Glass. Book COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT Mos!C,\(,C'.,\'y. :EX)VVAFyD poL^L.00 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND rrS TRADE. ILLUSTRATED FROM PHOTOGRAPHS BY A. M. TURNER, PORTSMOUTH. BY THE AUTHOR OF f^ HISTORICAL AND INDUSTRIAL GUIDE TO PETERSBURG, VA." "SKETCH BOOK OF DANVILLE, VA.; ITS MANUFACTURES ANB COMMERCE ;" "SKETCH BOOK OF SUFFOLK,VA.; ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE," ETC. PORTSMOUTH, VA. EDWARD POLLOCK, Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1886, By EDWARD POLLOCK, Portsmouth, Va., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. G. W. Purdie & Co., Portsmouth, Va. In presenting this volume to the ptiblic, I am fully con- sciozis of its many shortcomings. It possesses, hozvever, one mspic2ious merit, namely its fidelity to fact — so far as my 3st endeavors, assisted by the several Committees of the Board ^ Trade, and others, have been successful in ascertaining it. The object of the zvork is to present to the outside world a >agmentary narrative of such events as, from time to time, ave concurred in framing Portsmouth s noble history; setting 'orth those peculiar advantages which she now offers to those ''ho have either capital or talent to invest, and corroborating its statements with statistics taken from the official records. To the members of the City Council and Board of Trade, as also to the City and County officials and all other coadjutors who have given m,e their aid — whether in the form, of counsel, encotiragement or material support — / now tender my sincere thaiiks. It is my earnest hope that this hum.ble effort may, prove instrumejital in advancing the social and commercial interests of Portsmouth and her esteemed people. ED WARD POLL O CK. Porism,outh, Va., December ist, 1886. PORTSMOUTH 1886 DESCRIPTIVE. INTRODUCTORY. THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, a port of entry, lies in Norfolk County, Virginia, of which it is the Seat of Justice. It is conveniently and picturesquely situated on the western shore of the Elizabeth River, at the point where the Southern Branch empties itself into the Har- bor. It is bounded on the North by Swimming Point Creek and the suburban village of Lincolnsville ; on the East by the Elizabeth River ; on the South by the United States Navy Yard ; and on the West by the open country. The area with- in its corporate limits is about six hundred and fifty acres, and its population about 12,000, of whom two thirds are white and the remainder colored. Including the suburbs immediately ad- joining its boundaries, the population of Portsmouth is esti- mated at nearly 16,000 souls. Across the Elizabeth River, and directly opposite the northern portion of the town, lies the City of Norfolk, at a dis- tance of three-quarters of a mile. Opposite the central and southern portions, lies the busy village of Berkley, on the point SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. of land formed by the confluence of the Southern and Eastern Branches. The social and business intercourse existing be- tween the Sister Cities, and the intermediate Village of Berkley, is most intimate, and is maintained by steam ferry- boats, which ply continuously during the day and up to midnight, after which hour "foot-boats" can be procured at any of the wharves at either side of the river until 5 a. m., when the ferry service is resumed. Fort Woods, a remnant of the original pine "forest that once clothed this whole district, and the extensive ornamental grounds surrounding the U. S. Naval Hospital, are situated about two hundred yards to the northward of the City limits. This is the property of the Federal Government, and is a favorite resort of all classes of citizens, answering all the purposes, but without cost to the municipality, of a beautiful public park, surrounded on three sides by a substantial ■ sea-wall which is washed, at high tide, by the miniature waves of the Harbor. Portsmouth has a deep-water frontage of nearly a mile in length, and the river which flows past its wharves has a natural channel of sufiicient depth to float vessels of the very largest class. For accurate information regarding the geography and topography of the City and its environs, reference is made to the map and chart specially prepared for this volume, and both copied from official drawings. Treating Portsmouth and Norfolk as a common sea-port, it is the terminus of no less than eight railroads, which branch out in all directions and afford easy communication with the most remote parts of the country ; eleven steamship and steam- boat lines, giving access to all ports on the Atlantic seaboard ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. and to foreign markets ; and two canals, which connect this harbor with the great Sounds of Eastern Virginia and North CaroHna, and the whole system of internal navigation The City of Portsmouth is fair to look upon — fairer than most sea-port towns in this or any country — presenting an air of health, comfort and cleanliness which is well sustained by statistical facts. It comprises Portsmouth proper, Gosport and Newtown, the whole being under the same municipal govern- ment. It is regularly laid out in broad, equidistant streets, ranging almost evenly with the cardinal points of the compass. The principal thoroughfares are well paved ; the public build- ings, churches, stores, warehouses and residences are handsome and well kept ; shade-trees of varied foliage line the sidewalks and are planted in rows down the middle of the broader av- enues ; the streets are well lighted with gas and the principal wharves with electric lights ; and its harbor is perhaps the finest and most picturesque on the coast of North America. " The markets," says an eminent physician, now deceased, after fifteen years of successful practice in the City, " through the Summer, are abundantly supplied with fruits, vegetables, and fish of various kinds. In no place can these indispensable articles of food be had of better quality, and the prices at which they are sold are so reasonable as to put them within the reach of all. A man must be poor indeed who wants for a sufficiency of good, nutritious food at any season of the year." The surrounding country is flat, with rich, deep and very fertile soil, and embraces the great " trucking " area for which this section and seaport have long been famous. Three milliou dollars' worth of fruits, berries, and early vegetables are shipped 8 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. annually from our wharves, a'ffording lucrative employment to numbers of laborers in excess of our own resident population, while beyond these cultivated lands, and far away to the south- ward, stretch those vast forests of pine, oak and juniper, whose enormous and almost inexhaustible products in lumber and naval stores have spread the fame of Virginia to the most dis- tant markets of the world. In addition to the great trucking and lumber interests, which may be regarded as of a comparatively local character, enormous quantities of cotton reach us during the Fall and Winter, for shipment to the various domestic and foreign points of consumption. Indeed, the advantages enjoyed by this port are so conspicuous that it has become, within the last few years, the second in rank among the cotton-ports of the United States as to its receipts, and the third as to its direct exports. Above and below the City, tracts of land now under culti- vation, with splendid water frontages, offer unsurpassed oppor- tunities for the profitable employment of capital and brains in industrial enterprises of almost any kind, being eminently suited for the easy and inexpensive shipment of products to all points, either by land or water. With cheap land, low taxes, an equable climate, a central position on the Atlantic seaboard, and removed by only an incon- siderable distance from the very sources whence the great manu- facturing interests of the North draw their principal supplies, Portsmouth offers prospects and facilities to the capitalist such as few localities in the United States can justly present, as a careful perusal of this little volume to its end — based, as its statements are, upon official facts and figures exclusively — will fully demonstrate. ITS PKOPLK AND ITS TRADE. CIEOCIRAPHICAL Norfolk County, of which the City of Portsmouth is the County Seat, is about 32 miles in length — running North and South — and has a mean width of 17 miles, thus covering an area COURT HOUSE AND CLERK'S OFFICE. of over 500 square miles. It is bounded on the North by the Elizabeth River, Hampton Roads and Lynnhaven Bay ; on the East by Princess Anne County ; on the West by Nansemond County; and on the South by the boundary line of North Carolina. lO SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Portsmouth, in conjunction with Norfolk, forms the princi- pal sea-port of Virginia. It lies in latitude 36° 50' North, and longitude 76° 19' West, about 25 miles North of the boundary- line of Virginia and North Carolina. Its distance from Boston, by sea, is 600 miles ; from New York, by sea, 300 ; from Phil- adelphia, by sea, 270; from Washington, by water, 230 and by railroad 190; from Baltimore, 180; from Richmond, by water, 140 and by railroad 106; from Petersburg, 84; from Lynch- burg, 202; from the Blue Ridge Mountains, 220; from Wil- mington, N. C, 240; from Charleston, S. C, 350; and from the Mississippi River, about 700 miles. It is distant from the Atlantic Ocean 17 miles by land, and 35 by water, and only eight miles from Hampton Roads; which is thus officially de- scribed in the United States Coast Survey: " Hampton Roadstead is formed by the confluence of the James, Nanse- mond and Elizabeth Rivers, and is bounded on the north by Old Point Comfort and the Hampton shore to Newport's News ; on the east by a line drawn from Old Point Comfort Lighthouse to the Rip Raps, and continued to the west end of Willoughby bank; on the south by Willoughby Bay and Seawell's Point Spit ; and on the southwest and west by a line drawn from Seawell's Point to Newport's News Point. Between these limits the Roads are about four miles long, with a depth of from four to fifteen fath- oms and excellent holding ground. At the eastern boundary the anchor- age is three-quarters of a mile wide, and gradually widens towards the southwestward until abreast of the western end of Hampton Bar, where it is a mile and three-eights wide between the lines of three fathoms." Our spacious harbor is always open, is approached by a channel 28 feet deep, and affords ample sea-room for any pos- sible demand upon its capacity. Its position, almost midway between the northern and southern extremities of the Atlantic ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. II seaboard, and its comparative exemption alike from the annual ice-blockades to which the northern harbors are subject, and the reefs and sand-bars common to all the more southern ports, proclaim it at once the great natural outlet for the pro- duce of those sections lying to the South and West of us. Its favorable situation, moreover, has not escaped the attention oi practical and intelligent enterprise, and the Genius of Man has developed Nature's liberal provision, by converting this vast maritime station into a great railroad centre also, thus securing rapid and direct transportation to all points, by land or sea. Our many steamboat lines and local railroads give us easy and delightful access to the numerous towns and watering-places on the coast and along the rivers whose waters find egress to the Ocean through the Capes of Virginia. AGRICULTURAL. The back-country tributary to Portsmouth is liberally wa- tered and its soil exceedingly prolific. Marl underlies much of the land, which is susceptible of the highest cultivation and is easily worked at all seasons of the year. The climate is mild and moist, and all the fruits, vegetables and grains of the United States, with the exception of a few of the semi-tropical fruits, can be grown here successfully and profitably. Along the coast of Eastern Virginia and North Carolina, numerous sounds and inlets, well supplied with fish and oysters, not only afford thor- ough drainage, but also supply the cheapest and readiest means of transporting products to the point of final shipment. "Trucking," or market-gardening, is pursued here on a very large scale and with great success. From this immediate SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH. VA. neighborhood — that is, from within a radius of 15 miles — $3,- 000,000 worth of farm produce is shipped annually. Immense quantities of early fruits and vegetables are sent to the north- ern and western markets, where high prices are obtained. Our shipping facilities are so excellent that products can now be laid down in New York 1 5 hours after leaving our wharves. Vegeta- tion of all kinds is from four to six weeks earlier here than in New Jersey, and our railroads and transportation lines are taxed to their utmost capacity, during the trucking season, in supply- ing the ever-increasing demand upon our agricultural resources. Thousands of men, women and children find remunerative em- ployment in gathering these crops and preparing them for ship- ment, as many as 1200 or 1500 hands being sometimes engaged on one farm, at the same time, picking strawberries alone. In this connection, it may be well here to call attention to the fact — which, for some inscrutable reason, appears to have been hitherto overlooked — that Portsmouth offers a magnifi- cent opening for a large and well-equipped canning establish- ment. This is, par excellence, the market-garden of the United States — nay, of the whole world — and it frequently happens that, after the first urgent demand from the distant markets has been satisfied, fruits, berries, tomatoes, asparagus, onions, peas, beans, and other products suitable for canning, bot- tling and preserving, can be had for the mere trouble and expense of gathering, and in such profusion as would seem almost incredible to those who have not themselves wit- nessed the vast scale on which the trucking business is con- ducted. Under these conditions, it will be seen that energy, experience and judicious management, together with a compar- 14 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA, atively small capital, ought to insure complete success to such an enterprise. Good land is still cheap and abundant, although its ten- dency in price is upward. The great Dismal Swamp will one day be reclaimed and under successful cultivation. It stands at a sufficient elevation above tidewater to render its drainage a matter of no great difficulty, and those portions of it which have been brought under the plow yield from sixty to eighty bushels of corn to the acre, and hay in proportion. SANITARY. The climate of Portsmouth and its neighborhood is good, and, during some months of the year, even bracing, owing to the prevalence of the sea breezes. Its geographical position exempts it almost entirely from those extremes of cold and heat which are found to be so pernicious in less favored latitudes. In his report to the Mayor for the year ending June 30th, 1886, the President of the Board of Health officially mentions the rate of mortality as 22.916 for the whole population, and the proportions assigned to the two races are as follows : white, 19.125; colored, 30.500. That active measures, pointing to the improvement of the public health and the counteraction of ma- larious and other unwholesome influences, constantly engage the attention of the proper officials, is shown by the following extract from the same report : " The Board of Health has been diligent in using all proper means for the preservation of the public health. Public and private nuisances have not only been abated, but, as far as possible, they have been remedied. * * * Marshes have been drained, low lots filled up, as far as ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 15 dirt has been available, and no effort spared to put and keep the City in as clean a condition as possible." Epidemic disease is almost unknown here, the first, last and only instance on record being- the visitation of the yellow fever which was imported from the West Indies in the Summer of 1855 and prevailed for several months. HIGH STREET, LOOKING EAST. ■ The water supply, which is always wholesome and usually abundant, is obtained from wells and cisterns. This will shortly be supplemented, however, by a regular system of pipes, which, when completed, will insure the City from the discomforts incident to a protracted drought. Twelve miles of pipes have already been laid in the streets, with fire-plugs at every second corner. SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Se^BO^^^D •:• ;?I]D •:-^0:^l]O^E RAILROAD. SHORT LINE T Q All Points North and South. CONNECTS at Portsmouth with Rail and Water Lines for all points North and West, and at Weldon with Seaboard Air-Line and Atlantic Coast Line for Florida and the South. Connects also with the Albemarle Steam Navigation Company at Franklin for Eastern North Carolina and at Suffolk with the Norfolk and Western Railroad for the West. DOUBLE DAILY PASSENGER SERVICE. J. W. BROWN, O. V. SMITH. J. F. MAUPIN, General Ticket Agent. General Claim Agent. Agent. L. T. MYERS, J. S. Bl^OWiySg, Superintendent Transpoiiatio?!. Master Transpcniation. General Offices: Portsmoutli, Va- ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 17 The proximity of Old Point Comfort, Ocean View and Virginia Beach, either of which can be reached in an hour or so, renders even the hottest summer weather tolerable, by rea- son of the excellent surf bathing and the pure ocean breezes always to be had there ; while the absence of the searching north-east winds, so trying, even to the healthy, in the local- ities where they are felt, constitutes Portsmouth an excellent sanatorium for invalids during the winter months. FREIGHT WAREHOUSES OF SEABOARD & ROANOKE RAILROAD, WITH OLD DOMINION STEAMSHIP CO.'S S. S. "ROANOKE," AT WHARF. The statement is made by the Health Officer of the City, in his last annual report, dated July 15th, 1886, that — " With two exceptions there is not a foreign city of the fifty examined that has as low a death rate among the whites as this city, and very few of the American cities any lower." He states further that 50 per cent, of the deaths among the colored population occurred from "causes unascertained," and adds: "This last is a significant fact, showing that one-half of the colored people die in this city without medical attention." l8 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. FINANCIAL. The prudent and practical business man, who, for any rea- son, chmatic or otherwise, may desire to change his place of residence or the base of his commercial or industrial operations, will naturally be influenced to a great extent by the questions of public debt, taxation, and other matters affecting the finan- cial conditiortoof his prospective new home. For the informa- tion of such as he, the following figures, taken from the City Treasurer's official report for the year ending June 30th, 1886, are given : The total receipts, exclusive of the paving account, were $95,520.25; last year's balance $17,419.38; total $112,- 939-63- The disbursements on account of all public expenses, except paving, were $94,533.12; leaving a balance on hand of $18,406.51. The receipts on Paving Account were: proceeds of sale of bonds and interest $34,081.07; last year's balance $545.27; total $34,626.34. Disbursements: Paving and gra- ding streets and interest $9,129.57 ; leaving a balance on hand of $25,496.77. The assessment fund for the redemption of paving bonds amounted to $5,412.51, which, with last year's balance of $4,231.38, leaves on hand the sum of $9,643.89. The total bonded debt of the City is $414,700, an increase during the year of $31,500. "This increase of the debt," says the Mayor in his Annual Message to the City Council, " is in- significant when we note the large sums which have been ex- pended in material and lasting improvements for the benefit of ourselves and for posterity." The message further says: " All obligations have been promptly met at maturity" ; and congratulates the City Coun- cil upon having " been enabled to reduce the tax on real estate ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. rp and personal property twenty cents on the hundred dollars val- uation, the tax being now one dollar and thirty-five cents, as against one dollar and fifty-five cents last year." The bonded debt above mentioned represents the sole in- debtedness of the City. Of the total amount of $414,700, nearly UNITED STATES NAVAL HOSPITAL. half has been incurred within the last seven years, for the pur- pose of grading and paving the" streets, and two-thirds of the sum so invested is assessed directly to the owners of the pro- perty on the streets so improved. The assets of the City are stated in the Auditor's report for the fiscal year to be $284,- 974.68, represented by real property, leaving a balance, to the debit of the City, of $129,725.32. This statement, when taken i6 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. BALTIMORE STEAM PACKET COMPANY QUICKEST PASSENGER AND FREIGHT ROUTE BETWEEN THE -- -=1^::*- Passenger Steamers leave daily, Sundays excepted, from Portsmouth at 5:45 and Norfolk at 6:30 P. M., touching at Old Point. Close connec- tion made at Baltimore with FAST EXPRESS FOR PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK, in ample time to connect with all Sound lines of steamers and all lines for Boston and the East. Close connection also made at Baltimore for Washington and the West, coMiESDiiTEft?StrSSMiin?noi Leaving New York from Desbrosses and Courtlandt Street ferries, trains connect with steamer at Canton. Steamers leave Baltimore from Union Dock at 7 P. M., and from Canton M'harf at 8:45 P. M. For further infoi"mation, apply to L. W. THOMAS, Agent, Portsmouth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 2t in conjunction with the report of the Commissioner of Revenue, showing the taxable vakies of the City to be $3,81 1,759, at once places Portsmouth, financially, in the front rank among the Cities of the South'. The Annual Report of the Commissioner of Revenue places the assessed value of real estate in the City at $3,436,590, and of personal property at $375,169, making a total of $3,811,- 759. The general tax assessed was $51,459.05, and the school tax, $8,889.02, while the licenses amounted to $13,489.04. From the above showing, it will be patent to every one familiar with municipal affairs that Portsmouth enjoys an excep- tional degree of financial soundness, and that her interests are in the hands of able, conscientious and trustworthy officials, under whose management an ever-increasing improvement may confidently be looked for in the future. VARIOUS. It may not be out of place to say a few words here about the morale and general condition of the City in regard to mat- ters not above specified. The Fire Department, for instance, is in a first-class con- dition, having recently been furnished with a new engine, hose carriage, harness, &c., all of the most approved pattern, making it second to none in Virginia for quick and efficient service. During the year ending June 30, 1886, the Department was called to only eight alarms, and the total losses from the same amounted to $159.75, There are three handsome, commodious and well furnished buildings devoted to the various public schools of the City, two of which form the subjects of our illustrations. They are all I'l SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. equally good and very much alike in architectural design. Two of these are in Portsmouth proper, one for white, the other for colored children, and the third, for white children, is in New- town. The number of separate schools occupying these build- ings is 19, and the total value of school property in the City is $45,000. The monthly pay roll of teachers amounts to $990, in salaries ranging from $120 to $40. The Almshouse of the City is situated on a farm at a short distance from the corporate limits. The Superintendent, in his report for the year ending June 30th, 1886, says: "The monthly average of inmates for the last year has been 19, an increase of one over the year 1885. There have been issued 6,935 rations. % % -^ T\i^ farm produced last year an abundant supply of corn, fodder and vegetables of all kinds for the use of the place, and I have enough of last year's corn and fodder to carry me through until I gather in the crops." The Chief of Police reports 733 arrests during the year, or an average of two per day, nearly all of which were for trivial offences, and claims that " the police force, as at present consti- tuted, will compare favorably in moral qualifications and phy- sical ability with that of any city in the Union." It will therefore be admitted by the candid reader that with an efficient Fire Department, a capable Police Force, an excellent system of Public Schools, and little or no destitution or 'crime, the City of Portsmouth is pre-eminently favored among her sister seaports, at home or abroad, and even among the general run of cities of her size and population throughout the civilized world. HISTORICAL. PREFATORY. THE PREFACE TO MR. CAMPBELL'S " History of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia," com- mences thus : " Although Virginia must be content with a secondary arid unpretending rank in the general de- partment of history, yet, in the abundance and the interest of her historical materials, she may, without presumption, claim pre-eminence among the Anglo-American Colonies." When it is remembered that the history of the United States is identical, in its early pages, with that of Virginia ; and that the history of Virginia was, for many years, almost con- fined to the shores of Chesapeake Bay and of the rivers whose confluence forms our great outer harbor, Hampton Roads, the application of the above quotation, (with, perhaps, the substitu- tion of a single name,) to the purposes of this modest but vera- cious volume will at once be apparent to its intelligent reader. EARLY DAYS. It does not concern us, however, to examine too closely into the legendary story of Madoc, the Cambrian prince, nor to w^eigh too scrupulously the claims of the Northmen of Iceland, descendants of the brave Eric, to be regarded as the real dis- coverers of this mighty continent. It will save time to consign these somewhat doubtful heroes to the tender mercies of the 24 SKETCH LOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Established iSdy LEGH R. WATTS, Pkesident. E. ALEX. HATTON, Cashier. BANK OF PORTSMOUTH, MEMBER OF NORFOLK CLEARING HOUSE ASSOCIATION. City Depositary Since Organization in 1867, SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO COLLECTIONS, and remit- tances promptly made on day of payment at current rate of exchange. Transacts a General Banking Business, and solicits correspondence and accounts of Banks, Bankers, Corporations, Mer- chants and Individuals. RIRECTORS: Judge Legh R. Watts, O. V. Smith, R. J. Neely, Jas. F. Crocker, Joseph Bourke, Jno. H. Hume, A. P. Grice, Thos. Scott. Paid up Capital $51,000. Interest Paid en Deposits in Savings Department. Correspondents — Importers' & Traders' National Bank and Bank of New York,N. B. A., New York; First National Bank, Philadelphia; National Revere Bank, Boston ; Merchants' National Bank, Baltimore. Its PEOPLli AND ITS I'RADJg; 25 antiquarian, and to concede to Columbus, without further ques- tion, the glory of having, in the year 1492, made the first cer- tain discovery of the New World. But it was the good fortune of John Cabot and his sons to be the first who actually reached the main land five years later, having obtained from Henry VII, a patent dated in 1496, which is the oldest surviving doc- ument that connects, England with America. In 1573 Chesapeake Bay, first called the Bay of Santa Maria, was visited and explored by Pedro Menendez Morquez, the Spanish Governor of Florida ; and subsequent explorations, covering a period of eight or ten years, were made by the Spaniards, but these were unknown to the English, and Spain made no claim on their account. Sir Humphrey Gilbert, in 1578, obtained from "Bonnie Queen Bess " letters patent authorizing him to take and colonize any " heathen " country he could discover, and under this broad charter he made one or two unsuccessful expeditions, till finally, in 1583, he reached Newfoundland, of which he took formal possession in the Queen's name. Of the fleet of five vessels with which he had sailed from Plymouth, only two now remained, and Sir Humphrey determined to return to England, and selected the smaller vessel, the " Squirrel," upon which to embark. When off the Azores a heavy storm was encountered, and the " Squirrel," with the Admiral and all hands, disappeared forever beneath the angry waters. The company of her con- sort, the " Golden Hind," were near enough to observe Sir Humphrey seated on deck with a book in his hand, and to hear him exclaim : " Be of good cheer, my friends ; it is as near to heaven by sea as by land." Shortly afterwards, at 26 SKrETCHT BOOKT OF' PORTSMOUTH, V'A. THE Portsmouth Gas Company. R. C. MARSHALL, President. It is perhaps fortunate for Portsmouth that her Gas supply is in the hands of a private corporation, under the management and direction of some of her most prominent citizens, instead of being controlled by the City authorities and subject to the vicissitudes common to the concerns of municipal governments. The Portsmouth Gas Company was organized in 1854 under a charter from the State Legislature. The extensive works of the Company are situated near the north- western boundary of the City and are thoroughly equipped with all th^ ap- pliances necessary for the manufacture of the best gas. The capacity of the works is 50,000 feet of gas per day, and the supply reaches the con- sumers through about ten miles of pipes. The capital stock of the Company is $80,000 and is all paid up. It is divided among twenty-eight stockholders. The present officers of the Company are as follows: Presideiat, R. C, Marshall; Engineer and Superintendent, R. L.Herbert; Treasurer, R. C. Marshall. Directors : John McIlhenny, Joseph Bourke, Charles R. Nash, B. H. Bartol and R. C. Marshall. It is admitted on all hands that Portsmouth is as well and as cheaply lighted as any City which depends exclusively upon gas for the illumina- tion of its thoroughfares, churches, stores and public buildings ; and it is much preferred to kerosene oil in tha better class of residences, by reason of its good quality, cleanliness and exemption from danger by fire. In the long run gas is the cheapest, safest and best artificial light for general use that has yet been discovered. The offices of the Portsmouth Gas Company are at 209 High St., Portsmouth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 27 midnight on September 9th, 1583, the brave httle craft sud- denly vanished and was seen no more. Not daunted by the fate of his heroic kinsman, Sir Walter Raleigh determined upon effecting a settlement in America, and obtained a patent for that purpose from Queen Elizabeth, a>-l^v^^^ RESIDENCE OF MR. JOHN H. HUME. dated March, 1584. Aided by Sir Richard Grenville, and others, he fitted out two small vessels and put them under the command of Captains Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlow. Leaving the Thames in April, 1584, they first visited the West Indies, and then, sailing northward, reached the coast of Flori- da early in July, and, still pursuing their course j landed at last 28 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. A. E. ETHEREDGE. Established 1839- e. c. brooks. ETPPDGE •:• ^ •!• B^OO^S, COTTON FACTORS, Genera! ienMerebts AND DEALERS IN GUANO, COAL, LIRfiE, PLASTER, CEMENT AND HAY. Special attention paid to the sale of all Country Produce. COTTON aid CORN a specialty. Liberal advances made upon consignments in hand, and the highest market prices obtained. Prompt returns made as requested. Correspondence solicited. 107 to 113 High Street. PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 29 on the Island of Wokokon, in the stormy region of Cape Hat- teras. The EngHsh, in accordance with the national custom, proceeded to take possession of the country in the name of their Sovereign. They found the valleys wooded with tall ce- dars festooned with graceful vines, the grapes clustering in rich j5rofusion and even trailing' in the murmuring surges of the sea. Here the explorers were shortly visited by a deputation of aborigines under His Royal Highness, Prince Granganameo, the King's brother, with whom compliments and presents were exchanged. The English were hospitably entertained by Gran- ganameo's wife, a lady who is described as having possessed all the virtues and vanities erroneously ascribed to a higher civil- i cation only. The country, which was called Wingandacoa, was found to possess a productive soil, a mild and salubrious climate, heavy timber of the most valued varieties, as well as fruits, mel- ons, nuts and esculent roots, all of excellent quality, while the woods were well stocked with game and the waters with innu- merable fish and wild fowl. After discovering Roanoke Island and exploring as much of the interior as their time would permit, Amadas and Barlow sailed homeward, accompanied by two of the natives, Manteo and Wanchese. The Queen was charmed with the glowing de- scriptions given by the adventurers of her new possessions, and bestowed upon the country the name "Virginia" in allusion, it is presumed, to the state of "single blessedness " (!) in which it pleased her reside. Henceforth this name applied to all of North America, as far as discovered, till gradually, as the vast extent of the continent began to be appreciated, it was found 30 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Incorporated 1852. The Portsmouth (Fire) Insurance Company, O. V. SMITH, President. W. V. H. WILLIAMS, Secretary. -a 1) ^ > TO 8 ^ c n (U n ^ ^ 111 n CO l»-. 3 s < (U > J 5 0) » :3 1 — 1 •X^ 3 < ■ z & .^ h-l C3 p > ■rf fX OJ lU B ;J bn ^ 3: § >^ 3 0> The only Home Cornpany hi Eastern Virgiiiia. Other First- Class Fire Insurance Companies represented, and all classes of Insitrance effected. Offices : — In the Building of the Portsmouth Insurance Company, 217 HIGH STREET, PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 3I expedient to distinguish the various provinces by bestowing upon them different names. Raleigh having now become an important and wealthy ])ersonage, thanks to a patent granted him" to license the vend- ing of wines throughout the kingdom, determined to still fur- ther pursue his plans for the colonization of Virginia. In 1585 he fitted out a fleet for that purpose, under the command of Sir Richard Grenville, who was accompanied by several distin- guished persons. Late in June the fleet anchored at Wokokon, whence they proceeded through Ocracock Inlet to Roanoke Island, which was selected as the seat of the colony. From this point the coast was explored as far South of Secotan, in the present County of Craven, N. C, by Grenville, who shortly afterwards returned to England. ELIZABETH RIVER DISCOVERED. Ralph Lane, who had been appointed by Raleigh gover- nor of the colony, proceeded to the northward and, passing in between the. Capes of Virginia, landed at the town of Chesapik, on the Ehzabeth River, near the site now occupied by Portsmouth. This was in the year 1586, exactly three centuries ago ! Here, owing to mismanagement and the in- creasing hostility of the natives, the colonists were exposed to many privations and constant danger, aggravated by a scarcity of provisions. Matters were becoming desperate, when Sir Francis Drake arrived just in time to rescue the unfortunate settlers, all of whom embarked with his fleet for England, thus abandoning for the time the colonization of America. Shortly after the departure of Drake's expedition, a vessel arrived at 3^ SKEtCH BOOg OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. E. O. YOUNG, M EsTiiTE m Rmm im G-eiieral Anctioneer. FARMS A SPECIALTY. There is no State in the Union that offers such indiTcements to the farmer as Virginia, and Portsmouth is the natural outlet for her products. She is the inshore city, having back of her, and in close proximity, some of the richest and most productive lands in the Union. This is proved by the large list of farmers who, in the past few years, have made themselves independent. It will be to the advantage of any one desiring to buy a farm, either large or small, to examine my list before purchasing elsewhere. I also have constantly on my list a goo.d number of city lots, both va- cant and with houses on them, to sell for cash or on easy terms. P. O. Box 92. Telephone No. 79. E. O. YOUNG, 337 High Street, Next Door to the Post Office. ITS PKOPI.E AND ITS TRADiv 53 Roanoke with supplies, but, finding the place abandoned, she returned to England. These repeated disappointments did not abate Raleigh's indomitable resolution. During the next year he sent out a new expedition of three vessels to establish a colony. John TRINITY (P. E.) CHURCH— The Old Parish Church of Portsmouth. White was appointed Governor, with twelve counsellors, and they were directed to plant themselves at "the Town of Chesa- peakes, on the Elizabeth River." This order, however, was not obeyed, for, on reaching Roanoke and finding it deserted, Ferdinando, the naval officer, refused to explore the country 34 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. C. ARMSTRONG So SON, Saw and Planing Mill AND BOX FACTORY. Manufacturers of and Wholesale and Retail Dealers in LUMBER, LATHS, POSTS & SHINGLES Kiln-Dried Flooring and Ceiling a Specialty. BILL TIMBER IN LONG LENGTHS CUT TO ORDER. On Gosport Bridge, Crawford Street, p. O. Box 308. PORTSMOUTH, YA. ITS PKOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 35 further. On the i8th of August, 1587, the Governor's daughter Eleanor, wife of Ananias Dare, one of the Council, gave birth to a daughter — the first EngHsh child born in the country, and hence named Virginia. The difficulties which had led to the abandonment of the colony in the previous year now recurred under very similar circumstances, and Governor White, at the request of all the colonists, returned to England for supplies, leaving at Roanoke 89 men, 17 women and 11 children. Upon his return, which, for various reasons, had been delayed till 1590, not one of the settlers was to be found. Their houses had been dismantled and their goods scattered. On a post within the fort had been carved the word "Croatan," presum- ably to indicate the direction they had taken on leaving. Five separate expeditions were sent out by Raleigh — the last one, in 1602, at his own expense — to search for these missing colonists, but not a vestige of them has ever been found, and their fate is shrouded in eternal mystery. Thus the second English colony in America became extinct. Sir Walter Raleigh himself never visited Virginia, though the impression that he had done so has always been more or less prevalent. In 1602 Bartholomew Gosnold landed in Massachusetts Bay, then in Northern Virginia, but afterwards called New England. For years he labored to organize an expedition for efifecting a permanent settlement, and in 1606 he succeeded, with the assistance of Captain John Smith, already a distin- guished adventurer ; Edward Maria Wingfield, a merchant ; Robert Hunt, a clergyman, and others, in procuring letters patent authorizing the establishment of two colonies to be 36 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. GEORGE R. TRANT. J. B. TRANT. TRANT & BRO., Lumber Commission Merchants, 227 Water Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. Have a full stock of BUILDING MATERIAL of all kinds. Bills cut to order at short notice. Consignments of Lumber solicited. TRANT & BRO. GEO. R. TRANT. PAUL C. TRUGIEN. A. G. HILL. TRANT, TRUCIEN &, HILL, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN Goal, Lime, Plastsr ^Gemest and Latk Jay, Grain and hi KEEP IN STOCK POCAHONTAS LUMP COAL. OUT-OF-TOWN ORDERS PROMPTLY FILLED. p. 0. Box 141, PORTSMOUTH, VA, ITS PKOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 37 known as Northern and Southern Virginia, the dividing Hne between them being the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. The plantation of the Southern colony, with which alone we are now concerned, was entrusted to Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, and other influential gentlemen, mostly residents of the English capital, whence the name of the corporation came to be distinguished as the London Company. Instructions BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE HARBOR, LOOKING NORTH. were issued by the Crown for the government of these colonies, under which their management was extremely complicated, and which eventually led to serious conflicts. The necessary ar- rangements having been made, three vessels were fitted out by the Company for the expedition and placed under the com- mand of Captain Christopher Newport, with sealed orders. They set sail from Blackwall on December 19th, 1606, and. 38 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. DID NEW YORK ROANOKE, BREAKWATER, WYANOKE, CUYANDOTTE, SENECA, MANHATTAN, OLD DOMINION, RiCMMOND. Passenger Steamers leave NORFOLK for NEW YORK at 6 P. M., every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and leave NEW YORK for NORFOLK at 3 P. M. every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For RICHMOND— Steamers leave NORFOLK every Sunday, Wednesday and Fri- day night, arriving at RICHMOND next morning. Steamers NORTHAMPTON, LURAY and ACCOMACK, sailing daily, except Sunday, run a regular morning and afternoon schedule between Norfolk, Old Point, Hampton, Newport's News, Smithfield, Nansemond River and Suffolk, and make tri- weekly trips to Cherrystone, Matthews, Poquosin and Ware Rivers. Steamers leave Norfolk for Cherrystone and Poquosin River every Monday, Wed- nesday and Friday A. M., and for Matthews and Ware River every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday A. M. For Newberne and Washington, N. C, and points on Neuse, Trent, Tar and Pam- lico Rivers— Steamers SHENANDOAH and NEWBERNE leave Elizabeth City, N. C, every Monday and Thursday, connecting with trains of the Norfolk Southern Railroad. For further information apply to CULPEPER & TURNER, AGENTS. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 39 after a stormy and protracted voyage, were at last driven by a gale into the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. The Capes, which were sighted on April 26th, 1607, were named Henry and Charles, after the two sons of King James. That night the sealed instructions were opened, and it was found that Bartholo- mew Gosnold, John Smith, Edward Maria Wingfield, Chris- topher Newport, John Ratcliffe, John Martin and George Ken- dall were to constitute the Council for the local government of the colony. Wingfield was chosen President. Landings were made at Point Comfort, Kecoughtan (now Hampton) and elsewhere, with a view to the selection of a suit- able site for the settlement, and on May 13th they begaw the ascent of the Powhatan (now James) River, finally deciding upon a peninsula on its north bank, about 40 miles from its mouth, as their permanent habitation, and naming their embryo capital James Town, in honor of their sovereign lord. Of this infant colony Mr. Howe writes : " There could not, perhaps, be a company more unfitted for the duty which it had to perform than that which now commenced the foundation of the British Empire in America. The colonists were in a*vilderness, surrounded by savages, without a fortification to repel their incursions, possessed of a scanty supply of provisions, without means of planting and without a habitation to protect them from the weather, save such as they might themselves erect ; yet in the whole company there were but fom carpenters and Hvdve laborers to fifty-fotir gentlemen. At first, however, this rare collection of pioneers fell to work with spirit, each to his appro- priate duty. The president, who seems to have been a very weak man and ill suited for his station, was too jealous of his own men to allow ex- ercises at arms or a fortification to be erected ; and the only protection provided was a sort of half-moon, formed of the boughs of trees, by the exertions of Kendall. Newport, Smith and twenty others were sent to 40 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Vorfolk Soutlierii Mmi Compas;, THE QUICK AND RELIABLE DAILY ROUTE TO EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA, FOR FREIGHT AND PASSENGERS. -CONNECTIONS- ELIZABETH CITY, With Old Dominion Steamship Company's Steamers, vShenandoah and Newberne, for Newberne, Washington and all points on Neuse, Trent and Tar Rivers. Also with Company's Steamers, MARY E. ROBERTS and MARTHA E. DICKERMAN, which leave Elizabeth City every Tuesday and Friday night, for Columbia, Spruil's Bridge, Creswell, Mantio, Fairfield, Gum Neck, and other landings on the Pasquotank, North, Little, Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers. EDENTON, With the Company's Steamer PLYMOUTH, carrying United States Mail, daily for all landings on the Roanoke River, connecting at Jamesville with J. & W, R. R. for Washington, and at Williamston, with trains of Albemarle and Raleigh Railroad for Tarboro and other Stations, and the Company's Steamer RANGER for all landings on Upper Roanoke River. Connection is made with Steamers for Windsor and for points on the Cashie and Chowan Rivers. Through rates to all points and close connection at Norfolk with Steam Lines to and from Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, etc. Through tickets on sale at Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York and at principal Stations. H. C. HUDGINS, General Freight and Passensrer Assent. M. K. KING, General Manager. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 41 discover the licad of tlic river. In six days tliey arrived at a town called Powhatan, belonging to King Powhatan, situated at the falls of the river, near the site of the present City of Richmond. They were kindly treated by the Indians. When the expedition returned they found that James- town had been attacked by the savages and seventeen men wounded and a 1)oy killed. They were attacked while at work, and their arms out of U. S. NAVY YARD — Official Residence of the Commandant. order, so that the whole were only saved from destruction by the timely aid of the vessels. After this experience of his folly, the president per- mitted the place to be fortified ; and the labor necessary to effect this with so small a force — while it was necessary, at the same time, to guard their workmen by day, to watch by night, to prepare ground for corn, and lum- ber to relade the ships — may be better conceived than described. After a stay of six weeks Newport prepared to depart, and the Council, affecting 42 SKECTH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JOHN L. THO. — w, SHIPWRIGHT, SPARMAKER, CAULKER, &C, =^=r— --^r^-=^^;- , -,— jj-^^-;n=:.==g_-— --^ ^ =~ss^=s^= i ^^^^^^^^^^0 ^^w'SSs=^;^s°^:^^==^'==^^'^^=— =^=^ r^- -z;-==-_. SECTIONAL STEAM MARINE RAILWAY. WHITE PINE AND SPRUCE SPARS A SPECIALTY. Norfolk Harbor (Southern Branch), Opposite Portsmouth, Va. Address, 311 South Street, - PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 43 a tender regard for the character of Smith, whom they had falsely accused of a treacherous design to usurp royal authority in the colony, and kept out of his seat in the Council under these charges, now proposed, that he might not be utterly ruined by a trial, to send him home to the Council, to be disposed of as they might think proper. But Smith, conscious of innocence of the absurd charge, boldly defied them and demanded a trial. His accusers suborned witnesses, who, instead of answering the expecta- tions of their employers, only exposed the subornation. The Company were so incensed at the infamous conduct of his accusers that they con- demned the- president to pay him ^200, which, when received, he gener- ously threw into the common stock. Newport sailed on the 15th of June (1607), leaving one hundred men in Virginia." The condition of these unfortunate exiles was melancholy in the extreme. Being unused to labor or hardship of any description, they soon yielded to the combined influences of ex- posure and a sickly climate, and great mortality prevailed. Half their number were buried within three months of Newport's de- parture. The president, Wingfield, having been detected in attempting to escape in the pinnace, had been deposed, and Rat- cliffe elected in his stead. The latter, being both incapable and unpopular, committed the control of affairs almost entirely to Smith, who speedily brought about a better and happier condi- tion of things, and for a time something like prosperity prevailed. Shortly after this, however. Smith, while engaged in an exploring expedition on the Chickahominy, was captured by the savages and taken to the chief Opechankanough, King of Pa- maunkee, by whom he was retained a prisoner for several weeks, and at length brought before their Emperor, Powhatan, who received him with all the formal pomp and state known to his savage court. 44 SKEI'CH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JOHN T. GRIFFIN, President. Morchantsi JAMES H. TOOMER, Cashier. PORTSMOUTH, VA. Designated Depositary of the City of Portsmouth. INCORPORATED OCTOBER 27, 1885. Capital, $51,500, Transacts a General Banking Business, and the prompt personal at- tention of its officers given to all matters entrusted to their care. Collections promptly attended to and remitted for on the most favorable terms. Accounts of Bankers, Merchants, Farmers, and others solicited. Nev\r York Correspondent, Irving National Bank. fTS PEOPLE AND iTS tRADfi. 45 It was on this occasion that, after having been condemned to death and actually Icdout to execution, Smith's life was saved by the lovely and amiable (if not accomplished) Pocahontas, the Emperor's fworite daughter, who subsequently married an English gentleman at Jamestown named Rolfe and became the POST OFFICE AND CITY HALL. founder of what Mr. Burk has been pleased to call "the Impe- rial Family of Virginia." In 1608 Captain Smith made a voyage of discovery up Chesapeake Bay and penetrated as far as the sites now occu- pied by Washington and Baltimore, preparing maps which are still extant, and are said to possess wonderful merit and accuracy, 46 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JOS. F. WEAVER, ■DEALER IN Drugs, Medicines, CHEMICALS, PATENT MEDICINES, PERFUMERY, Fancy and Toilet Articles, 518 South Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. PRESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY COMPOUNDED. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 47 considering the very rude instruments at his disposal. On his return to Jamestown he was elected president of the colony, and it was owing to his judicious treatment of the savages and his management of the turbulent spirits under his control that the colony was at that period preserved from utter annihilation. THE FIRST GOVERNOR APPOINTED. In the following year (1609) the Company obtained a new charter, which embraced many persons and corporations of wealth and influence. Lord De La War was appointed Gov- ernor for life, and the Company was soon enabled to dispatch a fleet of nine vessels with over five hundred emigrants. New- port was made admiral and joint commissioner with Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers to administer the affairs of the colony till the new Governor should arrive. The " Sea Ven- ture," in which they all three embarked, was driven from her course by a violent storm and stranded on the rocks of the Bermudas ; one small vessel was lost at sea, and the remaining seven reached Jamestown in safety. Smith found much difficulty in restraining the unruly and rebellious spirits of the new arrivals, who affected to believe that his authority had been superseded by that of the new commis- sioners, notwithstanding the fact that the latter had not yet put in an appearance. With a view, therefore, to reducing the nu- merical strength of his mutinous companions. Smith dispatched two expeditions, each with over a hundred men, to form settle- ments on the Nansemond River and at the falls of the James — both of which, however, resulted in eventual failure,mainly owing to the cowardice and general incapacity of those in command. SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. James F. Crocker ATTORNEY AND Counsellor- at- Law PORTSMOUTH, VA. Practices in all the State and Federal Courts of this vicinity. G. F. EDWARDS, JNO. W. HAPPER, Com. of Accts. Com. in Chancery. EDWARDS & HAPPER, Attorneys-at-Law 335 High Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. P. 0. Box 86. K. R. GRIFFIN, Attorney- at-Law, Opposite Court House, PORTSMOUTH, AV. Courts : — U. S. District, East- ern Va., and of Portsmouth and Norfolk City Courts, and of Nor- folk and Southampton Counties. R. C. MARSHALL, Attorney-at-Law,| Commonwealth's Attorney, FOR THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, No. 209 High St., > PORTSMOTTH, VA. Practices in all State and Federal Courts. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 49 Having met with a serious accident, which disabled him, Smith now determined to visit Enghmd — partly to procure such skilled surgical treatment as his condition demanded, and partly to further at headquarters the interests of the colony for ST. PAUL'S (R. C.) CHURCH. which he had labored so faithfully and suffered so much. At the time of his departure, Virginia contained about five hundred persons, who might have succeeded, with prudent management, in achieving the most complete success. But evil 50 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. CLYDE'S Coastwise and West India BETWEEN New York and Charleston, S. C. New York and Wilmington, N, C. New York, Hayti and San Domingo. Philadelphia, Richmond and Norfolk. Philadelphia and New York. Philadelphia and Charleston, S. C. Philadelphia and Washington, D. C. and Alexandria, Va. Baltimore, Norfolk, Newberne, and Washington, N. C. Philadelphia, Richmond and Norfolk Line. WH. P. mi & CO, Gsnsral Iknaps, No. 35 Broadway, New York, - 12 South Wharves, Philadelphia. JAS. VI. McCARRICK, Gen'i Southern Agent, Norfolk, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND' ITS TRADE. 5I counsels — with their legitimate offspring, confusion and an- archy — soon prevailed, and all semblance of discipline was abandoned. The savages, no longer restrained by Smith's authority and genius, proceeded to attack and demolish the outlying settlements. Such of the colonists as escaped with their lives hastened to Jamestown, where their presence and the free indulgence of their vicious tendencies only served to render confusion worse confounded and to hasten the final 'catastrophe. The savages attacked and slew every settler they could lay their hands upon, and the remainder they determined to starve, by refusing to supply any further provisions, after they had bought every disposable article at the fort, even to their arms and live stock, including their horses. The appalling result was that six months after Smith's departure only sixty emaci- ated beings remained alive of the five hundred he had left behind him. At this desperate climax Gates and Somers arrived from Bermuda with three hundred and fifty men, in two vessels which they had constructed during their year's residence on the island. Being short of provisions, they found it impossible to remain at the colony, so they took on board the miserable survivors, abandoned the settlement and set sail for Newfound- land, where they hoped to obtain relief from any fishing vessels that might happen to be there. Jamestown, the seat of the first civil and religious -estab- lishment on the shores of North America — the scene of so much heroism and depravity, self-seeking worthlessness and patriotic devotion, fair hope and black despair, transient happi- ness and terrible suftering — was now on the point of being 52 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. The Sea board Air-Line THROUGH FREIGHT AND PASSENGER ROUTE TO ALL POINTS SOUTH. FROM NORFOLK & PORTSMOUTH, By the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad. FROM BALTIMORE, By the Bay Line of Steamers, leaving Union Dock daily at 7 P. M. FROM NEW YORK, By the Old Dominion Line of Steamships, Pier 26, North River, Sailing Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 3 p. m. FROM BOSTON, By the Norfolk, Baltimore and Washington^Steamships, from Central Wharf, sailing Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 3 p. m, FROM PHBLADELPKBA, By the Clyde Line, From Pier No. i. North Wharves, Tues- days, Thursdays and Saturdays, at noon. J8®"Special low rates for bona fide settlers, and full informa- tion as to lands for sale or lease, can be obtained on application to F. W. CLARK, G. F. & P. A., H. W. B. GLOVER, Agent, Raleigh, n. c. 52 Main Street, Norfolk, Va. Its PEOf LE AND ITS TRADE 53 finally deserted and restored to the wilderness from which it 'had been reclaimed at such bitter cost. Nay, the last tearless gaze of the departing colonists had already lingered upon the receding settlement till every vestige of its civilization had faded and sunk behind the distant horizon. RESIDENCE OF MR. WM. G. MAUPIN. But just at this critical juncture the long-expected but now almost-despaired-of new Governor arrived upon the scene, and an entirely changed direction was given to Virginia's wavering destiny. This opportune event is thus mentioned by Mr. Crashaw : ^ " When this departure of Sir Thomas Gates, full sore against his heart, was put in execvition, and every man aboard, their ordnance and armour 54 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. R. J. E\!EELY &, CO., Corner Water and London Streets, near the Ferry, PORTSMOUTH, VA. THE LARGEST ASSORTMENT AND GENERAL STOCK OF BUILDING MATERIALS IN EASTERN VIRGINIA, FROM THE VERY CHE A PEST. TO THE HIGHEST GRADE, Lvimber, Laths, Shingles. Sash, Doors, Blinds, Balusters, Newels, Mouldings, Brackets, &c., &c. Bricks, Lime, Cement and Plaster. ALSO Of«iE THOUSAE^D HOT BED SASH, THREE DIFFERENT PATTERNS. STEAMBOAT AND BLACKSMITH COAL— EGG, STOVE AND NUT ANTHRACITE COAL. Call and Examine Our Assorted Stock Before Purchasing, and Send for Prices and Price Lists. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 55 buried, and not an English soul left in Jamestown, and giving, by their peal of shot, their last and woeful farewell to that pleasant land, were now with sorrowful hearts going down the river — behold, the hand of Heaven from above, at the very instant, sent in the Right Honourable De La War to meet them at the river's mouth, with provision and comforts of all kind, who, if he had staid but two tydes longer, had come into Virginia and not found one Englishman." THE COLONY FINALLY ESTABLISHED. The ships returned at once to Jamestown and the colony- was once more established upon what turned out to be a firm and enduring foundation. The following sketch of the church at Jamestown, which was at once repaired by order of the new Governor, will doubtless be found interesting reading. It is from the pen of Mr. Strachy, Secretary and Recorder of the Colony, who wrote a narrative of all the official proceedings of the same at that period : "It is in length three score foot, in breadth twenty-four, and shall have chancel in it of cedar, a communion table of black walnut, and all the pews of cedar, with fair, broad windows, to shut and open (as the weather shall occasion) of the same wood, a pulpit of the same, with a Font hewn below, like a canoe, with two bells at the west end. It is so chaste, as it be very light within, and the Lord-Governor and Captain- General doth cause it to be kept passing^ sweet, and trimmed up with divers flowers, with a sexton belonging to it ; and in it every Sunday we have sermons twice a day, and every Thursday a sermon, having true (probably intended for tivo) preachers, which take their weekly turns ; and every morning, at the ringing of the bell, about ten o'clock, each man addresseth himself to prayers, and so at four o'clock before supper. Every Sunday, when the Lord-Governor and Captain-General goeth to Church, he is accompanied by all the coun lors captains, other officers, and all 56 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Portsmouth Primary School. We desire to call attention to our facilities for teaching small children. Our school house, 318 North Street, is a large, well- ventilated frame building with enclosed play- ground. We have spared no expense in fitting up the rooms and grounds with every convenience for the instruction and amusement of our pupils. Each child is under our personal- supervision from 9 A. M. to 2.30 p. m. While teaching all the branches of a first-class primary- school, we also adopt many of the best features of the KINDERGARTEN SYSTEM. The monotony of ordinary school routine is varied by Songs Marches and Calisthenic Exercises. TERMS : $2.00 PER MONTH. For further information, apply to the undersigned, 312 North Street, Portsmouth, Va. V. S. STAPLES, S C. MANNING. tTS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 57 the gentlemen, with a guard of Halberdiers in Lis Lordship's livery (fair red cloakes) to the number of fifty, on each side and behind him. His Lordship hath his seat in the Quoir, in a great velvet chair, with a cloth, with a velvet cushion spread before him, on which he kneeleth, and on each side sit the Council, captains and officers, each in their place, and •when he returneth home again, he is waited on to his house in the same manner," The early dark and turbulent days of Virginia's career have been sketched in the foregoing pages with, perhaps, more regard to detail than was necessary for the purpose of this volume. But the subject is always a fascinating one, and it will doubtless be satisfactory to the reader to feel that he has been, as it were, present at the birth of the infant settlement — hardly even a colony — which was presently to develop into the mighty Nation of which he is a citizen. Then, again, it is safe to write of the past, provided the intervening period be bridged by centuries, as it is extremely improbable that any living witness will produce contradictory testimony, and so involve the writer in controversy. But the events which are now to be chronicled are possessed of a greater local interest, having been instrumental in forming those social, political and commercial characteristics which distinguish the City of Portsmouth and its people. Before leaving the colony, however, there are still a few incidents of sufficient importance to justify their being briefly recorded. THE MASSACRES OF 1622 AND 1644. After the arrival of Lord De La War, whose vigorous policy and impartial justice served to restore order and inspire confidence, settlements were formed at several points alqng the 5B SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. ESTABLISHED, 1852. &mwm\ DEALER IN FIRST-CLASS STAPLE D FANCY DRY GOODS. We keep no old stock, believing the first loss is always the best, and Small Profits and Quick Sales the only proper maxim of a Suc^ cessful Business. Our Stock and Prices are kept conformable to the times, adding whatever is New and Desirable, and our long expe- rience in business, with a know- ledge of the wants of the commu- nity, enables us not only to buy our Goods at the Closest Figures, but to offer you just the Goods you want at the Lowest Prices. Our Stock comprises Dress Goods, Cloaks, Shazals, Casluneres, Actions, Hosiery, Gloves, Corsets, Ladies' , Gents'' and Children^ s Underwear, Cloths, Cassimeres, Collars, Cravats, Carpets, Oil Cloths, Mattinzs and Windozv Shades and Coiniices. OUR PRICES GUARANTEED. No. 230 High Street, Portsmouth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 59 shores of Hampton Roads and on the banks of the larger rivers. Intercourse with the Indians had become more cordial and affairs generally seemed to have taken a more promising turn. But the Emperor Powhatan had been gathered to his fathers and his younger brother, the blood-thirsty and ambi- tious Opochankanough, reigned in his stead. He had witnessed with alarm the increasing numbers of the invaders, who were generally appropriating the choicest lands in his dominions, and he determined to crush and annihilate them at one blow. Accordingly, on March 22nd, 1622, all the hamlets along James River were simultaneously attacked and their inhabitants, to the number of three hundred and forty-seven men, women and children, massacred in cold blood. Jamestown escaped, having been warned in time to prepare for defense. So incensed were the English friends of the colony when the news of this outrage was received, that a war of extermi- nation against the savages was at once inaugurated. The London Company, hitherto very firm in enjoining upon the colonists the most gentle and conciliating measures in their dealings with the Indians, now lost all patience, and, in reversal of its former policy, issued the following manifesto : " We condemn their bodies, the saving of whose souls we have so zealously affected. Root them out from being any longer a people — so cursed a nation, ungrateful for all benefits and incapable of all goodness^ — or remove them so far as to be out of danger or fear. War perpetually, without peace or truce ; yet spare the young for servants. Starve them by destroying their corn or reaping it for your own use. Pluck up their weirs. Obstruct their hunting. Employ foreign enemies against them at so much a^head. 1[<.eep a band of your own men continually upon them 6o SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. CHAS. E,. NASH, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN Orders promptly filled when accompanied by Cash Remittances. Ice By Car-Load, Barrels, &c. WOODEI^ BUILDING, Nos. 205, 207 and 209 Queen Street, p. 0. Box 307. PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 6l to be paid by the colony, which is to have half of their captives and plun- der. He that takes any of their chiefs is to be doubly rewarded. He that takes Opochancono shall have a great and singular reward." In referring to this event, Bishop Meade pathetically remarks : "Pocahontas, at the end of seven or eight years, was GREEN STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL. perhaps the only trophy of the missionary labors of the Vir- ginia Colony." In 1644 a second general massacre was perpetrated by Opechankanough,. now old and feeble, in which the number of victims was variously estimated at from three to five hundred. The aged chieftain was captured immediately afterwards by the Governor, Sir William Berkeley, and carried to Jamestown, 62 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. V#B da dL isii»e tt « w ^. ^3 53 ►5; 1 ■^^ ."^ i?i ^ ^ ■^ •« ►^ ^^ ^ ^ <^ 'i^ ^ «S ^ r, "^1 ^ ^ *s <3 ^ ^1 5S Vi S. 1 ^ ^ ^' h to 5 a ^ ^ pi. •s a., r ^^ ^ «i vi ,« ^ r^ > ^ v^ ^ a g. ^ fc: i^ ^ S ^ ^^ PIANOS AND Of At the Lowest Factory Prices for CASH or on INSTALLMENTS Merchants^ Orders filled at the Loxuest WJwksale Prices, Noi 224 High St., Portsmouth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 67 military talents, or his truth or humanity ; for, in spite of all his assurances to the contrary, and the express orders of the King, he did, after the sudden decease of Bacon, put to death a number of his followers. For this, and other high-handed acts, his memory is not dear to the lovers of freedom. " Although a new and better church, whose tower still remains, was built at Jamestown, yet the city never recovered from this blow. The Middle Plantation, or Williamsburg, was beginning to rival it, and by the beginning of the next century the seat of Government was removed to Williamsburg, where the College, State House and Governor's Palace quite eclipsed anything which had ever been seen at Jamestown." THE DIVIDING LINE. The Eastern portions of Virginia and Carolina were grad- ually being appropriated and settled, but the dividing line be- tween these colonies had never been clearly defined, and this fact had given rise to much controversy between the two local governments. In order to remedy this evil the respective Gov- ernors, with the consent of the Crown, appointed a joint com- mission to survey and delimit a boundary, which should finally settle the disputed points upon equitable principles. On this joint commission Virginia was represented by William Byrd (of Westover), Richard Fitz-William ahd Wil- liam Dandridge, Esquires. The Carolina Commissioners were Christopher Gale, John Lovewick, Edward Moseley and Wil- liam Little, Esquires. These gentlemen, with their surveyors, a chaplain and a score of attendants, met at Coratuck on March 5th, 1728, and pursued their labors until .November 2 2d following, when the Dividing Line, as now known, had been surveyed and mutually accepted. The complete story of this expedition, as told by Colonel 68 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Mem. So. Soc. C. E. Civil Engineer & Meclianical Expert, 426 South Street, PORTS MOUT H, VA. Surveys, Plans and Estimates furnished for Railroads, City and Town Improvements. Drawings and specifications fur- nished for Mills, Factories, Boilers, Engines and other Ma- chinery. Work Superintended. "OLD CUBARENA" C3GAR FACTORY. JOHN E. O^VINS, Manufacturer and Jobber of FINE CIGARS, 1 06 High Street, • PORTSMOUTH. VA. C. W. PEDRaCK, No. 340 High Street, - - PORTSMOUTH, VA., DEALER IN Hostetter's Celebrated Stomach Bitters, Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals, Fine Toilet Soaps, Brushes, Combs, Etc. PERFUMERY AND FANCY TOILET ARTICLES IN GREAT VARIETY, Physicians* Prescriptions Accurately Compounded, , ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 69 Byrd, is replete with incident and anecdote, and will be found highly entertaining and iftstructive. For the purposes of this sketch, however, one<^or two brief extracts have been selected as having unusual interest for the people of this district. Under date of March ist, 1728, the following entry is found in the diary : * * * * " The two other Commissioners came up with them just at their Journey's end, and that evening they arrived all together at Mr. Craford's,who lives on the South Branch of Elizabeth River, over against Norfolk, Here the Commissioners left the Men with all the Horses and heavy Baggage, and crosst the River with their Servants only, for fear of making a Famine in the Town. "• Norfolk has most the ayr of a Town of any in Virginia. There were then near 20 Brigantines and Sloops riding at the Wharves, and oftentimes they have more. It has all the advantages of Situation requisite for Trade and Navigation. There is a Secure Harbour for a good Number of Ships of any Burthen. Their River divides itself into 3 Several Branches, which are all Navigable"; The Town is so near the sea, that its Vessels may Sail in and out in a few Hours. Their Trade is Chiefly to the West- Indies, whither they export abundance of Beef, Pork, Flour and Lumber. The worst of it is, they contribute much towards debauching the Country by importing abundance of Rum, which, like Ginn in Great Britain, breaks the Constitution, Vitiates the Morals, and ruins the Industry of most of the Poor people of this Country. " This place is the Mart for most of the Commodities produced in the Adjacent Parts of North Carolina, They have a pretty deal of Lumber from the Borderers on the Dismal, who make bold with the King's Land there abouts, without the least Ceremony. They not only maintain their Stocks upon it, but get Boards, Shingles and other Lumber out of it in great Abundance. ******* " It is not a Town of Ordinarys and Publick Houses, like most others in this Country, but the Inhabitants consist of Merchants, Ship-Carpenters 70 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMoU H, VA. JOHN T. KING. GEO. W. KING. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCERS, 612 Marlcet Square, Portsmouth, Va. SPECIALTIES : JVew York State Butter, Fbur, Meats, atid C/ioice Virginia Hams. ALSO CORNER OF FOURTH & HENRY STREETS, SOUTH PORTSMOUTH, A well selected Stock of Choice Groceries, Family Siipplies, ayid manufacturers of Pure Leaf Lard and ciirers of Virgi7iia Bacon. Choice Virgi7iia Hams a specialty ; Corned Pork Sausage and Pork Steak i7i season, The public cordially invited to call and examine our stock at both stores. Goods delivered free. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 7 1 and other useful Artisans, with Sailors enough to manage their Navi- gation. * * * The two Cardinal Vertues that make a place thrive, Industry and Frugality, are seen here in Perfection ; and so long as they can banish Luxury and Idleness the Town will remain in a happy and flourishing condition. "The Method of building Wharffs here is after the following Man- ner. They lay down long Pine Logs, that reach from the Shore to the Edge of the Channel. . These are bound fast together by Cross-Pieces notcht into them, according to the Architecture of the Log-Houses in North Carolina. A wharff built thus will stand Several Years, in spight of the Worm, which bites here very much, but may be soon repaired in a Place where so many Pines grow in the Neighbourhood." After many fruitless attempts to procure a guide able or willing' to conduct them to Coratuck Inlet, they * * "had the fortune to meet with a Borderer upon North Carolina, mIio made a rough sketch of that Part of the Country. Thus, upon seeing how the land lay, we determined to march directly to Prescot Landing, upon N W River, and proceed from thence by Water to the Place where our Line was to begin," " In Pursuance of this Resolution we crosst the River this Morning to Powder Point" — now Berkley — "where we all took Horse; and the Grandees of the Town, with great Courtesy, conducted us Ten Miles on our way, as far as the long Bridge built over the S Branch of the River. The Parson of the Parish, Mr. Marston, a painful Apostle from the Society, made one in this Ceremonious Cavalcade, '•At the Bridge, tliese Gentlemen, wishing us a good Deliverance, returned, and then a Troop of Light Horse escorted us as far as the Prescot- Landing upon N W river." DIVISION OF VIRGINIA INTO SHIRES. One of the earliest historical events in which the Ports- mouth people of to-day may reasonably be supposed to feel any special interest, was the division of the Colony of Virginia, 72 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Booksellers, Stationers, AND DEALERS IN MUSIC AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, 210 High Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. Pianos Sold on Monthly Payments, for Rent, Bought and Exchanged. WB^!l>OW SHADES, CO^^ICE, POLES, &C. Before purchasing call on or write to us for our prices. You will save money. Liberal discounts to Teachers and the Trade. School for Wlisses and Young Ladies. ODD FELLOWS' HALL, MlDDLc ST., BETWEEN LONDON AND GLASGOW. Preparatory and Collegiate Course in Classics, Mathematics, Sciences and the English Branches. For further information see circular. Mrs. ALICE H. JEJ^KIMS, Principal, PORTSMOUTH, VA. BUTT & I^EViLLE, Market Square. - - - - PORTSIVIOUTH, VA., DEALERS IN Foreign and Domestic Hardware ; Railroad, Steamboat, Saw Mill and Engineers' Supplies of all kinds ; Paints, Oils, and Glass ; Carpenters' and Plumbers' Material ; Ship Chandlery Goods of all kinds. Copper, Brass, Lead, Steel, Iron and Petals Generally. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 73 in 1634, into eight " Shires," with only one of which — first called Warrosquyoake (or Warrosquoyacke or Warrosqui- joake), afterwards Isle of Wight — we have anything to do. These shires were to be governed like their English prototypes ; lieutenants were to be appointed, whose special duty it should be to keep a wary eye and a heavy hand upon the hostile MR. JOHN A.. MILLIGAN'S RESIDENCE. Indians, Sheriffs, sergeants, bailiffs and other officials were to be elected for the purposes of enforcing the law and adminis- tering the local government. WARROSQUYOAKE DIVIDED INTO COUNTIES. In the year 1639, five years after the establishment of Warrosquyoake as a shire, the latter was subdivided into 74 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. THE OCEAN HOUSE, CORNER HIGH AND COURT STREETS., PORTSMOUTH, VA. This well-known LEADJN'G HOTEL has been thoroughly renovated and refurnished, and now offers unsurpassed accommodations to TWO HUNDRED GUESTS. It is centrally situated, being in close proximity to the Post Office, Banks, Telegraph Offices, Court House, City Hall and other places of busi- ness usually sought by visitors. Lighted with Gas and Heated by Steam throughout. Large and well lighted Sample Rooms. Telephone communication with Norfolk and Berkley. THE GREAT WINTER SANATORIUM OF THE SOUTH. NEWTON & WOODLEY, Proprietors. Its t'EOPLE AND its TRAbE. f^ three counties, namely, Isle of Wight and Upper and Lower Norfolk. This subdivision was confirmed in March, 1642, by an Act of the General Assembly, (HenniKg's Statutes at Large, Vol. L p. 247) as follows : " Be it also enacted and confirmed for a finall determination of the Isle of Weight County, Vpper and Lower Norff: Countyes, &c. * * And the vpper county of New Norff: to begin at the aforesaid plantation of Rich: Hayes and from therlce into the woods southerly as aforesaid, and by the mayne river, from thence to extend downe by the mayne river into the creeke near vnto the plantation of ffrancis Bullock, being the first creeke to the westward of Crayne Poynt, including the plantation of the said ffrancis Bullock, and no waies touching vpon the Western Branch of Elizabeth River, nor the creeks thereof which do belong to the county of the Lower Norff:" The name of Upper Norfolk (or Norff) was changed in 1645-6 to Nansemond. !, :'. SUBDIVISION OF LOWER NORFOLK COUNTY. In April, 1691, (Henning's Statutes at Large, Vol. Ill p. 95) an Act was passed dividing Lower Norfolk into two Counties and defining their boundaries, '' and that the upper- most of the said two counties, in which Elizabeth River and the branches thereof are included, doe retain and be ever hereafter called^and known by the name of Norfolk County, and that the other of the said two counties be called and known by the najire of Princess Ann County." "BENN'S CHURCH." This venerable structure, although, strictly speaking, it does not belong to this city or county, is nevertheless so closely allied to us by tradition, and so endeared to us by its ancient 76 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Atlantic Coast Line. Fast Mail Passenger Route. BOSTON, NEW YORK,PHILADELPHIA,BALTIMORE. WASHINGTON, NORFOLK AND WILMINGTON, CHARLESTON, SAVANNAH, THOM- ASVILLE, JACKSONVILLE, TAMPA. ALL FLOniDA POEnTS AHD HAVANA, CUBA. NEW ORLEANS, VIA WILMINGTON, CHARLESTON, SAVANNAH, PENSACOLA AND MOBILE. Pullman's Parlor, Buffet and Sleeping Cars on all Trains. H. WALTERS, SOL HAAS, T. IVI. EIVIERSON, General Manager, Trafic Manager, General Passenger Agent, Wilmington, N. C. Richmond, Va. Wilmington, N. C. its PEOiPLE AND ITS TRADEi. 77 associations with our ancestors, that it has been selected as a fitting illustration for our Sketch Book, being one of the most hallowed monuments in Virginia, and still standing within the limits of the original " shire" of which Norfolk and Princess Anne Counties formed a portion prior to 1639. Mr. Howe thus describes it in his " Historical Collections of Virginia," published in 1856: THE OLDEST CHURCH IN VIRGINIA. " Within an hour's ride from Smithfield, near the road to Suffolk, in the depths of the forest, stands an ancient church in ruins. It is alike an object of interest from its secluded situation and its great antiquity. We have before us a communication from a highly respectable gentleman of this vicinity, which gives strong evidence that it was built in the reign of Charles I, between the years 1630 and 1635, Tradition, too, states that it was the second church erected in Virginia. The brick, lime and timber 78 SKETCH Book OF PORfSMOUttt, VA. CASTNER & Co, Limited, GENERAL TIDE-WATER COAL AGENTS. POCAHONTAS FLAT TOP 8Eil-BSTUM!N0US COAL, SHIPPING POINT : LAMBERT'S PIER, NEAR NORFOLK, VIRGINIA. UNEQUALLED AS A COALING STATION FOR STEAMERS. Our coal piers have a draft of water of 26 feet at low tide, enabling us to coal the largest steamers with ease and unusual dispatch. Steamers will save over 200 miles of journey by coaling at Norfolk rather than at Halifax and also avoid delays and dangers caused by fogs and ice in the vicinity of Halifax. GENERAL OFFICE: 20s Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa., U. S. A. Branch Houses at New York, Boston and Baltimore. :, LAMB & CO., Agents, NORFOLK, VA. wmTlamb & co^, SHIP AND STEAMSHIP AQENTS, NORFOLK, VA. Branch Office at Fort Monroe, Hampton Roads, Va. Vice-Consulates of Germany, Sweden and Norway. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. ']9 were imported from Eni^land. The timber is English oak and was framed before shipment. The whole structure was built in the most substantial manner; and, even now, the wood-work, where not exposed to rain, is perfectly sound, and the mortar sufficiently hard to strike fire when in col- lision with steel. The structure is of brick, has a lofty tower, and is in good preservatibn. Its walls are overrun witli a delicate net-work of vines. " In its day it was a splendid edifice. One window, of about 25 feet in height, was composed of painted glass, representing scriptural subjects. It was probably al^andoned about the time of the American Revolution, when the Episcopal Church, for a time, became nearly extinct in Virginia. Within the last twenty-five years it has been temporarily occupied by a sect called O'Kellyites. There is a project, which may be carried into effect, to repair it. If successful, generations yet unborn will meet within its time-hallowed walls, where, even now, more than two centuries have elapsed since their forefathers first raised the liymn of praise to the I^iving God." MUNICIPAL. In February, 1752, while George the Second reigned in England and Thomas Lee, as acting Governor, administered the affairs of Colonial Virginia at its ancient capital, Williams- burg, pending the arrival from England of Gooch's successor, Governor Dinwiddie, the Assembly passed an Act (Henning's Statutes at Large, Vol. VL p. 265) by which Portsmouth entered upon its municipal existence. It began as follows : "Whereas it hath been represented to the Assembly that William Crawford, of the County of Norfolk, gentleman, hath lately laid out a parcel of land, on the south side of Elizabeth River, opposite to the town of Norfolk, into one hundred and twenty-tv>o lots, commodious streets, places for a Court House, market and public landings, for a town by the name of Portsmouth, and made sale of most of the said lots to divers per- sons who are desirous to settle and build thereon speedily ; and also that the said town lies very convenient for trade and navigation ; 8o SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Established 1^10. T» O'COWi^OR, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC DRY GOODS The Lnrgest and Finest Line of Goods in the City. Headquarters for Handsome Dress Goods, Silks, Satins, Plain and Brocade Velvets, Fringes, Trimmings, Etc. Embraces the Handsomest and Latest Designs. Always on hand a beautiful line of WW, And an Endless Variety of A FULL LINE OF ZEPHYR YARN IN ALL SHADES. As we buy direct from the Importers and Manufacturers we can afford to sell at the LOWEST PRICES. ^Samples sent on application, and orders by mail promptly and carefully filled. 222 High Street, po. Box 319 PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 8i "Be it enacted, &c., that the said piece or parcel of land be and is Tiereby constituted, appointed, erected and established a town, &c., to be called by and retain the name of Portsmouth," &c. In May, 1763, the town was enlarged by the addition of Thomas Veal's land, and Andrew Sprowle, George Veal, Thomas Veal, Charles Stewart, Humphrey Roberts, Francis Miller, James Rae, David Purcell and Amos Etheridge, gen- MAUPIN'S HALL— THE PROPERTY OF DR. G. W. O. MAUPIN. tlemen, were appointed directors and trustees of said town, "with power to survey and lay off said lands, &c. Twenty years later, (May, 1783,) the trustees were empow- ered "to assess the freeholders and inhabitants of the said town, so as such assessment do not exceed three shillings for every tithable, and one and an half per centum on the valuation of the real property therein," the proceeds of such assessment 82 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Q. & C. MERRIAM & CO., Publishers, Springfield, Mass. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 83 to be appropriated to the erection of a market house, repairing streets and other public improvements. In October, 1784, an Act was passed enlarging the number of trustees to twelve, and in October, 1790, another Act pro- vided " that it shall be lawful for John Kearnes, Wills Cowper, Willis Wilson, Samuel Davis, John Nevison, Richard Blow, Josiah Butts, James Young, James B. Nickolls and John Cowper, junior, gentlemen, trustees, or a majority of them, to raise, by one or more lotteries, a sum not exceeding four hundred pounds, and that they, or a majority of them, shall sell the lots lying on the back part of the town of Portsmouth, formerly ■called Gosport, the property of this Commonwealth," &c. The proceeds of this sale and the lotteries were to be applied towards " erecting a bridge over the creek, and raising a solid causey over the marsh dividing that part of the town known by the name of Gosport from the other part, and for cutting a road from the said bridge to Deep Creek." On January 20th,. 1801, an Act was passed authorizing the removal of the County Court of Norfolk County from the Town of Washington (now Berkley) to the Town of Portsmouth, so soon as the Court House and Jail should be erected at the last named place. A year later the County Court was authorized to appro- priate $3,000 towards finishing the Court House and Prison in Portsmouth, to be repaid from the sale of the old Court House, and if any surplus remained, it was to be paid to the inhabitants who had subscribed towards the new building, which stood on the corner now occupied by the western end of the Ocean House — the Clerk's Office and jail being situated on the 84 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. F. F. McWiLKiK. G. A. Martin, Jr. MARTIN & McWlLKIE. Attorneys-at-Law AND NOTARIES PUBLIC, Office, 407 Court St., PORTSMOUTH, VA. P. 0. Box 86, WM. H, STEWART, Attorney-at-Law AND NOTARY PUBLIC, Office, 511 IVIiddle St., PORTSMOUTH, VA. Commissioner in Chancery for Hus- tings Court of Portsmouth and County- Court of Norfolk. ' Legh R. Watts. G. Hatton. Watts & Hatton, ATTORNEYS AND Counsellors-at-Law, 408 Court St., PORTSMOUTH, VA. Refer to Bank of Portsmouth, Ports- mouth, Va., Citizens' Bank, Norfolk, Va. A. S. WATTS, Attorney-at-Law, Office on Court Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. CITY ATTORNEY. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 85 opposite corner, where the present Coui't House stands. The latter was finished and occupied in 1846, under the authority of an Act of the Legislature. Various other Acts were passed, from time to time, enlarg- ing the powers of the trustees and extending the area of the town, until, on February 19th, 1819, the trustees were declared and made a body corporate and politic, under the name of LAKE KILBY — Reservoir and Engine House of the Portsmouth Water Co. *' The Trustees of Portsmouth," with power to pass by-laws, &c. In 1834, the trustees were empowered to prohibit the erec- tion of buildings within a certain area, unless the outer walls were of brick or stone. In 1836, they were given power to pave and grade streets, erect street lamps, regulate the con- struction of wharves, erect town-hall, purchase land for public squares, &c. In 1838, the firemen were exempted from jury 86 SKETCH LOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. "-A 1— ( ■ ^ < > ^^ ^ • w "^ z en H >■ H & v> GQ 1^ 1— 1 a* H 3 < h-l E b« =q E HJ ,^ of ^ RiTia EU Q g < 1- .0 > g ^ ea 1— i H 3 Ph ■■ zs tn X 00 ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 87 service. In 1848, the Commissioners of the pubUc schools were incorporated. In 1852, an Act was passed authorizing the voters of Portsmouth to elect, in lieu of the Board of Trustees, a Common Council, consisting- of thirteen Councilmen, with all the powers and rights of said Trustees. Also annually to elect a Mayor — the election of said Mayor and Councilmen to be held on the first Saturday in April. And, finally, on the ist of March, 1858, the Town of Portsmouth was raised to the dignity of a City; the Hustings Court was established and provision made for the election and appointment of all officers, &c., &c. THE MAYORS OF PORTSMOUTH. As a matter of interest to the resident reader, the following list of the Chief Magistrates of the City, in the order of their succession, is given : 1. John S. White, elected for one year, 1852 ; re-elected, 1853. 2. Hezekiah Stoakes, elected for one year, 1854. 3. D. D. Fiske, elected for one year, 1855. 4. James G. Hodges, elected for one year, 1856 ; re-elected, 1857. 5. George W. Grice, elected for one year, 1858 ; re-elected, 1859 and i860. 6. John O. Lawrence, elected for one year, 1861. 7. John Nash, elected for one year, 1862; had served only one month when the City was placed under martial law. 8. Daniel Collins, elected for one year, 1863: re-elected, 1864 and 1865. 88 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. "Portsmouth Barrain House, DEALER IN stoves, Boots, Shoes, Glass, Crockery, Wooden, Willow Cor. High and Washington Sts., - P0RT81VI0UTH, VA. Carrying a General Line of Goods, as we do, enables us to sell them cheaper than any other house in Portsmouth. GOODS SOLD ON INSTALLMENTS. W. V. H. WILLIAMS. J. C. EMMERSON. WILLIAMS & E^^ERS< '» Real Estate Agents^. 217 High Street, - - PORTSiVlOUTH, VA. The Buying and Selling of City and Country Real Estate promptly attended to. Correspondence Solicited. CITY STOVE HOUSE, Established 1866. ALEXANDER & POWELL, Manufacturers of and Dealers in PLAIN, JAPANNED AND STAMPED TINWARE. Stoves, Heaters, Ranges, &c., &c„ Lamps and House-Furnishing Goods, Tin Roofing- Plumbing and Gas Fitting. Have just received a large assortment of Refrigerators, Water Coolers, Plain and Pat- ent ; Finzers' Fruit Jars, &c., for Summer use ; Also, OIL STOVES of the latest and most improved patents. 519 Crawford Street, • . • PORTSMOUTH. VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 89 9. James C, White, elected for one year, 1866; under the Reconstruction Act Mr. White served beyond the legal term for which he had been elected. 10. James E, Stoakes, appointed by General Schoolfield^ May I St, 1868. 11. E. W. Whipple, appointed by General Canby, Octo- ber 5th, 1869. RESIDENCE OF MR. B. H. OWENS. 12. Philip G. Thomas, elected for one year, 1870; re- elected, 187 1. 13. A. S. Watts, elected for two years, 1872; re-elected, 1874. 14. John O'Connor, elected for two years, 1876. 15. J. Thompson Baird, elected for two years, 1878; has been re-elected at each subsequent election — 1880, 1882, 1884 and 1886 — and is the present incumbent of the office. 90 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. J. & C. WHITEHURST, Choice Family Groceries, CIGARS, TOBACCO, CROCKERY AND GLASS WARE, CONFECTIONERIES, NOTIONS, And Dealers in all kinds of FRESH MEATS & VEGETABLES IN SEASON. WOOD AND COAL. 700 Glasgow Street, - - PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 91 THE HUSTINGS COURT. On the 4th day of May, 1858, in pursuance of the " Act incorporating the Town of Portsmouth as a City," &c., the Court of Hustings held its first session at the Court House. The Aldermen present on the occasion were : Samuel Watts,. Arthur R. Smith, John Nash, William H. Morris, Moss W. Armistead, John S. White, Robert Dickerson, Wm. H. Davis and Edward Kearns. Alderman Smith presided and ordered to be recorded the certificates of qualification of the Alder- men who had been elected on April 22nd preceeding, viz : John Nash, Robert Dickerson, Wm. W. Davis, Arthur R. Smith, Wm. H. Peters and Wm. H. Morris, Aldermen for Jackson Ward ; and Samuel Watts, John S. White, Charles R. McAlpine, Edward Kearns, Robert H. Cutherell and Moss W. Armistead, Aldermen for Jefiferson Ward. The following officers, having also been duly elected, qual- ified at this first term of the Hustings Court : Arthur Emmerson„ Clerk ; David J. Godwin, Commonwealth's Attorney ; Claudius W. Murdaugh, L. C. P. Cowper and Virginius O. Cassell,, Commissioners in Chancery; Joseph Hobday, Commissioner of the Revenue ; Herman Mathews, Constable ; Wm. H. Bingley,. Deputy Clerk. Jas. Murdaugh, John S. Stubbs, L. C. P. Cow- per, J. M. Brickhouse, James G. Holladay, James F. Crocker,. D.J. Godwin, C. W. Murdaugh, V. O. Cassell, P. H. Daughtrey and Abram S. Watts, qualified to practice law in this Court ; and D. J. Godwin, C. W. Murdaugh, A. S. Watts and John Emmerson qualified as Notaries Public, under commissions from His Excellency Henry A. Wise, Governor of Virginia. 92 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. DEALERS IN s, Notions, Cloak, Blanket and Uoderwear Department Is the largest in the city. In our spacious We carry an immense stock of CARPETS, RUGS, OIL CLOTHS, WINDOW SHADES AND MATTINGS. 300 High Street and 408 and 410 Middle Street, Portsmontli, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 93 THE PARISH OF TORTSMOUTH. Prior to 1761, Portsmouth lay in the large original parish ot Elizabeth River, which, however, had become unwieldly, owing to the increase of the population in the extended area which it covered. In March of that year, the General Assembly passed an Act for the relief of the parishioners, beginning as follows : BIRD'S-EYE VIEW, LOOKING SOUTH— From G. Armstrong & Son's Saw Mill. " Whereas the parish of Elizabeth River, in the County of Norfolk, "by reason of the great extent thereof, is very inconvenient to the inhabi- tants, who have petitioned this present General Assembly that the same may be divided into three distinct parishes ; Be it therefore enacted, &c., that from and after the first day of May next all that part of the said parish lying to the northward and eastward of Elizabeth River and the Eastern Branch thereof shall be one distinct parish and retain the name of Elizabeth River; and that all that part of the said parish lying between 94 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. DEALER IN Has always on hand a full stock of FIRST-CLASS PmE & HARD Also the best grades of HARD AND SOFT COAL, AT THE Up-Town Wood and Coal Yard; 1203 Washington St., Portsmouth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE 95 the Eastern and Southern Branches of the said river, running up New Mill Creek to Rotthery's mill, thence south, thirty degrees west, to the great Dismal Swamp, as far as the line dividing this Colony from North Carolina, and thence down the said line to the line of Princess Anne County, thence along the last mentioned line to the Eastern Branch of Elizabeth River, shall be another distinct parish, and shall be called and known by the name of St. Bride's ; and that the remaining part of the said parish shall be one other distinct parish and shall be called and known by the name of Portsmouth. " And whereas the vestry of said parish of Elizabeth River have been guilty of some illegal practices, oppressive to the inhabitants thereof, who have petitioned this present General Assembly that the said vestry maybe dissolved ; be it therefore further enacted, &c., that from and after the first day of May next the aforesaid vestry be, and the same is hereby dissolved, &c. " And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that the free- holders and housekeepers of the said parishes of Elizabeth River and St. Bride's and Portsmouth, respectively, shall meet at some convenient time and place, to be appointed and publickly advertised by the Sheriff of the said County of Norfolk, at least one month before the eighth day of June next following, and then and there elect twelve of the most able and dis- creet persons of their respective parishes to be vestrymen thereof, who having, in the Court of the said County, taken and subscribed the oaths appointed to be taken by Act of Parliament instead of the oaths of allegi- ance and supremacy, and taken and subscribed the oath of abjuration, and repeated and subscribed the test, and also subscribed to be conforma- able to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, shall, to all intents and purposes, be deemed and taken to be the vestrymen of the said parishes, respectively." The Act further provided for the sale of certain glebe lands, the proceeds of which were to be divided between the three parishes, and also for the partition among them of the funds collected by the vestry of the mother parish for parochial ^96 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. mLAiyD^ryAV|CATiON " THE Albemarle ? Chesapeake Canal TOGETHER WITH THE ihiph I Delaware Eanal i Sdaware I Earitan Canal, Form the Great Inland Navigation from NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA & BALTIMORE —TO- NORTH CAROLINA AND THE SOUTH, By Canals and Inland Navigation for Steamboats, Sailing Vessels, Rafts, &c., avoiding the dangers of Hatteras and the Coast of North Carolina, saving time and Insurance. DIMENSIONS OF CANALS AND LOCKS. CANALS. MILES LOCKS. Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. 14 Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. . 14 Delaware and Raritan Canal 43 Erie, of New York 345 Light-draft steamers bound to Charleston, Savannah, Florida and the West Indies take this route. Steam tug-boats leave Norfolk, towing sail vessels, barges, rafts, &c., to and from North Carolina to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. For Rates of Tolls. Towing, Maps, Charts, &c., apply to CHESAPEAKE AND DELAWARE CANAL COMPANY 528 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, or to Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal Co., Norfolk, Ya., 21 6RANBY STREET. Length Ft. Width Ft. Depth Ft. 220 40 7 220 24 9 220 24 7 IIO 18 7 ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 97 purposes. This last-mentioned fund, when realized, was to be devoted to the building; of churches, &c., in the new parishes. Accordingly, in the following year, 1762, the parish of Ports- mouth built unto itself a parish Church — Old Trinity — which was restored and put in its present condition in the year 1829. COURT STREET BAPTIST CHURCH, Of Portsmouth Parish, Bishpp Meade writes (in 1857) as follows : "Of this I have rather more info rmat ion, though no vestirybook-^terv' 1 761 affords it. " We have seen that the Rev. Charles Smith was its minister when he died in 1773. He was succeeded in I774by'the Rev. William Braidfoot 98 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JOHN C. ASHTON, Kerseys, Meltons, Cheviots, Tricots, Worsteds, , Cassimeres. Suits to Order. Jas. Veale, Cutter. Shirts^ SockSy Drawers^ CollarSy Cliffs, Scarfs, Silk Neckl Ties\ HandkerchiefSy Cloths, Cassimeres and Men's Furnishings, No. 305 High Street, Portsmouth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 99 He was a native of Scotland, and had not been long in the ministry when it became evident that war between England and the Colonies was inev- itable ; and, as he believed the Colonies were contending for their just rights, he warmly espoused their cause, and entered the army as chaplain, continuing to fill that station until the close of the war, when he returned to Portsmouth Parish, and died at the glebe about the year 1784 or 1785. Mr. Braidfoot married a Miss Mosely, of Princess Anne, and left one son, whose descendants are now living in Portsmouth. Mr. Braidfoot was succeeded by the Rev. Arthur Emmerson, son of one of the same name, who was minister on the Eastern Shore. The son was minister in Meher- rin parish, Greensville, and in Nansemond, before coming to Portsmouth in 1785. He ministered there from that time until 1801, much esteemed as a man and minister, though from feeble health unable to lead an active life. His wife was the widow of the Rev. John Nivison. He was fol- lowed by the Rev. George Young, who continued until the year 1808 or 1809. After his death or resignation, there was a vacancy until the year 1821. when the present rector, the Rev. Mr. Wingfield, began his labors in that parish. In the absence of any vestry book to supply the names of vestrymen before the time of Mr. Wingfield, I mention the following names of old friends of the church : — Sproull, Chisholm, Agnew, Herbert, Hansford, Joins, Dyson, Porter, Godfrey, Wilson, Wallington, Tankard, Parker, Veal, Roberts, Nivison, Marsh, North, Edwards, Davis, Luke, Cowper, Blow, Braidfoot, Dickson, Thompson, Young, Kearns, Grew, Garrow, Kidd, Mathews, Brown, Etheridge, Mushrow, Skelton, Pearce, •Satchwell, Milhado, Cox, Butt, Maupin, Swift. " As to churches, there were three built in Portsmouth Parish, — one in the town of Portsmouth, in 1762, on a lot in the centre of the town, given by William Crawford, Esq., the original proprietor of the land on which the town is built ; one on the north bank of the Western Branch, and one near a village called Deep Creek. The church in Portsmouth was rebuilt and enlarged in 1829, under the rectorship of Mr. Wingfield. The country churches have long since fallen into ruins. When the pres- ent rector took charge of the parish in 1 821, the vestry had long since been dissolved, and the members of the three congregations had united lOO SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. ESTABLISHED BY D. D. F13KE IN 1840. WM. A. FISKE, {Successor to W. A. Fiske &= Bro) Printing#Bookbindin; ' 108 HidH STREET, PORTSMOUTH, VA. COMPLETE FACILITIES, GOOD WORK, s LOW PRICES. Having PAPER RULING Machinery and appliances, I am prepared to furnish blank forms for TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES promptly, and refer to the managing officers of the following Lines, whose patronage, for many years, I have had for the various descriptions of Railroad and Steamboat printing : Seaboard aiid Roanoke Railroad, Atlantic Coast Line, Seaboard Air Line, Baltimore Steam Packet Co., Clyde Line Steamers, Albemarle Steam Navigation Co. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. lOI themselves — as in many other places — with the various surrounding de- nominations. " A few years since another congregation was formed in Portsmouth, a church built (St. John's), and the Rev. James Chisholm called to be its rector. After laboring zealously and preaching faithfully and affection- ately for some years, he fell a victim, during the summer of 1855, to the yellow fever, when, with the spirit of a martyr, he was nursing the sick and dying of his congregation and of the town,. For the particulars of the NAVAL HOSPITAL — Official Residence of the Medical Director. life and death and character of this most talented and interesting young minister of the Gospel, I refer my readers to the ' Memoirs of the Rev, James Chisholm' by his particular friend and former parishioner, Mr. Conrad, of Martinsburg, — a biography which for thrilling interest is not easily surpassed." ******* INCIDENTS OF THE REVOLUTION. Portsmouth and its vicinity witnessed some important military events in the War of the Revolution, and our harbor I02 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JOHN C. KAUFMAN, DEALER IN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC DRY GOODS, 'f" "i ' ^. \. 'P - Ladies' and Gents' Underwear, CORSETS, GLOVES, HOSIERY, RIBBONS, &G. Carpets, Mattings and Oil Cloths, LINEN WINDOW SHADES. No. 307 High Street, 0pp. Oxford Hal!. PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. IO3 was the principal rendezvous of the British fleet, to which Lord Dunmore, the last " Royal " Governor of Virginia, had fled at the outbreak of active hostilities. The State Govern- ment turned all its attention to this point, where the danger appeared most formidable. Dunmore became alarmed at their defensive preparations and constructed batteries and intrench- ments in the neighborhood, armed the tories and negroes, and levied upon the country people for cattle and provisions. The Virginia Government dispatched a detachment of minute-men, under Col. Woodford, into the county, with general instruc- tions. " Dunmore," says Botta, " apprised, of this movement, very prudently occupied a strong position upon the North bank of Elizabeth River, called Great Bridge, a few miles above Portsmouth. This point was situated upon the direct route of the provincial troops. Here he threw up works upon the Norfolk side and furnished them with a numerous artillery. The intrenchments were surrounded on every part with water and marshes, and were only accessible by a long dike. As to the forces of the Gover- nor, they were little formidable : he had only 200 regulars and a corps of Norfolk volunteers ; the residue consisted in a shapeless mass of varlets of every color. The Virginians took post over against the English, in a small village at a cannon-shot distance. Before them they had a long, narrow dike, the extremity of which they also fortified. In this state the two parties remained for several days without making any movement." THE BATTLE OF GREAT BRIDGE. ^^.[ Stratagem was at last employed by the Virginians to precipitate operations. A servant of Major Marshall (father of the great Chief Justice) after receiving careful instructions, deserted to the enemy, and informed Lord Dunmore that the colonial forces at the Bridge did not exceed 300 " shirt men," I04 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA, 9 DEALER IN FINE FAMILY GROCERIES, FRESH ROASTED COFFEE, (GROUD DAILY,) HIGH GRADE FLOUR, CHOICE SMITHFIELD HAMS, GILT EDGE BUTTER. 520 MARKET SQUARE, PORTSMOUTH, VA. "~ MRS. E. BOURDETT, DEALER IN NOTIONS, FANCY GOODS, RIBBONS, &C., 406 Crawford St, Portsmouth, Va. All Ordei's Attended to with Neatness and Dispatch. WHOLESALE DEALER IN TOBACCO & CIGARS, 524 Middle Street and 301 King street, PortsmoTith, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND IT§ TRADE. IO5 as the Virginians, whose uniform (?) consisted chiefly of hunt- ing shirts, had been nick-named. Beheving the story, the Governor, on the morning of December 9th, 1775. dispatched about 200 regulars and 300 volunteers, white black and mixed, under Captain Fordyce, to annihilate the " rebels." The fol- lowing account of this action, in which the British were signally defeated, was published, five days later, in the Virgi7iia Ga- zette : " The Great Bridge is built over what is called the Southern Branch of Elizabeth River, 12 miles above Portsmouth. The land on each side is marshy to a considerable distance from the river, except at the two ex- tremities of the bridge, where are two pieces of firm land, which may, not improperly, be called islands, being entirely sun-ounded by water and marsh, and joined to the main land by causeways. On the little piece of firm ground on the further or Norfolk side. Lord Dunmore had erected his fort, in such a manner that his cannon commanded the causeway on his own side and the bridges between him and us, with the marshes around him. The island on this side of the river contained six or seven houses, some of which were burnt down (those nearest the bridge) by the enemy, after the arrival of our troops ; in the others, adjoining the causeway on each side, were stationed a guard every night by Col. Woodford, but with- drawn before day, that they might not be exposed to the fire of the ene- my's fort in recrossing the causeway to our camp, this causeway also being commanded by their cannon. " The causeway on our side, in length was about 160 yards, and on the hither extremity our breastwork was thrown up. From the breastwork ran a street, gradually ascending, about the length of 400 yards, to a church where our main body was encamped. * * * " On Saturday, the 9th inst., after reveille beating, two or three great guns and some musketry were discharged by the enemy, which, as it was not an unusual thing, was but little regarded by]Col. Woodford. How- ever, soon after he heard a call to the soldiers to stand by their arms, upon SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. IO7 which, with all expedition, he made the proper dispositions to receive them. In the meantime the enemy had crossed the bridge, fired the re- maining houses upon the island, and some large piles of shingles, and attacked our guard in the breastwork. Our men returned the fire, and threw them into some confusion, but they were instantly rallied by Capt. Fordyce, and advanced along the causeway with great resolution, keeping up a constant and heavy fire as they approached. Two field-pieces, which had been brought across the bridge and placed on the edge of the island, facing the left of our breastwork, played briskly at the same time upon us. Lieut. Travis, who commanded in the breastwork, ordered his men to re- serve their fire until the enemy came within fifty yards, and then they gave it to them with terrible execution. The brave Fordyce exerted himself to keep up their spirits, reminded them of their ancient glory, and, waving his hat over his head encouragingly, told them th-edaywas their otvn. Thus pressing forward, he fell within fifteen steps of the breastwork. The progress of the enemy was now at an end, and they retreated over the causeway with precipitation, and were dreadfully galled in their rear. " Hitherto, on our side, only the guard, consisting of twenty-five, and some others, in the whole not amounting to more than ninety, had been engaged. Only the regulars of the 14th regiment, in number 120, had advanced upon the causeway; and about 230 negroes and tories had, after crossing the bridge, continued upon the island. The regulars, after re- treating along the causeway, were again rallied by Capt. Leslie, and the two field-pieces continued playing upon our men. It was at this time that Col. Woodford was advancing down the street to the breastwork with the main body, and against him was now directed the whole fire of the enemy. Never were cannon better served : yet in the face of them and the mus- ketry, which kept up a continual blaze, our men marched on with the utmost intrepidity. Col. Stevens, of the Culpeper battalion, was sent round to the left to flank the enemy, which was done with so much spirit and activity that a rout immediately ensued. The enemy fled into their fort, leaving behind them the two field-pieces, which, however, they took care to spike up with nails. " Many were killed^^and wounded in the flight ; but Col. Woodford I08 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JOHN L WATSON, ADRIAN RIDDICK. Over $50,000,000 in Capital and Assets Represented. GENERAL INSURANCE AND RENTAL AGENCY, 335 High Street, Portsmouth, Va., Representing the foUowing old and reliable English and American Companies : COMMERCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY of London, Eng. NEW YORK UNDERWRITERS' AGENCY of New York. AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE COMPANY of New York. FIDELITY AND CASUALTY COMPANY of New York ; and The Old Reliable WASHINGTON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY of New York. Representing as Agents the above well-known Con\panies, and being correspondents for a number of other large Companies, we are enabled to place risks to any amount on all classes of property in this or any other State. Our RENTAL BUSINESS will still be kept the leading Agency of the city, and persons having property to rent cannot do better than place- it with this the oldest Agency. Thanking the public for their liberal patronage in the past, and with increased facilities we ask an increased patronage for the future. PO.BoxTl. WATSON & RIDDICK. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. , 109 very prudently restrained his troops from pursuing the enemy too far. From the beginning of the attack, till the repulse at the breastwork, might be 14 or 15 minutes; till the total defeat, upwards of half an hour. It is said that some of the enemy preferred death to captivity, from fear of being scalped, which Lord Dunmore cruelly told them would be their fate should they be taken alive. Thirty-one killed and wounded fell into our hands, and the number borne off was much greater. * * * "What is not paralleled in history, and will scarcely be credible, except to such as acknowledge a Providence over human affairs, this victory was gained at the expense of no more than a slight wound in a soldier's hand ; and one circumstance which rendered it still more amazing is, that the field-pieces raked the whole length of the street, and absolutely threw double-headed shot as far as the church, and afterwards, as our troops approached, cannonaded them heavily with grape shot." DUNMORE'S REVENGE. The repulse of the British at Great Bridge determined the Virginians to march on Norfolk, " the stronghold of ministerial power amd the focus of hostile enterprise." On the approach of a strong detachment, under Colonel Stevens, the " loyalists " hastily abandoned their intrenchments, spiked and dismantled their cannon and resorted in large numbers to the fleet, as the best asylum against the " patriots." The latter, on acquiring the ascendancy, proceeded to make the situation very uncomfortable for the unfortunate tories who had remained on shore, either through reluctance to leave their property or through fear of the sea. The Governor was enraged at the insults and vexations to which his partisans were thus exposed and decided to avenge them. He sent a flag on shore demanding that the inhabitants should furnish him with provisioKS and cease firing. The reply was a flat no SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JMANUFACTUVKRS OF BOXES AND CRATES of every description. Vegetable Boxes, Strawberry and Cab- bage Crates and all kinds of Packing Boxes made to order. Also sole proprietors of the FULTZ COMBINATION WIRE FENCE MACHINE for the State of Virginia. MACHINES AND COUNTY RIGHTS FOR SALE. Parties wishing to see Machines can do so at Jour Mill in Berkley, va. Would be pleased to correspond with parties wanting Fence or Boxes. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. Ill refusal to make any terms whatever. He then resolved to bombard and burn the town and notified the citizens of his design in order that the women, children and non-combatants might be removed to a place of safety. ^he bombardment of Norfolk by the frigate Liverpool, two sloops of war and the ship Dunrnore, began on the ist of January, 1776, and resulted in the total destruction of the town by fire and the abandonment of its vicinity by the Virginians, who established fortified positions at Kemp's Landing, the Great Bridge and Suffolk. The difficulty experienced by Dunmore in procuring the necessary provisions compelled him. also to abandon his in- trenchments and to pursue a predatory warfare along the shores of Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay. He finally landed and intrenched himself at Gwyn's Island, in Mathews County, whence he was expelled by the provincials under Gen. -Lewis, on July 8th, 1776, with heavy loss. INVASION BY SIR GEORGE COLLIER. On the 9th of May, 1779, Hampton Roads was again invaded by a British fleet, commanded by Sir George Collier. The Government of the State had erected Fort Nelson, a short distance below Portsmouth, on the West bank of Elizabeth River (near the site now occupied by the Naval Hospital) to protect Portsmouth, Norfolk and the Marine Yard at Gosport. This work was garrisoned by about 150 men, who abandoned it and retired to the Dismal Swamp, on the approach of the enemy. A brief account of this invasion is given in the 4th volume of 112 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JAMES W. REED, Freight Broker, Exporter, AND DEALER IN Walnut, Cherry, Poplar and Hickory Logs, DOGWOOD AND PERSIMMON, "WHITE OAK TliVBeElt, Sl^yTTLE BLOCKS, WHITE OAK AND HICKORY SPOKES, Trenails and White Oak Wagon Planks. The above Woods BougJit or Forwarded on Commission. Freight engaged and Logs forwarded to any part of Europe on reasonable terms. Cable address, "REED/' PORTSMOUTH, YA. \ ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 113 the Virginia Historical Register, copied from "A Detail of some particular services performed in America during the years 1776, 1777) 1778 ^nd 1779," published in England and probably- taken chiefly from a journal kept on board the ship Rain- bow, co.nmanded by Sir George Collier. After giving an account of the capture of the American fortifications by Gen. Matthews, and the dis- persion of the Virginia ilotilla, the narrative proceeds thus : "The Town of Portsmouth, within half a mile of the fort, was taken possession of at the same time. Norfolk, on the opposite "shore, and Gosport, where the rebels had fixed a capital marine -yard for building ships, were all abandoned at the same time by the enemy, and the men-of-war moved up into the harbor, where they moored. The enemy, pre- vious to their flight, set fire to a fine ship-of-war of 28 guns, ready for launching, belonging to Con- gress ; and alsj to two large French merchantmen, one of which was loaded with bale eoods COURT STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. and the other with a thousand hogsheads of bacon. The quantity of naval stores of all kinds found in their arsenals was astonishing. Many vessels of war were taken on the stocks in different forwardness : one of 36 guns ; one 114 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. MARK. T^J^^Si, A sure, safe, speedy and pleasant cure for Coughs Colds, Hoarseness, Whooping Cough, Etc. Try it. MOLENS Is a Cough Syrup that has been used for the last twenty years with unfailing success. It is purely an herb preparation. Con- tains no opiate, produces neither nausea nor headache, and can be given to the youngest child with perfect safety. Give MOLENE a fair trial and be convinced of its value. For further information, address G. A. KRIEGER, General Agent, Portsmouth, Va., JOHN W. BURROW, General Agent, Norfolk, Va., or S. S. MANNING, Manufac- ture and Sole Proprietor, P. 0. Box 227, Portsmouth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE II5 of 18 ; three of 16 guns ; and three of 14, besides many merchantmen. The whole number taken, burnt and destroyed while the King's ships were in the river amounted to one Inindred and t/iiii)'-sevfn sail of vessels — a most distressing stroke to the rebels, even without other losses. * * * * * Many of the privateers and other vessels fled up the different branches of the river, but as there was no outlet the Commo- dore eitlier captured or destroyed them all. * * * General Matthews having made application to the Commodore that the troops might be re-eml)arked on the 24th of May, in order to return to New York, Sir George endeavored to dissuade that measure being carried into execu- tion till the return of the express he had sent to the Commander-in-chief of the army, to whom he had wrote in very strong terms, pointing out the infinite consequence it would be to the King's service, the keeping pos- session of Portsmouth, as the doing so would distress the rebels exceed- ingly, from their water communication from the Chesapeake being totally stopped, and by which Washington's army was supplied with provisions, and an end put to their foreign trade ; that the natural strength of the place was singularly great, both by sea and land, and might be maintained with a small force against a very superior one ; that the marine-yard was the most considerable one in America, and the quantity of seasoned oak timber there, for ship-building, very large ; which, as well as a vast deal of other stores, could not be embarked then for want of vessels, but might be sent, by degrees, to England, where it was much ^^~^^^^^vt ^^fe"^ '-5 GENERAL VIEW OF THE GOSPORT NAVY- YARD, FROM THE DECK OF THE U. S. RECEIVING SHIP "FRANKLIN," COSPORT NAVY-YARD. IN 1874, Commander Edward P. Lull, U. S. N., (now Com- mandant of the Navy-Yard at Pensacola, Florida,) pub- lished, for the Bureau of Yards and Docks, Navy Depart- ment, " A History of the United States Navy-Yard at Gosport, Virginia," from which the following extracts are selected as bearing generally upon the growth and development of Ports- mouth. Several incidents mentioned in the narrative are related elsewhere, with chronological reference, in our Sketch Book, and need not therefore be repeated under this heading : ITS MILITARY VALUE. " No Navy-Yard belonging to the United States, from its geographi- cal position, is more important than that of Gosport, Va. Located near enough to the entrance of Chesapeake Bay to be easily accessible, it is, at the same time, in a position readily defended from attacks either by land or by water, and one, as has been repeatedly shown, which can be held by a small force against a very largely superior one. There is in the vicinity an abundant supply of timber and other material, while the close proxim- ity of a populous city secures to it the command of all the skilled labor that can be required. Such is the mildness of the climate, that work of all sorts can be carried on at all seasons of the year without interruption. Hampton Roads, the outer harbor, is an excellent point of rendez-vous for a fleet or squadron. " A glance at the map will demonstrate the very great importance of a naval station in this vicinity. The Chesapeake, with its navigable tribr utaries, penetrates into the heart of several of the richest States in the Union, reaching to the National Capital. A foothold in its waters would, 128 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN MAINE ICE OFFICE AND DEPOT 213 & 215 QUEEN STREET, Portsmontli, Ya. Having the Largest Storage capacity of any house in the City, and a long experience in the business, with unsurpassed facilities, I am prepared to fill orders for Ice, in any quantity, at the shortest notice. This house is the direct successor to the Original Ice House, founded in 1832 and carried on continuously, with al- ways increasing capacity and facilities, to the present time. CAPACITY OF WAREHOUSES, 2,500 TONS. Orders by Mail will Receive Prompt Attention. Correspondence Solicited. P. 0. Box 148. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE 129 therefore, be of the utmost strategic importance to an invading enemy, and would probably be one of the earliest objects sought by them, as past history has fully shown. The width of the entrance of the Bay is so great that it would be impossible to defend it except by a naval force, which ■should have a repairing, coaling and victualling station as near at hand as possible, consistent with entire defensibility for itself, with a reasonably secure outer harbor, large enough for the necessary manoeuvres of a squad- MESSRS. J. & E. MAHONEY'S WHOLESALE LIQUOR WAREHOUSE. Ton in getting under way and forming. All of these conditions are admira- bly filled by the location of the Gosport yard. ITS ORIGIN. " Just before the War of the Revolution, the British established a ma- rine yard, for the use of its navy, on the site of the present Navy- Yard at ■Gosport, (as that part of Portsmouth has always been called,) having, as is stated in a letter now on file in the Navy Department, written in 1824, by Miles King, United States Navy-Agent, selected this point after a careful survey of all the ports within its dominions in North America, as the most 130 - SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. J. HERBERT WILLIAMS, CONTRACTOR and BUILDER PORTSMOUTH, VA. Has had eleven years' experience as a Practical Builder,, seven of which were spent in Baltimore. Estimates for all kinds of work furnished on application,, and satisfaction guaranteed. Post Office Address : PORTSMOUTH, VA. All Correspondence will Receive Prompt Attention. JAS. Q. AfSSDERSOiyi'S BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERY. 218 County Street, Portsmouth, Va. Manafacturer and Dealer in Bread, Pies and Crackers of all kinds ; Cakes, Plain, Fancy and Fruit ;; Confectioneries, Plain and Fancy ; Weddings, Balls and Parties fnrnished with the latest designs in Cakes and Confectioneries. Sole manufacturer of Anderson's Celebrated Pies. Orders solicited and promptly attended to. Prices Chea p. . ^^^ Evans, Burwell, & Tazewell, DEALERS IN FLOUR, ORABN, HAY, I^ILL FEED, &C., 121 and 123 County Street. PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 131 eligible situation for a naval station. The name of Gosport was doubtless taken from Gosport, near Portsmouth, England, where one of the most im- portant of the British dock-yards is located. There is a tradition that this spot had been used for some time by the British as a careening-ground for their ships, but the writer has not been able to find any proof of the fact. Mr. King's letter further states that scarcely had the British Government commenced its works for the completion of the naval establishment, when the Revolution began, and the yard, together with the adjoining property of Andrew Sprowle, the British Navy-Agent, became confiscate and for- feited to the State of Virginia. THE FIRST VIRGINIA NAVY. "Virginia immediately commenced preparations for establishing a navy, and vigorous measures were adopted to that end. Seve'ral vessels were built or purchased. A rope-walk was established, which was proba- bly at Gosport, though it is not certain. The published histories of Virginia and of the United States Navy are alike singularly silent upon the subject of the Virginia Navy. The most that the writer has been able to find have been the Acts of Assembly authorizing its creation, subse- quent additions and changes, and its final abolishment. " The Virginia Navy \vas' employed mainly for the defense of the bays and rivers of the State. Commodore Barron was appointed its Comman- der-in-Chief, being styled ' Commodore of all the armed vessels of the Commonwealth.' His two sons, Samuel and James Barron, and also Richard Dale, all afterwards distinguished officers of the United States Navy, served under his command. At the conclusion of the war the State Navy was disbanded. SALE OF GOSPORT. " By an Act of the General Assembly of Virginia, passed in May, 1784, Joseph Jones, Paul Loyall, William Lee, Mann Page, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Miles King, Henry Tazewell and John Kearnes were appointed commissioners for the sale of certain public lands belonging to the Commonwealth, among which were the lands commonly called 132 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA, GENERAL Contractor and Builder 1710 GREEN_STREET, PortsmoTith, Ya. Has improved facilities for undertaking all kinds of Building, Remodeiing, Repairing & Jobbing, Estimates cheerfully furnished on application. References given if required, and satisfaction guaranteed. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 133 Gosport, adjoining the Town of Portsmouth, except such part thereof as, in their opinion, may be necessary for the use of the public, taking care to lay off the said lands into lots, so as to make them uniform with the Town of Portsmouth. " It seems that the commissioners above named never procured a meeting of a sufficient numljer to act, in consequence of which the law was amended in October of the same year, so as to place the appointing of the commissioners in the hands of the Governor, by and with the advice of the Council ; and the commissioners were empowered to sell THE ARCADE STEAM-POWER PRINTING HOUSE. such portions of the Gosport lands as the Governor and Council should direct, after having laid them off into lots and convenient streets. The persons appointed and who acted as commissioners for the carrying out of the law were William Ronald, Edward Carrington and Benjamin Temple. " The marine-yard was retained for the benefit of the Commonwealth, though no use is known to have been made of it until the year 1794. The lands adjoining the yard were sold in 1785. A large portion of them, in addition to the yard, was afterwards purchased by the United States. 134 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Ill ill i I irj BRACKETS, MOULDINGS, SCROLL SAWiHO, TURi^ING WINDOW AND DOOR FRAMES, STORE FRONTS, &C. FLOORING,CEILING & LUMBER DRESSED AT SHORT NOTICE. MILL, YARDS AND OFFICE Corner High and Chestnut Streets, PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 135 THE NAVY-YARD LENT TO THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT FOR SHIP-BUILDING PURPOSES. " On the 27th of March, 1794, by an Act entitled ' An Act to Provide a Naval Armament,' the President was authorized by Congress to procure, by purchase or otherwise, equip and employ, to protect our commerce from the Algerines, four ships to carry 44 guns each, and two ships to carry 36 guns feach, and to appoint the requisite number of officers to command them. The duty of carrying out the provisions of this law was assigned to the Secretary of War, the Hon. Henry Knox. * * * " In a report svibmitted to the House of Representatives by Secretary Knox, under date of December 27, 1794, after stating the character, arm- ament, Sec, of the vessels ordered, the materials to be used and how to be obtained and prepared, he goes on to say that, in order as well to dis- tribute the advantages arising from the operation as to ascertain where the work could be executed to the greatest advantage, the building of the ships had been ordered in six different ports of the Union ; one of the ports selected was Poi^tsmouth, Va., where a frigate of 44 guns was laid down. * * * " The marine-yard at Gosport was lent to the Government by the State of Virginia, and, as will be seen further on, it was not purchased by the United States until several years later. Capt. Richard Dale was appointed superintendent of the yard ; Josiah Fox naval constructor or master-builder ; and William Pennock, navy-agent. * * * " On the establishment of peace, early in 1796, between the United States and Algiers, work was suspended upon the ship at this yard. * In June, 1797, the materials on hand at Gosport were valued at $52,989. THE WAR WITH FRANCE GIVES NEW IMPETUS TO THE WORK. " The breaking out of the war with France in 1798 gave a fresh im- petus to the infant navy, and considerable sums of money were appropri- ated by Congress for building, purchasing or hiring vessels to be used against that republic. * * * " In July orders were sent to Mr. Pennock to recommence work on 136 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. W. D. MINTER. G. H. BALLANCE. MiNTER & BaLLANCE, DEALERS IN FINE FAMILY GROCERIES, CHOICE TEAS AND COFFEES, Fresh and Cured Meats, Poultry, Fruits & Vegetables. SPECIALTIES: ButteVy Lard and Vinegar, 700 County Street, (Corner Washington,) PORTSMOUTH, VA. ~ V. J. NAW, BAKER & COI^FECTIOiyER No. 215 High Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. JOS. T. PARKER. WM. G. PARKER. J. T. PARKER & BRO., WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCERS, 624 Crawford Street, 200 and 202 County Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. Naval Stores, Cigars and Tobacco, and Choice JV. Y. State Butter, Specialties. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 137 the frigate at Gosport, for which the name CJicsapcake had been chosen. During the same month a brig of 200 tons which had been built near the navy-yard by Mr. Herbert, and which was nearly ready for launching, was purchased by the Government and fitted out, under the name of Norfolk. * * * * " Considerable activity prevailed at the yard during the remainder of the year. A brig was purchased by the citizens of some of the principal towns of Virginia, and presented to the Government. It was named the '•"^"■Mih.p,, % ^^^ L^^^ ^^& ''-in"ii"=^H ^M ^^^M 0^ ^^^^^^^m :::£ p § ^^p^^ ^^^^m 1 1 H m S^mi|i ^Sk ^^^^^jj^iMS pfH w ^^3 ^^mi RESIDENCE OF JUDGE LEGH R. WATTS. Richmond, and was fitted out under the command of Capt. Samuel Barron, who had served in the Virginia navy during the Revolution. The vessels of Commodore Truxtun's squadron frequently resorted to the yard for repairs and supplies, and to pay off their crews. * * The yard was also made a depot for the supply of masts and spars to cruising- ships, and even to vessels fitting at Baltimore and Philadelphia. * =•= " In June, 1799, a brig, called the Augusta, was purchased and fitted out at Gosport. " July 16, 1799, Commodore Samuel Barron was ordered to duty as 138 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH VA., 1- i < iO o > < > E H I S o H (5 Q^ o 0. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 139 superintendent of the yard ; Mr. Pennock, the agent, not having exercised the degree of economy which the department desired. THE YARD PURCHASED BY THE UNITED STATES. " The importance of the Gosport yard, particularly as an equipping^ recruiting and victualling station, had now become so well established, that the Secretary of the Navy resolved to make it one of the permanent navy-yards of the country. * * * * "January 24, 1 8oi, $12,000 were remitted to Mr. John Hopkins, of Richmond, Va., to be paid to the State, as the purchase-money of the Gosport lands, and under date of 15th June, 1801, a deed was executed by Governor Monroe, by which the title and jurisdiction of the property were conveyed to the United States. * * * A MARINE GUARD SENT TO THE YARD. " In October, 1801, a marine-guard was sent to Gosport yard, and the navy-agent was directed to furnish them with quarters. * * " In April, 1802, Mr. Pennock recommends the building of a store- house for provisions, &c., within the yard. Up to that time private ware- houses had been hired for the use of the navy-stores. "April 26, 1802, Mr. Pennock was removed, and Daniel Bedinger was appointed navy-agent and superintendent of the navy-yard. * * " In April, 1803, $10,000 were sent to Mr. Bedinger to build a ware- house and timber-shed at Gosport. * * * "August 6, 1804, an order was sent to Mr. Bedinger detaching the marine-guard from the navy-yard and ordering it to Washington. * * During the summer of 1806 we find several gunboats and ketches fitting out and laying up, under the direction of Lieut. Arthur Sinclair. • " On the 28th of November, 1806, Capt. Stephen Decatur was ordered to superintend the building of four gunboats at Gosport. * * In July, 1807, Mr. Bedinger was ordered to contract for materials for ten additional gunboats, and a little later, to contract for building the same-. Captain Decatur was ordered to superintend the construction. * * " In November, 1807, a marine-guard was again ordered to the yard. 140 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Organized 1870. 605 Fourth Street, PORTSMOUTH, YA. Session begins the First of September, and ends the Last of June, the following year. Terms Reasonable. For further particulars apply to IVlrs. SADIE J. CULPEPPER, Principal, 702 Fourth Street. El PRESCRIPTION DRUGGIST, Chestnut Street, Near County, - ■ PORTSMOUTH, VA. Dealer in Drugs and Chemicals, Garden Seeds and Toilet Articles ; also, Choice Cigars and Tobacco. Special attention given to Preparing Prescriptions both Day and Night. Residence over Store. THIS IS GENERALLY KNOWN AS THE UP-TOWN DRUG STORE. CHAS. W. RUSTIC. ' ROBT. S. BROOKS. RUSTIC & BROOKS, RENTAL AND COLLECTING AGENTS, And Agents for Portsmouth and Berkley of the Christian Brotherhood. PROMPT RETURNS EVERY MONTH. 113 High Street, - - - - PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 141 February 10, 1808, Bedinger's appointment was revoked, and Theodore Armistead appointed in his place as navy-agent and superintendent of the navy-yard. * * * " In May, 1809, an order was sent to build a powder-magazine in the yard. * * ♦ THE FIRST:C0MMANDANT APPOINTED. "July 7, 1810, the Department having become tired of the practice of MESSRS. FREY BROS'. BOX FACTORY, BERKLEY. operating the navy-yard under irresponsible civil administration, ordered Commodore Samuel Barron as commandant of the yard, the gunboats, the officers and men. * * Commodore Barron had scarcely entered upon his command when, on the 2gth of October, 1810, he was overtaken by death. * + , * " In May, 1811, Capt. Samuel Evans was ordered as commandant, and from that time we find lieutenants, masters, medical officers, boat- 142 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. STEAM-POWER PRINTING HOUSE O l-H Q iz; I— I O O m m > '-d W ?^ a y—i o ANY YEARS of practical experience in studying carefully the wants of the community, encouraged by vejy liberal patroiiage, we have no hesitation in saying that OUR FACILITIES FOR FINE, ARTISTIC Railroad and Commercial Printing Are not excelled in this section of the State. With first-class work, ink, paper, etc., we guarantee satisfaction. Doing a large quantity of work ©aables us to charge very reasotmble prices. GEO. W. PURDIE & CO., Cor. High and Crawford Sts., - '- PORTSMOUTH, VA. Its PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. I43 swains and gunners attached to the yard and to the vessels in ordinaiy. Captain Evans continued in command until August 10, 1812, when Capt. John Cassin was ordered to relieve him, * * * " In September, 181 8, Capt, Arthur Sinclair was ordered to this navy- yard to superintend the construction of the Delaware, under Capt. Cassin. * * We find about this period, and for some years after, considerable quantities of timber, plank, knees, masts and mast-pieces, and also of cordage, furnished from Gosport to the navy-yards in other parts of the country. * * * A SCHOOL FOR MIDSHIPMEN ESTABLISHED, " In June, 1821, Captain Cassin was relieved by Capt, Lewis War- rington. * * In August, 1821, a school for midshipmen was established under the charge of Chaplain David P. Adams, on board the Guerriere, frigRte. * * * " In December, 1826, Captain Warrington was relieved from the com- mand of the yard by Master-Commandant James Renshaw. THE DRY-DOCK. " On the 25th of May, 1824, the Senate of the United States passed a resolution calling upon the Secretary of the Navy for information upon the following points : ist. The expediency, usefulness, economy and ne- cessity of a dry-dock of sufficient capacity for receiving, examining and repairing ships of the line. 2d, The best location for a dry-dock. * * " The Hon. Mr. Si?u|hard, then Secretary of the Navy, in his answer to the resolution, undifer date of January 3, 1825, urged in very strong terms the necessity not only of one, but of at least two dry-docks for the Navy, at its then present size. * * In regard to the location, he quoted the opinion of the Navy-Commissioners, that there should be one in the eastern part of the Union and one in the waters of the Chesapeake. For the site of the first of these he proposed Charlestown, Mass., and for the second, Gosport. The following paragraphs are copied from the Secre tary's letter: " ' At/p^osport there is also a valuable yard, with improvements ; but there is nfet 'within its limits so good a position for a dock as upon the 144 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. WM. H. PETERS. WASHINGTON REED. PETERS & REED, SHIPPING AND GENERAL I I Is AND DEALERS IN STAVES, TiMBER AND LUMBER, Main Street, AND Water Street, TSmOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 145 adjoining land, which may be bought for a small sum, and add much t the convenience and utility of the establishment already there. The Chesapeake and its waters form a first object in every plan relating to the national defense, and somewhere upon them must be placed an important portion of our naval means. Whether our principal depot ■ought to be there, the resolution does not direct us to inquire. But let that question be decided as it may, Gosport must be retained as a repair- ing and refitting station, to which resort can be had in cases of need. Lying behind the strong defenses of Old Point Comfort and the Rip Raps, it can never be unimportant as a naval position. It has a mimerous sur- rounding population, deep iuate7's, stisceptibility of defense, accessibility at all times, freedom from frost, great facilities in obtaiizing supplies of materials, and stands at once in the most important and connecting points in that great line of internal intercourse and navigation to which the public attention has at all times been so ■st7'ongly directed.' * * "On the 25th of May, 1825, Commodore James Barron relieved Captain Renshaw as Commandant of the Yard. * * " The work upon the dry-dock was commenced in November, 1827. Colonel Baldwin was appointed engineer in charge of the construction, * * and Captain W, P. S. Sanger was appointed resident engineer Gosport. Captain Sanger continued the immediate charge of the work under Colonel Baldwin until its completion. * * THE FIRST LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP BUILT AT GOSPORT. " On the 17th of June, 1833, the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the dock was opened for the reception of the line-of-battle ship Delaware, the first liner built at Gosport, and the first national ship ever docked in a dry-dock belonging to the United States. * * The line- of-battle ship N'orth Carolina was soon afterward admitted to the dock, " The dry-dock was turned over to the Commandant of the Navy- Yard complete on the 15th of March, 1834. The total cost of the work •was $974,356.65. * * * ACTIVITY IN SHIP BUILDING. " Commodore Warrington, who had assumed command of the yard 146 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. IIb Ehi CONTRACTOR FOR River and Harbor Improvements, Dredging WHARF BUILDING AND PILE DRIVING. N. W. Corner Court and South Streets, PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 147 May 26, 1831, continued it until the 7th of October, 1840. The yard was constantly used in the meantime for fitting out, refitting, repairing and laying up the ships and vessels of the Navy. The sloop John Adams was built in 1830.- The frigate Macedonian was rebuilt here between the years 1832 and 1836. The surveying-brig Pioneer was launched in 1836. The line-of-battle ship Pennsylvania became the receiving-ship in 1837. The sloop Yorktown was commenced in 1835 and launched in 1839. * * " Commodore W. B. Shubrick assumed command of the yard in Oc- tober, 1840, and retained it until October, 1843, * * The steamer Union was laid down at the yard in 1841 and launched in 1842. The store-ship Southampton was commenced in 1842. " In October, 1843, Commodore Shubrick was relieved by Commodore Jesse Wilkinson as Commandant. * * The brig Pe?iy was laid down in 1843. * * The sloop y(7Wfj/V'2(:w was laid down in 1843 and launched in 1844. * -K- * PURCHASE OF " ST. HELENA." " On the 26th of August, 1846, the lot of ground opposite the Navy- Yard" (on the Berkley side of the Southern Branch — see the inset chart) " and known as Saint Helena, was purchased and added to the yard. This ground was needed for ordnance purposes. * * Jurisdiction of the Saint Helena property was ceded to the United States by an Act of the General Assembly of Virginia, dated March 22nd, 1847. " Commodore Lawrence Kearny became Commandant on the ist of June, 1847. Some progress was made that year upon the launching-slip. * * The frigate St, Laurence and the brig Perry were launched. The former had been on the stocks for over twenty years. The steam -frigate Powhatan was laid down. January 19th, 1848, Commodore John D. Sloat was ordered to relieve Commodore Kearny as Commandant. * * IMPROVEMENTS AT THE YARD. " Between the years 1850 and i860 great progress was made in im- proving the yard, under current appropriations, while at the same time great activity prevailed in building, repairing, fitting out and laying up 148 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. ESTABLISHED 1865. JOHN E. WEST, Builder s General Contractor, PORTSMOUTH, VA. I have been steadily engaged in the business since 1843,. and am therefore perfectly familiar with every detail. Many of the handsomest residences, churches and public buildings in. the city are my work. Among those recently finished is the Public School House, Green Street^ an illustration of which is shown on page 61. M. F. DAUCHTREY, SURGEON DENTIST No. 207 High St., portsmouth, va, claud. woodward, Druggist and Apothecary, Fancy Goods and Toilet Articles. Under Ocean House, - - PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 149 the ships and vessels of the Navy. The steam-frigate Powhatan was launched in 1850. * * Gas for lighting the yard and buildings was introduced in 1855. * ■)«■ * " In 1855 the magnificent steam-frigates Roanoke and Coloiado were laid down; these vessels were finished and launched in 1857. The steam- sloops Dakota and Richmond v^Qxt begun in 185S and launched, the former in 1859 and the latter in i860. A purchased steamer called the Dispatch was rebuilt in 1859 under the name of Pocalwntas. ST. JOHN'S (P. E.) CHURCH. THE COMMANDANTS FROM 1851 TO 1861. " The following were the Commandants of the yard during this pe- riod, viz: Capt. Silas K. Stringham from 17th February, 1S51, to 1st April, 1852; Capt. Samuel L. Breeze from ist April, 1852, to loth May, 1855 ; Commodore Isaac McKeever from loth May, 1S55, until his death, which occurred on the ist of April, 1856 ; Capt. Thomas A. Dornin from 6th May, 1856, to 30th April, 1859; Capt. Charles H. Bell from 30th I50 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Established Sept. 1st, 1888. Portsmoutli Grammar and High School W. H. STOKES, Principal ; Miss E. J. STOKES, Assistant. Annual Term begins on FIRST MONDAY of September and continues FORTY CONSECUTIVE WEEKS, not in- cluding a two weeks' recess at Christmas. Students will be received, however, at any time and charged only from date of entrance. The design of this place of instruction is to afford to the Youth of this section a thorough preparation for College and the United States Naval and Military Academies, or to prepare them to enter at once upon the practical business of life. For Catalogues containing terms, course of studies, &c., &c., address the Principal, No. 206 Court Street, p. 0. Box 173. PORTSMOUTH, VA- ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. I51 April, 1859, to 1st August, i860, when he was relieved by Commodore Charles S. McCauley." EVACUATION OF THE YARD BY THE CONFEDERATES. Here follows an account of the proceedings at the Yard from the beginning of the Civil War until the evacuation of this district by the Confederates on May. loth, 1862, the prin- cipal incidents of which will be found elsewhere in this volume under the heading — " The War Between the States." rr^^'~" Admiral Goldsborough, who commanded the Federal blockading squadron, thus reports his arrival at Portsmouth and the destruction effected by the Confederate troops before their departure, under date of May 12th, 1862 : " I accompanied the President (Lincoln) and Secretaries Chase and Stanton yesterday to Norfolk, on board the Baltimore, but I did not return with the party (to Fortress Monroe.) " In the afternoon I visited the navy-yard (at Gosport) and went all over it. It is still burning in maay places. Nearly every thing is de- stroyed. Of the buildings, the officers' quarters alone remain intact. * * The dock-gates are all destroyed, and the pier-ends connected with the gates have been blown up to a partial degree, but otherwise the dock itself seems uninjured." Continuing from Lull's History : THE YARD RESTORED TO ORDER BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. " Admiral Goldsborough took possession of all the naval property in the vicinity, including the yard, the magazine and the naval hospital. " On the 20th of May, 1862, Capt. John W. Livingstone was ordered to the yard as Commandant. He at once commenced the work of putting the yard in as good order as its ruined state would permit. * * "Considerable appropriations for the fiscal years ending July, 1865, 152 SKETC« BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH VA., AUGUST BUFF, DRUGGIST & APOTHECARY, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in DRUGS AND MEDICINES, Chemicals, Perfumery, Toilet and Fancy Articles, Paints, Oils, Glass, Putty and Dye Stuffs, Grass, Garden and Flower Seeds, &c. 606 Crawford Street, - - PORTSMOUTH, VA. ~ F. P. NASH, '. HATS, CAPS, UMBRELLAS, &C No. 2 Oxford Hall, High St., PORTSMOUTH, VA. JOHN J. PHILLIPS DEALER IN FIRST-CLASS BEEF, MUTTON AND VEAL Stall No. 1, City Market, PORTSMOUTH, VA. . Established 1867. V. T.~PEED WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN Fine Boots and Shoes Constantly receiving New Goods and Latest Styles direct from the manufacturers, 220 HIGH STREET PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRx\DE. 153 1866, 1867, respectively, were made by Congress for restoring the various work-shops, stores, wharves, cranes, shears and machinery in the yard. * * " The restoration of the yard has been steadily progressing under the current appropriations. * * Dredging has been carried on from time to time, and is going on now, for deepening the channel off the yard, the design being to gain twenty-four feet of water at least. * * " The following have been the Commandants of the yard since the repossession by the United States, viz : Capt. John W. Livingstone from May 20, 1862, to November 16, 1864; Capt. John M. Berrien from No- RESIDKNCE OF MR. WM. J. BRENT. -vember 16, 1864, to October 7,1865; Commodore Robert B. Hitchcock from October 31, 1865, to August 7,1866; Rear-Admiral S. C. Rowan from August 7, 1866, to July 23, 1867; Commodore A. H. Kilby from August 15, 1867, to October i, 1870 ; Rear-Admiral C, H. Davis from Oc- tober I, 1870, to July I, 1873; and Commodore Thomas H. Stevens from July I, 1873, to the present time (1874.) * * " It is earnestly hoped, in view of its great importance, that Congress will make such appropriations for the continued improvement of the yard 154 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 155 at Gosport as shall make it commensurate with the needs of a first-rate naval power." Since the publication of Captain Lull's book, from which the above excerpts have been taken, the Gosport Navy-Yard furnishes very little history, beyond the dry records of an establishment devoted to important industrial operations. THE COMMANDANTS SINCE 1876. Commodore Stevens was succeeded as Commandant on July I, 1876, by Commodore J. Blakeley Creighton, who re- tained command until July i, 1879. Commodore A. K. Hughes served from July i, 1879, to July 6, 1882; Commo- dore W. K. Mayo from July 6, 1882, to April 10, 1885 ; Com- modore W. T. Truxtun from April 10, 1885, to March 11, 1886. On the last-mentioned date the charge of the Yard was assumed by Captain George Brown, the present Com- mandant. THE YELLOW FEVER IN 1855. The darkest season that ever dawned upon Portsmouth — darker than the stormy and anxious days of the Revolution, when the town was violated by the British invader and defiled by the presence of the traitor Arnold; darker even than the later and more terrible period of internecine strife which threatened the stability of the United States — was the Sum- mer of 1855, when the Yellow Fever — that dread scourge of tropical America — was landed at our wharves from the Ben Franklin, which arrived here direct from the Island of St. Thomas, in the West Indies, about the middle of June, and 156 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. The Hodgdon & Spencer Co. IMPORTERS OF PERUViAl^ CUAIMO, KASNIT CHEMICALS, &C. IVIANUFACTURERS OF AIVIIVIONIATED FERTILIZERS. THE GREAT FORI¥8ULA HOUSE. Dear Sir : Reductions in the price of Guanos must be made, and we hereby inform the Merchants and Farmers that we have 300 different fertiHzing formulas for the raising of Truck, Cotton, Tobacco, and Peanuts. We also manufacture goods to any formula sent us, always guaranteeing the best goods that can be bought in the market — charging only the market price and labor. Super- Phosphate, Ground or Dis- solved Bone, Ground or Acidulated Fish and Tankage is the basis of all manufactured Guano, and purchasers pay more in buying the manufactured Brands than to have them made to order. It is well to bear this in mind, and we shall be pleased to give any information as to the price of putting up any for- mula sent us, or those we have on hand. We solicit your or- ders and warrant satisfaction. Very respectfully, HODGDON & SPENCER CO., 154 & 156 Water St., Norfolk, Va, Goods always on hand, which we guarantee as genuine in every respect: Super-Phosphate, Acid Phosphate, Ground Bone, Dissolved Bone, Ground Fish, Acidulated Fish, Tank- age, Dried Blood, Bone Black, Sulphate Ammonia, Muriate of Potash, Nitrate of Soda, Fish Scrap, Marie, Peruvian Guano 10 per cent., Lobos Guano 6 per cent., Kainit. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 157 was placed in quarantine by order of the Health Officer of the Port, under suspicion of being infected. After being detained for some days she was granted permission to proceed to Gos- port for the purpose of being overhauled. Here her bilge- water was pumped out and a portion of her ballast was dis- charged upon the wharf. No apprehensions at her presence were entertained until Sunday, July 8th, when a young man, who had been employed on board her five days previously, AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. developed unmistakable symptoms' of yellow fever and died in the afternoon of the same day. The case created intense excitement, and the Town Council, having been convened in extraordinary session, ordered the immediate return of the steamer to the quarantine ground. But the precaution was taken too late. The mischief h ad 158 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Established i%2'2- Virginia Fire and IVSarine insurance Co. This Company insures at current rates all kinds of property. Term Policies (five years) issued on DWELLINGS AND FURNITURE at reduced rates. Fifty-three years in successful operation. Insures against Fire and Lightning. HUME & BRO., Agents, No. 224 High Street - - PORTSMOUTH, VA. W. H. HUGHES DEALER IN CHINA, CROCKERY, GLASSWARE, TABLE CUTLERY, LAMPS, LANTERNS, OIL STOVES, REFRIGERATORS, And a Genera! Line of House-Furnishing Goods. 303 High Street, PORTSIVIOUTH, VA. Elaine Oil a Specialty. JOHN W. DAUG-HERTY, Agent DEALER IN FINE FAMILY CROCEIilES. Butter^ Cheese arid Dairy Produce a Specialty. Stall No. 1, (High Street Entrance) Market House, PORTSMOUTH, VA. R. G. STAPLES, NEW YORK BAZAAR & BARGAIN STORE, 334- High Street, under Ocean House, Portsmouth, Va. DB^LBR lU LADIES' AND GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, CROCKERY, GLASS, TIN- Ware, Dry Goods, Notions, Hosiery, White Goods, Laces, Embroideries and Trim- mings, Fancy Goods, Novelties, Ribbons, Velveteens and Satins, Stationery. Lamps and Holiday Goods, and everything usually found in a first-class Dry Goods, Notion Store and Bazaar, We are the friends of economical buyers. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 159 been done and the pestilence had gained a firm foot-hold and spread with fearful rapidity, although the authorities took all possible steps to arrest its progress. A Relief Association was promptly organized to attend to the necessities of the sick and suffering and to superintend the expenditure of the contributions which soon began to pour in liberally from all parts of the country. The epidemic had seized upon the community when to- tally unprepared for it, and the citizens were almost paralyzed by panic. All mercantile pursuits and mechanical operations were suspended, the wages of labor stopped and the stores closed. The Government gave up the Naval Hospital for the use of the fever patients, and Provision Stores were opened, whence food and other comforts were issued to those in need. Physicians, apothecaries and nurses came from distant points to minister to the sick and dying, when the local staff had become exhausted with the incessant call upon their exer- tions, and many of these noble volunteers fell victims to their own self-sacrificing heroism. Three of the four successive keepers of the Provision Store died of the pestilence, as did also ten apothecaries and nurses and twelve physicians, of whom four — Drs. Parker, Trugien, Lovett and Nicholson — were reg- ular practitioners of the city. The Rev. James Chisholm, Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, the Rev. Francis Devlin, Priest in charge of St. Paul's Catholic Church, and the Rev. Vernon Eskridge, of the Methodist Church, remaining faithful to their holy mission, were constantly to be found at the bedside of the plague-stricken until themselves attacked by l6o SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. SAMUEL W. HODGES liE FOR ALL KINDS OF Brick and Wood Work ESTIMATES FURNISHED ON APPLICATION. Orders from the Country solicited and prompt attention given thereto. AU work guaranteed. No. 1025 Green Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE.- l6l the devouring pestilence and called upon to swell the number of its martyr-victims. Among the other prominent citizens of Portsmouth who succumbed to the Yellow Fever during this dark, sad season were Captain George Chambers and Mr. Robert T. Scott. Members of the Common Council ; Dr. William Collins, Pres- ident ot thi Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad Company, and RESIDENCE OF CAPT. E. V.WHITE. a host of Other good and true men and women, from whose loss the city has not even yet wholly recovered. The disease existed here as an epidemic for nearly four months, the last fatal cases having occurred on the loth of November, and during that period nearly a thousand human beings had perished by its ravages. Thousands of the more timid inhabitants had fled from 1 62 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. W. & J. PARKER Wholesale Grocers 711 Crawford Street, Parker's Wharf, PORTSMOUTH, VA. ALSO DEALERS IN COAL ji — -^ — ■— ■ — — W. A. FENTRESS NEWS DEALER, Cigars, Tobacco, Confectioneries, Fruits, &c GEM CIGAR STORE, 112 High Street .... PORTSMOUTH, VA. "~ ^^ H. S. WHITE CARPENTER AND BUILDER ESTIMATES FURNISHED ON ALL KINDS OF WORK. Jobbing & Building- in all brandies promptly attended to 518 Glasgow Street, Portsiviouth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE 163 the presence of the plague to seek refuge beyond reach of its fatal breath, but most of the City authorities, following the noble example of the Mayor, Mr. D. D. Fiske, and true to their own instincts of duty and humanity, remained here while the epidemic lasted, and thus rendered incalculable service to the community. If this dire calamity can be said to have possessed any one cheering element, it was surely to be discerned, in the spontaneous outpouring of sympathy and generosity which it evoked from every section of the country on behalf of the stricken and bereaved. So liberally had money been sub- scribed, that, out of the funds remaining in hand, the Treasu- rer was able to appropriate the sum of $10,000 towards the establishment and maintenance of an Orphan Asylum — an institution which still lives and flourishes — a fitting monument to the Charity and Benevolence to which it owes its existence. Thirty-one years have passed into history since that dis- astrous summer, and the City has been mercifully spared any recurrence of its horrors. No subsequent case of Yellow Fever has been known here ; and, while it is true that every sea-port in the world is liable to the accidental introduction of cholera, yellow fever, small-pox or any other infectious or contagious disease, it may be fairly assumed that, with our present almost perfect sanitary conditions, together with the strict quarantine regulations now in force, Portsmouth to-day enjoys complete immunity from the risk of any similar calamity in the future. 164 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. PP;5PS60 BLOn^II|& EQIIiliS ESTABLISHED 1774. 4^c^ BUHRS, 1774 (^IIJ^fENT®) ROLLS, 1882 ;.A.GAMBRIILLMfg.Co.> DAILY CAPACITY, 2200 BARRELS Our brands of Flour are manufactured from the Choicest Maryland and Virginia Wheat, notably rich in Gluten, Phos- phates and other nutritious properties. By the Modern Roller System, the most nutritious qualities of the wheat are extracted. Patapsco Superlative Patent Flour is conceded to be the Best in every particular for Family Use. ASK YOUR GPvOCER FOR IT. THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES. ITS GENERAL RESULTS. THE close of the year i860 was marked by extreme appre- hension and foreboding in Portsmouth, as well as all over the South, consequent upon the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States. It is not neces- sary here to recapitulate the political differences and sectional animosities which culminated in the secession of the Southern States and the bitter struggle Avhich followed this most mo- mentous event in modern history. The following extract from an address, embracing an historical sketch of Norfolk County, delivered at Berkley on July 4th, 1876 — the centennial birthday of the Nation — by the Hon. Legh R. Watts, then Judge of the County Court, and now President of our City Council, not only contains a summary of its results, quite sufficient to sat- isfy the objects of this narrative, but also expresses golden sentiments which it were well for every reader to lay to heart : " We have now reached the dark days of 1861, when a continent was riven by the wild blast of secession and the earthquake shock of civil war. Of the merits or demerits of that unfortunate struggle, it is not my purpose to speak ; no good could result from such a discussion. Peace is the supreme need of our country, and the patriotic heart everywhere longs for reconciliation. It is best that the dead past should bury its dead, and that the mantle of charity and forgctfulness should be thrown over all the incidents connected with that terrible contest, and that nothing should be l66 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. JNO. B. ROBERTSON DEALER IN First-Class Beef, Veal, Mutton, Etc., Etc STALL NO. 15 EAST SIDE CITY MARKET, PORTSMOUTH, VA. ' __ 306 High Street, Under Oxford Hall, Portsmouth, Va. HEADQUARTERS FOR BARGAINS IN Dry Goods, Hosiery, Corsets, Gloves, Notions, Gents' Furnishing Goods, &c., Wholesale and Retail. THE BEST GOODS FOR THE LEAST MONEY. J. F. PACE DEAER IN Groceries, Liquors, Tobacco, Cigars, &c. 214 AND 216 COUNTY STREET, PORTSMOUTH, VA. THE PLAIN TRUTH. IF YOU WANT TO BUY Butter, Cheese, Fruit, Confectioneries, Cakes, Crackers VINEGAR, CIDER, PICKLES, &C., Cheap at Wholesale, the right place to go to is W. B. GODWIN & CO.'S, 119 HIGH STREET, THE PIONEER FRUIT HOUSE. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 167 remembered except the yalor, the virtue, the fidelity to duty of those who offered themselves a holocaust to their country's need. Their memory should ever be cherished as a part of our priceless heritage, and their virtues should be commemorated in enduring marble and colossal bronze. " I shall not attempt a detailed account of the part Norfolk County sustained in that conflict ; it is fresh in the m.inds and memories of you all. From the first to the last she was true and unswerving in her fidelity and loyalty to the Queen Mother, Virginiay who claimed her highest alle- HYGEIA HOTEL— Old Point Comfort. giance ; and on every battle field, from Seven Pines to Appomattox, her sons stood shoulder to shoulder, with their compatriots of the Army of Northern Virginia, and followed with unshrinking fortitude and devotion the tattered banners of immortal Lee ; until, amid the gloom of that dis- astrous April day, they laid down their well-used arms in final surrender, and, 'with the consciousness of duty faithfully performed,' gave their loyal pledge of submission to the result, and returned to their impover- ished homes. The fidelity with which they have maintained this pledge l68 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. ADOPTED BY THE STATE BOARD FOR Exclusive Use in the Schools of Virginia THE BEST AUTHORITY ; The Accepted Usage o\ the Best Writers WORCESTER'S SCHOOL DICTIONARIES THE STANDARD IN SPELLING, PRONUNCIATION AND DEFINITION. These Dictionaries contain more words than any others of similar grades. Adopted and used in New York, Boston, Chicago, Worcester, Philadelphia, Cambridge, St. Louis, Lowell, and hundreds of cities and towns throughout the United States and Canada. Recently Adopted for Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia* J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, Publishers, Nos. 715 and 717 Market Street, Philadelphia. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 169 is worthy of all praise ; the assiduity and industry with which they have applied themselves to the honest labor of repairing their grievous losses is worthy of the highest commendation, and to their conduct the present condition of our country is largely due — a condition which is as satisfac- tory as her past is glorious, and gives assurance of a future radiant with hope and promise. " Nature has done much for us, and it only requires energy and en- terprise to utilize these advantages and turn them to good account. With a climate of unsurpassed salubrity and healthfulness, a soil of unrivalled fertility and productiveness, a location unexcelled by any on the Atlantic coast, why should we not attain a position of great commercial prosperity and importance? Our magnificent harbor and other advantages have attracted the attention and awakened the interest of statesmen of all ages, from the days of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was the first to appreciate them, down to the time of our loved and lamented scientist, the immortal Maury, and they must sooner or later command recognition from intelli- gent emigrants, who will then pour in upon us the wealth of their honest industry and untiring energy." THE NAVY-YARD DESTROYED AND ABANDONED BY THE FEDERALS. Some few events, however, are entitled to particular men- tion in these pages, as they bear specially upon the history of Portsmouth, and were participated in and witnessed by many of her surviving citizens. When the gauntlet had been thrown down by Beauregard at Fort Sumter, and Lincoln, in response, had " let slip the dogs of war" upon the devoted Southern land, it soon became apparent that Virginia was destined to become the principal battle-field of the Eastern campaign, and the anxious attention of both Governments was naturally directed to the Navy-Yard at Portsmouth, which contained vast quantities of ordnance 170 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. WM. B. JOHNSON DEALER IN C Everything kept in a first-class Undertaking Establishment. Particular i^a,ttention to Shrouding and Embalming. Telegraph orders day or night. STORE 502, RESIDENCE 700 COUNTY STREET, PORTSMOUTH, VA. F. DURR ~~~ DEALER IN Pure Drugs, Chemicals. Patent Medicines. Perfumery Fancy and Toilet Goods, &c. PRESCRIPTIONS A SPECIALTY. Carefully and faithfully compounded at all hours, day and night. All goods FRESH and FIRST-CLASS, and PRICES LOW. 206 Dinwiddie Street. - - - PORTSMOUTH, VA, " P. H. LARKIN DEALER IN Fine Boots and Shoes 310 HIGH STREET, Nexl to Oxford Hall. PortSmOllth, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. I71 and military stores. There were also, on April ist, 1861, at the Yard or in the stream, four ships of the line, with 342 guns ; the steam-frigate Merrimac, 40 guns ; three frigates, each of 50 guns ; two sloops, of 22 guns each, and the brig Dolphin, 4 guns. In addition to these, the Cumberland, 24 guns, the fldg-ship of the home squadron, was also lying off the Yard, fully manned. Commodore Charles S. McCauley, the Commandant of the Yard, found himself in a position of extreme difficulty. On the one hand he was required by the Secretary of the Navy, " in view of the peculiar condition of the country", to exercise great vigilance in guarding the public interests and property committed to his charge ; on the other hand he was cautioned to take no steps which would be calculated to give needless alarm ; while his friends urged upon him the advisa- bility of committing no act which, being regarded as hostile to the South, might " inaugurate civil war." The Merrimac, which was under repairs, was ordered to be got ready for sea and removed to Philadelphia with the utmost dispatch. This order was promptly complied with, so far as the preparation for her departure was concerned, but she was not destined to make the intended voyage. On Saturday, the 20th of April, it was reported to the Commandant that State troops were arriving in the neighbor- hood of Portsmouth in large numbers from Richmond, Peters- burg and the surrounding counties, and that obstructions had been placed in the river to prevent the escape of the United States ships. In order that the authorities at the Yard might be thoroughly deceived as to the strength of the force by 172 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA The 64th Session begins October Isl, 1887, and continues NINE MONTHS. There are nineteen Schools, giving instruction in Literature, Sci- ence, Agriculture, Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, an^i Law. All the Depajrtments are thoroughly equipped. Virginia-students pay no tuition-fees in the Academic Schools, nor in that of Practical Agri- culture. For Catalogue, with full particulars, apply to C. S. VENABLE, L.L, D., Chairman of Faculty. P. 0. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, VA. THOS. SCOTT. Established in l^Sf). CALEB FLEMMING. Scott & Flemming Mertaks ad Fumke Sealers STRICTLY PRACTICAL AND RELIABLE In our Furniture Department we keep a line of excellent goodsv 317 HIGH STREET PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 173 ^hich they were menaced, " trains of cars were sent out empty from the station at the water-side, and at a short distance from the City were filled with troops which had gone out for the purpose, and were then brought back, landing the men in plain sight of the ships ; and this was repeated many times a day, of ■course conveying the impression that fresh troops were con- stantly arriving." Fort Norfolk had also been taken possession CHESTNUT STREET PUBLIC SGHOOL— FOR COLORED CHILDREN. of by the United Fire Company, who had removed the powder from the magazine and mounted an ancient and useless cannon at a conspicuous point. And now occurred one of the most extraordinary pro- ceedings ever recorded in relation to military or naval econ- omy. It must be remembered that war had not yet been formally entered upon ; but so intense was the excitement and 174 SKEiCH liOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. I. N. ANDERTON DEALER IN Fine Family Groceries AND PROVISIONS. TOBACCO, CIGARS, &C. FINE TEAS AND COFFEES A SPECIALTY. Corner South and Dinwiddie Streets, PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 175 SO strained the suspense, that the public mind seemed to have lost its balance and to have become thoroughly demoralized. Union-men and Secessionists, Federals and Confederates, Northern adherents and Southern sympathizers, were alike seized with' the spirit of inconsequent folly, and proceeded — as in a veritable game of " cross-purposes" — to do those very things which their own calmer judgment would have most heartily condemned. Commodore McCauley — although in full possession of the Navy-Yard, with its large amount of ordnance stores ; with several powerful vessels in commission ; with a sufficient force of blue-jackets and marines to repel any possible attack from the untrained recruits and amateur "military companies" which formed the only army as yet available to the Confederate cause ; and within a dozen miles of Fortress Monroe, whence reinforce- ments could be drawn at an hour's notice — now decided that the Yard ami its contents v/ere no longer tenable, and began at once to ^mttle or otherwise destroy the ships, as a prepar- atory step towards a hasty flight. The vessels thus wholly or partially destroyed were the Pennsylvania, three-decker, 120 guns, the receiving-ship of the station ; the Delaware, 74 ; the Columbus, 74 ; the frigates Merrhnac, ^Columbia and Raritan; the sloops-of-war Germa^itown and Plymouth, and the brig Dolphin. The old frigate United States was left uninjured, and was afterwards used by the Confederates as a receiving- ship. That night about 10 o'clock the Pawnee arrived from Washington, having on board Flag-Officer Hiram Paulding, who superseded Commodore McCauley as Commandant, and 176 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. W. H. CODD & BRO- DEALERS IN "NEW MARKET," Corner South and Washington Streets, PORTSMOUTH, VA. N. E. WHITE, DEALER IN DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, &c. R. J. Roberts' " Gold-Eye " Needles, " Razor " Scissors and Cutlery a Specialty. No. 318 High Street, (Next to Ocean House,) PORTSMOUTH, VA. L. K. HYSELOP DEALER IN Drugs, liEgdicines, Chssnic^ls, Fansj and Toilsi Articias SPONGES, BRUSHES, PERFUMERY. ETC. FINE CBGARS AND TOBACCO. Prescriptions carefully compounded, and orders answered with care and dispatch. Corner of Court and Crabbe Streets, PORTSMOUTH, VA. WM. H, WATTS DEALER IN PlhlE, OAK &. SLAB WOODS East End of Crabbe Street, Neely's Wharf,. PORTSMOUTH, VA. LIGHTERS TO HIRE BY THE TRIP. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 177 178 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH VA., JOHN C. TEE WM. H. BRITTINGHAM. Builders & General Contractors SEABOARD AND ROANOKE RAILROAD STATION, SUFFOLK. The above is avw7tg the Buildings recently erected by us. Estimates given on all work, personally or by mail. Orders from the Country will receive prompt attention. Correspondence solicited. Address : PORTSMOUTH or NORFOLK, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. I79 imniediately assumed command of the yard and the naval forces afloat in the harbor. Seeing- that those of the vessels which had not yet touched bottom were quickly sinking, and that the situation, generally, was " past praying for, " the new Commandant made haste to spike all the guns, in number over two thousand, and to complete the work of destruction begun by his predecessor. Early on the following morning — Sunday, April 2ist — the store-houses, work-shops and ship-houses, with their contents, together with the various ships, were, at a given signal, set on fire, and in a few minutes the whole area of the Navy Yard and the river in its neighborhood seemed to be a sea of flame, illuminating the country for miles around. An attempt was also made to blow up the dry-dock with gun- powder, but this proved unsuccessful. After firing the yard, Commodore Paulding, with all the officers and men who re- mained faithful to the Federal Government, embarked onboard the Cumberland and Paw7iee, and, being unmolested in their passage dovv^n the river, arrived in safety off Fortress Monroe. It is generally conceded that even at this point and with, only these two vessels under his command, the Federal Com- modore might have held the port indefinitely, and that, by training his guns upon the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk, he could have effectually prevented any hostile demonstration from either shore. What, then, could have been more advan- tageous to the Virginians than to get rid of these dangerous but panic-stricken fugitives, on almost any terms ? And yet, so blinded were the former by patriotic zeal and military ardor, that they actually placed obstructions in the channel near Seawell's Point in the suicidal attempt to prevent their escape ! l8o SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. 47 Granby St., Nor.folk, Va. Designs and Drawings for all classes of pulslic and private buildings in any part of North Carolina or Virginia. Alterations and additions to exist- ing buildings a specialty. Faithful superintendence guaranteed. Refer to some ot the finest buildings in this section. Correspondence solicited. FLOUR MERCHANT AND DEALER IN Choice FamiSy Groceries and Country S. E. Comer County and IViiddle Streets^ PORT SMOUTH, VA. GEO. W. HOWE & CO. DEALERS IN Brup and Patent Miim^ Ssda ai Mineral Water, Fasioj & Toilet Artieh CIGARS, TOBACCO, &C. 314 H!6H STREET, P0B0X93 ' PORTSMOUTH, VA. DEALERS IN Cooking and Heating Stoves, Ranges ROOFING AND GUTTERING, TINWARE, &C. 509 IViarkei Square, PORTSMOUTH, VA. Agents for Bibb's Celebrated Fire- Place Heater. i*rs PEOPLE AND ITS TrACE I8I Had they succeeded, it is probable that the history of the Civil War would never have been written, and that military titles would never have become fashionable in the United States. "MERRIMAC" AND "MONITOR." For a year Portsmouth was held by the Confederate Govern- ment, and was their chief military and naval depot. Here was also built the first American iron-clad, which was constructed under the direction of a Portsmouth man. Captain John L. THE MERRIMAC'S FIRST ACHIEVEMENT. Porter, the present Superintendent of the Portsmouth and Norfolk County Ferries. The steam-frigate Merrimac, as has been stated above, had been scuttled and burnt to her copper- line by the Federal authorities, when they abandoned the Navy Yard" in April, 1861. She was subsequently raised by the Confederates and taken into the dry -dock, where she was repaired, refitted and clothed with iron armor. Meantime, Mr. Lincoln's cabinet, apprised of what was in progress here, felt "great solicitude in regard to this proceeding of the rebels," 182 SKETCiEi BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. DEALER IN First-class Beef, Veal, Mutton and Pork •^i •'-^J^J ^' .-^>!^, Stalls 8 and lo City Market — Residence 8io Washington Street, PORTSMOUTH, VA. Fine Whiskeys, Brandies, Gin, Rum Cigars, Tobacco, Snuff, &c., 114 MARKET SQUARE, PORTSMOUTH, VA. AVHOLESALE Grocer and Dealer in Ship Stores, Etc. No. 87 IWarke! Square, S. E. Cor. King & CralKord Sts., PORTSMOUTH, VA. ffS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADEI- 183 (to quote Mr. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy,) and had contracted with Mr. John Ericsson for an iron-clad turreted vessel, with guns of immense calibre, which, when built, was called, by his request, the Afojii^or. Great things were expected from this floating battery which sailed from New York for Hampton Roads on the 6th of March, 1862, under the command of Lieutenant (afterwards Admiral) Worden. But she did not reach her destination until " the day after the fair. " The Merrimac had been armed and launched — under the name of Virginia — and had gone down to Hampton Roads on Satur- day, March 8th, where she had at once engaged the whole fleet lying there, sinking the. corvette Ciuhberland, burning the frigate Congress, and driving off the remaining vessels. Gen- eral Wool telegraphed the startling news to President Lincoln from Fortress Monroe, stating that the fortress itself was in danger, as " the Merrimac was impenetrable and could take any position she pleased for assault. " The cabinet at Wash- ington was thrown into a state of alarm bordering upon panic. Mr. Stanton is reported to have exclaimed, on receipt of the news : " The Merrimac will change the whole character of the war ; she will destroy, seriatim, every naval vessel ; she will lay all the cities on the seaboard under contribution. I shall immediately recall Burnside. Port Royal must be abandoned. I will notify the Governors and the municipal authorities in the North to take instant measures to protect their harbors." From this it is clear that Mr, Stanton, at least, did not place much confidence in the ability oi the Monitor to arrest the triumph- ant career of her rival iron-clad. 184 SkEtCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUtH,;VA. DRUGGIST, S. VV. Cor. High and Hlliddle Sfreets, JOHN MASSINQHAM DEALER IN STOVES, HOUSE-FURNISHINCI GOODS AND PUJVIPS and manufacturer of Tin, Copper and Sheet iron Ware, Roofing, Guttering and Spouting 221 HIGH ST., PORTSMOUTH, VA. Orders from the Country Promptly Attended to. JOHN H. DIJNHAM. THOS. T. COCKE. MANUFACTURERS OF THE CELEBRATED VIRGILIO AND YUM-YUM CIGARS 327 HIGH STREET, PORTSiVlOUTH, VA. Corner Green and Queen Sts., Portsmouth, Va. , ^EOlClfiES AriO CHEP FANCY AND TOILET ARTICLES, Toilet Soaps, Sponges, Brushes, Combs, Perfumery, Etc., Etc. Physicians' Prescriptions Carefully Compounded. its PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 1 85 THE MERRIMAC'S FIRST ENGAGEMENT. As already shown, the Virginia — or Merrimac, by which name she was still generally known — had steamed down to Hampton Roads on Saturday, March 8th, 1862 — mighty in her strength, proud in her courage and confident in her armor — prepared to give battle to any and every foe whom she might encounter. Her " opening performance" was brilliant beyond precedent, and the hopes of the Confederacy were extrava- gantly exalted by reason of her great achievem.ent. She carried a full complement of officers and 320 men. The fol- lowing is a partial list of the former : Franklin Buchanan, Commodore in command of the fleet and squadron, who had made the Merrimac his flag-ship and commanded her in person ; Lieut. Catesby ap R. Jones, Executive Officer ; Lieu- tenants Robt. D. Minor, C. C. Simms, J. Pembroke Jones, Hunter Davidson, John T. Wood, John R. Eggleston, Walter R. Butt ; Surgeons, Dr. D. B. Phillips, A. S. Garnett; Paymaster, James A, Semple; Asst. Paymasters, Evan Allbright, C.J. Creekmur ; Midshipmen, H. B. Littlepage, R. C. Foute, H. H. Marmaduke, Thos. R. Rootes, W. J. Craig, J. C. Long, C. K. Mallory, F B. Dornin; Pilot (rank of Master), Wm. Parrish ; Engineers — Chief, H. A. Ramsey; Assistants, Geo. W. City, John W, Tynan, Louden Campbell, Benj. Herring, E. V. White, E. A. Jack ; Gunner, C. B. Olliver ; Boatswaii'i, Chas. H. Hasker ; Carpenter, Hugh Lindsey ; Marine Officer, Lieut. Reuben Thom. When the Merrimac had sunk the C^^;;^(5syiKe^9«i.«9£^«l THE SOLDSEHS' I^OS^E, i^A^FTOf^, LD Point Comfort, as its name implies, was regarded by the hardy and adventurous voyager of three centuries ago as a " haven of rest," after the storms and perils of the pathless Ocean. But in those remote days it was a mere strip of barren land, where the infrequent rushes nodded in the breeze and the wolf made his solitary lair. Great changes have marked the scene since then, and the once desolate marshes are now reclaimed and dotted with "tower and town and hamlet, " far as the eye can reach. On nearing Old Point fiom Portsmouth and Norfolk, the visitor will notice from the steamer's deck, to the left of Fortress Monroe and the famous Hygeia Plotel, (and fronting the waters of Hanjpton Roads,) an imposing structure, surmount- ed by a spangled dome and surrounded by other handsome buildings, all delightfully situated in the midst of ornamental trees and statuary, beyond which are broad stretches of highly cultivated land. This is the Southern Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. It was founded in 1 871, by the] Federal Government, as an asylum for wounded and disabled veterans, so that the origiarJ title given to this locality — Old Point Comfort — still holds good. At first only fifty inmates were sheltered, but as the " Flome " became better known for the recuperative virtues 6f its climate and water, th6 nUiiibef grddlidlly iAdfeasedj until 200 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH VA., ELiaiBLE SITES FOR Manufacturino" Concerns THE WATER-FRO^iTAGE PROPERTY OF DR. WPJ. SCHrvlOELE, JR. A glance at the inset chart of the Southern Branch and its shores will convince the reader that there are few cities whose immediate vicinity furnishes such excellent locations for manufacturing and industrial estab- lishments, of almost any nature, as does that of Portsmouth. It will be seen that nearly the whole of the western bank of the river from Back Creek to the Locks of the Dismal Swamp Canal is in the hands of one proprietor, Dr. V/M. Schmoele, Jr., and that the water frontage, along nearly its whole length, projects within a few feet of the natural channel, wliicli, with the exception of one or two narrow bars, is deep enough for all industrial purposes. Within the last few months negotiations have been pending (and are now almost concluded) for the purchase of a con- siderable tract of this land by a wealthy Company, who intend to establish here an important manufacturing enterprise; and their example will doubtless be followed before long by many other concerns desiring eligible locations for similar purposes. With our magnificent bailor and unex- celled railroad and shipping facilities for transporting products to all parts of the world, it may confidently be claimed that no better opportunities are available for acquiring valuable property on easy terms than are now to be secured on the tract above referred, to, and it is very certain that the prices of this class of real estate mxrst shortly advance, .owing to the im- provements which will be made. Capitalists and others interested in mc' chanical industries shoald not fall to call upon or communicate with Dr. ScHMOELfi tjeford ifti^^Sting their money eLevvhere. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 26t at the present time nearly seventeen hundred old soldiers are accommodated. Captain P. T. Woodfin, the present Governor, took charge on January 17th, 1873, and the evidences of his prosperous rule appear to multiply at every turn. The grounds are taste- fully laid out and traversed in all directions by dry, solid drives or gravelled paths ; a base-ball park and agricultural grounds have been provided, while graceful and substantial buildings have been clustered so as to greatly enhance the beauty of the landscape. Along the water-front a solid plank walk, known as " The Boulevard, " has been built, together with a large wharf and commodious bath-house for the use of the inmates. The officers of the institution are Captain P. T. Woodfin, Governor; Captain Wm. Thompson, Treasurer and Secretary; and Dr. S. K. Towle, Surgeon. General George Bt Mc- Clennan was for several years local manager, and took great interest in the Home. Since his death General James S. Negley has been appointed his successor. The main buildiRg, which forms the subject of our ihustra- tion, is four stories high and each story is surrounded by a broad piazza. It is supplied with all the modern comforts and conveniences, and on its summit is the observatory, from which an ever changing panorama of land and water is presented. Ward Memorial Hall,' built from funds bequeathed by Mr. Horatio Ward, of London, England, contains the refectory, billiard hail, and theatre. A new hospital has been recently completed at a cost of $125,000. The Officers' Quarters are in neat cottages along the water front. The Governor's and Treasurer's 6fific6S occupy suitable buildings, as also the 202 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE 203 Library, Fire-Engine House, Conservatory and other useful departments. An Artesian well supplies excellent water. This institution, which possesses numerous attractions in addition to those enumerated above, has received under its friendly shelter thousands of broken down soldiers, R-any of whom it has sent away with renewed health and strength — now active citizens, able to take their part once more in the batde of life. WSETEOS^OLGCICAL Fi^EAKS DESPITE the obvious fact that the State of Virginia, and especially its Eastern portion, enjoys geographioal and climatic advantages superior to those of any other State in the Union, it nevertheless happens that, in common with every other spot on the earth's surface, she is occasionally visited by what might fairly be called Atmospheric Phenomena, so seldom do they occur — the rare exceptions to the estab- lished rule of genial equability. " THE BIG FREEZE." In January, 1857, for example, a snow-storm of great vio- lence burst upon the coast and invaded the tide-water counties, accompanied by a strong wind and high tides. On Monday, the 19th, the " innocent snow " lay six feet deep, and the river was frozen over from shore to shore. A few days later the whole harbor was blockaded with ice, and all communication by 'water was cut off. At one time the mercury registered 204 SKETCH EOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. i^URDAUCH & MAY© James River Bricks Bright Bed Pressed, Paving &. Bylldlng Bricks YARDS ON James River, Mou\h of Pagan Creek p. O. BOX 114, NORFOLK, VA. RiDDiCK & Richardson HARDWARE CUTLERY, BAR IRON Ar^lD STEEL. PLOWS A^D CASTINGS Wheel Timber, Iron Axles, FarmingMmpiements, &c. .610 Market Square, ..... PORTSMOUTH. VA. "■ BERHY &, SOW ~ WHOLSSVLS AND RETAIL DEALERS IM BEEF, VEAL, LAiB AID liOTTON GOOD BEEF A SPECIALTY. Stalls 28 and 30, City l^larket, PORTSMOUTH, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 205 nine degrees below zero — an unheard-of event in this latitude but common enough at the North and North-west where " blizzards " are mere incidents of every winter's experience. Thousands of people swarmed upon the ice and availed them- selves of this opportunity — the first within the memory of living men, and probably the last for many generations to come — of disporting themselves upon the now congealed bosom of the hitherto hospitable and warm-hearted Elizabeth. "THE AUGUST STORM." Again, on August i8th, 1879, the city was surprised by the unwelcome visit of som.ething very nearly akin to a hurri- cane — or so, at least, it seemed to the unaccustomed eyes of the population, although it would probably have aroused neither surprise nor alarm in our brethren who dwell in the prairie-home of the cyclone and tornado. It began about g o'clock', a, m., with a furious easterly v/ind and driving rain, which lasted several hours, inflicting considerable damage upou tlie shade-trees, fences and lightly-constructed buildings of the City. The wharves and gardens near the river were sub- merged, vessels were driven ashore, and the bark David Dudley was capsized and drifted, bottom upwards, to the Berkley Flats. An occasional more-than-usually impetuous blast would tear the branches from the trees, palings from the fences and shingles from the houses, in a manner equally uncere- monious and impartial, and hurl them about in" all directions. Trees were uprooted, houses damaged, and woe to the mer- chants whose sign-boards were not firmly secured ! The surrounding country also suffered severely, chietly in the^matter 206 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Nottingliam, Wrenn & Styron MANUFACTURERS OF Norfolk Fertilizers & Shell Lime DEALERS IN KAINIT AND PHOSPHATES, ■ Agricultural (Shell) Lime at Im Prices For large or small quantities. General Office, 56 Main Street, under Atlantic Hotel, NORFOLK, VA. Factory, Burton's Point, above Navy-Yard, PORTSMOUTH NOTTINGHAM & WRENN Commission Merchants Shingles at lowest market prices in "large lots or any quantity- desired. Lumber Bills cut to order. General Office, 56 Main Street, under Atlantic Hotel, NORFOLK, VA. YARDS : Burton's Point, above Navy-Yard, - PO^TSPalOUTI^, ¥A. McCullough's Wharf, . , . . NORFOLK, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 207 of fences and barns. Numerous slight accidents and " hair breadth 'scapes" were reported, but fortunately the city escaped without any loss of life. For several days afterwards the local newspapers enlarged upon the destruction wrought by this unwonted visitor, which is still commonly referred to as " The August Storm," although more than seven years have elapsed since its passage. THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE. The earthquake of August 31st, of this year, which filled Charleston, S. C, with mourning and desolation, was felt here also, and with sufficient force to shake everything else except the confidence of the Portsmouth people in themselves and in the future prosperity of their city ; but the shock was not re- peated and no evil consequences ensued. So _ extremely infrequent, indeed, are atmospheric or seismic disturbances of any kind in this placid and delectable latitude that their visitations assume almost historical impor- tance, being regarded by our people as epochs whence succeeding time is measured, and are consequently entitled to be placed on record in Portsmouth's " Sketch Book. " POCAHONTAS STEAM COAL. THE NORFOLK AND WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY'S COALING STA- TION AT LAMBERT'S POINT IN THE LOWER HARBOR. AS Hampton Roads, from its situation midway between the Banks of Newfoundland and the Gulf of Mexico, with its safe harbor and easy access, was admirably adapted for a coaling station for ocean steamers, the Norfolk and Western 208 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. STE. W. B. ROGERS OR THOMAS NEWTON LEAVE NORFOLK EVERY AT 7 A. M. For all Landings on the Dismal Swamp Canal. Freights for the above Steamers received daily from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M. HENRY ROBERTS, Superintendent. THE DISi^AL SWAH^P CAi^AL will admit sharp built vessels drawing five feet of water ; lighter built vessels, four feet. The Locks will admit 96 feet length, and 161^ feet breadth of beam, Rafts secured with chains must not be over 14 feet wide ; secured with binders, not over 12 feet wide. They must be well secured to the satisfac- tion of the Canal authorities. Steamers will not be admitted without a permit from this ofSce, HENRY ROBERTS, Supt., Higgins' Wharf, Norfolk, Va. OFFICERS : JOHN B. WHITEHEAD President HENRY ROBERTS Superintendent- H. C. WHITEHEAD Secretary and Treasurer. S. W. GARY Collector. Directors : ; _ ' ' J. B. Whitehead, W. H. C. Ellis, C.W.Newton,, J.Y.Leighj ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 209 Railroad Company, with a view to extending the facilities for the steam marine in this particular, have recently constructed berths for bunkering- steamers at their grand coal pier at Lam- bert's Point, with 26 feet of water, and the most approved chutes 45 feet high, enabling steamers of any size to be coaled there with the greatest possible dispatch. The| Pier is five- eights of a mile long, with double tracks and chutes on both sides. It has berths for coaling three large steamships at the same time, besides ample accommodations for coastwise vessels, and is capable of being doubled in capacity should business require it. The Pier is in a safe harbor, and the river bottom, being of soft mud, can be easily kept dredged to any required depth. The Virginia Pilots' Association have certified that they can put a steamship drawing 25]feet at the Pier at any time. The Appalachian chain of mountains, reaching from Penn- sylvania to Carolina, and traversing Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, is filled with the finest coal beds on the American continent. Its seams of Semi-Bituminous Coal are found to yield the best steam coal, and the further to the South they extend the finer the quality appears to become. In Tazewell County, Virginia, the perfection of this class of coal has been found, the seams all producing the same character of coal, containing less sulphur and ash than the more northerly products. About three years ago the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company connected these mines, which are situated in and around the town of Pocahontas, in the Flat Top Mountains, with this port, and so excellent has the coal proved for steam -generating pur- poses, that immense quantities are now brought here daily for local consumption and for shipment, principally to New England 2IO SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Worth Knowiii' BEING MANUFACTURERS OF CLOTHING and carrying a LARGE STOCK at all times, wouldn't it be as well when you're in want of CLOTHING to give us a call ? We make a specialty of Business Suits ranging in prices from $5 to $10, with a full and complete line of the finer grades. New Goods constantly arriving and at PRICES that you'll find to be the LOWEST. BURK & CO. 112 and 114 Main St., - Norfolk, Va. ITS PEOPLE AND iTS TRADE. 2ll ports. The best conducted railroads in the East and the fastest local steamship lines are using the Pocahontas Coal. It produces steam quicker and has less clinker than any other semi-bituminous coal, and English engineers who have used it LAMBERT'S POINT COAL PIER. on the ocean state that it comes nearer to the best Welsh Coal than any they have hitherto obtained in the United States. Every possible arrangement has been made by the Rail- road Company to expedite the coaling of steamers, which can ribWj tiy mgtidlling AS th6y p£iSS th6 Capes, give the Pier two 212 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Valentine's Meat Juice Woits. RICHEVIOND, VA. This handsome establishment, whose product has done much towards spreading the fame of Virginia's Capital throughout the world of industry and commerce, is conveniently situater! on the corner of Gary and Sixth streets. It was built in 1884 by Mr. Mann S. Valentine, in obedience to the rapidly increasing demand for the celebrated extract which bears his name. During the fifteen years since it first appeared, to cheer and comfort the invalids of all nations, Valentine's Meat Juice has earned the unan- imous endorsement of the medical faculty, and has been awarded medals and diplomas at the" Centennial Exposition" (Philadelphia) in 1876; the " Exposition Universal" (Paris) in 1878 ; the "Domestic and Scientific Ex- hibition " (Brighton, England) in 1881 ; and the " Medical and Scientific Exhibition" (London) in 1881. At the first named it received the highest award for " Excellence of its method of preparation, whereby it more nearly represents fresh meat than any other extract of meat, its freedom from disagreeable taste, its fitness for immediate absorption, and the per- fection in which it retains its good qualities in warm climates." Since then it has attained worid-wide popularity, simply and solely by virtue of its own intrinsic merit, and has earned the highest commendations from such conservative publications as the London Lancet, the British Medical Journal, and others, while eminent physicians and chemists throughout the world have been unanimous in its praise. It is easily portable, and is therefore of special benefit to the traveller by land or sea. It is absolutely unaffected by change of temperature or climate, having proved itself of equal value in the Tropics, where its consumption is rapidly increasing, and in the Polar Seas,, whither it was taken by the medical officers connec- ted with the Greely Relief Expedition. The several departments of Mr. Valentine's business are filled by his four sons, Messrs. G. G., M. S., Jr., B. B. and F. S. Valentine. These young men do ample justice to the training they have received and to the intelligent energy they have inherited. During the season of the active production of the Meat Juice they are busily engaged about the Works ; this season over, they arc away, sometimes in distant lands, attending to matters connected with the further success of their great ehterprise. its PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE 213 and a half to three hours' notice of their coming, so that every- thing will be in readiness for them. By using the code letters " L. M. B," they will be reported by telegraph as coming for coal, and by giving their number, their names will also be re- ported. The health officer will be on hand, and in case of windy weather a tug will be supplied, free of charge, to assist in berthing a steamer. During the year ending June 30th, 1886, sixty-eight for- eign steamers (62 British, 5 Spanish and i Norwegian) and 514 American sailing vessels have received Pocahontas Coal at Lambert's Point Pier, aggregating the enormous quantity of 376,426 tons, or a monthly average of 31,369 tons. This is exclusive of local and harbor deliveries, and affords convincing proof of the great popularity this Coal has attained since the Pier was completed sufficiently to begin business. 013R COLORED BitS:THR£^S. THEIR PROSPEROUS CONDITION. \0 the people of Virginia, as of the South generally, the relations existing between the two races — white and colored — is one of paramount importance, and involves the stability of the whole social structure. Politically speaking the races are antagonistic, by habit rather than by deliberate choice ; but with this our Sketch Book has no concern. The problem here refers entirely to the social economy of the commu- nity, and occupies a position very similar to that other great problem which has assumed Sttdi gr6it protnlnence in othef Si4 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. "lliePorhiao^iyailyliiBsf "Tidewater Times" " Portsmoutli Observer" J. H. WILCOX, Editor and Proprietor. W. B. WILDER, Business Manager. ' The "PORTSMOUTH DAILY TIMES" has been established about eight years. It is Democratic in politics. Its circulation is larger than any other newspaper that is distributed in Portsmouth, Va., and Suffolk, Va., and the towns adjoining this city. It is devoted to the moral and commercial improvement and the development of the business inter- ests of this ctftiiiiiunity. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 215 parts of the United States, namely, the attitude maintained be- tween Capital and Labor. Apart, then, from the question of politics, it may be stated at once that the white and colored races of this pleasant City dwell together in perfect peace and harmony to a degree rarely met with in this or any other Southern^ State. No better evidence of this fact can be adduced than the condition of comfort and prosperity which our colored brethren have attained, the value of the church property they have acquired and the educational advantages they enjoy. THE AFRICAN M. E, CHURCH. . This church was organized in 1857, and was formerly known as the Old Glasgow Street M. E. Church. It now occupies a fine site on North Street, and adjoining it stands the handsome new parsonage (see the illustration on page 157.) The property belonging to this organization is worth $50,000, and the amount raised by the congregation during the last three and a half years, under the administration of its present energefic pastor, the Rev. W. G. Alexander, for religious, educational and other purposes, amounted to no less a sum than $14,000. The membership of this church exceeds nine hundred, and there is an average attendance at the Sunday School of over five hundred scholars. Within the main organ- ization of the church are numerous " Societies " and " Associa- tions " for instructive and benevolent objects, and this church may safely be mentioned as among the most earnest and pros- perous religious institutions of the South. 2l6 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. DOUBLE DAILY PASSENGER & FREIGHT LINE BETWEEN PORTSMOUTH, Norfolk, Old Point Comfort and Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and all Points East and West. Passenger Trains only ii hours between New York and Portsmouth. Pullman Palace and Parlor Cars are run through without transfer. The only Line between Portsmouth and the North by which passen- gers are not subjected to transfers. Fast Freight Trains composed of Cars built expressly for the trans- portation of Vegetables and other perishable freight are run between Portsmouth, Norfolk and Philadelphia, New York and Boston, daily ex- cept Sundays, affording a great saving in time over all other lines. Freight Cars are Run Through from Portsmouth and Norfolk TO AVOIDING REHANDLING OF ALL BUSINESS. Low Passenger & Freight Rates & Quick Time. Connects at Portsmouth and Norfolk with all water lines to North Carolina ; the Norfolk and Western Railroad and Norfolk Southern Rail- road ; the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, and the Atlantic Coast Line ; at Delmar with the Pennsylvania Railroad — over all of winch through rates and Bills of Lading are issued. Mil on Sale at 411 frinsipal OificeE Iforili ari Mi R. B. COOICE, General Passenger and FreigJd Agent^ PORtsMOUTtt AND NORFOLK, VA. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 2x7 ZION BAPTIST CHURCH. This flourishing Church is an off-shoot of the Court Street Baptist Church, and was organized in March, 1865, by three hundred and eighteen members who had obtained letters of dismissian from the latter. One of their number, E. G. Cor- prew, was ordained to the ministry and became pastor of the new Church, which he served faithfully until his death, in 18S1, ZION (COLORED) BAPTIST CHURCH. having built up a membership of about a thousand. In March, 1882, he was succeeded by the present pastor, the Rev. J. M. Armistead, a graduate of Richmond Institute. Under his faithful charge the membership has increased to 1600 and is now the largest in the City. Having paid off all its indebted- ness, part of which was incurred through the destruction by fire 5f their ofiginal plaCe bt worship) the tongregatioii are 2l8 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. now preparing to remodel and enlarge their present Church building on the corner of Green and King Streets. In con- nection with Zion Baptist Church — a view of which is shown on page 217 — are a flourishing Sunday School, two Missionary- Societies, an Educational Society and a Lyceum. THE CHESTNUT STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL. An engraving of this handsome and commodious building will be found on page 173. It was built in 1878, and is the oldest of the three splendid Public School Houses which the citizens of Portsmouth feel an honest pride in having erected. The school has an average attendance of over 400 pupils, and is under the management of Mr, I. C. Norcum, its efficient principal. The value attached to religious and educational matters by our colored population affords a very strong illus- tration of their advancing intelligence and their capacity for intellectual culture ; while the sympathy and encouragement extended to them in this City by their white neighbors are convincing proofs of the mutual good-will that governs the intercourse between the races, despite the too-frequent recur- rence of Election day when they stand arrayed against each other under the rival banners. This unfortunate barrier to complete unity of interest will doubtless be removed before many more decades — or even years — have rolled by, and after that — the millennium ! .g-iia;i-^.J OUR RAILROAD FACILITIES. THE SEABOARD & ROANOKE RAILROAD. IN 1835, the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad Company dispatched its first train firom Portsmouth to the neigh- boring town of Suffolk, a distance of seventeen miles. Between these two points lies the northern portion of the Dismal Swamp, and the difficulties attending the construction of the line across this famous morass were enormous. In 1851 the road was completed to Weldon, N. C, and the first railroad communication between this section of Virginia and the outer world was estabhshed. At Weldon the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad connects with the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad, leading to Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, where it joins the Raleigh & Augusta Road, leading to Hamlet, and there intersects the Carolina Central Railroad, from Wilming- ton to Shelby via Hamlet and Charlotte, at which point we find roads running to Asheville, Columbia, Augusta and other Railroad Centres, whence direct communication is maintained with New Orleans and all points South and South West. The immediate connections of the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad, extending from Weldon, via Raleigh and Hamlet, to Char- lotte, Shelby and Rutherfordton, in the interior of North Carolina, and to Wilmington on the coast, constitute the com- prehensive railroad system known as 220 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. THE SEABOARD AIR LINE, which consists of the four railroads above mentioned, viz : the Seaboard and Roanoke, the Raleigh and Gaston, the Raleigh and Augusta and the Carolina Central. The Seaboard Air Line thus form the letter Y, the foot of the stem being at a point in tbe extreme southwestern part of the Piedmont region of North Carolina and the two prongs terminating at the great central seaports of Portsmouth, Va., and Wilmington, N. C, about 300 miles apart. Under the same management with these roads is the famous Baltimore Steam Packet Company, or Bay Line, of which more extended mention is made in another place. The territory penetrated by the Seaboard Air Line probably enjoys greater advantages than any other of equal extent on the face of the earth. Beginning at Ports- mouth, its northern terminus, it first traverses the famous "trucking" lands whence the Northern and Western markets draw their supplies of early fruits and vegetables ; thence it passes through the great forests of North Carolina which con« tain, in almost inexhaustible quantities, nearly every one of the twenty kinds of timber admitted to the United States ship- yards as suitable for building vessels ; and there are left about forty thousand square miles of forest in the State still uncut. Proceeding to the westward, immense beds of fine granite and brown sandstone are found ; and beyond these, rich mineral deposits, cortiprising coal, iron, copper and even gold. The soil also is various and productive, and "the climate almost per- fect. No wonder, therefore, that the tide of immigration has recently sought this favored section, in preference to the colder and less fertile territories of the North-west. The lands, more- ITS -PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 221 over, along- the lines of this important raih'oad system, are cheap, and they produce, in addition to the best rice, cotton and tobacco, all the grain crops, grasses and fruits of the tem- perate zone. The enterprising management of these consoli- dated lines ofiers extraordinary inducements to immigrants and to all persons wishing to visit and inspect this section of the country with a view to settling at or near any of the numerous eligible districts through which the roads, embraced by this system, pass. Affiliated with the Seaboard Air Line, although under an entirely distinct management, is another consolidated system, which connects Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, with V\/'ilmington, North Carolina's principal seaport. It is known as THE ATLANTIC COAST LINE, and is formed of the Richmond & Petersburg, the Petersburg & Weldon and the Wilmington & Weldon Railroads. This great dual system lorms the nucleus, as it were, of an almost interminable network of Railways which includes the famous " cotton belt " and opens up the once obscure and re- mote interiors of the Southern, South-western and Gulf States. The importance of the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad, with its far-reaching connections, as a feeder to the trade and commerce of Portsmouth, can best be demonstrated by a brief statement in connection with its business. In the matter of cotton, for example, the following figures will be found interest- ins: and sienificant : 222 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Receipts of Cotton, by bales, over the Seaboard and Roan- oke Railroad, for Jive years, beginning Sept. i, 1881/ Total receipts at the port of Norfolk 6^ Ports- Season N. York Boston Phila. Bait. Local Total mouth : 1881-82 44,601 1,799 5,540 27,670 170,986 250,596 622,883 1882-83 56,844 5,982 6,739 26,628 192,612 288,805 800,133 188!5-84 6.S,075 3,857 3,097 18,593 132,241 220,863 582,872 1884-85 38,313 1,911 1.452 18,975 j 158,048 218,699 545,418 1885-86 30,221 2,283 2,081 20,349 152,620 . 207,554 565,958 Total ... 233,054 15,832 18,909 112,215 806,507 1,186,517 ■-■ 3,117,264 -^ . . The following table shows the North-bound business over the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad for the year ending March ist, 1886, exclusive of the cotton movement: Class of Articles. No. Cars No. Bbls. No. Feet No. Bush. Weight in Lbs. 17,294,764 60,691,799 1,940,000 34,940,000 760,000 4,000,000 6,921,200 24,701,950 8,976,000 97 1,747 38 200 10,482,000 Wood 17,303 68,638 408,000 Total 160,225,71 /• Chart of the Southei '" Branch of the Elizabeth River, from the Norfoll< & Western Railroad Crossing down to the U: S. Naval Hospital. l [warerlf.'^"'""'''^''''™'^''^"-''™"^^^^^"'' A'. Tmnt & Bro 's L, 'mber Yard. j warehouses. •,, t,_,.:___ „'." " Packet Company's (Bay Line) ■ing list sliows the names of the owners or occupiers of the property indicated by the corr ,V p°"i'\';^ '?'■■'''''* ^^^"■'^ Warehouses. ''•R. J. Neely&Co.'5Luml,erYard. '/ rlT' '^'T'^'"' '^ "'"'•' <^°''>' ^'«' Wood Yard y- loitsmouthand Norfolk-County Ferries. Baltimore Steam Warehouses. Seaboard & Roar °'^"= Radroad Co.'s Depot ''oal andWood Yard, s Coal and Wood Yard. /. G. Armstrong & Son's Saw Mill. m. White & Fleming's Oyster Packing Houses. ponding italic initials on the chart : Nottingham, Wrenn & Styron's Fertilizer and Shell v. John L. Thomas' Ship-Yard and Marine Railway, Lime Factory. Nottingham & Wrenn's Lumber& w. Upshur Guano Co.'s Fertilizer Factory. y. W. &J. Park i: R.J. Neely&Co y Seaboard Compress Co.'s Warehouses. /. United States Buoy Depot. . (/. Unoccupied. i!.ii. Imperial Guano Company's Factory. i.i. Charles Reid & Son's Fertilizer Factory, tory Shingle Wharf. s. C. S. Sherwood. i. Portsmouth and Norfolk-County Ferries. It. Norfolk Southern Railroad Co.'s Terminus. Upshur Guano Co.'s Fertilizer Factory. X. E, M. Tilley's Saw Mill. )'. Freeman, Lloyd, Mason SDrydcn's Guano (Poco- nioke) Factory, c. Old Dominion Creosoting Works, ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 223 THE NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD. This road was built in 1881, from Berkley, on the eastern bank of the Southern Branch immediately opposite Ports- mouth, through Elizabeth City and Hertford, to Edenton, N. C, on the beautiful bay of that name, at the western end of Albemarle Sound, a distance of 74 miles. It is well built and thoroughly equipped, providing adequate facilities for travel and shipment to a contiguous territory, wonderful for its fertility and the great diversity of its products. Stations at short intervals and numerous private sidings — furnished upon liberal terms to shippers — have diverted to the road the business of the tributary counties from channels through which it flowed for a century, and its beneficent impress has been in many ways stamped upon the section which it traverses. Connect- ing steamers bring to it, from the sounds and rivers, fruits and other products of the land, fish from the sea and fowl from the air, which are carried by the Norfolk Southern Road to this port, v/hence they are speedily conveyed by connecting lines to the markets of Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston and the other great business centres of the country. The policy of this enterprising Company has been to provide the facilities above described to the whole section as speedily as possible and without reference to immediate return. In addi- tion to its road it has provided steamboats to run between Elizabeth City and the villages along the rivers and sounds, thereby extending to hitherto remote and inaccessible localities all the advantages of the Railroad, not only moving the crops out, and merchandise in, but also- the coal, ice, salt, lime and the coarser freights generally. Not only the lumber manufac- 224 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. tured along the road, but the logs themselves cut beside it and brought to it by water, are carried to the mills of Portsmouth and the vicinity ; while the superior connections at this port have largely increased the traffic in perishable articles — fish, game, fruits, vegetables, &c. — which can now be placed in the market stalls of Washington and other Northern cities in a very few hours. The Road has recently built a branch line to Norfolk, thus increasing its terminal facilities. THE NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA AND NORFOLK R. R. This railroad, as its name indicates, connects our sea-port with the two largest cities of the North, and, what is of infi- nitely greater importance, especially to the great " trucking " interests of this section, its route is so nearly direct that the whole distance between Portsmouth and New York is traversed in eleven hours, thus saving eight hours as compared with the next shortest route. Two powerful passenger steamers — the Cape Charles and the Old Point Comfort — which carry Pull- man Sleeping and Drawing Room Cars, connect at Portsmouth with the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad, and run hence, via Norfolk and Old Point, to Cape Charles City, near the southern extremity of the Peninsula, where the terminus of the Road is situated — the whole distance by water being 36 miles. Thence the line is almost straight to Delmar — 95 miles. From Delmar to Philadelphia is 1 25 miles, and another 90 miles brings us to the Commercial Metropolis of the United States — New York. Passenger and freight cars go through between the extreme termini without transfer, thus affording the only land and water transportation of its kind: in the world. The scheme, when. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 2(25 first proposed, was ridiculed as preposterous and titterly im- practicable, but its successful accomplishment has not only- vindicated the wisdom and crowned the ingenuity of its pro- moters, but has also proved of immense benefit to the whole territory adjacent to the Atlantic seaboard. It would, more- over, be difficult to calculate with any degree of accuracy the enormous advantages which this great enterprise is destined to confer upon the Eastern States in the future, for it is in contem- plation to extend the line to the southward, and we may expect, at an early date, to see Pullman Cars running direct by this route between New York and Jacksonville, Florida. The freight is transported on three large barges, each capable of carrying seventeen loaded cars, which, during the " truck " season leave this port daily about noon, and the fruits and vegetables of this district reach Philadelphia the same night and New York at 4 o'clock on the following morning — thus saving a clear day over all previous methods of transportation. This enormous advantage applies to all freight coming to Portsmouth over the Seaboard Air Line and Atlantic Coast Line systems, and those reaching the port coastwise or by the Internal Navigation Lines, from the shores of Chesapeake Bay and the Sounds of North Carolina. NORFOLK & WESTERN RAILROAD. A glance at the map will show that this important Road (formerly the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio) with its numerous and far-reaching connections, traverses the" States of Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, and is, at several points,' intersected by other trunk lines leading to all the larger. 226 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Western cities, and leaving scarcely a spot On this side of the Rocky Mountains beyond our reach. Immense quantities of freight come over this Road from the Northern cities and from Southern and Western points, for shipment from this port, which is also exactly the outlet required for the enormous traffic which the Norfolk and Western Railroad enjoys in steam-coal. To accommodate this large trade a magnificent pier has been built at Lambert's Point, at the entrance to the harbor, at which steam.ships seeking this port will naturally find it to their advantage to receive their supply of fuel. The coal territory of the South-west is being rapidly developed, and the output of this mineral is increasing daily. New mines will shortly be opened and this Road will then be taxed to its utmost to move the immense yield. NEWPORT'S NEWS & MISSISSIPPI VALLEY R. R. In addition to the great Railroads already described, which, with their wide-spreading connections have opened up to our trade the Southern, South-western and North-eastern States, there is still another gigantic railway system which has, within the last few years, established its Eastern terminus at Newport's News, within sight of Portsmouth, namely, the Newport's News & Mississippi Valley (formerly the Chesapeake & Ohio) Railroad, through whose connections our intercourse with the West and North-west have been materially facilitated. This Road traverses the richest coal and iron regions in the whole country and penetrates the fine grazing and agricultural lands of Kentucky, thus affording another avenue for the transportation ^of' the grain and produce of the Central and ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 227 Western States to the Atlantic seaboard. Steamers run twice daily, each way, between Portsmouth and Newport's News, calling at Norfolk, which connect with the regular trains of this Road and afford our citizens the only opportunity of going to Richmond, spending several hours there, and returning home, all in the same day. NORFOLK AND OCEAN VIEW R. R. This line connects the City of Norfolk, our neighbor across the Elizabeth River, with the charming property of the Com- pany at Ocean View, which for the past seven years has afforded to the citizens of both cities a quick and inexpensive -means of escape from the heat and dust of the streets, during the summer months, to the pure and bracing breezes fresh from the bosom of the deep. The line is only nine miles long, and is traversed in half an hour. Trains run frequently during the day, and are usually well filled with pleasure-seekers, who are attracted by the excellent fishing, bathing and boating for which this popular resort is justly famous. OTHER RAILROADS. Besides the Roads specially referred to above are the Vir- ginia Beach Railroad, leading to Virginia Beach, eighteen miles distant, one of the most popular summer resorts on the coast, being famous for its unexcelled surf-bathing ; the West- ern Branch Railroad, which will soon be completed as far as Nansemond River ; and the Atlantic and Danville extension, which will connect Claremont, on the James River with this port, passing through some of the richest agricultural lands in Tide-water Virginia. 228 SKETCH BOOK OP PORTSMOUTH, VA. SS CHARLES REID & SON !FOLK, VA., MANUFACTURERS OF THE CELEBRAhED BRANDS LEE-SIDE, FARMERS', CHALLENGE FARMERS' FAVORITE, And Importers of and Dealers in No. 1 Peruvian Guano, 10 and 6 Per Cent, And Agricultural Chemicals, Land Plaster, &c. Office, 14 Nivison Street, - - NORFOLK, VA. Factory, Money Point, - SOUTHERN BRANCH. Highest market prices paid for Staves. 'S, Wholesale and Retail Tobacco, CigarSj Hay, Grain, I^i!! Feed, Motions, &c. West South St., Between Pine and Pearl, PORTSMOUTH, VA. DEALER IN TOBACCO, CIGARS, CIGARETTES, &C.' Fruits, Candies, Canned Goods, Fresh Meats. Butter and Dairy Produce a Specialty. 501 High Street, Corner DinAiddie • - • POfiTSMOUTH, VA STEAMSHIP AND STEAMBOAT Llf^ES. THE BALTIMORE STEAM PACKET COMPANY. THIS Company, whose magnificent steamers, plying be- tween Portsmouth and Baltimore, are commonly known as the " Bay Line Boats, " has long been endeared to our citizens for the generous and noble aid it rendered, when, more than thirty years ago, Portsmouth was visited by the Yellow Fever, and its inhabitants were panic-stricken and well-nigh helpless. With travellers this line is regarded as one of the finest and best in the country, forming a portion of the popular route between the North and South. Its passenger steamers are the floating palaces of Chesapeake Bay, being new, adapted to a high rate of speed, beautiful in form, sub- stantial in construction and furnished sumptuously. They are run in connection with the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad, and, under the presidency of CoJ. John M. Robinson, assisted by a corps of competent officers, the Company has proved itself of great service in advancing the best interests of the City and the Port generally. The steamers of the Bay Line make close connection here with the regular passenger trains of the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad, for all points South and South-west, and at Baltimore with the Philadelphia, Wilming- ton & Baltimore Railroad for Philadelphia, New York and all Northern points ; with the Baltimore & Ohio, Northern Central and Pennsylvania Railfdads (bt the North and North-west ; 230 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA, with the Allan, Continental, West India & Pacific and the Hopper & Johnson steamship lines for Liverpool; with the Continental for London and with the North German Lloyds for Bremen. THE OLD DOMINION STEAMSHIP COMPANY. In 1867, when the tumult of the terrible civil strife had hardly subsided, and Virginia lay crushed in spirit and bank- rupt in resources, the Old Dominion Steamship Company was established in succession to the old New York & Virginia Steamship Co., and has, since that date, gradually increased in wealth and favor until it has become one of the most substan- tial and iufluential corporations in the country. Its magnificent fleet of ocean steamers ply between New York and Richmond, calling at Portsmouth, Norfolk and City Point, while the fine steamboats of the Company are to be met with on all the prin- cipal rivers of Virginia and North Carolina. From Portsmouth the distance to New York is 285 miles, and the steamers of this line generally make the trip in twenty-four hours, with great regularity. The passenger accommodations of the Old Dominion Steamships are of the most luxurious character, and during the Company's career of nineteen years not a single life entrusted to its care has been lost. THE CLYDE LINES. The fine Steamships of this Company, (W. P. Clyde & Co.. of Philadelphia and New ;York,) make regular trips be- tween all the ports on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States, and the s^a-porta 6f Sduth America and the West ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 23I Indies, carrying an enormous quantity of freight and conduct- ing a profitable trade. Several of Clyde's propellers run regularly between Philadelphia and Richmond, calling at Portsmouth, Norfolk and Gity ■Point, and, in the cotton season, at West Point, on York River, Va. This line has exercised a powerful influence upon the development of commercial interests in this section. Captain James W. McCarrick is the General Southern Agent, with his office at Norfolk. In addition to the local fleet belonging to this Company, their service extends to the New England and other ports on the Atlantic seaboard as well as to the West Indies and South America, but with them we have no concern at present. THE ALBEMARLE & CHESAPEAKE CANAL. The Great Canal System of which this forms an important link in connection with the Chesapeake & Delaware and Delaware & Raritan Canals, provides direct and safe inland navigation for steamboats, sailing vessels, rafts, &c., from New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore to Virginia, North Carolina and the South, avoiding the dangers and delays attending the outside voyage and saving insurance. This system again con- nects with the Erie Canal at New York and small steamers or vessels towed by tug boats can thus pass from the sounds of North Carolina to Buffalo, N. Y., without unloading, and thence by the great Lake routes to Chicago and other West- ern and Northwestern points. THE DISMAL SWAMP CANAL AND STEAMIBRS, This great water-way, known as the Dismal Swamp Canal, was begun, ill 1787 tind.el" a joint, charter ff6m the Legislative 232 SKETCH BOOK OF PORtSMOUtH, VA. Assemblies of Virginia and North Carolina and was not opened for navigation until 1828, more than forty years having been consumed in its construction. It connects the inland navigable waters of the two States, and has conferred incalculable benefit upon this whole section. It is now the property of a flourish- ing joint-stock Company, and, passing through one of the richest lumber regions in the world, has found its principal traffic in that essential commodity. The steamers belonging to the Company ply regularly through the Canal, and their cargoes are generally very large each way. They call at all the landings between this port and Elizabeth City, N. C, and are under the able and energetic management of Capt. Henry Roberts, who is also the Superintendent of the Canal. The Dismal Swamp Canal will admit sharp built vessels drawing five feet of water, and lighter built'vessels drawing four feet. The locks will admit 96 feet lengthy and i6? feet breadth of beam. OTHER TRANSPORTATION LINES. Besides the lines above named the fine steamers of the Merchants' and Miners' Transportation Company run regularly to Boston and Providence, while others run from those ports to Charleston, S. C, and Savannah, Ga., calling here when occasion requires. These steamers connect with the several railroads having thgir termini at this port, in addition to which they call at Newport's News and West Point (Va,) where they make connection with the systems of the Chesapeake & Ohio and the Richmond «& Danville Railroads, respectively. The Potomac Steamboat Co., and the Inland & Seaboard Coasting Co., run steaiiiers three titiifes a we^k between this ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 233 port and Washington, D. C; the Virginia Steamboat Go's, steamers ply on the James River between Portsmouth and Richmond, the Capital City of Virginia; the Old Dominion Steamship Co. and the Nansemond River Line run steamboats between this port and Suffolk ; there is a steamboat making regular trips to Fredericksburg, while another Company con- ducts the steamboat trade between this port and the landings on several of the rivers of North Carolina. Two lines of Ocean Steamers have recently been estab- lished, one of which — the "Monarch" line — will ply between this port and Liverpool, in connection with the Virginia, Ten- nessee and Georgia Air Line, and the other — the " Ducal " line — between Newport's News, in our outer harbor, and Liv- erpool, in connection with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. Still other lines give us direct and regular communication- with Hampton, Old Point Comfort, Cherrystone, Mathews, Gloucester and Ware River. From the above showing, it will hardly be questioned that, for a City and Sea-port of its size, Portsmouth enjoys unsur- passed if not unrivalled advantages in the matter of transport- ation, both by land and by water, and that the excellent openings she offers to capitalists in search of safe and profitable investments must surely be recognized in the near future. OUH SEi^S^E ^ESO^TS, THE HYGEIA HOTEL— OLD POINT COMFORT. OWING to its beautiful situation at the entrance of Hamp- ton Roads from Chesapeake Bay, its proximity to Fortress Monroe, its lovely scenery and delightful surf- bathing — to say nothing of the magnificent proportions and luxurious equipments of the Hotel itself — the Hygeia has been for many years one of the most popular seaside resorts in the United States. It was built at a cost of $500,000, and offers accommodation to a thousand guests. It is not necessary to enter into a detailed description of its climatic and hygeinic advantages, its excellent system of drainage and water supply, its pavilions, halls, drawing-rooms and luxurious furniture, all of which may be summed up under the single word — " perfec- tion. " For over fifty years not a single case of intermittent, scarlet or typhoid fever, diphtheria or malarial disorder of any kind, has originated on the Point, while its popularity and high reputation have been increasing year by year, as the knowledged of its numerous attractions has become more ex- tended. OCEAN VIEW. This charming spot, which occupies the most southerly point of Chesapeake Bay, is situated almost opposite Old Point. Although of comparatively recent existence, Ocean ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE 235 View has become an exceedingly popular resort, and picnic parties from the interior counties are of almost daily occurrence during the summer months. The surf-bathing is good and safe, the fishing excellent, and the Hotel accommodations all that could be desired. Many of our prominent citizens prefer a few weeks at Ocean View during the warmest weather to a more extended trip, and it seems destined to become one of the most fashionable and numerously patronized watering places on the Atlantic seaboard. VIRGINIA BEACH AND OTHER LOCAL ATTRACTIONS. Virginia Beach is situated directly upon the shore of the Ocean itself and its eastern horizon is the clear-cut water line of the broad Atlantic. This is the Paradise of strong swimmers, having a heavy but apparently safe surf. It lies in Princess Anne county, about 18 miles from Portsmouth, and is one of the principal of the many attractions in this neighborhood. Newport's News, at the mouth of James River is also a favorite resort of our people; while Hampton, with its Normal School, . Soldiers' Home and other interesting features, has always been a source of pride and delight to the sojourners within the Capes of Virginia. 236 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. LOCAL BS^VENTiOS^S. Of the many valuable patents and inventions which claim Portsmouth as their birth-place, and have contributed their influence towards spreadino^ abroad her fame, those which have recently attracted the most notice are the various mechanical contrivances invented by Mr, Geo. W. Lewis, of this city, which are manufactured and sold by the Lewis SpriTng Manufactur- ing and Supply Company, of Portsmouth. They consist of the Lewis Locomotive, Tender and Car Springs, the Lewis Spike and Bolt Puller and the Lewis Rivet Cutter, and are all specially adapted to the several uses which their names indi- cate. Their conspicuous merits have brought them under the favorable notice of Railway Managers, Engineers and a Special Naval Commission, all of whom have awarded them the highest commendation. The Company make and guarantee them, and are prepared to deliver them for trial, to be paid for only on approval. Orders are now pouring in upon the Company with increasing and gratifying frequency, and it is safe to prophesy that these valuable inventions, when more widely known, will be recognized, appreciated and brought into uni- versal requisition. ITS PEOPLE AND ITS TRADE. 237 THE CITY GOVERNMENT. Mayor — ^J. Thompson Baird. City Clerk — E. Thompson, Jr. Treasurer — James M. Binford. Auditor — C. S. Sherwood. City Collector — R. A. Hutchins. Commissioner of the Revenue — Virginius Butt. City Attorney — A. S. Watts. City Szcrveyor — D. S. Walton. S7ipt. of Public School — ^John C. Ashton. Sergeant — E. W. Maupin. Dep2ity Sergeant — Chas. J. Withy. Chief of Police — F. T. Tynan. Assistant Chief of Police — A. H. Only. Chief Eyigineer Fire Department — W. T. Robinson. First Assistant Engineer — ^Jos. D. Knapp. Second Assistant Engineer — Cornelius Irwin. Street Inspector — ^Jno. W. Wood. Sanitary Inspector — F. P. Johnson. Clerk of Market — Edward N. Grant. Physicia7i to Almshouse — F. S. Hope. Keeper of Almshouse — F. L. Benson. Supt. of Orphan Asylum — J. C. Herbener. Keeper of Cemeteries — ^Jesse Brownley. Wood Measurer — Jos. F. Brownley. Grain Measurer — Wm. R. Peters. 238 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. CITY COUNCIL. President — Legh R, Watts. Clerk — E. Thompson, Jr. First Ward Councibne^i — Legh R. Watts, H. C. Hud- gins, John Smith, C. L. Daughtrey. Second Ward Councilmen — David W. Ballentine, W. A. Smith, John H. Hume, Jas. H* Toomer, I. N. Anderton, Jno. C. Tee. Third Ward Councibnen — Samuel Fisher, John Judkins, Van R. Hewlett. Fourth Ward Councibnen — John T. King, George T. Townsend, W. J. Whaley, Jas. P. Knight. SCHOOL BOARD. Presidetit — O. V. Smith. Clerk — W-. C. Arrington. Superintendent — John C. Ashton. First Wa.rd — N. E. Whitehurst, Jno. W. Borum, David A. WilHams. Second Wo.rd — O. V. Smith. T. H. Virnelson, W. A. Culpepper. Third Ward — W. P. Ives, W. F. Higginbotham, Geo. M. Turner. Fourth Ward — Jno. E. Owiris, Wm. B. Thomas, I. C. Brinkley. Justices of the Peace. John W. Borum, Chas. R. Nash, Thos. J. Barlow, D. E. Williams, J. P. Anderson. its pkoplk and its trade. 239 Police Commissioners. J. Thompson Baird, W. S. Langhorne, John S. Jenkins. H. E. Culpepper, Jr., John E. Owlns. Board of Health. President — B. H. Owens. A. B. Owens, C. R. Robertson, J. W. Daugherty, John E. West. the courts. The Circuit Court of the City of Portsmouth meets on March 5th and September 5th. Judge — Hon. George Blow, Jr. Clerk— C. T. Phillips. Commonwealth' s Attorney — R. C. Marshall. The Court of Hustings for the City of Portsmouth meets on the Thursday after the first Tuesday in each month. Judge — C. W. Murdaugh. Clerk— Z. T. Phillips. Co7nnionwealtK s Attorney — R. C. Marshall. COUNTY OFFICERS OF NORFOLK COUNTY. (COUNTY SEAT, THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH.) Sheriff — John Lesner. Commis' er oj the Re'senue — ist District, John D. Moore. " —2nd " D. S. Sykes. County Treasurer — S. W. Lyons, BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. Tanyiefs Creek District — T. J. Nottingham. Washington District — E. M. Tilley. 240 SKETCH BOOK OF PORTSMOUTH, VA. Western Branch District — S. B. Carney. Pleasant Grove District — John J. Warren. Butfs Road District — W. T. Wilson. Deep Creek District — Geo. H. Wilson. THE COURTS. The Circuit Court of Norfolk County (First Judicial Circuit) meets at the City of Portsmouth on March 15th and September 15th. Judge — Hon George Blow, Jr. Clerk— W. N. Portlock. Commonwealth' s Attorney — L. B. Allen. The County Court of Norfolk County meets at the City of Portsmouth on the third Monday in each month. Judge — Hon, G. D. Parker. C7V Co 54 Newton & Woodley, Props 74 New York, Phila & Norfolk R R l26 Niemeycr vt Co 64 Norfolk & Ocean View R R. . . 262 Norfolk & Western R R 78 Norfolk Southern R R 40 Norfolk Storage Company. . . . l90 Nottingham & Wrenn 206 Nottingham, Wrenn & Styron. 206 " Observer," Portsmouth 214 Ocean House, The 74 Ocean V.ew R R & Hotel Co. . 262 O'Connor, T 80 Old Dominion Steamship Co. . 38 Owens, B H . . 58 Owens, Edwin W 140 Owens, J T& A B 64 Owins, John E 68 Pace, J F 166 Parker, J T & Bro 136 Parker, W & J 162 Patapsco Flouring Mills. ..... 164 Pedrick.CW 68 Peed, V T 152 Percy, H C, Treasurer 123 Peters & Reed 144 Phillips & Nash 92 Phillips, John J 152 Porter, John W H & Co, Pubs 192 Portsmouth Gas Company. ... 26, Portsmouth Grammar nnd High School • 150 Portsmouth Insurance Company 30 Portsmouth Iron Works 196 Portsmouth Primary School. ... 56 Potter, J D 68 278 CONTExMTS. Page turdie, George W & Co 142 "Portsmouth Daily Enterprise" l^S "Portsmouth Daily Times," The 314 "Portsmouth Observer" ^14 Rauschert, Edward. 116 Reed, James W 118 Raid, Charles & Son 228 Reynolds, Benj, Superintendent 122 Riddick & Richardson 204 Rider, Geo N, Agent . l24 Roberts, Henry, Superintendent 208 Robertson, Charles R l82 Robertson, John B. . , I66 Rustic & Brooks l40 R-utter, John W 238 Schmoele, Dr VVm, Jr 200 Scott & Flemming l72 Seaboard Air Line 52 Seaboard & Roaonke Railroad 16 Shannon, H A 122 Sherwood, C S 62 Smith, J... 118 Smith, O V, Gen'l Claim Agent 16 Smith, O V, President 30 Staples & Manning, Principals 56 Staples, R G 158 Staples, V S 56 Stewart, Wm H 84 Stokes, Miss E J, Ass't Prin. . . 150 Stokes, W H, Principal 150 Suffolk Military Academy 106 Sullivan, D 122 Tee & Brittingham 178 Thomas, -John L , 42 Thomas, L W, Agent 20 " Tidewater Times " 214 "Times," The Portsmouth Daily 214 Toomer, James H, Cashier. ... 44 Trant & BrO 86 Trant, Trugien & Hill 36 Turner, AM. 116 Tuthill, Charles L 196 University of Virginia 172 Valentine's Mea.t Juice Works 212 Venable, C S, Chair'n of Fac'y 172 Va. Fire & Afarinc Ins, Co 158 Walters, H, Gen'l yJ/anagcr. . . 76 Washington Life Ins, Co 126 Watson & Riddick. 108 Watson & Riddick, Agent 126 Watts & Hatton 84 Watts, AS 84 Watts. Legh R. President 24 Watts, WmH , 176 Weaver, Joseph F 46 Weaver, Samuel W 184 Webster's Dictionary 82 West, John E 148 White & Fleming 244 White, H S 162 WhUe, NE 178 White, W N 86 Whitehead, H C, Sec'y& Treas 208 Whitehead, John B, President 208 Whitehurst, J & G 90 Wilcox, J H, Ed & Proprietor 214 Wilkins, HB 94 Williams & Emmerson 88 W^illiams, Arthur R 182 fFilliams, David E 104 ^Filliams, J Herbert 130 Williams, WV H, Gen'l Ticket Agent 30 ^Filliams, W V H, Secretary. . 30 fToodward, Claud 148 fFbrcester's Dictionaries 168 Young, E 33 CONTENTS. 279: ANNOUNCEMENTS-CLASSIFIED Page Ap'hiiltKral Implements Riddick & Richardson 204 A:^:-lcnltural Shell Lime Niemeyer & (.^o 6^1 Nottingham,' Wreen & Styrnn. 2U6 Arekik'cts Cassell & Cassell 180 Ariists Judson, Mrs S K. 26'; A ttorne\ 's-at-Law Cro ,ker, •' ames F 4S Ed . nrds & i.i.pper.. 4S Gnffin, K R 4S MaiBhall, RC 48 Mru-tin & McWilkie ;• 84 Stewart, Will H.. 84 Watts & alloii 84 Watts, AS 84 Auetioneers young, EO. . 32 jyanks Bank of Portsmouth 24 Merciiants* & Farmers' Bank.. 44 Barbers Tuthill, Charles L -. . 196 Bicycles White WN 86 Billiards and I'ool Carson, JR........ 188 Ocea'.; i ouse 74 Books and Stationoy Crump & Anderson 72 liume, R G & Hio. 66 Staples, L\. G. . 158 Bookbinding and Ruling Fiske, Wm A Purdie, George W & Co. . . i . • Boots and Shoes Brandt, Adolph Kowell, B F Larkin,P \ Peed, Y T Box Factories .\rmstrong, G & Son Frey Bros • Bread, Crackers, Cakes, &^c Anderson, .'as Q , . . , Godwin, W B&Co .'.. . Mules, R T Naw, V J Bricks — Dealers in ^^urdaugh & Mayo \iemever & Co Neely.'R.l & Co Bricks — Rlanufacturers of . Mui-tlaugh & Mayo ,. . . . Building Lands Sclimoele, Dr Wm, Jr. . . .,. . . ; Binlding Materials Godwin, L C N'eely, R J & Co ■ Niemeyer & Co Trant & Bro Builders and Cantmcto^-s Brent, W J Hodges, Samuel W . Tee & Brittingh^m West, John E White,' H S ;. William.s, J IJerljert Page 100^ 142 64 l,o3'- 34 110 tao;' l66' 1'20 lyGi 204' . 64 2041 2<)p; 134 64 133 160-" 178 1.48 lbs 130 28o CONTENTS ' Page Butter and Dairy Produce Barlow, T J 104 Browne, F G 228 Daugherty, John VV, Agent 158 Ellenor & bnnkley 120 Godwin, VV B & Co 166 King, John T & Bro 70 Lasn, Elder L 180 Minter & Ballance 136 Owens, J T& A B 64 Parker, J T & Bro 136 Canal Companies A1hpm;^rle & Chesapeake 96 Chesap jake & Delaware., 90 Dismal Swamp 205 Carpentei-s' and Plumbers" Material Bult & Neville 72 Carpenters and Builders See Builders and Contractors Carpets, Oil Clot/is, ofc Crawford, -i S 196 lloweH, BF 88 Kaufman, John C 102 Mclntyre Bros & Seelinger 186 Owens, B i ■ 58 Phillips & Nash 92 Cairiage Builders Sullivan, D...... 122 Cement, Lime and Plaster Etheredge & Brooks 2:' Nie mey er & Co 64 Trant, Trugien & Hill. 'i>^' Neely, R j''& Co.". . :.. 54 Chemicals, dfc See Drugs &c. . i . ; Chiiia, &fc See Glassware, Ciockery, &c.. . Page Cigars — Manufacturers and Jobbers of Carson, J R , 188 Dunham & Cocke 184 Owms, „ohn E. 68 CigakTS, Tobacco, dr'c — Dealers in See Tobacco, Cigars, ifcc. , . . . . Civil Engineers Pelter, J D 68 Cloaks, crV O'Connor, T 80 Owens, B H 58 Phillips & Nash 92 Clocks, Watches, Six See Watches, Clocks, &c Clothing — Ready Made Burk& Co 210 Cloths, Cassimeres, Etc Ashton, John C 98 K-aufman, John C 103 Owens, BH 58 Coal Etheredge * Brooks 28 Neely, R ,) & Co 54 Niemeyer & Co 64 Parker, W & J 163 Trant, Trugien & Hiil 36 Whitehurst, ■' & G 90 Wilkins, H B 94 Collecting Agents Rustic & Brtoks , 140 Qommissiflti Merchants — General F.llenor & Brinkley J20 rlthcredge tt Brooks 28 Niemeyer V Co 64 Peters v^k Reed 144 Coi/i'/ri r ^ron hJcrcJiauts — Shippi ■■■' ■ peters <: keed 144 Reed. \\m^ W 112 Trant & ;',m 3Ci Confectioneries, Candies, &-V Anrlerswn, Jns Q ISO Browne, F c; 22ti Fentross, \V A 162 Go i win, \V B & o 16G Mules, R T 120 Mulhullano, C & 1 18^ Naw, V l;j». ■VVniu-'iuirst, .1 & U , UO Contmctors and Builders 5.r ISuiMers ami (Jontraci'irs. . Cotton Factors Ethert^dge &' Brooks 28 Crate Factories See Box P'actorids Ciitleiy, dfc Rid iicl< i'^- Richardson 204 Hughes,^ H l.">^ Wiiiti:, N E 176 Cyclop xdia Pti/>lis/iers \ Lippincott, The B Company. 168 Merriani. G & U & L'o S^J Doors, Sashes and Blinds , Go(\vvin. LO; 134 Necly, R J & Co 54 | I Page I Dredging Culpepper, H ]<', 14G Dress Goods O'Connwr, T 80 ( )\v.3u«i, B H 38 Dry Goods Brown's Bnzaar 160 Ho.vcll, B F 88 Kuifman, .(ohn C 103 ©'Connor, T 80 Owens, B II o8 Phillips & Nash. 93 St^^.ples, R G 158 White, N ]•: 17G Drugs, &-'c Buft", Angust 1,~)3 Durr, F 170 Howe, Geo W, & Co. .., 180 Hysclop, L K 1 76 Ivrieger, G A 184 Langhorne & Bilisoly 116 Owens, Edwin W 140 Pcdrick, C W '. 68 Weaver, Jos F 45 Weavei", Samuel W 184 Wood%*ard, Claud 14S Fggs and Pouliiy See Poultry and Eggs Engineers' Supplies Butt & Neville , 72 Engines, RTacIdneiy, t^-c Clarke, J F igQ Farming Implements Riddick & Richardson 204 Fertilizers — Dealers in Etheredge & Brooks 28 Nienieyer & Co. ..« ......... . (Ji 2§2 CONtENtS Page FeiHr..-. rs — Manufacitirers of Freeman, Lloyd, Mason & Dry- den 260 Hodgdon & Spencer Cu, The. . 156 Nottingham, Wrenn & Styron 206 Reid, Charles & Son 228 Flour and Grain Ellenor & Brinkley 120 Evans, Burvvell & Tazewell... 130 King, John T & Bro 70 Lash, Elder L 180 Rutter, John W 22S Fhuring Afills See Mills — Flouring Flowers and Plants Brambleton Floral Co, The. . . 122 Freight Broker Reed, James W 1 12 Fruits, Vegetables, dr'c Browne, F G 228 Godwin, W B & Co 160 Minter & Ballance 186 Moore, AW 120 Owens, J T & A B 64 Whitehurst, J & G 90 Furniture, Ss'c Crawford. J S lOf Howell, B F 88 Mclntyre Bros & Seelinger. ... 186 Scott & Flamming 172 Gas Companies Portsmouth Gas Company 26 , Glassware. Crockery, ^c Howell, BF..; 88 Hut!:!cs,WH. 158 'Staples, R- G. ..;... 158 i^hite urst, ] &• G.;: /. ^. U i^<. ' 9(3 Grain and Mill-Feed Evans, Burwell& Tazewell.;.,. . 130 Niemeyer & Co > ■ 64 Rutter, John W -•. . 228 Trant, trugien & Hill. . . . . v.. . . 36 Groceries — Wholesale. ' ■ King, John T & Bro 70 Parker, W & J 163 Groceries, cr'c Anderton, I N 174 Barlow, T J 104 Browne, F G 22? Codd, W H & Bro 176. Culpepper, H E. ...... . . . 188 Daugherty, John W, Agent. .'. . 158 Daughtrey, C L. ] 88, Ellenor & Brinkley 120 Friedlin, AC 183 King, John T & Bro 70 Lash, Elder L.^ 180 Minter& Ballance. 136 Owens, J T& A B..,. 64 Pace, JF 166 Parker, J T & Bro 136 Rutter, lohn VV 228 Whitehurst, J & G 1 90 Gua?7o, &^c Etheredge & Brooks. ..... 28 Freeman, Lloyd, Mason & Dry- den 260 Hodgdon & Spencer Co, The. . 15i/ Niemeyer & Co ■. 6,4 Nottingham, Wren & Styron . . 206 Reid, Charles & Son. . .... 2)1^ Gun and Locksmilh White, W .N.... ...,.;... .... -gg' Hams, Bacon ^ -^s aiu! 'I'lmbcr Reed, James W. . . 112 Haniess iVo^-x: Sulliv.in, D 122 Hats, Caps, ■^i- Nash, F P 152 //ay, ^T-v Ktheredge & Brooks 28 Evans, Burwell & Ta/.ewell. . . 130 Niemeyer & Co 6^ Rutter, Tolm W : 228 Trant, tiugien & Mill. 36 //osiery and Undirwcar Brown's Bazaar 1 66 Kaufman, John C 102 Owens, B II 58 Phillips & Nash 92 Staples, R G 158 //otch Ocean House The. ,. 74 //oiisc-Fti I 'Kis //. i/'jf Goods Alexander & Powell 88 Hughes, W H T5S Massinghan), j'>;ij.v. »:. ........ .'■. 184 Maupln, Wm G . . ...••. . . ]2S Hhkhi Clurlcs K::i.'.^ .;.;;.■;;. 60 •f:;- . , . . 'ff '■ ■■'.!'i-- ■. > v: Page /nsiirance Companies P rtsmouth (Fire) Insurancti Co 30' Va. Fire & Marine In-s. Co 15c Washington Life Ins. Company 13C; /nsiti-ancc Agriits ■ Atkinson, Gc rgc R, Jr. 25i Hume, R (i & \'>\o lui' Portsmouth Insurance C )mi)an\ 80 Watson & Ridrli. k ]0' i2C Willi. IS, W V II 30 ■ /ran Ji'or/cs Clarke,] F ICC Jciwliy, Sikxricaiv, crv Raiisc! ert, Ef'.ward I ]( Sherwoo i, C S , 02 /aths and Posts Armstrong, G & Son 34 Neely, R .' •& Co 54; Tram, Trugien & HiK 36 Lard^A/anufactiirers of King, John T & Bro 70 /J vie See Cement, Lime and Plnstcr. /Aqnors and Wiucs See Wines and Liquors Lively Stables Davis, W J 256 ■ Lumhei — Commission Jl/erehants, See L-ommission Mer'ts— Lumber ■ ■ Lumber — /^cahrs in Armstrong, G & Si: n . . .■ 34 Neely, RJ & Co... 54 Nottingham & Wrenn. . ;06. Peters & Reed 1 44 Reed, James W I Hi f fan t • & Bro. .• -. : ■ 3t " ' \'^: ■ ■ ■■■■^■y ''■■ '-■■>' A^^""'- 284 CONTENTS Page Lumber — Manufacturers of Armstrong, G & Son 34 Machinery — General Clarke, J F 196 Lewis Spring M'f g & Supply Co 154 "Marine Railways Thomas, -lohn L 42 'M.eat Extracts Valentine's Meat Juice Works 212 'bleats — Fresh and Cured Berry & Son 204 Browne, F G 228 Minter & Ballance 136 Phillips, John J 152 Robertson, Charles R 182 Robertbon, John B 166 Whitehurst,J& G 90 yicchanical Patents Lewis Spring M'f g & Supply Co 154 Mfw'j Furnishing Goods Ashton, John C 98 Brown's Bazaar I66 Owens, B H 58 Staples, RG 158 Metab Butt & Neville 72 Riddick & Richardson 204 Millinciy Bourdett, Mrs E 104 Mills — Flouring Gambrill, C A, M'f'g Co, The,. 164 'Mills, Saw and Planing Armstrong, G & Son , 34 Godwin, L C 134 Mouldings, Bracket's, dfc Godwin, L C ..., Ig4 Neely, R J &Co.... 54 'Mtiiic and 'Musical Instruments Crump & Anderson 72 Hume, RG&Bro 66 White WN 86 Naval Stores Parker, J T & Bro 136 Nexvs Dealers Fentress, W A 162 Neivs Papers "Portsmouth Daily Enterprise" 192 "Portsmouth Daily Times". . . . 214 "Portsmouth Observer" , 214 "Tidewater Times" 214 Notions, Qfc Bourdett, Mrs E 104 Brown's Bazaar 166 Howell, B F 88 O'Connor, T 80 Owens, BH 58 Phillips & Nash 92 Rutter, John W 228 Staples, R G 158 Whitehurst, .1 & G. . . 90 White, N E 176 Oilcloths, Mattings, b'c Sfi? Carpets, Etc Opticians Sherwood. C S 62 Organs and Pianos Shipivriglits Thomas, John L 42 Shoes and Boots 'Ssee Boots and Shoes •••■.•. Smokers' Articles Carson, J R 188 Shannon, H A 122 Soda and Mineral Water Howe, Geo W, & Co. .., 180 ■ Spannakers Thomas, John L. .. 42 Specific Remedies "Molene" 114 Valentine's Meat Juice. ...... 212 Spokes — White Oak and Hickory Reed, James W 112 Sporting Goods White, W N 86 Stationery , &c Criimp & Anderson 72 Hume.R G & Bro. 66 Staples, R G 158 Staves, &c Peters & Reed . . 144 Stcamb»at Supplies Butt & Neville 72 Steain-Coal — Wholesale Castner & Co, Agents 78 Lamb, Wm &, Co, Agents. * ... 7§ Page Steamship and Steamboat Lilies Albemarle (^ Chesapeake Canal 96 Baltimore Steam Packet Co. . . 20 Chesapeake & Delaware Canal 96 Clyde's Steam .Lines... 50 Dismal Swamp Canal & Stm'rs 208 Old Dominion Steamship Co. ■. 38, Stoves and Tiniuare Alexander & Powell -88. Howell, B F..,-... .'. 88 Massingham, John 184 Myers & Daougherty. . . .. . .'i ' 180 Staples, R G 158 Stoves, Oil • Alexander & Powell. ' 88 Hughes, WH 158' Summer Resorts ■ Ocean View • ■ • 262' Ticket Agents Williams, WVH....... 30; Tobacco, • Cigai s,. Sic , Anderton, I N. 174 Browne. F G 228 Carson, J R '.......; l8& Daughtrey, C L 188 Ellenor & Brinkley 120 Fentress, W A ; .' 163" Howe, George W Co 180 Hyselop, L K. . . ., 176 Owens, Edwin W.. ...'...... . 140: Pace, J F : iM Parker. J T & Bro. 136" Rutter, John W. 228 Shannon, HA 122 Smith, J 118 Whitehurst, J & G 90 Williams, Arthur R. . . 182 Williams, David E. ..,.<. . . . 104i CONTENTS 287 Toilet Atricks See Drugs, &c Toys, Fireiuorks, &e Mulholland, C &L 188 Trunks, Sec Brandt, Adolph 64 Howell, BF 88 Mclntyre Bros & Seelinger. . . . 186 Umbrellas, Sac Scott & Flemming 152 Undertakers Gaskins & Sturtevant 138 Johnson, Wm B 170 Scott & Flemming 172 Wagon Builders Sullivan, D 132 Wagon Planks, 'Shuttle Bhcks, Szc Reed, James W 113 Wate/ies, Clocks, &c Crawford,.! S 196 Howell, B F 88 Rauschert, Edward 116 Sherwood, C S 63 Water Frontages Schmoele, Dr Wm, Jr 300 Page Wharf Building Culpepper, HE 146 Wi'i^s, Liquors, dr'c Daughtrey, C L 188 Mahoney, T & E 129 Pace, J F.: 166 Smith, T 118 Williams, Arthur R 182 'Windo7v S/iadez, Cornices, ^c Crump & Anderson 72 Kaufman, John C 103 Mclntyre Bros & Seelinger. . . . 186 Owens, B H 58 Phillips & Nash 98 Wire Fence Manufcutureis Frey Bros 110 Wood Niemeyer & Co 64 Watts, Wm H 176 Whitehurst, J & G , 90 Wilkins, H B 94 'Wooden andWi\\o7v Ware Howell, BF 88 W ood-'iVorMng Wackinety Godwin, LC 134 V E-