in the gas-holder cistern, at the gas
works, and was drowned.
November 27. — The Cumberland ('itv Bank closed
its doors, and J. R. Annan was apjwinted Trustee.
Ai)ril G, 1851). — The Allegany County Bank was
established, with a capital of $50,000, the (officers
being Dr. (Jeorge Lynn, President, and A. C. Whet-
more, Cashier.
March 17.— -The (Jivilian" and ^'The Telegraph"
were united, and published under the name of ''The
Civilian and Telegraph," the new proprietors bein;:
Kvans & Man pin.
The steam canal boats -Bluebird" and "'(Jathcart.
arrived, having in tow several canal boats, the trip
being made as an experiment. The result did not
justify any further experiments in that direction.
May 0. — Mayor. I). W. McC'leary: Councilmeii. H.
1859.]
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
387
Resley, Samuol Luman, C H. Ohr, Jesse Korns, A.
J. Ryland J. T. Shuck.
June HO. — The Lynn Ceuu^it Mill took fire, and
was wholly destroyed. The owners rehuilt at onee,
and had the mill runninji' in less than two months
tVoin the date* of tlie fnv.
Julv 18. — President Buchanan and suite arrived,
I'liroute to the Hedford (Springs, and remained over
night at the Revere House.
July 20. — George T. Percy, a young man, 24 years
nf age, son of Douglas Percy, of Frostburg, was acci-
(k'ntally drowned while fishing in tlie river, near
15ra(ly's iMills. with a party of friends.
S('pt(Muber (i. — Captain Thonnis Blair, who com-
manded a com))any in the war of 1812-14, died at
Frostburg. at an advanced ag<'. B\- his own request
he was biiried with militarv honors by the Cumber-
land Continentals.
September ;J0. — (ieorge H. Drake, who killed Bene-
Hi't M. Athey, in 1825. and who escaped from jail
aftor he had been indicated for murder, returned to
this place, and was prom[)tly arrested. Drake had
Ix'en absent for thirty-four years, being an old man
at the date of his return. He was under the im-
prossion that his crime had been forgotten, and that
tlio law would not trouble him after so many years
had elapsed, but he had scarcely arrived ere the
nioniory of his crime was revived, and he was again
consigned to jail, in October he was arraigned, and
tried on the indictment found a third of a century
hofore. The trial excited a great deal of interest,
ind he was ably defended by Messrs. Pearre
.•]88
mSToHV or Cl'MBKKLAND.
[ISGO.
and SeninioH. Some sixtt'cn witncKSOfi were ex-
amined. The ease oecui)ied a whole day, the prose-
(iuting attorney, J. M, Sehle}-, making good use ol'
what little real testimony was to Ik; had. The jurv
returned a verdict of "not guilty."
April 8, 18()0. — A heavy rainl'all j)roduced a freshet.
which caused the creek and river to overflow, whereby
several of the streets were inundated, hut no material
damage was sustained.
April 11. — The furniture factory of K. H. Butler
was destroyed hy lire. Loss about $8,000.
May 4. — Mayor, John Humbird; Councilmen, II.
Resley, T. A. Ogle, Charles H. Smith, C. 11. Ohr,
(Jasper Cassan and John Snyder.
The population of (Cumberland at this time was*
shown by the census to be 7,800, and the assessable
property $2,124,400.
September 20. — Meshack Browning, one of the old
settlers of Allegany ( ounty, died at his home in the
Glades. Mr. Browning was a great hunter, and was
the hero of an interesting ))ook entitled "Forty-four
Years of the Life of a Hunter," written and illustra-
ted by E. Stabler, of Montgomery (Jounty, a very
remarkable man, and published by Lippincott. of
Philadelphia. Mr. Browning left (juite a family of
children, one of whom, Richard T. Browning, was
elected to the House of Delegates from (larrett (bounty.
in 1875.
At the election for President in November, Allegany
gave 980 votes for Breckenridge, l,20o for Douglass.
1,521 for Bell, and 522 for Lincoln. _. „
State Senator, Thomas I. McKaig; Delegates, J. H.
ISfiO-ni.] LOCAL INTIDKNTS. 38^
(lordon, W. II. Hiirnard, D. W. Mcl.'lcary and A/a
\H\\.
Tlie vote Ibr (vongroj^s was as follows:
J. M. Kunkel. II. VV. Hoffman.
Washington County 2,842 2,H42
Frederick County ;{,71H ;{,G7.'l
.\lle^any County , 2,288 2,201
H,84;t s.7i<;
Sheriff, Henry R. Atkinson; Jndges of Orphans'
(onrt, Moses Rawlings, Alexander King and Kraneis
Mattingly.
Hon. PI. W. Hoffman was elected Sergeant-at-Arnis
(if the House of Re})resentatives, and served in that
capacity till April, 18G1, when President Lincoln
appointed him (JoUector of the Port of Baltimore.
December 18. — George, a son of William Wickard,
(years of age, while playing on the ice, on the creek,
near the cement mill, l>roke through, and was drowned.
Much excitement prevailed during the winter, in
i:uii8e(|uence of the secession movements in the South,
and on the 17tli of January, 1861, a [)ublic meeting was
culled for the purpose of considering the critical con-
dition of affairs in the country, the call being largely
%ned by men of all })olitical parties. The following
were the officers of the meeting: President, George
A Pearre; Vice Presidents, H. P. Tasker. Richard
Fiiirall, John McLaughlin, H. B. Elbin, Hanson Wil-
lison, John Douglas, A. (Jhamberlin, R()l)ert Bruce,
••• M. Blocher, Jesse Korns, Francis Mattingly,
niumas Whalen, John (Jallen and Moses Rawlings.
Secretaries. — .1. J. McHenry and C, Slack.
Strong Union speeches were delivered by Mr.
■!
'MH)
msTOKv or <;iimiii:ki,ani).
[isr.l.
PoaiTc, cx-dovcrnof Fnincin Tlioiniis. inid Mr.
ixoiniui.
A roimnittcc was a|)j)(>iiit('(l, <ronsistiii<:: ofJ . l*liili|)
Roniaii, William Shaw. ('. iM. 'riinistoii. .lolin M.
Hiichaiuin. William Walsh, .1. (I. Lyini. .loscpli
Shrivor, Nelson li(>all. S. M. Scimm's and C Slack.
to propose resolutions I'oj- the consideration of the
meeting:. 'IMie eonnnittee snhmitteil the rollowinu,
which were unanimously adopted :
WiiKKKAH, Soulli (^iiroliim ami ollicrs of tlw; <;(tlton jrrowin;; StsUra,
liavo (It'dured tlKMnst'lvcs out of the I'liion, absolved llieir people froTi
its alle^iunce, set at <l(>lianeo the CoTistitiitioii of the Hnitcd Stiitcs,
nullified the laws of ('otifrrefs, have torn fVoui their citadels our iiiitioiiul
liafT, and inarshiillint^ miiiies in open nsbeliion af^ainst IIk; pjovernmeiil;
and whereas this rebcilioiis strife has becjn provoked l)y n ji;ro\viri;.' scnii-
nient anioii}^ the Xorlhern people a^rainsl the institution of slavery, iind
bocanso various nonslaveholtlin^' States have passed enactnietils to
impede the due exi>cutioii of the fuirilive slave law, and because ii ffrciit
sectional parly proelaiuiinij that there shall be no more slave StntM,
have elected a i'residenl of the I'nited Slates; And whereas it is j roper
that the people should meet together und take council with one anniliorii."
lo what course they shoidil pursue in this painful crisis, We the pcoiiii'
of Allegany county in f^cncral mass conv(;ution assembled, do there
fore
RcKolrr, 1'hat the present form of (Jovernment. the Constitution and
Iltiion of .States, were the result of a war, which for the selfsacrifiein}.'
patriotism of its heroes, has won the admiration of the civilized world,
atxl utuler its wise provisions the American people have hcconw the
most free, prosper()\is and enlij;htened, on the face of the earth ; and as
we believe the continuanco of our prosperity and national j^reatness,
depends on the preservation of the Union, we will continue lo cherish our
devotion for its maintenance, aiul feel it due to the jiast, present and
future, that we should hold tln" same inviolate, and transmit it uid)rokeii
and undissevered, to our children as the palladium of their noliticiil
safety .
Jienolved, Thai while we feel that the Southern States of the Union have
just riifht to complain of tlu; prowinn; hostility of th(! Northern people tc
their institutions, and of the enactment by various States of what is known
as "persotuil liberty laws," which we believe to be in violation of tlic
Constitution and of the sacred obligations which those States owe to
our common country ; ami, although Maryland, Ijordering on and sepit
rated only by an imaginary line from one of these States, which has thus
violated one of her obligations, has more cause than any of her sister
States to complain of this unfriendly legislation, yet we believe that tiic
proper remedy for these evils and a^Kressions is within the Union and
not outside of it.
Resolved, That while we denounce the course of the Northern ])eopli'
as unfriendly, and the action of those States which have passed ''person
[18()l.
and Mr.
•fj. ri.iiip
.lolin M.
111. .loscpli
1 (J. SliK-k,
ion ol' tlu'
» roUowin'T,
^rrowii)}; Stiitos,
>ir people frt.ii
United Sutfs,
ols our national
lIk' (rovernmenl;
I jrrowiii^r scnii-
II of hI livery, nml
I enactineiUs to
hecause ii uroiit
re slave States,
Teas it is , roper
1) one another ax
We tlie people
nhled, do lliere
k'onstitiiliiin nnd
le seli'saerilifin;.'
eivili/.fd world,
Hve become the
le earth ; and as
lonal greatness,
lie to cherish our
8t, present ami
miit it unbroken
,f their political
Irthern people In
l)i what is known
Iviolation of the
1 States owe t"
Ijr on and sepa
I which has thu?
liV of hcv slater
l.'.lK've that the
jthc Union and
forthern peoph'
[passed "person
IS6I.]
l.orAI, INCIDKNTS.
nill
III lilierty laws" b8 iinconHliliitiorial and unjust, and while v/i: believe
iheiii fraught with evil, iiiid il persisted in, may provi- disustrous to the
country, yet wc cannot einlorsc! lli<( cours)! pnrsiie<l by Soutli C'aroliiia
und those States whi<di have tollowed her lead, as either a proper or con-
Milution.'il remedy, but rej,;arJ the .Mame as precipitate, unwise and
iinjiiHt to the bor(h'rin^' slave States of llie Union. Tiiat althoufrh wc
admit and claim the ri;,'ht ot revolution to r'.xisl in the jjcofile to over-
throw their (iovernnienl when it becomes tyrannical and oppri'ssive, yet
this ri^'ht should never be; ex<!rcise<l until all olliiir means oi' redress have
been e-vhausted, and the govcMiiinent itself has becouK! more destructive
to iIk! i)ublic welfare, than the evils ne<esHariIy attendant upon a
reV(diition .
{{••Htilvvd, That whilst we condiMnn the hasty and iirecipitate action
oftliose who would tor c.xistin^j causes dissolve this j.'lorious Union, iind
plunjfe us into all the horrors of revolution ami civil war, we at the
same time avow our determination to demand all our rights in tlu; Union
under the Constitution of our country, and whenevt-r those; rif^hts are
invaded and denii^d to us, and no adei|uale remedy is alfonled by the
Federal (iovernment to stM'ure th»;m, then we will be rc'ady, as our fatln^rs
were, to take up arms, if need be in their defence.
Hcsolnal, That the wise, firm, prudent and pacilic course pursued by
Major Anderson, the olhci-r in command of Kort Sumpter, in South
('nndina, nnd(!r th(! Iryinj^ circumsliiu(,'(!8 by which he is surrounded,
meets with our earnest and cordial approval.
licsiilvcd, That the aj^^'ressive spirit exhibited by a [jortion of the
Northern people a;^ainsl tin; clear constitutional riirhts of the South, and
ihe incessant and violent abuse of Southern institutions, from the pulpit,
ilie huslini;s and by the press, tendiiif,' only to produci; alienation, discrord
and hitterness between the <liirerent portions of the confederacy, dest.'rve
ihe severest reprobation (d' every conservative ami Union lovinjr citizen.
lifsolvcd, That we still have an abidin;^ faith in the sober second
!liou).dit of the Southern peo|)le, and that if an opportunity shall be
iitfunled them they will return to a faithful exc^cution of all their consti-
UiliiMial obligations and hurl from power and prominences the political
'kinauogucs who have misled them; and therefort; we deplore the constant
aijilalion of the slavtiry (juestion among the Soulhi'rn people, theattem{)ts
to reopen the African slave trade, and the threats of secession and dis-
mion in advance of any justifiable cause as productive of the most
mischievous residts, and tending only to furnish the agitators of the
NDrtli, with a plausible pmtext for their own unfriendly action.
lifsoh'cd, That in order to end all future agitation up(m tin; exciting
*ul)je('t o( slavery, which perioelically convulses the country, it is emi-
nently proper that some compromist; and settlement should be made that
wiuld at once and forever withdraw the whole subject Irom Federal con-
trol; that with this object in v'uiw, we accept and endorse the proposition,
known as the "Crittenden Amendment," ami earnestly hope that the same
'irsome other compromise formed upon that l)asis, which will secure to
'lii'Sonth her con.stitutional rights and |)reserve the Union, msiy be
ailoptcd by ('ongress or a convention, believing, as we do, that thereby
''mpress will thereafter be deprivei'. of all power of legislation over the
subject.
Similar inoi'tiugH were held in other parts of the
"iiiutv. '
392
HISTOKV OF CUMHKKLAND.
[im\.
Fcbniarv 24, --Tlic friends oCtlu'linionon tliisnitrht
liiid a great toreh light procession, tlierc Ix'in;; some
live lnnidred persons in the line. The residences ol
Samuel M. Seninies, Thomas Devecmon and (Jeoruv
A. Pearre were visited, and each of these gentleiiicn
made sj)eeches full of i)atriotic inspiration.
A})ril 11). — The thrilling scenes in Baltimore, on
the occasion of liie passage of the Massachusetts
troops through tiie city, and the inauguration ot
civil war hy the attack on Fort Sumter, causcil
most intense excitement amongst the [R'ople of Cuiii-
herland, and led to the o[K'n expression of sentiments
which caused a separation lx*t ween those who differed
on the ((uestion of c(K'rcion. From this time forward
the lines l)ecame more closely drawn, and friends mid
neighbors were unha[)[)ily arrayed one against the
other.
May (>. — The increasing excitement on account of
the important events leading to civil war, aroused
great feeling in the city, and the Union men held
an immense mass meeting on the above date. Thev
nuirched through the streets with banners and musif.
and cannon firing. The meeting was organized l)v
the election of Gen. C M, Thruston President, and
the following Vice Presidents: John Gephart. R.
Kegg, A, M. L. l?ush, J. B. Widener, Joseph Shrivt r.
John Everett, Alpheus Beall. Wm. Armbruster, S.
M. Semmes, J, J. Mcllenrv, Lewis Smith, Sainiu'l
Luman, John Kolb, J, W. Magruder. Andrew Goii-
der, J. B. TI. Campbell, Wm. Evans, Robert Bruce.
J. H. Young, John Hays, Alex, King, R. D. Johnson.
and Joseph Hughes.
1801.]
KAMA DAYS OF THE WAK.
Strong spcHH^Iics were made by George A. Poarrc
;iii(l Siiimu'l M. Si'inmes, and Icn^^thy and cnipliatif
ivsoliitioiis adopted, dcclitring for the preservation
(if the linion.
Tlie Conditional Tnion men hehl a meeting also.
(Itchiring that shonhl the (lovornment fail to give
the South certain jiuai'antces it vvonhl h(! Marvh»nd"s
iliity to k'av«' the Union. I)ani(d Hlochcr intnxhiced
11 resohition for tiie jjurpose of postponing such action
until the Peace (Jonferenee should eonchide its work.
Violent discussion followed, and the meeting hroke
lip in great confusion.
It had heen fojidlv hoped that ('nnd)erland would
isciipe tile scourge of war, but ''the winter of ISGO-
I'll lu'gan to dispel our illusions. Latent feelings and
syiiiputhies, then developed, made it evi<lent that
Western Maryland, and j)articularly its central city,
was deeply interested in the great ((uestion that
iifiitated the })ul)lic mind. A contlict seemed immi-
iiont and [)eople found themselves with divided
■ii'iitiiuents and sympathies. Secession and anti-se-
iTssion, State sovereignty and the Union, coercion
did anti-coercion were the general topics of conver-
sation wherever men met together. Even at social
parties in parlors, ladies were transformed into
violent politicians, and in their wild enthusiasm
willed ready to gras[) the riHe and the sword and
Iwive the nursery and the distaif to faint-hearted,
'owardly men and old women. Looking back over
tlie lapse of seventeen years we can now smile at the
illusions, projects, prospects, hopes and fears of that
"it'uiorable winter. After the secession of the cotton
50
394
IllSTOHV OK rUMMKKLANO.
[I8»il
StaU'H, wjino (loclaird the Union hopclcsHly diswolvcd.
and advocated the i'ortnation of a ^^rand Middle
('onfodorucy .strotcliin>5 from the Atlantic to tlic
Pacific, leaving New England and the seceded States,
an tronldewoino n»einlK>r8 of the l>ody politic, out in
the cold to reap the frnits of their fanatical notions
and (loingH. Othcrw expected some coinproinisc t(»
he made by which the Union might hi; restored uiid
the ( 'Onstitution so amended as to protect the ri«>hts
of sovereign States against the encroachnicnts of
the Federal (lovernment. Some again proplicsicil
the speedy secession of all the Sonthern States.
carrying the National capital with them, and fonn-
ing a confederacy so large and strong as to compel
a speedy recognition and in the end absorb into
itself; under a pro-slavery (Constitution, all the
States of the old Union that would I)e worth
having.
"Others declared that as soon as the Federal
(ioveriiment made a display of its authority ami
power the leaders of secession would become fright-
ened, the conspiracy be broken up without bloodshed.
and the Union restored. Unconditional Unionii^ts
and secessionists ^r «c were rare among us. But
among all classes there seemed to be a pretty general
agreement that, in case of a final rupture between
the Northern and Southern States, Marvland might
assume a kind of armed neutrality, until the ques-
ticm was decided, without compromising he'^ honur
or aiding in the subjugation of the seceding States
This was a fiction afterward very soon exploded hv
the irresistible logic of events. The eftects of tlie!*<l
[181)1.
181)1.]
KARLY DAYS OK I'llK WAK.
aDi')
' (lisHolvcd.
,11(1 Midtllf
bic U) the
'doll States.
litic, out in
ical notions
iipromise to
rostoivd luul
•t the ri<^hts
ichinonts t)t"
I prophesii'il
tiorn Stiiti's.
1, iuul fonii-
aH to compel
absorb into
ion, all tin-
1)0 worth
Itho Fodenil
litbority Aw\
|{'()nie tVight-
jut bloodslu'il.
Iial Unionists
Lnii' us. lin^
M-otty general
turo between
'vland uiigl>'
itil the (lues-
Ir hi-^ honor!
fding State>.l
'xploded !»}
I'CtH ol" these
wordy conHiet.M oontinually going on, wore soon
iiumirost in |»rivatx' intoreourso. Old frionds l)oeanio
alienated and lu'gan to treat eaidi othtM* coolly.
Visits wore cnrtailod and oCton ended disagreeably.
Associations and eliurehes Celt the disturbing Intlu-
cnces. Ministers were int<'rviewed, while tiieir
Hi'inons and prayers were closely scrntini/ed for
indications ol' political sentiments or syinj)atiiies.
The moral atmosphere seemed tilled with a subtle
|iois<m by which every one was afToctod.
•'During this period, adding to the divided and
ilisturl)ed coiulition of the |K)pular n»ind, two renuirk-
able characters appeared upon the scene of action.
The first was the Hon. Roger A. Pryor, of Virginia,
who was then "firing the Southern heart" with his
fervid elo([uence. With glowing tongue he portrayed
the wi'ongs of the Southern States and plead with all
the j)owor of his masterly oratory for a united South
to resist the aggressions of a common foe. The other
«iis the Hon. Francis Thomas, ex-Governor of
Maryland, and once the honored son and leader of
the old State Democracy. Suffering under a severe
iloniestic calamity, and treated as insane, he had fled
from public life, and for years had buried himself
in his mountain hermitage, living closely the life of
iuecluse until he was almost forgotten. But when
the news of his country's danger reached him all tin*
<hnubering statesman was arcjused. The strong
i^pirit of former years came upon him. Like some
*ierd, hoary prophet of old, he came down from hia
"lountain retreat and, suddenly appearing in the
streets of Cumberland, sounded the alarm of patriot-
396
HISTORY OF CUMBERLANn.
[I8(;i.
ism, and i)lead witli the [K'oplo to stsmd by tho Unioii,
the Constitution, and the laws. It seemed as if ono
had arisen from the dead.
"But we cannot dwell longer on incidents like thi'sc
which [)receded the war. Events thickened tiiul
so(m ioUowTid each other in (|uick succession like the
echoes of our mountain thunder. Sumter fell.
Seventv-five tiiousand men were summoned lor the
defense of the Union. Blood flowed in the streets of
Baltimore. Virginia ado})ted an ordinance of seces-
si(m. Harper's Ferry passcfl i)ito the hands of the
(Confederates, and Maryland was left hanging .is ji
>Southern shred upon the Northern })ortion of a
disrupted I'uion. Nothing ])r<jl)ably, saved Maryland
from the ranks of secession but the delay of its
friends and the presence of the Federal troo})s. What
would have been the result had she promptly acted
with Virginia before the 0})portunity was passed.
cannot now l)e positively determined. With the
Capital of the nation lying in her bosom, the whole
issue of the war might have Ijeen changed, and left
us weak and divided instead of a united and prosper-
ous people. We were now at war, and the events
that inaugurated it had a most depressing effect upon
the interests of Western Maryland. Our city felt it
most severely. Her great thoroughfare, the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad, was interrupted and her
(Janal closed. Trade from Virginia was withdniwn.
Kvery industry was stopped or curtailed; stonjsweiv
closed and marked "for rent;' real estate said^ rapidlv
in value. Merchants without customers slept Jit
their counters, or sat at the doors of their places
I SCI.]
EARLY DAYS OF Till:: WAR.
397
of business. Tradesmen and laborers, out of em-
ployment, lounged idly about the streets. The
railroad workshops weR' silent and o})erations in the
milling legions almost entirely ceased. Then com-
iiienced a deep, painful f(>eling of inseeurity and an
uii(k fined dread of the horrors of war. Panic makers
miiltiplit 1 and infested society, startling rumors were
constantly iloating alxmt of secret plots and dark
i'ons[Mracies against the peace of the community ajid
private individuals. In the evening men congregated
ill the hotels, saloons, stores and streets, and then
(•anied home t( their families the mysterious
siispic'ims which they heard whispered about — killing
sleep and rendering every sound in the night
portentous of arson, robbery or murder. As the
bonds of government were loosened some imagined
that a slave insurrrction might suddenly break out,
tiillowed by all the horrors of St. Domingo. Seces-
sionists feared a descent of the Federal troops —
Iniiiiiing imprisonment, conliscation or death. Union-
ists dreaded an irruption of their old neighbors
lioyond the river, forcing them into the Southern
•oiifederacy or conscripting them for service in the
ivhel army. Anxiety and care were written on
I'very countenance. There was no heart for ))iisiness,
and the grass of the advancing summer commenced
.Towing upon our deserted streets.
"But the scene was unexpectedly and suddenly
I hanged. On MoiuhiA' morning, the 8th of .lune,
'mr citizens were awakened by a confused sound of
voices, and, looking out. saw the streets filled Avith
'tnuige, I'ough looking men, dres.scd in gray and
398
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1861.
armed to the teeth with rifles, pistols and sword-
bayonets. They seemed to have talh;!! Irom the
clouds. Who are they? What will they do? were
the eager questions that passed from lip to lij) and
Irom liouse to house. A new order of things had
commenced. Our city was in ))ossession of the Fed-
eral troops. Some zealous Unionist had gained the
ear of the Executive, and the Eleventh Regiment of
Indiana Zouaves, under Colonel Lew Wallace, had
entered the city (juietly on Sunday night and pitched
their camp on Rose Hill, over which now proudly
floated the Stars and Stripes of the Union.
"The presence of what was then regarded as a large
military body naturally excited susi)icion and alarm
As was usual in the earl}- part of tl)e war, to((uiet the
popular mind, a grandiloquent proclamation was soon
issued, assuring the citizens that the gallant army
now among them had come, not to oppress or to
interfere in their domestic institutions, but to [)roteot
their lives and propt rty and to preserve the peace of
the community. OlTicers and soldiers associated
freely with our citizens, and soon a pretty general
feeling of confidence and good will began to prevail.
Protection, whether from friend or foe, was d(!emed
preferable to the uncertain and defenseless condition
in which we had been living. The rule of the
military had begun ; it did not end until the close of
the war.
"The camp of the Zouaves was beautifully located
on Rose Hill, and soon became a place of popular
resort. Around it towered the grand mountain
ranges of the Alleghanies, dressed in their summer
1801.]
KAKLY DAYS OF TlIK WAR.
ri\n)
ioIk's of forest foliaj^e — overgrociiH and floworinji;
lainvls. On the south rolled the Potomac; at the
base of the hill on the north flowed Wills' Creek,
iiiul in full view of the camp, nestled in the valley
t\tei»dinjr over Fort Hill, lay the Queen City of the
mountains. Colonel Lew Walhu^e and some of his
>-tafl" were men of culture and refinement ; the rank
Mild file were courteous and gentlemanly in their
(li'portment. A fine band discoursed sweet music in
till' camp and through the city, and every da3-
hecauie festive with military pomp and disjilay.
Trade began to flourish. The [)eople were assured
tliat this was only a pleasant picnic excursion to the
Soiitli ; there would be no fighting ; and many began
to l>elieve that the war was about over. But we
were not permitted to enjoy this illusive dream long.
.Military occupation soon began to make itself felt.
Free speech was no longer allowed. Secession senti-
iiionts were banned. Informers became busy,
'iti/.ens were arrested and marched under guard
to the camp, and having received a lecture on loyalty
and the (Time of secession, were tendered the oath
of allegian(;e and then permitted to return to their
liomes. Some remained nursing their bitter feelings.
Others Hed to Virginia and entered the rebel army.
Men learned afterward that the mere expression of
opinion without overt acts did not constitute treason.
and that Ji forced oath was no remedy for disloyalty."''''
Uj) to the first of May there had existed an
linden lonstrative armed neutrality, amongst the citi-
zens, yet a great deal of emphatic language was used
Hil!u«rltti>n <!haptt>rK of the War, b; Rev. A. J. Weddeli.
400
IIISTOKV OK ci'mhf:klani>.
[1861.
by the men whose Hyinpathies were either North or
South. The first ofxiii act of determined sentiment
was the display at this time of a hirge United States
flag, which was hung over the street between the 8t.
Nichohis Hotel and the Belvidere llall. This was
done by Samuel Lunian. Sr., Samuel Ltunan, Jr..
Robert Shriver, John M. Kesley, Frank Miller, and
a few other determined Unionists. Although some
trouble was anticipated, no attempt was made to
interfere with the flag.
On the l)>th of May the following City officials had
been elected : Mayor, C. M. Thruston ; Councihneii.
-T. J. McHenrv. K. H Rutler, Joseph Tfng|i«-
Robert Bruce, I). Mahaney, and Sanuiel Luman.
This was the "Unconditional Union" ticket, there
being .ilso an "Independent" ticket, and a "Citizens"
ticket.
About the first of June it became painfully evident
that the jjeople of Western Maryland were destined
to feel the direct effects of the war. The ])ridges
over Patterson's Creek, and over the Canal, near the
North Branch, were destroyed by a party of Vir-
ginians, and communication with the East was cut
off. On the morning of the 1 9th of June, a party of
Confederate soldiery made a descent on New Creek.
and burned the "21st bridge," of the Baltimore and
Ohio Rjiilroad, which spanned the Potomac River.
A small guard had been placed there, consisting ol
some twenty-eight men of tlie Cumberland Continen-
tals, under command of Lieutenants James (J. Lynn
and Theodore Luman. When news of the approach
of the enemy reached Cumberland, Captain Horace
1861.] (UPTUHE OF TWENTY-FIRST HRIIXJE.
401
Resley, with a few additional men, hantoned to the
scene. The enemy, however, was too strong for
then; ; and, to avoid capture, the entire command
retreated over the mountain.s, and reached Cuml)er-
iand, by way of the National Road. This being the
initial conflict of the war in this section, the greatest
excitement prevailed, especially as wild rumors of
the total destruction of the little command, and the
marshaling of a strong force to attack (Cumberland,
were freely circulated . The entire poj)ulation rushed
into the streets, bells rung in every part of the town,
and the women and children were in a state of terror,
''done! Wallace struck tents, and sent his baggage
towards Bedford for safety, the Zouaves taking up a
position of defense on the Bedfonl road, just beyond
the city limits. The Continentals and Union Home
Guards turned out under arms; a hundred men from
Frostburg, under c(mimand of Mnjor F. A. Mason,
and a company from Wellersburg, with Captain
Petrie, were on hand in a few liours. Other compa-
nies arrived next morning from Grantsville, Bedford,
•entreville and Pocahontas. Armed men, in small
squads, continued to arrive all day, and not until
nightfall did the panic subside. The Zouaves then
marched back to their quarters, and next day the
«inipanies from abroad took their departure, leaving
i'umberland to settle down to her usual quiet.
June V). — An election for a (congressman from this
District took place, and Hon. Francis Thomas, the
Luconditional Union candidate, was elected by an
immense vote. The whole number of ballots cast was
'^.008, of which Governor Thomas received 2,751.
51
402
HISTORV OF CUMHEKLAND.
[IMJI.
Juiit! 20. — Joseph RoinistT, one of the lueinhersor
Ji vohiiitt!er coinpjiny of citizens from Fro.stbur;r, was
badly wounded by the si(!cidentiil discharge of a gun.
The ball entered his head back of the right ear and
came out near the riglit eye. He eventually
recovered.
July 7. — Colonel Wallace, with his regiment, left.
and went East, to Martinsburg. The Kant; KiHc
lleginient. under Colonel (Jharles J. Bidwell, and the
Second Regiment, under (volonel S. G. Sinnnons, both
from l\Mnisylvaniji, arrived, and encamped on the
ground vacated by the Zouaves. These troops
remained here until the 27th of July.
In August, (hiring the progress of a political
meetinu". on Baltimore street, one nitrht, a disturbamr
arose by reason of Hon. Francis Thomas boinj:
interrupted in his sj)eech, and a large (jrowd of men
at once made a descent on the office of "The
Alleganian," which was Southern in its sympathies.
The office was wholly destroyed, the material being
thrown out of the windows.
At this time Hon. Francis Thomas was autliorizod
to provide for the organization of four regiments, to
be composed of residents on both sides of the Potonmc
river, from Monocacy to the Western boundary of
Maryland, who were to perform service in the vicinity
of tlie Potomac river. Under tliis authority a full
regiment of infantry was raised in Allegany county.
and by the Ist of October was armed, eciuippod.
and in camp, at Cumberland, as the Secoml |
Maryland Regiment Volunteer Infantry. Potomac
Home Brigade.
The orgajiization of the regiment
1801.] SKCONI) MAUYLAM) HECIMKNT, I". H. H. 40.^
;it the (late of its muster into the I'liited States
service was as follows :
Colonel, Thomas Johns.*
Lieutentuit Colonel, Robert Bruce.
Miijor, (!. Ellis Porter.
Adjutant, Orlando I). Robbins.
Quarter-Muster, Kenne^ly H. IJutlcr.
Siirtreon, I)r. S. P. Smith. Assistant Snrjreon. I>r. P. A. Healey.
Chaplain, Rev. J. II. Symmes.
Company A — Captain, Alexander Shawf ; l''irst Lieutenant, John
l)niijrlas; Second Lieutenant, Andrew Spier.
Company H — Captain, J. D. Roberts; First Lieutenant, James A.
Morrow; Second Lieutenant, A. S. (laliion.
Company C — Captain, John H. Huntley ; First Lieu'enant, John Weir:
Second Lieutenant, Richard C. Sansom.
Company 1) — Captain, B. B. Shaw : First Lieutenant, Robert Powell :
Second Lieutenant, Mark Powell,
Company E — Captain, James C.Lynn; First Ijieutenant, Theodore
i.uman ; Second Lieutenant. Georjje Couter.
Company F — Captain, Lewis Dyke ; First Lieutenant, Norval Mc-
Kiiiley ; Second Lieutenant, George D. Somers.J
Company G — Captain, C. (!. McClcllan : First Lieutenant. Robert
Cowan ; Second Lieutenant, IJoyd Mahaney.
Company II — Captain, George IL Braponier ; First Lieutenant, S.
T. Little; Second Lioutenant, Georgre W. McCuUoh.
Company I — Captain, J. F. McCulIoh ; First Lieutenant, James M.
Shober; Second Lieutenant, John F. Troxell.
Company Iv — Captain, P. B. Petrie; First Lieutenant, Jason G.
Sawyer; Second Lieutenant, Moses Bickford.
the promotions in this regiment during its three years' service wer«
as follows: Robert Bruce to be Colonel ; G. Ellis Porter to be Lieutenant-
'.'olonol ; Alexander Shaw and John II. Huntley to be Majors ; Theodore
Luman to l)e Adjutant; .Tohn Douglas, .lames A. Morrow, John Weir,
and Norval Mclvinloy to be Captains ; Andrew Spier, Alexander Tennant,
Lloyd Mahaney, Richard C. Sansom, and George Couter to be First
Lieutenants; James Thompson, Emory W. Pelton, David C.Edwards,
^ieofffe Wigley, and Moses Bickford to be Second Lieutenanto.
At the expiration of the three years for which this regiment wa.s
"nlisted, four companies of veterans were re-enlisted, and organized into
H battalion, the officers being: Lieutenant-Colonel, James C. Lynn;
Captains, J. Floyd McCulloh, P. B. Petrie, H. H. Hartsock and Robert
Cowan; First Lieutenants, Charles H. Thayer, James A. Howard, LouisN .
ijondon and A. Brown Lynn ; Second Lieutenants, Levi Shaw, JaraesA.
'iIcKee. Jacob H. Buckey and Richard T. Browning.
At the general election in November, the candidates
ucrerun on "Union" and "Peace" tickets, the Union
ticket being successful. Thomas G. McCulloh was
"lie»imio(i .i^„„arv 1,180-2: succeeded hv rotoiiel Robert Ilnicp; O Kills Porter was at ssfno
'•ra^ promoted to I.i'eulermiit Colonel.
I'aptoiii Slmw wRH promoted to Major, .'aiiuary 1802, and re.Higiicd March 31, 1802, liin siicces-
"1^1*111)! M»inr .Tohn 11. UtiiitleT.
Il'roinoted to Captain; killed In' action at .Summit Point, Va., Ootcbar 7, 1863.
404
HISTORY OF OUMBKRLANI).
[18G2.
elected Sheriff; Delegates to the Legislature, Ooorgo
A. Pearre, Lloyd Lowe, (J. W. White, A. (>hainl)('r-
lain. County (JommissionerH, Wni. R, MeCuUey.
Daniel Duncan, David Kent, Ashford Trail, David
Cornpton. Surveyor, William Brace.
The canal and railroad weiv niu(^li damaged, by
treshets and by incursioUvS by the enemy. Both were
put under military supervision, and protected as well
as possible, but the railroad was so badly damaged
in June, 18G1, that lor almost a year it was useless.
Early in 18G2, by orders from the War IX'partniont.
extensive hospitals were established in Cumberland.
Cor the reception of the sick and wounded from iM)int,s
both Kast and West. The citizens, especially the
ladies, were c<mstant in their kindness and attention
to the suilerers who were brought here. In Februtuy.
1862, there were 57 deaths, mostly of men from Olii(t
and Indiana.
May 12. — Mayor, C. H. Ohr; Councilmen, Josepii
Hughes, Jacob Wickard, M, L. Rizer, V. A. Buckev.
(rcorge W. Hoover, William Hoblitzell.
In May the Third Regiment Maryland Volunteer
Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade, was mustered into
service. A large proportion of this regiment was
composed of men enlisted at Cumberland, the reniain-
<ler coming from Baltimore, Hagerstown and Ellicott's
Mills. The officers were as follows :
Ijieutentint-Colonel, Stephen VV. Downey.*
Major, Charles 1j. Graflin.f
Adjutant, N. M. Ambrose.
Surgeon, C. E. S. McKee ; Assistant Surgeon, Jesse Beerbower.
Company A — Captain, .fames S. Inskeep; First Lieutenant, Jolm
Coles ; Second Lieutenant, William A. Cross. _
*Owini{ toBome minuiidfirstaiidiug in rcBard to tiling the regimental rolls at AnD»poli>
Colonel Downey wan not commiwloned, and ke rexiKned Novembers, 1862.
tKeitiKued January lU, 1863; uucct-eded by Mi\jor Crawford Shearer.
1802.]
TIIIUI) MAUYLANF) KEGIMENT, V. 11. H. 405
Company IJ — Captain, Win. F. Cardiff; First Lieutenant, Moses
ieutcnant. Wm. H.
Whillord ; Second Lieutenant, John K. Whitford.
in, Harry (J. Ri"r; First L
r3n77rAnD»I>ol»
Company C — (>aptai
Jarboc ; Second Lieutenant, Charles F. McAleer.
Company I) — Captain, Miciiaol Fallon; First Lieutenant, .'oseph L.
Forsyth; Second Lieutisnant, .lohn M. Armstrong.
Company K — Captain, Henry U. McCoy ; First Lieutenant, John W,
Dodson ; Second Lieutenant, Theodore Goff.
Company F — Captain, Kobert Maxwell; First Lieutenant, Peter J.
Mayberry ; Second Lieutenant, VVra. H. Foreman.
Company G — Captain, Jacob Sarbaugh*; First I^ieutenant, Wm. PL
llipsly ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph K. i'itman.
Company H — Captain, Wm. A. Falkenstine; First Lieutenant, Fred-
trick Pringey*; Second Lieutenant, Hanson ii. Friend.
Lieutenant Colonel Ste|)hen W. Downey, resigned September 1,
ISC'i; and Charles Gilpin was mustered in as Lieutenant-Colonel Septem-
ber 2, 1H()2; and promoted to Colonel April 1(1, 1864, having recruited
two additional companies, thereby making up a full regiment; and re-
mained in service until the regiment was reduced to a battalion, by the
(xpiralion of the term of service of three companies. Afterwards, the
battalion was commanded by Harry C. Rizer, who was promoted to
liii'uteiiant Colonel, the following ollicers remaining in command of com-
panies: ('aptains, Wm. A. Falkenstine, N. M. Ambrose, John W. Dod-
son, James K. Garrahan, (lustavus V'alois, Samuel T. Kck, and Charles
I'ratt ; First Lieutenants, Kphraim C. Hedding, John W.Cook, Wm. J.
iionahoe, .lames W. White, Wm. H. H. Friend; Benjamin F. Cook, R.
Q. M.; Frank A. Penny, Adjutant ; Wm. H. Foreman, Augustus Robinett,
and Daniel C. Shriver ; Second liieutenant, Theodore Goff.
In the siurimer of 1802 the President itssuod a call
lor 300,000 troops. The leading Union men of
Allegany County took steps towards securing the
voluntary enlistment of a sufficient number of men
to till her quota. A. "'war mass meeting" was held
im the 18th of August, for the purpose of adopting
luoasures whereb}^ volunteers might be secured,
(ienei'al C M. Thruston was made President of the
iiiet'ting ; Lloyd Lowe and F. A. Mason, Vice Presi-
dents, and William R. Me(Julley and William
Iloblitzell, Secretaries. Messrs. ( Jharles H. Ohr, S.
I*. Smith, M. Sherry, G. E. Porter and Hopewell
llebb, a committee, submitted resolutions, declaring it
to bo the duty of the })eople to maintain the gov-
'■minent, and requesting the County Commissioners
•Killed at BoUvHr Heightart^ptember 14, ISffit. ~
400
IIISTOIJV OF rUMnKHLAND.
[iHOli.
to apjU'ojM'iiitc $•')(), (KM) to Im' applied to tlu' [)iiyin('ii(
of Ixmiitics to voliiiitccfs. 'IMic ('oimnis.sionoi'H coii-
rtidoivd this proposition in Si'pti'Uilicr, l>ut <l('('lin«'(l to
take siudi action at tlic tinu'.
Several recruiting oflices were openeil in tlic
city, and under tlie induceini'uts of larji'e lioinitifs
many enlisted.
A innnlxM' ol' youiijj; men whose sympatiiies wen-
with the South left, to join the (onlederate army,
Amoii<!;st them were :
llichiinl li. VAnrv,
Thnd. W. Cldr}',*
Win. Armstrong',*
tfoHcph I'(!nniii{rt()n,Jr.
Winters,
Peter Devocmon,
John (}. Lynn, Jr,
Spri^'i; S. Ijynn,*
Diivid Ijynn,
.1. M. Fiiy,
.Iiic'ol) (iiiHsnian,*
W. \V. MfKnij?, Jr,
J. V. F.. McKaifT,
H, A. Hij^jjin.s,
.Ins. A.Cahill.
\V. H. Cahill,*
.1. H'-nry Shriver.*
.lohn H. Shriver,
Anthonv Hhriver,
All)ert Kice,t
liiimnr Spring,
ThnmnH I. McKaig, .Ir, Van Lear Perry,
l'](lwar(l IJryan, CharleH Hruce.t
Jolm Palmer, Oharles NichnlH.
Harry Oiiborn, Walter Kruce,
Dr. Thomas A.Hcaley, James R. Annan.
M. A. Iloalcy,
James 'I'avlor,
Harry U. Black,
Matthew CofTey,
John Onlvin,
John I). Moundz,
liloyd Ij. Clary,
John Hadley,
John Dermody,
Jamea IJriscoe,
Theodore Dawson,
.lames A. Mason,
Walter Chisholin,
Harlan Tabb,
Peyton Tabb,
C. .lames Dailey,*
Kd. Browning,*
(leorjje Hitter,
William 1). Hove,
Samuel Hove,
Iloberdean Annan,*
Roger Annan,
Duncan McBlair,
Captain C. H. MeHlair, Peter Chisholni,
Charles McBlair,* Fetter S. Hoblitzoll.
Thos. M. Healey, Thomas W. West,
Wm. Lamar, H. P. Task(>r,
John McClafferty,* Malcolm G. Harmi?on,t
James Pollock, James R. Hip^ins,
Thomas Ooldsborough,
:i;W'oiiiiileil. tKilled.
Apprehending a visit from the small ('onfederiitr
forces in the bordering counties of West Virginia, the
city authorities secured the organization of a Citv
Ciuard. Three companies were formed of volunteer
citizens, and were officered as follows :
First District. — (^aptain, (Jasper Kassen ; First
Lieutenant, .Toshua Steiner ; Second Lieutenant.
James A. Buckey ; Orderly Serg(uint, D. B. Myers.
m\±]
INCIDKNTS OF UIK W.Wi.
•1(»'
. Si'c.oikI District. — Captain, .Taooh Wickanl; First
Mciitcnant, Williiuu R. McCnIlcy; Second riiciitcnant,
.1. M. Kocrnor; Orderly Ser^-cjuit, ('liarles A. Seay.
Third District. — Ciiptain Horace Ilesley; First
Ijcntenant, .). .1. .M<dleiirv ; Second rjieuteiiant. .1.
K. Troxoll; Orderly Serj^eant, (ieorj^o M. Road.
Ilonu-e Resley was afterwards elected fiieiitenant
Ciilonel. to C(nniiiand the ('itv (luard.
The Kighty-Fourth Ohio Infantry, a regiment of
tliice-nionths' voinnteers, nnder connnand of (.'olonel
William r^nwrence, had heen stationed here in .luno,
I poll the expiration oi' thisir term, in Septend)er,
tlii'v were nuistered ont ol' the service, an<l the
Second liCLdinent Maryland Vcdnnteers, i'otomac
lloiiic hri^ade. under (-olonel Rohert Bruce, was
;issi<ine(l to duty in their ))lace.
Ill response to tlie call for v<dnnteers, Allej^any
had ()utsti'ip[)ed every other county in the State, and
when the draft was ordered, in October, 1S(»2, she
had already furnished l,4()'J volunteers. Her ([uotii
iii'ing })ut S72, there was no necessity for the en force-
imnt of the draft within the county limits.
It having been ordered that all the militia in the
State should be enrolled, the Governor appointed ('has.
'lilpin Commissioner of Enrollment in Allegany
coiuity. The numl)er enrolled by him amounted to
^.714, the work being completed early in September.
A raid was made about the middle of September,
hy the Confederates, and both the railroad and (!aiial
iigain badly damaged, some twenty miles of the
latter being almost destroyed.
On the 1st of October, George T. Knorr commenced
408
rnsToKv (W (juNfHMKLAvi). [IHtl^J-ii;;.
the publication of ii wcokly iiew.spiiiH'r. in Ciimlx't-
land, eiititi(>(l "Tlic rnion." It wus <liH(M)iitiini('(l in
ISC.S.
Ill OctoIxT the lioMpitiils jit (MjiryMvillo wrw trans-
ierrod to ('unilK'rlaiul, under tht 'ction of Dr.
rioor^o H. Oliver, Medical Directoi Tlie lielvidcic
Hall, tlio old PreHbyteriaii Church and the 'Old
Mill," on South Mechanic .street, were anionjiHt the
buildiiifJtH taken for the pur[M)se,
(icn. n. V. Kelly, in command of the Departmciit
of West Vir<»inia, ewtabliwhed his headcpiarters in
(^nnJKM'land. (.'aptain (Jeorj^e W. Harrison was
appointed Depot Quartermaster, and Captain W. II.
Ilosack, l)o[)ot ('ommissarv.
January 10.— -The Cuniln'rland (jity Bank was
established, in the old Cuml)erlaj ?ank building.
with Allre^l Spjitcs as President, . i William E.
WelxM- Cashier.
April I. — ^Dr. C. H. Ohr was appointed Exaniininj;
Surgeon, by the Commissioner of Pensions.
The conHict of opinion as to all matters |XM'taiii-
ing to politics, the conduct of the war, the right ol'
secession, and the }X)licy of the administration, was
not in the slightest degree diminished by the progress
of events; on the contrary, the op})osing elements
became more and more embittered, but the Union
sentiment, supported by the Government, steadily
prevailed. On the 2?)d of April, 1863, a county
mass meeting of Union men was held at the Court
House, on whicli occasion a series of resolutions was
adopted expressing full confidence in the admin-
istration, and urging the election of a Legisluturo
18(;:5.]
SFA'KN I'KOI'LK nURNED TO DKATII.
40!)
which .should tsikt' iimiu'diatc Htcps toward thr
jiholition of .slavery in the Statf. The ollleers of
tlii.s mectin<^ were as l'ollovv.s: Prosideiit, JoHoph
Shriver; Vice PrcsidontH, William Shaw, Pilijah
Friond, M. Sherry. liloyd Lowe, John Mantz and
K])liraini Browning,
On the 2Gth of April, .some unknown wretch set
lire to the dwellin<i' of Mr. Joseph Sprigji;, and also
to tiie sta!)le on his premises. Mr. Sprigg was at
tilt' time confined to his hed by sickness. Fortunately
his house was savc^d, with but littU? damage, but
tho stable was burned to the ground, the inmates,
>i'ven colored [X'ople. who occupied the second story
lis sleeping apartments, being consumed in the
tliiines. The.se were the .servants of Mr. S[)rigg,
iind consisted of one man, one woman, and five
iliildren. The soldiers I'rom the hospital, near by,
rendered ever}- service in their power, ])ut the
heartless work of the incendiary had been .so
tUk'tively accomplished that it was impo.ssible to
icsciie from the burning stable a single one of the
iin fortunate victims therein.
May 11. — Mayor, James Smith; (Jouncilmen, A.
' Ryland, John McFerran, Henry Shuck, John T.
Shuck, Thomas McKee, and V. A. Buckcy.
On the 15th of June, in consequence of the defeat
'>l General Milroy's command at Winchester, orders
were issued by the commandant of this department
tor the evacuation of Cumberland, and the concen-
tration of the Union forces at New Creek, whereupon
the provision and supply trains were immediately
^i'ut off, together with all the horses, &c. The Fif-
52
410
IflSTOKV OF C[J.MRK!?F.A\().
[1863,
teeiith Virginia Regiment, and the Second Regiment.
P. H. B., both of which were on duty in this vicinity,
followed, and Cumlx?rhind was left wholly inipro-
t(»cted. A thousand runiorM were 80on afloat, and
the streets were filled with excited people, who were
in niouientary expectation of the appearance of the
(confederates. Their apprehensions were still further
excited by the removal of the rolling stock, moveable
machinery, &c.. of the railroad company. On tlie
loth it was reported that the enemy was rapidlv
appn-aching the city in force, whereupcm a number
of citizens retired with consid(>rable precipitancy in I
the direction of Pennsylvania, and merchants began
tu cast about for means wherebv thev miirlit save
their goods from confiscation by the expected visitor.^.
Night came, however, and brought with it no enemy.
But the early down discovered a small squad of
strange looking men on the brow of the hill, oast ut'
the city, on the Williams R(jad. Several of the es-
caped cavalrymen, from Milroy's command, advanced
to ascertain whether thej' w^ere friends or foes, and
were saluted by the discharge of two small field
pieces, the shells from which dropped in the vicinity
of McKaig's foundry, whereupon the aforesaid cay-
alrymen retired with connnendable speed. The
presence of the enemy was quickly heralded througli-
out the city; a few more citizens took refuge in flight.
while the merchants generally closed up their stores
and joined the excited groups that gathered on the
streets. In a little while two representives of the
Confederacy rode into town, with a Hag of truce.
Shortly afterwards acting Mayor V. A. Buckey, head-
[186o, H I860.] CONFKDEKATES TAKE CUMHEHLAND. 411
d Regiment.
;his vicinity,
lolly niipR)-
1 atloat. and
le, who were
-anct' of the
3 still i'urtlK'i-
ck. moveal)k'
ny. On the
was rapidly
)ii a number
•ecipitant'V in
■chants began
• niiu'lit siivi'
cctecl visitoi>.
li it lu) enemy,
lall squad of
e hill oast ot'
ral of the es-
md, advanced
or foes, and
) small licld
I the vicinity
iforesaid cav-
speed. The
Ided through-
.fug-e in flight,
t their stores
hered on the
itives of the
Hag of truce.
huckey, head-
ing a dei)utation of citizens, with a similar Hag, mot
the emissaries of tbo Coni'ederacy, and a consulta-
tion wa.s held, the result of which was that the
town was surrendered, with the understanding that
private property was to be respected, and no depre-
dations to be permitted.
Tlie following is the correspondence on the occa-
>ion :
To the Commatiding Officer of Cumberland .
You are surrounded by a superior force, ami as an act ot humanity, 1
demand the surrender of the city. The bearer, Captain R. B. Muses, is
autkorized to negotiate as to terms of surrender.
G. \V. LMB0DP:N, Colonel Cavalry Brigade.
Til is letter was handed Mayor Buckey. and the
tblluwing response made:
G. W. Imboden, Colonel Commanding Confederate Forces :
Sir: Your note addressed to odicer commanding at this point has
just been handed to me, and as there is no force here to resist you, and
no officer in command, I, as Mayor, for the time being, do as far as I can,
<tirrender the city as demanded, upon the following terms, viz : that
private persons and property, and the property of the State of Maryland
bere.spected. V. A. BnCKKY". Mayor pro tern of Cumberland.
Colonel Imhoden accejited the terms in the follow-
ing note :
To the Acting Mayor of Cumberland :
Sir: I will receive a surrender of the City of Cumberland, and will
respect all private property except such property as the Quarter Master
lay desire for the Confederate States. No public property excr>t of
the State of Maryland will be respected.
Very respectfully your obedie: s?rvant,
f!. W. IMHODKN, Colonel Cavalry Brigade.
About 850 of Imlxxlen's cavalry, with two pieces
i>t' artillery, presently appeared, and after securing
"^uch horses as th^y could find, induced some of the
ir.erchants to opJii their sttu'es. The Confederates
then purchased pretty freely such articles as hats,
boots, shoes, clothing, kc, paying iov the same in
' oufederate money, a species of currency which had
'lien a rather limited value. No damage was done
412
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[18(i;j.
to eitlier public or private property, beyond the
destruction of a portion of the telegraph lines. The
( 'onfederateH were ill at ea^e while in town, knowing
that a coiiHiderable force of Union troops was at New
Creek, and might at any moment put them to flight.
After a few hours, spent about the streets, they
departed, being accompanied by several young men
who concluded to cast their lot with the South.
General Kelly and staff had arrived in town, from
Pennsylvania, on Tuesday night, and left for New
(Jreek about the time of the arrival of ImbodeiiV
men next morning. Finding a portion of the Bulti-
niore and Ohio Railroad torn up, a short distance
from town, the tnain up(»'; which they had embarked
was brought back, and taken over the Cumberland
and Pennsylvania Railroad, to Piedmont, and thence
to New Creek. On the following day a force of
cavalry, from New (Jreek, came to (Aimberland, and
captured several of Imboden's command who had
remained with friends in town. In a few days the
excitement subsided, and the routine of business,
pleasure and gossip was resumed.
rhe raiders did no violence to person, except in
the case of Griffin Twigg, Sr., living near Murley^
Branch. The particulars are not exactly known,
but the old man was killed ; not, however, until he
had killed two of the enemy and wounded another.
The railroad and canal, as well as the telegraph
lines, were badly damaged, and communication was
not restored for more than a month.
During the continuance of the war that portion ei
(^^imberland known as the "Devil's Half Acre," em-
[18(i:-5.
1863.]
INCIDENTS OF THK WAR.
41:)
beyond the
lines. The
^n, knowing
waH at New
mi to flight.
treets, they
young men
the South.
n town, from
eft for New
)f InibodenV
of the Biilti-
lort distance
lad embarked
Cuniberhind
it, and thence
lay a lorce of
iiberhind. and
uid who had
few days the
of business.
^on, except in
lear Hurleys
[actly known.
jver, mitil lit'
lied another.
Ithe telegraph
Imication wa^
iiat portion <>l
llf Acre," em-
bracing Bedford street between Liberty and Mechanic.
and that portion of Mechanic immediately adjoining,
was a most disreputable locality, being a congrega-
tion of saknms and low houses. Disturbances and
riots were of almost nightly occurrence. On the
night of the 13th of August a light occurred there
betwcn some soldiers, in which William Frazier, n
private in Company K, First Virginia Cavalry, was
cut to pieces with knives ''did almost instantly killed,
by James Quick in con)^jany with Jacob Krissinger.
of the Second Marylaid, P. H. B. (^uick was after-
wards convicted A' manslaughter, and Krissingei'
was ac(]uitted.
Amongst the soldiers located here was a [)art of a
regiment known as the Ringgold Chivalry. One of
their number being confined in jail, on some charge.
;i party of them went to the jail on the night of the
I'.lth of September, and released him by force.
November 4. — Hon. Francis Thomas was re-elected
to Congress; State Senator, Dr. C. H. Ohr; Delegates,
.V. C. Greene, Hopewell Hebb, Henry Brown, and
William Shaw; Clerk of the Court, Horace Resk'y;
Register of Wills, George W. Hoover; Sheriff, B. T.
Oarlitz; State's Attorney, George A. Thruston;
Judges of Orphans' Court, J. B. H. ('ampbell, A. M.
li. Hush and Douglas Percy; County Commissioners.
•lohn Bell, Charles Ridgeley, J. L. Townshend, John
11. Stallings, and Elijah Friend.
November 18. — General Kelly returned to Cum-
Ix'rland. and established his headquarters in the
Barnum House,
hi March, 1864, General Franz Sigel was as-
:
414
HISTORV OF CUMBERLAND.
[18G4.
signed to the command of the Department of Wont
Virginia, and made his headquarters in Cumberland,
at the Revere House. In the hitter part of Miircli
he ordered the erection of earth-works on McKai^'s
Hill, and a fort on the hill near Williams Road.
These were constructed under the supervision of
his engineers, and are still in existence, thoun-h
umch dilapidated.
The question of emancipating the shives in Mary-
land was one which was warmly discussed in
18G3-64, and the Legislature ordered a vote to be
taken in April as to whether a State Convention
should be held for the purpose of amending the
Constitution. The Convention was ordered by a
large majority of the voters, there being 61 delo-
gates elected in favor of unconditioi «il emancij)atioii.
and 34 opposed to emancipation. The emancipation
candidates in Allegany were A. C. Greene, Hopewell
Hebb, Jacob Wickard, G. A. Thruston and J. Rohi-
nette. The opposition candidates were Williiun
Browning, J. W. Robinette, Henry Hanekamp, J.
B, Widener and Israel Thompson. The emancipn-
tion candidates were elected by 1,170 majority, the
vote in favor of holding a Convention being 2,307
for, to 1,135 against.
April 13. — A Sergeant of the First New York
Cavalry shot and killed Charles Clause, of Company
C, Second Maryland P. H. B., the ball passing
through his heart. The tragedy occurred on Balti-
more street.
May 9. — Mayor, Dr. Charles H. Ohr; Councilmen
J. B. H Campbell, William Armbruster, John Kolb.
1864.]
INCIDENTS OF THE WAK.
415
deorgo Martin Rizor, Josiali Eiiglcr and Henry li.
Bruce.
General Sigel took his departure, for active
service in the field, and General B. F. Kelly was
again as.signed to the command of the Depart-
ment.
July 1. — The Cumberland Bank of Allegany was
converted into the First National Bank of (Jumber-
land, and continued business with the same officers
as heretofore, President, Joseph Shriver; Cashier,
Edwin T. Shriver.
At this time about one hundred men were drafted
lor three years' service to make up the county's (piota
under the last call, and 170 were drafted for the
(iiie hundred days' service.
July 7. — Francis Gillespie, of Co. B, Fifteenth
Regiment New York Cavalry, while on the cars, en
route from Parkersburg to Cumberland, deliberately
iiuu'dered Lieutenant William Shearer. Gilles[)ie
was })rought here under arrest. On the Saturday
following he was tritsd before a Court Martial, con-
victed, and sentenced to be hanged on Monday, on
which day he was taken to the gallows, near Rose
Hill Cemetery, at 5 o'clock i'. m., and executed. He
!iscended the scaflbld with a firm stej), and at the
last moment said : "l forgive everybody from the
bottom of my heart, and I pray God to forgive
me. May the stars and stripes never be tram[)led
oil." Gillespie was but 24 years nf age, and left a
young wife, in Syracuse, New York.
On the 31st of July, Cumberland was again panic-
stricken. A soldier brought intelligence of the
>v«asaii6?.'
41G
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[18G4.
passage of the river, at PTancock, by a strong force of
(confederates, whose destination was Cumberland. It
was rumored that a smaller force was also approacli-
ing from the direction of Bedford. The wildest ex-
citement prevailed throughout the city, and a public
meeting was held Sunday night, for the purpose of
organizing a militia force to assist the soldiers under
command of General Kelly. The meeting was ad-
dressed by Mayor Ohr, who urged the immediatr
formation of companies of citizens, for the defense of
the town. Three companies were formed, consisting
of about two hundred men, which limited force was
placed under command of General C. M. Thruston.
On Monday morning it was ascertained that the
Confederates were still advancing, and in the after-
noon scouts reported them in the vicinity of
Folck's Mill, some three miles from town. The
excitement now reached fever heat; the mer-
chants loaded their goods and sent them off to places
of safety ; the railroad companies moved their trains
off to the West, and men were rushing about the
streets arming themselves with muskets, rifles and
shot guns, while thousands climbed to the hill-tops.
for the purpose of obtaining a view of the expected
conflict. Meantime, General Kelly had taken a
regiment of infantry and a section of artillery out the
Baltimore pike, and stationed them in sight of the
enemy, near Folck's Mill. A little after three
o'clock he sent a shell into the Confederate ranks,
and they responded in like manner. The infantry
engaged in desultory firing with the enemy's sharp-
shooters, but the engagement did not become general.
1864.]
DEFENSE OF THE CITY.
417
The {irtill(M'y duel was kopt up until dark. The
enemy then moved oft' towards the South, and made
their way to the Potomac at Greeiisprinjj^ Run.
General Tliruston had been posted with his com-
mand on Williams Road, on the right Hank of General
Kelly, which position he maintained until the
departure of the Confederates. At Green Spritig an
iron-clad kx'omotive and cars, with a small piece of
artillery, fell into the hands of the enemy, as also
some eighty men in the block-house. The attacking
force consisted of probably 2,000 mounted men and
!i battery of artiller>', under Generals Ransom and
MoCausland. On Tuesday they sent in a demand for
the surrender of tlie city. General Kelly declined
to accede to this, and immediately posted his men to
give battle. The demand, however, proved only to
ije a ruse adopted to prevent any movement on the
part of the Union troops which might interfere with
the rccrossing of the river by the (Jonfederates.
The citizens' organization which went out to meet
the enemy on this occasion, in defense of the town,
was composed as follows :
Commander — Gfii. C, M. Thrustoti.
Quurleriiiuster — Williiim Wickard.
Wi-t.
CommissHry Sergeant — .losiah
Compiin\' A — Cstptnin, Siinuiel liumaii; First Lientonanf. Samuel J,
Hilwiirds; St'oond Ijicuteniviit. James .f. Watkins; Orderly Serjeant, E.
A. Linjio.
I'riv.itos — .1. M. Kpartiov. P. W. Mohlit/.eil, Ooorife W. Tlohlif/.ell,
•Inhii W. Hummelshime, William Wolf, Roijcrt W. McMiehacI, William
lii-iii, Morris Siblev, .loliti Ilt-ck. .lohn Ohr, Charles Shaw, D.mitd Web-
"itr, WiiiHidd .Ionian, Walter Heail. William Heid. of Geo., William
Bmi^'lc, W. W. Heall, Jiicol) Suter, Wm. Anderson, Thomas Ilei 1, Sum
^ii-rficld Speeiman. S. V'almiine (ctdor bearer). Win. Shepherd, (Miauncey
MiCiiiluh, Ijona Ward, .lohn T. Mahaney, Charles Kizer (drummer),
AlniizoSmenner, Thomas Hays, Thomas Wickard, James Kii I, James
^^iiiifiird. John Madore, Amor Keller, John Laney, Frank Finnegan,
''liHili-s H. Madore, Wui. Trieber.
53
418
IllSTOKV (»K ClJMMKUI.AM*.
[18()4.
Company \i — Cupluiii, J..I.Craif?i'ii; Kir«t Liculanunt, Joshua Steinur;
Suc'ond Liciiteimn* (!. K. Sliryer. First Serf^eant, Henry Shriver; Sf»-
oml StT'jcaiit, Uobfii Slirivor; Tl)ir(l Sergouiit, ("liarlea A. Scay; First
(Jorporal, (}t'()r{,'e 'I'. Knorr; Second Corporal, C. B. Smith; Third Corpo
ral, S. II. Fundeiiborfj.
Privates — A. M. AduinH, Saimud Anderson, L. W, liranl, Thoums 1)
Davis, ,1. H. Dokc, (ieo. F. (Icpharl, (). ('. Ciephart, (leorjre M. (Jloss.
William Mexl, (Jeo. A. lloH'maii, F. M. .iohnson, Thomas .lohnson, .lohn
Morris, M. Y. Kiibold, Oliver iiice, John Seliilliiif.^, Thomas Shuck.
.loRtali Shuck, Au^Mistus Smith, Amos Stalliii;^s, .). Spcelman, W. H,
Wilkins, .lohn P. Woll, J. II. Younp.
Company (' — (':-.",.lain, I'at. Morrisey; First Lieutenant, II. M. Carle
ton; Second Lieutenant, John Wintersline; Orderly Ser^^eant, John Wefer.
Privates — Henry IJersi'e, Johti Taffiil, John Smith, John Uois, .lohn
Hart, .lohn Sheiler, I'Vederick .Minke, .lohn Baker, Georjre /ink, .lolm
Himmler, John Keo^rc^l, .John lihilter, Ivuhnrod Hartman, .lohn Wilier,
Thomas Leow, Oeor^c" Mor;^an, .lames Shaninj,', .Foseph Schilling', llenr\
Willison, George Shuck, .Ir., Uenjamin Haklev, -lohn liaker, KuluirD'l
Waltz, William Smith.
Aiigii.st 1(S. — A party of burglars undertook Ut
blow ()p(!ii a fire-proof safe in M. M= Kearney's grocery
store, corner ol' Baltimore and (Ventre streets, hnl
baving used too mueb powder, tbey blew up the
building, and arouscMJ tlie entire neigbborliood. Tin-
damage was so great as to recpiii'e tlie r<'building ol
the bouse.
September 8, — (Jeneral Dulfie's l)rigade, of (leneral
Averill's division, arrived here and went into camp.
The Second Maryland Regiment P. II. B., retunid
to (himberland. their term of service, three year,><.
having ex])ired. and were mastered out. A veteran
battalion was then formed, four companies re-en-
listing.'''
September 25. — Taylor & Co.'s iron foundry, on
(Jeorge street, was destroyed by Hre, together with
the machine shop, the railroad warehouse, black-
smith shop, and six dwelling houses, involving a 1o.sh
of more than .$30,000.
*Ba« pai;* 4«8.
1X64-05.] INMMDKNTS i)V TIIK WA.i.
411)
A soldier iiaiiicd Avorill. bel()ii<j;iiig' to the Twenty-
First New York Cavalrv. was shot and killed by a
.riiiird on Mecliaiiii^ street, near liedlord.
September ^^0. — Joseph I'revost. a soldier, who had
been eonvieted oCthe niunh'r of Christian MiHer, was
Imiijied In tlie militiiry authorities. He dechired his
innocence up to the hist nioinent. Wlien the trap
fell witli Prevost, the rope broke, and the unjbrtiniate
man was precipitated to the ;j;round. lie was taken
111 to tile scafl'old a^ain. ;nid alter a new i'op<' had
been procured, was launched into eternity.
Ill ()ct()l)er. 4 1(» men were drafted, in Allegany
<niuity, tor the United States service, rumberland
liavinp- supplied her <piota wjis not included in the
Iraft. These men. ho\\e\'er. were not re(piired to
report lor duty. •
November 8. — The contest ioi-
Congressman
resulted in the (dection oi' Hon. P'rancis Thomas over
A. K, Syester. by a vote of 11,1U(» against 7,985.
Tlio vote in Alh'gany was: Thomas 2,487 ; Syester,
State Senator. (\ II Ohr: Delegates, Samuel P.
Smith. Henry Brown. S. W. Wardwcdl. M. Slierry
1111(1 M. (J. Dean. Judge of tlie ('ircuit (Jourt, James
Smith .
The call nnide by the President for o()(M)0() men,
in December, 18G4, induced tlie (bounty Commis-
sioners of Allegany, in February, 1865, to offer a
litiunty of $200 to every man who should enlist in
the United States army, from the county. The State
ilso gave a bounty of $300. The sum proposed to
1«' raised by the (Jounty was |54,200, for which it
420
IIISTOUV OF CUMUKKLANU.
[18G5.
IhsucmI and Hold its bonds, the work Ix'in^ iKMlormcd
by a board consisting of IIoik'wcU Ilcbb, Nelson C.
Kead and John 11. Yonng.
One of the most startling events in the liistor\
of tlie war oecin'red here on the night of the 21st.
or early morning of the 22(1, of Febrnary, when ii
small body of Coni'ederates entered (Jum'-erland and
took two Major-Cienerals from their beds, while not
less than (*),()()( I or 8,000 troops were encamped in
the city.
This daring invasion was made by McNctiiiV
Rangers, and was parti(;ipated in by a number of
('und)erlanders, who were j)erfectly familiar with
every foot of ground about the place. One of the
leading spirits in the enter[>rise was John B. Fay, who
perj'ormed the duty of a scout. He, with C, Ritchie
llallar. a young iMissourian, crossed the Potomac
near Urady's Mills, and from some actpiaintana's
obtained throrough information as to the mimber of
troo[)s in Cumberland, the location of the varioiif^
headquarters, pickets, &<;. With this i'und of knowl-
edge they returned, and reported the facts to
Lieutenant McNeill. Some sixty-five men, a num-
ber of them belonging to various comj)anics of
General liosser's command, under McNeill and Fay.
at once started for (Jumberland. They again crossed
the river near 15rady's Mill, and almost within hearini:
of a cavalry picket. A portion of the command went
to the house of S. 1). Brady, amongst them Lieuten-
ants McNeill and Fay, J. L. Vsindiver, Joseph Kuy-
kendall, John Cunningham, James Daily, Charles
Nichollp and Isaac Parsor.s, where a consultation was
1805.] CAl'TUUK OF (JENS. CUUOK AND KELLV. 421
hold. McNeill jtropost'd to cjipturc the picket and
ri'turn, as ho was afraid it was too hito to do more
lii'lore daylight Kay and a iiia jority of others opposed
this, and without delay the coirniiand was ordered
forward. When the cavalry pickets wen^ reached,
the raiders were challenged, hut hy a <|uick dash
they caj)tured the pickets before a ^nu could be
Ihvd. The c()untersi<:;n, ''JJuH's (Jap," was extorted,
;iii(l with this the Confederates had no dini(ndty in
-('('urinj;' the picket post which was stationed at the
junction of the river road and the old j)ike, just
below iSteele's. Ten men were then detailed to
secure (Jeneral Kelly, and put him in charj^e of
Sergeant Joseph Kuykendall; and ten others to take
(leiieral ('rook, and turn him over to Serjicant. Joseph
L. Vandiver. S^ \<r,^ S. Lynn and (Jharles Nichols
were in the first squad. Lieutenant Fay's duty was to
take a number of men, and destroy the telegraph
linos. The party then rode rapidly along the road
to Green street, down Green street and then leisurely
iicroHS the bridge, and along Baltimore street to the
Biirnum House, bandying words occasionally with
the guards on the street. Halting in front of Bar-
imni's, the headquarters guard was taken in custody,
1111(1 compelled to point out the rooms of General
Kelly and Adjutant Thayer Melvin, both of whom
were aroused from their sleep, and recjuested to dress
^s speedily as possible. The astonished General and
his aid quickly comprehended the situation, and
submitted. Meantime, a similar scene was being
enacted at the Revere House, where General Crook
wa8 sleeping in fancied security. Lieutenant Fay
422
HISTOKV OF OUMUEKLANU.
[iHtJo.
li!ul iilsodoiu'liis workjCoiupk'tolydcHtroN ingtlic olfico
oftiR' iiiilitiirv tcloj^rapli. Ki^Mit of Gonoml KoUy's
l)ost liorHOH, iinioiigst tlieiii his thvoriU', "'Pliillippi,"
were csii)tur(.'(l, iind tlioii t\u) ('onfodorates rodoolVwitli
tlii'ir prisoiKTH, taking tlu> tow-path, and (M'OMsing
at Wiley's Ford. Shortly after thoir departure the
alarm was j^iven, and a company of monnted men
went in pursuit. The fuj^itives were overtaken near
Konmey, and a skirmisli Ibllowed, hut tiie prisoners
were beyond recapture.
CJenerals Hayes, Lighthurn and Duval were in oaiiiii
in the city at the time, hut the Confederates iniving
carried out their plans to the very letter, did not
sto[) to hazard a further harvest of Genei-als. This
event caused much excitement throughout the
country, and was commented upon largely in ever}
direction. The captured officers were sent to Rich-
mond, and shortly afterwards extdiangiMl.
Upon the surrender of General Lee, in A))ril, it
became apparent that the war was virtually ended
The Union men were proud and hap})\ . while the
friends of the Confederacy were corres})ondiiiglv
de})ressed. None of the bitterness betw^een the differ-
ing elements, however, seemed to be obliterated. Tiic
bloody contest was just being terminated, and tiiiir
alone could soften the memory of all the acts and
words that had disrupted the political and social fubrio
of the nation. When the overthrow of the Southern
armies became assured, meetings were held in all
parts of the county, at which resolutions were passed
declaring that those who had left to take up avm^
against the government should not return to reside
isc.r,.]
INCIDKNTS OF TIIK WAR..
42^
iif^'iiin at tlieir old lioiiu's. Cnuluiilly, liowovor, thin
spirit became moditied, and most of those who liad
''one South returned. For sevei'al years there was
little or no intere,r)urse between tlieni and the men
who had remained true to the Union, and not unfre-
(|iicntly vioK'nt discussions and ])ersonal eollisiouH
occurred. The hi,|)s(' ol' time, however, wore away
the sharp edges of Inite, until the soldiers of l)oth
sides became friends again, and neighbors renewed
their triendly relations.
At the eitv election, Mav Sth, the followinji olHcerH
were elected : Mayor. George Harrison ; ( Jonneil-
iiieii. Dr. J. J. Bruce, C. B. Smith. II. Start/man,
(leorge Long, John Young and John li. (.'ruzen.
Early in the summer of 1805, Cumlierland was
ilcsignated a« one of the posts at which troops should
be mustered out of the United States service, in the
Middle r)<'i)artm(Mit. Consequently a number of
'"oldiers and long wagon trains arrived almost daily
during the month of June. A camp was established
by the Fifth United States (-avalry in a grove on the
National lload, three miles west of town. This
iimi]) was laid out with great regularity, and the
iirounds handsomely ornamented with arches, bridges,
&c., and lighted at night by means of large
lamps. Almost as rapidly as they sirrived the troops
were mustered out, paid oft' and sent to their homes.
July 1. — The "Civilian and Telegraph" was pur-
chased by Will H. Lowdermilk. who became there-
after sole editor.
August 14. — Hon. James Smith, Judge of the
'.'ircuit Court, fell dead from his horse, while riding
i«
424
HISTORY CF CUMRERl.ANI), [1805-75.
along the old pike, in the vicinity of Mr. Stcelo's housi".
His (loiitli was the result of disease of the heart.
At the election in Novemher, Daniel Duncan was
elected Sherifl, James (/liisholm, Surveyor; (Commis-
sioners, RoJjert McCulloh. Ashford Trail, R. S. Djiv-
ton, D. IL Friend and S. J. Beach3'.
Hon. George A. Pearre received 2.082 votes for
Judge of the (Circuit Court, and had no opposition.
Before the close of the year 1865, the hist of the
troops departed from Ciunberland, and in the pursuit
of peaceful avocations, a spirit of inn)rovement soon
manifested itself. The merchants began to enlarge,
remodel and beautify their places of business, while
numerous elegant private residences were erected.
On Baltimore street, within five years following tlie
declaration of peace, many old landmarks wore
destroyed, and tlie elegant buildings of Messrs. S. T.
Little, F. Minke, M. M. Kearney. Hopewell Ilebh.
the fine block known as "Merchants' Row." em-
bracing the stores t)f C. (J. Shriver & Co., John F.
Johnson, C. F. Hetzehandothers. were erected. These
were followed by J. B. H. Campbell's, A, M. L. Bush's.
the Second National Bank, S. J. Edwards', T. W.
Shryer's, the Reynolds Block, &c. Baltimore street
becoming crowded, Centre street was invaded, and
the elegant furniture rooms of K. H. Butler were
built, after which a new building for t'ae Post Office
followed, and blocks of business houses by M. J
Smenner & Son, O. C. Cephart, and John F. Buck.
The whole space from Baltinujre street to Bedford
street was soon occupied, and this became a bu-j
part of the town. The formation of building iisso-
.5i5!.-:..JB«SSEM&^'"
1800-75.]
IMl'KOVKMKNTS.
425
(iiitions proved a great incentive to jioor men to
secure homes for tlieinselves.
In 1.8(>7 tiie city authorities gave to the Baltimore
;iii(l Ohio Raih'oad C()mj)any iO acres oi" huid in
South Cumhcriand, upon which to erect rolling mills,
tor which land ^1^8.000 of bonds were issued. The
construction of these mills resulted in the employ-
ment of nearly 800 men. in consequence of which
there was a rapid increase of population, and a great
ileniand for houses. Real estate advanced in price
til figures never before thought of iu the town, and
hundreds of new d'^ellings were erected. Maryland
avenue and half a dozen other new streets east oi"
the railroad were rapidly built up, and ('umberland
oiijoyed a brief season of gi-eat prosperity. The
iiiilroad com});iny erected and opened the Queen City
Hotel, a magnificent establishment, which cost more
than $300,000. Th(> old depot at the Baltimore
street crossing was torn dov/u, and the station
removed to the new hotel.
The city authorities caught the infection, and in-
augurated several much needed improvements. The
necessitv which hijd huig existed for a satisfactorv
system of water works was now fully recogni/ed, and
ill 1870 a committee, consisting of Mayor I-owe.
W. A. Piatt, F. M. Omitt, and Georg(> II. Myers, of
the City Couacil ; James M. Schley and Asa Willison,
'*i the Water Board; T. L. Patterson, engineer;
Dr. S. P. Smith, W. E. Weber and Will II. Lowder-
iiiilk, was sent by the city to Dayton. Ohio, for the
purpose of examining into the merits of the II0II3'
''vstem of wat(T su})ply and fire protection, in use at
64
t«
1 !
42()
HISTOUy OF CUMBKRLANf).
[isi;(
»-/.).
tliiit place. TIk' (•oiniiiittco ivported ununimouslv
in favor ol' that character oC water works, and the
city at once entered into a contract with tlie Messrs.
Holly for the construction of the necessary niachiiicrv.
and issued IflOO.OOO of bonds to meet the expenses.
In 1871 the works were completed, and thev are still
in successful operation. A year later a bridge was
built over the Potomair river to connect the city with
West Virginiii, and shortlv afterwards two bridges
were built over Will's Creek. In 1S74 the erection
of :i new City Hall was commenced, and it was com-
pleted in 1876.
The buildinu is of brick, having a !inissive. loftv
and striking exterior. Its length on ('(Mitre street
is 12(1 feet: on Libei'ty street 115 feet; deptli on
Frederick street 104 feet: on Ik-dford street 80 feet:
height to s([u;ire of building i't'l feet; to cresting 7S
feet; to top of tower 140 feet.
The ground lloor is occupied as a market, havin;:
a superficial area of more than 10,000 feet.
Above the markei the building is divided into two
distinct parts by corridor thirteen leet in width.
which also accommodates the stairways. On the
north side of the corridor are the (\)uncil Chamber.
Mayor's oHice, Clerk's oilice. and committee room.
Tlies.^' occuj)v the second floor. TIk' rooms are
handsomely frescoed. and the Council Chamber, wliieli
is 50 by 88 feet, in si/e, is furnished with desks of
black walp.nt. On the third tloor are three room!',
us. by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows:
while the u[)per tloor supi)lies a full suit of elegant
rooms for the Masonic fraternity, the lodge room
niJissivi.', lol'U
('(Mitro stivcl
'ot; (U'ptli on
f*treet 80 feet:
to erestin"; "S
,. lodj^e room
CITY HALL AND ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
vtMtfiw^j; 'aaimmaaais-aiia'aaiaMakMi
,^
■Sfl
01
bu
W(\
feo
the
■see:
the
Tlu
ing
is a
■surr
D
iiien
18(iO-7r).]
THK CITY 11AM.
427
being 60 feet long, 40 Feet wide, and 18 leet high.
The south .side of this edifice, above the market, is
devoted entirely to the purposes ol'ainusenient, and is
known as the ''Academy of Music." It is elegant in
ill! its ap[)ointments, and is one of the most beautiful
interiors to be found in any phice oi' amusement in
the country. The ceiling is a work of art. upon
which was expended the skill of the best |)ainters in
the einplov of Emmart & Quartley, of Baltimore.
The lower Hoor of the Academy is divided into the
•Orchestra." and "Oichestra (circle," and is supj)lied
witii nearly oOO patent folding chairs. The next
Hoor is the ''Dress ('ircle," and above this the
"Balcony." The balcoiiies are sui)])orted by hand-
some iron columns, and the fronts are of iron open
ornamental work, in soft colors, picked with gohl,
and a vermilion background. The "Sunlight" re-
tlector in the centre of the ceiling illumines the house,
but is supplemented by handsome brackets on the
walls.
The dimensions of this room are: from the door to
the curtain ()6 feet; width 62 feet; to the ceiling 43
tint ; stage 81 feet deep and 30 feet wide between
the boxes, the entire width being 62 feet; the [)ro-
sceniii?n is 27 ftt»t in height to the crown of the arch;
there are four private boxes, two on eitlier side.
The drop curtain is a handsome [)ainting, represent-
ing the "Decline of (Jarthage." On the apron border
is a faithful portrait of Shakespeare, with suitable
surroundings.
Dressing rooms, with water, lieat and all conve-
niences occupy a portion of the space under the
428
IIISTOHV (»!' (UMHKKLANI). [18G0-7.").
stage, jiiid a door leads dire(;tly IVoin the stage to a
eomfortahle room for the "stars."
The entire house is lieated l)y stiMun, tht; arraiifrc-
inents iK'iug such as to ;^uarantee a coinrortiibk'
tein{K'ratiire in the most extreme weathtM*.
The Building ('onunittee, under whose eare tliis
structure was erected and oom[)leted, were, li. W.
Floirman, chairman.; J. B. II. (Jamphdl, Jesse Korns.
Josiah II. (Jordon and F. Haley. The arcliitect was
Frank F. Davis, of Baltimore, and the contractor,
J. B. Walton.
The Academy was opened Tuesday night, March
7, 1S7(), under the auspices of .John T. Ford, when
his comi)any presented "•The Big Bonanza," and a
heautii'ul address was delivered by Frederick 15.
Warde.
The (vountv CtHnmissioners beinu' impressed with
the necessity of furnishing increased accommodations
for the Courts and their various ollicers, in 1872.
caused the old (vourt Mouse to lx> entirely remodeled
and enlarged, at a cost of about $50, 000, and thercbv
secured a handsome, commodious jind complcti'
structure, in every way suital)le for the j)urp()seH to
which it is dedicated. They also built a new jail, in
the rear of the (Jourt House, the old one. adjoiniiiii
the Avademy, being afterwards demolished.
The dei)ressing effects of the fniancial (crisis wliicli
began in 1878, were not felt until a year or two later,
in Cumberland, but then every branch of busine* ^_
was blighted, and nuich sulfering followed. The
dosing of the rolling mills was particularly disastroui*. T"
Real estate? depreciated in value to an alarming *
"w^jV liW^M >3W5"j>. *J<V — ^»j-l
I8(i(')-7G.]
CITV OFKK'KHS.
429
the st'.ijiio to a
extent, and linndrcds of houses were un()cen))ie(l;
bankrupts ))eeiune numerous, and dozens ol" persons
wilt) had ahnost secured homes finally' h)st them.
In common with all parts of the eountry, Cumher-
laiid was a sufVerer.
in May, ISO!), tlie ''Transcript," a (hiily news-
|)ii|)er, was estahlished, hj Will II. Lowdermilk, and
was puhlished lor three months, when it was
;ibandoned, hec^ause ol" the ill health of the editor.
in April, 1871, the "Daily News" was estahlished,
by Charles, Kanagin & Co. It was afterwards sold to
George ('harles and Henry J Johnson; and eventu-
ally they dissolved partnership, the paper going into
the sole possession of Ilejiry .1. .lohnson.
In the same year the "Daily Times" was estah-
lished, Llo\(l \j. Clary being the editor. Alter his
death, it vvjus continued by T. F. Mc(yardell and J(jhn
liioyderick, and was linally discontinued in LSTl).
The (ollowing is a list of the county and city
itllioials from 18(»() to 1870 :
May 14, 180(). — Mayor, John Ilumhird; Council-
iiR'ii. F. Mertens, Asa VVillison. Fnuicin Haley,
Andrew Gonder, (leorge Long and Georg ? W.
Hoover.
Novendjer G — State Senator. Dr. C. II. Ohr ; Dide-
I'lites to Legislature, (>harles Gilpin, William R.
McCulley, S. M. Ilaller, D. (J. Bruce and Geor^re W.
McCulloh. For (Jomptroller, Robert Bruce received
2.410 votes, and W. .1. Leonard 2,292. For Congress,
Francis Thomas received 2,;i76 votes, and Williain
P. Maulsby 2,308.
The State Senate unseated Dr. Ohr, and gave
i:]i)
HISTORY' OF CUMHKULANI). [18()7~7().
his seat to Alfred Spates. The House unseated
('hiirle.s nilj)in, inid gave liis seat to William Dovco-
IIIOII.
Mjiy 13, I8(>7. — Mayor, John Iluinbird; Cdiiiicil-
ineii. A. J. ('lark, Asa Willisoti, llemv (lerdeiriiui.
Andrew Clonder, Win. O. Sprig';;, and (leorge VV.
Hoover.
November 5. — Cliiel' Jiidgtf, Hichard Alvov:
Associate Judges, Thomas l*erry, Wm. iMotter; Statf
Senntor, Alfred S})ates ; Delegates, (i. VV. MeCiilloli.
Anthony Kean, Wm. Deveemon. Noidi Trind)lo, Iv
(J. Ilidl. Clerk of ('ourt, Horace liesley ; Slierid'.
Hanson Willison; State's Attorney, (Jharles 15. Tlniis-
ton; Register of Wills, F.lijah Fuller; .hKlgcsof
()r[)lnins' Court, John Coulehan, Patrick Ilamill iiiid
John M. Buchanan. County (V)mmissioners, Wm,
IJrouning, John Farridl, Wm. l^arnard. H. Shirclill.
and Daniel Frazee. Surveyor, W. M. Owens
May 11, ISfi.S. — Mayor, John llund)ird; Couiicil-
men, Frederick Mertens, Jas. H. Percy, A. J. Clark.
F. M. Offutt, A. Willison, F. M. Granilich.
At the election in November, the vote in Alk'g!iii\
was, for President, (irant 2,428, Seymouj' 2.7JI
For (Vmgress, Patrick TIamill 2,702, Daniel Wcistl
2,421. Ilamill was elected to Congress by a majoritv
of 580.
Ma3' V), 18()9.- -Mayor, Lloyd Lowe ; Counciliiieii.
J. B. Walton, John Bauer, J. J. McHern-y, W. W
McKaig, Jr., J. J. Bruce, John Weible.
State Senator, Alfnid Spates; Delegates to tin
Legislature, John M. Standish, Geo. Myers, Tici,
Pfercy, Anthony Kean, James Wilson.
|8(»9-7r).] CITY AND COUNTY OFKICKHS.
4:n
(youiity CtmimissiomTs, Israel Tlionipson, Williiini
nrowiiiii*^, ^licliiU'I Niiughton, William McCull()ii;^li,
Adiun (Jarin;i:('r. ShcrifT. (K>i)rjj^u Iia,yina!i. Siirvevor.
William Arnistroiijr.
May lo, 1(S70. — Mayor, Lloyd liowo; (JouiKnlincn.
.liuiics H. Walton, Fmlcrick MertciiH. F. M. (Ml'iitt.
Win. Piatt, K. M. (Iramlich, George 11. Myers.
The (.!o)igressi()nal eleetioii in November resulted
in the succewH of John Ritchie of Frederick county.
Dciiioerat, over John K. Smith, of ('arroll <rounty.
Ilcpuhlican, In a nnijority of 1,818. The vote stood
Allegany county. Hitehie 15,848; Smith 1,081);
Wiisiiington county. Iiitchie ^J.T-jO. Smith •),284 ;
Frederick county, Ritchie 4,7ot), Smith 4,(»(»4; Car-
roll county. Ritchie 2,tM)(t, Smith 2,-558.
May 8, 1871. — Mayor. Win. Piatt; (.'ouncilmen.
John R. Widener, 11. Bloonienour, James II. Percy,
A. I. Walt( n. S. P. Ilarhaugh. and Henry (Jerdeman.
November 7. — (Jeorge A. Peari-e was elected
Associate Judge ol the Circuit (>ourt, by a majority
of 2,015. D(degates to the Legislature, Dr. (!. K.
Porter, Jolin Coles, Charles Young and Jasj)er
Hobinette. SherifK R. L. CJross. State's Attorney.
William J. Read. Judges ol' the Orphans' (Jourt.
William R. McCulley. John Coulehan, [li>ton 1).
Long. County (Commissioners, A. C. (Jreene, Ashfbrd
Trail. William R. Reall, S. L Townshend, George
llcnschlein Surveyor, T. L. Patterson.
May l:i, 1872. — Mayor, John B. Widener; Council-
"KMi, W. A. Withers, Alexander McFerran, Francis
Haley, Henry Shuck, Jesse Korns and C. F. Hetzel.
November 5 — The election for Congressman in
432
IIISTOKV OF CUMHKKLAND. [1872-70.
the Sixth District roHultt'd in the choico of Lloyd
Lownck'H, Jr., Ropuhlicaii. of AIh'<^jiii y county, over
.lolin Ritchie, I )eniocr{it, of Frederick county, by a
luivjority of 1,715. Tlie vote .stood, Allejianv,
Lowndes, 3,011; Ritchie, 2,()4r». Washiiijitoii.
Lowndes, •5,(330; Ritciiie, 3,385. Frederick, Lowndes.
4,81)2, Ritchie, 4,091). Montgomery, Lowndes, 1,920;
Ritchie, 2,213.
In Jsinuary, 1872, a number of persons Hvinj^- in tlic
western portion of Allegany county [)resented to
the Legislature a petition, praying for a division of
the county, and the formation of a new county,
whii'h should comprise all of Allegany lying west
of a line extending from the middle of SaviiL'c
river, where it empties into the Potomac river,
north twenty-six miles to a point on the top of
Savage Mountain, wlujre said mountain is cro.swd
by Mason and Dixon's line. The Legislature passed
an act authorizing the voters living within the limits
of the proposed new county to vote upon the ({uestioii
of the division, as also upon the location of the county
seat. At the regular election in November the l)allot
was taken. Oakland, Grantsville and Mcllenrys
Glades were the competitors for the county seat.
The vote in favor of the new county was 1,297:
against it, 405. For the county seat Oakland
received 653 votes, Grantsville, 590, and McHenryV
Glades, 450, In the following year, the new county of
Garrett (so named in honor of John W. Garrett.
President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Com-
pany) was formed, and the county seat was located
at Oakland.
1873-70.] CITY AND COUNTV OFFICEKS.
433
May 12, 1873.— Mayor, W. A. Witliors ; Council-
men, F. Haley, (jeor«5(j Flurslmtz, Ilonry Korns,
J()S('i)li II. Ways. Aloxander McForran, and George
Uossworin.
November 4. — State Senator, Thomas G. McCul-
loli : Delegates, ( ■. 15. Waek, Williai ^^race, John
Weir and James Park. Clerk '»' 'm-1 Tlu'odore
Liimau. Register of Wills, C. C. ftmiver,''' SherifT,
Jiimes C. Lynn. ('ounty (-onnnissioners, A. C.
(Ireene, Ashford Trail, H. L. Turner, William R.
IVail jind CJeorge Keusehlein. Surveyor, Daniel
Chisholm.
A new charter was adopted for the city, in January,
by the Legislature, whereby the city was divided
i 'to six wMrds. and each ward authorized to elect
two members of the ('ity C(mn(;il, one to be elected
t'iich alternate }ear. At the election held on the
IHth of May, 1874, the t)(licers chosen were as fol-
lows, a full board of Councihnen being elected, one
liom each ward to retire from oUice at the expira-
tion of one year ; the others to serve two years from
date of election :
Mayor, Wm. R. McCulley; Councihnen — First
Ward, Wm. 0. Sprigg, (leorge Rossworm; Second
Ward, M. Y. Rabold. John Weibel; Third Ward, A.
M. L. Bush, Archer Scott; Fourth Ward, Jacob
Shuck, James T. Hill; Fifth Ward, Wm. M. Price,
Joseph EI. Ways; Sixth Ward, II. D. Black, Francis
Haley.
On the 4th of December Mayor McCulley died,
much regretted by the entire populace of the city,
'Mr. Shriver died October 12, 137S, fcnd Joba Rblnd waa elected to fill the vacanor.
56
:i-
484
iiisTORV or cii.MitKULAN'i). [LsJO-ji;
und John liiiiiibini wan elected to Mil the vjutancy.
May 17, 1875. — Councilineii — First Ward, John
H. Fay; Second Ward, M. Y. Habold ; Third Wiird,
John Mart/,; Fourth Ward, James T. Hill ; Fifth
Ward, Joseph II. Ways; Sixth Ward, Peter Kelly.
November 2. — Dele;^ateH to the lA'<i,islatiire, Wm.
O. 8pri<5<:^, George M. Ilawlin<^s, II. R. Atkinson, John
R. Brooke. Countv Commissioners, A. C. Greene.
William R. Beall. George Rensehlein, A. 15. Shiuv.
Ashlord Trail. Judges of Orphans' ('ourt, John
(.■oulehan, Robert Bruce, (J. Slack. Register of
Wills. John Rhind.''' Sherifl', John (t. Bauer. State's
Attorney, A. Hunter Boyd. Surveyor, John Schaidt.
May 16, 1870. — Mayor, W. A. Withers; Council-
men : First Ward, A. Sj)ier ; Second Ward, John
Weibel ; Third Ward, F. Foghtnian, J. G. Greenfield;!
Fourth Ward, Jacob Shuck, George W. Cromwell;!
Fifth Ward, E. M. Bynon; Sixth Ward, George W.
Morgan.
November 7. — The candidates for Congress were
William Walsh, of Cumberland, Democrat, and
Louis E. McCJonias, oi" Ilagerstown, Republican.
The vote was as Ibllovvs : (Jarrett county, Walsh
950, McComas 1,020; Allegany, Walsh 3,110, Mc-
Comas 8,304 ; Washington, Walsh 3,893, McComiis
3,986; Frederick, Walsh 4,921, McComas 5,305:
Montgomery, Walsh 2,853; McComas 2,098- j
Walsh's total vote 15,727, McComas 15,713.
The following is a list of the Postmasters, at Cum-
berland, with date of appointment in each case, since
♦Elected to till vacancy occuMi<'nfd by tlie death oft". ('. Hliriver.
tTo serve unexpired term of < -eorue Man/., rehitriied.
tTo serve unexpired term o( J. T. Hill, resifjned.
u i_ r\
kch case, since
ALLEGANY COUNTY ACAL'EMV.
484
H1ST(^WY OF ClJNfBKkLAND.
n
*,?■>
and .loriri HuiMbiid w;u^ elected to llll th«
May ITj l87r).-~(^'our.cilmen- — First W-
0. Fay; Second Ward, M. Y. Rabold; Tiir-
John Martz; Fourth Ward, James T., H
Ward, Jost^ph II. Ways; Sixth Ward, Pel*?*?
Xovemljer 2. — Delegates to tb^ Ijegialat
(>. Spring, George M. llawliug-8, 11. R. Atkii;!*
R, IJrooke. Conntv Comraissionert*, A. *
W'lliam R. Beal!. Georpe Reiischlein, A. *'< »
AshCon^ Trail. JudgeM of OrplnmH' Co'
Goulehan, U«<k;rt Bruce, C. Slack. ' E
Wills, J<.hn Iihii)d.='^ Sheriff. John G. Bau*
Att4>rney, A. Himtfisr Boyti. Surveyor, Joh
Mflv It?, i87(l^Mftvw, W. A. Withen<
auii: F'wM Ward, .•\ , .Sj»i' r; St cond ^^'
Weibel; 'I nir.) VV.s.d, V. FouiinTiau, .1. (i. ■ >
Fourth Warrlj J" job Shuck, George W. < • -t-
i^'ift)] Ward. K. M. Byn< n : Sixth Ward, (.- : .
Morii;.!!
N' V: HilH r \ - i\iv <*andidat*;s lor tJoii]L'i'S""<* h.^
V\ ill- tn^ Wji'.idi. ftf Ciuiberlahd, Deui./' r*;. v*
L*u F. Me(JoniaH, of I lagerstowu, B'* ''
t% ote was as follows: Gar.^ett eorr'
'. ti vieOoinaH i,02(); Aliejamy, Walj^h ^ ^
Curnas ':,HOi; Wasb.ngt.ia. Walsh ^,^1?.. ..;■!<-
M98(>. Frederick, Walt*h l,92J, McCmy^^H •
Montgomery, Wakh 2.853; McOou;.* 'iJ^V
Wal^hVi total vote Fj.727. M!'*'(»maH 15;Vi »
The tbl lowing is a list ol the PostTnaHJ^ifM, iit ^"
heriand. withdat-e of ap]>ointiiieut in {-aeh caiH . ■
■fe
W'
*r:-»««*>.J ui fill vBCknoy oo»»i"r.«.!i bv Uifi aeaiii of r. v
ttttjKtvn luiocplicd tc m of Hf.^ii((f vlui!/, ri!i>iAB<>d.
T^a*^' ' aiiiired term ol '. I. Hui,ft((i''i,(.)l.
iS'j^fe'a.WS gf rf 4 -■fc-.t-
,.1^ * . -i^MTW.
"^^
COURT HOUSE
•4t5»^*,
,^lf>
'ittiW
ALLEGANY COUNTY ACADEMY.
-^itltfjlfr ♦!".-*Sfcl^,Vj>t;
s
■I,
'.eii
roST.MASTKUS AMI ATT(tKNKYS.
485
thr ostablislniiciit of tlie Post-oflicc .Tiiniiarv 1st.
17!) 5:
Chiirlos P. Urondhanf laiuuvry I. 1795.
KrfiK^ S. I'iirmun Inly 1, IHO'i.
Siuniif'I Smith faniiarv 17, 1807.
Ivlwiird Wiiitt Dpcemher 21, 181!».
Siimud MiijriU , Jaiiimry 18, 1820.
.himcs Whilciipad October li», 1821.
.luiiu's 1^. ('ailfton I)p(,'einl)i'r 11, 1827.
l>,iiiiol Wiiicow Febniiiry Ui, 1841.
William i.ynn March o, 1842.
Willinin Lynn, (olHco became Presidential) March 8, 1844.
.Jacob Fecliti>r PVbruary 24, 184(j.
.las. V,. Ma^rniw May !), 1849.
Wm. A. Taylor lime 1. iHr^'A.
Samuel II. Taylor AufiustlU, 1858.
(ieo. A. Iloff'maii .March 27, 18G1.
•lobn H. Voiinjr April 11, 18(i5.
Will II. I.owdermilk May l.'{, 18(;9.
11. ,1. .Johnson March I. 1878.
The ibllowiug is a list of Attorneys iit Law ad-
mitted to practice at tlu Allegany County Bar:
Names.
1). Wci.sel,
John McNeill, .Ir.,
Pimiel Clarke, Jr.,
lolin T. M'jBurbridge,
M. IJrown,
lohn Taylor,
ileorsje Magruder,
K, Giiither,
S. Huijhes, .Jr.,
Iiiliu Johnson,
Jnliii Miller,
Ro),'er Perry,
I.eiinx Martin,
^Vilijiiin ClaKctt,
Joseph VVegley,
It. Semiuea,
Samuel Price,
\Villiain SprigK,
Jai'ol) Najijle,
Williiini G. IJrowii
I •' L. .Sample,
T. Murdoch,
I'Mrick Majfruder,
i'iliis I'lm!,
iThomius Thistle,
lii'orge J'riee,
llezia Davitt^c,
|l!mii> S. rigman,
J'llin IhuiHon Thomas,
!* Selbv,
l>ate(it
Adnii.ssion
Names.
I Samuel G. Hartley,
I V. M. Kandall,
1 John Jiavis, .Jr.,
I Edward McDonald, Jr.,
I William W. McKaig,
! William Thistle,
Dec. 1791 11 William Matthews, Jr.,
James Wm. McCulloh,
Edward Sh river,
Dec. 1791 I Hanson H. Pigman,
Elisha C. Wells,
11. Wilson, ,lr,,
Dec. 1791 I H. I?. Tomlinson.
A. W. McDonald,
Benjamin P. Smith,
George A. Pearre,
Jervis Spencer,
William Pitts,
William Motter,
George S(diley,
Charles 11. .r. Pigman,
i George R. ('. Price,
i William Perry,
j Worthinglon lioss,
! Thomson Mason,
' William P. Webster,
j George A. Tliruston,
1 John !•. Dilley,
April 1S02 1 W. Murray Ilollydny,
flee. 1791 i Minor (libson.
Date of
Admission.
Oct.
1834
April
1836
April
'S47
April 1839
ft l(
t(
ti
Oct.
«
1(
April 1840
Oct. "
April 1841
il 1*
Oct.
It
1|
ti
April l.<<42
Oct "
436
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND.
Names.
Tal P. Hlmffiier,
Edward VViirner,
IJptori Laurence,
IL H. Oaither,
John Lyon, of Bedford,
John J. Stull,
R.C. Hollvday,
William Lawrence,
Robert C. fctone,
Robert J. Hrent,
Otlio Shrader,
Junies Whair,
P. \Vorthingtoi>,
.losiah Espy,
iJeal Howard,
Richard HrookH.
Cht'ston Riiit;^otd,
D. Raymond,
Phil B. Street,
James Dixon Roinuu,
Thomas B. Pottenger,
Upton S. Reid,
George H. Balch,
H. ^L Brackeuridge,
James Carson,
George G. Ross,
John M. Fordiek,
I>an Hughes, Jr.,
Robert Swann,
James M . Riddle,
M. Wallace,
Moses Tabb,
William Magrncler,
Brice W. Howanl,
T. r. McKaig,
James P. C'arleton, Fr.,
J. D. Yore,
James M Russell,
John A. .1, Kil)^our,
Joseph B. Fayes,
J. hi. Palmer,
Simuel M. Semmes,
William Price,
Arthur Shaaff,
John Tod,
David G. Yost,
Zadok Magruder,
J. E. Barclay,
William J. Ross,
D. Forward,
Thomas Perry
C. Forward,
Loxley H. Thistle,
J. McMahon,
George Swearingen
Culh. Powell, Jr.,
Jara'>8 Smith,
W. J. Naylor,
William Matthews,
W. V. Buskirk,
Date of
Admission
AprrfT843
tt 41
April ISIM
Oct. 1803
April 1805
Oct, 1801
Names.
Oct. 1816
Oct. 1817
April LSI 7
Oct. 1816
April 1818
Frederick A. Schley,
William Schley,
.1. Dixan,
.John ('. Graff',
.lohn M . Br'Wer,
.M. Tophitm 1 Ivans,
I harles ('. McCulloh,
E. t". (luest,
.1. P. Romiin,
.lames H. Bevans,
.J. H. Gordon,
J. Miirshsill.
N. t'arroll Mason,
J. H ClayMudd,
VV. G. Van Lear,
Charles B, Tliruston,
Cieorge H. Hickman,
.-\inelins Steele,
L. M, Barclay,
.■\ndrew VV. Kercheval,
Thomas C. (ireen,
Thomas Devecmou,
Cliiirles F. Mhyer,
Andrew Slerell RiW\'ely,
(}. 15. M. Price,
Henry \V. Hoffman,
Jacob Brown,
.\loii/.() Berry,
Aza Heall,
J. M.Schley,
.Andrew E. Kennedy,
William liaird,
Joseph \. Chaplin,
Thomas A. Hopkins,
William Kilgore,
.io^eph Sprigg,
Hopewell Hel)b,
(Jeorge Hebb,
F. S. Hobliizell,
Daniel hi.icher,
Henry Price,
Michucl Unibaugh,
John A.Dilte,
Joseph A. Wick&s,
Richard IL Alvey,
.lohn McCarty,
Theodore Brace,
Churles B. Pearre
Samuel Smith,
Wm. McClay Hall,
S. W. Downey
Jairus W Robinette,
.lohn L. Thomas,
William Walsh,
Heniy Bruce,
William Johns Read,
William Devecmou,
Peter Devecmou.
J, Fraik Seiss,
Joseph A. Obhill,
Date of
AdmisHioD.
April 'm
Oct. 1S:'7
April \m
184-1
Oct. 1844
II II
April 1845
Oct. 1X4.-)
April lS4t)
April 184(:
April 1847
April 1847
Julv 1847
Oct. 1847
Oct 1847
April 1M8
April 1848
May 1848
May 1848
Nov. 1848
Nov. 1848
April 1849
Oct. 18n0
Oct. 1851
April 1854
Oct. 185)
Nov. 18J<)
Oct. 185:1
1852
April 1852
June
iS52
Jau
\m
il
1854
tl
1855
Ap-i
1855
May
18.li)
Feb.
185;t
April
1859
Oct
1859
Apri
IKiij
Oct.
18ii:i
Oct.
1855
Apri
1*
11
1865
II
ti
Jan
11
11
1856
l(
11
18C0
■.■-■iS'v^lv^^-M.'lV-
JUDGES.
437
Date of
AdinisHion.
h,
April '835
Oct. 1SI!7
April 1843
Oct. 1844
April 1845
Oi't. IHli
April 181t>
April 1841'
m,
April 1H47
lU,
April 1847
Jiilv 1847
Oct. 1847
eval,
Oct 1847
.\pril 1H8
»>
' April 184S
i Miiv 1848
idKely
, May 1848
Nov. 1848
U),
' Nov. 1848
April 184'.!
Oct. 1850
11 >•
edy,
1. 11
Oct. 18M
ti.
April 18.>l
iii.»,
Oct. 1851
Nov. lU
Is,
Btte,
LeiKi
lou,
Oct. 1853
1852
April 18.^2
June i*>5'
Jau.1853
" 1854
" 18.i5
Ap'il 18''^
May 18.^1)
Feb. 1859
April 1859
Oct 1859
April IKiS:!
Oct. 18iK
Oct. 1855
April 181)0
"^1. 1'
Jan. 1856
" 18fi0
Names.
Uicharii T. Seinines.
J. J. McHenry.
Thonms I. McKaig, Jr.,
William M. Price,
Fenliiiiuid VVilliains,
James L. Vallaiidi^ham,
T. Cook Hus;hey,
.\. ri. HliU'kistoii,
I). .Imnes Blackiston,
Maurice A- Healey,
U ("hew Jones,
jyjiiyil Lowndes, ,Ir..
Clarendon Tate,
Uilliani II. Caiiill
Thomas E (ionder.
.laiiies M. Heall,
Robert W. McMicbael,
S. A. Oox.
John B. Fav,
\V. H. Resiev,
\. H (jonder,
Jiitnes Forsyth Harrison,
rharles Brown,
A. Heall McKaig,
Date of
Admission.
Jan. 1800
April 186t)
Oct. 1866
Jan. 1807
Oct. 1867
Jan. 1868
April 1868
June 1868
Oct. 1868
Nov. 1868
Jan. 186<t
Feb. 18(i!»
ti i i
Oct. 1869
Jan. 1870
April 1870
Names.
Date of
I Admission.
J. W. Wolf
GilmoreS. Hamill,
A. Hunter Boyd.
William Brace, Jr.,
John M.Ilead,
O.scar O. Oetzendanner,
B. F. M. Hurley.
Wm. M. (joldsborough,
J. I). Ludwii;.
Robert H Gordon,
Dwi)j;ht McCleave,
Benjamin A. Richmond
John S, Grove,
John E. Semmes,
.lamem A Mcllenry,
David W. Sloun,
T. F. Candler,
Johns .Mct'leave,
Will S. Bridendolph.
Robert McDonald,
W. J. Raven.scriift,
H. C. Brace,
James K. Ellegood,
N. E. Fuller.
Jan.
1871
Oct
1871
Sept
1871
Oct.
1871
Jan.
187-2
April 1872
.Fan.
187.3
April 187:1
Oct.
1873
II
(1
Jan
1874
It
April
1875
Oct.
1S75
Oct.
1876
May
1877
Oct.
1877
July 1878
il
H
tt
It
It
It
Oct. 1878
JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT.
For more than seventy years the Bench in this Judicial District has been
'listingui.^hed lor its pre-eminent ability, and is to-day, one of the ablest in
ihe country, being conifiosed of their Honors. R. H. Alvey, Chief Judge;
(ieorge A Pearre and Wm. Motter, Associate .Judges.
Richar<l Potts was appoiuled Chief Justice of this District, October 15,
170(); Wm. Craik, A-sociaie, October 20, 1801; Wm. Claggett, January 28,
1802. In 1806, John Buchanan was appointed Chief Judge, upon the death
of Judge Potts; and Abraham irihriver succeeded Judge Craik. Judge Clag-
uett then died, and Roger iSelson succeeded him, in May, 1810; and upon his
de»th,in 1815, Thomas Buchanr.n wa.s appointed. In 1843, Richard H.
Marshall succeeded Judge Shriver; and in 18-14, Samuel M. 'Semme» was
appointed to succeed Judge John Buchanan, but a succeeding Senate of
opposite politics declined to confirm him, and in 1845 Robert N. Martin was
appointed. In October, 1847, Judge Thomas B .chanan died, and Daniel
Weisel succeeded him.
Under the constitution of i860 the office of Judge became elective, each
county having but one Judge, and Thomar: Perry was elected to the Bench
in Allegany in 1851, serving until the adoption of the constitution of 1864,
when a new election was held, and James Smith was chosen. Judge Smitb
died suddenly in August, 1865, and George A. Pearre was appointed to fill
the vacancy, and elected to the same position in November, of thut year. In
1867, the constitution was again changed, and three judges required for each
District; in compliance with which Richard H. Alvey was elected Chief
Jud^e; Wm. Motter, and Thomas Perry, Associate'^. In 1871, Judge Perry
died, and Judge Pearre was elected to fill the yacancy.
d:
5?^. tl •• ** . k-
THE CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO OANAL
From I ho rtimbeilaiid CivlliaD.
On Thiir.sday, the J 0th of Octi)bei', 1850, the open-
ing of the (Jhesa])eake and Ohio Canal, for eontinuous
navigation from Cumberland to Alexandria, was
commemorated at this place with appropri.'ite cere-
monies. After undergoing unparalleled vicissitudes
of fortune^, this great work has been at length
consummated. It cannot, therefore, be inappropriate
to record with some degree of detail the incidents of
a day that ushers into existence a new era in the
history of Western Maryland.
On the day previous, a large number of gentlemen
arrived in (Jumberland to participate in the approacli-
ing ceremonies. Among them we may mention
General James M. Coale. President; and Messrs.
John Pickell. William Cost Johnson, William A.
Bradly. George Schley, S. P. Smith, Directors of the
(^anal (Company; Ex-Goveirnor Sprigg, General Tencli
Tilghman and J. Vanlear, Esq., state agents ; thr
Hon. William D. Merrick, late U. S. Senator from
Maryland ; Jolin L. Skinner, Esq., editor of " The
Plough, the Loom, and the Anvil ," Henry Adisoii.
Esq,. Mayor ol" Georgetown ; together with a number
of g(3ntlemen from various parts of Maryland am!
Virginia.
These gentlemen came by the invitation of the
(Janal Company, and were properly received ami
entertained by them.
CIIKSAI'EAKK AND OHIO CANAL.
4?.!)
lANAL
0, the open-
r continuous
an<1ria, was
(ipriiit(; core-
vioissitudos
,1 at lengtli
nappropriatc
? incidents ol
v^ era in tin-
of gentlemen
the approach-
nay mention
and Messrs.
William A
rectors ol' tlu'
'.(iieral Tc'icli
agents; tk
Senator IVoivi
iov of "The
lenrv Adison.
nth a number ^
laryland am'
litation of tlic
received awl
Along with Colonel John Pickell, and under his
direction, came the splendid hand of the Independent
Blues of Baltimore, who, soon after their arrival, made
tlieir appearance in the portico of the U. S. Hotel,
and electrified an immense multitude of our citizens
with their unsurpassed instrumental performances.
The presence of this band was a most happy con-
(•oj)tion.
Tliursday, the day fixed for the celebration, dawned
upon the mountains in all the richness of the early
autumn, and it was evident shortly after the sun had
risen above the hills that the inhabitants of our city
were preparing to do honor to the new epoch in
their history. About half past eight o'clock a
large assemblage had collected in the street before
the United States and Barnum's Hotels. In a
short time the Eckhart Artillery, Captain Davidson,
with a })atterv of two handsome pieces, arrived, and
performed various military evolutions in a manner
that would have done credit to a veteran corps.
At nine o'clock the procession was formed, the
Eckhart Artillery in front, escorted by the band of
the Baltimore Blues, the distinguished visitors,
olfieers of the Canal Company and State agents fol-
lowing in the rear. Behind these w'ere the Mayor
and Councfl of the town of Cumberland, and in their
rear an immense number of the citizens of Allegany.
I'scorted by the Mechanics' Band of Cumberland.
The procession marched through the streets in the
ilirection of the canal. locks, gathering numbers as it
advanced to the inspiring strains of music, until,
when that point was reached, there was an immense
•^.1
440
HISTOIiY OF CUMBERLAND.
asaemblago of all ages and sexes, congregated to do
honor to so proud an event in the history oi' AUegiiny
county.
AVhen everything had been arranged, five canal
boats, laden with the rich products of the mines of
Allegany, and destined for Eastern markets, wore
passed through the locks, amid the salvos of artillory
from the Eckhart company, accompanied by the
brilliant performances of the bands.
William Price, Escp, then ascended the deck
of one of the boats and delivered the followinir
address :
" I bave been requested by the Mayor and Council, on behalf of the
people of CHniberliuid, to welcome to their city, the President and
Directors of the ('hesiipeake and Ohio Caniil Compiiny. the iii,'ent.s of tin-
State, and the distinguished vi.'fitors who have honored us on this oecii-
sion with their presence, (lentlenien, I bid you nil a hearty and a conliai
welcome, and confjratulutc you upon the event we are assembled to
celebrate.
Many of us were youna; when this jrreat work was commenced, ami
we have lived to see its completion, only because Providence has pro
lonjred our lives until our heads are jrrey. l)urinjr this interval of four
and twenty years, we have looked witii eager an.xiety to the proirress of
the work up the valley of the Potomac. That proj^ress has been slow-
often interrupted and full of vicissitudes. At times the spectacle of
thousands of busy workmen has animated the line of the work, when, to
all human calculation, no cause was likely to intervene to prevent its
early completion, iiut when we have turned to look at the scene again.
it was all chanjied ; contractors and laborers had departed and the still
ness of desolation reifjned in their place. Thousands have lieen ruined
by their connection with the work, and but few in this region have had
cause to bless it.
It was natural, perhaps, that things should be precisely as they have
been, both with the enterprise itself, and with the individuals whose
fortunes have been connected with it. The uncommon majrnitude, and
the uncommon finish of the work, may be regarded as cause sufficient
for all the alterations and disappointments attending its history. The
reasonings of men, from their experience upon works )f different dimcn
sions and character, might have been expected to lead to disappointment
when applied to a work like this.
Go view those magnificent aqueducts, lockr and culverts, of hewn
stone — those huge embankments, on which you may journey for dayj
down the river; go view the great tunnef passing three fifths of a mile
through rocks, and arched with brick, its eastern portal opening upon a
thorough-cut almost equal in magnitude to the tu.inel its-^lf. Look at
the vessels lying ia that basin, ready to commence the work of transpor
rHESAl'KAKK AND OHIO CANAL.
441
tation, and liirpe tnoujrli t(/ naviirnte tho Atlantic— look at all thesfi
thiiifTS, and then think how soon the fortunes of individuals embarked in
the prosecution of auoh an enterprise would be swallowed up, leaving
upon it but little more impression than the bubbles which now float upon
it? waters. It will not be deemed out of place, if I here e.xpress the
hope, that tlK>se whose losses hav(> been pains of the company, should
nnt ill the hour of its prosperity be forgotten.
It has l)e<Mi frreatly decriei! and grently misunderstood, but it is a
magnificent work, whatever may be said to the contrary. Of its probable
revenues, now that it is completed. T see no reason to distrust the opinions
heretofore enteiiained l)y its friends. And why should it not be as
rofitfible as, from the first, it was expected to be ? Thesanif great coal
ilf))osiis which originally induced its projection, and which have animated
the hopes of its friends, during all the trials and vicissitudes of its history
still lie in these mountains, waitinjr an avenue to market. Its quality
has in no wise deterioralfd. and is ktiown to be such as to give it a
prefoience over every other description of coal on this side of the Atlantic.
The capacity of the canal is practically unlimited. All the coal compa-
nies have their railroads and other mcins of shipment upon the canal,
completed. With such a staple and such an avenue to market, what is
•o limit the emoluments of thi! work? Coal, kowever, is but one item of
iis tnide. And when we look to the agricultural products of Western
Marvlaud, and of tlie contiiruous portions of Virginia and Pennsylvania;
und after all this, add to the account, the ascending trade, consisting of
the merchandize for the supply of *he territory already indicated, and a
share of that destined for the West, it is no exaggeration to say, that the
work will in due time pay off its own debt and leave the State in possession
if a permanent fund, ade(|uate to all her financial wants.
The people of the .State must not be disappointed, if these resul s
■hould be a little longer in coming around, than they may be willing to
mticipate. A full trade cannot ?row up in a day. To carry a million
ons of coal, and there are single companies here competent to ship that
mantity, will require four hundred boats, fifteen hundred men and boys,
mid eighteen hundred horses. It is evident therefore that some time and
» treat deal of capital will be required to put the canal in full operation.
The opening of yonder gates to let through the first boat carrying
freight from Cumberland to tide water, signalizes a happy epoch in the
financial condition of the State. It is the turning point in the history of
ilie canal, and marks the precious moment of time, when this great work
'.cases forever to be a burden upon the tax-payers of Maryland, and
i!''frins to reimburse those who have so long and so patiently borne the
charge of its construetion. Such an event is cause of congratulation to
ihe people of the whole State.
Without detaining you longer, gentlemen, I again bid you a hearty
'teicome to our city."
General James M. Coale. President of the Chesa-
peake and Ohio (Janal Company, then arose and
made the following reply :
V/. Mayor, (jenthnien of the Coui.cil. and ritizen.s of Cuviberland :
We thank you for (his cordial expression of your welcome, and for
tbe congratulations which you have offered to us on '.his auspicious occa-
sion.
56
•U2
JIISTOKV OF CUMHKKI-ANI).
To the ofticera of the cornpimy, who huvo loii;,' toiled for the complc
lion of the (;iuial to Cuniberhiiid, timl to tho Miiryliind State ii;,'('nts who
have so iihly mid f^eiu;roiisly co-operated willi and HUHtainifd them in their
arduous etlbrts, the event we eoniineiiiorate is indeed full oCdeep interesi
and gratiliealion ; l>ut it is also a subject of scarcely less interest, and in
its consc(|ueiices will prove of tar more substantial and enduring import-
anee, to you and to your town. If therefore we have congratulations to
receive, w»; likewise have eC'ngrutulations to return to you.
(ientlenu'U : — It would not be coin|)atible with the brevity due to iin
occasion like this, for ine to dwcdl upon the origin, and the grand desifjn
and object of this company ; nor to trace its interesting antecedents which
carry back the history of its work to a period anterior to the formation ol
the Federal Union, and connects it with the immortal name of the Father
of our country — nor need I recajiilulate the long succession of inisfortiints
and disa|)pointiuents, which, {■ommeiieirig s<t()n after tin." organization of
th(! company, continued to track its progress, step by st<;[), down to the
period in which the measures were adopted, which have this day been
crowneil with success. But it may be proj)er tor me to mention, and 1
will barely allude to the fact that when assistance in no other form could
be obtaineil, and .s a last alternative, the act of the iOth of March, 1H4J,
was passed by the Legislature of Marylatid, waiving the liens of the Sttitc
to a limited extent and upon certain conditions for the purpose o!
enabling the company to finish the canal to Cumberland upon a pledge
of its unencumbered revenues, few men were so sanguine as to believe
that under the then existing circumstances, and in view of ilic
peculiar provisioiih :)f the act, it coidd be made to take effect, or if luaiie
to take effect, that it would prove available and sulheient for the purpose
intended.
We this day present the gratifying evidence that these forebodings
have not been fidfilled. The consummation so long and so devoutly
wished for, has been attained — the hope, so often deferred, and yet still so
perseveringly clung to, has been realized. The Chesapeake and Ohio
Canal, for all the pnrposeH of navigation, isjini»'hed to Cumberland!
It is finished, too, ui)on a mere pledge of its revenues — without the
slightest additional expense to the State of Maryland — by a faithful torn
pliance with the provisions of the act of the HUh of March, 18 to, with all
their conditions, limitations, and restrictions, and in little more than h»ll
the lime allowed by the amendment of the charter adoptcnl at the
preceding session of the Legislature, the act itself being significantly
silent on that subject.
In regard to the losses which, from time to time, have been sustained
by individuals engaged in the prosecution of the work, we express our
sincere regrets ; but we must here; take leave to say, that whatever may
have been the case in former years and in former efforts to bring uboui
the completion, we have the satisfaction to know that in carrying the aci
of 1845 into execution, and in completing the canal to Cumberland, under
and in conformity with its provisions, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Company has entered into no contract, which, on its part, has not
been fully complied with — incurred no debt which has not been promptly
paid according to the terms of agreement — made no engagements whieli
have not been punctually and faithfully fulfilled.
Oentlemen — At the present day the glory of a people consists in
their advance in civilization, and one of the highest evidences of that
advance, is their great enterprises for developing their resources, and
niKsAI'KAKK AND OHIO (\\NA1,.
44:;
[irmnoting Uio pursiiitH of" UHoriil mul produotive iii(lu«try. hi tliiH
rcsjipct Mur3liiiul now occupifM ti |)rmi(i ijOHilion uinotifr l»pr sister
Httttes of the I'liioti, mid, in inoportioii to her populiilioii, iiiiiy fiivor
iilily comporo with any riiilion or pooplf, upon tlio Ihcl' of the enrth.
Anion;? lh« fjrout workH whicli have hot'ii tho ohjeots of her munificent
liatroniif^o, notn* has iittracicd her f'lvor so strongly nor hecu so uni-
tnrmly Hustuined as tiic Clu-sapcake and Ohio Canal. In thi? firKl
instance, she eniharkcd in lliis nohle enterprise cautiously, and not
until she had received what was deemed a sufticient pledge or aHSurunce
from the general government, that it should he regarded as a national
vurk, and that the national trmsury would supply a fair proportional
|iiirl of the amount that would lie rf(|uired to carry it forward and
tnnipUde it to its ultimate destination. Hut when unci! emharke<l, so
liir as the completion of the canal was considered necessary for the
devclopnient of her own resources, Maryland took no step backwards.
In IHii'f, when the suhscrifitions to the capital stoi'k were exhausted.
;inil the work was only finished ftir a distance of one hundred and seven
miles, and stood susiiendrd for want of means, the general government,
iind all the other original parties to the undertaking, save Maryland only,
ijeciined to atfon! further assistance, and, seemingly, ahanilone<l the com
pany to its fate. At that time and at such a crisis, this Stale, "among the
I'liithless faithful only she," firmly fixed her gaze upon its completion to
iliis place, and, in sjiite of all dilliculties and disappointments, steadily
presstid forward to tin accomplishment of her object. She freely con-
iributed her mean.s so long as her credit would permit, and when it failed
ind the company was in the darkest midnight of its misfortunes, hIh-
liid what alone was left her to do — waived her lions on the revenues
'if the canal, to the extent and for the purpose we have mentioned;
and she now has cause to rejoice in the wisdom of the proceeding.
for her object is attained.
Gentlemen- -In her liberal appropriations to works of internal ini
provenients, the State of Maryland has run up, what in this country, and
among a people unused to direct taxation lor the support of government,
is regarded as a very heavy debt. But what does it amount to? From
a statement I have recently seen published, and which 1 believe to be
correct, the whole debt now chargeable on the treasury of Maryland is
less than ten millions of dollars. Why, the national debt of France is
more than one thousand millions of dollars, and the national debt
nf England is upwards of four thousand millions of dollars! And what
have I'^ngland and France now got to show for these immense debts?
Little more than the bloody pages of history which record their bootless
victories and barren conquests. Notwithstanding the vast incidental
resources of these two mighty nations, neither the Frenchman nor the
Englishman can look forward to the day when the debt of their respective
irovernments will be paid off", and his jiersoii and property be relieved
from onerous taxation. Fach bears his burden with resignation during
liisown life, and hands down the gloomy heritage to his children. The
debt of Maryland was contracted for no such destructive or vainglorious
purposes. It resulted from the necessities of her condition to enable her
to keep pace with the progress of civilization, and grew out of the
utilitarian spirit of the age. Under the silent operation of her present
financial and revenue svfitem, the entire amount will be discharged in
some twelve or fifteen years. And, as an offset to this debt, what can
Maryland now exhibit? Why, several great works of internal improve-
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444
IISTORV OK CIMHEKI-ANIJ.
ment, and among them this magnificent canal, which, with its coritinuouH
line of nearly 1 81) milea of deep navigable water, its costly a(|ueduct8,
and stupendous tunnel, will stand as a proud and enduring monument of
her glory — be a source of constantly increasing prosperity and happines,-*
to her people, and in due season, after allowing some just provision to be
made for the meritorious creditors of the company, (which 1 hope will be
done,) pour into her treasury streams of revenue to be divided among the
diflFerent counties, and city of Baltimore, in conformity with the (I4th
section of the act of March session, 1811, chapter 2'.i, or be expended by
tho Legislature in the further promotion of the arts of civilization, in
er.tending and increasing the facilities of trade, and in diffusing the
blessings of education throughout every portion of her limits.
The canal commences its operations under ilatterin<r auspices. The
circumstances which surround and attend the opening of navigation are of
the inost favorable character. Unlike other works, constructed with h
view principally to the coal tr^de, it is not required to await the
slow process of preliminary preparations. It is true that more boats
ought to have been built, but t' is omission can, and we have reason
to believe, soon will be repairer.
The coal mines have been opened, the laborers have been gathered,
facilities of connection with the canal basin have been constructed, and
the coal trade of Allegany is already considerably advanced. Little
more is necessary, than for it to turn to its appropriate channel— the
canal — and go on increasing. Evidence is afforded that this will be done.
The little fleet of boats, freighted with coal, which this morning clustered
around the inlet lock like mettled coursers eager for the tap of the drum,
and which passed in, so soon as the gates were opened, contain more tons
of coal than were carried down by the Lehigh Coil and Navigation com
pany during the first year of their operations.
We still, gentlemen, may hold on to the hope, particularly in view ol
the contemplated improvement of the Ohio, that the general government
will sooner or later redeem its early pledges, and furnish the necessary
means to carry on the canal, by a continuous line of communication, to
the Ohio river, according to the original plan. We may perhaps with
greater confidence expect that the State of Virginia, which has recently
exhibited a revived interest in the success of this company, and has Ji
generously come forward to its assistance, by guaranteeing its bonds to
a limited amount, will contribute efficient aid towards the extension of
the work, by a mixed improvement, from this point to the mouth of
Savage river, with a view to the development of her rich and abundant
coal fields, lying on the .southern aide of the North Branch. And, I have
no doubt, but that the State of Maryland, will cause a connection to be
formed with the city of Baltimore, either by an extension of the canal
through the District of Columbia, or by a lateral canal from some more
northern point, in case it .shall be hereafter found practicable.
But, gentlemen, whatever may be the future fate of this great under
taking, and whether these plans be carried out or not, its advantages, so
far as your immediate and local interests are concerned, are now secured
to you. The guarantees are before you. You have them in that solid
structure which stretches aqross from your town to the Virginia shore
and arrests and gathers together the current of the Potomac, to become
tributary and subservient to your enterprize — in tliat broad, beautiful
sheet of water upon whose deep bosom a merchantman may float— in
that commodious basin which reaches out from the canal to multiply the
'^'^. ••
CHESAl'KAKE AND OHIO CANAL.
445
a
rlicularly in view ol'
ireneral government
Tnish the necessary
■ eomraunicalion.to
may perhaps with
which has recently
company, and tias
teeing its bonds to
lis the extension ot
to the moutli ot
rich and abundant
ranch. And, I have
, a connection to be
^insion of the canal
lal from some more
cticable.
of this great under
it, its advantages, so
ed, are now secured
e them in that solid
Ithe Virginia shore
.'otomac, to become
it broad, beautiful
man may tioat— in
,nal to multiply the
accommodations for business and increase the general facilities of trade
—in that deep navigable communication which connects your wharves
with the wharves of Georgetown and Alexandria, and upon whose placid
surface every man may, at any hour of the day. freely launch bis boat,
iind by merely conforming to regulations established for the general
ifood, and paying a small toll for the use of the improvement, transport
the products of your industry, and the "hoarded labor of your moun-
tains," from your very doors, to the tide water of the Potomac, from
whence they may pass, on "the wings of wind,'" to the ports of the
uttermost pMiis of the earth.
By the side of these eminent advantages stand high responsibilities,
N'ow that these great benefits are confirmed to you, it is your duty to e.'iert
vourselvca to turn them to profitable account, as well for those by whose
means they have been afforded to you, as for yourselves and your pos-
'terity. You must work up your spirit to a full appreciation of the high
destiny that is before you and within your reach. By the opening of the
navigation to Cumberland, and the connecting facilities which exist
hptween this point and the navigable waters of the Ohio, a chain of
improvements, such as was contemplated by General Washington, in
1781, to attract and secure the western trade, is thoroughly consummated.
But vast and wonderful cht»nges, in every respect, have taken place
since his day, and the improvements that were considered sufficient,
and would have been all-sufficient, then, can not be expected to answer,
fully, the contemplated purpose, ?to«\ They will doubtless, however,
king to your town no inconsiderable trade from beyond the mountains.
But the main reliance, both lor the advancement of your own interests,
a';d for the .success ot the canal, must be on the labor and on the liberal
enterprise of the inhabitants, the proprietors of the coal fields, and the
managers of the coal companies of Allegany. It will depend upon
tliem, whether the population and wealth of this county shall be aug-
mented in a degree commensurate with its resources. It will depend
upon them, whether long lines of boats will soon constantly be seen
gliding down that great highway, freighted with the rich treasuren of
vour "Black Indies" which, as an element of national wealth, and the
source and foundation of manufacturing and commercial prosperity, are
Car more important and valuable than the placers of Calfornia, or than
mines of gold and silver.
Gentlemen — your State and county pride — your industry and energy
if character — your interests, present and future, all combine to give
Msurance, that you will not be wanting in the due performance, of the
part that belongs to you, to render your county prosperous, and this
jreat improvement successful. The canal company, on its part, will
cordially cooperate in all proper and just measures, for the attainment
of these objects.
These ceremonies being concluded, the distiii-
giiished visitors, the officers of the company, and a
large number of citizens embarked on the canal
packet "Jenny Lind" and the canal boat "C. B.
Fisk," which had been fitted up for their reception,
and proceeded down the canal, followed by the
446
HISTOKV OF CUMRKRLANr).
Eckhart Light Artillery, with thoir pieces, on another
boat, the coal boats "Southampton," "Elizabeth,"
"Ohio," and "Delaware" — belonging to the Mer-
chants' Lino of Messrs, McKaigand Agnew; and the
"Freeman Rawdon" — belonging to the Cumberland
Line of Mr. Ward — bringing up the rear. The
passage down was agreeably enlivened by the music
of the bands and the firing of canon.
Arrived at a large spring tt*)! miles eaLst of Cum-
berland, the boats halted, and the company havin|i
disembarked, in a short tiiuc retun:"d on board to
partake of an abundant collation prepared by the
committee of the canal company — Messrs. 8 P
Smith, W. A. Bradley, and John Pickell — to which
zest was imparted by a copious supply of the finest
and choicest wines. Having spent some time in
these agreeable divertisements, the fleet of boats wrs
again put into line, and started on their return to
Cumberland, the coal boats proceeding down the
canal towards their destined ports. The return was
accomplished by night-fall, and everything seemed
to have met the most sanguine expectations of those
who joined in the festivities.
Upon the return of the company to Barn urn's, they
were entertained by the citizens of Cumberland at a
dinner prepared by J. A. Hefelfinger, Esq., proprietor
of that establishment. To say that the viands were
all choice and well served, is to say but little of this
entertainment. After the cloth was removed m
number of toasts were drunk, which, we regret we
have not the time to report. The Flon. Wni. Cof't
Johnson, the tried friend of the canal, and who. as
CHESAI'EAKK AND OHIO CANAL.
447
cluinnian of the committee of internal improvements
of i\u House of Delegates, at December session, 1844,
reported the act under which it has been completed,
arose during the course of the evening, and, after
alluding in handsome terms to the recent courtesies
extended to the olticers of the canal company, by the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (Jompany, offered the
following sentiment, which was drunk with applause:
" The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad — The former has liapoily reached its ebony harvests amid the
coal fields of the Alleganies; may the latter journey vigorously on west-
ward, until it rejoices amidst the golden plains of the far Californias."
iit this point the further festivities of the table were
iirrested by the necessity of yielding the room for
the opening of the ball, to which the fair daughters
(if Cumberland had been invited by the gentle-
men of the town for the purpose of meeting their
distinguished guests. In a short time wine and
sentiment had yielded to the dominion of music and
the dance, and it was not until long after the "wee
sma' hours" that the reign of beauty had given place
to the quiet slumbers of the morning. We take this
occasion to say, the supper prepared by " mine host,"
of Barnum's, on this occasion, was such, in all its
characteristics as to draw forth commendations from
every lip.
Thus ended the 10th day of October in Cumber-
land — a day which will be held ever memorable in
the recollections of the people of this region, being
the day on which their much cherished project of
I'linal navigation to tide-water was brought to a
'-'lorious and successful consummation.
CHURCHES OF CUMBERLAND.
In procuring data upon which to give even an
outline of the history of the various churches, the
work has been iicconipanied witli trials and difficul-
ties that were unforeseen, and certainly unexpected,
Avhen the task was begun. With scarcely an
(exception, the churches have kept no historic record,
and in many instances we have had to rely upon
letters, diaries, and individual memories to fill up the
gaps that occurred in the annals of the churches.
METHODIST KPISCOPAL CHIHCH.
Without any precise date to govern us we are led
to believe that Methodism was first introduced into
Allegany county about the year 1782, and the pio-
neers in the work were Revs. Bishop Asbury, John
Haggerty and Richard Owens, the latter a local
preacher, of Baltimore county, Md., but which of
them took precedence in the work we have no means
of determining. These were succeeded in 1783 bv
Revs. Francis Paytheres, and Benjamin Roberts; in
1784 by Wilson Lee and Thomas Jackson; in 1785
by Lemuel Green, William Jessup and John Paiip
From the year 1785 to 1780 Rev. John J. Jacob.
father of Governor Jacob, of West Virginia, assisted
by Bishop Asbury, labored in the work, and the
accessions to the faith were large. In 1786 Rev
Jacob was succeeded by Rev. Enoch Watson, who
METHODIST EPIRCOPAI, CHURCH.
449
officiated until 1787, and was Hucceeded by Philip
Bruce, whose labors in 1788 were blessed with a
.jroat revival, by which many were added to the
cliurch. From 1788 until 1802-8 the church
languished nnd sank into a lethargic state, until the
arrival of IJishoj) Whatcoat, who inspired and infused
m\v life into the faithful who remained true to their
profession. Something over one hundred were added
to the church in 1808, through the labors of Bishop
Whatcoat, assisted by Rev. L. Martin, a local
preacher of Montgomery county, Md. The church
ivlapsed again until 1805, when new life was infused
into the societ}' tlirough the efforts and preaching of
Pii'vs. James Ward and Louis K. Fechtig. Allegany
circuit first appears in the general minutes of the
church in 1804, at which time there were three
preachers commissioned for the work, J Paynter,
Joseph Stone and .lames Read, with James Ward
lis Presiding Elder. As earlv as 1787 there was
occasional preaching by Methodist ministers in Cum-
l)erland, and about that time steps were taken to
liirin a society. The deed for the lot upon which
the first Methodist church in Cumberland was erected
Itears date 1799. and the church edifice was probably
erected in 1800 The location was on the west side
1)1' Will's Creek, on the corner of Fayette and Kmall-
wood streets. The building was of an unpretending
character, a frame structure, 25 by 85 feet, one story
in height, and was never plastered. The pulpit was
plain and of a primitive style, the benches hard,
narrow and without backs. Among the names of
those identified with this first house of worship we
57
m%i
450
IIJSTOIIV OK CUMHEKIiAND.
find James Hcndrickson, Thomas Leakins, Adam
Seigler, Aquilla Brown, (local preachers) and Dick-
inson Simkins. The names of Irvin, Wall, Flinklc,
and Twigf^ also appear in this connection. In 1816
a new church was determined upon. The preachers
of the circuit for that year were Tobias Reiley and
Robert Cadden, with Gerard Morgan as Presiding
Elder. In the erection of the second church Mr.
Reiley took an active part, never ceasing his labors
until its completion. The site selected was on Centre
street, north, where the present handsome edifice
stands. The house was built of bricks, about 30 by 45.
one story and a half high, with gallery in front and
on either side. The benches were an improvement
on the former church, having a single strip as a l)ack
support. The pulpit was in a large half-room recess
and placed the preacher far above the heads of the
people. Among those identified with the church
building were, Peter Shultz, Jas. Ilendrickson, John
Wright and Jonathan Peterson. The quarterly meet-
ings of the circuit were usually held in Cumberland.
In 1829, Cumberland was made a station, and
Rev. Charles B. Young was appointed to the charge,
who was succeeded in 1831 by Rev. J. H. W. Monroe,
and in 1832 by Rev. G. W. Humphreys; in 1833 hy
Rev. Hezekiah Best; in 1834 by Rev. Bazil Barry;
1835 by Rev. P. D. Lipscomb, who was succeeded in
1837 by Rev. S. C. Parkinson, who was followed by
Rev. Jas. Stevens, who ministered to the church until
1840. In 1837, under the pastoral charge of Mr.
Stevens, the building was enlarged to meet the
demands of the chuich, fifteen feet being added to
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIURnil.
451
the roar, and the house altered to show as a two
story building. This building answered only eleven
years. In 1848, under the ministry of Rev. Thomas
B. Myers, the third church was erected, 50 by 80 feet,
at a cost of about $0,000. The Baltimore Conference
met in this church in 1851. Continuing our list of
the pastors who were appointed to this station, we
find the following in order named: In 1841-2,
Rev. E. E. Allen; 1843-4, Rev. William Prettyman;
1845, Rev. John A. Henning; 184G-7, Rev. James
Sevvell; 1848-0, Rev. Thomas Myers; 1850-1,
Rev. John M. Jones ; 1852-3, Rev. John Lanahan;
1854-5, Rev. W. T. D. Clemm; 1850, Rev Samuel
Kepler; 1857-8, Rev. A. E. Gibson; 1859-60, Rev.
R. H. Crever; 1861-2, Rev. Thomas Barnhart;
1863-5, Rev. S. W Sears; 1806-8, Rev. Edward
Kinsey; 1809-71, Rev. Asbury Reiley; 1872-3, Rev.
Samuel V. Leech; 1874, Rev. James II. Lightbourne;
1875 Rev. G. G. Baker.
In 1871, during the pastorate of Rev. Asbury
Reiley, the third church was taken down, and the
present handsome edifice commenced. It was not
completed and dedicated until the ministry' of Rev.
Lightbourne, 1874-5. The house stands to-day with
its towering spire, one of the largest structures in the
city ; beneath its pulpit rests all that was mortal of
Rev. Tobias Reiley, who labored faithfully for the
church and endeared himself to her people. Rev.
Baker was succeeded^ in 1876-7 by Rev. W. S.
Edwards, D. D., who was followed in this ministry
in 1878, March 1st, by Rev. Joel Brown, who is at
this time pastor in charge.
452
IlISTOHY OF CUMHEHLANI).
The JiMnual session ol" the Baltimore Cont'erencc
was held in the new church in February, 1878.
The numbt'r of communicants in this church is about
four hundred.
KNOLISH MITHKHAN CHURCH.
The first Lutheran cliurch in CuinU'rhind, Md..
was organized on the 1 Ith day of May, 1704. Tlivw
were at the time twelve men whose names we find
enrolled upon the church book, as follows : Nicholas
Leyberger, John Rice, (leorge Ui/er, Andrew Marry,
(/hristopher Broteinarkle, George Shuck, ('hristian
K(dlhoefer, Frederick Loch, Jacob Valentine, Jacob
(lanner, and John Cramer. The original constitution
upon which this church was based is written in
(Jerman and Latin, the rules of gov<'rninent JM'inL^
simply and vigorously exj)ressed. The first churcJi
building was a log-bodied structure, with no preten-
sions to architecture, and was located near the site of
the present imposing brick edifice on the northeast
corner of Centre and Baltimore streets. The firHt
pastor was Rev. Frederick William Lange, who served
the congregation eleven years, and was succeeded by
Rev. John George Butler, who accepU^^d the pastorate'
in 1805, ministering twelve years. Mr. IJutler was
succeeded by Rev. C. F. Heyer, who, even now. is
familiarly remembered by the title of "'Father"
Heyer. Father Heyer officiated six years, and was
followed in the ministry by Rev. Nathan B. Little,
who remained in charge until 1830, when he was
succeeded by Rev. Henry Haverstick, who ministered
to the congregation three years, and was succeeded
ENflMSH LUTIIKRAN CHURCH.
453
by Rev. John Kehler, who labored eight years, and
wiiH followed, in 1841, by Kev. JeHse Winecofll'.
Previous to this time the nervices in this church
were conducted in both the EngliHh and (Jerman
languages, but a short time before the ministry of
Rev. Jesse Winecoff (1839) a congregation purely
(lermaii Lutheran was organized, who separated
t'roin the body of English Lutherans. This separation
was peaceable and by mutual agreement, being solely
a mfitter of convenience.
(Continuing the history of the English fjutheran
clmrch, we find that Rev. Winecoff served from 1841
U) 1844, and during his ministry the present massive
hriek edifice wa.-* erectt d, the corner stone being laid
in 1842. From 1844 to 1840 Rev. Samuel D. Finkle
olfieiated as pastor, and was succeeded by Rev.
Joseph A. Seiss, D. D., who served over five years,
and was succeeded in 1852 by Rev. John Francis
Campbell, who officiated until 1856, having been in
charge four and a quarter years. He was followed
by Rev. A. J. Weddel, who remained eleven years
and nine months, bringing the period down to the
loth of May, 1868, when Rev. H. C. Holloway was
tailed to the pastorate, and is officiating therein at
tliia date.
Miscellaneous. —On the arrival of the Rev.
"Father" Heyer, in Cumberland, he found the church
almost destroyed ; only a few Lutherans remained,
and these were scattered and discouraged; but
"Father" Heyer was an energetic man; he went
earnestly to work, and succeeded in gathering the
Hcattered flock and re-establishing church worship.
454
HISTORY OF CUMnERLAND.
After romalning here six years he removed to Som-
erset, Pa., from which point he was siibsoqueiitly
commissioned by the General Synod of the Lutheran
cinirch as missionary to India, Ix'ln^^ tlie first ever
sent to that field by the English Lutiieran church of
this country.
The following incident is related in connection
with the building of the present English Lutlioraii
house of worship, and the truth of the story is fullv
substantiated :
When the present edifice, which stands at the inter-
section of Baltimore and Centre streets, was contem-
plated, a building committee was appointed by the
congregation, and when the location was fully decided
upon, this committee was empowered to supervise
the erection of the building. A majority of the
committee decided that the house should be of
certain proportions in length and breadth, while one
man stoutly contended that the length they proposed
was not proportionate to the height or breadth, and
desired that ten feet be added to the proposed lengtli
In this he was overruled ; the ground was staked ofl,
and the minority man went away sorrt)wing. But
he did not cease to think upon the matter, and after
he and his compeers had retired that night, he arose
from his bed and proceeding to the site of the new
church, removed the stakes, placing them ten feet
further back upon a direct line. The work of
digging for the foundation was completed, and even a
large part of the foundation wall was built, before the
trick was discovered, but no one who passes tiio
church to-day can fail to see the effect of the taste
FIHST I'RESBYTKUIAN CHURCH.
455
unci force of character manifested by this active
committeeman.
Under the ministry of Rev. Weddel considerable
improvement was made in the church building, the
front being materially changed, and the steeple
erected within that period.
During the war between the States the church
lecture room, which had fallen into disuse, was
temporarily converted into a storehouse for army
supplies, but under the ministry of Rev. Holloway
this room was put in thorough repair, and fitted for
congregational and Sunday school purposes. The
English Lutheran church of Cumberland now num-
Ix^r.s about 260 communicants.
The Evangelical Lutheran Synod, of Maryland,
met in its annual convention in this church, for the
third time, in October, 1878.
FIRST I'KKSBYTERIAN CHURCH.
There was, perhaps, a considerable Presbyterian
element among the early settlers of Cumberland, but
there is no record or tradition of a congregation of
this church until within the first decade of the
present century. About the year 1810 or '11 Rev.
Mr. Porter, who was principal of the old Allegany
county Academy, which stood upon Jones's lot, on
Fayette street, preached occasionally as a minister
of the Presbyterian faith, in the log church owned
by the Lutherans, then located on the corner of what
is now known as Baltimore and Centre streets. Rev.
Mr. Porter left here during the war with Great
Britain, 1812-15.
456
HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND.
The next who succeeded hiia, so far as we aiv
aWe to ascertain, was Rev. Mr. Hayes, who was also
princij)al of the Academy, in 1815, and who had
tbrinc^rly been President of the Carlisle College, Pa.,
and who removed to this point on ac(;ount of hi,s
health, which was very feeble. He remained in this
field of labor only a little moi^ than a year, when he
was called aw. y by death. Mr. Hayes's successor
was Piv. Robert Kennedy, who also became principal
of the Academy, as well as pastor to the Hock. His
pastorate began in the year 1817, and ended in the
spring of 1825.
Up to the ministry of Mr. Hayes the Presbyterians
had worshipped in the Lutheran church, oji alternate
Sundays with that body; this arrangement was con-
tinued during Mr. Kennedy's ministry, but in 1817
an effort was made by subscription to build a church
in Cumberland "for the joint use of the Presbyterian
and Episcopalian churches of the town." For this
purpose f 2,122 in monej' was subscribed, besides the
donation of Thomas J. Perry's "lot N(.. 68. in the
fort," theit valued at $100, on ..hich the present
Emmanuel Episcopal church stands. The li>)t oi'
names of those who subscribed to thib purpose
embraces members of all the Protestant churches.
several Roman Catholics, and one Israelite. Among
those names are the follovving, many of whose
descendants are now living in our midst : William
McMahon, Samuel Thomas, Henry McKinley, Roger
Perry, James Scott John Hoye, David Lynn.
Thomas J. Perry, George Thistle, Rev. Robert
Kennedv, Thomas Beall, John Haves, Walter Sheer.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
^57
J. Win. Hoblitzell, Samuel Smith, Robert McCleary,
John Shryer, Peter Lowdermilk, Hanson Briscoe, C.
Tilghman, Martin Rizer, John Hoblitzell, Henry
Korns, Elnathan Russell, John McHenry, William
Hilleary^ Jacob Hoffman, George Blocher, Robert
Swann, George McCulloh, Jacob Seass, John Gep-
hart, Valentine Hoffman, John Hoffman, Geo. Shuck,
John M. Read, Henry W'neow. and Wm. Magruder.
The erection of this church was begun in 1817,
but owing to some legal and financial troubles was
not completed until some time after Mr. Kennedy
left Oumberland. (Some account of this church is
given in the history of the Episcopalians.) The
building afterwards pas.5ed into the hands and control
of the Episcpalians.
We now lose the thread of our narrative, until the
year 1832, when the Domestic Mission Board of the
Presbyterian church sent Rev. Mr. Raymond to
Cumberland. For a while during his labors the
church on Fort Hill was jointly used by the Presby-
terians and Episcopalians.
Mr. Raymond remained here about two years, and
was succeeded in 1834 by Rev. S. H. McDonald,
who was also commissioned by the Domestic Board
of Missions. During the ministry of Rev. McDonald,
December 9, 1837, the congregational organization
was perfected. At a meeting held for the purpose
of organization we find that Rev. H. R. Wilson, of
Carlisle Presbytery, was appointed modarator, T.
1. McKaig secretary, and the following were elected
and duly appointed trustees of the Presbyterian
congregation of Allegany county : Wm. McMahon,
58
458
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND,
James Moore of Geo., James M. Smith, John G.
Hoffman, Thomas I. McKaig, Joseph B. Hayes, Alex.
King, John J. Hoffman, John Boward, John A.
Mitchell, William Harness, Jeremiah Berry, Jr., and
Charles Heck.
It was now resolved by the congregation to build
a house of worship, and the trustees were authorized
to appoint a building committee, consisting of five
persons. The committee thus selected consisted of
the following gentlemen : J. J. Hoffman, James M.
Smith, John G. Hoffman, Thomas I. McKaig and
James Moore. The committee went actively to work.
and soon raised a sufficient amount of money by
subscription to justify them in building their house
of worship; a lot had been bequeathed the church as
a location by Richard Beall, a wealthy citizen, in
1836. This piece of ground was on the west side of
Will's Creek, fronting on what is now known as
Washington street, and is part of the .'^ame lot on
which the present handsome Presbyterian church
stands. For various reasons the committee did not
think proper to build thereon, and the ground was
sold, and another lot purchased on Liberty strct't,
north, where the present German Reformed church
stands. In fact that identical building was erected by
the Presbyterians in 1840, though only about two-
thirds the size of the present Liberty street building.
Rev. McDonald labored here until 1843, when he
was removed to another mission, and was succeeded
by Rev. B. Wall, the same year, who was installed
first pastor of the church, Mr Wall remained two
years, and was succeeded, in 1845, by Rev. John H.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
459
Symmes, who officiated as minister for over seventeen
years. Rev. Symmes resigned his charge in 1862,
and from the 6th of November of that year until
early in 1807 no congregational services were held
in the building, which was used a part of the time as
a hospital for Union soldiers.
In March, 1806, Rev. James D. Fitzgerald was
temporarily called to this ministry, and the services
were held in the Baptist church edifice, on Bedford
street, and worship was continued there throughout
the year. In February, 1867, the repairs on the old
church on Liberty street were completed, and Rev.
Fitzgerald was regularly called as pastor, in October,
18G8.
In May, 1871, a provisional sale of the church
property on Liberty street was made to the German
Reformed congregation for the sum of $5,500, and a
full transfer was made in June, 1872. This sale was
made with the design of erecting a new house of
worship, the trustees having purchased the Devec-
mon lot, oa Washington street, in August, 1870.
The laying of the corner stone of the new church
took place on the 4th of July, 1872, with impressive
ceremonies, in which the Masonic lodges took an
important part.
Rev. Fitzgerald tendered his resignation as pastor
in April, 1873, and on the 14th of July, the same
year, Rev. E. B. Raffensperger was unanimously
elected to the charge. The lecture room of the new
church was completed and dedicated in August, 1873,
and the entire church edifice was fitted for services
in June, 1875.
460
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
The church edifice is built of white Narrows sand
stone, and is semi-Gothic in style; it is eighty-seven
feet long and forty-five feet wide. Tlie cost of the
edifice was about $48,000.
Rev. RafFensperger resigned his pastorate on the
1st of October, 1877, and w^as succeeded February
10, 1878, by Rev. J. E. Moffatt, the present min-
ister. The number of communicants in this churcli
is 235.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In the year 1803, the first steps were taken to
establish an Episcopal church in Cumberland. On
the 16th of October, in that year, the holy com-
munion was administered to members of thiit
profession of faith, here, for the first time. During
the same year steps were taken to effect the legal
organization of the parish, and among the first names
in the parish records of the Protestant Episcopal
churcli are those of Lynn, Bruce, Perry, Lamar, Hil-
leary, Beall, Thistle, Briscoe, Cresap and Burbridge.
A provisional vestry vt^as chosen after divine service,
on Easter Monday, of the year 1803, and this vestry
selected Mr. John Kewley as a delegate to the con-
vention, and recommended him for holy orders. Mr.
Kewley was ordained deacon in June, of that year,
and about a year following was ordained priest. The
convention was petitioned to constitute Allegany
county into a parish with territorial bounds, which
was claimed as a right inherited by this diocese from
the Church of England. The convention replied that
they had no power to set them off as a parish, and
1',;
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
461
recommended that they organize under a new act of
assembly as a congregation, without regard to terri-
torial limits; this was done, and on the 1st of August,
following, the same vestrymen were again elected.
In 1853, just half a century after the petition of this
church, the convention set off Allegany county as
"Emmanuel Parish." The first vestry of the parish
consisted of the following persons : Patrick Murdock,
Hanson Briscoe, David Lynn, Upton Bruce, Robert
Tivis, George Hebb, John B. Beall, and Mr. Hilleary.
They appointed Rev. John Kewley minister of the
parish, at a salary of £100, Maryland money,
equal to about $266.60 United States currency.
Previous to his entrance upon the ministry, the
presumption is, that Rev. Kewley had been acting as
lay reader in the parish. After his ordination he
officiated steadily, not only in Cumberland, but at
(Iresaptown, Murley's Branch, Oldtown, and occa-
sionally in Pennsylvania, and in other counties of
this State, besides Allegany. His rectorship ended
in 1804, at which time he removed from the State.
After his withdrawal the parish was without a pastor
for more than twenty-four years, and had only such
!<ervice as was afforded by passing clergymen, or
those sent on special occasions. In 1884 Rev.
Leonard II. Johns became rector of the parish.
Up to this time the vestry had not owned a house of
worship. t
In 1816, or early in 1817, a subscription was
opened to build the brick church which occupied the
site on Fort Hill, upon which the present beautiful
structure stands. The joint efforts of Episcopalians
462
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
and Presbyterians succeeded in raising upwards of
$2,000, and the work of erecting a house of worship
for the two sects was begun, but in 1818, before its
completion, the lot was sold to satisfy a judgment,
and it remained unoccupied for religious purposes,
and in an unfinished condition until 1829, when,
during the rectorship of Rev. L. H. Johns, "for a
considerable sum," Colonel Lamar and Captain Lynn
made a deed of the propert}'^ to Emmanuel Parish.
Up to this time the Episcopalians had worshipped
in the old Lutheran church, (elsewhere noted) when
not occupied by other congregations. The church
now built by the joint efforts of Episcopalians and
Presbyterians was consecrated, and used for the first
time in 1830. Rev. Johns resigned his charge in
1834, after a ministration of nearly five years. The
church was again without a pastor for more than a
year, when Rev.Thaddeus M. Leavenworth was called
to the rectorship; he remained one year; another
vacancy then occurred, of nearly a year, and Rev.
Matthias Harris succeeded Rev. T. M. Leavenworth,
remaining in charge four and a half years. In
October, 1841, Rev. Harris resigned, and was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Samuel Buell, who remained until
September, 1847, and was succeeded by his brother,
Rev. D. H. Buell, during whose ministry the present
beautiful structure was reared; the cornerstone being
laid in May, 1849, and the building consecrated with
solemn services just eighteen months thereafter.
This building is of yellow sandstone, of Gothic
architecture, built in the form of a cross; and ivy-
clad as it is, with its symetrical proportions, stands
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
463
; upwards of
ie of worship
18, before its
■ a judgment,
0U8 purposes.
1829, when,
Johns, "for a
Captain Lynn
lanuel Parish,
ad worshipped
e noted) when
The church
icopalians and
ed for the first
his charge in
ve years. The
r more than a
orth was called
year; another
ear, and Rev.
. Leavenworth,
alf years, hi
and was suc-
•emained until
|by his brother.
try the present
Iner stone being
fusecrated with
,hs thereafter,
ione, of Gothic
toss; and ivy-
lortions, stands
upon Fort Hill one of the prettiest structures in the
country.
Rev. D. H. Buell resigned his charge in June, 1854,
and was succeeded by Rev. Henry Edwards, who
remained until October, 1856, and was followed by
Dr. William Wiley Arnett, who was rector until
1859, when he was removed by death. Dr. William
Wallace Spear succeeded Dr. Arnett, and remained
from July 4, 1859, to October, 1861. Rev. Orlando
Perinchief was rector from May, 1862, to February,
18C4. He was succeeded by Rev. E. Owen Simpson,
who served from July, 1864, to July, 1865, and was
followed by Rev. John B. Henry, who died here
February, 1868. The church w.as without a rector,
from Februar}^, 1868, until the following August,
when Dr. Chauncy Colton took charge, and served
until July, 1872. Another vacancy occurred in this
ministry until February, 1873, when Dr. Stephen
(.'liipman Thrall became rector, and is still in charge.
From the reorganization of the Parish, December,
1853, to 1878, Emmanuel Episcopal church has had
but one register, Hopewell Hebb, Esq., the present
incumbent.
The present number of communicants in this
church is one hundred and fifty.*
FIRST BAPTiST CHURCH.
The precise date at which the Baptists made their
advent in Allegany county, like that of the Method-
*Tlie present generation will be surprised to note the great revolution that society has under-
soiie with ret.'ard to lotterica Binco the year 1812, when we cite the fact that a lottery scheme
Ku proposed at that date to raise money wherewith to erect a church in this place.
By an act of the I.egislature of the State of Maryland, bearing date December 17th, 1812. it was
orderwl, "That David Lynn. \Vm. McMahon, Dpton Bruce. George Uebb. I'atricli Murdoclt,
Boger Perry and James f earight be authorized to prepare a scheme of lottery, and sell, and
ili!<pose of tickets therein, for raiding a sum of money not to exceed |6,00V, to be appropriated
to the building of a church in the town of Cumberland."
464
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
ists, is very uncertain. Rev. John J. Jacob, of the
latter church, nays in a letter that treats of early
Methodism, that he think the Baptists were here at
a date earlier than 1782, but that they subsequently
disbanded, and had no organization until a much
later date. To use the exact language of Rev.
Jacob : "Our Baptist brethren were, I think, a
little earlier in the work in this section of the country
than we (Methodists) were. They made some pnwe-
lytes, but gradually declined, and removed away;
so that but few remain at this day," (1831). Tims
it will be seen that we have no record of this cliurch.
even at a comparatively late period, although the
society existed anterior to the year 1782.
Our first reliable record of this church as an
organization dates back only as far as 1847 or '48.
when seven or eight members banded together and
met in the hall above the old Pioneer engine house.
on North Centre street. The building in which they
met is now occupied by Mr. Charles Keyser.
as a green grocery. Rev. Benjamin Griffith, D. D..
now secretary of the Baptist Publication Society of
Philadelphia, was the first missionary to this littk'
flock, and was also their first pastor. The cliurcli
dedicated their present house of worship, in Novem-
ber, 1849. The building is a brick structure, with a
seating capacity for a number largely in excess of
the present membership; has a lecture room, baptis-
mal tank, and pastor's study; it stands on Bedford.
between Front and Columbia streets, and has been
recently repainted, aad put in thorough repair.
making it a neat and comfortable house of worship.
FIRST BAPTIST CIIUUCII.
465
The original truatcea of this church were Rev. Dr.
R. Fuller, Rev. F. Wilson, Rev. B. Griffith, Joseph
H. Tucker, and A. F. Roberts. The building was
consecrated on Sunday, November 4, 1849, at which
time the sennon was preached by Rev. Dr. Fuller.
Rev. Benjamin Griffith remained in this charge
about three and a half years. From this time we
find it impossible to give the succinct order of the
pastors, and the duration of their ministry here.
Even the full names are unattainable. The cause
of this was the removal of the records of the church
to Baltimore, some years ago, for historic purposes,
since which they have never been recovered.
The Rev. B. (jriffith was succeeded by Rev. Price,
who remained a short time, and he was succeeded by
Rev. John Bray. Mr. Bray was followed by Rev.
Brown, who remained only about six months. The
next pastor was Rev. J. B T. Patterson, who was
succeeded by Rev. T. P. Warren, and during the
ministration of iMr. Warren it was agreed, in a council
of the church, to disband it as an organization.
In the year 1871, Rev. H. J. Chandler was sent to
Cumberland as a missionary. Arriving here in
January, of that year, he found eighteen members;
he subsequently baptized five more, increasing the
aumber to twenty-three, with which the church was
re-organized. Rev. Chandler was installed pastor in
the same year, 1871.
Owing to a defect in the title to the lot upon which
the present church stands, the congregation have had
to pay twice for their property. The communicants
now number seventy, although the church book
f^9
466
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
shows an enrollment of over one hundred names. A
number of these have moved away, and taken kftters
of admission to other churches. At this time, Rov.
H. J. Chandler is pastor of the churcii.
It was from this church Mr. and Mrs. James
Landrum Holmes were sent as missionaries to China.
where Mr. Holmes was murdered during an outbreak
among the inhabitants of that country. Ili.s widow
has near relatives in this city.
In November, 1878, Rev. Cliandler tendered his
resignation as pastor of Bedford street Baptist ciiurcli.
but it was declined by an overwhelming vote of tlic
church.
m
1
:'i
<4g
ST. PATRICK'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The early history of this church has not been
preserved with a satisfactory degree of accuracy, and
there are none now living whose memories carry
them back to the days of the first missionary work
done in this county, by the priests who made frequent
visits from the lower counties. It is certain that
this missionary work was dcme as early as 1790, and
the belief is general that the first church erected
under the care of these priests was built about 1704
or 1795. The oldest of our citizens in their early
lives knew the building as an old church, aim it was
destroyed in 1850, to make room for Carroll Hall,
From the foundation of the church here, it Wcos
called "St. Mary's Church," but upon the erection of
the new brick edifice, in Father Obermyer's time,
this title was changed to " St. Patrick's."
In 1833 the church was in charge of Rev. Francis
ST. PATRICK S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
467
iRev. Francis
X. Marsliall as pastor, who also ministered to the spir-
itual wants of the few scattered Catholics at Arnold's
Settlement, (now Mt. Savage) and at Blooming Rose,
now in Garrett county. He continued in the same
!nissi(m until 1837, when he was succeeded by Rev.
Henry Myers, who, in 18o!), had Rev. B. S. Piot as
assistant in these missions until 1840, when the
latter gentleman was transferred to Ellicott's Mills,
leaving Rev. Henry My «rs in sole charge, until 1842;
when Rev. Leonard Obermyer became pastor of St.
Mary's, and so continued until 1853, at which time
Rev. John B. Byrne was appointed his assistant, and
in 1854 became the successor of Rev. L. Obermyer,
wiio was transferred to St. Vincent's Church, Balti-
more. The spacious church now known as St.
Patrick's was erected by the Rev. L, Obermyer, on
tlie site of the former one, St. Mary's.
After the departure of Rev. John B. Byrne, in the
year 1854t the Rev. P. B. Lenaghan was appointed
pastor of St. Patrick's, and was succeeded in 1856 by
Rev. James Carney, who was, at a later date, suc-
ceeded by Rev. Michael O'Reilley.
In 1859, St. Patrick's was in charge of Rev. George
Flaut, as pastor, and Rev. Edward Brennan, as assist-
ant; and after thi' departure of Rev. G. Flaut, Rev.
E. Brennan became pastor, and has so continued to
the present time. Revs. Edmund Didier, Father
Barry, James Carey, Charles Damer, and F. S. Ryan
became successively assistant pastors of St. Patrick's,
the last-named reverend gentleman filling that posi-
tion at the present time.
In the year 1850, "Carroll Hall," now used as a
408
IIISTOUy OF CUMUFMH.AND.
parochial hcIiooI Imildinfj;, was oroctod, and at that
time a literary Hcx^icty, callud "(Jarroll rnstitntc,"
waa oHtahliHlu'd.
Ill 18G('), St. Edward's Academy, a lar<jfc and com-
modicms brick structure, was built, and |)laced under
the government of the Sisters of Mercy. It is
devoted solely to the edmration oryoun;:; ladies, niuiiy
of whom, of various Protestant denominations, as
well as Catholic, have Ixien educated within its walls.
In 1875 the present handsome |)aro(diial resideiuv
in rear of Carroll Hall was built.
St. Patrick's church edilice stands upon North
Centre street, and is of the Ionic style of architir-
turc, built of brick. 140 I'eet louf^, exclusive of portico
and sacristy, and (iO feet wide, with Jin interior
height from floor to ceiling of 40 feet. The interior
is handsomely frescoed and ornament(Hl, and has a
fine organ. The building has a seating capacity,
exclusive of the choir gallery, of about 1,000.
SS. PETER AND PAUL'S GERM.VN CATHOLIC CIIIIRCII.
The earliest history we have of the German
Catholic church, in this city, dates back to the year
1847. There were at that time only a few German
Catholic families residing in the city limits.
In the spring of 1847, meetings, composed of tho
German Catholic families, of the city and vicinity,
were held in the basement of St. Patrick's Catholic
church, which occupied the site of the present struc-
ture, on north Centre street. These meetings were
held twice a month during the summer, at which time
about $300 was raised by subscription, for the
purpose of erecting a house of worship.
SS. I'KTEK ANF) I'AlIl/s T.KRMAN fATIlOLIO OIIUUCH. 409
111 tlic mcantiino, tlic iikmhIum's had Ikm'u looking
iroimd thorn for a suitable placi' on which to locat*^
llicir J)uil(ling. AftorHevoral sitcH had Ix'cn HUgj^ostcd
they finally dcti'nnincd upon the lot upon which their
present iinpoHing edilico is erected.
During tlu! ])revi()us worship of this people a priest
came I'roni Baltimore every three months, and olh-
ciated at the altar.
While the (juestion of '.hurch location was yet
pending, Father Neuinan, afterwards liishopof IMiila-
(Iclphia, arrived in (himherland, and approved the
site that was fundi v selected.
The lot was purchased of King's heirs, through
tlu'ir agent, Mr. iMc(Julloh, for the sum of fof)!).
Some time elapsed, however, before a title was
obtained, i)vving to the fact that the heirs from whom
the projierty was purchased, were scattered in various
parts of the country. Tiiis delayed the building of
the house until the following spring. The deed was
linally executed in the name of Samuel Eccleston,
Archbishop of Baltimore, and his successors, in their
corporate ca[)acity, in trust for the German Catholics
of (Cumberland and vicinity.
Early in the spring, of 1848, the work of digging,
and constructing the foundation was begun, and on
tho 4th of June, the same year, the corner stone was
laid with imposing ceremonies, conducted by Right
Reverend Archbishop Eccleston, assisted by Father
Obermyer and Father Ilelenbrecht, the latter one of
the priests of the Redemptorist order in Baltimore.
The building of the church progressed rapidly,
under the supervision of the architect, Mr. Joseph
470
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
Noll, and the labor of the builders, MessrH. Francis
Haley & Bro., and was put under roof in the fall of
1848.
In the spring, of 1849, a Redemptorist priest,
nanuKl Father Urbauzick, was sent from the diocese
of Baltimore, and during liis administration the
church was completed (September, 1849).
The dedicatory services took place the same month.
at which time a second priest. Father Kronen be rger.
of the Redemptorists, was sent to this point, who
remained in charge.
The church edifice was originally ninety feet in
length, exclusive of the altar recess, and fifty feet in
breadth ; it was subsequently lengthened twenty-four
feet, the addition being made in 1872.
The society rapidly increased, and in the yoai-
IHt^*? a seminary for the education of priests of tlic
Redemptorist order was erected on a part of the lot
belonging to the church, and contiguous thereto, and
in the year 1855 or 1856, it was found necessary to
increase the size of the seminary buihling. Witli
this view a lot was purchased by the priests, and the
building augmented to its present size, being now
one hundred feet in length by forty in breadth, and
six stories in height, built of brick, in a very sub-
stantial manner. It stands upon an eminence, on
the west side of Will's Creek, from whence is obtained
one of the finest views of Cumberland and her girdle
of mountains.
The order of Redemptorists afterwards purchased
a lot west of their church, on which stood the old
"Allegany County Academy," and upon this lot they
BEDFORD STUEET M. P. CHURCH.
471
»3sr8. Francis
in the fall of
)torist priest,
ni the (lioeeso
iiHtration ilie
tO).
3 same month,
Kroncnl)erger,
his point, who
ninety feet in
.nd iifty feet in
,ed twenty-four
d in the year
priests of the
part of the lot
us thcM-eto, and
1(1 necessary to
|uil(Hng. Witli
priests, and the
|i/e, heing noNv
in hreadth. and
in a very suh-
li eminence, on
lence is obtained
and her girdl*"
lards purchased
stood the old
Ion this lot they
erected a parochial school house. Hitherto, for soiiio
years, a parociiial school had been taught in the
Itiisement of the church building. This scliool was
continued in the old Academy until the new stru(;ture
was fitted for occupancy.
In May, 1870, the church built a Convent on part
of the same lot, immediately west of the school hous.;,
and the services of three sisters of the Ursuline order,
IVorn the Convent at Louisville, Kentu(;ky, were
obtained to instruct the children of the congregation.
The church was under the administration of the
Redemptorist fathers from 1849 to 186G, at which
tinie the Redemptorists gave place to the priests of
the order of Carmelites, who came here from Leaven-
worth, Kansas, and who were succeeded in 1875 by
priests of the ('apucin order, from the province of
\hienster,in Westphalia, (iermany, who are officiating
at this time.
The number of communicants in this church,
.elusive of children, is about 1,800.
The priest now ministering in this church is
Father Francis, who is assisted by other priests of
the order of ('apucins in the seminary.
BEDFORD STREET M. P. VIIIHU H.
In the spring of 1886, the Home Missionary Society
of the Maryland Anmual Conference, of the Methodist
Protestant church, sent Rev. Dennis B. Dorsey as a
missionary to Allegany county. Among other of
numerous places at which he preached, was the town
of Cumberland, and here he formed a society com-
posed of John Gephart, Addison L. Withers, and
472
HISTORY OF CUMHEllLAND.
Williiiui Ilaller, with their respective famihes, St^r-
vicea were held statedly in the basement of the
Englisli Lutheran church, until Rev. Dorsey was
succeeded by Rev. John Eldordice, when it was
found necessary to seek another place of worsiiip.
In the fall of 1838, this little band went to work
with a will, and built their first church edifice, a
little "rough-cast" house, 20 by 48 feet, on Blocher,
now calUnl Bi'dford, street.
The congregation rapidly increased, until it was
found that the little "rough-cast" was too small to
accommodate the congregation, and it became neces-
sary to build a larger house of worship. Accordingly.
in 1849, under the pastorate of Rev. W. T. Eva, the
original house was superseded l)y the present
substantial brick structure, that stands at the iiiter-
sectitm of Front and Bedford streets, Tuid in 1852 a
comfortable brick parsonage was erected on a lot
adjoining the church. ■
The history of the church from 1852 to the fallol
1871 is one of coin[)arative success. In the fall ot
1871, Rev. Henry Nice, appointed by the Conferoiur
of the Methodist Protestant church to this station.
becoming dissatisfied with his church relations, desired
to transfer his membership together with the Bedford
street church property, to the Methodist Episcopal
church. In this he was supported by a immljer ol I
the members of his charge. This condition of things
was duly reported to the Pn.'sident of the Maryland
District Methodist Protestant church, (Rev. D. Evans
Reese, D. D.) and the relations between Mr. Niccj
and the church were severed. In the interim the
\
nKDFOUD STREET M. 1'. CHURCH.
473
until it was
church property on Bedford street was leased to a
board of trustees, elected or appointed by the Centre
street M. E. Church, and Mr. Nice was received into
the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
church. StreiHious efforts were made by the Method-
ist Protestants to get the representatives of the
Methodist Episcopal church to relincpiish the occu-
pancy of the building. Failing in this, the Maryland
Conference, at its session in March, 1872, adopted
a resolution authorizing the board of managers of
the missionary society, of the Maryland Conference,
to employ (competent legal counsel, and under such
direction, to proceed, without delay, to recover pos-
session of the church and parsonage, of the Methodist
Protestant church, in the city of Cumberland. In
accordance witii this res(jlution, suit was entered,
imd after all the postponements and delays common
to a court of chancery, the property was remanded
to the possession and control of the Methodist Pro-
testants, in the spring of 1875.
After obtaining possession of the property again,
the Methodist Protestant Conference, by its President,
appointed Rev. T. H. Lewis pastor, in charge of this
station, in the summer of 1875. Mr. Lewis was an
earnest, zealous worker, and soon succeeded in re-
organizing the church, and, with but few exceptions,
the old members returned to their former place of
worship. Rev. Lewis was succeeded in the spring of
1877, by Rev. Francis T. Little, the present pastor,
under whose ministry the church has sensibly
increased, having a larger number of members upon
its church book than at any former period of its
60
474
lIISTORt OF CUMBERLAND.
history. Tlie church has also a large and llourishln"-
Sunday school under its management. The number
of communicants in this church is now 175.
GERMAN LUrHEFtAN CUUIiCII.
In our account of the English Lutheran churcli ol
Cumberland, we mentioned that the congregation v,i'
that churcli, then worshipping in a log building, iieai'
the site of the present English Lutheran church, w.is
composed partly of Germans, and that the service
was for some time C(Hiducted in both the English
and German languages. -,
In the year 1839, the Germans se[)arated from tin
English Lutherans, and obtained the services of Rev.
Mr. Kehler, to preach to them in their native tongue.
every lourth Sunday, at 2 o'clock i'. m. These ser-
vices were held in the old log church of the English
Lutherans. We have not the exact date at whieh
Rev. Kehler left, nor how h)ng he continued serviiiir
the German Lutherans, but he was succeeded by Rev.
Winecolf, who remained until 1843. The German
Lutherans materially aided their English brethren
in contributions toward their new church, (the
present structure) . Rev. Winecoff was succeeded by
Rev. Samuel Finkle, who preached for the congre-
gation every two weeks. He came in the fall of
1844, and left in the fall of 184G. At the close of
Mr. Finkle's ministry, the Germans obtained the
services of Rev. Peter Rizer, the English Lutherans
considering it impracticable to supply a pastor who
spoke both languages. Rev. Rizer preached especially
to the German Lutherans every Sunday.
GEIIMAN I.UTIIKKAN CHURCH.
475
1(1 nourishing
The number
In the .spriii,!:; of 1848, the vestry of the GermnTi
Lutheran church received a letter from the vestry of
the English Lutherans indicating that the latter
would in future require the sole use of their place of
worship, whereupon the former, with a membership
of thirty-five, begun the work of erecting the present
massive structure on Bedford street.
This church, which is of Tuscan style of architec-
ture, was designed by Mr. Henry Smenner, a member
of the church. It has a steeple 150 feet in height
from the ground, and 100 feet clear of the roof; in
tile tower of this steeple is fixed the only town clock,
or public time enunciator, we have at this time. The
chinch was finished and dedicated March 17, 1850.
The corner stone was laid the June preceding, with
an imposing display, there being on that occjision a
procession of Clergy, professional gentlemen, Mayor,
mid City Council. Freemasons, Odd Fellows, Sons of
Toniperance, Red Men, German Society, trustees,
and members of the congregation. The church
stands on Bedford, near Decatur, street, and is not
only large and commodious, but is a monument to the
indomitable energy and perseverance of the fathers
who reared the house. Among those whose names
are connected with the erection of this building
are, H. Hanekamp, Deitrich Lesir, Christian Ren-
iiinger, Henry Smith, Mr. Buckholtz, Mr. Stier, John
Weibel, and George Martz.
Rev. Peter Rizer was pastor of this congregation
from June 3, 1847, to October 15, 1849. He was
succeeded in 1849 by Rev. C. Schwankoosky, who
remained until 1852. Rev. Bauman succeeded him
476
UISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
and remained until 1855, when the Rev. Daniel
Maier was called, who remained until 1858. Mr.
Maier was succeeded by Rev. G. 11. Vosseler, who
filled the pulpit until 186G; from this time until
June, 1867, the pastoral duties were performed by
"Father" Heyer. In June, 18G7, Rev. John Philip
Conradi was installed as pastor, and fills the position
at this date.
Upon the record of this church we find the follow-
ing entry :
"On the 10th of August, 1853, the cholera appeared
in this town, and took awav sixteen fathers of fanii-
lies, and six mothers, from this church; many children
also died, but as the force of the epidemic was so
great, the burials took place at night, and I, myself.
was for some time very ill, it was impossible to obtain
names, ages, and dates of death." This record was
made by Rev. Bauman.
The number of conmiunicants in the church at this
date is about 500.
BAIR CHAJIM CHURCH.
On the 27th day of April, 1853, a little band of
Israelites, residing in Cumberland, met together for
the purpose of organizing a congregation for religious
worship, according to the faith of their fathers.
The room in which they then assembled was in an
upper story of No. 22 Baltimore street, and was
occupied by the congregation until the spring of
1854, when the place of meeting was changed to an
upper room on the corner of Centre and Baltimore
streets, opposite the English Lutheran church. In
BAIR CnAJIM CHURCH.
477
id the tblU)w-
church at this
the spring of 1858, they again changed their phace of
meeting to the building on the west side of Will's
Creek, nearly opposite Emmanuel Episcopal church,
known then as Semmes' Law Building, which still
stands at this day.
This first congregation of Israelites was organized
with H. Hosenbach, President; A. Scheilds, Vice
President; H. Adler, Secretary, and S. Nathan, Trea-
surer. The following board of trustees was also
elected at that time: Samuel Sonneborn, and S.
Burgunder.
From this time it was the law of the congregation
to observe the Sabbath strictly, and all the holy days
enjoined by the Mosaic Law; for the more regular
observance of which, worship in congregational form
was at once instituted.
On the 19th of November, of the same year, the
congregation concluded, after due deliberation, to
engage a reader, and the services of Rev. Juda
Wechsler were at once secured. Mr. Wechsler
remained in charge one year, and at the end of that
time was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Hermomn. Mr.
Hermann remained two years, and was followed by
Rev. Isaac Strauss, who was succeeded by Rev. Mr.
Freundlich, who officiated one year, and was suc-
ceeded by Rev. A. Laser, who continued in charge
until the year 1860, when he was followed by Rev.
Isaac Gottlieb, who served the congregation four
years, and was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Baum, who
remained until 1869.
In the year 1866, during the ministry of Rev.
Baum, the present synagogue, corner of South Centre
478
HISTORY OF CliMHEHLAND.
and Union strocis, was erected. The buildinn^ is a
neat bricii wtructurc, witli a seating ea[)a(;ity lor
about one bundred and fifty persons. Attiicbed to
tbe synagogue, and situated in tb(; l)asenieiit of the
building, is a sebool room, vvbere tlie ebildreu of tlic
congregntiou are tnugbt, by tbe minister or render.
who contracts with tbe cburcb for tbis duty when
be enters upon bis [)ast()ral cbarge. Tbe siihool
dates its organization from tbe time of tbe establish-
ment of tbe congregation.
On tbe 2d day of Marcb, 18(t7, tbe synagogue on
Centre stnset was dedicated witb religious obser-
vances, on wliicb occasion Rev. B. S/.obl. and II.
Ibx'kbeimer, of Baltimore, and Rev. Raum, of
(Jumberlaiid, odiciated.
Ill 18(')!), Ri'v. A. Operdieinier succeeded Mr. Baiuii
as readei'. and iield tbe position until the 24tb day of
April, 1871, wbenbedied, suddenly, of heart disease,
and was buried in tbe Hebrew cemetery, in this city.
Rev Openbeimer was succeeded in 1871, by Rev.
A. Bonbeim, who remained until 1873, and was
Jbllowed «l)y Rev. G. Levi, wbo ofiiciated until 187').
wben Rev. M. Wurzel was called to tbe charge.
Mr. Wur/el contiinied bere two years, and was
succeeded in 1877 by Rev. L. Eiseman, tbe present
incumbent. In tbe year 1853 tbe congregation pur-
cbased a piece of ground on tbe Baltimore pike, east
of, and contiguous to, the city, for burial purposes.
They have since grcjitly enlarged and improved the
same.
The congregation numbers at present twenty mem-
bers, and the number of pew holders is about eighty.
TRINITY KVANnEMdAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
470
Trinity conji.Togatiou, of the fiUtlicraiis wlio jkIIkm'O
to the "Unaltered AugHbiir<jf Confession of Faith,"
was once a part of, and in alliliation witii, the eongre-
<r!ition that worships in the chnroh on JJedford, near
Decatur, street, but who separated from tiie hitter
ahout tlie year 1852.
About this date, Rev. E. G. W. Keyl, of Baltimore,
cnme to ('umberland, and preaehed for this body.
Tl
le meet nigs were
held
lein in the old (Jourt House.
Following Mr. Keyl came Rev. Mr. Nortman and
Rev. Sommer, who preached for the congregation
alternately. These services were held at irregular
intervals, and continued until the year 1(S")4. wlun
the present house of worshij) was built, although a
congregation had been previously organized, with a
pastor in charge.
By reference to the records we find that Rev. J.
F. Biltz came to this charge in October, 1853, and
remained about seven years. lie was succeeded in
the spring of 18(')() by Rev. (>onrad II. Steger. In
June, 1854, the corner-stone of the new church, on
North Centre street, was laid. This building is a
neat and substantial brick edifice, 50 feet long by oO
wide, and capable of seating about .'500 persons. It
is built in modern style, to show full two stories.
The house was completed the same year, and dedi-
cated to religious worship. Rev. Steger remained in
charge of this church two year , and was succeeded
i>y Rev. W. Kaehler. Mr. Kaehler was followed,
in 1865, by Rev. Conrad Schwankoosky, who re-
mained until 1871. Rev. Schwankoosky had been
pastor of the United German Lutheran church, in
480
HISTOUY OF CUMBKKLANI).
foririor years, })iit had Hoparatod from that orjjjanizii-
tion, and connected hinisell' witli those who lield to
th(» "Unaltered Angsburg Confession." The next
pastor in charge of this church was Rev. Frederick
Kuegcle, who came here the 20th of May, 1871, and
is ofliciating at tliis time.
There is a parochial school attached to the church,
which is taught by the pastor. The present number
of pu[)ils registered is 1)3. The number of connuu-
nicants in the church is 142.
KINCiSLKY M. E. CIIAPKL.
The idea of erecting a Methodist Episcopal chapel
in South Cumberland, originated with a few /ealuiis
members of Centre street M. E. church, among whom
were S. T. Little, John Kellenbeck, and Samuel
Milford, who, taking in view the wants of the mem-
bers who were settling in that part of the city, in
consequence of the establishment of the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad Company's Rolling Mills, wished
to place them in more convenient reach of a house ol'
worship.
In the month of August, 1870, the lot on which
the chapel and parsonage stand was leased, at an
annual ground rent of $30, and the chapel, a plain
frame building, 30 by 45 feet, was erected. The
structure was completed on the 5th of December.
1870, at a cost of $1,000, and on the 10th of the
same month was subsequently dedicated to GodV
worship, by Rev. E. J. Gray, then pastor of the M.
E. church in Frostburg, Md., at which time sufficient
money was collected to relieve the church from
debt.
KINGSLKY M. K. CTIArEL.
481
Tlie Pro.sitlin^ Kldcr, for tliiH circuit, ji|)))oiiitc(l
Kcv. J. McK. Walsli, a .supcrimincrary proaclior, of
Baltimore ('onrcroncc. to take charge of the new
chapel, which cliarge he hehl until the session of
the aininal conference, in March, 1871, when Kev.
A. J. dill hecame the regular pasti)r, who, on the
lOth (lay of March, preached his first sermon in the
huildiug, and received into memhership, hy certificate,
tiie following persons : S. T. Little, Samuel Millord,
.fohn KellenbecU, (leorge Johnson, Samuel Johnson,
Henry Mahauey, Howard Deetz, John Koj)e, Eliza-
beth Mil ford, Kli/aheth Kellenbcck, Ellen Fisher,
and Amos Fisher.
On the 0th of April, following, the first regular
(|iiiirterly (!oiderence of this church was held at the
rosidence of John Kelleidjeck. and the following
officers were elected: Trustees, Jesse Korns, S. T.
Little. Samuel Johnson, Samuel Milford, and W. R.
Mudge. Stewards, S. T. Little. John Kellenbcck,
and Howard Deetz.
Rev. Gill continued to ofhciate in this charge two
years, and was succeeded in March, 1873, by Rev. S.
i\I. Alford, who renniined three years, and was suc-
ceeded in March, 1870, by Rev. W. H. Reed, who
ministered to the congregation one year.
It was during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Reed that
the parsonage, a neat frame residence, was erected.
In March, 1877, Rev. D. M. Browning, the present
pastor, was appointed to this charge. The earlier
history of this church was that of marked prosperity,
but for the past few years it has suffered loss, on
account of the stoppage and irregular working of the
61
482
HISTORY OF CUMIUIULANI).
Baltiinoro and Ohio rolliiifj; ihIUh, in wliicli inany of
the iiumuIkts of tliis dODj^ro^atioii foiiinl t'liiijioymciit
in more proHpcrouM tiincs.
'V\w niiml)or of oonniuiuioants in thin cimiTh is
about DO.
ZION (JKHMAN KKFORMKI) (HUKCII.
This churcli oonj^jivfijation meets in wliat was for-
nicrly known as the old Presbyterian ehnrcli, a large
brick edifiee, with ('Uj)ola and belfry, situated on
north Liberty, between Baltimore and Hedlbnl,
streets. ,
The first misson of this ehinch was established in
1867, with Rev. A. Wanner as missionary, who
renniined initil 1871. Previous to tiie arrival of Mr.
Wanner, jn'eaehini^ by ministers of this [jrofessioii
took place occasionally, at which times the Presby-
terians kindly granted the use of their building on
Liberty street.
In May, 1871, the congregation, having been fully
established, made a provisional |)urchase of their
present house of worship, from the Presbyterians,
although a full title was not obtained until June,
1872, the price then paid being $5,500. From this
time stated services were held in this building.
The iirst regular [)astor was Rev. C. (-ast, who
was installed in 1871, and remained in charge until
1874, when he was succeeded by Rev F. R. Schwedes,
the present incumbent. —
The congregation of this church own a cemetery,
three acres in extent, situated on the Baltimore pike,
a little east of the city.
niuisT ui:v")UMKF) r.riscoi'AL cmiHCii.
483
is cliurcli is
A Siindn} school, under tlu' iJiitronaf^o of the
cliurch, imhiiIkts about 125 HcholarH.
Tlio 'lUinbor of coinuiunicauts in tluH cliurch is
about 150.
(MFRiaT IlKFORMKD FPISCOPAL CnURCn.
The iniiuj;unil scrvicos of this cliurcli wore hold in
Trinity M. K. church. South, corner of south Centre
and Union streets, on Sunchiy, May 14, 1870, vvlien
Hishop ({eor}!;e I). Cuininins. Presidin;^; IJishoj) of
tlic Kefoniied Episcopal <'hurch, oiliciated, assisted by
John K. Dunn, tlie present })ast<)r. At thl^ time
services were hehl morning and evening, the Bi )p
preacliing on both occasions.
Two (hiys tliereafter (Tuesday, May 16), a num-
ber of gentlenuMi met at the ollice of fJeo. Henderson,
Jr., on north liiborty street, and organi/ed a ])arish,
and established a church, under the name of (.'lirist
Reformed Episcopal Church. Rev. J. K. Dunn was
chosen rector, and a vestry consisting of the foUowing
persons was elected: Wardens, Dr. S. P. Smith,
and George Henderson, Jr. Vestrymen, Thomas
Johns. Ceorgo A. Pearre, Jonathan W. Magruder,
E. T. Sliriver, C, J. Orrick, Dr. S. H. Fundenberg,
J. W. Pearce and W. H. Harrison.
On the following Sunday, (May 21, 187C,) regular
services of the newly organized parish were held for
the first time, in the Hall of the Young Men's ('hris-
tian Association, north Centre street. Rev. John K
Dunn rector, oflliciating. In the course of a month
about twenty-five members were enrolled upon the
church book as communicants.
484
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
A Sunday school under the management of this
church was established on the afternoon of Sunday.
May 21, 1876, in the same place.
The services of the church were continued in the
Hall of the Young Men's Christian Association, until
March, 1877, when the congregation purchased
Trinity M. E church building, on south Centre street,
for the sum of $5,500 in cash, the congregation of
that church having disbanded some months previous.
The building thus purchased by Christ Reibrmed
Episcopal church has been in Jieir occupancy ever
since, stated worship being hehl there at this time.
The present number of communicants is about 70,
and the Sunday school now numbers about 170
scholars.
McKENDREE (AFRICAN) M. E. CHAPEL.
The church now known as McKendree M. E.
Chapel Congregation, is composed of colored people,
who formerly worshipped with the congregation of
the Centre street M. E. church, and were unde»* tlie
government of the Baltimore Conference, as their
white brethren. In the fall of 1854, the colored
portion of the Centre street M. E. church withdrew
from the whites, and organized a separate congrega-
tion. They purchased their present house of worship
during that year, and have occupied it for religious
purposes ever since.
The building is a modern brick structure, and was
originally 30 by 40 feet, but during the pastorate of
Rev. M. Spreddles it was lengthened eight feet. It
is finished as a two story building.
MCKENDREE M. E. CHAPEL.
485
Among the first trustees of this church we find the
names of Lewis Graham, Joseph Taper, James Tibbs,
and Eli Robinson.
The congregation, at the time of its organization,
numbered about forty. The first pastor was Rev.
Henry Mattliews, who remained one ond a half
years, and was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Wilson, who
served three years, and was followed in 18G9 by
Rev. M. Spreddles, who remained until 1872, when
he was succeeded by Rev. E. Lawson. Rev. Lawson
served only one year, and was succeeded in l873, by
Rev. Thomas Davis, who, after a brief ministry
withdrew from this conference, and united with
another. In 1874. Rev. A. B. Wilson came here to
fill the unexpired term of Rev. Davis, and remained
until February, 1875, and was succeeded by Rev.
Henry Cellers, who is the present pastor.
The church has a Sunday school under its man-
agement. The number of communicants at this
time is 90.
AFRICAN M. E. CHURCU.
For many years the colored persons of the Meth-
odist Episcopal faith were accustomed to attend
services at the Centre street M. E. cburch, where a
portion of the gallery was set apart for their use.
But in 1848 they determined to provide themselves
with a house of worship, and therefore effected an
organization, and elected a board of trustees, as fol-
lows: Nathaniel Burgee, Philip Only, Jacob Mitchell,
Wm. Hamilton, John Pago, John Murdock, and
Henry Robinson. Father Golden, of Baltimore, came
486
IIISTORV OF CUMBERLAND.
here, and devoted himself to the work, and before
the close of the year, succeeded in securing the
erection and completion of a plain l)rick building, on
Frederick street extended. In 1871, the house was
rebuilt and enlarged, and in 1875, was again
enlarged, to accommodate the increasing member-
Bhip.
The pastors who have served in this church, from
the date of its organization, are as follows, beginning,
in 1848, Avith Father Golden: Mis successors were
Rev. Thcmias Henry, Dr. Watts, D. A. llidout, James
Sterricks. Mr. Russell, R. A. Hall, John F. Lane.
William Smith, C. Sampson. Wm. 11. Waters,
Joseph Thompson, Jas. H. A. Johnson, J. B. Ham-
ilton, and J. M. Cargill, the latter having been
appointed to this charge early in 1877, and being
.still the j)astor of the eluirch. which is quite pros-
perous.
EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH.
Ebenezer, African, Baj)tist church, was organized
in the spring of 1875, by the Revs. H. J. ChandkM-.
of Bedford street Baptist church, in Cumberland, and
James Nelson, then of Georgetown, D. C, now of
Farmville, Va.
The first congregational worship of this body was
in the third story of the west end of Reynolds's
Block, on Baltimore, between Liberty and Mechanic,
streets. The number of members enrolled at the
time of organization was about twenty, and Rev.
Lewis Hicks, the present pastor, was then installed.
This church continued to worship in Reynolds's
Block until their new church edifice w^as built, on
EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH.
487
Cumberland stroot, on the west side of Will's Creek.
The corner stone of this building was laid in August,
1875, Dr. S. C. Thrall, of Emmanuel Episcopal
church, and Rev. IT. J. Chandler, of Bedford street
Baptist church, officiating, and the house was pushed
forward to comjjletion by the end of the year.
The lot on which the church is located was pur-
chased of Oeorge Henderson, Jr., and deeded to
Lewis Hicks, Willie Johnson, Robert Trent, Simon
Bolden, and John M. Thomas, a committee appointed
by Ebenezer Baptist church of Cumberland,
The building is a modern brick structure, finished
to show two stories in height, and 40 feet in length
by 28 in breadth.
The building of this house of worship evinced a
degree of courage and energy truly remarkable. At
a time when there was a great scarcity of money, and
a prostration of business, the work was projected,
and it was carried forward under trials and difficulties
innumerable, by a class of men dependent on their
labor for daily bread.
A small Sunday school is in operation, under the
management of thi« church. The number of com-
municants is about 15.
THE CITY OF CUMBERLAND.
The City of (Jumborland is located at the Eastern
base of the Allegany Mountains, on the banks of the
North Branch of the Potomac River and of Will's
Creek, at the mouth of the latter stream. Her
geograpical position is 89° 39' 14" latitude; longitude,
in arc 78° 45' 25"; in time oh. I5m. 01. 7s. The city
is surrounded by mountains and abrupt bluffs on all
sides, but has natural outlets in every direction,
through which easy passage has been found for her
channels of communication with other parts of the
world. Not only has the valley east of Will's Creek
been built up with streets, residences, business houses
and factories, but the hills have been scaled, and on
every side improved by the hands of enterprise and
progress. The picturesque beauty of the place is
scarcely surpassed by any other spot in the country,
while some of the surroundings are grand and
imposing in the extreme. There are few points from
which the entire city can be brought into view at
one glance, but from every point of observation the
eye is greeted with a variety of scenery of exceptional
attraction, and the natural beauty of the vision
is enhanced by the architectural improvements which
have converted tlie quiet hill and vale into scenes of
busy life. From every hill side flash into view lofty
62
490
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
spires, temples built of native stone, charming villas,
towered edifices, and comfortable homes, evincinir
educated tastes and refined ideas. The placid
Potomac, forming the southern boundary of the city.
is apparently land-locked, and presents the appear-
ance of a modest lake, upon whose bosom is mirrored
the beauty of its leafy shores; while jthe swifter
waters of Will's Creek come purling into the very
heart of the town, cool and fresh, from the sombre
shades of the wondrous "Narrows." Southward the
waters of the two streams tumble over a dam ol'
solid masonry, and skirt the base of "Nobley" Moun-
tain, until they disappear from view at the edge of
the city, some half mile lower down the channel.
Eastward is a series of blufts, some three hundred
feet in height, known as "Shriver's Hill," "McKaigV
Hill," and "Fort Hill." The sides of these hills are
dotted with dwellings, and cultivated fields, in many
places, while the gorges between have been converted
into streets and roads. On the south, and on the
opposite side of the river, in West Virginia, Nobley
Mountains rise in their self-asserting grandeur, and
with the rich bottom lands lying at their feet, form a
picture worthy to be transferred to canvas, if a brush
can be found to do them justice. On a knob, around
which the river sweeps with a graceful curve, stands
the beautiful villa of Capt. Roger Perry, of the navy,
forming one of the most prominent and attractive
pictures of the panorama of the city. Cumberland is
divided into two parts by the waters of Will's Creek.
That portion lying east of the Creek comprises the
greater part of the business houses, hotels, mills,
CITY OF CUMBERLAND.
491
factories, wharves, railroad depots, &c., besides the
elegant structure recently erected as a City Hall,
and a number of streets desirable as places of resi-
dence. The west side is devoted almost exclusively
to private residences, and there are few thoroughfares
in the smaller cities of the Union, superior to Wash-
ington street in the character of its buildings and
their tasteful surroundings. This avenue is well
lined xith shade trees, while spacious grounds and
cultivated shrubbery surround almost every house.
On it are located also the Court House, a handsome
building, and two fine stone church edifices.
The Potomac River is spanned by an iron bridge,
built by the city, for the purpose of affording easy
communication with the people of West Virginia.
Over Will's Creels are three iron bridges for general
traffic, one iron bridge for railroad purposes, one
bridge for the passage of canal boat teams, and tiie
splendid brick viaduct, built by the Baltimore ai:d
Ohio Railroad Company, in 1850, for the passage of
its trains. This latter is about one sixth of a mile
in length, has fourteen arches, and spans several
streets, as well as the Creek. In addition to these
there is a bridge of solid masonry at the north end
of the city, constructed by the general government,
as a part of its great improvement known as the
National Road.
The streets are quite irregular, in the eastern
section, and seem to have followed, to a great extent,
the courses of the old roads. They are from thirty
to sixty feet in width, and with few exceptions are
graded and paved with cobble stones. Large sums
492
IIISTOUV OF CUMBEKLAND.
of money were spent in this work originally, and
thousands of dollars are now appllcMl every year to
the cleansing and repair of t\w same.
The climate is mild, but changeable. The ex-
tremes of heat and cold are not so great as those
common to points in the same latitude, and altogether
the city may be said to be (piite healthy, as there aw
no types of disease that become epidemic. In the
summer season, no matter how warm the weather
may be during the day, the nights are cool and
pleasant.
The business houses are generally of a substantial,
respectable and attractive character, and as a rule
the merchants confine themselves each to a particular
branch of trade, instead of keeping a " general" stock
of merchandise on hand. There ar(? many wholesali'
houses that have a good trade, and they are able to
compete with jobbers in the larger cities East and
West.
"The city is on the outer edge of the great Coal
Basin which goes by its name, connected with it by
the lines of the Cumberland and Pennsylvania Rail-
road, and the Cumberland Coal and Iron Company's
Railroad.
" The population of Cumberland, according to i\w
census of 1870, was 8,056 ; in 1873, 11,300. As the
city has grown rapidly since that time it is probably
safe to estimate its present population at about
13,000. • _ . .. . - -_
" It is an incorporated city, governed by a Mayor
and Board of Councilmen ; with a regularly organized
police force The citj^ is lighted by gas, and supplied
CITY OP CUMBERLAND.
493
ties East and
with water from the Potomac river, by the ^ Holly
system of fire protection and water supply.'"
Its means of communication with other parts of the
country are numerous, and ample. The Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal extends from Cumberland to Wash-
ington City, where it connects witli tide-water ; and
about three-quarters of a million tons of coal are
annually transported through this channel to the
p]ast.
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad connects the city
with Baltitnore on the one hand, and the Ohio River
on the other; the Pittsburgh and Connellsville
Railroad, with Pitsburgh ; the Cumberland and
Pennsylvania Railroad, with the coal region ; and a
new road (the Pennsylvania Railroad, in Maryland,)
is nearly completed, whereby the Pennsylvania Rail-
road will find its way into the city.
"The business of the city is largely dependent upon
the coal trade, the annual shipments of Cumberland
coal amounting to nearly 2,000,000 tons.
The Cumberland Coal Field lies west of the city
of Cumberland, in a basin formed by the Great Savage
Mountain on the North-west and the Dan's Mountain
on the South-east, and running North-east and South-
west from Peimsylvania State line, through Allegany
county, into Mineral county. West Virginia. The
basin is about five miles wide between the two
ranges and about twenty miles long. The floor of
the basin slopes from either end upwards to Frost-
burg, where it attains its greatest altitude, from
2,000 to 2,100 feet above mean tide.
'' The Southern slope of the basin is drained by
494
HISTORY OF CUMHEULANn.
George's Creek, flowing Soutli-west from Frostburg
and emptying into tlie Potomac river. The Northern
rtlope, by Jennings Run, flowing Northwest into
Will's Creek. The aggregate depth of coal formation
here is 1,100 feet, its base being the Millstone Grit.
Capping the sumtnita of Savage and Dan's mountains,
it extends down their sides into the valley, where it
dips below the surface.
"The principal coal veins are, first, the "Big Vein,"
fourteen feet of coal, lying 1,860 feet above tide.
This is the vein from which most of the coal is now
mined. It underlies the surface of the valley at
Frostburg and Borden Shaft, but southward, down
the George's Creek, water has cut away that portion
of the measure lying in the lowest part of the valley
and with it this vein (which here must have been
very near the surface) leaving the higher parts only
of the vein standing in the hills thus formed on
either side of the water course. Second, the "Four
Foot Vein," which lies about 800 feet below the
" Fourteen Foot Vein." This vein is below water in
the higher part of the basin ; but appears about sixty
feet above at Barton, and lies above the level from
that point southward, down the George's Creek.
This vein has been opened by the Piedmont Coal and
Iron Company, and proves to be equal in quality to
the Big Vein, and in the southern portion of the
basin lies in such a way as to be easily rained.
Lastly, the " Six Foot Vein," which lies 160 feet
below the " Four Foot Vein," and is above water
level in the lower part of the valley only. These
two lower veins, though smaller in size than the
CITY OP CUMBERLAND.
495
" Big Vein," have a much greater acreage, as but
little of either vein has been cut away by erosion.
At present the abundant supply contained in the
large vein is so easy of access and can be so cheaply
mined, that these smaller veins have not received
the share of attention which they eventually will.
Several new openings other than those mentioned are
now being made in these smaller veins, with very
encouraging prospects.
" The total acreage of coal land in this field is
44,182. Of this, 17,300 acres contain the large
" B\)urteen Foot Vein," and of course all contain the
two smaller veins. Besides these, which are the
working veins, there are numerous other small veins,
throughout the entire depth of the coal measure ;
these veins are from si.x inches to three feet in
thickness ; they have never received any attention
from mining companies or experts. The coal of this
field is well and favorably known by consumers and
dealers generally. It is a free burning bituminous
coal, containing on an average 75 per cent, of fixed
carbon. It is free from injurious impurities and
with very little slate or earthy particles. A Com-
mitttee of Naval Officers and Engineers which was
appointed by the United States Government, to test,
by actual experiment, the relative value for forge and
steam generating purposes of all the different kinds
of coal found in this country and in England, rate
Cumberland Coal (in general average) to be tl e best
coal for steam generating purposes in the market, and
superior for forge purposes also. Under equal weights
the Cumberland Coal surpasses the Anthracite, in
490
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
evaporativo power, by 2.3 per cent.; under ecpial
bulk by 1.4 per cent. It .surpa.ssos tlie ft)reign
bituininouH coals 20 per cent, comparing e<pial
weights, and 26 per cent, comparin;^ ecjual bulk.
It is used by manufacturers and transportation
companies generally throughout the Kastern States.
From 1842 to 1870 (inclusive) 32,01)0,877 tons of
this coal have been mined and shi[)ped. The supply
is still abundant; the lower veins being almost
untouched, and ol' the upper vein there are about
12,057 acres still uncut.
Amongst the newspapers in the city, is the "Daily
Times," mention of which was inadvertently omitted.
The "Alleganian and Times" was re-established
in 180'^ by L. G. Stephens and T. B. Taylor,
and ii 77 the latter gentleman became the sole
owner, inA changed the name of the paper to " The
Cumberland Daily Times."
COAL COMPANIES IN ALLEGANY COUNTY.
Ainericnn CdiiI Company; A. ,T. Clark, Superintendent, Lonnconinji;.
Atlantic and Oeorge h Creek (Joal and Iron Cotupuuy; Jolui Sheridan, Super-
intendent, Pekin.
Borden Coal Company; A. V. Greene, Agent, Frostburg. ShippiiiK Agent,
Cumberland, ¥. L. Tilt?hninn.
Biaen Avon Coal Company; A. S|)ier, PreHident, Cumberland.
Consolidation Coal Company; James A. Millholland, Second Vice President,
Cumberland.
Franklin Mines; H. C. Black, Superintendent, Franklin.
George's Creek Coal and Iron Company; .John Douglas, Superintendent,
Lonaconing. Shipping Agent, Cumberland, George A. Ilotfman.
Hampshire and Baltimore Coal Company: Charles W. Shaw, Superintendent,
Piedmont, W. Va. Shipping Agent, Cumberland, .1. B. Winslow.
Maryland Coal Company; F. E. Bracket, Superintendent, Lonaconing
Shipping Agent, Cumberland, Howell Bobbins.
New Central Coal Company; Malcolm Sinclair, General Manager, Cumber-
land. Shipoing Agent, Cumberland, Alexander Adams.
Piedmont Coal Company; .John Somerville, Superintendent, Barton.
Potomac Coal Company; George W. Lyons, Superintendent, Barton.
Swanton Coal Company; Archibald McDonald, Superintendent, Barton.
MAJOR GENERAL
EDWARD BRADDOCK'S
FROM
FEBRUARY 26 TO JUNE 17, 1755.
Fko.m the Originals,
IN THE
COKGRESSIONAL LIBRARY.
^ngjgsi
What iiriinediately follows, is the Orders of his
Kxcellency General Braddock from his arrival in
Virginia until tl:^ 17th of June following, wdion
Indisposition obliged the writer, or copier, thereof to
Beperate from him and remain (until he was in a
condition to move fc>rward again) with the rear
division of the Army. Rejoining in a low and
enfeebled state, only the day before the Action of
Monnongalia (which happened on the 9th of July)
there was not time even if he had been nhh to enter
the Ordei's that had issued during his seperation;
which is more to be regretted as it is probable the
Order of Battle, and many other important Orders
were among them.
He did, however, as may be seen by a letter to
Captain Orme, dated the 28th day of July — Request
a copy ot these orders, but as they never were sent,
they cannot be inserted.
[General Braddock's Orderly Books are two in number, the first embracing
the orders issued from the 26th of February to the 11th of June, 175£ aud
the second from the 12th to the 17th of June, 1755. On a page preceiJugthe
orders appears the above extract, in Washington's own handwriting, and it is
presumed that the books were kept under his direction. These books were
transferred to the Congressional Library from the library of the late
Peter Force, after the death of that eminent man, whose collection of manu-
scripts concerning Anierican history was undoubtedly the most complete ia
ezist.ence.]
Drders of his
[lis arrival in
lowing, when
ier, thereof to
il he wdi^ in a
vith the rear
n a low and
the Action of
e 9th of July)
n able to enter
lis seperation;
8 probable the
lortant Orders
by a letter to
fuly — Request
^er were sent,
GENERAL BRADDOCK'S ORDERLY BOOK,
NO. 1.
, the first embracing
of June, 1751 aud
page precetiugthe
indwrltiDg, and it is
These books were
|library of the late
collection of manu-
le most complete in
His Excellency General Braddock orders that the
commanding Oflicer of each ship upon their arrival
in Hamptom Road shall immediately send a Return
inclosed to Mr. Hunter at Hampton, specifying the
number of their sick, the time of their illness, and
the nature of them. And that every commanding
Officer shall with the utmost dispatch apply to Mr.
Hunter i'or Boats to carry the sick on shore wch shall
be executed with all imaginable care and expedition,
and that a Subaltorn Officer of each ship shall see
tlieir men safely conveyed to the place appointed at
Hampton for their Recept'jM, which Mr. Hunter will
shew them; and that the Surgeons or mates of the
two regiuients and Train shall attend the sick of
their own corps. Every commanding Officer is to
take particular care that as soon as their sick are
sent n. Shore all the Hatchways be uncovered, scuttles
opened and the Platform thoroughly washed and
cleaned, no Ollicer or soldier, except the sick, to lie
on shore upon any acct. The Hospital to continue
on board till the General's further Orders.
Williamsburg, Febry 26th. 1755.
To the companies of Rangers and carpenters :
His Excellency General Braddock orders the com-
inandiT officer of each company or Troop to send a
weekly Retttrn to the head Quarter's agreeable to the
Form annexed; and duplicates of the Returns are to
IV.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY 1500K.
be Remitted weekly to His Excellency, Governoi-
Dinwiddie. The Return for Genl Braddock to be
directed to me at the head Quarters,
Williamsburg, Feby. 26th, 1755.
By His Excellency Edward Braddock, Enq :
Whereas, an act of Parliament was passed in England, the last Session, to
subject ail Troops rp.^ed in the Colonies to the Regulations and Orders of
the articles of Wai, I therefore think it expedient and Order ihat upon
forming the four companies of Rangers, the company of carpeuters and
the Troops of light Horse and whatever Troops are or shall be
raised for the service of the present Expedition. That the articles of War
be publickly read to the Officers and men, and that every man severaly sliall
tak e the Oath of Allegiance and supremacy; and in consequence of these
articles they are to obey from time to time any orders they shall receive from
me or any of their superior Officeis.
E. BRADDOCK,
By His Excel 'ys Com'd.
Feb'y. 26th, 1755. Wil'm Shirley, Secret y.
By His Excellency Edwird Braddock, Esq., Gen'l Covitnander in Chief oj
His Maj'ty Forces in North America, Quarters of Sir Peter Halktts Re;iim't:
Orderd, That it proceed to Alexandria in the Transports; tive companies
to remain in tiie Town w'th the company of artillery and stores of all kinds.
One comi)any at Dumfries, two days march from .'ilexandria, thirty
miles to Halt the first night after they cross the Ferry ot Oeciiquan;
One company at Bladensburg, one days marcli, they cross the Potomack
at Alexandria; One company at upper Marlborroiigh two days march
first night at Bladensburg; Two compauys at Fre(lericlc; These three
last cantonments in Maryland; U|)ou application to Major Carlyl luai^is-
trate of Alexandria; the whole will be furnished with Guides Quarters
of one Regiment, The Traiisj)or(s w'ch have them on board to stop in the
River Potomack as near Fredericksburg as they can; These and an halt com-
pany at Winchester, six days march from Fredericksburg, halt a company at
Conogogt'- eight days from Winchester; six conipanys at Fredericksburg and
Falmouth •>. the other side the River of Rap))ahannock,
The live companys of the Regiment that disembark at Alexandria wlucli
are to be canton "d to be landed first and to begin their march before the otiier
five debark.
The Engineers and other Ofiicers, not immediately wanted to be at hand,
may be conveniently lodged on the Maryland side of the Potomack leaving a
direction where they lodge
A})plicatiou is to be made to the several magistrates for carriages to convey
the stores, Baggage and Tents oi the cantoned companys to be given by the
commanding titlicers lor the numbers employ'd.
The Regiment wl^ose head (Quarters ate at Fredericksburg, will halt ab't
15 miles from |)lace (if disembarking. Waggons will be ordered to attemi
them. Throe compunvs which are to march to Winchester and Couogogec
are to march first to Friderieksburg. The compa (^uarterd at Falmouth
need not cross the Rappu. vVaggon's to each comi)a to be assertained, a field
Ollicer to go with each of the five coinpas and every Officer to go with his
com pas.
Given under my hand at Williamsburg, this 28ih Febry, 1755.
E. BR.VDDoCK.
^mmm
DOK.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
V, Governor
idock to be
the last Session, to
Ills and Orders uf
Order iliat upon
of carpeuters ami
are or shall be
he articles of War
luwn severaly shall
isequenee of these
• shall receive from
BRADDOCK,
iiRLKY, Secret y.
Hinder in Chief oj
Iff Halkets Re(jim't:
>ns; five cmuimiiies
litores of all kinds.
Alexandriii, iliirty
•\;rry ot OcciHiuan;
;ross the Potoiudck
1 two tlays uiarcii
rick; These three
ijor Carlyl mau'is-
ji Guides tiuaiters
jjoard to stop iu the
ie and an halt eoiii-
halt a company at
''redericksburg and
. Alexaudria which
ich before the other
litcd to be at hand,
*ot,oiuack leaving a
Icarriages to convey
be given by th--
[urg. will halt ati'i
ordered to altenii
Iter and Conogogee
Itcrd at Falmouth
lassertained, a tiel<l
|Hcer to go with his
, , 1755,
BR,\nD«»CK.
Camp at Alexandria,
Thursday 27th March, 1755.
Parole — Williamsburg.
(Japt" Robert Orme of the Coldstream Reg't of
(aiards, and Capt" Roger Morris of Cols. Dunbars
Regiment of Foot, are appointed aids de camp to His
Excellency Gen' Braddock.
His Majesty has been pleased to appoint Capt
Malket, of Sir Peter Ilalkets Regiment; Brigade
Major.
As the Troops have taken the Field His Excely.
Gen' Braddock is desirous the Officers and men should
be informed of the Duties he requires of them, and
of some Regulations he thinks beneficial to the
service: and as the two Regiments now employed
have servd under the command of His Royal High-
ness and are well acquainted with military discipline,
Ilis Excellency ex[)ects their conduct will be so
conformable to order as to set the most soldier like
example to the new Service of this country; and the
General orders that the articles of War be immedi-
ately and fre<piertly read, and that every body may
be informed all neglects or disobedience of them or
any Orders will not be forgiven.
Any Soldier who shall desert tho' he return again
will be hanged without mercy.
As an Incouragemcnt to the men, and to promote
their diligence and activity, every man will be allowed
daily as much of fresh or salt Provision, and of Bread
ur Flower without any stoppages for the same as
long and in as great pro])ortions as it will be possible
to provide them unless any man shall be found drunk,
negligent, or disobedient, in such case his gratuity
shall be stopped.
All Orders relating to the nien are constantly to
he read to them by an Officer of the Company.
The eldest captains company of each Regt is
VI.
GENKKAL HHADDOCK S OUDEULY HOOK.
to act as a second Circnadiors company and to be
ported uj)on the left of the Battalion, KMving the
same Interval a.s the Grenadiers upon the Right;
This coni})any is to be kept coni})k^at of Oflicers and
two of tlieni as well as of the other Grenadier company
are to be posted in the Front and the other in the
Eear.
The eiglit Battallian companies are to form so
many Firings and to be commanded by their re-
spective Odicera. The commanding Odicer of each
company is to give the word, the second is to be |)()ste(l
in the center of the Front Raidv and the remainin''
Subaltorn Oflicers of the Regiment after this dispo-
sition are to divide the ground eijually: Those
Firings are to begin by the colonel's company, second
by the I^ieu' cob and continued from Right to lel't a«
fast as po.ssibly, but the two (Japt"^ of Grenadiers are
to take particular care never to give their Fire till
the company \s upon the Right and left are loaded.
To avoid confusion if tlie Regiinent should he
ordered to wheel or lire by Platoons, every Ollicer
commanding a comi)any is to tell it off in two divisions
and to i)ost the second connnissiond Oflicer and noii
connnissioned Ollicer's, and when the Regiment
decamps or are to form, the connnanding Ollicer of the
com[)any is to instruct his mens arms, compleat the
Files, Post the Ollieers and see his men IomcUmI that
they may wheel up and ye Battalion be instantly
formed.
The Olticers u|)on a march are to remain in the
same Order with their companies, and Those Ollieers
who were placed in the Rear are to march as posted
which will conse([uently be upon the Flank as the
Regiment moves by Files they are therefore required
to keep the Soldiers in their Files, and if any lag
behind one or more of these Officers is to briny; them
ui>
l>
Every Oflicer leaving his company upon a inarch
GENKKAL imADDOCK S OUDKIU-Y HOOK.
VH.
will bo casliiord, and every eonimandini^ Officor will
bo aiiHwerahlo lor the iiion of his company loi't lu'liind;
and the conunanding Oflicer of tlii' lloginientH are
ordered to punish vvitli the utmost severity any soldier
who leaves his File hut in cases of sickness.
('ommanding Oflicers of comjianies are to have
their arms in constant good order, and every man to
1)0 provided with a Brush, Picker, two good spare
Flints and 24 (Cartridges.
The Roll of each company to be calld by a com-
missioned Ofllcor, morning, noon and night, nnd a
return of the absent or disorderly men to be given to
the c(mmianding Oflicer of the Regiment who is to
order proper punishment.
The Women of each Kegiment are to march with
the Provost and none upon any acct are to appear
with the men when under arms.
Fiach Regiment is to mount a Piquet (Uiard con-
sisting of one capt" and three Subalterns and 100
men to bo paraded at the retreat they nvo to report
to the Field Oilioor of the Day.
The two Regiments are to find the (lenls CJuard
alternately consisting of one Lieut, and thirty Private
and rept)rt to an aid do camp. Tlie Regiment which
finds tlie (^niard fnids also the adjutant of the Day.
All (luards are to be retird at 8 Oclock; all guards
to be told of in two divisions Tho' ever so small.
(Juards ordi^red at Orderly time arc to remain for
that duty and a now detachment is to be made for
any orderd afterwards.
All returns are to be signed by the commanding
OHicer of Roj^'iments. Reports of all Guards except
the Generals are to be made to the Field Oflicer of
the Day who is to visit them once at least and to go
the piquet rounds.
All remarkable bccurrances in camp to be reported
to an aid de camp.
Returns of all commands to be made to the Brigavie
VIII.
GKNERAL BHADDOCK S ORDERLY B(X)K.
Major, and every Regiment, company, Troop, &c.,
are to make a daily return to him specifying the
numbers wjinting to com pleat, who is to make one
Gener' return to his Excellency.
A daily return of the sick is to be made to the
Gen' thro' an aid de earnp.
As the nature of the country make it impossible
to provide magazines of Fonige, and as it is appre-
hended the Quantity will be very small, uncertain,
and difficult to be procurd hh Excellency recommends
it to all the Officers to take no more baggage than
they find absolute occasion for.
Commanding Officers of Regiments are directed by
His Excellency to inform their men not to suffer
themselves to be alarmed upon a march by any
stragling Fires from the Indians in the woods, they
being of no consequence nor liable to any inconve-
niences but what arise from their misbehaviour.
• Any Soldier by leaving his company, or by words
or Gestures expressing Fear shall suffer death and
the Gen' will greatly approve and properly reward
those men who by their coolness and good Discipline
treat the attempt of these Fellows with the contempt
they deserve.
The Sergents of the two Regiments are to be pro-
vided with Firelocks and Bayonets, but to wear their
Swords — They are to leave at Winchester under the
care of the Train their Halters and all the private
men their Swords. His Excellency likewise recom-
mends it to all the Officers to provide them selves
if possible with Fuzeis, as Espontoons will be
extreamely inconvenient and useless in the Woods.
As the good of the Service renders the presence of
all the Officer's absolutely necessary His Excellency
cannot suffer any commissiond Officer to act as pay-
master, the General therefore desires the colonels and
captains will agree as soon as possible for a proper
person for that purpose.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
IX.
made to the
The Line is to find one Field Officer daily to be
relieved at 10 o'clock, this duty to be done by the two
Lieut col« and two Majors, the Field Officer, is to visit
all the Guards except the Generals a:id to go the
rounds of the Piccjuet which as well as other Guards
and Posts are to re})()rt to the Field Officer and he is
to make his report oty*" whole at nine o'clock every
morning to the (ien' and in case of any alarm the
Field Officer is to repair to the place of alarm with
all expedition and to send for all necessary assistance
to the two Regiments who are immediately to comply
with his Orders.
All rei)orts and returns to be made before nine
o'clock, all out posts are to receive the Gen' with
shoulderd arms and without beat of Drum or Salute.
Upon any applicjition from S"" Jn" St Clair Quarter
Master Gen' for Men the Regiments are immediately
to furnish them.
Sir Peter Ilalkett is to be applied to for all Regu-
lations of Provisions and his Orders are to be strictly
complied with.
All Guards are to rest and beat two Ruffles to his
Honour Governor Dinwiddie.
The Regiments are to hold themselves in readiness
for a muster, each company is to provide their Rolls
one of Parchment, and those Officers with new com-
missions are to have them in their Pockets, after the
muster the Geni will receive the two Regiments by
Companys the Officers to be in B(>ots and the men in
Brown Gaters.
The adjutants of the two Regiments and artillery,
and also the adjutant of the Rangers to be at the
Major of Brigades Tent, every day at eleven o'clock
to receive Order's.
A Surgeant fnmi the two Regiments Artillery and
Rangers to attend the Major of Brigade as Orderly,
and to be relieved every day at Guard Mounting.
The Gentlemen of the Hospital and their Ser-
3
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
vants are to receive to morrow three Days Provisions.
Field Officers for the Day Lieut Colo Gage.
Alexandria, March 28th, 1755.
Parole — Albemarle.
The Generals Guard to be mounted in Brown
Gater's, and the Officers in Boots.
Sir Peter Halkets Col" Dunbar's and the Royal
Regiment of Artillery are to be mustered, on Monday
morning at seven o'clock, and afterwards they will
be received by Gen' Brjiddock.
Robert Webster of Sir Peter Halkets Regim' is
appointed Provoest Marshall and he is to be obeyd
accordingly.
One Sergeant ; one Corporal and twelve men to
mount as a Guard for the Provost Marshal and be
relieved every 48 Hours.
The Adjutant who does not send in his return to
the Major of Brigade, by seven o'clock in the morning
will be orderd under an arrest.
The Quarter master of the Corps which is to receive
provisions is to give to the Commissary a signed
Return of the number he is to draw Provisions for
every Saturday at six in the afternoon : The Quarter
masters of the different Corps are to give into Sir
Peter Halkets a return of the Provisions they
delivered out that week, distinguishing the quantitys
deliverd each Corps ; In this return he is to have
Colums for the quantitys of each species of Provision's
he has receivd that week and a Column for the
Quantitys remaining in Store.
To morrow at Orderly time the Adjutants are to
deliver in a return of the number of Serv*^ who are
not Soldiers and for whom Provisions are to be drawn
for ; The Commissary are to make two Copy's of
this return, one for Geni Braddock, the other for Sir
Peter Halkett.
Field Officer to morrow Lieu^ Colo Burton.
For the Gen^s Guard 48 th Regiment.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
XI.
d in Brown
:s Reffim' is
One of the Orderly Sergeants or the Major of
Brigade is to carry the Orders to Sir John St. Clair.
A General Court Martial consisting of one Field
Officer, Six ('aptains and Six Subalterns, to sit to
morrow morning at 8 o'clock.
Lt Cob Cage, President. Sir Peter Halkett gives
3 Capf's and 3 Subalterns ; Col" Dunbar gives 3
Capt"s and 3 Subalterns. Mr. Shirley Judge Ad-
vocate ; The Picquet to consist of one Capt", two
Subalterns and fifty men till further Orders. No
Officer, Soldier or any other Person to Fire a Gun
within a mile round the Camp.
Cami'At Alexandria, March 29th, 1755.
Parole — Boston.
For the General Guard 44th Regiment.
The alarm Post for all the Virginian Troops
Quarterd in the Town of Alexandria to be before the
march.
When any man is sent to the General Hospital he
is to bring a certificate signed by an Officer, of his
name. Regiment and Company, to what day he is
subsisted, and what arms and acoutrements he brings
with him. The arms and accoutrements to be
bundled up, and marked, with the mans name and
Company
Cob Dunbars Regiment to morrow to receive three
days provisions.
On Sunday every Regiment in Camp, is to have
divine service at the Head of their Colours.
AFTER ORDERS.
Each Regiment to send to the train for twenty
Thousand Flints out of which number, they are to
pick five thousand, and to send the remainder back
again ; The Commanding Officers giving their receipts
for what number's they receive.
XII.
GENERAL BHAUDOCK S ORDERLY HOOK.
All the Virginia Troops that aro Quartered in
Alexandria to he under arms, to morrow morning at
half an hour after seven o'clock.
The Officers that were formerly apixiinted Pay
masters, to continue so till further Orders and are to
issue out in payment to tlie Tro()i)s, each a Dollar at
4«|9«8hirg.
When either Regiment have occasion for Ammu-
nition, or aay Military Stores the Commanding
Officers are to send to the Artillery when they will
be supplied giving their receipts accordingly.
The General Court Martial where of Lieut
Colo Gage was President . is dissolv'd, and James
Anderson of Col" Dunbar's Regiment who was tryod
by ye General Court Martial is orderd 1,000 lashes
with a Cat and Nine Tails which he is to
receive in such manner as the Commanding Officer
shall think proper.
Field Officer for to morrow, L^ Col^ Gage
Camp at Alexandria, 30th March, 1755.
Parole — "C hichester."
The two Regiments are to be musterd to morrow
morning at seven O'clock but the General will not
receive the Troops till further Orders.
The two Regiments from Ireland are to acct for
their men for their Sea pay giving them credit for
their subsistance to the first of March and for their
Arms to the 24th of Feby ; The Captains are to take
credit for their Watch Coats, Blankets and Flannell
waistcoats brought from Great Britain for their
Companys.
The men listed or incorporated into Sir Peter
Halketts, and colo Dunbar's Regiment are to have
credit for twenty Shillings and to be chargd with the
above mentiond necessarys His Excellency orders
this to be taken from the recruiting Fund, and gives
GENEKAL HKADDOCK S ()1U)EHLY lU)OK,
XIU.
it to those men for their Incouragement that they
may do tlieir (hity like good Soldiers.
The first company of carpenters are to march to
morrow morning to Sir John St Clair for further
Order's.
A Return to be sent to morrow morning to Sir
Jn" St Clair from Sir Peter Iljdketts aiid (Jol" Dun-
bars Regiments of the number of Draughts they have
receivd by whom they were enlisted and from what
companys draughted.
Camp at Alexandria, 31st of March, 1755.
■ Parole -Darlington.
Field Officer for to morrow, Lt Col'> Burton.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
All casualties or occurrances that happen in camn
to be reported i nmediately to the Gen' through an
aid de camp.
Whenever Sir John St Clair has occasion for arti-
ficers Tools, or Implements he is to apply to the
commissary of the Train, who will supply him with
what he demands takin ^ his, or his assistants receipts
for the same.
The Officers to provide themselves with Bat Plorses
as soon as possible.
The artillery to have their men upon the Wharf
every morning at 6 O'clock precisely to send their
Stores &c and care must be taken that they have
their Waggons at the Wharf exactly at the same time
that their may be no delay one Sergant and 12 men
from the two Regiments to march immediately to
the Wharf in order to assist the Artillery in the
Landing of their Stores this party to be reliev'd every
morning and to be on the Wharf precisely at 6
Oclock. _
Sir Peter Halkets Regiment receives three days
provisions to morrow.
XIV. GENKUAL BKAniX)CK S ORDERLY BOOK,
Camp at Alexandria, April Ist, 1755.
Parole — Esse.
Field Oflicer lor to morrow
For the Generals (luard 48th Regiment.
Col" DunbarH Regiment to receive three Days
Provisions.
The two Reg" are to send to artily for 1 Do/" of
cart'* made up with Rail in order to try if they will
fit the men's Firelocks.
Cami' at Alexandria, April 2d, 1755.
Parole — Farn h am .
Field Officer for to morrow Maj'" Chapman.
For the Generals (luard 44th Regiment.
The Artillery and Hospital receive three days pro-
vision to morrow.
The two Re<>iments are to apply to the Train for
Paper, Powder & Ball sufficient to compleat every
man with 24 rounds which are to be made up, and
distributed as soon as ])ossible.
The commanding Officers of company's are desird
to give particular directions to their men to be careful
of their Amumnition and to inform them thev will
be very severly punishd for any abuse or neglect of
it, and the Officer's of company's who calld the
Evening Rolls are to inspect the Ammunition of
their several companys and to report the defficiencys
to the commanding Officers of the Regiments who arc
desird by his Excellency to keep them compleat with
24 Rounds.
His Excellency General Braddock Orders that the
Soldiers should be told that any man who upon a
march by fiistning his Tent Pole, or by any other
means incumbers his Fire lock, shall be immediately
and most severely punished.
One corporal and eight men of the Line to attend
GENERAL BKADIXXIK S OUDEKLY HOOK.
XV.
at 6 Oclock every morning, to assist the Engineers in
Surveying.
Tlie Artillery, Hospital and Engineers to receive
three days provisions to morrow.
AFTER ORDERS.
One Sergant one (.'orporal, and twenty men of the
Line without arms to March to the Wharf immedi-
ately to assist in disembarking the artillery.
The Virginia Troops as appointed to the particular
Regiments.
Sir Peter Ilalkets.
Capt" SUiphen ^ l^"^ f Company
Capt" Peyroimy > A < of
Capt" Cock J 6 ( Rangers.
Col" Dunbars Regt.
Capt" Waggoner ^ i) ( Company
('apt" Hogg /- 5^*1 < of Rangers
Capt" Poison J 2'' (Comp'^ of Artificers.
Sir Peter Halketts and Col" Dunbars Regiments
to find three Corporals one for each Company of
Rangers to assist Lieu"^ AUayne in the dissiplining
the Troops.
Camp at Alexandria, April 3d, 1755.
Parole — Canterbury.
Field Officer to morrow Lt Col'' Burton.
For the Generals Guard 48th Regiment.
The Generals Guard is this day reduced to a
Corporal and nine men and the Corporal is to report
to the Officer of the main Guard.
Sir Peter Halkets Regiment to receive three days
Provisions to morrow.
Camp at Alexandria, 4th of April, 1755.
Parole — Dorsett.
Field Officer to morrow Major Sparke.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regim*.
'At
XVI.
GENERAL 15 HADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
1^
Colo Dunbars Regiment to have one Corporal and
six men ready to march to morrow at G o'clock from
Alexandria to Frederick with the Hospital stores they
are to carry six days Provisions with them and to
take the Arms and accoutrem''' with which they are
to take the field P^ach man to have his Blanckct and
29 ronnds of Ammun".
Col" Dnnbars Regiment to have three days
provisions to morrow.
Alexandrl\, Saturday, April 5th, 1755.
Parole — London.
Field Officer to morrow L' Col'> Burton.
For the Generals Guard 48th Regirnt.
The Tents and clothing for the Virginia (Company
to be brought on shore as soon as possible ; Their
tents are to be pitched the first fair day after they
are on shore.
The Artillery Hospital and Engineers to receive
three days provisions to morrow.
Alexandria, April 6th, 1755.
Parole — K i n sale .
Field Officer for to morrow Maj'' Cliapman.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
All Departments for Duty of every nature what-
ever are to parade at the Grand Parade and to march
from thence, Detachments from different corps to
draw up by Seniority.
The Grand Parade for this camp is appointed to be
at the head of oir Peter Halketts Regiment.
A report to be made every morning to Sir Peter
Halkets, of the Sergeants, Corporals, Drummers and
Private men who are Drunk upon Duty, the Sergeants
of the Companies they belong to, to keep an exact
Roll of their names, Sir Peter Halkett being deter-
mined to put a stop to any more prov"** being drawn
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
XVII.
eers to receive
tor such men. Sergeants, (Corporals. Drummers, and
Private m"\i who apjiear Drunk in Camp tho they
are not upon duty will have tlieir provisions stop'd
I'or one week.
Sir Peter Halketts Regiment to receive three days
Provisions to morrow.
The Detachments from the Ordinary Dutys of
camp to change from Right to left every Day.
AFTER ORDERS.
One Sergant, one Corporal, and thirty men are to
morrow at o'clock in the morning, to go to Alexan-
dria to assist the Officers of the Artillery in loading
the Waggons for Winchester and Shipping of Stores
for Rock Creek One Officer and thirty men from
(vol" Dunbar's Regiment to march to morrow for Rock
Creek The Officer to call this night upon Sir Peter
Halkett who will give him his Instructions.
Alexan;)Rta, Monday April 7th, 1755.
Parole — Dublin.
Field Otlicer for to morrow 1/ Col" Burton.
For the Generals Guard 48tli Regim'.
One Officer one Sergeant and 20 men of Sir Peter
llalkets Rciiiment to hold themselves in readiness to
morrow morning to march to Winchester the Officer
at Retreat beating to call upon Sir Peter Plalkett for
his Instructions; They are to take six days provisions
with them, subsistance to the 24th of this month
and every thing with which thev are to take the
Field.
Every Party ordered to march from camp is to
have 24 Rounds per man.
A Greater number of Women having been brought
over than those allowed by the Government sufficient
for washing with a view that the Hospital might be
sorvd; and complaint being made that a concert is
(Miterd into not to serve with out exorbitant Wages
3
i
XVIII.
GENERAL HKADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
a Return will be calld for of those who vshall refuse to
serve for six pence per day and their Provisions that
they may be turnd out of camp and others got in
their places.
Col" DunbarsRegt is to rec. 3 Days Prov" to morrow.
Col" Dunbar's Regiment is to march at 5 Oclock on
Saturday Morning for Rock Creek.
Waggons will be ordered on Friday to carry the
baggage and whatever Tents may be struck to the
Boats destend for their Transportation and at Day
break on Saturday morning Waggons will attend at
the head of the Regiment for the mens Tents &c.
A Subaltern Officer with three Sergeants three
(Jorporals and thirty men are to be sent on board the
Boats as a Baggage Guard, and this Guard is to
assist in conveying the Tents &c to the Boats and to
help in putting them on board.
All the Boats upon that part of the River near
Rock (Jreek are ordered to attend to cary the Troop
over.
The sick men that are not able to march with the
Regiment, to be left in the General Hospital.
AFTER ORDERS.
As Col" Dunbars Regimt is to march on Saturday,
they are to receive to morrow nine days Provisions
one for to morrows use and the remaining 8 days the
men are to carry with them.
The four companys of Sir Peter Halketts Regiin'
the Royal Regt of artillery Engineers and the Hos-
pital are to continue to receive their provisions as
usual till further Orders.
March Rout of Col" Dunbars Regiment from the
camp at Alexandria to Frederick in Maryland.
MILES.
To Rock Creek —
To Owens Ordinary 15
To Dowden's Ordinary 15
To Frederick 15
45
I
GENERAL BRADDOCK's ORDERLY ROOK
XIX.
Within a few miles of the Minocasy cross the
Minocasy in a Float.
Alexandria, Tuesday, April 8th, 1755.
' Parole — Guilford.
Field Oflicer for to morrow Maj'' Sparke.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regim'.
The Quarter Masters of Sir Peter Halketts and
Col" Dunbars Regiments to meet Mr. Leslie assistant
Quarter master General this afternoon at 4 Oclock
who will show them their Regimental Store Houses.
The Commanding Officer's of each of the Regim' as
soon as their Regimental Store Houses are fixed are
to order their Officers baggage and their mens Stores
to be immediately lodgd.
The Soldiers are to leave their Shoulder Belts,
Waist Belts and hangers behind and only to take
with them to the Field one spare shirt, one spare
pair of stockings, one spare pair of Shoes and one
pair of Brown Gater's.
For the future the Generals own and all other
Guards are to beat a march to him and the Line is
always to turn out when the General passes.
As a mistake has happend in regard to the Com-
missions of the youngest Subaltern of the Rangers;
The Conunissious of Second Lieut being deliverd to
them instead of Ensigns are to be immediately
changd to avoid any Liconvenience, which may
arise from disrules of Rank.
His Excellency Gen' Braddock Orders that all
Ensigns bearing Commissions in any of his Majestys
Regiments shall take post of the third Officer in any
of the Companysof Ranger's.
after orders.
Six Companys of Sir Peter Halketts Regiment are
to march for Winchester at 6 o'clock on thursday
morning ; Upon your arrival at Rock Creek you are
XX.
GENERAL UKADDOCK S OKDEULV B(K)K.
either to Encamp or lodge your Men as you Hhall
find most convenient and as fast as the Waggons
arrive you are to employ them in the Service of
y« Regiment and Regulate your Detachment'** ac-
cordingly and to be particul.arly earei'ul not to use
any more Waggons than are absolutely necessary.
You are to leave at Rock (Jreek an Officer and .')()
men who is to remain there till all the Stores of the
Train and Hospital are put into the Waggons is then
to march and form the Rear Guard of the whole.
You are also to leave at R(jck Creek a Subaltern
and 'JiO men who are to wait there till the arrival of
M*". .Johnston the Paymaster and to Escort him to
Frederick.
You will be joined at Rock ('reek bv an Officer
and oO Seamen who you are to take under your
connnand and give them your Orders and Regulations
as they will want some conveyance for their baggage
you will dispose of it as you find most ctmvenient.
Upon your arrival at Frederick you are to encamp
your men the Troops to remain there till further
Orders except a (Japt", two Subalterns and 50 men
who are to be sent immediately on to Conogogee as
a covering Party for the magazines and you are to
direct the CVnunanding Ofllcer of this Detach^ to stop
all Waggons which shall br^' in Flower, &c, from
Pennsylvania and to send a daily to you of the
numbers which return you are to remit to me unless
you should see Sir Jn" St. (Jlair and that he should
have securd a sufficient number for Transporting the
Stores from Frederick to Wills (Jreek in such case the
Waggons are to be dismissd.
You will find provisions at Frederick which yon
are to issue to your men in the same proportions as
at Alexandria and to begin upon it as soon as you
have expended the Provisions car*! with you.
You are to direct your Officers to provide them-
selves as soon as possible with Bat Horses as no
GENERAL BRADOOCK S ORDEliLY BOOK.
XXI.
aa you shall
the Waggons
le Service of
achnieiit''^ ac-
Vil not to use
ly necessary.
)iricer and .'')0
Stores oi" the
.y-y-ons is then
Do
lie whole.
V a Subaltern
the arrival of
Cscort him to
bv «'in Ofticer
^e under your
id Regulations
their baggago
St convenient,
ire to encamp
re till lurther
and 50 men
Conogogee as
id you are to
vtach' to stop
,ver, &c, iroin
to you of the
to me unless
Ihat he should
[insporting the
such case the
\k which you
iroportions as
|s soon as you
111 you.
brovide them-
Horses as no
more Waggons will be allowd after they get to
Frederick.
Alexandria, Wednesday, April 9th, 1755.
Parole — Henry.
Field Onicer for to morrow L' Col" Gage.
For the Generals Guard 48th Regimt.
Col" Dunbars Rej|inient to send this ibrenoon two
Sergeants and twenty men to Rock Creek to reinforce
the Officer there.
A return to be given in this Day of the two
Regiments specifying all extraordinary's that have
happened since their embarking in Ireland a monthly
return of the two Regiments to be given in to Gen-
eral Braddock every first day of the month — The
coinpanys of Rangers Artificers and the Troop of
light Horse are to give in a monthly return at the
same time: They are to apply to the Major of
Brigade, who will shew them the proper form.
The Officers to see that their men are provided as
soon as possible with Bladder or thin Leather to put
between the Lining and crown of their Ilatts to guard
against the Heat of the Sun.
One Subaltorn Officer of Dunbars Regiment to
march to morrow morning to Frederick in Mary-
land who upon his arrival is immediately to take
upon him the command of the several Detachments
of the Regiment that are now" there or may arrive
and he is to see y' they are properly provided and
Subsisted.
Alexandria, Thursday, 1 0th April, 1755.
Parole — Winchester.
A Detachment from the two Regiments of a Subal-
tern, twQ Sergeants, two Corporals and 20 men is to
remain at Alexandria as a Guard for the Hospital
and to march with it to Frederick.
XXII.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
The Generals Guard is to be taken off on Friday.
A Sergeant and twelve men of Colo Dunbars Regi-
ment to mount as the Generals Baggage Guard and
to March with it.
The Provost Marshall is to March with Col" Dun-
bar's Regiment and to have a guard of a Sergeant
and ten men who is to make the rear of the whole.
Two Officers and forty men of the four remaining
companies o^" Sir Peter Halketts Regem^ is to mount
the Town Guard till further Orders.
Alexandria, Friday, April 11th, 1755.
Parole — Kendall
The Officer of the Town Guard to make his report
to the General through an Aid de Camp.
AFTER ORDERS.
Colo Dunbars Regimen"^ to hold themselves in
readiness but not to march till further Orders.
They are to give their proportion of men for the
Guard to morrow ; one Sergeant, one Corporal and 12
men to parade immediately at the Town Guard of
Col" Dunbars Regiment.
They are to take their Knapsacks, Hav^ersacks,
and provisions with them, when they come to the
Town Guard the Sergeant is to enquire for M"". Leslie
assistant Quarter master who will give him Order's.
No Person whatever to press or employ any
Waggons without an Order from General Braddock
the Quarter master Gen' or his assistant.
This Order to be read not only to the Soldiers but
to the Officers, Servants and followers of the Army
as any one who shall be found guilty of disobeying
it shall be severely punish'd.
AFTER ORDERS.
As there are Boats provided to carry Co\^ Dunbars
Regiments Baggage to Rock Creek the former orders
relative to their march to be obeyd.
GENERAL BlIADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
XXIII.
Eight Waggons will be orderd to be at the head
of that Regiment on Wednesday night for the Tents,
Baggage, &c. of those Companys application is to be
made to M"" Leslie assistant Quarter master for a
proper Guide ; Every man is to receive 8 Days
Provisions to carry with him. The Lt Col" is to be
left with the 8 remaining Companys till farther
Order's.
All the sick are to be left in the Gcmeral Hospital.
The Regiments find the Generals Guard as usual
and the proportion of Duty is to be made up by
Col" Dunbars Regiment in the Town and other
Guards.
March Rout of Sir Peter Halketts Regiment from
the Camp at Alexandria to Winchester.
MILES.
To y f- old Court House 18
To M'" Colemaiis on Sugar Land Run were | ^^
there is Indian Corn, &c j
To Mr Miners ; 15
To M'' Thompson y' Quaker w'* y is 3000 wtcorn 12
ToM'They's 1 7 y" Ferry of Shan" 12 17
From M' They's to Winchester 2o
07
If the Bridge should not be laid over the Opeckon
Canves will be provided for the Troops.
As soon as the Artillery arrives at Winchester a
Detachment of their Regiment and what ever part
you shall judge proper of the Rangers must be orderd
to march with the Artillery to Wills Creek.
But if the road should be cut from the bridge on
the Opeckon to Bear Garden and is made passable
for y" Artillery, It is then to go along that Road and
not by Winchester and your Detachment from Win-
chester must join them at Henry Enochs , A
Report will be made to you whether this road is
passable or not.
As the Removal of the Troops from Winchester
XXIV.
GENERAL RRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
to Wills Creek must depond upon the Quantity of
Flower that \h to bo sent I'roni Pennnylvania when a
proper Quantity is arrivd you shall receive advice
of it.
Alexandria. Saturday, April I'ith, 1755.
Parole — Leicester.
One Company of Sir Peter Ilalketts Kei^ini'to March
to morrow Morning, they are to Parade opposite to
the town Guard at G oclock where they will lx\joind
by five Waggons belonging to the Artillery, which
they are to take under their Escort to Winchester.
The Town Guard to be reduced to morrow morning
to one Subaltorn Officer and thirty men.
Mr Leslie will take care that there shall Ix^ at Sir
Peter Halketts Quarter Guard this al'ternoon -•> Wag-
gons, one for the (Jompanys Tents and Baggage and
the other two are to carry ye Regiments spare arms
and Stores.
The Men are to take eight Days Provisions with
them.
Alexandria, Sunday. April 13th, 1755.
Parole — Marlborough.
Alexandria, Monday, April 14th, 1755.
Parole — Oxford .
Alexandria, Tuesday, April 15th, 1755.
Parole — Petersborough.
Alexandria, Wednesday, April IGth, 1755.
Parole — Rochester.
Thursday, April 17th, 1755.
Parole —Queen Town.
GENERAL nKADnOCK R ORDERLY mK)K.
XXV.
its spare arms
•ovisions witli
Friday, April 18th, 1755.
Parole — Salisbury.
Saturday, April 10th, 1755.
Parole — Tamworth .
The commanding Officer of the Artillery to apply
to Mr. Leslie for a Store House to lodge their new
cloathing in, and the Officers are to see that their
men comply with the Orders of the 8''' of Ap' (viz)
to leave their Shoulder Belts waist Belts and Ilangera
behind, and are only to take with them to the field
one spare shirt one spare pair of stockings one spare
pair of shoes and one pair of brown Gaters.
FRKm:RiCK, Monday, April 21st, 1755.
Parole — Dunbar.
Fkedeuick, Tuesday, April '22nd, 1755.
Parole — Westminster.
One Sergeant one Corpt)ral and 12 men to parade
immediately at the Town (luard to March with the
Waggons laden with Artillery Stores to Conogogee
and to return back with the- Wajjffon's to Frederick
as soon as thev are unloaded.
oc^
Fuedekkjk, Wednesday, April 23rd, 1755.
Parole Exeter.
The commanding Officers of Regiments to order
their Officers to provide themselves as soon as possi-
ble with Bat men out of such recruite and Levies, as
are unfit to the Duty to do the of sold*'"" and such
men are to be enlisted as can act as Bat men and are
to be taken for nny Term and to be alowed as
effi^ctives; and according to the number settled in
Flanders 3 men to each company and 4 to the staff,
you are to go immediately to that part of the
4
i
XXVI.
GENERAL BRAnOOCK S OWnEKI.V HOOK.
Antictuin tliat lie8 in the road to Coiinofj^o^ro and
press sucli IJoats or (Janoes as you sliall meet witli
upon the river agreeable to the Orders yon shall
receive from Governor Sharpe If you shall (ind any
difficulty in the execution of this Order, you are to
send an express to me and you shall be immediately
supplied with a party of men to inlbrce it sending;
word when they shall join you, and you are to collect
all the Boat!-* fee at that pass by the '28th of this
month.
Fredkrick, Thursday, A|)ril 24th, 1755.
Parole — Yarmouth.
Frkdeuick, Friday, April 2oth. 1755.
Parole — A|>p!eby.
Col" Dunbar's Regiment o hold themselves in
readiness to March by the 21) ib.
AFTKU ORDKIiS.
One Corporal and tour men to Mai-cb to morrow
Morning to Rock ( vreek with four Waggons that
came up this Evening; when the party comes to
Rock Creek they .are to put themselves under the
command of Ensign French.
Frederk^k, Saturday. April 26th, 1755.
Parole — Bed lord.
Col" Dunbars Regiment to furnish ll Officers for a
Court Martial, to try some i)risoners of the Inde-
pendant (.'ompany & (./apt" Oates Presid' the report
to be made to General Brad dock.
Frederick, Sunday, April 27th, 1755
Parole — Chester,
(/olo Dunbars Regiment is to march y 29th and to
tJHA
GENERAL HUAI)1)()CK S OKDEHLY BOOK. XXVII.
procood to Wills (Wevk agi-ooablo to the following
Route:
MII.RH.
2!)tli From Fi'cmI'^ on y«' road to Conogogee 17
3(lth From that halting place toCongogoo 18
Ist From ('on(»gogi't' to John Evon'.s 10
2d lioHt
'M'i\ '- Widow Harin^T 18
4t' ''\v,'>'>rgc Polls 9
•J.. Htiiry Kn(K!k\s.,.. 15
<)th Rost
7th To Cox's at y<' mouth of little Cacaph 12
Sth To('ol"('resai)s 8
!)th To Wills Creek 16
Total, 129
Tlio men are to take from this ])laee three Days
provisions; at (Jonogogee they will have more, at
the Widow Baringers 5 Days, at Col" Cresaps one or
more Days, and at all these [)laces Oats or Indian
(\)V]\ must be had for the Horses but no Hay.
At Conogogee the Troops cross the Potomack in a
Float When the Troops have marchd 14 miles from
.In" Kvans thev are to make the new road to their
Ivight, which li'ads from ()j)eckon Bridge.
When the Troops have marchd 14 miles from
Ceorge Polle's they C(jme to the great Cacapepon
they are to |)ass that River in a Float, after passing
thev take the road to the Rijxht.
If the water in the little Cacapepon is high the
Tioops must encamp opposite to Cox's.
At the mouth of the little Cacapepon the Po-
tomack is to be crossd in a Float lAjur miles beyond
this they cross Town (.'reek if the Float should not
he finishd Canves will be })nn'ided.
If the Bridges are not finistidover Wills Creek and
Kvans Creek. Waggons will be orderd to carry the
men over. It will be prop' to get 2 Days Provns at
Col" (.resapsy^ whole sli<' ntjt arrive till y- l()th.
J.M
I
m
JCXVIII. GENKKAL BKADDOCK S ()UI»KKLY BOOK.
A Subaltoni and tliirty nit'ii arc to be left behind
with a proper number of tents which will be carried
for the!n ; these men are to have six da^B Provisions.
The CJenerals Guard is not to be relievd to morrow
but proper Centrys are to be found from the 30 men
orderd to remain.
P'jiKDKKU^K, Monday, April 28th, 1755.
Parole — Daventry.
The Detachment of Sailors, and the Provost
Marshalls (luard consisting of one Sergeant, one
Corporal and 10 mow to march with Col" Dunbars
Regiment to morrow morning, and to make the Rear
Guard.
ToCai'T^ (Iatks, 28th April. 1755.
You are directed by His Excellency Gen' lirad-
dock to proceed with your Comi)any to Conogogec
where you are to act as a covering ]>arty for the
magazines, and you are to remain there till further
Orders unless all the Stores, Amminiition, (Jcc, should
be come up from Rock Oeek and forwarded to Wills
Creek, in that case you are to join the (Jeneral at
Wills Creek as soon as possible.
You arc to give all [)()ssible assistance and use
your utmost endeavours in transporting the several
Stores, Ammunition, Provision, &c to Wills Creek
with the utmost expedition.
Whilst you remain at Conogogee you are to send
a Sergant or Corporal with such of your men as are
to be trusted with all the Waggon's which arrive at
that place from Rock Creek allowing one man to
each VVaggon and you arc to send them immediately
back to Rock Creek for more Stores till you shall be
informd from the Officers there, that every thing is
sent up.
To Ensign Fkkncii, at Rock Creek.
28th April. 1755.
You are ordered by his Excellency Gen' Braddock
r.KNEHAI, HKADDOCK fi OKDKKLY HOOK.
XXIX.
ho Provost
to forward with all Expedition tho aninuinitioii
Stores &c at Rock (JroeU to Mr Oosaps (Joiiogogoo
taking caro to soiid tho aniniunition Train Stores &c
first, tiuMi tho Hospital Storos and Salt Fish.
You aro not wait for tho lioovos hut as soon as the
aforoniontionod things aro gone up you will move
with your party and join the llogiinent at Wills
Creek agiooahle to the follow^' March Route; as you
will find Provisions very scarce on tho Road you
must take with you as many days of salt Provisions
as the Men can carry.
MILK8.
From Rock crook to Owens Ordy 15
To Dowdons 15
To Frederick 15
On tho Road to Conogogee 17
To Conogogoo IS
To John Fvan's ...10
To Widow Ra ringer's 18
To CJoorgo Polls's 9
To I lonry Enocks 15
To Mr Cox's 12
To Col" Cresap's 8
To Wills Creek 16
Total, 174
You must if you should find it necessary, take
with you Guides from place to place, and make such
halts as you shall find absolutely necessary being
careful not to loose any time.
If the Waggons should come in very slowly make
your application to tho Civil Officers and if that
should not succeed send Parties to fetch in any
Waggons you shall hear off. Inform Lieut Breerton
of the March Route, and tell him it is tho Generals
Orders that ho make all imaginable dispatch.
As soon as the Paymaster arrives he must also
victual his men when the last Stores of all kinds
XXX.
GKNKK\I, RKADIXH'K S OUDKKI.V HOOK.
vvhii'li lire to lu' sent jhm! ilismissd Irom Hock (^ivok.
von aiv to simhI ii liOttiT (o (/aj)" (lativs at. (/onogogtv
iiiioniiio^ liiiii of it.
'V\u' luuid harrows and wlu'ol harrows ol' tlu> Train
('X('«'|)t (> ol' ci\v\\ arc to hi' K'lt hcliind all hut tli«
WlnH'ls and li'on Work which ai'c to he iorward(>d.
Camp w Koim ('umiu-.ki.ani),
Satnrdav. Mav lOtli. 1755.
Parole — (-onnccticnt.
Mr. Washinnton is appointed ai(i -Ao ( ..inp to Ilis
Kxccllcn«'v (liMJci'al Hradd<)ck.
Kichl «)lliciM" lor to morrow .Mai"' Spai'kc.
The articK's ol' wai- to he read to morrow morning,
at which lime the servants, women an«l followers of
the armv are to attend with the respective corps and
I'oinpanies that thc\ ludonii to.
an
shall think proper
The Virginia and Marvland Ivaujicrs and tht(oiii-
pany ol" 'arpiMiters to settle their men's a(\'ts imni<'-
liiately, nivin'.i' them cit'dit for what arreai's ifcc arc
due. and they are Tor the Inture to he snhsisted
re}i"tdarl\ twice a weel> as dn' rest ol troops ac.
A retnrn to he uiven in to morrow Morniui;' of the
HOOK.
Ill) Hork ('rook.
»s lit ('()iu)«»;o»;iv
iwsol" tlio Train
ind nil l)ut tli«
.> Ik* lorwardoil.
MHKUl.ANI),
y lOtll. ITrif).
tic t .'inp to Uit<
i'- Spiirko.
iiorrow inorninii,
iui(i t'olloworn o\'
uH'tivo corps ami
;uitl Iviuii;-crs to
rrow.
Kcijiincnt.
tlu' F rt < I ward
is to IIMUVI) to
n' rcl'u'Vt'd cvcr\
(JKNKKAI. HKADIMK'K S OKDKKl.V l»(M)K.
XXXI.
CiU'lK
lit
crs IS ii>
1 U
licir tt)ois nnd lo
|tlu> t5rass (luiinl
|crs and tluMoiii-
luMi's luvts iiniii"'-
it arrears ^^
L^c an
to !)(» subsisted
trooi
)s ai
Morniu
jr o\' tl
<'oinpanys,
tl
iiidiii'-!; «>
tHccr
\'
ir-jiiiii and
I.
:lit ilorsc luv
r their
stroMi2;tli, which return is to '»e si;;ned hy the cMptaiii
or ollicer coininaiidinjji; ( .ich company, and to he tiixcii
in Hei)arately.
ThetJeni'ral has lixt'd th(> iionr lor his ii(>v\. I'roni
ten till eleven in the forenoon everv l)a\ .
InionMH''' o
Cami" at Four ('rMi{i:iii,A\i».
Sunday. May 11,1 TTto.
Parole — Albany.
Field ollicer to morrow \/ Col nnrton.
The (Icncrals (liiiird 11th Hc^nnt.
A return to be sent in ol the iiuiubcrs of men who
understand tin- spiinninL!: of rock,", iS; those men that
are litt are t(» be told that lliey w ili ircciNc propt-r
eni'ouraj>;eim'iit all the troop.s are to bciiiii their Held
Days Powder may be bad IVom the train by :ip|>ly-
inji" lor it. and ca<di mar is to baxc 12 nuinds lor
every Held Da > .
A lu'turii is to be uiveii in to moi'row morniie: at
ordcrU time of the recruits ol" the whole arm\.
s«'ttin|i>' forth their aii'c si/e country and occMpdlion
one Sarncaiit and (> men from |ii([U( t to a'teiid durini;
the time of markettint;' to piexcnt Di.sput' s. and if
any siiould happen he is to !>pply to the capl" ol the
Picipiet he belonus to. This duty U) be done alter
iiattdy.
All provisions broui2,ht into camp to be settled
accordiii^i' to a settled ride, a I'opx of which will be
jiixen to th" ti'oops by the Major of lirii^aib- and in
person brin^inji,' provisions shall pi'csume to ask more
nor shall an\ bod\ olli'r less for ;i«)o»l and w holesoine
meat.
'I'he ISth Ixe^iment is to recreive their Days pro-
visions to mori'ow at lOo'cdock.
aktkh ohdkijs.
All the out }!;u!irds tobe ndiev<Ml tomorrow niorn'tr
and parade at T) o'clock.
*'.(?--.W"i..Ai'Vv..;'-' ■■'■"H^.-i:
XXXIl.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
EVENING ORDKRS.
It is His Excellency^ General Braddocks orders
that no officer soldier or others give the Indians men
women or children any rum other Liquor or money
upon any account whatever.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Monday, May 12th, 1755.
Parole — Boston .
Field Officer to morrow Maj*" Sparke.
The Generals Guard 48th Regiment.
Whereas Capt Poulson, one of the Virginia com-
pany of carpenters desired a court martial to enquire
into his character, having been accused of being in
arms in the late Rebellion in Scotland His Excellency
has been informed that the accusations is scandalous
and groundless ; if therefore any person whatever
can prove Capt" Poison to have been in the late
Rebellion they are desired innnediately to send their
accusation to the General ; if not His Excellency
entirely frees liim from any imputation of that
kind, and desires that no retlections for the futuR'
may be thrown on Capt" Poison on that ace'.
after orders.
A General Court Martial to sit immediatelv at
the President's Tent, it is to consist of one field
officer, G ('apt"s and 6 Subalterns.
Maj'' Sparke President.
Mr Shirley Judge Advocate.
His Excellency has thought proper to Brigade the
Army in the following manner and they are for the
future to encamp accordingly :
The first lirignde, Commanded by iSir Frter Halket.
Compliment. ESIecttve.
44tli Regiment of Foot 700 700
Cupt" Gates i of New Yr-'- ^"" ^^
('a|)t. Polfoii's Carpenters
Independant Compv I ,,.,>
of New York , '""
60
Capt. Peronnee'vS [ Virginia Riiijfers 50
('apt. Waguer's j Virginia Rangers oO
4S
47
45
OK.
GENERAL HUADDOCK S OKDEKLY B(X)K. XXXIII.
locks orders
Indians men
or or money
CRLAND,
2th, 1755.
jarke.
nent.
Virginia com-
ial to enquire
1 of being in
[is Excellency
is scandalous
fioii whatever
n in the late
y to send their
[is Excellency
tation of that
or the fiituFo
\\i acC.
^nmediately ut
of one field
|to Brigade the
>v are for the
IhUket
Compliment.
Effective.
700 .
... 700
100 .
.... 95
50 .
... 48
50
.... -17
r.0
... 45
650
97
80
35
48
40
43
Capt. Dagworthy's Maryland Rangers 60 49
Second Brigade, Comvmnded by Colonel Dunbar.
48ti. Regiment of Foot 700
Capt. Demerie's South Carolina Detacht 100
Capt. D(il)b'.s North Carolina Rangers 100
Capt. Mercer's Company of Carpenters 50
Capt. Stevens'sl Virginia Rangers 60
Capt. Hogg's, \ Virginia Rangers :. 50
Capt. Cox's J Virginia Rangers , 50
Any soldier or follower of the army who shall
stop any one hrinjxing in provisions or forage to the
camp shall inimedintely suffer death.
No out post to march IVom or to camp with beat
of drum, nor is any heat of drum to beat before the
Troop unless when any of the Troops are out at
exercise, and of which they are to acquaint the
General the night before thro' (me of His aid de
camps.
Camt at Fort Cumberland,
Tuesday, 13th May, 1755.
Parole — Charleston.
Field OHicer for to morrow Lt Col Burton.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
The quartermasters, Camp colour men, and
Pi(meers of the two Regiments with two men of the
Independent Companies with proper Tools for
clearing the grouiul in the Front to parade at five
o'clock in the Evening at the head of the 48th
Regiment, and to remain there for the Field Officer
of the Day's orders.
The Pic(|uetts are to lay advanced and to remain
att their parade till they receive the Field Officers
orders. Each of the two Regiments to send G tents
to the companies in each Brigade, and also to send (>
tents each lor the men of their advanced Picquets.
The centrys on the advanced Picquetts not to suffer
any body to pass un(|uestioned after sun set.
The Picquett returns at (> o'clock in the morning.
The quarter Guard of Sir Peter llalketts Regi-
XXXIV. GENERAL BKADOOCK S OUDEHLY BOOK.
ment for the future to be posted on the right flank.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Wednesday, 14th May, 1755.
Parole — Dumfries.
Field Officer tomorrow LtCol Burton.
The Generals Guard 48th Regiment.
The General Court Martial is dissolved. Luke
Woodward soldier in the 48th Regiment, commanded
by Col Dunbar, having been tryed for Desertion by ii
General Court Martial whereof Maji- Wm Sparke
was [)resident, is by sentence of that Gen' Court
Martial adjudged to suffer death. His Excellency,
()lenl Rraddock has approved of the sent<3nce, but
has been pleased to pardon him.
Thomas Conelly, James Fitzgerald and James
Hughes, soldiers in the 48th Regitnent, and tryed
for theft by the said Court Martial whereof Major
Sparke was President, are by the sentence of the
s'd Court Martial adjudged to suffer the following
punishments :
Thomas Conelly one thous'' 1 Lashes att the
Jas Fitzgerald, eight hund'' ^ Head
Jas Hughes eight hund'' j of the Line.
Also that they l)e obliged to make satisfaction for
the Kegg of Beer stolen by them to the value of
thirty three shil^"-' Maryland Cur.v, and that proper
stopages be made out of their pay by their ofHceis
for that purpose; His Fxcellency has approved the
sentence, but has been pleased to remit one hundred
lashes from the puishment of Conelly and two hun-
dred from each of the other two. Conelly is to
receive 900 lashes at 3 different times .300 lashes
each time. Jas Fitzgerald and Jas Hughes are to
receive 000 lashes each at two different times, oOO
lashes each time. The 48th Regiment to .send the
Drummers to the head ofyt^ line, to put the sentence
in execution, the lirst time of punishment to be to
GENEUAL BUADDOCK's OUDEPLY BOOK. XXXV.
morrow morning at troop beating. The two Picquetts
formed from the Indejjendent Companies Virginia
and Maryland Rangers, to eonsist of one Capt" 2
Subalterns, 2 Sargeants, 2 Corporals and 38 Cen-
tinals.
('AMI' AT Fort Cumberland,
Thursday, 15th May, 1753.
Parole — Portsmouth.
Field Officer to morrow Maj"" Sparke.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
The Officers who were ordered to get themselves in
readiness to go with the paymaster are cont*^
On subaltern, one serg' 1 corpl and 30 cent'l to
march this evening to Mr Martin's where the troop
of Light Horse graze, the men to take tents with
them and provisions for three days, the officer to
receive his orders from Capt Stuart of the Light
Horse ; this guard to be relievd every 3d Day.
One Serg', one Corpl and 12 men to parade att
the Fort Guard this Day at 12 o'clock m.
The Surgeant will receive his orders from Capt
Orme.
AFTER ORDERS,
The Subalterns Guard that was ordered to march
to Martin's is countermanded.
Camr AT Fort Cumberland,
Friday, 16th May, 1755,
Parole — Winchester.
Field ( )tlicer to morrow Lt Col Gage.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
Any Indian Trader, Soldier or follower of the
army who shall dare to give liquor to any of the
Indians or shall receive or purchase from them any
of their presents made to them by His Majesty thro'
His Excellency Genl Braddock, shall suffer the
.severest punislimenta court martial can inflict.
XXXVI. GENERAL BUADDOCK S (JHDERLV I5U0K.
There will be a public congress of the Indians to
morrow at 12 o'clock at the Generals Tent^
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Saturday, 17th of May, 1755.
Parole — Eskaw.
The congress of Indians mentioned in yesterdays
orders is put off.
Field officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
For the Generals Guard 48th Regiment.
The Two Regiments, the Independent comi^ys, the
companvs of carpenters, the Virginia and Maryland
company of Rangers and the Troo[) of Light Horse
are to send immediately to Mr Lake, commissary of
Provisions a separate return of the number of persons
they each of them draw provisions for, this return to
be signed by the commander of the two regt and by
the captains or officers connnanding each of the Inde-
pendent company s &c. The form of this return is
sent to the Brigade Major and is to be given in
regularly every eight Days.
His Excellency expects that this order will be
punctually obeyed, as the commissary will not be
able to provide a proper quantity of Provisions for
the army unless he has the above return sent to him
regularly.
One Subaltern, one Sergt 1 corporal, & 30 men to
mount as a guard on the artillery. They are to parade
this afternoon at 5 o'clock and to be relieved every
48 hours.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Sunday, May 18th, 1755.
Parole — Farnham.
There will be a public congress of the Indians this
day at 12 o'clock at the Genl^ Tent.
IJUOK.
the Indians to
rent
BEKLAND,
f Mcay, 1755.
I in yesterday i^
Bvn'ton.
egiment.
nit conipys, the
and Maryhmd
»f Light Horse
, counnissary of
niber of persons
r, this retnrn to
wo regt and by
ich of the Inde-
this return is
to be given in
order will be
py will not be
Provisions for
irn sent to him
M, & 30 men to
}y are to parade
relieved every
MBERLAND,
I8th, 1755.
he Indians this
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK. XXXVIL
Field ofTicer to morrow Maj Sparke.
For the Genls Guard 44tii Regt.
One corpl, & 8 men of the line to attend the
Engineer in Surveying; they are to parade at 9
o'clock.
Each Regiment, Independent Company &c in the
making up of their cartridges are to allow 80 round
of ball to 1 lb of powder, and for Field Days or
Exercise they are to allow 40 with or without ball.
Six women j)er com})any are allowed to each of
the two Regimts and the Indei)endent companys;
Four Women to each of the companys of carpenters
Virginia and Maivhind Raimers five women to the
troop of Light Horse, as many to the detachment of
seamen, and 5 to the det; climent of artillery.
His Excellency ex])ect that this order will be
punctually complied with, as no more ProV^" will be
allowed to be drawn for than for the above number
of women.
Cami' at Fort Cumberland,
Monday, 19th of May, 1755.
Parole — (juilford.
Field officer to morrow Lt ('ol Gage.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
Each Brigade to send a man to the Gen'l Hospital
as Orderly who are to receve and obey the directions
of Docf Na])per Director of the 2(1 llospital.
All the troops are to acct with the Director of the
Hospital once in three months or as soon after as can
be, for stoppages at the rate of 5 pence stirl'g per
Day, for every Man that is admitted in the Gen'l
Hospital; this stoppage to commence from the 24 th
of May ensuing.
As soon as the Retreat has been beat this night
the Drum Maj'" of each of the two Regimets are to
march with the Drummers and Drumers to the Head
of the artillery where they will receive orders.
m?'!r^im^^mmmsmBm'
XXXVIIl. GKNKHAL imADDOCK S OHDEKLY BOOK.
A return to bo given into tho Brigade Major to
morrow at orderly time of the number of smiths and
carjKuiters tliat are in the two Regiments, Inde-
pendent (companies &c.
Camp at Fort CuMnKRLAND,
Tuesday, May the 20th, 1755.
Parole — llendon.
Field officer to morrow Lt (Jol IJurton.
For the Generals Guard 48tli ilegmt.
One Subaltern, 1 Sergt, 1 corp & 24 men to parade
to morrow morning at 5 o'clock They are to have
three Days Provisions with them and the otTicer is
this night to recieve his orders from Sir .lohn St.
(^lair. '
Camp at Fort Ci mherland.
Wednesday, 21st of May 1755.
Parole — llchester.
Field officer to morrow Maj (Jhajiman.
The Generals Guard 44th Kegmt.
No soldier that is employed as a Baker by Mr
Ijake, commissary ol' Provisions, is to be put upon
any duty whatever till further orders.
It is Ilis Excellency's orders that no Sutler give
any liquor to the Indians on any account: if any one
does he will be severely jninished.
The ])rovost is to go his round every Day through
all the Roads leading to the camp, Every soldier or
woman that he shall meet with on the other side of
the River, or beyond the advanced Picquets without
a pass from the Regiment or from the ofTicer com-
manding the company to which the}- belong, he is to
order his executioner to tye them up and give them
fifty lashes and to march them prisoners tliro'
the camp to expose them.
One gill of spirits mixed witli three gills of water
)K.
GENERAL HUADDOCK S ORDKHLY HOOK. XXXIX.
,0 Major to
' smiths and
lents, Inde-
may be allowed ea(3h man per Day, which the ofFicera
of the picquet are to see delivered out every day at
P]!even o'clock, any settler that shall sell any spirits
to the soldiers without an officer being present shall
be sent to the Provosts.
s'D.
)th, 1755.
rton.
jrmt.
en to parade
are to have
the officer is
>ir John St.
NI).
►lay 1755.
Huan.
hnt.
5aker by Mr
be put upon
Sutler give
(t: if any one
)ay through
Iry soldier or
[other side of
luets without
ofTicer corn-
long, he is to
1 give them
Isoners thro'
Ills of water
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Tuesday, 22d May, 1755.
Parole — Kensington.
Field Officer to morrow Maj"" Sparke.
The Generals Guard 48th Regiment.
Camp at Fort Cumhekland,
Friday, May 23d, 1755.
Parole — Lincoln.
Field officer to morrow Maj' (Jhapman.
For the Genls Guard 44th Regenit.
A General (Jourt Martial to sitt to morrow morn-
ing, at 8 o'clock at the Genls Tent to consist of one
Field officer, G captns G Subalterns.
Lt Col Gage President.
Mr Shirley Judge Advocate.
If any officer, soldier or follower of the army shall
dare to give any strong liquor, or money to the
Indian Men or Women, if an officer he shall be
brouuht to a General (Jourt Martial for disobedience
of orders; if a non commissioned officer soldier or
follower of the army he shall receive 250 lashes
without a C't Mart'l.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Saturday, 24th May, 1755.
Parole — Monmouth .
Field officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
For the Genls Guard 48th Regmt.
I
I
;.*'
XL.
GENERAL HRADDOCK's OKDEULY H(JC)K.
Camp AT Fort Cumberland,
Sunday, May 25th, 1755.
Parole — Norwich.
Field officer to morrow Maj>" Sparke.
For the (leiK'ralH (lunrd 44th iie<^mt.
If any non comniii^sioned officer or soldier belon;.^iiio;
to the army, is round giuning he shall immediately
receive three liundred la.sheH without beinj,^ brou<»ht
to court martial, and all standers by or lookers on
shall be deemed principals and punished as such.
One Capt", 1 Lent, 1 Ensign and 70 men of the 2
Brigades to parade immediately att the Fort. They
are to take Tents and 1(1 days ProV'Mvith them.
The Capt is to receive his orders from Sir John St
Clair.
A Genl Court Martial of the Line, to sitt to
morrow to try Lt McLead of the Royal Regt of Ar-
tillery confined by Genl Braddock to consist of one
Col. 2 Field Officers, and 10 Captns.
Sir Peter Halkett President.
Mr Shirley Judge Advocate.
To sit at the Presidents Tent and to meet at 12
o'clock.
Camp at Fort Cumfjerland,
Monday, 2Gth May, 1755
Parole — Oxford .
Field Officer to morrow Lt Col Gage.
For the GiMierals Guard 4Sth Regiment.
The General Court Martial whereof Lt Col Gage
was President is dissolved His Excellency having
approved of the several sentences allotted them.
John Nugent of the 44th Regiment having been
tryed for theft and found guilty of the crime laid to
his charge as an accomplice in receiving a share of
the money that w^as stole, is adjudged to receive <jne
thousand lashes, and to be drum'd out of the Reg t
OK.
GKNERAL BKADDOCK S OKDKKLY HOOK.
XM.
EULAND,
5tli, 1755.
irke.
L'gint.
ier boloiifj^itifi
iimuodiiitoly
t'ing broiij^lit
r lookors on
I as such,
men of the 2
Fort. They
'»« with theni.
. Sir John St
ne, to sitt to
I Regt of Ar-
onsist of one
t.
o meet iit 12
KULAND,
^ay, 1755
:;age.
biment.
[Lt Col Gage
llency having
Ted them.
having been
Icrime hiid to
U a share of
|o receive (^le
of the Regt
through the line with a halter about his neck.
Samuel Draumer, of the 44th Regim't and George
Darty of Capt Demere's Independent Company
having been tryed for desertion are Jidjudged each of
them to receive two hund'«l lashes.
Henry Dalton, of the 48th Reg't having been
tryed for shooting Henry Pelkington, sold'r in the
said Regiment the (Jourt Marshal is of opinion that
the said Dalton did not shoot the said Pelkington
with design but that it was done by accident, there-
lore His E.xcellency Gen'l Braddock has ordered
him to be released and to be sent back to his duty.
If any soldier is seen Drunk in Camp he is to be
sent immediately to the quarter guard of the Regmt
he belongs to, and the next morning he is to receive
two hundred lashes without a Court Martial.
Cami' AT Fort Cumherland,
Tuesday, May 27th, 1755.
Parole — Petersfield.
Field Officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
For the Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
The party of the Pic([ucts that lay advanced to
load with raming ball, the rest of the picquets to
load with powder and to have their ball in their
pockets.
The following detachments to marcii on Tuesday
morning to parade at Revelle boating. The men to
be provided with two days provisions ready dress'd.
The 44th, 48th Regts are to furnish 1 field officer, 4
capts 12 subalterns 12 sergeants and 250 rank and
file.
Capt Rutherford's Capt Demere's Independent
Companys, Capt Waginer's Capt Peyrouneys Com-
panies of Virginia Rangers and Capt Poison's
Company of Carpenters are also to march with this
6
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Photographic
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Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, NY. 14580
(716) 872-4503
6^
XLII.
GENERAL liKADDOCK S OHDEIILY BOOK.
<
i
J '
detachment, who are to take with them their camp
equippage and baggage.
Major Chapman Field Officer for the detachment.
The Independent Company and companys of" Vir-
ginia Rangers ordered for this Detachment to furnish
no men for tlie guards to morrow and any men that
they may have upon the out Guards are to be relieved
immediately. Particular care is to be taken that the
men's arms are in good order and that each man is
provided with ten flints and couipleated to 2i rounds
of ammunition.
The Tools and Tomahav/ks of the 2d Brigade are
to be giv m at Gun firing this evng to the quarter
master General at his tent and a dem'd to be made
to morrow nig at G o'clock of ye number of Tools
each Brigade will want, the quarter master to attend.
Cami' at Cumberland,
Wednesday, May 28th, 1755.
Parole — Quarendon .
Field officer to morrow Maj Sparke.
Generals Guard 48th Kegt.
The Regulation of stoppages with the Director of
the Genl Hospital to commence from the 24th of this
month.
As it is necessary to employ the soldiers in making
and amending the roads His Excellency has been
pleased to appt the foUovvg allowances
H d
To overy sub: ofi'icer 3 01 Sterlin;;;
To every scraeiint 1 \
To every corporal '.) 1 '
To every druuier and privuie ceniiiml (! j Day
But as at present there is no pu])lic market and of
course the men will Jiave no opportunity of making
use of the ready money His Excellency is so kind as
to promise that he will see that they are punctually
paid whatever is due to them when they arrive in
CxENERAL BRADDOCk's ORDERLY BOOK. XLIII.
o^'serleTn'rln: tt"''''" ''"'fT *'"'"*"-" "«<="
v^t '^-iQt.uit nas the command of any workino- nnrf.r
llie companies of Rangers are for the future tn
Bnta,n are desired to giv.^them't„dtrefthe Gen?
aid de camps or to Mr. Shirley.
AFTER ORDERS.
o<iucs Lo mount but one picquet.
Camp at Fort Cumberland
Thursday, 29th May, 1755.
Parole— Queensbury.
Field officer to morrow Lt Col Gage.
The benls Guard 44th Regiment
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Friday, 30th of May, 1756.
Parole— Rochester.
Field officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
XLIV.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY ROOK.
Generals Guard 48th Rogmt.
The tioops to hold themselves in readiness to
march in 24 hours warning.
Whatever Barrells the Regiments and companys
have got belonging to the artillery are to be sent
back immediately with their troops to the foreman of
the train.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Saturday, 31st May, 1755.
Parole
Field Officer to morrow May Sparke.
Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Sunday, Lst of June, 1755.
Parole — Tamworth .
Field officer to morrow Lt Col Gage.
Generals Guard 48th Rogmt.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Monday, 2d of June, 1755.
Parole — Weybridge.
Field Officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
Generals Guard 44th Regiment.
The Hatchet men of the two Regements and one
man per company from the rest of the line to Parade
this afternoon att 3 o'clock at Mr Gordon's (En-
gineer) Tent.
Four Sergeants 2 corporals & 100 men with arms
1 subaltern, 1 sergeant 1 coporal and 30 men with
arms to parade to morrow morning at Revelle beai>
ing at the head of the Line and to receive their
orders from Mr Gordon Engineer.
His Excellency has been pleased to appoint Col
Innes Governor of Fort Cumberland.
TxENERAL BRADDOCK's ORDERLY BOOK. XLV.
rp, MONDAY EVENING
ment of ml!^"' "^f^^ to march with the detach-
totorfoilr /afte;;?'' '" " -~^^
Cami' at Fort Cumberland.
Tuesday, June 3d, 1755.
Parole— Yarmouth
A General Court Mnrtiil nf fL« t •
6 captains & 6 subalterns to siff "' ^°"«^«tnig of
•if s^^'«l 1 ^ ; ""'"terns to sitt to morrow mornina-
.It 8 o clock at the Presidents Tent. '"«rning
Major Sparke President
u- 1 1 ^l ^^'''^''y ^"*^S^ Advocate,
i^ield Officer to morrow Lt Col Burton
l^. Q \;enerals Guard 48th Regiment.
withrt arm "r' '"f ^' ' ^"''P''^' ^^ 1^0 -en
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Wednesday, 4th June, 1755.
Parole — Doncaster.
Field officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
TU ^^ll^l^']''^'^^^ Guard 44th Regiment
The 44th egiment and Capt Mercer's Companv
of Virginia Carpenters to hold themselves iTreadf
ness to march m an hour's wirnin^v Ti ? •
Party to be relieved to morr:;;' n fninJtd'bv'lhf
same number. ^"»'e» ^ma by the
) appoint Col
Camp at Fort Cumberland
Thursday, June 5th, 1 755.
Parole— Boston.
XLVI.
GKNEHAL BKADDOCK S OKDKUl.Y HUOK.
Field < HficcM' to morrow Major Sparko.
For the Ceiieral.s Guard 48tli llegimont.
The working party to be relieved to morrow
niorniiig and by the same number of men.
Camp at Fout Cumberland,
Friday, June 0th, 1755.
Parole
Field Officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
Sir Peter Ilalketts Regiment to march to morrow
morning ; the sick of the Regiment unable to march
to be sent to the Gen'l Hospital. One Subaltern
officer to be left behind with them.
The men of Sir Peter Ilalketts Regiment now
upon Guard when they are relieved or ordered to
come off are to be assembled together and marchd
regularly to the Regiment by an officer.
Capt" Gates's Independant Company and all
ye remaining companies of provincial Troops to
march on Sunday morning with the whole Park of
Artillery.
No more women arc allowed to marcii with each
Regiment and Company than the number allowed
of by His Excellency in the orders of the 18th of
Mav.
Any soldier, sutler, woman or other person what-
ever who shall be detected in stealing, purloining or
wasting of any provisions shall suffer Death.
The General Court Martial whereof Majr Sparke's
was President is dissolved.
Michael Shelton and Caleb Sary, soldiers be-
longing to Capt" PJdward Brice Dobbs's company of
Americans tryed for Desertion are by sentence of the
Court Martial found guilty and adjudged to receive
1,000 lashes each.
John Igo, a convict servant, accused of theft is by
the sentence of the Court Martial found guilty of
GENEHAI. nUADDOCK S OKDERLY ROOK. XLVII.
receiving and concoaling goods the property of
soldiers in His Majesty's service and is adjudged to
receive 500 Laslies with a cat and nine Tails by the
hands of" the eonmion haugnian.
John McDonald soldier in Sir Peter Ilalketts
Regiment accnst'd of heing an accomplice and con-
cerned with John Igo is ac(iuitted.
The (Jiuards advanced up Wills Creek, the Potomac
and the Flats'" to be taken oft' to morrow morning,
and to join their several corps, the other guards to
remain and to be relieved as usual.
Capt" Gates Independent (company and ye re-
maining companies of the Provincial Troops to
furnish their proportion for the Guards to morrow
and when they are relieved they are to join their
companys in the same manner as those of Sir Peter
Ilalketts Regiment are directed to do in this days
orders.
No Soldiers wife to be suffered to march from this
ground with ii Horse as their own.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Saturday, June 7th, 1755.
Parole — Doncaster.
Capt Yates's Independant companies & the remain-
ing companies of Provincial Troops & ye whole Park
of Artillery to march to morrow morning and to be
under the command of Lieut Col Rurton.
Tiio artillery & companies that march to morrow
to receive this afternoon Provisions to compleat them
to the 11th inclusive & ye women to ye Nth.
The 48th Regiment to take all the Guards to
morrow; the men of the 48th Regiment now upon ye
train Guard are to join their corps to morrow morning
when the Artillery marches oft' & that Guard to be
mounted by the companys that march to morrow.
*The Flats weie on the Eael side of \Viir» Creak.
XLVIII. GENERAL BKADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
The 48th Regiment to hold themselves in readi-
ness to march on Monday next.
AFTER ORDERS.
The Generals Guard is to be reduced to morrow to
1 Sergt 1 corpl and 12 men who arc not to be re-
lieved but to remain with the Genl's Baggage.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Sunday, June 8th, 1755.
Parole — Essex.
Capt" Gates's Independatit Company and the re-
maining companys of the Provincial Troops and
artillery are to march to morrow.
The 48th Regt to march on Tuesday as Col Dun-
bars Regiment is not to march to morrow the Genl's
Guard to be relieved to morrow morning.
The Companies that march to morrow to send
immediately 1 Sergeant corporal & 12 men to assist
Mr Lake commissary of Provisions at the Fort.
A Return to be sent immediately from Col Dun-
bar's Reg't Capt Gates's company & the American
Troops of the number of men they have fitt for
Waggoners or Horse Drivers.
In the return of Col Dunbar's Regt they are only
to include those men that have joined the Regiment
since they have been landed in America.
Camp in Fort Cumberland,
Monday, June 9th, 1755.
Parole — Fallmouth.
Col Dunbars regiment to send their sick unable to
march to the General ^Hospital and to leave a
subaltern officer behind with them.
One sergeant, 1 corpl and 24 men without arms to
parade to morrow morning at Day braak to assist
Mr Lake, commissary of Provisions in loading of
ye waggons.
OK.
vea in readi-
to morrow to
lot to be re-
,ggage.
RRLAND,
8th, 1755.
: and the re-
Troops and
y as Col Dun-
ow the Genl's
jrrow to send
men to assist
the Fort.
om Col Dun-
he American
have fitt for
they are only
the Regiment
a.
lEULAND,
9th, 1755.
iick unable to
to leave a
Ithout arms to
kaak to assist
in loading of
GENERAL BRADDOCK 8 ORDERLY BOOK.
XLIX.
Camp at Fort Cumberland,
Tuesday, June the 10th, 1756.
The Fort Guard to join their Regiments as soon
as Governor Innes has taken possession of it and
placed his centrys.
Cami' at the Grove
(First Camp from Fort Cumberl
d.)
Parole — Gainsborough.
All the officers of the Line to be at the Gen's
tent to morrow morning at 11 o'clock.
No Fires to be made upon any acct whatever
within 150 yards of the Road on either side, any
person acting contrary to this order shall be very se-
verely punished.
All the waggons to be drawn up to-morrow morn-
ing as close as possible and as soon as the waggons
belong to the detachment under the command fof
Majr Chapman have closed up to the rear of the
Artillery that Detachment then to join the respective
Corps.
Col Dunbars Regiment to encamp to morrow
morning upon the left of the whole, according to the
line of Encampment.
Cami' at tee Grove,
Wednesday, June 11th, 1755.
Parole — Hartford .
Capt" Rutherford and Cap" Gates Indep com-
pan3^s and all the American's Troops to bo under
arms immediately att the head of their respective
encampments.
Any person whatsoever that is detected in stealing
shall be immediately hanged with* being brought to a
Court Martial.
One Subaltern Officer 1 Serg' 1 Corporal & 40 men
7
L.
GENEKAL BRADDOCK S OUDEKLY BOOK.
with* arms from each of yo two Rogcment to parade
immediately at ye h'^ of the artillery.
One Sub: 1 Serg^ 1 D'' & oO Men of the line to
Parade in the Rear of Col> Dunbars Reg'' as soon as
they have come to their pro[)er ground The Officer is
to receive his Orders from Majr Sparkes.
Whatever number of Horses are furnisd by the
Officers are to be paraded as soon as possible in the
Rear of Col^ Dunbars Regimt and to be reviewd by
Majr Sparkes.
The Officers are desird to acquaint May Sparkes
which of their Horses for carrying Horses and which
are for Draught and to be so good as to send with the
carrying Horses, Bat-Saddles & etc. if they have
them.
The Command?? officers of the two Regt'« & the
capt"^ of the Independ' and Provencial Troops to
send in a Return to the Genl of the number of Horses
furnished by their respective Officers, and opposite to
the Officer's names. The number of Horses furnishd
oy each officer; that the Gen^ may be able to inform
His Majesty of the Inclination and readiness of the
particular Officers in carrying on the service.
AFTER ORDERS.
No more than two Women per company to be
allowd to march from the Camp, a List of the names
of those that are to be sent back to be given into
Capt" Morris that tluere may be an Order sent to
Colo Innes at Fort Cumberland to Victual them
A List of the names of the women that are allowd
to stay with the troops to be given into the Maj^ of
Brigade and any woman that is found in camp and
whose name is not in that List will for the first time
be severely punished and for the second suffer Death.
AFTER ORDERS.
Colo Dunbar's Reg* is immediately to furnish a
Sergt & 12 Men as a Guard for the Provisions on
BOOK.
ment to parade
3f the line to
iogt' as 8oon as
i The Officer ia
es.
furnisd by the
30ssible ill the
be reviewd by
' Maj'" Sparkes
rscs and which
send with the
if they have
' Regti« & the
iial Troops to
nber of Horses
nd opposite to
orses furnishd
Eible to inform
idiness of the
ervice.
GKNKRAL BRADDOCK's ORDERLY BOOK. u.
with 'hk^ P ^'"y' ['"'''S ^' "' ^^"ke Corny of Pro".
n.onw.„.byday b^ & ,,;» Exeellenc; y. every 2
will be ,n reaclmos» by 1 Ocloek in r alWon.
mpany to be
. of the names
be given into
3rder sent to
ual them
it are allowd
to the Majf of
in camp and
the first time
suffer Death.
1
to furnish a
'revisions on
GENERAL BRADDOCK'S ORDERLY BOOK,
NO. 2.
Camp at the Grove,
Thursday, June 12th, 1755.
Parole— 'aiford."
Field Officer of the Picquet Lt Col Gage.
The Picquet to load with cartridges, and not with
raming Ball, to challenge and demand the counter-
sign till troop beating ; and the Field officer and
Picquet to be always received as Grand rounds as
often as he thinks proper to visit the out posts, by
Night or Day.
The advanced corporals and scntrys to have their
bayonets fixed ; the Detached partys from the ser-
geants guard to have corporals with them ; the ad-
vanced sentrys not to suffer anybody to come within
ten paces of their arras without demanding the
countersign.
The advanced partys not to build any bowers,
upon pain of severest punishment; those already
built to be immediately destroyed.
These orders to be read to the men, by the officer
of y« Picquet before the out guards are posted.
Whatever communications from sergeant's guards
to sergeants guards, and from corporals guards to
corporal's guards are not yet opened to be done
immediately. This to be a standing order, and to
GENERAL BKADDOCK S OUDKHLY BOOK.
LITI.
be observed by y troops in all ciiinps, and no person
whatever to lire their arms within a mile of y camp,
but in case of an alarm or their being attacked.
These orders to be read to the men by the com-
mjyiding oflicer of each company, and the orders
relative to the men of the picquet to be read to them
before they are detach'd on y out guards by the
officers of y*' picquet.
The captains of ye several Picquetts to be at
y" Field officer of y Picquet's tent an hour before
retreat beating in order to receive the countersign
from him.
All the troops to be compleated this afterno(»n
with provii.ions to the Kith inclusive and the
waggon and horse drivers to the 2t')th.
AFTER ORDERS.
Sir Peter ITalkett's Grenadiers and the battalion
companys of that regiment to march immediately to
the crossing of the new and old road, a little beycmd
where the detiu'hment of seamen are now encamped.
They are to encamp there; the Grenadiers camp
across the road and the battalion companys according
to the present line of encampment covering the ad-
vanced wagons. The commanding officers to take
care to advance picquets in the same manner and
proportion of numbers as ordered in the disposition
of march and to take care that his advanced picquets
comply with the orders of this day.
The detachment of seamen ;Commanded by Mr
Spendelow to be disposed of in such parts of the line
as he shall think proper, and their arms and accou-
trements are to be carried in whatever waggons he
shall appoint.
Three hatchet men of ye line with their tools to
remain constantly with the detachment of seamen,
and to receive their orders from Mr Spendelowe.
One Tumbril with tools to march in the front
immediately after Captain Poisons company of
LIV.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BUOK.
carpenters and another Tumbril of tools to march in
the centre of the carriages.
One engineer to march with captain Polson'^i com-
pany of carpenters and another engineer is to march
in tlie centre of ye carriages.
The Pioneers of every company of ye Line with
their tools (except those that arc ordered to ye
detachment of seamen) to march constantly in y^'
centre of y*-' carriages and to be Ui.der the directions
yi" Engineer who marches in the centre.
The troops to march to morrow and the General
to beat at four o'clock in ye morning.
Camp at-
Friday, 13th June, 1755.
Parole— 'Hertford."
Field ofTicer to morrow Major Chapman.
The Line is not to march to morrow.
CAMf at Martin's, Saturday, June 14, 1755.
Parole — "Leicester."
Fltld Officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
Unon the beating of the General which is to be
taken from Sir Peter Halketts regiment, all ye troops
are to accoutre turn out and form two deep at y^'
head of their respective encampments, and there
wait for further orders and no soldiers tent to be
suffered to be struck till ordered by the General.
As soon as the tents are struck they are to be
immediately loaded as also the officers baggage and
then the troops are to lay upon their arms till they
receve an order to march and upon the beating of ye
march the whole to face to the right and left.
The Field officers are not to be particularly posted
excepting the one who marches at ye head of y^
vanguard.
The number of carriages tc) be equally divided and
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
LV.
to march in
the General
divided and
Sir Peter Ilalkett and his Field officers with the
troops of his briga lo are to take under their care half
of carriages and see that tlieir officers order their
men to assist the waggoners upon any point or
difficulty that may happen.
Col Dunbar and his Field officers with y^' troops of
the Second brigade to act in the same manner with
the remaining number of carriages.
In case any wagon should break down in such a
manner as to be unable to keep with the Line it is
immediately to be drawn out on one side of the road
and a report of it with what it is loaded to be sent
to Mr Scott Wagon master general who is to order
it to be r<'paired, or m'O that the load is divided
among the rest of the wagons as he shall think
proper.
Upon any halt, tho' ever so small the Companys
are to form two deep and face outward.
Upon a march the captains and officers of ye
picquet to visit frequently their out detachments,
and see that they keep at a proper distance from
their companies.
Upon y^ firing of a cannon either in y front,
centre or rear the whole line to form face outwards
and then wait for further orders.
WluMi the troops come to Savage River the ser-
vants, bat men Waggoners and horse drivers must
take particular care to prevent their horses from
eating of laurel, as it is certain death to them The
General to beat to morrow morning at 4 o'clock.
AFTKR ORDEIiS.
Upon the beating of the General to morrow morn-
ing two companys from the right of Sir Peter
rialkett's regiment to strike their tents and march
as an escort to the carrying horses of y^ army The
Commanding officer to apply to Captain Morris to
morrow morning for his orders.
LVI.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
[Here is an omission of two days' orders, which
cannot be supplied, but a blank may be left in the
records to show the chasm.]*
Camp at the Little Meadows,
Tuesday, June 17th, 1755.
Parole — Orford.
Field officer to morrow Lt Col Burton.
A detachment to march to morrow morning at 4
o'clock consisting of one Field Officer 2 Captains 6
subalterns 12 sergeants and 150 rank and file of y^
two regiments; Captain Gates 2 subalterns 2 Ser-
geants 2 corporals and 50 private men of his inde-
pendent company, Captain Waggoners and Captain
Perouney's companys of Rangers.
Lt Col Gage to command this detachment A de-
tachment to march on Tliursday morning at 4
o'clock consisting of one Colonl 1 Lt Col 1 Major
the two oldest companys of Grenadeers 5 Captains
20 subalterns 22 sergeants and 550 rank and file of
y" two regiments.
Sir Peter Ilalkett Lieut Col Burton and Major
Sparke field officers for this detachment The King's
colour of ye 44'^ reg't and ye second colour of
ye 48tii. regiment to be sent with this detachment.
The men of the two regiments that are to march
with the detachment of to morrow and Thursday to
be taken out of those which landed from Ireland
the commanding officer of each regiment to be an-
swerable to his Excellency that this is complied
with.
A return to be sent in to-morrow morning to
either of ye aids de camp signed by the command-
ing officers of y^ companys of ye two regiments of
ye names and countries of ye men that are for
*rhlBuoteU written Id Washington'!* handwritlug.
GENERAL BRADDOCK's ORDERLY BOOK. LVII.
ye above two detachments their term of service
and the regiments they have served in
low! ^''^'7^!^"^^' ^\^^ b^.^^" pleased to appoint the Ibl-
owmg cap nins and subalterns officers for ye above
th m ^m iVr^ ^'''''' '^'' '^''y -^" t-ke with
thein as httle bacrgage as possible.
Of v^/Zfi?"*"".'""''"^ and command of Lt Col Gage.
Ofye44thregt Ofye48thregt
Capt Beckwitl) Capt Morris
Lieut Harsard
Lieut Barbutt
ui tne 44tn Koo-imor.f rk*'4.i,„ ^oxi i-. . -^
Lieut Treby
Lieut Sittler
Ensign Clarke
Of the 44th Regiment
Captain Hobson
Gethius
Lieut Halkett
Bailey
Potting(U'
Simpson
Lock
Kennedy
Townshend
Ensign Nortlow
Pennington
Preston
Of the 48th Regiment
Captn Dobson
Cholniley
Bowyer
Lieut Walsam
Hathorn
Ed mon stone
Cope
Brierton
Hurt
Gladwin
Ensign Cowart
Harrison
Crowe
Th^ Q TIT . ,. McMullen.
Capt Rutherfords Independent Company and Cant
Stephens company of Rangers, to march \olrZ
morning with the detachment under y command of
VV r^^^"^ ^^^"^ ^"^ ^■'^'^""^ to camp atni.dit
One Corporal and 4 light horse to inarch to mor-
row mormng with the detachment under Col Gages
command, and to remain with him
The detachment of Seamen and Capt Stuart with
8
Lvin.
GENERAL BRADDOCK S ORDERLY BOOK.
1 subaltern, and 18 light horse to march on Thurs-
day morning.
No woman to be victuaHqd upon the detachments
that march to morrow and Tliursday.
AFTER ORDERS.
Each of the two regiments as also Capt Gates
Independent Company to send a sufficient number of
tents for y^ respective detachments that march to
morrow under y^ command of Lt Col Gage.
AFTER ORDERS.
His Excellency has been pleased to appoint Lieut
Buchanan of y artillery to march with y« 2 guns to
morrow morning and Capt L Smith and Lieut
McLoud of y artillery to march with y^ detach-
ment on Thursday morning. The men that march
to morrow and on Thursday morning to be compleated
to 24 rounds of ammunition.
BOOK.
Tch on Thurs-
3 detachments
io Capt Gates
ent number of
ihat march to
I age.
appoint Lieut
t y« 2 guns to
h and Lieut
h y^ detach-
11 that march
be compleated
*N B._After the orders in this, and the book
preceding ,t, are transcribed, leave six pages blank
ior insertion of the commission of(; W- n md
the proc^-dings which inU.rvened between the defeat
Next the Letters, fiistructions, and orders, in the
order they appear in the parchment covered book
are to be transcribed.
•The above appears
orders.
i" Wa»hin«toT. h.nd„rmn«. on a ^^,.^0.^.,^;^-;^^^:;:^^
Page 23— "The Potomac River ()btaiiie<l it>i mune doubtless from tht-
Potomac tril)(» of Iiitlians," sliould read, "The Potomac tribe of IndiaiiH
obtained its name doubtless from the Potomac River."
PageSSO— Lieut. Pickett should read Pickell.
Page -IOC -The date of the leestablishraent of the "Alleganian and
Times" should be 1876, instead of 186<J.
doubtlcHs from tht-
tic tribe of IndiaiiN
e "Alle^'iiuian ami