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THE EIGHT UNITED STATES PRESIDENTS
WHO WERE BORN IN VIRGINIA
History of Virginia
FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS
BY
MARY TUCKER MAGILL
New edition revised by W. S. Currell, Professor of English
Washington and Lee University '
J. P. BELL COMPANY, Inc., Publishers
LYNCHBURG and RICHMOND
VIRGINIA
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881, by
J. P. BELL & CO..
In tlie Clerk's Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
Copyright, 1890. by J. P. Bell.
Copyright, 1904. bV J. P. Bell.
Copyright. 1908, by J. P. Bell Co., 1.\c.
Copyright. 1914. by J. P. Bell Co., Inc.
(edition twelve )
MAR 31 1914
^'C( A 36 95 13
PUBLISHERS' NOTICE
In presenting this new edition, revised by Prof. W. S.
Currell, Ph. D., Professor of English, Washington and
Lee University, we do so with full confidence and assur-
ance that it will meet with the largely increased patronage
which the many improvements made and its intrinsic
merits deserve.
Besides supplying an important need in the schools, this,
we believe, is the most attractively written history of Vir-
ginia now in print.
It is, therefore, with some degree of pride that we sub-
mit it to Virginia educators as the only school text-book
used in our State compiled by a Virginia author, published
by a Virginia publishing house, and which has stood the
test of the school-room for forty years.
J. P. BELL COMPANY, Inc.
Lyxchburg, Va., 1914.
AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION
In the preparation of this volume for the use of schools.
I have been actuated by an earnest desire to place before
her vouth a faithful record of the past history of the old
"Mother of States and Statesmen/'* — a record so full of
honor that her children may well be proud of it. I have.
attem])ted no dry details, no political dissertations, but
have adopted the familiar style of a "story-teller,"' draw-
ing from the stores of incident, in which the past ^f Vir-
ginia is so rich, such narrations as would be most apt to
stamp upon the youthful mind the graver facts of history,
interspersing such explanations as were absolutely neces-
sary with a simplicity and clearness which will, I hope,
render them easy of comprehension even to' the youngest
student of these pages.
In deference to the prejudices and tastes of some teachers,
I have affixed questions to the different chapters, though
my own experience leads me to the conviction that the
best mode of teaching history is not by questions, which
make the lesson a task, instead of a recreation established
in the midst of. dryer and more abstruse studies. Let the
class read the lesson and the teacher ask full questions upon
it: thus a habit of attentive reading is formed, and the
history of a single country does not employ, as is often the
case, an entire session.
In preparing the book I have freely made use of the
labors of others, to whom only a general acknowledgment
can be made.
The volume is earnestly recommended to the young
student, with the hope that he may strive to imitate the
many worthy examples held up before him in its pages,
and that he may rememlDer that the prosperity and honor
of his State in the future, as the}'^ did in the past, rest upon
the shoulders of her sons.
PREFACE
TO THE REVISED EDITION OF MAGILL'S HISTORY
OF VIRGINIA
In response to a request from the publishers and copy-
right holders of Magill's History of Virginia I undertook
a revision of this popular book, which has so long been an
inspiration to the children of the Old Dominion. The
present edition preserves all the essential features of the
latest revision made by the author, except in the treatment
of the Civil War. This part of the book has been rewritten
and condensed. As the same subject is studied again in
United States History, Miss Magill's account of the war
was thought by many teachers to be unnecessarily full.
I have also added an index, a few summaries, a brief
bibliography, and a chapter bringing the history of the
State down to the present time. In the interest of sim-
plicity a number of minor changes have been made in the
diction and in the structure of the sentences. A few mis-
statements have also been corrected. The publishers have
greatly improved the maps and pictures. In the humble
role of compiler and reviser I have not hesitated to make
use of facts furnished by others, to whom I liere gratefully
acknowledge my indebtedness.
It is hoped that my alterations and additions will in no
way impair the usefulness of a book that has the unusual
record of more tlian forty years of service in the schools of
Virginia.
W. S. CUHEELL.
Washington and Lee University,
Lexington, Virginia, March, 1914.
CONTENTS
PAGE
CHAPTER I. — 1492-1585. <"
Early Discoveries and Explorations 1
CHAPTER II. — 1606-1607.
Virginia the Mother of States— The London Company sends
Captain Smith to America— His Early Life— Landing and Settle-
ment at Jamestown — Wingfield appointed President 8
CHAPTER III. — 1607 {Continued).
Colony reduced to Want— Captain Smith commands an Expedition
in search of Food — Adventures with the Indians — Manners and
Customs of the Indians 1*
CHAPTER IV.— 1607 (Continued).
Discord in the Colony — Smith's search on the Pacific — He is
taken Prisoner, condemned to Death and rescued by Pocahontas 20
CHAPTER V. — 1607 (Continued).
Newport arrives from England— Trading with the Indians — Pow-
hatan •
CHAPTER VI.— 1608.
Smith's Expedition up the Chesapeake Bay — Quells a Mutiny —
New Discoveries and Adventures 33
CHAPTER VII —1608-1609.
What Newport brought from England — Coronation of Powhatan —
Pocahontas again saves Captain Smith 38
CHAPTER VIII. — 1609 (Continued).
The Treacherous Dutchmen — Opechankanough — Smith, by his
Wisdom and Bravery, saves his Crew — Arrivals from England —
Smith's Accident and Return to England 45
CHAPTER IX.— 1609-1614.
Arrival of Sir Thomas Gates — Jamestown abandoned — The Meet-
ing with Lord Delaware — The Return — Capture of Pocahontas,
and her Mai-riage and Death 51
CHAPTER X.— 1614-1622.
Death of Powhatan — The Price of a Wife — Indian Massacre — Eng-
lish History as connected with Virginia — Governor Yeardley —
Harvey sent to England — Berkeley appointed Governor 60
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAl'TER XI.— 1644.
Opec-hankanough makes War and is taken Prisoner— His Deatli—
War in England— Lord Baltimore settles Maryland—Charles I
beheaded- How Virginia got the Title "Old Dominion" m
CHAPTER XII.— ]G75.
Indian Troubles — Bacon's Rebellion
CHAPTER XIII.— 1675 (Continued).
Bac-on's Rebellion (Continued} ,^,;
CHAPTER XIV.— 1676.
The End of Bacons Rebellion— Lord Culpeper— The Tobacco
Rebellion
9t>
CHAPTER XV.— 1684-1723.
Treaty with the Five Nations- William and Mary College estab-
hshed— Parson Blair and Governor Spottswood— The Knights
of the Horseshoe ' ,,-.,
IU4
CHAPTER XVI.— 1723 (Continued).
Difficulties between the Colonies— Colonel William Byrd lays the
Foundation of Richmond and of Petersburg— Settlements in the
Valley of Virginia — Early Customs no
CHAPTER XVII.— 1732-1755.
Birth of George Washington— Incidents of his Early Life— Uu
successful Mission to the French— War with the French begun. . 115)
CHAPTER XVIII.— 1755 (Continued).
Battle of Fort Duquesne— Braddock's Defeat and Death 129
CHAPTER XIX.— 1756-1763.
Indian Atrocities— Fall of Fort Duquesne— Washington retires to
Mount Vernon
CHAPTER XX.— 1765-1770.
Patrick Henry— Richard Henry Lee— Richard Bland and Edmund
Pendleton— The Stamp Act resisted— Thomas .Tefferson 142
CHAPTER XXL— 1774.
Death of Lord Botetourt— Lord Dunmore succeeds him as Gov-
ernor of Virginia-His Difficulties with the Assembly-Indian
Iroubles-Battle of Point Pleasant-Logan-Meeting of the
^^•glnla Convention in St. .Tolm-s Cburcb. Richmond 153
CHAPTER XXIL— 1775.
<;..vernm- Dunmore's Treachery-The Powder at Williamsburg—
rown T. "'i°°-'''^"°~''^"" "' "«"^Pton-Attack on James-'
town — The Tories
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIII. — 1775 {Continued).
Dunmore incites the Indians to the Massacre of the Whites — Battle
of Great Bridge — Norfolk burned — Gwynn's Island 170
CHAPTER XXIV. — 1776.
The General Convention meets at Williamsburg — Declaration of
Rights— Declaration of Independence — Patrick Henry chosen
Governor— The Seal of Virginia — Religious Freedom declared—
The Law of Primogeniture 181
CHAPTER XXV. — 1776-1781.
Troubles in the State— Fears of a Dictator— La Fayette and
De Kalb arrive — Thpmas Jefferson appointed Governor — British
Troops enter Hampton Roads — Defeat of General Gates in
North Carolina — Convention Troops in Albemarle 189
CHAPTER XXVI. — 1781 (Continued).
Revolutionary War transferred to Virginia — Richmond aban-
(joned The Traitor Arnold — Baron Steuben and George Rogers
Clarke Death of De Kalb — Cornwallis marches towards Peters-
inu-g — Colonel Tarleton's Raid 19'J'
CHAPTER XXVII. — 1781 (Continued) .
Legislature at Charlottesville escapes from Tarleton — Monticello —
Outrages of the British Army — Cornwallis retreats to Chesa-
peake Bay — He fortifies Yorktown — Siege of Yorktown — Sur-
render of Cornwallis — Virginia Heroes 205
CHAPTER XXVIII.— 1781-1800.
■■(Jrazy Rumsey" — Washington at Mount Vernon — Convention at
Philadelphia — Virginia Convention meets to discuss the New
Constitution — Virginia joins the Federal Union — Washington
elected President — Kentucky admitted into the Union — Fed-
eralists and Republicans — Alien and Sedition Laws — "Resolu-
tions of '98" — Patrick Henry's Last Speech — John Randolph
of Roanoke — Deaths of Patrick Henry and Washington 217
CHAPTER XXIX. — 1800-1813.
Callender's "Prospect before us" — Insurrection of Slaves — Burning
of the Richmond Theatre — War of 1812 231
CHAPTER XXX.— 1818-1859.
Virginia the "Mother of Presidents" — University of Virginia —
Death of Thomas Jefferson — The Virginia Constitution and the
Men who made it — Troubles between the States — John Brown's
Raid 238
3^11 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXI.— 18«0-18«1. ^""^
Causes of the Civil War— Consequences of the Election of Abraham
Lmcoln— Virginia passes the Ordinance of Secession— Attitude
of Maryland— Comparative Resources of the North and South. . 251
CHAPTER XXXII.— 1861 (Cotitinve,! ) .
Preparations for war— Virginia War Leaders— Federal plans-
Battle of First Manassas— Summary of events of 1861 258
CHAPTER XXXIII.— 1862.
A Memorable Year-Jackson's Valley Campaign-Operations in
Southeastern Virginia-Monitor and Merrimac— Peninsula Cam-
paign-Second Manassas— The Maryland Campaign— Summary
of events in 1862 • ..^^
267
CHAl'TER XXXIV.— 1868.
Battle of Chancellorsville-Death of Jackson— Battle of Gettys-
burg — Summary of events in 1863 o-c
CHAPTER XXXV.— 1864.
Change of Military Policy of Federal Government-Operations in
the \ alley-General Early's Campaign-Butler at Bermuda Hun-
dred—Grant and Lee in the Wilderness. Spottsylvania. Cold Har-
bor—Siege of Petersburg— Summary of events of 1864 282
CHAPTER XXXVI.— 186.-;.
The Surrender at Appomattox— Closing events of the War— Re
suits of the War— Loss of West Virginia 290
CHAPTER XXXVII.— 1S65-1800.
Divisions of the Chapter-Murder of President Lincoln-Disputes
between President Johnson and Congress-Virginia under Mili-
tary Government-Disaster at the Capitol-Death of General
Lee— Governors of Virginia since 1873 9C)g
CHAPTER XXXVIIL— 1890-11114.
The State Debt-The Readjuster Movement-Educational Prog-
Wa^~Th""f''' P'-«^'-^-^«-^^^aterial Prosperity - The Spanish
nai— The Jamestown Exposition— The Constitutional Conven-
tion— ^ irginia. Past and Present 3^3
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA
PERIOD I: COLONIAL \aRGINIA, 1607-1775.
CHAPTER I.
1492-1585.
BIAKLY DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS.
Traditions. — 1. The Irish and the Welsh. The honor
of having discovered America is claimed by the Irish, the
Welsh, and the Norsemen; that is, the inhabitants of
Nonvay, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. Far to the west
of Ireland, the Irish claim to have fonnd a beautiful land
in which they dwelt for a number of years. Madoc, a
Welsh prince, sailing in the same direction, narrates that
he found a great and fertile country with lofty mountains,
clear lakes, and large streams. On his return home he
persuaded a number of his countrymen to accompany him
on a second voyage. These venturesome Welshmen were
never heard of again. If they reached America, no traces
of them have ever been found.
2. The Norsemen. About the Norse discoveries we
know more. They certainly settled Greenland, and their
colony there lasted more than a hundred years. One of the
Norse explorers, Bjarne, while on the way to Greenland,
was driven southward by a violent gale and saw an island
in the distance. He did not go ashore, but when he told
liis story to a great Earl of Norway, Eric the Red, who had
discovered Greenland, Eric's son Leif (life) was greatly
stirred by the tale. He bought a ship and set sail with
thirty-five companions to discover and explore the new
land. He reached, finally, a place somewhere near the
2 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Massachusetts coast, as is supposed, and called the newly
discovered country Vinland, from the number of wild
grapevines seen there by him and his companions. This
happened about 1,000 A. D.
Columbus.— But we know very little of these and other
traditional explorers. The glory of having discovered
America is, therefore, justly due to Columbus. October 12,
1493, he landed on San Salvador, probably the same as
Watling Island, one of the Bahamas, and in three other
voyages discovered Cuba, Haiti, Porto Eico, Jamaica, and
many other islands in the West Indies.
The Cabots. — The success of Columbus fired the ambition
of all the nations of Europe, but England was the first of
these to send out an exploring expedition. In 1-197,
Henry VII., King of England, empowered John Cabot
and his three sons to "set sail, discover countries, and take
possession for the (^-own of England." They discovered
the coast of Laljrador, in 1497, one year before Columbus,
on his third voyage, set foot on the mainland of North
America, and later went as far south as Florida.
Raleigh's Expeditions.— But it was nearly one hundred
years before the English took advantage of their new
possessions. In 1576, Martin Erobisher, a great navigator,
tried to plant a colony; and, in 1583, Sir Humphrey
Gilbert was lost at sea in his effort to plant another. His
half-brother, Sir Walter Ealeigh, was hardly more success-
ful. In 1584, this accomplished nobleman, high in the
favor of Elizabeth, Queen of England, fitted out two ships,
with his sovereign's permission, and placed them under the
command of Captains Amadas and Barlow. These, follow-
ing the course of Columbus, reached the West India
Islands, remained there a few days, and then directed their
course north. Attracted by the delicious perfume of "fruits
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 3
aud flowers which a kindly breeze wafted to them from the
fragrant shore they landed finally upon the coast of North
Carolina, not far from Cape Hatteras, and took possession
of the country in the name of her Sovereign Majesty,
Queen Elizabeth. Charmed with the tall trees, green
fields, and abundant grapevines, they clambered to the top
of the high cedars, in order to obtain a more extended view,
and gazed with rapture over the exquisite landscape. Here
llie English fivsi became acquainted with turkeys, potatoes,
tobacco, and Indian torn (maize).
THE ENGLISH RBCBIVINQ IKDIAJS.
At first it seemed that this beautiful land was given
over to the birds and beasts. On the third day, however, a
^mall canoe, in which were three men dressed in the skins
of wild animals, put out from the neighboring shore. They
approached and boarded the ship without any sign of fear,
and one of them, wlio seemed to be the leader, acted as
spokesman for the rest ; but his speech, full of impressive
gestures, and doubtless of eloquent language, was in a
4 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
tongue not one word of whicli could be understood. The
English, unable to. reply, but wishing to show a friendly
spirit, presented the natives with shirts and hats, wine, and
meat. After a visit of some length the strange guests
departed as they had come, but soon returned with the
boat loaded with fish and game, which they presented to
the Englishmen. The next day came divers boats with
forty or fifty men, and among them Granganameo, brother
of the king of this great country. Leaving the boats at
some distance, the Indians came towards them. The
Englishmen presented the chieftain with many toys, such
as beads and pieces of tin, which he received with delight.
His men seemed to regard him with great respect, none
of them speaking a word, except four who seemed of higher
rank than the rest, and to whom alone he gave presents
of the treasures bestowed upon him. These they received
humbly, making signs that all things belonged to him.
Granganameo paid them many visits after this, bring-
ing presents of deerskins and other things; and after a few
days he brought his wife and children. The former was of
small stature, very pretty and bashful. Shp was dressed
in a long coat of leather, with a band of white coral about
her forehead, while strings of pearls as large as peas hung
from her ears and reached nearly to her waist; she wore
her long black hair hanging down on both sides, and the
men wore theirs long on one side and shaven close on the
other.
The English remained some time in this place, trading
with the natives, and obtaining from them, in return for
the useless toys with which they presented them, many
articles of value, such as pearls, dyes, and game of various
kinds. They learned, too, a great deal about the soil of the
country, which they found to be more fertile than any
they had ever known, producing three crops of corn in one
year.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 5
Roanoke Island. — One day Captain Barlow and seven
of his men paid a visit to Granganameo, their new friend,
who had his home on Roanoke Island. As they approached
the place, they saw hefore them a little village of nine or
ten Indian houses, built of cedar, and fortified, after their
manner, by sharp stakes or palisades driven into the ground.
Seeing her visitors approaching, the wife of Granganameo,
like a true hospitable Virginian matron, ran down to the
shore and received them with every sign of Joy. She told
them that her husband was away, and commanding her
people to draw the boats to shore, made them carry the
guests on their backs to the houses. Here she entertained
them with great honor, setting meat and fruit before tbem,
having their clothes washed, and in her simple, natural
way doing all she could to testify her delight at seeing
them. In one of the houses she showed them her idol,
about which she told wonderful things. When some of her
men came in with their bows and arrows, and the English-
men acted as if they feared treachery, their hostess caused
tlie bows and arrows to be broken in pieces, and the owners
of them to be beaten out of the house. The Englishmen
returned to their encampment next day, much pleased with
their visit, and during the whole of their stay in that
country continued on the most friendly terms with their
Indian neighbors. Upon their return to England, they
gave such glowing accounts of the land that Queen
Elizabeth called it Yirginia, in honor of herself, the virgin
Queen of England.
Religious Beliefs. — Some interesting facts were ascer-
tained about the religion of the savages. They believed
that there were a great many gods, but one greater tban
all the rest, who had existed from eternity, and who made
all things. They worshipped the sun, moon, and stars as
gods. They believed that the soul would live forever in
6 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
liappiness or in miser)'. The English tried to teach them
ahoiit tlie true God and the Bible. The simple creatures
listened to them with interest, and taking the Holy Bible
in their hands kissed it reverently, held it to their breasts,
and stroked their bodies over with it. Once, Ijeing very
sick, their king refused help from his own friends, and
sent for the English to come and pray for him, that if he
died he might live witli their God in heaven. Soon after
this a circumstance occurred which increased their fear
and reverence for the God of the English. Great sickness
prevailed in many of their settlements, the name of which
we are not told ; but it so happened that the disease was
most fatal in places which were inclined to be unfriendly
to the English. The simj)le creatures, tlierefore, believed
that the English were actually destroying their enemies by
prayers to this great Being. Thus all the surrounding
tribes hastened to claim the friendship of this powerful
people of an all-powerful God.
Lane's Colony. — But this friendly feeling did not last
long. The year after the expedition of Amadas and
Barlow, Sir Eichard Grenville, accompanied by Ealph
Lane, the governor of the new colony, made a settlement
in Albemarle Sound, on Eoanoke Island, the home of
Granganameo. During one of Grenville's expeditions an
Indian stole a silver cup from the English, and in revenge
the English burnt an Indian village. After this the friend-
ship between the savages and the settlers was at an end.
The Indians, to get rid of the English, told Lane that the
headwaters of the Eoanoke Eiver were so close to the sea
that they were salt. Thinking that this sea was the Pacific
Ocean, Lane and his followers set out to trace the river
to its source.' Their provisions soon gave out and they
were reduced to such straits that they were forced to eat
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 7
their two dogs. Shortly after this they returned to
Roanoke Island, and. when Sir Francis Drake, the great
navigator, came from the West Indies, to see how the
colonists were faring, they returned in one of the ships to
England.
Croatan. — C)nly a few days after their departure a relief
ship, sent out by Sir Walter Raleigh, arrived laden with
provisions, but, finding no one, returned to England. The
'' Shepherd of the Sea," as Sir Walter was called, was not
daunted, however, and sent out, in 1587, to Roanoke
Island, a colonv consisting this time of men, women, and
chihlren. These were in charge of Joseph White, whose
granddaughter. Virginia Dare, was the first child of
English parentage born in America. Soon after her birth.
White left for England and did not return for three years.
When he reached the English settlement not a trace of the
one hundred and seventeen colonists lie had left behind
was to be found, except the mysterious word Croatan
carved on a tree. What became of these hapless settlers
lias remained a mystery to this day.
QUESTIONS.
1. What stories are told of Welsh and Irish discoveries in America
before 1492?
2. Tell the story of the Norse discoveries before this date.
3. W^hen and what did Columbus discover?
4. Upon what discoveries did the English base their claim to North
America ?
5. What English explorers were there before Sir Walter Raleigh and
what did they accomplish?
6. Tell the story of Raleigh's exploration under Amadas and Barlow.
7. What were the religious beliefs of the savages?
8. Give an account of Lane's Colony.
9. Give an account of the colony under Joseph Whito.
8 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
CHAPTER II.
1606-1607.
VIRGINIA THE MOTHER OF STATES THE LONDON COMPANY SENDS
CAPTAIN SJIITH TO AMERICA— HIS EARLY LIFE LANDING AND
SETTLEMENT AT JAMESTOWN WINGFIELD APPOINTED PRESI-
DENT.
"The Mother of States." — I have given you an account
of the earliest settlements in that part of America which
Queen Elizaheth named Virginia, and which extended
from the southern part of I^orth Carolina to Canada in
length and from the Atlantic to the Pacific in breadth.
This was a great country, and the reason you often hear
Virginia spoken of as the "Mother of States" is because
she gave from herself the territory out of wliicli were
formed many of the States of the Union. In those early
days all the country to the north of Chesapeake Bay was
called North Virginia, and that to the south was called
South Virginia.
The first settlements carved out of North Virginia
were the New England States, which were settled by the
Puritans. The next slice taken out was New York, which
was seized by the Dutch, the first discoverers; but it was
afterwards given to the Duke of York, after whom it
was named. Next came the divisions of New Jersey and
Delaware, and the last we shall mention was Pennsyl-
vania, which was settled by the Quakers under their wise
leader William Penn, in whose honor the State was named.
But we must confine ourselves to that portion which
through all these changes still retained the name of
Virginia, and which was colonized by Captain John Smith
and his companions in the year 1607.
HI STORY OF VIRGINIA. 9
Captain John Smith. — Captain Smitli, one of the bravest
men that ever lived, lias written a book in which he gives
an aeeonnt of liis wonderful adventures. An Englishman
by birth, he had, when quite young, a great desire to go to
sea, and even sold his satchel, books, and all he had, in-
tending secretly to carry out his design, but was prevented
by his father's death. He afterwards travelled through
most of the countries of Europe. Once while at sea, like a
second Jonah, he was thrown overboard by the super-
stitious sailors, who imagined that he brought ill luck to
their vessel. ' However, he managed to reach a desert
island, whence he was rescued by a passing ship. He
afterwards fought against the Turks, and with his own
hand killed three of their officers. He was taken prisoner
l)y them and sold as a slave. A bashaw* bought him and
sent liim as a present to his mistress, who fell in love with
liim and treated him very kindly, but Smith only thought
how he could escape and return to his own country.
The bashaw, who had connnand over the prisoners, was
\ery cruel to them. One day, when Smith was threshing
wheat, this man reviled and struck him, upon which Smith
turned and beat out the brains of his persecutor with an
instrument which he had in his hand. Then throwing
the body into the house, he locked the door, filled his sack
with corn, and, mounting the bashaw's horse, rode away,
taking the direction towards Eussia. After many more
adventures he returned to his own country, where he was
made a knight by the king, who also bestowed many other
honors upon him. Too restless to be content with a quiet
life, he determined to seek new adventures in the great
country which had been discovered, and about which the
whole world seemed to have gone mad.
*Earlier form of pasha, Turkish governor of a province.
10 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
The London Company. — Certain merchants and rich
men of London had permission from the king to settle a
colony in the country called Virginia, and for this pur-
pose obtained, for fifty miles along the sea-coast, a grant
of land, which was to belong to them and their children.
The company to whom this permission was given was
called the London Company, and another party of men
called the Plymouth Company had a similar privilege
granted them. The London Company fitted out three
small ships, and in them sent Captain John Smith, Bar-
tholomew Gosnold, Edward Maria Wingfiekl, and many
others to find out a suitable place for their settlement, and
to take possession in the name of their king, James I.
The conduct of the ships was trusted to Captain ISTewport,
and the Eev. Mr. Hunt went as tlie chaplain of the
company.
They set sail from England about the middle of
December, but were detained by contrary winds, within
sight of the shore, for six weeks, in which time Captain
Smith found he had rather an unruly crowd to deal with.
Each man imagined he coubl inaimge bettci' than his fel-
low, and they quarreled with Captain Xewpurt l)ecause
they chd not get on faster, with Captain Smith for over
having started the expedition, and with poor ['readier
Hunt for not praying hard enough against the winds,
which were the cause of their detention. At length,
however, Providence favored them, and they reached the
West Indies, where they remained for a few days, soothing
their ruffled tempers and refreshing themselves after their
tedious voyage with the delicious fruits and other pro-
ductions of these charming islands. Then with renewed
spirits, they embarked, bending their course northward
towards the coast of North Carolina, where former
attempts to colonize had been made. P)ut again eneoun-
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 11
tering storms, they found themselves on tlie trackless
ocean, amid dangers they knew not how great, and again
the nuirmurs arose loud and deep.
Captain Newport, wearied with the difficulties, deter-
mined to turn the ships around and go back to England;
but God willed it otherwise. A violent storm drove them
in towards the shore, and they found themselves at the
wide entrance of a great bay, with a cape at each extrem-
ity, which they named Cape Henry and Cape Charles,
after the two sons of their sovereign. Pursuing their
course inward, they touched upon anotlier point of land,
at the mouth pf what seemed to be a large river leading
up into the country. Hoping that their wanderings were
now ended and that they would find a desired haven, they
named the land Point Comfort. About twenty miles
farther on, the country spread out before them in all its
grandeur and richness, and the most despondent among
them exulted at the prospect. The place where they next
anchored was named Point Hope, and the river was called
James, in honor of their king. Here they encountered
some Indians, who seemed kindly disposed to them, and
told them that the Indian name of the river which they
had called James was Powhatan. They also said that the
greatest tribe in those parts was the tribe of the Powha-
tans, and that the chief of this tribe, whose name was also
Powhatan, was very powerful, and had his liome about
one hundred and fifty miles above, on the same river.
Jamestown. — Pursuing their course up the river, the
English discovered a beautiful peninsula covered with tall
trees, growing out of the luxuriant green sod. Here they
determined to land, and after much consultation and
disputing they planted their colony, calling their first
settlement Jamestown in honor of their king. They then
proceeded to elect a president and council to govern them.
12
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Edward Maria Wingfield was chosen. Captain Smith,
having been accused by Wingfiekl of an attempt "to
murder the council and make himself king," was not
allowed to take any part in the government.
The colonists then set to work at once to build a fort
as a protection against the savages. It was a busy scene.
Some were cutting down trees, others digging holes in the
ground, and the sound of the hammer and the axe
awakened echoes and startled the inhabitants of these old
JAMESTOWN.
forests. Xewport, Smith, and about twenty others were
sent to discover the head of the river. Passing many
small habitations, in six days they arrived at the dwelling
of the great chief Powhatan, which consisted of twelve
houses, pleasantly situated upon a hill. Before it were
three beautiful islands, and around it the waving fields of
corn. The city of Richmond now stands just above the
former dwelling of this Indian chief, and the place is still
pointed out where his wigwam stood.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 13
Indian Attack. — Smith found that his boat could not
proceed farther up the river, because of the falls, and
he and his party were obliged to return to Jamestown,
where they found everything in confusion. The colony
had been attacked by the Indians, one boy killed, and
seventeen men wounded. They had all been at work
without their arms wben the attack was made, and the
destruction would have been complete had it not been for
the accidental discharge of a shot from one of the ships.
This broke the bough of a tree, which fell in the midst of
the savages and caused them to retire in haste.
Captain Smith arrested. — The English at once began to
fortify themselves as strongly as they could, so as to
prevent further surprises. The Indians, however, were
fully on the alert; and, in spite of their care, the English
were constantly annoyed by them. All this time Captain
Smith was in disgrace with the colony. Many among
them, envious of his reputation, pretended to think that
he wished to murder the president and the council and
make himself a king, and these reports gaining ground,
President Wingfield made him a prisoner, and accused
liim to the London Company who had sent him to
A^irginia. But Smith, strong in his innocence, brought his
accusers to shame, and Wingfield was compelled not only
to release him, but to pay him two hundred pounds as a
recompense for what he had made him suffer. Smith
received the money, but gave it to the general fund for
the use of the colony.
This was but the beginning of the trials Smith had to
encounter, Irat he bore everything with a patience and
dignity that overcame the spite of his enemies. Preacher
Hunt also did what he could to establish peace, so a gen-
eral reconciliation took place. Smith was admitted to
the council, all parties received the communion, and the
U mSTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
very next clay the savages voluntarily desired peace, and
Captain Newport returned to England, bearing encour-
aging reports of the prosperity of the new settlement in
Virginia.
QUESTIONS.
1. What was the original extent of Virginia?
2. Why is Virginia called the "Mother of States"?
3. How were North and South Virginia divided?
4. What divisions were afterwards made?
5. With what particular portion of this country has our history to do?
6. Give the story of Captain Smith's early life.
7. How did he make his escape from the Turks ?
8. What privileges were granted to the London and Plymouth
Companies.
9. Who did the London Company send to Virginia?
10. Give an account of the voyage until they landed at the West Indies.
11. Give an account of the rest of the voyage.
12. What circumstance prevented the return of Newport to England?
13. \Miat names did they bestow upon the four first points of land
they reached?
14. What name did they give the river, and what account did the
Indians give of the country?
15. Where and when did they land, and what name did they give to
their first settlement?
16. What were the first acts of the new colony?
17. Give an account of Smith's expedition up the river.
18. In what condition did he find the colony upon liis return?
19. How was Captain Smith treated by the colony?
20. How did he behave?
21. How did the difficulties end?
C H A P T E II I 1 I.
1607.— Continued.
C0LO>'Y REDUCED TO WANT CAPTAIN SMITH COMMANDS AN EXPE-
DITION IN SEARCH OF FOOD ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE INDIANS.
President Wingfield. — From the peaceful close of the
last chapter you might suppose that the ti'publes of our
colonists were at an end. This .was far from being the
HI8T0BY OF VIRGINIA. 15
case; for they had to contend not only witli the Indians
but with their own governor and his friends. Wingfiekl,
thinking- only of gain, lost no opportunity of stealing from
the public stores to enrich himself. When he had by this
conduct made himself hated by all, he tried to seize
one of the ships and make his escape, accompanied by one
of his confederates; but his design was discovered and
prevented. Thus it happened that most of the responsi-
bility of public affairs fell upon Captain Smith, who, by
his own example and encouraging words, set the men to
work, some mowing, some planting corn, and some build-
ing houses. Smith himself always took the largest share
of the work, providing all the rest with comfortable
dwellings before he built his own. In his intercourse
with the savage he also showed his great wisdom, making
himself acijuainted with their dispositions, their manners,
their customs; always securing their friendship if
possible, but if this failed, compelling them to tear and
respect him by liis superiority over them.
Smith's Adventure. — Once, when the colony was greatly
reduced by sickness, and starvation stared them in the
face. Smith took seven men with him and set out to seek
help from one of the neighboring tribes. He proceeded
down the river about twenty miles until he arrived at one
of their towns, and by signs told the Indians of his great
need, but met with derision and contempt. In ridicule
they offered him a handful of corn and a piece of bread
in exchange for the muskets of his men, and even de-
manded the clothing of the English. Smith, finding gentle
measures useless, resolved to compel them to give him
the help lie needed. Running his boat into the shore, he
and his men fired into the crowd, whereat the Indians
fled to the woods. The Enoiish made haste to take
16 IIISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
advantage of the situation, and going from wigwam to
wigwam, they saw lieaps of corn and other food, which
Smitli could scarcely restrain his hungry men from taking
until he convinced them that the danger was not over, and
that their first duty was to prepare for the return of the
savages.
The wisdom of their leader was revealed as the
hideous war-whoop sounded, and they saw about seventy
Indians approaching from the woods, dancing and singing,
some painted black, some red, and some parti-colored.
Their god Okee, which Avas hung with chains and pieces
of copper, was before them. Well armed with bows, ar-
rows, clubs, and shields, they charged upon .the English
with great shouting and cries ; but Smith and his men
were fully prepared for them, and fired their well-loaded
muskets into the midst of them. Down fell their Okee,
and numbers of the Indians also lay sprawling on the
ground. The rest of them fled to the woods, and soon one
of their chiefs approached to beg for peace and to redeem
their god.
Smith told them that if six of their number would
come unarmed and help him to load his boats with such
provisions as he needed, that he would not only be their
friend, but would restore their Okee, and give them
beads, copper, and hatchets besides. They were very
well content with this, and brought Smith venison, tur-
keys, bread, and whatever else they had, singing and
dancing, and making signs of friendship until they de-
parted. The party returned to Jamestown in fine spirits
at their success. When the colonists saw the abundant
supplies of provisions their spirits revived. Captain
Smith made many other expeditions to procure food for
the following winter, but what he provided with so much
care the rest recklessly wasted.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 17
I will now try to give yon some idea of the manners,
customs, and religion of the North American Indians when
the country was first settled by the English.
The Indian Tribes. — The inhabitants were divided into
trilies, which were generally named from the rivers upon
which they dwelt. There were the Powhatans, the Chicka-
hominies, the Potomacs, the Susquehannocks, and the
Pamunkeys. All the Virginia Indians belonged to the
great Algonquin family, whicli occupied the region between
the Mississippi and the Atlantic, the Great Lakes, and the
Carolinas. In Virginia, Powhatan was at the head of a
great confederacy of some thirty tribes. The men were
generally tall, straight, and well formed, with skin brown
more from exposure than from nature, as the child was
born white. They had straight black hair, which was
worn long. One-half the beard was shaved off, the other
half was allowed to grow long. The women filled the
office of barbers, and with two shells grated the hair off.
Both sexes were very strong and active, able to endure
great exposure. They slept by a fire in the open air even
in the most severe weather. Their dress was made of the
skins of wild beasts, with the hair on for winter and
without it for summer. Some wore long mantles em-
l)roidered with beads, and others had mantles of turkey
feathers, which were very beautiful. The women had
tlieir limbs tattooed with pictures of beasts and serpents.
But the most curious part of their dress was their ear-
ornaments. Both sexes had as many as three holes bored
in their ears, in which they hung chains, copper, and other
ornaments; and, what was still more surprising, it was no
uncommon thing for them to use small snakes and even
rats as ear-jewels. Imagine a great Indian with a green
and yellow snake crawling and fla23ping about his neck.
18 iiisTonv OF viiiciyiA.
and often witli dreadful familiarity kissing his lips, or a
dead rat tied through the ear hy the tail ! For head-
dresses they wore the wings of Ijirds, and some had even
a whole hawk or other large hird stuffed, with its wings
outspread, perched upon the top of the head ; others wore
the hand of an enemy, dried. They ])ainted themselves
every variety of color, and he was considered most hand-
some who was most hideous to heliold.
They usually dwelt in villages, the houses of which wei'e
built of branches of trees tied together, somewhat like a
modern arbor, and covered with mats or bark. The women
were very fond of their children; and as soon as they
were born they began to wash them in the cold water of
the rivers and springs, even in the most severe winter
weather, in order to make them hardy and robust. They
also used paint and ointments to tan their skins, so that
in a year or two no weather could hurt them. The men
spent their time in hunting, fishing, and fighting, and such
manly exercises ; l)ut scorned work, which fell to the share
of the women, who planted the crops, consisting chiefly of
beans, corn, and tobacco ; prepared the food, made mats,
baskets, and cooking utensils. Their boats were made of
the long trunks of trees, hollowed out by burning until
they assumed the shape of troughs. They were long
enough, sometimes, to hold thirty or forty men. . Their
weapons w^ere bows and arrows, tomahawks, spears, and
clubs.
Hunting Device, — They used a curious device in cleer-
hunting. This animal,' you know, is so timid that it is
hard to get near enough to him for a successful shot, so
the Indian hunter used to dress in the skin of the animal,
and thus disguised go into the midst of the herd. Some-
times when he would be hunting out a good fat buck^
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. li)
worthy of his arrow, he would see the deer looking
curiously towards him, as if they half suspected him of
being a cheat, upon which he would lick himself, and by
his cunning imitate the motions of the animal so com-
pletely as to deceive them entirely, and thus he would
shoot many of them.
Religion. — No people has ever yet been discovered with-
out a religion, and all primitive nations have some idea
of one Supreme Being. The North American Indians
worshipped an evil spirit, whom they called Okee, and
who was represented by a hideous image dressed up in
beads and copper, after a most fantastical fasliion. They
did not think it necessary to worship good spirits as these
would do them no harm. Their priests arrayed themselves
as much like Okee as possible. To make their head-
dresses, they collected a quantity of snake-, weasel-, and
rat-skins, stuffed them in their natural shapes with moss,
and then tide their tails togetlier like a tassel. This was
put upon the crown of the head with the skins dangling
about the face, and the whole was finished l)y a great
crown of feathers, sticking out of the place where the
tails were fastened. Their religious exercises were
chanted, the priest leading and the rest following after.
Tliey had great fear and admiration for their king;
liis commands were instantly obeyed, and when he frowned
they trembled with apprehension; and no wonder, for he
was very cruel in punishing such as offended him. He
would have a man tied hand and foot, and thrown upon
burning coals and broiled to death. He would have their
heads laid upon stones, whilst his executioners beat out
their brains with clubs. When a notorious enemj^ or
criminal was taken, he was tied to a tree, and the execu-
tioner with mussel-shells cut off his joints, one after the
other, threw them into a great fire, then sliced the flesh
20 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
from the bones of his head and face. If life still remained
in the quivering carcass, the body was ripped up, and then,
with the tree to which it was tied, was burned to ashes.
Against such foes as these the colonists had to contend
for more than one hundred and fifty years.
QUESTIONS. '
1. In what year did the events recorded in this chapter talie place?
2. Did peace and good-will long continue in the colony?
3. To what did they owe fresh troubles?
4. How did Smith act when the responsibility of affairs fell upon him?
6. Give an account of his expedition in search of food.
6. How were the crew received on their return to Jamestown?
7. How were the Indians divided and named?
8. Describe their appearance and manners.
9. Their peculiarities of dress, etc.
10, How did the women treat their children?
H, Tell of the curious Indian device in deer-hunting.
12. Give an account of their religion.
13. How did their kings rule them?
C H A P T E E IV.
1607. — Continued.
DISCORD IN THE COLONY SMITH'S SEARCH FOR THE PACIFIC HE
IS TAKEN PRISONER, CONDEMNED TO DEATH AND RESCl'ED BY
POCAHONTAS.
Discord in the Colony. — While Smith was making
expeditions to secure provisions, his enemies at Jamestown
were trying to undermine his influence. At one time
Wingfield and his accomplice, Kendall, tried to capture
the only vessel that remained to the colony and make their
escape to England. Smith returned just in time to
HISTORY OF VIEGINIA. 31
prevent this, but not without a fight, in which Kendall
was killed.
Smith's Perilous Adventure. — Ealph Lane thought that
the headwaters of the Eoanoke Eiver reached to the Pacific,
and Smith thought the same with reference to the Chicka-
hominy. He made several ett'orts to reach the Pacific l)y
traveling up this river, but had to return each time on
account of the difficulties of navigation. He was so
taunted with his failure that he determined to make one
last desperate eft'ort to accomplish his purpose. He
started in his little boat, with some Englishmen and
Indians for his companions, determined not to return
until he had succeeded in his undertaking. By cutting
down trees and clearing the channel, he advanced until
his boat could go no further, and leaving it in an open
bay, out of reach of the Indian arrows, ordered the men
not to go on shore during his absence. Then taking with
him two Englishmen and two Indians he pursued his
course up the river in a canoe. As soon as he had left
them, the men in the boat, disobeying his orders, rowed
to shore, and were surprised by the Indians. It was with
difficulty that any of the party made their escape. One of
their number, George Cassen, was captured and put to
death with the greatest cruelty. Learning from him where
'Smith had gone, the Indians foHowed, and soon came upon
the canoe with the two Englishmen sleeping beside it.
Smith and his Indians having gone into the woods to get
food, xlfter having killed the men, the hostile Indians
pursued Smith, who soon found himself surrounded by
two hundred savages thirsting for his blood.
In this dreadful situation his presence of mind did not
forsake him. He tied one of his Indian guides in front
of him to protect himself, and shot over his shoulder at
22
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
the savages, killing several of them, he himself being
wounded in the thigh. Then moving backwards he tried
to reach the boat, and thus make his escajse; but having
his eyes fixed upon the enemy, he came upon marshy
ground, into which he sank up to his armpits, and almost
expired with cold. Still the Indians were afraid to come
CAPTAIN SMITH TAKEN PRISONER.
near him until he threw away his firearms. Then they
dre;v him out, took liim to the fire, where his two com-
panions were lying dead, chafed his benumbed limbs, and
finally led him to Opechankanough, king of Pamaunkee.
Captain Smith knew that nothing but his wit could now
save his life, so drawing from his pocket an' ivory compass,
such as is used on ships, he presented it to the king. The
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 23
curious savages gathered around, and looked with wonder
upon the needle vibrating before them. Seeing them in-
terested^ his hopes revived, and partly by language and
partly by signs, he told them of the roundness of the
earth and of the variety of nations which inhabit it. He
explained to them in simple language the course of the
heavenly bodies, until they were filled with awe and
admiration.
Notwithstanding his eloquence and its effects, an hour
afterwards Smith was tied to a tree and surrounded by
Indians with arrows pointed at his heart. He gave up all
for lost, and, committing his soul to God, prepared to
meet his death with unflinching courage; but at this
moment Opechankanough held up the compass in his hand,
and the Indians laid down their bows and arrows, untied
him from the tree, and forming a procession, placed- him
in the midst, and so led him away. \\Tien they arrived
at their town, which consisted of thirty or forty houses
built of mats, women and children came out to stare at
the white man, whereupon the Indians commenced their
war-dance, yelling and shrieking with hideous triumph.
At length they led Smith to a long house, where thirty tall
Indians guarded him, and after a while they brought him
bread and venison, as much as would have served for
twenty men. At midnight they brought him meat again,
and again the next morning, until, remembering the
stories he had read about cannibals, he concluded that they
were only fattening him to eat him. This idea did not
greatly increase his appetite.
After some days' captivity he was brought before the
king, where he was told that the Indians were about to
destroy Jamestown, and he was promised his life, liberty,
and land if he would give them his assistance. In return
he excited their fears by telling them of the dangers they
24 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
would encounter from the great guns which belclied out
fire and smol^e, and he offered to prove to them that wliat
he said was true if they would send some of their men to
Jamestown to take a mere piece of paper for him. ^^^len
the}' agreed he tore a leaf from a blank book, wrote upon
it minute directions to the colonists, as to what they
should do to frighten the messengers, and also made a
list of articles to be sent to him. He then told them, with
the manner of a prophet, exactly what would occur during
their visit, and gave them the mysterious paper. Of
course everything happened as he had said, and they told
all these things to their wondering people, declaring that
either he was a great prophet or that the ])aper could speak.
The Indian Conjurers. — They then led him with great
ceremonies through all the Indian tribes living upon the
rivers in that part of the country, to the king's habitation
at Werowocomoco, on the York Eiver, where they called
their conjurers and priests together to see what was the
will of their Okee concerning their captive. They made
a great fire in a long house, with a mat spread on each
side of it, on one of which they made him sit down.
Presently in there came skipping a large fellow painted
black, witli a tassel of snakes and weasel-skins, and over
it all a crown of feathers upon his head. He began to
make a speech in a hideous voice with passionate gestures.
N^ext he walked around the fire and sprinkled a circle of
meal. Then in came three more of these monsters dancing
and shouting, their eyes painted white ; next three more
with their eyes painted red. x\fter liaving danced around
him for some time, shouting until he was almost maddened,
they led him back to his prison.
King Powhatan. — Three days they kept up these cere-
monies, after which they brought him before their great
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
25
king Powhatan. Smith found him seated before a fire,
upon a seat like a bedstead; he was covered with a rich
robe of skins, and on each side of him was a young girl
about sixteen years of age. Along the sides of the house
were rows of men, and behind them as many women, all
with their heads and shoulders painted red, decked with
feathers, and with chains of white beads about their necks.
V\lien they saw him, the king and all the company gave
f\,''^^ -<
CAPTAIN SMITH SA\T;D BY POCAHONTAS.
a great shout. The Queen of Appamatox then brought
him water to wash his hands, and another queen brought
a large bunch of feathers instead of a towel for him to dry
them. Then they made a great feast for him, and after
that held a long consultation about him.
When this was over they placed two great stones before
the king, and laid Smith's head upon the stones. Again
thinking his last hour had come, he closed his eyes to shut
out the sight of the dreadful clubs raised above his head
26 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
ready to beat out his brains; when a shriek aronsed him,
and opening his eyes he saw the beautiful Pocahontas, the
favorite daughter of King Powhatan, pleading with her
father for his life, while the tears rolled down her cheeks.
Finding that her father would not relent, she flew to
Smith, laid her head upon his, and declared that she
would give her life to save him. This conquered the
stern old king, and he released the prisoner. Two days
afterwards he allowed him to go back to Jamestown, upon
condition that he would send him two great guns and a
grindstone. So once more Smith's life was miraculously
saved.
On liis return he was received with great joy by a part
of the colony. As Wingfield and some others were again
making preparations to run away with the vessel to
England, Smith, at the risk of his life, prevented this,
and in return Wingfied and his confederates tried to bring
him to trial for the death of the Englishmen who were
slain by the Indians. In this also they failed, and Smitii
at last succeeded in liaving them arrested and sent to
prison. Once more quiet was restored to the colony.
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the date of the events detailed in this chapter?
2. How did Smith spend his time and what diflSculties did he
encounter?
3. What curious mistake did the English malce about the extent of
Virginia ?
4. Tell of Smith's expedition up the Chickahominy.
5. How were his men captured?
6. Give an account of Smitli"s dreadful situation.
7. How did he act so as to gain the attention of the savages?
8. What happened next?
9. How was his life saved?
10. Tell the manner in which they conducted the prisoner.
11. What of his trial?
12. Give an account of the preparations for his execution.
13. Who saved his life, and how?
14. How was he received on his return to Jamestown ?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 27
CHAPTER V.
1607. — Continued.
NEWPORT ARRIVES FROM ENGLAND TRADING WITH THE INDIANS — •
POWHATAN.
A Visit to Powhatan. — Soon after the events narrated
in the last chapter Captain Newport arrived witli new
snpplies. The colonists were overjoyed, and the sailors
at once began to trade with the natives, obtaining
for a few trinkets quantities of copper and other valu-
ables. Captain Newport sent Powhatan some presents,
which so pleased the royal savage that he begged for a
visit from the "Creat Father," as he called Newport. It
was some time before Captain Smith could persuade Cap-
tain Newport to trust himself among the savages, but
Smith undertook with twenty well-armed men to en-
counter the worst that could happen to them; so, fitting
up a small vessel, the party started up the river. Landing
near the dwelling of Powhatan, they were met by two or
three hundred savages, who conducted them to the town.
Here Powhatan received them with great shouts of
joy. They found him sitting upon his bed of mats, with
a ])illow of leather beside him, emliroidered after their
manner with pearls and white l)eads. His royal robe
was a great mantle of skins which covered him; at his
feet sat a handsome young woman, and on each side
of his house w^ere twenty more women, their heads and
shoulders painted red, and with chains of white beads
about their necks In front of these were the chief men
of the tribe, and behind them a guard of about one hun-
dred people; and as the Englishmen passed through this
38 HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
guard, proclamation was made that none, upon pain of
death, should do them any harm. Tlien followed a long
interview between Newport and Powhatan, in which each
tried to outdo the other in professions of love and friend-
ship. Next followed a great feast, dancing, singing, and
all kinds of merriment. They were entertained that night
at Powhatan's quarters.
Three or four days passed in this manner, during all
of which time Powhatan bore himself so proudly that all
were compelled to admire the monarch who, though he
had never been beyond the American forests, was yet
every inch a king. Very cunning he was, too, in trading
with the English, though in this matter Captain Sniitli
proved himself the better man of the two.
Powhatan's Scheme. — As if scorning to trade as his
subjects did, he said, "Captain Newport, it is not agree-
able to my greatness in this peddling manner to trade for
trifles, and I esteem you also a great chief, therefore lay
me down all your commodities together ; what I like I will
take, and will pay you what I think is their value." Cap-
tain Smith saw through his design at once, and told Cap-
tain Newport that the cunning savage only wanted to
cheat him, and get more for his commodities than they
were worth. At first Captain Newport would not believe
this; but when he found that Powhatan wanted to get as
much for a bushel of corn as he had expected to give for
a hogshead, he was very angry, and a quarrel would have
ensued between the two if Captain Smith had not inter-
posed by drawing out a string of blue beads, which, at-
tracting the attention of Powhatan, diverted his thoughts
in another direction. He at once eagerly bargained for
the beads, but the more he wanted them the more un-
willing Captain Smith was to part with them. He
told Powhatan that they were made of a very rare
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
29
substance of the color of the sky, and could only lie worn
by the greatest kings in the world. This of course stimu-
lated the desire of Powhatan for them, and it ended by
the Indian king selling three hundred bushels of corn for
a pound or two of blue beads; and yet they parted good
friends.
POWHATAN" TRADING FOK P.LUl
Tbey also made the same kind of bargain with
Opechankanough, obtaining from him for a few blue beads
a quantity of valuable provisions. The party returned
to Jamestown delighted with their success, which, how-
ever, in the end, did not benefit them much ; for as they
were storing away these new supplies the town caught
30 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
fire, and, being built of wood, almost the whole place,
with the arms, clothes, bedding, and provisions of the
inhabitants, was destroyed. Good Preacher Hunt lost
his libi'ary and everything but the clothes he had on,
yet no one ever heard him complain. And, to increase
the affliction of the colony, this accident occurred in the
middle of winter, and a great deal of suffering ensued.
The Gold Fever, — If Captain Smith had been listened
to, all hands would at once have set to work to rebuild
the town; but just at this time a fever seized the colony
most fatal to its prosperity : it was the fever for gold, and
jjervaded all classes of men. In the bed of one of the
streams near Jamestown, among the clay and sand, a
shining substance had been discovered, which was pro-
nounced by some, who pretended to have knowledge in
these matters, to be gold. At once the farmer left his
plough and the carpenter his tools, and all classes and
ages of men hurried to possess themselves of the precious
metal; so that nothing was talked of but gold, nothing
was hoped for but gold, no work was done but to dig
gold, wash gold, refine gold, and load gold. The fields,
where their true wealth lay, were neglected; their houses,
the rebuilding of which was so necessary to their comfort,
lay in ruins; their provisions were scarcely enough to
support life; and still the mad fever went on. They even
loaded a ship with the gilded earth, and putting it imder
the comnumd of Captain Newport, who was also a victim
to this wild delirium, they sent it home to England, where,
being examined, it was found, much to their mortification,
to be nothing but a worthless mineral.
This disappointment, however, was the best thing that
could have happened to the colonists, as they at once
abandoned their wild search for gold and returned to their
proj^er employments. Smith, taking advantage of this
HISTORY OF VIEGINIA. 31
favorable change, proceeded to rebuild the city and plant
the crops; and soon all were bus.y and cheerful, cutting
down trees, preparing the fields, planting corn, and build-
ing houses. A vessel from England that had been thought
to be lost, arrived with supplies, which relieved their im-
mediate wants; and, taught by the follies of the past,
they grew more hopeful of the future.
Breach with the Indians. — A difficulty with the Pow-
hatans was the next thing that engaged their attention.
Captain Newport, anxious to keep on friendly terms with
Powhatan, sent the Indian king twenty swords in return
for a present of twenty turkeys. After Newport's
departure, Powhatan also sent Captian Smith twenty
turkeys, expecting a like return, but he found he had a
different man to deal with. Smith took no notice of the
request, and Powhatan, indignant at the ill success of his
scheme, ordered his men to beset the colonists and seize
their arms wherever they could find them. This caused
constant annoyance ; the parties at work were continually
interrupted; but so much afraid were they of provoking
the enmity of the Indians, that these injuries remained
unpunished, until, emboldened by this fact, the savages
became more annoying than ever.
Smith's Reprisal. — It chanced, however, that Captain
Smith became the object of some of their outrages, and, as
may be imagined, he was not one to take this meekly. He
hunted them up and down the country, he terrified them
with whipping and imprisonment, and kept in the prison
of Jamestown seven savages as hostages for the good be-
havior of the others. They in return captured two English-
men, and sent Smith word that they should be put to
death at once if the Indians were not released. As an
answer to this, Smith marched out against them, and in
two hours so punished them for their insolence that they
32 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
brought him his two men, and without anv further con-
ditions begged for peace. He forced them to confess that
they had been sent by Pow]iatan to capture arms to use
against tlie English themselves. Tliis the cunning
•monarch stoutly denied, and even sent his daughter
Pocahontas to Jamestown with presents to Captain Smith,
and earnest entreaties that lie would excuse the rashness
of some of his chiefs, who without orders from him had
perpetrated these outrages. Captain Smith punished his
captives as he thought fit, and delivered them to Poca-
lioutas, for whose sake alone, he said, he spared their lives
and gave them their liberty. By these acts he secured
peace and quiet for the colony, and increased the respect
of the Indians for his wisdom and firmness.
QUESTIONS.
1. What happened next?
2. Tell of the visit to Powhatan.
3. How did Powhatan try to cheat the English?
4. How did Captain Smith prove as cunning as he?
5. Tell of the blue beads transaction.
6. What happened on their return to Jamestown?
7. What fever seized the colony?
8. What effect did it have on their prosperity?
9. How did it end?
10. Wliat next engaged their attention?
11. Did .Smith submit to the will of Powhatan?
12. What did Powhatan do?
13. How did Smith revenge himself?
14. How did the difficulty end?
15. What effect did this have on the savages?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 33
CHAPTEE VI.
1608.
smith's expedition up the CHESAPEAKE BAY QUELLS A MUTINY
NEW DISCOVERIES AND ADVENTURES.
A New Expedition. — More than a year had now elapsed
since the first settlement of the colony at Jamestown,
and though Captain Smith had made many voyages for
the purpose of learning the extent and resources of the
country, yet l)ut little had been really accomplished. You
remember that I told you some chapters back that this
colony was sent from England by the London Com-
pany, and they were permitted to take possession of
fifty miles along the sea-coast and one hundred miles
back from the coast. This was a vast extent of country,
but only a small portion of it had yet been explored.
Hence in June of the year 1608, the colony being quiet
and prosperous. Captain Smith determined to push his
discoveries along the sea-coast. For this purpose he fitted
out a boat, and taking with him fourteen men, started
down the river towards the ocean. Again they touched
at Point Hope and Point Comfort, and recalled the time
when, storm-tossed and weary, they had here welcomed
the prospect of rest.
Touching at Cape Henry, they crossed the bay to the
Eastern Shore, visited Smith's Isles, and then crossed
over to Cape Charles. Here two fierce stout savages
came to the landing, and holding long poles in their
hands, boldly demanded who they were and what they
wanted. Finding the English friendly in their answers,
they too became very polite, and directed them to Acco-
34 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
mack, the habitation of their king. They found him the
handsomest and most polite savage whom they had met.
These Indians spoke the language of the Powhatans, and
as our colonists had become quite familiar with that, they
had no difficulty in conversing with them.
Smith and his Crew. — The king was quite eloquent
in his description of the bays, isles, and rivers, and excited
great expectations in the voyagers, so that they soon left
their hospitable host and pursued their voyage. Many
were the discoveries they made of islands, rivers', and
fertile fields. Sometimes they were kindly received by
the natives, at other times they had to fight their way on.
Often they were reduced to great straits for want of pro-
visions, when, of course, the crew blamed Captain Smith
for bringing them upon the journey; but he bore all their
complaints with a patient firmness that overcame their ill-
temper. Once, when he could scarcely bear their murmurs,
he said to them, "Gentlemen, do you not remember the
history of Sir Richard Grenville and his men? how when
their provisions were nearly exhausted and he thought of
returning, his brave men begged him to let them go for-
ward, as they had two dogs, which, boiled with sassafras
leaves, would richly feed them? Then what a shame is it
for you, who still have provisions left you, to wish to force
my return when we have not even yet heard of what we
came out to seek ! You cannot say that I have not shared
with you the worst of what is past; and I am content
that in what is to come you give the worst part to myself.
As for your fears that I will lose myself in these unknown
waters, or be swallowed up in some stormy gust, abandon
such childish apprehensions, regain your old spirits; for
return I will not, if God please, until I have found that
which I came out to seek."
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
35
In the Chesapeake. — Sickness, however, attacked them,
and Captain Smith was obliged to return to Jamestown,
where he dismissed his crew, took an entirely new set of
men, and returned to push his discoveries in Chesapeake
Bay. Numerous were the adventures of this party, and
great the dangers from which they escaped. They pur-
sued their course up to the head of Chesapeake Bay and
CAPTAIN SMITH REBUKING HIS CREW.
into the various rivers, and made the acquaintance and
secured the friendship of the numerous tribes of Indians,
who promised to plant corn for the settlement, in return
for which the English were to give them hatchets, beads,
and other things which they much desired.
Return to Jamestown. — These voyages and discov-
eries occupied Captain Smith from June until September,
during which time he travelled three thousand miles in
36 JIISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
an open boat. When he returned to Jamestown he found
the colony much reduced by sickness and the bad manage-
ment of Captain Eatcliffe, who had occupied all the time
of Smith's absence in building himself a palace, instead
of attending to the wants of the suffering people.
Smith elected President. — And now, in spite of their
jealousies, Captain Smith's superiority was acknowledged,
as the Council met two days after his long voyage and
elected him president of the colony. He at once com-
menced the most vigorous measures, stopped the work
upon Eatcliffe Palace as useless, repaired the church and
storehouses, built a new fort, and placed the whole settle-
ment in better condition than it had ever been before. Soon
Captain Newport arrived with supplies. He afterwards
told Captain Smith that he had orders not to return until
he could bring back a lump of gold and had discovered
the passage to the Pacific Ocean, which they still imagined
lay only a short distance from them. Captain Smith's
travels into the country, however, had convinced him that
this was a mistake, and he told Captain Newport that the
fine ship he had brought would never take them to the
sea until they had carried her across high mountains and
forests more extensive than they could guess. As to the
lump of gold, he besought Captain Newport not again
to excite the fever which had been so nearly ruinous to the
existence of the colony.
Captain Newport's Instructions. — Captain Newport
insisted that his orders were positive, and he said besides,
that he had information upon which he could rely, that the
country of the Monnachins, who were the nearest neighbors
and great enemies of the Powhatans, would furnish them
with an abundance of the precious metal. He told Smith
that with the view of obtaining the help of the Powhatans
in this matter, he had lu'ought with him many costly pres-
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 37
•ents for Powliatan, among other things a king's crown, a
scarlet cloak, l)ed and lu'dstead, a basin and ewer, and
other furniture; and he thought that if they could get
Powhatan to come to Jamestown for the jDur^^ose of re-
ceiving these presents, they could so flatter him with the
grand ceremony of crowning him king that he would be
willing to go with them against the Monnachins. Again
Captain Smith remonstrated; he said that it was a great
mistake to give all these rich presents to the Indians, that
they were now quite as well satisfied with a few strings of
blue beads as they would be with all the jewels of England ;
but if they were taught the use of these additional luxuries,
they would learn to value themselves and their commodi-
ties at a much higher rate, and so be harder and more ex-
])ensive to deal with in the future. But his wise counsel
was unheeded ; Captain iSTewport would have his own way,
and after further consultation Captain Smith agi-ced to go
to Powhatan and invite him to Jamestown.
QUESTIONS.
1. Wliat is the date of the events narrated in tliis chapter?
2. What extent of countrj' had been granted to the London Company?
3. For what purpose did Captain Smith start on his voyage, and
how did his crew behave?
4. At what points did they touch, and wliat Indians did tliey lirst
encounter?
5. Describe them .
6. What discoveries did they mal^e, and liow were tliey received by
the natives?
7. What difficulties did Captain Smith have to encounter?
8. Tell the story of his remonstrance with liis crew.
9. Why were they obliged to return to Jamestown?
10. Did Captain Smith make a second start?
11. How long did these voyages and discoveries occupy Captain Smith,
and how far did he travel?
12. What condition of things did he find at .Tamestown on his return?
13. How was his superiority acknowledged?
14. What were his first steps?
15. What was Captain Newport's course upon his arrival?
16. What presents had he brought for Powhatan?
17. What remonstrance did Smith make, and was he listened to?
38 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
C H A P T E R V 1 I.
1608-1609.
WHAT KEWPOET BBOUGIIT FROM ENGLAND CORONATION UF I'OW-
JIATAN ^POCAHONTAS AGAIN SAVES CAPTAIN SMITH.
A Visit to Powhatan. — According to the agreement
between Smith and Newport related in the last chapter,
the former, taking with him brave Captain Waldo and
three others of the new-comers, started out for the home of
Powhatan. When tliey reached there they found that he
was thirty miles away, and had to be sent for; and the
English waited for him in a green field near ]:)y. Here
they made a fire and seated themselves on a mat before
it. Suddenly they were startled by a hideous sound from
a neighboring wood. Seizing their arms, they caught one
or two old men who were standing by and held them
as hostages, thinking that Powhatan and all his force
were coming to surprise them. Then came the beautiful
Pocahontas from the woods, and delivering herself into
the hands of Captain Smith, told him that he might kill
her if any harm happened to their party; that she only
intended some entertainment for them until the arrival of
her father. Thus reassured, they waited the next event.
An Indian Entertainment. — Presently thirty young
women, all fantastically painted in different colors, and
with bucks' horns on their heads, came singing and dan-
cing out of the woods. One had an otter-skin hanging
from her girdle, another a quiver of arrows at her back
and a bow and arrow in lier hand, another carried a
sword, and another a club; each bore a different burden.
These rushed from amona* the trees with luost unmusical
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 39
shouts and cries, formed themselves in a ring around
the fire, and danced and sung for about an hour. They
then conducted the Englishmen to a house where a feast
was prepared for them, consisting of all the savage dainties
that could be obtained, after which, by the light of fire-
brands, with singing and dancing, they conducted Smith
and his men to their lodgings.
Smith's Parley with Powhatan. — The next day came
Powhatan, and Smith delivered his message, telling him
that his "Father Newport" had arrived, and had brought
him from his brother, the King of England, rich presents,
which he begged he would come to Jamestown to receive.
He also said that the English would go with him and
give him his revenge upon the Monnachins. The proud
savage replied, "If your king has sent me presents, I also
am a king, and this is my land; eight days I will stay
here to receive them; your father is to come to me, not
I to him, nor yet to your fort ; neither will I bite at such
a bait. As for the Monnachins, I can avenge my own
injuries. And as for any account you may have from my
people of waters beyond these mountains, it is false." He
then began to draw upon the ground a wide map of the
country. Smith returned to Jamestown with this answer.
The Crowning of Powhatan. — Captain Newport,
ever more ready to obey the savages tban to compel
their obedience to him, sent the presents to Powhatan,
and the next day was fixed for the coronation. After
much trouble they induced Powhatan to put on the fine
clothes and the scarlet cloak, but when the time came for
him to kneel and put the crown on his head, he positively
refused. In vain they told him until they were tired that
the crown made him a king. He said he was already a
king, and that it was unkingly to bend his knee; at
length, however, by leaning hard on his shoulder, they
40
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
made him stoop a little, and placed the crown upon his
head. Then, at a given signal, came such a volley of shot
from the boats that the new-made king in his crown started
up with fear, thinking he was about to be attacked. He
soon saw his mistake, and to cover his embarrassment
turned to Captain Newport, and with the proud manner
of a sovereign to a sul)Ject, presented him witli liis old
mantle and shoes.
jkiA
CORONATION OF POWHATAN.
Return to Jamestown. — Newport tried hard to per-
suade him to go with them against the Monnachins, but
he refused either to go or to lend them men or guides for
the purpose. As a return for the handsome gifts which
had been sent him, he then presented Newport with seven
or eight bushels of wheat ears, and with these the disap-
pointed party returned to Jamestown, inwardly acknowl-
HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA. 41
edging the wisdom of Captain Smith, who had given liis
advice against the plan. Captain Xewport still insisted
upon the expedition against the jMonnaeliins, and taking
with them a lumdred and twenty men, among whom
was a refiner of precious metals, they started. They
found the Monnachins a quiet and peaceable ])eople, with
whom they had no difficulty. They also found some
earth which their refiner said contained small quantities
of silver, but not enough to reward tliem for their trouble.
The Monnachins would not trade wath tliem, pretending
to believe that there were ships in the bay which would
destroy them if they came to Jamestown. So carefully
had they hidden their ihh-ii in the woods that the English
could not find it. So the expedition returned to James-
town sick witli tlic (lisai)puintment of their gikled hopes,
as Captain Smith had foretokl.
First Marriage. — This same year Anne Burras, the maid
of Mrs. Foiest, who liad come over in the last vessel under
Newport, was married to John Laydon, one of the
colonists. This was the first English marriage in Virginia.
Powhatan's Treachery. — T will now tell you how the
life of Captain Smith was once more saved by the
beautiful Pocahontas. It happened in the month of
Decembei'. Powhatan was then staying at his favorite
residence, ^\'erowocomo(■(). which was situated on the York
Eiver. not very far from Jamestown, and was the scene
of Captain Smith's former miraculous escape from death
through the love of Pocahontas. Powhatan sent a message
to Smith and asked him to send men to build him a house,
and to send him also a grindstone, fifty swords, some guns,
a cock and a hen; promising in return a ship loaded with
corn. Captain Smith was not deceived by the promises of
the Indian chief, but (orn was most important to the
colonv ; so he sent two Dutchmen and three Englishmen to
43 HISTORY OF VIEGINIA.
build the house. He himself fitted out three vessels with
forty-one men and made his way by water to the dwelling
of the wily chief.
On the way he was warned by friendly tribes that
Powhatan intended his destruction. However, he pro-
ceeded on his journey, and on the 12tli of January reached
Werowocomoco, where he found the river frozen half a
mile from the shore. He and his crew broke the ice,
waded to the shore, took possession of the first wigwam
they saw and sent to Powhatan for provisions. He com-
plied, and the next day visited them. Then began a rare
war of wits between Captain Smith and the Indian king,
each trying to outdo the other in cunning. Powhatan first
said that he had no corn; whereupon Smith reminded him
of the promises made through the messengers he had sent
to Jamestown. At this Powhatan laughed, said he was
joking when he sent the message, and asked to see their
commodities. They were displayed, and then the wily
king proceeded to ask very high prices for his corn ; but
Captain Smith would not allow himself to be cheated,
and would make none but fair bargains. Powhatan then,
with a friendly air, reminded Smith of past favors, and
reproached him for coming armed like an enemy. This,
he said, so frightened his men that they would not bring
their corn to sell. He proposed that they should send
their arms away to the boat and show themselves to the
people without them, and then they could trade freely.
But Captain Smith refused to give up tlie arms or to
sell them, as he had no confidence in Powhatan's pro-
fessions of friendship.
Wearied with the length of the debate, and seeing that
Powhatan only trifled with him, Captain Smith attempted
to capture him and so force liim to keep his promise, but
the chief was too quick for him and made his escape.
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 43
Presently the house wliere the English were was beset by
savages. Captain Smith with one man rushed out among
them, pistol, sword^ and target in hand, and such was their
fear of him that as soon as they saw him thev went tum-
bling one over the other, onl}^ too glad to escape unhurt.
Soon afterwards Powhatan sent one of his orators to them,
who thus spoke: "Captain Smith, our chief, fearing your
guns, has fled ; he only sent some of his men to guard his
corn, which might l>e stolen without your knowledge. Not-
withstanding your suspicions, Powhatan is your friend,
and will ever continue so. As the ice has now melted,
he would have you send away your corn; and if }ou wish
his company, send away your guns, which so frighten his
people." But Captain Smith, holding on to his arms, got
the corn and loaded his ships.
Pocahontas gives Warning. — That night Powhatan
and the wicked Dutchmen who were building his house
laid a plan to take the lives of Captain Smith and his men,
but at night Pocahontas, ever the guardian angel of the
colony, came and revealed to Captain Smith the plot. She
told him that a great feast would presently be sent him
from her father, and while they were engaged in eating it
they were to be surrounded and killed. He in gratitude
offered to repay her with such things as she valued most.
But with the tears running down her sorrowful cheeks she
refused them, saying that she dared not be found with any
such things, as her father would find out what she had
done and would kill her. Presently it happened as she
had said; ten stout Indians came laden with venison,
turkeys, and other delicacies, and they were followed by
more, and still again by more; but the Englishmen
remained on their guard with arms in their hands during
the whole night, and Powhatan never knew that his plot
was betrayed. The next day they set sail for Jamestown,
44 HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
leaving the Dutehmen at work upon the liouse of Pow-
Jiatan, tlie stout stone chimney of which still remains to
mark the spot where this grand old Indian chief held his
savage court, and where his beautiful daughter Pocahontas
more than once endangered her own life to protect that of
Captain Smith.
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the date of the events recorded in this chapter?
2. Wliat was Captain Smith's next enterprise?
3. What liappened upon their arrival at tlie residence of Powhatan?
4. Give an account of the entertainment provided by Pocahontas.
5. How did Powhatan receive tlie news Smith brought him?
6. What did Newport do?
7. Describe the coronation of Powhatan.
8. What success did they meet with in their expedition into the
country of the Monnachins?
9. What event occurred this same year?
10. What message did Powhatan send Smith, and what was the name
of his residence? . '
11. Point it out on the map.
12. Did Smith comply with the request of Powhatan?
13. Relate the circumstances of their journey and reception.
14. Relate the interview between Smith and Powhatan.
15. Wliat was Powhatan's object, and how did it succeed?
16. What did his orator say?
17. Did Smith get the corn?
18. What plot was revealed to them?
19. IIow was its success prevented?
20. Relate Smith's interview with Pocahontas.
21. What happened afterwards?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 45
CHAPTER VIII.
1609. — Continued.
THE TREACHEROUS DUTCHMEN OPECHANKANOUGH SMITH, BY HIS
WISDOM AND BRAVERY, SAVES HIS CREW ^ARRIVALS FROM
ENGLAND^ SMITH'S ACCIDENT AND RETURN TO ENGLAND.
The Treacherous Dutchmen. — Among the last crew of
Captain Newport were a number of Dutchmen, who, being-
strong, able-bodied men and accustomed to labor, were ex-
pected to do a great deal of the hard work of the colony.
Instead of this they became a source of serious trouble,
and were more dangerous enemies than the savages them-
selves. I told you in the last chapter how some of them,
whom Captain Smith had sent to build Powhatan's house,
plotted with this crafty savage and would have destroyed
Smith and his party but for Pocahontas. After the
English had set sail from Werowocomoco, Powhatan
quickly despatched two of these Dutchmen across the
country to JamestoAvn.
These told Captain AVinne, who was acting as president,
that Smith had sent them back for new arms, as the old
were useless. Captain Winne, believing what they said,
furnished the arms. They then excited the avarice of
some of their countrymen by telling them the great
promises Powhatan had made to them if tliey would join
him in destroying the English. They were eagerly
listened to, and, being expert thieves, they stole quantities
of arms and ammunition, secretly conveying them by
night to the woods, where the Indians were in waiting.
In the morning they returned to the city without exciting
suspicion. Some time after tliis, the Dutchmen who were
46 TIISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
with Powhatan wished to leave him and return to the
English, but he said to them, "You who were so ready to
betray Captain Smith to me will as readily betray me to
Captain Smith," and caused their brains to be beaten out
with clubs.
Opechankanough. — In the meantime, Smith and his
crew, after cruising about the coast, came to Pamaunkee,
where dwelt King Opechankanough, the brother of Pow-
hatan, who had promised them large supplies of corn for
the colony. Leaving their boats. Smith, with fifteen of his
men, went to the house of the king, who soon joined them
with numbers of his men carrying scanty supplies of corn
for which he asked very high prices. Smith, in great
indignation, said to him, "Opechankanough, the deceitful-
ness of your professions of love is made plain by your
actions. You know our Avant, and we your plenty. We
must have supplies. You have promised us corn, and
kings should keep their promises. Here are our com-
modities; take what you want, and I myself will make the
bargains with your people." The cunning chief pretended
to be perfectly satisfied, and sold the colonists corn,
promising to return tlie next day with a great deal more.
So they parted, the Englishmen returning to their boats.
Treachery. — The next day they found four or five men
with great baskets of corn waiting for them, and Ope-
chankanough, welcoming them with assumed cheerfulness,
began to offer them great bargains in corn. Presently in
came one of Smith's men and told them that they were
betrayed, and that at least seven hundred savages had sur-
rounded the house in which they were. This created
great dismay among Smith's party, but he smiled calmly
at their fears. He also urged his men to stand by him
and promised them, with the help of God, he would not
only bring them out of this trouble, but would force the
HISTORY OF VIEGINIA. ' 47
Indians to give them full supplies of what they needed.
His words had the desired effect; their courage returning,
they promised him to act as he wished.
Smith's Boldness. — Turning to Opechankanough he told
him that he plainly saw through his plot and proposed
that the two parties should adjourn to the open field and
there settle their quarrel by fighting, the conquerors to
remain masters of the country. The cunning king, how-
ever, tried to pacify Smith with soft Avords, telling him
that no harm was intended, but that, on the contrary,
he had provided a rich present for him, which waited his
acceptance at the door. Glancing out he saw baskets of
corn guarded by about two hundred men, with their
arrows upon their bent bows, and knew at once their
design was to get him out of the house, when they would
instantly kill him. In a great rage at this deceit. Smith
now ordered two of his men to guard the door, and rushed
alone into the midst of the king's guard. Before the
Indian king had time to make any resistance Smith seized
him by his long lock of hair, and put a pistol to his breast.
The army of savages was instantly quelled; the guards
threw down their arms, and the others were terror-stricken
at the man who dared thus to deal with their king. Smith
then led the humbled Opechankanough into the midst of
his people.
The Indians pressed eagerly forward and laid their
baskets of corn at Smith's feet, while the king himself
ordered his richest stores to be brought to his conqueror.
Smith, still holding him by the hair of his head, thus
spoke to them in their own language : "1 see the great
desire you Pamaunkees have to take my life, and you
think because I have not punished your treachery before
that you are safe from my revenge. The reason I have
borne so long with your insolence is, that I made a vow
48 ■ HISTORY OF VIBGINIA.
before God to be your friend; tbis vow. if I keep, God
will keep me, and you cannot hurt me; if I break it, he
will destroy me. But you have l^roken our friendship by
your actions, and now if you shed one drop of my people's
blood, or touch with even so much as a finger these beads
and copper which lie here before you, I will destroy every
Pamaunkee of your tribe; not one shall escape. You
promised to load my ship before I departed, and so you
shall, or I will load her with your dead carcasses. But
if you will come as friends, and bring your corn, I will
then remember how once you saved my life when I was
in your power. I will trade with you, and be your friend
forever."
A Second Attack. — Away went their bows and arrows,
and all day long men, women, and children thronged about
him, bringing their commodities in as great quantities as he
could desire. At last, worn out with the excitement of
the day. Smith appointed two of his men to receive the pres-
ents, while some others giiarded Opechankanough, and he,
throwing himself upon a mat, fell fast asleep. When the
Indians saw their great enemy asleep, their fear of him
diminished, and about fifty of their chosen warriors, with
clubs or English swords in their hands, bore swiftly down
upon the house. The noise they made in their haste awoke
Smith, who instantly seized his sword and stood ready to
meet them. A^Hien they came to the entrance and saw
him awake, and standing thus with his men around him,
their courage deserted them, and they fell back one upon
the other, until the house was clear of them. Opechanka-
nough tried to make excuses for them, which Captain
Smith accepted. The Indians then loaded the vessels
with their commodities, after which the English took
their departure.
Smith's Treatment of Idlers. — After his success in trad-
insf with the Indians, Smith returned to Jamestown with
HISTORY OF YTnClTMA. 49
^ibundant supplies, whereat the delighted colonists pre-
pared to sit down and enjoy in idleness what he had
collected with so much risk and toil. But this he would
l,v no means allow. He told them sternly that he who
did not work, should not eat. He set each man his allotted
task, making his own equal to the best of them, and he
who did not fulfil this task was to be sent beyond the
limits of the colony, and left to shift for himself.
The London Company.— This rule had the desired effect,
and for a time all went well. This happy state of affairs
would have continued had it not been for the want of
wisdom in the London Company. Becoming impatient
at the small returns in money from the colony in Virginia
thev induced the King of England to allow them to fit
out nine vessels, in which they sent five hundred men.
These had orders to take possession of the colony, and to
send back the men who had so long endured all the dangers
of the new settlement.
The confusion that followed may well be imagined.
These, new arrivals were generally noblemen and gentle-
men, unused to work and intent only on their own gain.
Seeing this state of things. Captain Smith would will-
ingly have surrendered all and returned to England ; but
it so happened that the vessel containing the letters of
the king appointing the new president had been detained
by a storm, and until it arrived he could not desert his
post. With his usual energy and patient firmness, he set
t(j work to plant new colonies, and provide as best he
nii.uht against the evils with which this new arrival
threatened him.
Smith's Departure from the Colony. --An unfortunate
accident upset all his plans. In September, 1609, while
asleep in his boat he was seriously burned by the acci-
50 HISTOBY OF VIEGINIA.
dental explosion of a bag of gunpowder. In his agony
he leaped overboard and was with difficulty rescued and
borne to Jamestown. As a vessel was about to sail for
England he determined to return to London for medical
treatment. Thus the struggling colony lost their wisest
counsellor and best friend at a time when they needed him
most.
Smith's Subsequent Career. — Captain Smith never re-
turned to Virginia, but between 1610-1617 he explored
the coast of Canada and New England. During his last
years he published several books, among which was his
famous history of Virginia, from which we learn almost
all that we know about the early history of the colony
at Jamestown. Captain Smith died June 24, 1631, and
was l)uried in St. Sepulchre's Church, London, He was
a man of I'are gifts of heart and head, hating baseness and
sloth and loving "^action more than words." If the
colonists had cultivated the soil, as he advised, instead of
wasting their time in the feverish search for gold, they
would have been spared much misery and would have
developed the country more rapidly.
QUESTIONS.
1. What date heads this chapter?
2. What was the plot of the Dutchmen, and what became of them?
3. Where did Smith next go to olitain other com?
4. How was he received?
5. What did Smith say to Opechankanough?
6. In what great peril did the English find themselves?
7. How did Smith restore their courage?
8. What did he say to the Indian chief?
9. What deceitful answer did he receive, and how did he act?
10. What was the effect of Opechankanough's capture?
11. What did Smith tell them?
12. What did the Indians do?
13. How did they again attempt his life?
HISTOBY OF VIEGINIA. 51
14. Did the English succeed in their object, and how did the Indians
regard Captain Smith?
15. What happened upon Smith's return to Jamestown?
16. How did the policy of the London Company Interfere with the
prosperity of the colony?
17. What was the result?
18. How did Smith act?
19. What happened to him?
20. What was the effect of his departure upon the colony?
21. What were the chief events of his life after he left Virginia?
CHAPTEE IX.
1609-1614.
AKRIVAL OF SIR THOMAS GATE.S JA>rESTO\VX ABANDONED THE
MEETING WITH LORD DELAWARE THE RETIRN CAPTURE OF
POCAHONTAS, AND HER MARRIAGE AND DEATH.
Murder of the Colonists. — The colonists were soon made
to feel the need of Captain Smith's presence and wise
counsel. As soon as the savages, who had been kept in
awe by him, learned that he had left they revolted and
began to murder all the English they encountered ; and
at last so intimidated the colonists that they seldom dared
to go beyond the fortifications at Jamestown. On one
occasion Powhatan tempted a j^arty of thirty men, under
John Eatcliffe, to come to him for provisions. He slew
all of them except one l)oy, who was saved by Pocahontas,
and who, protected by her, lived for many years among
tlie Indians.
Famine and Sickness. — Shut up within the small
l)Oundaries of the unhealthy city, afraid to go beyond them
either to cultivate their crops or to engage in those other
employments which were conducive both to the health
and wealth of the colony, distracted by savages without
and disorders and mismanagement within, it is no wonder
52 IIISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
that in less than six months after Captain Smith's
departure the numbers of the colony were reduced from
five hundred to sixty men, women, and children. These
wretched creatures were forced to eat herbs, roots, acorns,
and berries. "One man," says a writer of the day, quaintly,
''did kill his wife, powdered her, and had eaten part of
her before it was known; for which he was executed.
Now, whether she was better boiled or roasted I know not,
but of such a dish as a powdered wife I never heard."
Rescue. — All these evils came from their own idleness
and mismanagement, as the country was fully able to
afford them ample support, from the productions of the
field, the game of the forest, and fish of tlie rivers. To
add to their distress, they believed themselves abandoned
by their friends in England, as no vessel had come from
there for many months. At length, however, when they
were reduced to the greatest extremities, Sir Thomas Gates
and Sir George Somers arrived with a hundred and fifty
men. You can well imagine how the poor, starving, dying'
men crawled down to the shore to give them welcome, and
how they begged, with the tears streaming over their
cheeks, to be taken away from this wretched place, where
they had suffered so much misery. It was a sad welcome ;
and so greatly were the new-comers shocked at the condi-
tion of affairs, that they readily yielded to the entreaties
of these unfortunate men, and determined to abandon
Jamestown and return to England.
Jamestown abandoned. — So the next day, after bury-
ing the guns and ammunition at the gate of the fort,
they all embarked. Some of the people were with diffi-
culty prevented by Sir Thomas Gates from setting fire to
the town. They fired a farewell volley, but not a tear
was shed at leaving a place where they had endured so
much. The boat started down the river, and the men
HISTORY OF VIRGIMA.
53
crowded the decks to take a farewell look at the familiar
places along its banks. A feeling of regret must have filled
even their bosoms^ that this beautiful countiy, with its
great resources, should be given up to the savage. God,
who overrules all things, did not intend that this should be,
for before they had been many hours on the journey, they
saw, coming up the river towards them, a long-boat with
ARRIVAL OF SIB THOMAS GATES AT JAMESTOWN.
despatches from Lord Delaware, who was not far behind,
with three vessels and plenty of provisions to last the whole
colony a year. As this changed the aspect of affairs, Sir
Thomas Gates returned to Jamestown, reaching there the
evening of the same day. •■
Lord Delaware. — The third day after these events.
Lord Delaware, Sir Thomas Gates, and Sir George Somers,
with all of their men, arrived, and the poor, sick, famished
colonists were drawn up to meet him; but when his lord-
54 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
ship stepped on shore, he fell upon liis knees and engaged
in silent prayer before he would submit to their greeting.
It Avas an impressive scene. Adjourning to the church,
they listened to a sermon, in which the providence of
God in all these matters was plainly shown to them.
After this. Lord Delaware made a speech, which was
eagerly listened to by the crowd. He traced the course
of their disasters, and pointed out to them plainly how
their own idleness and folly had been the cause of their
ruin. He entreated them to avoid tlie errors of the past,
or he, as their govmior, would be forced to draw the
sword of justice and cut off delinquents, however great
the trial might be to himself, as he had. rather shed his
blood in their defence than punish one of them.
New Regulations. — This speech was received with
great applause, all seeing that in its stern kindness lay a
hope for their future. Those who had been there longest
knew the evils of misrule, and were willing to submit
themselves to the authority of their new commander.
Vigorous measures were adopted. The new governor ap-
pointed regular hours for work and recreation. Keligious
services were held twice on Sunday and once in the week,
and all were required to attend. New treaties were made
with the Indians, and Captain Argall was despatched with a
vessel to the Bermudas to bring fresh provisions, but being
forced back by a storm. Lord Delaware sent him up the
Potomac River to trade with the Indians. Here he found
the young English boy whom Pocahontas had rescued,
and through him succeeded in opening trade with the
tribes of Indians on that river.
The next year Lord Delawai'o went up the James
Eiver as far as the Falls, near which Richmond now
stands. Assaulted by the Indians, four of his men were
killed, and soon after this he was taken very sick and
HISTORY OF VIBGINIA. 55
forced to return to England, leaving Captain Gieorge
Percy to act as governor until the arrival of Sir Thomas
Dale, who had been appointed governor by the London
Company. The new governor reached Jamestown in
May, and found the colony fast falling back to their
former condition of poverty, having relapsed into their
idle habits since Lord Delaware's departure. He at once
set them to work again, punishing with great severity those
who would not submit to him.
In August of the next year Sir Thomas Gates ar-
rived, with men and provisions. He built a town upon
James River, and called it Henricopolis ; it stood some
miles below the present site of Richmond. Thus was
the colony of Virginia firmly established, and with vig-
orous management was increasing in prosperity. Their
old enemy Powhatan continued to give them trouble,
capturing men and arms wherever he could find them.
Since the return of Captain Smith to England, Poca-
hontas had never visited Jamestown, and seemed to have
lost her interest in the colony. But in the winter of the
year in which Henricopolis was built, an event occurred
which again connects her with the history of Virginia.
Plot Against Powhatan. — Captain Argall, while trading
with a tribe of Indians upon the Potomac River, heard
that Pocahontas was in the neighborhood, with an Indian
chief named Japazaws, an old friend of Captain Smith,
and determined to take advantage of this circumstance
to compel Powhatan to conclude a treaty of peace with
the English. He sought out Japazaws, and told him of
his desire to obtain possession of Pocahontas, promising
that she should be treated with respect, as his only object
was to stop the bloodshed which was continually going on
between the English and the Powhatans. He also
promised Japazaws a copper kettle if he would assist him
in his undertaking.
56 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Capture of Pocahontas. — Japazaws consented, and
Pocahontas, who believed herself unknown to this party
of Englishmen, listened to the wife of Japazaws as she
told her how anxious she was to see an English ship,
and how her husband would take her if Pocahontas would
go with her. For some time she refused, and Japazaws'
wife went to her husband and told him she could not per-
suade her, whereupon Japazaws threatened to beat her if
she did not succeed in the undertaking. At last Poca-
hontas was persuaded to accompany them. They found
a feast prepared for them in the cabin, during which
Japazaws trod hard upon the foot of Captain Argall, to
remind him that he had done his part and the copper-
kettle must be forthcoming ; so when the meal was oA'er,
Captain Argall induced Pocahontas to go into the gun-
room while he held a conference with Japazaws. Then
sending for her, he told her she must go along with him,
and she should never see Powhatan again until she had
made a peace between the English and her tribe. Finding
herself thus betrayed, the poor girl burst into bitter tears,
and the treacherous old Indian and his wife howled melo-
diously to convince her that they too were the victims of
a stratagem.
Captain Argall succeeded at length in reconciling Poca-
hontas to her situation, by convincing her that her captiv-
ity would accomplish what nothing else had ever done, — a
peace between the English and. Indians. So Japazaws
and his wife, receiving their copper kettle and other toys,
returned home, and Pocahontas willingly accompanied
Captain Argall to Jamestown.
Argall sent word to Powhatan that he held his daughter
as a hostage, and that he must ransom her with
the prisoners he held and the guns and swords he had
stolen. Great Avere the rage and gi-ief of the old Indian
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 57
chief when he heard this news; for he dearly loved his
daughter, and he also loved the property of the English
with which he must ransom her. Many were the prom-
ises he made and broke in his endeavor to cheat his ene-
mies into surrendering her, but it was in vain. They
knew him too well to believe in mere promises; so Poca-
hontas remained at Jamestown.
Marriage of Pocahontas. — Now what could not be
brought about l)y foul means was accomplished by fair;
for it happened that after Pocahontas had been two years
at Jamestown, Master John Eolfe, an honest gentleman,
fell in love with her, and she with him, so they determined
in this natural way to unite the English and the Indians.
The news of this intended marriage reaching Powhatan,
he at once gave his consent, and sent his brother Opa-
chisto, and two of his sons, to witness the marriage and
conclude a permanent peace with the English.
Powhatan's Second Daughter. — A messenger after-
wards went to Powhatan from Sir Thomas Dale, bearing
with him two pieces of copper, five wooden combs, some
beads and fish-hooks, and a pair of knives, all of which
pleased him well. He was then told that Sir Thomas
Dale, hearing of the beauty of his second daughter, de-
sired that she might be sent to Jamestown, that she
also might marry an Englishman, and so bind the two
nations more closely together. The old chief answered
with gravity, "I am very much obliged to my brother
for his salute of love and peace, and for his pledges
thereof, which I will surely keep, though they are not
so ample as what he has formerly sent me. But as for
my daughter, I have sold her in a few days past to a
great Werowance, three days' Journey from me."
The English tried to persuade him to send back what
had been paid for her and he should have far more than
58 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
this in beads, copper, and hatchets. He answered that he
loved his daughter better than his life, and that though he
had many children she was his favorite. He further
assured them that he would keep peace with the English
without this further pledge. He ended his speech thus :
"I am old, and would gladly end my days in peace; if you
offer me injury, my country is large enough for me to go
from you ; this much I hope will satisfy my brother. Now,
because you are weary and I am sleepy, we will end this."
Thus the old king refused a further alliance with the
English, making it plain that he had submitted to the
marriage of Pocahontas as a matter of necessity.
Pocahontas in England. — The after-history of Poca-
hontas is short, but of touching interest. Her husband,
who was truly devoted to her, carefully instructed her in
Christianity, and after a while she openly renounced the
idolatry of her country and, confessing the faith of Christ,
was bai^tized in the old church at Jamestown, receiving
the name of Rebecca. Two years after her marriage she
and her husband went to England, where she was much
admired and sought after at the court of King James. She
learned to speak the English language cpiite well, and had
one child, Thomas Rolfe, who, after he became a man,
visited Virginia and his mother's relatives. From him
are descended many of the most prominent families of
Virginia.
Her Interview with Captain Smith. — It was while
Pocahontas was at the court of King James that she
again met Captain Smith, who gives us the only account
we have of the interview. Upon seeing him she covered
her face with her hands and did not speak a word. At
length she said, "They did tell me always you were dead,
and Powhatan did send to find out the truth, because your
countrymen will lie much." She then added, "You call
HISTORY OF VIEGINIA. - 59
Powhatan 'Father/ being in his land and a stranger; and
now, for the same reason, I will call you father." Smith
remonstrated against this, telling her she was a king's
daughter and must preserve her dignity; but she an-
swered indignantly, "You showed no fear to come into
my father's country, and to make him and all his people
but me afraid, but you fear here in England for me to call
you father. I tell you then I will, and you shall call me
child, and so I will be for ever and ever your country-
woman," TJie life of this loveh^ young woman was a
short one; she died at Gravesend, in England, four years
after her marriage, leaving to history the most beautiful
picture of refinement and natural majesty of character,
springing up in a wilderness, — a natural growth upon un-
cultivated soil, a fair flower blooming alone among the
sturdy oaks and pine-trees of her native forests. Virginia
can not honor too much the menior}' of this guardian
angel of the colony.
QUESTIONS.
1. How were the colonists forced to acknowledge the loss they had
sustained in Captain Smith?
2. To what condition was the colony reduced in six months?
3. Relate some incidents of the "starving time."
4. What happened when they were reduced to their last extremity?
5. How was Sir Thomas Gates met on his arrival?
6. Relate the abandonment of .Tamestown.
7. What happened next?
8. Give an account of Lord Delaware's arrival.
9. How did he employ his first hours?
10. What did he tell the people, and how was his speech received?
11. What measures did the new governor adopt?
12. What happened the next year?
13. What new town was built, and where?
14. What news did Captain Argall hear while trading with Ihe Indians?
15. Tell of his bargain with Japazaws.
16. How did he obtain possession of Pocahontas?
17. How did Powhatan receive the news of his daughter's capture?
18. How was the union between the English and Indians accomplished?
19. What is the subsequent history of Pocahontas?
20. How should Virginians regard her memory?
60 • HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
CHAPTER X.
1614-1622.
DEATH OF POWHATAN THE PRICE OF A WIFE IXDIAX MASSACRE
ENGLISH HISTORY AS CONNECTED WITH VIRGINIA GOVERNOR
YEARDLEY HAKVEY SENT TO ENGLAND BERKELEY APPOINTED
GOVERNOR.
The Common Fund. — It had been a matter of necessity
in the early days of the colony that there should be no
separation of property, and that all should work for the
common fund. Although, as I have said, this was neces-
sary, yet it was the cause of many evils; no man felt that
he was working for himself, but for everybody. If, there-
fore, one was disposed to be idle, it was easy enough to
feign sickness, since he knew he would be supplied from
the public fund. This was the chief cause of the quarrels,
the idleness, and the want of thrift which marked the
history of the first colonists of Virginia.
New Land Regulations. — After the marriage of Poca-
hontas had established a firm peace with the Indians, it
was determined to remedy this evil. Accordingly, each
one of the settlers was made the owner of three acres of
ground which he called liis plantation. Upon this he was
forced to subsist with his family, and to pay into the
public treasury a tax of two and a half barrels of corn.
This had the desired effect. Each man felt that his labor
was for himself and his family, and thus thrift and in-
dustry were encouraged.
Death of Powhatan. — The year after the death of Poca-
hontas, Powhatan died. In him the English lost a friend,
even though he was bound to tliem only by ties of interest.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 61
He was succeeded by the treacherous aud blood-thirsty
Opechankanough, who for some years continued his pro-
fessions of kindness and good will to the English. There
is no reason^ though, to believe that he ever cherished other
than the Intttrest hatred towards them. Perhaps his
enmity was due to a recollection of his humiliation, when
Captain Smith led him by the hair of his head through
the midst of his own people. However this may be, one
thing is certain, that, with professions of love upon his
tongue, he was bent upon their destruction.
Slavery Introduced in 1619. — One year after the death
of Powhatan, slavery was introduced into Virginia. The
owner of an English vessel purchased twenty Africans
from a Dutch man-of-war, thinking that he was doing
an act of kindness, as the poor creatures, crowded together
in the hold of a slave-ship, seemed to be suffering great
misery. The Virginians had before this depended for
laborers upon criminals, who were released from the
prisons of England, that they might act as servants for
the colonists. The condition of the negroes was pitiable
in the extreme; when they were brought to Jamestown I
have no doubt the planters thought they were doing God
'service by taking the poor creatures, teaching them
Christianity, and otherwise improving their condition.
They scarcely imagined that they were planting an insti-
tution wdiich was to bring so much trouble and contro-
versy into the Old Dominion and half the continent of
Xorth America.
Wives Imported. — The same year a vessel arrived from
England bringing a very different kind of cargo, — a num-
ber of young women of good character, to serve as wives
for the colonists. In order to defray the expenses. of the
journey each man was obliged to purchase his wife for
G2 III8T0EY OF VIRGINIA.
one hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco. Afterwards
the price of a wife was much higher.
Indian Treachery. — Tln-ee or four years passed away
without any e^■ent of striking interest to the colony of
Virginia. Population increased rapidly, a*nd reports of
the prosperity of the country reaching the Old World,
numbers were induced to emigrate. But the growth of
the young nation was destined to receive yet another
check from Indian treachery. All this time the English
and Indians had been living together as one nation, and
so it might have continued but for the circumstances
which I will now narrate. An Indian called Jack of the
Feather, from his wearing a remarkable ornament of that
kind on his head, treacherously murdered an Englishman
named Morgan; and Morgan's sons, in their turn, killed
him. This act of revenge Opechankanough determined to
make an excuse for the entire destruction of the colony.
He succeeded in drawing into his devilish plot all the
tribea* of Indians in the country around, and a day was
fixed upon for the terrible outrage.
The Massacre. — The i)lantations were now so scattered
as to make the success of the plan comparatively easy, and
the destruction of the colonists would undoubtedly have
been complete if a converted Indian had not disclosed
the plot to a planter who employed him. Upon hearing
the news, this planter immediately secured his own house,
rode off to Jamestown and informed the governor, who
with all despatch took means to prevent the catastrophe.
But lie had not time to inform the more distant planters,
who were the first sufferers. Soon the light from the
burning dwellings showed that the savages were at their
work. . From home to home they went, murdering men,
women, and children, even burning their houses and
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
63
driving off the cattle; but such was their fear of the
English that wherever they resisted the savages retreated
in dismay. At length the whole country was aroused and
MASSACRE OF 1622.
the massacre came to an end, but not before three hundred
and forty-seven men, women, and children had been
killed.
Captain Smith's Proposition. — Great was the distress of
the people of England when the news of this calamity
reached them. Many mourned friends among the slain,
and others feared for the safety of those who, though
still alive, were within reach of the tomahawk and scalping-
knife. While the excitement was at its height. Captain
John Smith wrote a letter to the king, representing that
it was worse than useless to trust any longer to the
promises of friendship given by the savage tribes of
G4 IIISTOh'Y OF VIRGINIA.
Virginia. He said that they must either be driven out of
the country or kept in subjection, and offered, if the king
would give liim a hundred and thirty-seven men, with
shi-ps and money, to undertake the accomplishment of one
or the other of tliese objects. He had many objections to
encounter, but succeeded in obtaining what he wanted,
and, after six years' absence, again set sail for Virginia,
but suffered shipwreck and was forced to return.
The Whites and the Indians. — You have heard much
said, and will hear still more, about the wrong that has
been done to red man by white man; but what would
have been said if the civilized nations of the world had
turned their backs upon this great continent, with all of
its wonderful resources, because it was occupied by a few
savage triljes, who were incapable alike of appreciating
their possessions or improving tliem ? God for His own
purpose makes one nation superior to another, and the
history of the world shows that the inferior always gives
place to tlie superior race.
Hostilities TJnavoidable. — (Vjuld the two people have
dwelt together in peace, it would have lieen wrong for the
English to dispossess the Indians; but liorrible massacres,
occurring after long seasons of peace and apparent friend-
ship, were proof sufficient that no colony could prosper so
long as the savage tribes were their neighbors. Had it
been possible, it would have ])een much better for the
English to buy the lands from the Indians, and this was
done to some extent. As a general thing, however, they
were averse to parting with them, and did not recognize
a bargain after it was made. Hence, as tranquillity was
absolutely necessary to the prosperity of the colony, the
savage had to be removed beyond the settlements.
English History. — In order that we may understand
fully this period in the history of Virginia, it is necessary
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 65
to give you an insight into the history of England at that
time, since Virginia was a British province.
Henry VII. narrowly missed the glory of promoting the
discovery of the Western AVorld; for Christopher
Columbus was actually on his way to England to solicit
the help of its sovereign, when his ship was driven back
by a storm, and he received the aid of the King of Spain.
When the King of England found of what great im-
portance this discovery was to be, he lost no time in fitting
out vessels, and sent out the Cabots, who, as I have
already told you, discovered the main continent of
America.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth of England sev-
eral ineffectual attempts were made to colonize America.
Elizabeth was succeeded by James I., and he it was who
granted a charter to the London Company to plant a
colony in Virginia, and they, as you remember, sent out
Captain Smith and his companions. Xearly twenty years
had elapsed since this settlement, and although the
London Company had spent a great deal of money, the
colony, as we have seen, did not flourisli under its control
as it ought to have done.
King James, foreseeing the great \\'ealtli which must
accrue to the English crown if these colonies were success-
fully established, determined to take the matter into his
own hands. He, therefore, deprived the London Company
of its charter. This seemed ^•ery much like robbery of
the merchants and other rich men who constituted the
London Company. Accordingly they offered an indignant
remonstrance against this act of the king; but it did no
good; King James remained firm. Now, although this
was a great misfortune for the company, yet it was the
best thing that ever happened to Virginia ; for during
the eighteen years of the existence of tlie London Com-
G6 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
pany the colonists were looked upon as servants of a
company that had no settled plan for the improvement of
its property. N"o wonder, then, that the Virginians lost
sight of the wrong done to the London Company, and
rejoiced in the change of masters.
King James did not live long enough to complete his
plans for the government of Virginia, as his death
occurred only one year after he had taken the control of
the colony from the London Company. His son, Charles
I., adopted his father's ideas about the new country,
appointed Sir George Yeardley governor, and empowered
him to act in conjunction with a council of twelve men,
according to such instructions as he himself should send
them from time to time. Thus Virginia knew no law but
the will of the king. Although it was more agreeable to
them than the exactions of the London Company, they
soon learned that a change of masters does not always
l)ring entire relief from oppression.
Charles L, of England, although beloved by many of
his subjects, was by others regarded as a tyrant. He was
very extravagant in liis habits, and, as the revenues of his
office were not sufhcient to meet his expenses, he resorted
to unjust taxation. By his order, the Governor and
Council of Virginia imposed taxes upon the people, de-
priving them of their property, and in many ways caused
them great distress. The favorites of the king were sent
over, with permisssion to appropriate large tracts of land.
These grants often encoached upon the property of those
who had for years endured the privations of the life in a
new country, and thus saw the resvilts of their labors
quietly transferred to others.
Tobacco. — Tobacco had long been the staple production
of Virginia. It had been introduced into England by
Sir AValter Ealelgli, who, you remember, fitted out the
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 67
vessels which brought over the first English colonists to
Virginia. Some amusing stories are told about this
nobleman, who was very clever, and possessed a great
influence over his sovereign mistress, Queen Elizabeth.
He had imbibed a great fondness for smoking tobacco, and
as it was the fashion to follow the example of this court
favorite in all that he did, the young noblemen of the
court all adopted the habit. One day Sir Walter was
smoking his pipe, when his servant, who had just engaged
in his service, entered the room. Seeing his master sitting
before him, with a volume of smoke curling above his
head, the man thought that he was on fire, and threw cold
water all over his master.
Raleigh's Wager. — Another day he was smoking in the
presence of Queen Elizabeth and the ladies of her court,
and made a wager that he could weigh the smoke which
ascended from liis pipe and curled away until it was lost in
the pure atmosphere of the room. Elizabeth bet him five
broad pieces of gold that this could not be done. The
nobleman, with cool confidence, weighed the pipe of
tobacco and then 2)roceeded to smoke it. After he had
finished, he carefully weighed the pipe with the ashes,
which of course was lighter than the tobacco had been.
He then triumphantly declared that the diiference between
the two must be the weight of the smoke which had es-
caped. He had fairly gained his wager, and the queen
laid the gold pieces upon his extended palm.
Unjust Proclamation. — Since that time the demand
for tobacco had steadily increased, and the sale of it
brought much wealth to the colony. Imagine, then,
the surprise and indignation of the Virginians at a
proclamation issued by order of the king, that henceforth
no tobacco should be sold except to agents appointed by
himself. This brought down the price, deprived the col-
68 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
onists of a great source of wealth, and created much dis-
satisfaction and murmuring among them. They presented
a petition to the king, stating a list of their grievances and
praying relief ; but of this he took not. the least notice.
The condition of affairs grew worse instead of better.
Tyrannical governors were appointed, who executed the
king's command with severity. Seeing that the Virginians
had no redress, these governors oppressed them • even
beyond their authority. At last, in a fit of indignation
with one of these governors, Sir John Harvey, who had
succeeded Governor Yeardley, the Virginians seized him
and sent him a prisoner to England, accompanied by two
of their number, who were deputed to tell Charles of the
cruelty and rapacity with which this man had discharged
his trust.
This was a high-handed act in the Virginians, and one
which Charles regarded as rebellion against his authority.
As he had appointed the governor, he claimed the right to
remove him. Hence he refused to hear the cause, and sent
Harvey back to resume his position. Notwithstanding
this, the king seems to have appreciated the firmness of
the Virginians, for not long afterwards Harvey was re-
moved, and Sir Walter Berkeley, a man every way
acceptable to them, was appointed his successor.
QUESTIONS.
1. What years are included in tliis cliapter?
2. What necessary customs prevailed in the early days of the colonies?
3. What change was now made, and why?
4. Who sncceeded Powhatan?
5. Was he a friend to the English?
6. Relate the circumstances of the first introduction of slavery into
Virginia?
7. What important cargo arrived the same year?
8. What was the progress of the colony for some years?
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 69
9. What was the first check its prosperity received?
10. Relate the story of "Jack of the Feather."
11. What use did Opechankanough make of this incident?
12. Give an account of the massacre of 1622.
13. What prevented its being a perfect success?
14. How was the news received in England ?
15. What was Captain Smitli's advice?
16. Was it right for the English to take the country from the Indians?
17. How should we regard the whole affair?
18. Why did not the English buy the lands?
19. Why is it necessary to give some account of the history of England
here ?
20. What circumstances of interest to America happened during the
reign of Henry VII.?
21. What in the reign of Elizabeth?
22. Of James I . ?
23. Why did he take the charter from the London Company?
24. What was Charles I.'s course?
26. Tell the story of Sir Walter Raleigh and the servant.
26. How did he weigh the smoke?
27. How did the Mrginians incur Charles's displeasure?
CHAPTEE XI.
1644.
OPECHANKANOUGH MAKES WAR AND IS TAKEN PRISONER HIS
DEATH WAR IN ENGLAND LORD BALTIMORE SETTLES MARY-
LAND CHARLES I. BEHEADED ^HOW VIRGINIA GOT THE TITLE
"OLD DOMINION."
Opechankanough's Last Strugg^les. — The Indians had
preserved an nnbroken peace with the Virginians for
twenty-three years; but their hatred, although carefully
concealed, was not abated. Laws had been made which
obliged them to fix their habitation at some distance from
the white men. Opechankanough still lived, though he
numbered nearly a hundred years; and so decrepit had
he become that he could no longer walk, but had to be
carried on a litter before his warriors. His eyelids were
70 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
paralyzed so tliat he could only see when they were raised
by his attendants, and yet so fierce was his hatred of the
whites that he determined to make one more effort to
rescue the country from their grasp.
Gathering the chiefs of the different tribes together,
he told them of his plan, and succeeded in inducing them
to join him, by promising them all the riches that had
accumulated in tlie country, including arms and ammu-
nition which would enable them to keep possession for-
ever of the land so justly their .own. The plot was well
laid — not a white man was to be spared — and would have
been successful if the Indians had carried it out cour-
ageously; but they feared the English too much. The
savages struck the first blow and then fled.
Sir William Berkeley, the governor, collecting a body
of men, pursued the fugitives, and overtaking the party
who were carrying Opechankanough upon his lifter, cap-
tured him, and took him a prisoner to Jamestown. He
was kindly treated, but remained unconquered by age or
by misfortunes. The presence of this brave old man ex-
cited much curiosity in Jamestown, and many flocked to
look upon the warrior who had given them great trouble
during so many years. One day hearing footsteps in his
room, he caused his eyelids to be lifted, and seeing a crowd
of persons before him, sent for the governor and said to him,
"Had it been my fortune to take Sir William Berkeley pris-
oner, I would have disdained to make a show of him." He
had probably forgotten the time when he captured .Captain
John Smith, and led him in triumph through all the In-
dian tribes upon the Chickahominy and neighboring rivers.
He did not continue long in the possession of the English.
One of his guards was not ashamed to take advantage of
his helplessness, and shot him in the back to gratify a pri-
vate revenge. He languished for a while, and then died.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 71
Civil War in Eng^land. — While these events were
taking place in Virginia, England was distracted by a
civil war. Charles I. had pursued in his own country the
same course by which he had oppressed the colonies in
America.
The Parliament. — The government of England con-
sists of the king and the Parliament (the House of Lords
and Bishops, and the House of Commons). The members
of the House of Commons, like the members of our Legis-
latures and Congress, are elected by the people to represent
their interests. These representatives go to Parliament to
carry out the wishes of the people from whom they come,
and thus having the good not only of the different portions
of the country, but of the whole at heart, make laws suit-
able to the state of the nation. Xow, if it should so hap-
pen that one portion of the country should not send its rep-
resentatives to Parliament, you can understand that, having
no one to speak for it, that portion would be neglected in
the consultations for the general good. So there was a
law made that no part of the country should be taxed
unless it was represented. The American colonies were
not represented, hence, according to the laws of England,
they should not have been taxed.
Quarrel of King and Parliament. — There were two
other laws which just now had an important bearing upon
English affairs : 1st. The Parliament was always called
together by the king, and could meet only by his orders;
2d. The king could make no laws and take no step without
the consent of Parliament. I have told you that Charles
was in the habit of raising money by taxing the people.
Parliament would not give its consent to these taxes,
and so there arose a quarrel between the two heads of the
government. Charles dissolved the Parliament, refused
to call another, and continued to tax his people without
72 Ill^TOBY OF VIRGJMA.
their consent. This, lasted for a number of years, and
everything was thrown into the utmost confusion. The
people groaned under the unjust taxation, and there was
no Parliament to set things right.
War Ensues. — Then began a war between the king and
Parliament, which resulted in the dethronement and
capture of the king, wlio was afterwards beheaded in front
of his pahice. Parliament then took the entire control of
the affairs of government, and placed at their head Oliver
Cromwell, with the title of rrolpclor. Now, though the
Virginians had suffered much from the unjust taxation
of Charles, they were loyal to his cause, mourned his
death, and gave no recognition to the Parliamentary
government. They were encouraged in this course by
Sir William Berkeley, a staunch friend of royal authority.
Virginia tiuis became a refuge for those friends of King
Charles that were ol)liged to flee from their own country.
The Parliament and Virginia. — Parliament then passed
a law prohibiting trade with Virginia because she harbored
the enemies of the Commonwealth, and instructions were
issued foi' the "reducement of the inhabitants of Virginia
to the Commonwealth.'' In March, 1652, the fleet under
(^aptain Dennis arrived in tlie river opposite Jamestown
and demanded the surrender of the place. In spite of his
loyalty to the king, Sir William Berkeley had to submit.
The capitulation was made on the 13th of March, and
terms highly honorable wei'c granted. Virginia Avas to
have all the privileges of any other plantation in America.
The oath of allegiance was to be administered to all the
people, but the governor and C'ouncil were permitted to
wait for one year before taking it. Sir William Berkeley
was permitted to send a message to the exiled king telling
liiui of the surrender of the country. They were per-
JUSTOnr OF VIL'GIXIA. 73
mitted to use the Prayer-book for one 3'ear, upon condition
that they did not pray for the king. A few months before
this the Navigation Act had been passed, which forbade
Virginia to trade with any country except England. She
was now permitted free trade, and was to be taxed only
with the consent of her own Assembly.
Church Disputes. — The Episcopal Church is the State
Church in England, and her sovereigns, when they take
their coronation oaths, must swear to jjreserve the faith
of this church. As Virginia was colonized l)y the English,
the Episcopal Church naturally became the established
church of the colony. The colonists loved this church and
shared the dislike of the Mother Country for other forms
of Protestantism and for the Eoman Catholic C^hurch.
King Charles, although himself a Protestant, had a
Catholic wife, and one of his favorites was Lord Baltimore,
a firm adherent of the Church of Eome. Finding that
his religion interfered with liis possession of property in
England, this noi)leman obtained a grant of land from the
king, and came over to Virginia to settle. Here he had the
same difficulties to encounter, as the Virginians were averse
to the very name of Papist. He seems to have been a very
estimable gentleman, and not at all anxious to provoke
controversy. Hence leaving the inhabited parts of Vir-
ginia, he proceeded up Chesapeake Bay to its head, where
he found a beautiful country unoccupied. Eeturning to
England, he obtained Charles's permission to settle a
Catholic colony upon land rightfully belonging to Virginia.
This State he called Maryland, after Henrietta Maria, the
wife of King Charles; and the first city laid out was
called Baltimore.
Tlie Virginians did not give up their right to this
territory without a struggle; and it was not until after
years of controversy that Maryland was recognized as a
74 HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
separate State. Maryland, therefore, is the eldest daugh-
ter of Virginia, being the first State that was formed out
of South Virginia.
After the execution of Charles I. an effort was made
to force the Marylanders to observe the forms of the
Protestant religion; and, for a short time, this was suc-
cessful. But Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of
England, ordered the commissioners "not to busy them-
selves about religion, but to settle the civil government" ;
and the Catholics were again restored to their rights.
Virginia Loyal to the King. — Though Episcopacy was
the established form of religion in Virginia as w^ell as in
England, the contest between Charles I. and his Parlia-
ment wrought a change in both countries. The Parlia-
ment of England was composed of members from Scot-
land, who were staunch Presbyterians, whilst those from
England were, of course, Episcopalians. The members
who adhered to King Charles were mostly of his own
faith, and when they were defeated, the Presbyterians
were in the majority. When they took possession of
the government of Virginia, although the use of the
Prayer-book was permitted the Scotch form of worship
was also sanctioned. Thus in Maryland and in Virginia
the first steps were taken towards that freedom of religion
wliieh has ever since been the pride of America.
Oliver Cromwell ruled England for eleven years, and
they were years of great prosperity and peace, not only
for the Mother Country, but for her colonies in America.
His son, who succeeded him, was not capable of filling his
place, and this caused such dissatisfaction that many
began to turn their eyes to Charles, the son of their late
king, and to think that perhaps they would be happier
under his government. This ended in his being invited
to occupy the throne, which invitation he gladly accepted.
HISTORY OF VIRGIN I A. 75
At the period we have now reached he governed the
kingxlom under the title. of Charles the Second.
The "Old Dominion." — About this time Virginia received
the title of "Old Dominion." Although she was forced
to submit to Oliver Cromwell, she never gave up her
loyalty to the king, and sent a small vessel to Flanders,
where Charles the Second was an exile from his country.
This vessel bore an invitation from the colony in Virginia
to Charles to come across the ocean and set up his throne
upon her territory, where his loyal subjects would fight to
maintain him in that position. Charles had accepted the
invitation, and was actually making preparations to be-
come King of, Virginia when he received the invitation
from his. subjects in England to come back to the throne
of his fathers. As this was the more important of the
two he went, and was proclaimed Charles II., of England.
As soon as he was firmly established upon his throne, in
gratitude to Virginia for her loyalty, he caused hei* to be
proclaimed an independent member of his empire, which
was to consist of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Virginia,
and her coat of arms was added to those of the other
three countries comprised in his dominions. This was
considered a great honor by Virginia, which has ever since
retained the title of the "Old Dominion."
Navigation Laws. — During Charles's reign stricter
Xavigation Laws were passed. These were long a source
of trouble and depression to the colony, for they foAade
Virginia to trade with any nation but England. She was
tlnis cut off from other markets and compelled to take
whatever prices the English might think proper to pay.
76 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
QUESTIONS.
1. What date heads this chapter?
2. What was the condition of affairs between the English and Indians?
3. What of Opechanl?anough ?
4. What plot did he conceive?
5. How did he carry it out?
6. What was the result?
7. How did Opechankanough behave as a prisoner?
8. Give the circumstances of his death.
9. What constituted tlie English government?
10. In what way was the Parliament a governor of the king?
11. How did a quarrel arise between the king and Parliament?
12. What was the result?
13. What part did Virginia take in these affairs?
14. What constituted the church controversies?
15. How was Maryland colonized?
16. Did Virginia willingly give up the territory?
17. What was the state of the churthes after Charles's death?
18. Why is Lt necessary that the student of the history of Virginia
sliould understand these matters?
19. What was the condition of England under Cromwell?
20. How did Virginia acquire the title of "Old Dominion"?
21. What laws were very oppressive to Virginia during the reign of
Charles II.?
REVIEW QX'ESTIOXS ON THE COLONIAL PERIOD
I: 1607-107.5 (BACON'S REBELLION).
1. What discoveries and explorations were made by the Welsh and,
Norsemen ?
2. Who was the real discoverer of America and what parts did he
discover?
3. When and under whom did the English first undertake discoveries?
4. What famous English nobleman sent out several expeditions to
America?
6. What was the fate of his several expeditions?
6. When, where, and by whom was Virginia first settled?
7. Give an account of the early life of Captain John ^Smith.
8. What was the original extent of Virginia?
9. What company controlled the affairs of Virginia at first?
10. When and why did their control cease?
11. Whjt were the chief difficulties that the early colonists en-
countered?
12. Give an account of manners and customs and religion of the
Indians.
13. Who was the head of the Indians in Virginia in 1607?
14. What was his character and how did he treat the white settlers?
HISTORY OF VIEGIXIA. 77
15. Tell the story of his daughter Pocahontas.
16. What were some of the chief adventures of Captain Smith in
Virginia ?
17. What troubles did the settlers have with Powhatan's brother
Opechankanough ?
18. How was he finally overcome?
19. Tell the story of the Dutch traitors.
20. When did Captain John Smith leave the colony and what happened
to it after he left?
21. What new regulations were made about land soon after the
marriage of Pocahontas?
22. When and how was slavery introduced?
23. What was Virginia's chief crop ^nd how did the liing try to
control the sale of it?
24. What civil war took place in England in 1642, and how did it
affect Virginia?
25. How did Virginia get the name of the "Old Dominion"?
CHAPTER XII.
1675.
IXDIAN TROUBLES BAC05;'S REBELLION.
Sir William Berkeley had now been Governor of Vir-
ginia for some thirty-three 3-ears. He had fostered Vir-
ginia in her infancy, and her youth was developing with
ever}^ promise of continued prosperity.
The Indians had not seriously interfered with the
whites since the attempted massacre of 1644, and al-
though the friendship of some of the tribes was still
doubted, yet many of them were embracing the Chris-
tian faith, and showing a desire to have their children
educated. Had the marriage of Pocahontas with an
Englishman been followed by others of the same sort,
it was believed by many that the intermingling of the
races would in one or two generations have wiped out
all distinctions and differences. But this was not to be.
78 HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
The white man regarded liis dark-skinned neighbor as
an inferior, and the proud savage winced under liis knowl-
edge of this feeling. Underneath a friendly exterior he
still cherished a vindictive hatred against those whom lie
never ceased to regard as usurpers of his property and
rights.
Hostilities with the Indians. — At the period of which
we now speak this enmity between the two races began
to show, itself. The settlers on the frontier sent to tlie
governor, asking his protection against the tribes in their
neighborhood, who were depredating upon them, and mur-
dering tliose who ventured unarmed into the midst of
them.
In imitation of the government of England, the affairs in
Virginia were regulated by the governor and an Assembly
composed of representatives from all the different counties.
The governor could take no step without the_ consent of
this Assembly, called the House of Burgesses. At the next
meeting of the Assembly he presented the petition of the
settlers, and the grievances were considered sufficient to
justify a declaration of war against the Indians. Five
hundred men were enlisted and the forts garrisoned. One
of these forts was on the Rappahannock where Freder-
icksburg now stands, another on the Mattapony, another
on the Pamunkey, and another at the falls of the Appo-
mattox, near the present site of Petersburg. The little
army was put under the command of Sir Henry Chiche-
ley; but just as he was about to march against the In-
dians, to the general surprise and dissatisfaction of the
colony, he was ordered by Sir William Berkeley to disband
his forces.
Nathaniel Bacon. — The continnance of the Indian
outrages exasperated the colonists greatly, and they de-
termined that if their governor would not defend them
IIISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 79
they would defend themselves. This determination was
strengthened by the news of fresh outrages on the fron-
tiers; and looking around for some leader qualified to
direct their operations, they found just the man they
wanted in Nathaniel Bacon, a young gentleman of great
popularity, who had his residence on the James River,
near where Richmond now stands. The Indians had
killed his overseer and one of his servants, and for this
outrage he had vowed vengeance. He was chosen general
by an army numbering nearly six hundred men, and at
once applied to Sir William Berkeley for his commission.
The old governor was secretly outraged at this infringe-
ment of his authority, but was afraid to resist the demands
of this formidable body of men with arms in their hands.
In order to gain time, he returned an evasive reply to
Bacon's demand for the commission, and sent some of his
friends to persuade him to disband his forces. The gov-
ernor also issued a proclamation, declaring that all who
did not return to their homes within a certain time were
rebels and traitors. This looked so serious that those who
had property, fearing confiscation, deserted Bacon and
returned home. Stimulated rather than intimidated by
the course of the governor, Bacon refused to yield, and
with only fifty men pursued his course towards the
frontier. Sir William Berkeley, collecting a troop of
horse, pursued Bacon about forty miles and tlien returned
home.
Slaughter of Friendly Indians. — Bacon, with his
small bod}' of men, proceeded up the river. Many days
elapsed before they encountered the Indians; but at
length they found a fort in which were intrenched a
party of Mannakins, a tribe which had always been
friendly to the English. Bacon, calling to them from
across the river, asked for food, offering to pay them
80
JflSTOnr OF VIRCrfXIA.
liberally. They put him off with promises for three days,
when Bacon, with some of his nearly starving men, waded
across the river and again demanded food. Just then a
shot was fired from the side of the river Bacon had just
left, and one of his men was killed. The idea at once
occurred to him that Governor Berkeley had concerted a
plan with the Indians for the destruction of his little
army, and that they liad been kept there by false prom-
BACOx bei-'Oi:e w;i!Kkley.
ises for three days until the governor should arrive. In
a storm of indignation he ordered his men to advance,
and, without taking time for thought, utterly demolished
the fort and all that it contained; killing a hundred and
fifty Indians, with the loss of only three men. This was a
a great stain upon the character of Bacon, who was other-
wise remarkable for moderation and clemencv.
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 81
Bacon arrested. — He seems to have been shocked at
his own act, as, after this, he disbanded his men and re-
turned home. Xo immediate steps were taken against
him. He was elected to the House of Burgesses from the
county of Henrico, and, going down to take liis place in
the Assembly, was arrested and sent a prisoner to James-
town, where he was forced to ask pardon for his offences,
and to give his word of honor that he would not again
offend. He was permitted to take his place in the House,
and was promised a commission to go against the Indians.
Hearing, however, through a friend, that Sir William
Berkeley was dealing falsely with him, and was plotting
against his liberty and life, he escaped from Jamestown.
March on Jamestown. — The feeling of indignation felt
throughout the whole country af the humiliation to which
Bacon had been subjected was so great that in a few days
four hundred men joined him. With his force he marched
towards Jamestown, determined to obtain the commission
which had been promised him. Sir William Berkelev, in
alarm, summoned the whole militia of the country to
defend Jamestown; but could collect only one hundred
men, all the rest having flocked to the standard of Bacon.
Indeed half, if not all, of these left were favorable to his
cause. In four days Bacon marched into Jamestown un-
resisted. Nothing could exceed the panic of the House of
Burgesses at his appearance, but the citizens rejoiced.
Bacon and Berkeley. — Drawing up his forces on the
green in front of the State-House, Bacon demanded an
interview with the governor. The old man rushed out
into the midst of the rebels, and, baring his breast, cried
in an agitated voice four or five times without stopping,
"Here! shoot me; 'fore God, fair mark, shoot!" Bacon,
advancing courageously towards him, raised his hat and
82 HISTOBY OF VIE GIN I A.
said, "Xo, may it please your Honor, we will not hurt a
liair of your head or any other man's. In order to save
our lives from the Indians we are come for the commission
which you Iiave so often promised, and now we will have
it I" and Bacon commenced walking up and down excitedly
hefore his men. Sir William withdrew to the State-House
to consult with the Burgesses, and Bacon followed him,
while a company of his men with their guns cocked ad-
vanced to the windows of the room where the Burgesses
were assembled, exclaiming, "We will have it ! we will have
it !" One of the Burgesses, going to the window, waved
his handkerchief, exclaiming, "You shall have it ! you
shall have it !" Bacon harangued the Assembly upon the
subject of the Indian outrages, the enormous taxes, and
other grievances, and demanded authority to redress at
least some of them.
The Burgesses were nearly all favorable to Bacon, but
only the governor could give the commission, and he was
not easily brought to terms. Finding, however, that there
was no escape, he at length signed the commission, and
Bacon and his men departed in triumph.
Bacon denounced as a Traitor. — They had scarcely
left Jamestown before Governor Berkeley declared Bacon
and his followers rebels and traitors, and his commis-
sion forfeited. Berkeley then repaired to Gloucester
County, where he believed he had many friends, and sum-
moned all who were loyal to the king to rally around him
and support him against these disturbers of the public
peace. He met with a very different response from what
he expected. The men of Gloucester told him that they
regarded Bacon as their friend and brother, that he was
doing their country a service by fighting the Indians, and
they had no wish to bear arms against him; but when he
should really become a traitor, the governor might depend
HISTORY OF VIRGIMA. 83
upon them. Berkeley gnashed his teeth with rage at this
rehellion against his authority, hnt stood too mueh alone
to force their compliance.
Bacon's Triumph. — Intelligence of these events was
conveyed to Bacon by Drummond and Lawrence, two of
his friends, and he said bitterly it was a hard case that
while he was hunting wolves which were destroying
innocent lambs, he should thus he hunted in the rear like
a savage animal. He added, "I am like corn between two
millstones, which will grind me to powder if I don't look
to it." Eetracing his steps, he marched towards Gloucester,
intending to force Sir William into a different course
of action. The old governor, having no idea of risking a
personal encounter, called together the few friends who
still clung to his fortunes, crossed the bay and took refuge
in Accomac County, where he hoped not only to be out
of reach of the "rebellion," but to find many friends to
aid him in his time of need. In this latter hope he was
disappointed.
Berkeley in Accomac. — By looking at the nuip you will
find that Chesapeake Bay runs up into the territory of
Virginia, leaving a long slip of land on its eastern side.
This terminates in a peninsula, at the southern extreme
of which is Cape Charles. When Captain Smith first
brought his colony to Virginia, this peninsula was in-
habited by the Accomac Indians, and from them it was
named Accomac County. Here it was that Governor
Berkeley expected to find hosts of friends. However, he
soon perceived that the country was filled with Bacon's
earnest sympathizers, who looked so coldly upon the gov-
ernor that he was forced to conclude that his presence was
not desired.
Virginians abandon Berkeley. — When the Virginians
discovered that Sir William Berkelev had withdrawn from
81 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
the State, as Accomac was regarded in some sort as in-
dependent of the government of Virginia, they determined
to act as if he had abandoned the conduct of affairs. Bacon
called together the most prominent nien of the colony at
Middle Plantation, where Williamsburg now stands, to
consult as to the best mode of conduct under the circum-
stances. The period for which the governor was elected was
ten years, but the fact that this time had long passed was
unnoticed so long as Berkeley was regarded as a just and
wise ruler,- with the good of Virginia at heart. As this
was no longer the case, they determined to regard liis office
as vacant.
The Popular Feeling. — The meeting was a ve-ry enthu-
siastic one, and patriotic speeches were made, in which
even the women seem to have had a voice. There
was with Bacon one William Drummond, who may
be regarded as one of the leaders of the rebellion. Sarah
Drummond, his wife, was also an ardent supporter
of the cause. She was present at this meeting of tlie
patriots, and rose in the Assembly and said, "The child
that is unborn will have cause to rejoice at this rising
of the country." A paper, which all signed, was drawn
up, in which they set forth the grievances which the
country suffered, the burdensome taxes under which the
people groaned, the Navigation Act which restricted their
commerce, and, above all, the horrors of the Indian out-
rages to which they were constantly subjected. They
spoke of the ardor with which Nathaniel Bacon and his
followers had striven to redress these last-mentioned griev-
ances, at the hands of the governor and others. They
further bound themselves by an oatli to join Bacon against
the common enemy, and to defend him against the governor
and his adherents. They even went further, and declared
that inasmuch as Sir William Berkeley had informed the
king that the people of Virginia were rebels and traitors.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 85
and had requested him to send troops to subdue them, they
were resolved to resist those troops until the king could be
rightly informed as to the true state of the case.
The Indian Power broken.— After this meeting, Bacon
departed with his gallant army to attack the Indians. He
destroyed several of their towns, and then proceeded to a
point where he expected to encounter their whole force.
Bacon's Quarter Branch; a little stream on the outskirts
of the city of Eichmond, marks this point. He met the
Indians at Bloody Eun, another stream in the same neigh-
borhood, and here routed them so completely that the
Indian power in Virginia was forever broken.
QUESTIONS.
1. When did these events take place?
2. What of Sir William Berkeley?
3. What relations existed between the Indians and Virginians?
4. How did the secret animosity of the savage now begin to show
itself?
5. In what respects was the government of Virginia like that of
England?
6. How did the governor act in this crisis, and how was his conduct
regarded by the Virginians?
7. Whom did the Virginians choose as their leader, and what of him?
8. What did Bacon do, and hov.- did the governor regard his demands?
9. How did the governor act?
10. What did Bacon do?
11. Relate the circumstances of the storming of the Indian fort.
12. Was Bacon excusable for the massacre?
13. What did he do next?
14. What happened after his election to the House of Burgesses?
15. Tell of his leaving .Jamestown.
16. What was his next step?
17. How was he received by the governor and House of Burgesses?
18. Did they comply with his demands?
19. What course did the governor adopt when Bacon left Jamestown?
20. How did the people of (iloucester receive the governor?
21. How did Bacon receive the news of these events?
22. What course did he take?
23. Where is .\ccomac County?
24. What did the Virginians do when they found Berkeley had gone
to Accomac?
26. What was the character of the meeting at Middle Plantation?
26. Repeat some of the sentiments of the people.
27, What was Bacon's course?
86 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
CHAPTEE XIII.
1675. — Continued.
Bacon's Rkisrlliox — Continued.
Foes from Within. — Xathaniel- Bacon had scarcely ac-
complished this victory over the Indians, before he received
intelligence which again turned liis attention to the enemy
in his rear. Giles Bland and William Carver, two of
Bacon's followers, had seized a ship of four guns, which was
commanded by one Captain Laramore. Putting a number
of men on board of her. they proceeded down James
River and into Chesapeake Ba}^, which they crossed,
and anchored near Accomac County, in tlie n('ighl;)or-
hood of Governor Berkeley's refuge. The ol)jeet of this
expedition was nominally to intercept supplies going to
the governor, as Bacon had ordered all vessels to l^e
seized which were found thus employed. Now, though
this was their avowed objecf, it is not improbable tliat
they intended, should the o})])ortunity occur, to take
possession of the person of the governor, carry him to
Jamestown, and force him to make a peace which would
secure Bacon from the annoyance of an enemy in his rear.
Laramore's Treachery. — While Bland, who liad already
seized several vessels, was cruising in the bay, near the
shores of Accomac, Captain Laramore was secretly plot-
ting against him. Laramore sent a message to Governor
Berkeley and promised to put htm in possession of Bland's
ships, if the governor would lend liis aid. He also said
that if Bland's ships were taken the whole rebel squadron
could easily be captured. The message threw the governor
into a state of great agitation. Laramore was known to
HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA. 87
be an unprincipled and profligate man, and it was not
improbable that this very message might be part of a plan
to decoy him into the hands of his enemy. But his own
condition was desperate. Few of the Virginians still clung
to Jiim in his fallen fortunes, and his personal safety was
every day becoming more insecure. His spirits rose at
the mere thought of the great advantages which would
accrue to his cause were Laramore only true to his
promises.
The Ship taken, — While he was in this state of in-
decision, Philip Ludwell, one of his most devoted fol-
lowers, sought an interview with him, and begged that
he might have the management of the affair. The gov-
ernor consented, and Ludwell, securing two boats, em-
barked at midnight, with twenty-six of his friends.
Guided by a signal from Laramore they were soon along-
side Bland's ship, which they boarded before their
presence was discovered. Bland and his men, roused from
their slumbers by the unusual noises on deck, rushed from
their cabins, only to find themselves prisoners in the hands
of their foes; and in a few hours the whole navy yielded
to the governor's forces.
Berkeley returns. — Nothing could exceed the delight
of Sir William Berkeley at this success, which gave him
an opportunity to retrieve his fallen fortunes. He
at once embarked for Jamestown, which ho knew could
make no resistance, as Bacon was far away on his Indian
expedition with the flower of his army. With the great-
est exultation, the governor took possession of his former
home, proclaimed Bacon a rebel, and commanded his fol-
lowers to surrender him and disperse, if they would not
themselves be punished as traitors. He then called a
meeting of the Council, filling it up witli ouly such men
as he knew to be devoted to his cause.
88 HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
His Success. — Inspired by the example of Liidwell,
many now flocked to Jamestown, anxious to show their
zeal for the king; and in a few days Sir William Berkeley
found himself at the head of an army of nearly a
thousand men. This was the news that staggered Bacon,
as he was returning victorious from his Indian expedition.
In a moment lie saw the full danger of the situation.
Many of his followers, under the impression that since
the defeat of the Indians there could be no immediate
call for their services, had dispersed to their homes. Thus
Bacon found himself with an army of scarcely three
hundred men. worn down with the fatigues of their Indian
campaigns, and in want of the bare necessaries of life.
With these he had to face an enemy more than three
times as large, and provided with everything necessary
for their comfort and success.
Bacon's Advance. — It is no wonder that for a moment
the heart of the young loader failed him; but it was only
for a moment. Nathaniel Bacon was of too brave a spirit
and tno sanguine a temper for despondency to master
him; indeed, the very' difficulties he had to encounter but
stimulated his ardor. He made a stirring speech, the elo-
quence of which so fired the enthusiasm of his men that
they rallied around him, professing their determination to
follow him without reinforcements, and never to seek
repose until he had led them to a victory which would
be the last blow to the hopes and plots of their
tyrants. Their enthusiasm rose when they began their
march. Want and fatigue were all forgotten, and they
listened only to their indignation as they thought of
Jamestown, the cradle of the infant colony in the New
World, now in the hands of the man who was plotting
against their freedom. The army, as it passed through
the countr}^, presented the a])})earance of a triumphal
TUSTOHY OF riFGIXIA.
89
procession. In the centre were placed their Indian cap-
tives, with the arms and plunder which had been taken
in battle, covered over with flags and other gaudy dis-
plays of military pomp. In their front, upon a spirited
steed, rode a o-allant figui-e. whose animated countenance
BACON ADDRESSING HIS MEN.
and courageous bearing proclaimed him one well qualified
to inspire an army to dare great deeds and win its way
against any odds. This was Xathaniel Bacon,, whose elo-
quence chased away despondency and revived the ardor
of that army of which ho was the idol.
Jamestown besieged. — The sun was just setting when
the little army arrived in sight of Jamestown. From a
neighboring height it overlooked the little town, now
bright with the rays of the departing sun. Again the
90 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
indignant Ijlood flushed the cheeks of the Avar-worn pa-
triots as they saw before them evidences of the presence
of their hated foe. General Bacon ordered a cannon to
be fired and trumpets to be sounded in token of defiance;
then dismounting he drew, with his own liands, the lines
for intrenclnnents. In this moment of inaction the weary-
men were about to go to sleep, but they were roused by
the spirit-stirring voice of their leader. He himself set
the example, and soon all signs of weariness disappeared.
Their cheery and brave voices rose in mirth and exulta-
tion, patriotic songs mingled with the plaintive evening
hymn, as their intrenchments rose like magic beneath the
full light of an October moon. Their labor ende'.], they
slept in security behind the breastworks.
At dawn their labors again commenced. Refreshed by
slumber, they pressed forward eagerly to receive the com-
mands of their general. A small party was despatched to
skirmish near the enemy's lines, in order to ascertain their
strength, while the rest of the army waited in the rear, as
patiently as they could, the onset of the governor's troops.
Sir William Berkeley was by no means anxious to
delay matters. A stern old soldier, the courage of youth
still lived in him despite his years. He believed that he
was but performing his duty to his king in subduing this
dangerous rebellion against lawful authority ; he had noth-
ing to gain by delay, as he did not expect reinforcements
unless the king's troops should arrive in time from Eng-
land, and this he had no reason to anticipate. Hearing
that Bacon's army was receiving hourly accessions to its
numbers, the governor at once mustered his troops, and
placed them under the command of Ludwell and Beverley,
his two stanchest adherents.
They sallied forth; but soon the difference in the spirit
of the two armies became apparent. Berkeley's anny was
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 91
made up of men picked from the idle and dissolute, most
of them without a foot of ground they could call their
own, inspired only by their hopes of gain, and the prom-
ises of plunder and confiscations which the governor liad
made to them before they would engage in his service.
Bacon's men, on the other hand, fought for their firesides,
and for that liberty of opinion and action, the love of which
the free life in the wide forests of the Xew World seems to
have inspired in the hearts of the colonists since the earliest
settlement in Virginia.
Bacon's Victory. — The governor's troops, under their
leaders Ludwell and Beverley, advanced towards the in-
trenehments with a considerable shoAv of ardor, but the
contest lasted only a few minutes. When these paid hire-
lings received the steady and well-directed fire of Bacon's
patriotic little army, they turned and fled back to James-
town, although their officers implored them, with tears in
their eyes, to stand their ground, and thus wipe -of!: this
stain upon their courage. Such arguments had no effect
upon the panic-stricken fugitives: on they fled, until they
reached the protection of their batteries and the cannon
from tbeir shijDS.
Pursuit checked. — Bacon, surprised at this sudden re-
sult, suspected it was a trick to draw his men into an am-
bush, and checked the pursuit a short distance from his
own lines. Had he not done so, the story of this contest
might have been ended in a few words, for there is little
doubt that if Bacon's army had then pressed forward
they might have entered Jamestown almost without op-
position from their panic-stricken foes. Sir William
Berkeley and all of the officers of tlie royal government
would then have fallen into their hands, and they might
have dictated such a peace as would have made Nathaniel
Bacon instead of George Washington the Father of
Independence.
92 HISTOnr OF VIIUJIXIA.
Governor Berkeley's army not only retreated disgrace-
fully to Jamestown, but the troops threw down their arms,
and declared their determination never to take them up
again. Neither threats nor promises had any effect on
them. Thus the governor found himself in hourly ex-
pectation of an assault from the enemy, with only twenty
men upon whom he could rely. Even then the proud old
man, goaded by his misfortunes into recklessness, would
have remained to meet his fate, and, if need be, would
have died at his post rather than have retreated from it.
However, the arguments of his friends convinced him
that it would be better to await at a distance another smile
from that fortune which had been so fickle to him. At
midnight he and the few friends who remained to him
silently and sadly embarked upon the boats which, under
cover of the night, had drawn in to the shore for the
purpose, and taking with them everything of value, the
fleet dropped quietly down the river to await further
results.
The City deserted. — The astonishment of Bacon and
his men, as these events disclosed themselves on the fol-
lowing morning, may be better imagined than descril^ecl.
They could scarce believe the evidence of their senses as
they looked upon the deserted city, and missed first the
sentinel from his post and the mustering soldier from the
streets. As the drum and the trumpet were silent, and,
there were no signs of an army of occupation, they drew
nearer to interpret the meaning of the strange stillness.
They found the desolation complete. Only two or three
frightened inhabitants crept from the- houses to give them
welcome, and to tell to a wondering audience the events
of the past few hours.
Not only was the city deserted, but the liouses were
stripped of everything of value that could be removed.
HISTORY OF VIFGIKIA.
93
and what could not be carried off was wantonly thrown
into the river. The enraged and disappointed patriots
looked^ with burning cheeks and flashing eyes, upon their
desolated hearth-stones, while the fleet lay witliin their
BURNING OF JAMESTOWN.
sight, but far out of their reach, down the river, calmly
awaiting their departure in order that Berkeley might
return and occupy tlie city.
Jamestown burned. — But in this expectation he too
was doomed to disappointment. "If Jamestown no longer
affords a shelter for true Virginians it shall never be a har-
bor for her enemies," said General Bacon, in burning words,
to his soldiers. As usual, they caught the inspiration from
his lips, and soon were seen hurrying with flaming torches
from house to house. Many a hardy soldier stood upon
his own hearth-stone Avith the firebrand in his hand and
a tear in his eye, as the thought of wife and child and
home joys rose before his mental vision. Then, as the
94 HISTORY OF YinGINIA.
flags of the fleet waving in the distance betrayed the
presence of his enemy, and he thought of the oppressor
of his country finding shelter under his roof, he cast down
the torch and turned away, leaving it to do its work. Even
the old church, where for nearly a hundred years prayers
had ascended to God, was not spared. Sir William
Berkeley viewed with astonishment and indignation this
last desperate resort of a determined people, and vowed
vengeance against the authors of the outrage.
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the date of the events contained in this chapter?
2. What news met Bacon when returning from the conquest of the
Indians?
3. What did Bland and Carver intend to do?
4. What was the cause of the failure' of their scheme?
5. Tell of the capture of Bland and Carver.
6. How did the governor receive his success?
7. Relate circumstances connected with his return to Jamestown.
8. What was Bacon's condition when he heard the news?
9. What steps did he talse?
10. How was his speech received?
11. Tell of the march to .Jamestown. -
12. Of their arrival at that place.
13. Of the preparations for battle.
14. Of the fight itself.
15. Of the retreat of the vanquished.
16. What happened the next day?
17. What condition of things did Bacon and his men find when they
entered Jamestown ?
18. What course did they take?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 95
C H A P T E K X I V.
1676.
THE END OF BACOX'S REBELLION LORD CULPEPER THE TOBACCO
REBELLION.
Close of the Rebellion. — Sir William Berkeley, having
now no place to organize his government, returned to
Accomac. Bacon dismissed the great body of his followers,
but engaged them to join him upon the first news of
disturbance to the public tranquillity; nor did he relax
for one instant his efforts to keep alive their enthusiasm.
He went from place to place, inspiring all by his zeal and
example, and kept before the people the fact that although
all seemed secure, danger was still close at hand. Sir
William Berkeley had forwarded to England an account of
the rebellion, which he represented as wide-spread and dan-
gerous, and entreated the king to send a sufficient force to
restore order. The answer to this appeal was daily ex-
pected, and Bacon was determined to resist any army that
should be sent against him. Every one of his troops was
prepared to defend with his life the cause which was the
cause of all Virginians.
Bacon dies. — Yet it is always a great mistake to place
the issue of an important undertaking upon the life of a
single individual, and never was this more apparent than
in the history of Bacon's rebellion. Though he had many
brave officers, they were but the creatures of his will, in-
capable of acting alone. In the prosecution of his plans,
Bacon visited all the different military posts, undergoing
great fatigue, which, added to a cold he had contracted in
the trenches at Jamestown, developed a fatal disease. But
9() IIISTOnr OF VIRGINIA.
he did not permit his exertions to abate on account of his
illness, though its effects were plainly visible. At length,
however, he was obliged to yield to a will stronger than
his own, and died at the residence of Doctor Pate, in
Gloucester County, in the tliirty-first year of his age.
The death of Bacon was the knell of the cause for
which he sacrificed himself. He left none to fill his place.
Two of lii.s captains, Ingram and Walklate, attempted it,
but under their leadership the army melted away, and as
their fortunes declined those of Berkeley revived. Bacon's
followers were hunted down like wild animals. Among the
first captives was Thomas Hansford, one of Bacon's warmest
friends. After undergoing the mere form of a trial, he was
hurried away to the gibbet. His heroic spirit did not quail.
He only implored passionately that he might be shot like a
soldier, and not die on the gallows like a criminal; but he
was told that he Avas not a soldier but a traitor. He met
his fate bravely, calling upon all persons present to wit-
ness that he had simply done his duty in taking up arms
against oppression, and that he gave up his life Avillingly
for his country. Thus perished the first Virginian who
siift'ered death upon the galloAvs.
I'liis was but the beginning of the revenge which
Berkeley visited upon his victims. It is said that such
was his rage against Bacon, that he made search for his
body, tliat be might dishonor the dead patriot who had
defied him while living. But his grave was never found;
his faithful friends religiously preserved his dust from
oiiti'age.
Execution of Prisoners. — As fast as the prisoners
were l)rought in they were led. to execution. One Cap-
tain Wilford nuide his appearance before the governor
witli liis wife by his side. Slie knelt at his feet, and en-
trealed that if one must die that she might be executed.
HI^TOnr OF VIRGINIA.
97
since she had encouraged her husband to join the rebel-
lion. But the demon of revenpe liad too entirely hardened
the heart of Sir William Berkeley for this touching appeal
to reach it; he answered her with insults too gross to be
repeated. Wilford had lust an eye in battle, and when al-
lusion was made to it, he answered bitterly that it made
no ditference, for he had no doubt that Governor Berkeley
would give him a guide to the gallows. This proved too
true, as the unhappy young man was led out from the
presence of his wife to execution.
/\ f 1
BKItKELEY WEf.COMING Di;i:M -\IO.N L>.
Berkeley's Maligfnity. — Wlien William Drummond
was captured, the passionate old governor seemed to lose
common decency in liis vindictive triumph. He bent low
before him, with atfected courtesy, as he said mockingly,
"Mr. Drummond, you are very welcome. I am more glad
98 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
to see you than aiiv otlier man in Virginia ; 'fore God !
you shall hang in half an liour"; and he was hanged as
soon as the gallows could be prepared for him. Xor did
Berkeley's fiendish malignity end here; for he pursued
the wife of Drummond with his persecution, confiscated
her property, and turned herself and five children out to
starve. Xay, he would have brought her to a felon's
death had not an order from the king come in time to
save her.
Giles Bland Hanged. — How far Berkeley's passions
would have carried him is not known, for commissioners
arrived, appointed by the king to inquire into the condi-
tion of things, and many pardons were issued. Even
these, in some instances, Berkeley dared to set aside; as
in the case of Giles Bland, who, you remember, was cap-
tured on the coast of Accomac, and had ever since been
in irons. His friends had sent over to the king, who
granted him a special pardon, but the governor sent him
to the gallows. He met his fate with conscious innocence,
and his name was afterwards one of the most distinguished
in the annals of American freedom.
Berkeley's thirst for blood seemed to increase with what
it fed on, and as one of the Burgesses said, "He would
have hanged half the country if he had been let alone.''
Charles II., King of England, whose father, you remember,
perished on the scaffold, and who himself had received,
l)oth during his exile and after his restoration, many
gratifying proofs of the loyalty of his subjects in Vir-
ginia, was horror-stricken when the news of Berkeley's
severity reached him. He said, "That old fool has
hanged more men in that naked country than I have
done here for the murder of my father."
The King's Commissioners, — To such an extent
did he carry his revenoe that he succeeded in disgusting
HISTORY OF VIRGIMA. 99
even the House of Burgesses, which was made up of
creatures too much like himself to be easily touched
with compassion. They voted an address imploring him
not to shed any more blood, as "none could tell how,
where, or when it would terminate."' When liis active
cruelty w^as over, Sir William Berkeley had time to uote
the change of feeling towards him in this people over
whom he had ruled so acceptably for nearly forty years,
and whose love and veneration for him had turned to
detestation and abhorrence. Charles II., in order to put
an end to these scenes of blood, sent over commissioners
to Virginia, and these issued a general invitation to all
to come and state their grievances. At once the tribunal
was crowded with sufferers from Berkeley's cruelty. The
widows and orphans of those who had been executed came
weeping and invoking justice upon the head of the tyrant.
Men whose lives had been spared only to see all of their
property confiscated, begged for bread for their wives and
cbildren. The commissioners applied to the governor for
the restoration of the property of these unfortunates, but
he had either taken it for his own use or bestowed it upon
bis favorites., and refused to give it up.
The end of Berkeley. — That best of all books, the
Bible, says, "Be sure your sin will find you out," and
this was verified in the case of Sir William Berkeley,
who, though he affected to despise the opinion of the
people, could not help being mortified at the course the
commissioners were taking by order of the king, for they
showed undisguised disapproval of his conduct and dis-
regard for his wishes. At length he resolved to go to
England and make a statement of his position to his
Majesty, wliich he felt sure would reinstate liim in the
royal favor. But in this he was mistaken. If possible,
he found fewer friends in Knyland than he had left
100 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
in America. The \<'n\y: jiositiveh' refused to receive him at
court, and the ])roud old jnan, unable to support the mor-
tification of this blow, died a short time after his arrival
in England.
New Governors. — He was succeeded in the government
of Virginia bv Herbert Jeffries, who exerted himself
wisely and Avell to restore peace to the country. He
made a treaty with the Indians of the west, which
unhappily they did not regard for any length of time.
Sir Herbert Jeffries did not live long to sec the fruits
of his wise government; he was succeeded by Sir Henry
Chicheley, w4io took active measures against the encroach-
ments of the Indians, causing forts to be erected in various
un2)rotected places, and in many other ways he ingratiated
himself into the respect and affection of the people.
Lord Culpeper. — Very different was the course of
Lord Culpeper, his successor. At first he was so popu-
lar that the people voluntarily increased his salary, and
in other ways gratified his desire for wealth; but it very
soon became evident that the love of gain was the
ruling passion of his heart, and to this the good of the
people over whom he ruled must give way. 'He received
an immense grant of land from the king, in what is
known as the Xorthern Neck of Virginia. This tract em-
braced the territory lying between the Eappahannock
and Potomac Rivers, as far back as the head-waters of
the north liranch of the Potomac, which lie in the Alle-
ghany Mountains.
When Lord Culpeper succeeded in amassing great wealth
he had no idea of remaining in the forests of a new
country, where he could have no enjoyment of it; so
leaving Sir Henry Chicheley as his deputy, he returned
to England, where he lived in great luxury at court, with-
out spending many thoughts upon liis deserted peo])l(\
HISTOnr OF VIEGINIA. 101
The Tobacco Rebellion. — After his departure com-
menced what is known as the Tobacco Ecbellion. I have
told 3'ou before that from the time of its first settlement,
tobacco was regarded as the most valuable prorluction of
Mrginia soil. Since the days of Sir Walter Ealeigli the
demand for the fragrant weed had been on the increase.
For a long time it was used as money by the colonists.
Articles, instead of being valued at so many dollars, were
sold for so many pounds of tobacco. It would have
looked very strange to you, if you could have seen the
wives and daughters of the old Virginia planters going
into Jamestown on their shopping expeditions, witli tlieir
wagon-load of tobacco behind them, and purchasing rich
silks, linens, and laces at so much tobacco a yard. Nor
was this all : the preachers, the lawyers, the doctors, were
all paid for their services in tobacco.
The increased demand for tobacco led the Virginians,
in the days of which we are now speaking, to devote the
largest part of tbeir time and land to raising this great
source of wealth. At one time laws were made restricting
the raising of tobacco and forcing the planters to plant
corn and other crops necessary for their subsistence. At
last, to a great degree, the custom of using it as money
was done away with, though the salaries of the ministers,
were, for many years afterwards, paid in tobacco.
Action of the Burgesses. — Notwithstanding this change
of custom in the use of tobacco, it Avas still a great
source of wealth ; the people were again permitted to plant
as much of it as they pleased. Vessels came from Eng-
land, and returned loaded with the precious weed. For
many years after the settlement of Virginia, Jamestown
was the only town in the State; and after it was burned,
the necessity of some place where trade could be carried
on was severelv felt. In order to facilitate the buildinii' of
102 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
towns, the House of Burgesses passed a law that certain
places along the river-bank should be selected as the sites
for future cities. In order to force the people to con-
gregate at these particular points, the law provided that
all ships which cauie to ^'irginia for purposes of trade
should receive their cargoes only at the designated phices,
instead of being loaded as had heretofore been done at the
plantations upon tlie river. The Burgesses thought that
the planters would thus be compelled to build warehouses,
and other conveniences, for storing their crops, and so the
foundation of tlie desired. cities would be laid.
The Planters resist. — Now this plan may have been
wisely conceived, but it could not be carried out, and the
very effort to force compliance with an inconvenient and
unpopular law came near arousing another rebellion.
The planters living upon the rivers thought it a
liard case that, instead of loading the vessels at their
own doors, they should have the great inconvenience and
expense of transporting their crops to these imaginary
cities. The vessels would often go up to the designated
points, find no cargo ready for them, have to wait at great
expense until it could be hauled from considerable distances,
and, as it often happened, have to return home empty.
Out of these inconveniences grew a disregard of tlie hiw.
The planters would load, and the captains of vessels would
receive their cargoes, where it was most convenient: the
high-spirited Virginians refusing to submit to what they
considered an infringeuient u})()n their rights.
The Law sustained. — In Gloucester County some of
the planters, who were forcibly prevented from disposing
of their tobacco as they pleased, fell to work and de-
stroyed their entire crop; and their example was fol-
lowed by many others. This looked like open rebellion.
The Assendjly, frightened at the storm they had raised,.
HISTORY OF VIRGIMA. 103
appealed, in their dilemma, to the king, who ordered Lord
("ulpeper back to quell the disturbance. His lordship
obeyed, in no amiable mood at being thus forced to leave the
luxuries of the English court to contend with rebels in the
forests of Virginia. He determined to end his exile and
the revolt as speedily as possible. His measures were suf-
ficientl}^ vigorous, as the jails were soon filled with pris-
oners, and a penalty of death was proclaimed against all
"plant-cutters." Six men were actually executed for this
trifling misdemeanor. This summary mode of proceeding
had the desired effect, and the planters suljmitted to what
thev could not cure. Thus ended the Tobacco Eebellion.
QUESTIONS.
1. What year heads this chapter?
2. What sad event occurred to put a stop to the war?
3. How did Governor Berlseley behave?
4. Who was the first Virginian who died on the gallows?
5. Relate the circumstances.
6. Did Berkeley's cruelty end here?
7. Relate the story of Captain Wilford.
8. Of William Drummond and his wife.
9. Of Giles Bland.
10. How did the Burgesses regard Berkeley's conduct?
11. What did King Charles say about it?
12. What did the Burgesses do?
13. What steps did the king take to stop bloodshed?
14. What condition of affairs did the commissioners find?
15. What became of Berkeley?
16. Who succeeded him. and what is related of his government?
17. What of Sir Henry Chicheley ?
18. What of Lord Culpeper?
19. Relate the circumstances which had made tobacco so largely culti-
vated in Virginia .
20. What steps were taken to restrict its cultivation?
21. Was it still valuable after it ceased to be used as money?
22. How did the government try to force the building of towns?
23. What effect did it have?
24. Relate the circumstances of the Tobacco Rebellion.
.25. How was it quelled?
104 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
CHAPTER XV.
1684-1723.
TREATY WITH THE FIVE NATIONS ^WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE
ESTABLISHED PARSON BLAIR AND GOVERNOR SPOTTSWOOD THE
KNIGHTS OF THE HORSESHOE.
The Five Nations. — For twenty years after the Tobacco
Eebellion there are few' incidents that deserve more than
a casual glance. Lord Howard of Effingham, succeeded
Lord Culpeper as Governor of Virginia, and it was during
his term of office that hostilities with the Indians were
recommenced. This was followed speedily by a treaty of
peace with the tribes known as the Five Nations, who
came from what is now the western part of the State
of Xew York. These w'ere the Mohawks, the Oneidas,
the Onondagas, the Cayugas, and the Senecas; and if
you will glance at the map of New York, you will find
their names in those of the cities and lakes in the vicinity.
These Indians w^ere generally esteemed to be the most
powerful and dangerous tribes in North America. In war
they were terrific, and united the cunning and sagacity
of the savage with tlie skill of civilized nations. Even the
English, with all their knowledge of the art of war. found
it difficult to deal with them, and the rumor of their ad-
vance was always received Avith horror and consternation.
A writer of the times, in describing them, says, "They
advanced like foxes, attacked like lions, and retreated like
birds." They had subdued all other Indian tribes and
united them with themselves, and were extending their
power even into Southern Virginia.
Treaty of Peace with the Indians. — The colonies of
the (lillVient provinces l)ecame alarmed, and Governor
IIISTOEY OF VIRGINIA. 105
Howard, of Virginia, and Governor Duugan, of New York,
met at Albany to confer with the chiefs of these several
tribes. After liaving complained of their aggressions and
acts of cruelt}', the governor tlireatened to retaliate unless
the Indians would make a firm treaty of peace with the
whites. If, however, they would consent to the terms laid
down in this treaty, the chain of friendsliip was to be
brightened and made stronger and move lasting than ever.
An orator of the Mohawks replied in a speech full of the
figures for which their language is remarkable. He prom-
ised that the peace between themselves and the English
should be firmly kept ; and then, after the manner of their
people, they buried five axes, in token of the burial of
strife. After this all the Indian tribes united in singing
the peace-song, with demonstrations of much joy, and
thanked the Governor of New York for liis mediation
with the Governor of Virginia in their behalf.
William and Mary. — In 1685 there was another change
in the government of England. Charles II. died, and
was succeeded by his In-other, James II., — the first Eoman
Catholic sovereign who liad sat upon the English throne
since Mary, the sister of Queen Elizabeth. For reasons
which liave no bearing upon tliQ history of Virginia, the
Englisli expelled him fiom the throne after he had been
king only two and a half years. He was succeeded by
William, Prince of Orange, and liis wife Mai-y. They
ruled jointly under the title of "William and Mary."
A Virginia College. — The next year Francis Nicholson
was appointed governor of Virginia, February 19, 1693;
during his term of othce, the King and Queen of England
granted to Virginia a charter for the establishment of a
college in that province. It had heretofore been the custom
to send tlie young men of the colony to England to be
educated: hut Governor Nicliolson. upon liis introduction
106 HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
into office, suggested the idea of a Virginia college, and
put his own signature at the head of a subscription-paper
for the purpose. In a very little time, with the assistance
of some merchants in London, twenty-five hundred pounds
were subscribed, and the Virginia Assembly sent '^'Parson
Blair" to England to solicit a charter from the king. He
was successful, and the foundation of the college was laid at
Middle Plantation, where, you remember. Bacon and his
men held their deliberations after the burning of James-
town. The town was called Williamslnirg, in honor of
the king, and the newly-founded college was called Wil-
liam and Mary. The streets of the city were to be laid
out so as to form the letters W and M, but this plan was
not fully carried out.
Mr. Blair was appointed the first president of the col-
lege, which became the pride of Virginia. It is the oldest
college in the United States, except Harvard, in Massachu-
setts. In 1690 the seat of government was removed to
Williamsburg, which thus became the centre, not only of
learning, but of the wealth and fashion of Virginia. In
1705 the college was burned to the ground, and many 3^ears
elapsed before it was rebuilt.
Governor Spottswood. — Years now rolled quietly
away, marking only increased prosperity to Virginia.
When William and Mary died Anne, the sister of Mary,
succeeded to the throne. It was during her reign that a
gentleman was appointed governor whose name Virginia
will always cherish with gratitude. i\.lexander Spottswood,
a Scotchman, who had distinguished himself in the British
army, left the hardships and honors of the battle-field to
fill the office of chief executive in Virginia. He did more
for the improvement of the province than any of his
predecessors.
in STORY OF VniGIMA. 107
His Plans. — Fired at the thought of hinds, mountains,
and rivers as yet unexplored, lie wished to signalize his
term of service by extending his knowledge of this great
country. Accordingly he went before the General As-
sembly of Virginia, and offered to head an expedition
across the "Appalachian chain of mountains," as the
Alleghanies were then called. After some discussion, he
succeeded in obtaining its consent, and a promise was
given to furnish him with ample means to carry out his
design.
His Expedition. — As soon as it became known tluit
Governor Spottswood was organizing an expedition for
the purpose of new discoveries, he had no ditficulty in
tilling up the ranks of his little army. Soon a gal-
lant array of cavaliers presented themselves, eager to
share in an enterprise which promised so much variety,
honor, and increase of wealth, with enough of danger
to make it all the more attractive to the bold Virginians.
The hardiest horses in the country were pressed into serv-
ice, and soon the streets of Williamsburg presented a busy
scene as the gay cavalcade, with the governor at its head,
started forth with their faces turned towards the distant
mountains.
The Start. — In our day it is dithcult to realize what a
formidable undertaking it was to attempt the passage of
these mountains. It seemed like an attempt to conquer
nature itself ; but the romance and peril of the attempt
acted as a stimulus to the governor and his followers, who
fondly imagined that their names would go down to
posterity side by side with that of the great Alexander.
They crossed the York Eiver, and started merrily upon
their journey; stopping at night with friends upon the
route, and gathering recruits for their little army as they
went alonff.
108
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Passage of the Mountains. — So leisurel}^ did they pro-
ceed that more than a month had elapsed before they
began the toilsome ascent of the mountains. When at
length they gained the summit, their ecstasy was too deep
for words, as they viewed the beautiful panorama before
tliem.
i^^
GONKIJNOR SrOTl'SWOOD S EXPEDITION.
The Expedition returns. — Upon the top of the moun-
tain tliey drank the health of his Majesty, and called it
Blount George, in honor of him. The next peak they
named ^fount Alexander, after the governor. Descend-
ing the mountain, tiiey crossed the Shenandoah River,
which they playfully named Euphrates. On its banks
they rested for some hours, or beguiled the time hunt-
ing, iishing. ami feasting. Some t-arved tlnir names on
IIISTOm' OF VIRGINIA. 109
the trees; some, more ambitious, climbed the steep sides
of the rocks and tried to carve imperishable memorials
upon their granite surfaces; and the governor wrote u])on
a sheet of paper, "I take possession of this country in tlie
name of his Majesty King George of England," and sign-
ing his name upon it, enclosed it in a bottle and buried it
on the banks of the river. This interesting record of the
journey has never been found, and in all probability it
still remains buried to this day. Turning their faces
homeward, they reached Williamsburg in safety, after an
absence of about six weeks, and dispersing to their different
habitations, recounted to eager listeners their adventures
in this the first expedition across the Blue Eidge Moun-
tains of Virginia.
Knights of the Horseshoe. — The Virginians had been
accustomed to ride their horses unshod, the soft sandy
soil of the lowlands requiring no protection for the horse's
hoofs; but for the trip to the mountains they had provided
a quantity of horseshoes, in allusion to this circumstance
and as a memorial of the expedition, the governor, upon
his return, gave to each of his companions a miniature
golden horseshoe, to be worn upon the breast. King
George, when he heard of the expedition, bestowed upon
Spottsw'ood the honors of knighthood, and also presented
him with a golden horseshoe set with jewels, which is said
to be still in possession of one of his descendants. All who
took part in the expedition were recognized by the title of
"Knights of the Horseshoe."'
Prosperity under Governor Spottswood. — Governor
Spottswood's administration was marked by the steady
prosperity of A^rginia ; he neglected nothing which could
minister to this end. He attempted what was neglected
by most of the other governors, — namely, the improvement
of the Indians. He sent good men among them to teach
them the arts of civilization, and even had some of the
110 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Indian boys admitted to William and Mary College, to be
instructed in whatever wonld conduce to their advance-
ment.
Blackbeard the Pirate. — During his administration
the shores of America were infested with pirates, who
captured vessels going to and from the country, and per-
petrated acts of the most terril)le cruelty. One of the
most distinguished of these pirates, John Teach, was
known as Blackbeard, and his ferocity made him the terror
of the seas. The stories that are told of this fiend in
human form almost ^exceed belief. He is said, on one
occasion, to have dressed up his crew to personate devils,
and ho himself represented the chief fiend.
His Defeat and Death. — Many unavailing efforts were
made to capture Blackbeard; Governor Spottswood offered
large rewards for his person living or dead. Hearing defi-
nitely of his whereabouts, Lieutenant Maynard, commander
of a small English ship-of-war, started in search of him.
He found him lying in wait at one of the inlets to Pimlico
Sound, and at once bore down upon him without giving
him time to escape. Blackbeard discovering the ship-of-
war close to him, made preparations for battle, placing
one of his men at the powder-magazine with orders to
l)low it up if there was danger of ca})ture. and drinking
brandy until he was ready for any reckless deed whatso-
ever. A terrible fight followed in which the pirate was
defeated. The wretch, covered with wounds, waited until
the English boarded his vessel, and then gave orders to
blow up the magazine, intending that his captors should
share his destruction. But he was disappointed; the
courage of his man failed, and he threw down the fatal
nmtch. Blackbeard sprang up, his face distorted with
anger, cocked his pistol and aimed it at the delinquent,
but before he coidd fire it off he fell back on the deck and
expired.
niiSTOii'y OF V nun SI A. iii
Spottsylvania. — Although OoviTiior Spottswood was so
imu'li l)eli)\c(l l)y the |)eoi)lc of Virginia, yet lie tVll under
the displeasure of ihe I'n'itish Ministry, wlio did all llicy
eould to thwart his plans for the good of tiie colony, aiul at
length removed him from olliee. lie retired to his country-
seat in tlie coiinly. uliidi had been called in his honor
"SpoltsyKania."" On his immense estate of ST), ()()() acres,
in what are known as Orange, (Julpe])er, and Spottsyl-
\ania couidies, he discoxcrcd iron and cstahlishcd ir(»n
foundries, the lirst known in North Amcriia. Ilrrc he
passed his closing yeai'S and died in 11 lo.
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the date of these evenlsV
2. Who was Governor of Virginia after I, mil Ciiliii'itor?
3. Wliat importaut treaty did iie assist in nialdng?
4. Wiio were the Five Nations, and wiiere did tiiey iive?
6. How do tlie writers of tlio times desci-ilie llu'iuV
6. Tell of the treaty.
7. What important changes toolc place in llie lOuglisli government?
8. Wliom did King William ai)i)(iint (iovernor of Virginia?
9. Wliat important privilege did he solicil lor X'irglni.iV
10. What stei)s did he take to aceomplish liis purpose?
11. Witli wliat siiecess?
12. Tell of the foundation ;niil imiiie of the new colleue.
13. What happened to it in ITnr, v
14. Wlio was appointed governor liy (Jueen AnneV
15. What of liim?
16. What scheme did he devise?
17. Wliat steps did he talte for acidhiplisliinj; liis pnipose?
18. How does the attempt look to us now. niul why?
19. Tell of the journey.
20. What names did tiu-y give the nionnlniii peMl<sV
21. Tell the rest of the story.
22. What were tlie adveiUures calU'd, and why?
23. What othei- improvements did (Joveriior Spottswood undertake?
24. What infested the shoi-es of Nirginia?
26. Who was Itlackheard?
26. What steps did Hie governor take for his appi-eheusion ?
27. Tell of Maynard's expedition.
28. Tell of Klaekheards deatli.
29. Why was Governor Spottswood removed from othee?
30. Where did tlie governor die. an<l wlieii?
31. What did lie do for Virginia?
112 HISTOBY OF VIBGINIA.
CHAPTER X V I.
1723. — Continued.
DIFFICULTIES BETWEEN THE COLONIES COLONEL WILLIAM BYRD
LAYS THE FOUNDATION OF RICHMOND AND OF PETERSBURG
SETTLEMENTS IN THE VALLEY OF VIRGINIA -EARLY' CUSTOMS.
Closer Relations between the Colonies. — About this time
the colonies in North iVmerica, heretofore almost as
distinct as England, France, and Germany, began to feel
their dependence upon each other. New York, Pennsyl-
vania, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia
were like a band of young sisters, bound together by ties
of a common interest, and united for purposes of self-
defense, though their governments were still distinct.
A Colony Quarrel. — During the administration of Gov-
ernor Gooch, one of the best of Virginia's colonial
governors, a quarrel arose between the neighboring colonies
of Virginia and Xoiih Carolina about their boundaries,
each claiming a tract of land lying upon their border.
For a long time pen})le living upon this disputed territory
did not know which colony to claim as their home. This
led to many difficulties, as some would pay taxes to North
Carolina, others to Virginia. At last it was determined to
settle the matter before the disagreement became too
serious. The governors of the two colonies appointed
commissioners to meet and travel through the country
with engineers, and run the line over again straight, so
there could be no further mistake.
Colonel Byrd. — At the head of the Virginia Commis-
sion was Colonel William Byrd, a gentleman of great dis-
tinction and oriuinalitv. Ho has loft a narrative of his
HISTORY OF VIL'GINIA. 113
adventures, which is full of interest, in which he tells
many amusing stories, besides giving us a })icture of the
settlements in that part of the country in these early
days. Many of these are valuable contributions to the
history of the State.
Richmond and Petersburg founded. — The most lasting
memorial, however, which he has left is the city of Rich-
mond, of which he laid the foundation; also of Petersburg,
about the same time. It was expected that these two cities,
one at the head of navigation on the James Eiver, and the
other on the Appomattox, would become great centres for
the trade of Virginia, as the two rivers upon which they
were situated constituted convenient outlets into Chesa-
peake Bay.
Settlement of the Valley. — In 1736, settlements began to
be made in the beautiful Valley of Virginia. From Penn-
sylvania came a number of Scotch-Irish settlers, who, in
consequence of religious persecution in their own country,
emigrated from the north of Ireland to America, and had
at first fixed their homes in tliat colony. Finding tlie
fertile fields of the \'alley open to their occupation, they
now moved onward and took possession. William Penn
had so wisely dealt with the Indians in Pennsylvania that
they regarded him as a benefactor, and this movement
into the Valley was not interrupted by them. The new
settlers proposed buying the lands of the Indians as
William Penn had done. This they did to some extent,
but a serious difficulty arose. The Valley was looked
upon as a common hunting-ground, and no tribe could
1)6 found who claimed it as their particular property. A
number of families, headed by Joist Hite, obtained a
grant for forty thousand acres of land, which they lo-
cated in the lower i)art of the Valley of the Shenan-
doah. Having settled on it. thev graduallv extended their
114 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
settlements up tlie Valley to a point near the spot M-Jiere
the town of Woodstock now stands. Two small houses
were erected on what was known as tShawnee Spring, the
present site of the city of Winciiester, which was after-
wards the frontier ontpost for the settlers in that part
of the Valley.
Burden's Grant. — When tlie reports 1)rought hack by
Governor Spottswood and his party about the Valley
reached the ears of two newly-arrived emigrants to Vir-
ginia, named John Maekey and John Lewis, they visited
it with a pedlar named Sailing. They were so delighted
with this fertile region that they determined to fix their
abode there. John Lewis obtained a grant of a hundred
thousand acres of land, which he located in the Valley,
and was visited in liis mountain home by an agent of
Lord Fairfax, named Burden, who spent some months in
hunting through the forests. Eeturning to Williamsburg,
Burden presented Grovernor Gooch with a young buffalo
calf wliicli he liad captured, and in return the governor
gave him a grant for five hundred thousand acres of
land in the ^'alley, upon condition that within ten years
he would settle upon it one hundred families. If this was
accomjilislied, he should have one thousand acres in the
neighborhood of every house. Burden returned to England
for emigrants, and the next year, 1737, brought upwards
of one hundred families to settle upon the granted
lands. The first party was soon joined by others, mostly of
their connections and acquaintances in the mother country.
These again drew others after them; and they increased
and multiplied, until before the first generation had passed
away the land was filled with them. Then they Itegan to
send forth colonies to new lands, southward and westward,
until now their descendants are scattered over the whole
countrv.
HISTORY OF VinGIXIA. 115
Scotch Settlers. — Burden's grant covered a greater part
of Eockbridge County, and was settled by the McDowells,
Alexanders, Paxtons, and many other equally well-known
families. They were mostly Scotch Presbyterians, and
were distinguished for their simplicity and integrity.
They devoted themselves to agricultural pursuits, built
churches, and in the enjoyment of religious freedom and
home duties passed their simple lives.
Xearly twenty -years passed away before the settlers had
any difficulty with the Indians, for the Delawares and
Catawbas were busily engaged in war at the time the
Valley was first known, and many years afterwards.
There are many evidences throughout the Valley of the
furious contests between these two powerful tribes. It
was one of the customs .of the Indians to Iniry their dead,
not in single graves, but in mounds ; and some of the
mounds have been found which are eighteen or twenty
feet high and fifty or sixty feet wide.
Customs of the People. — It was fortunate for the new
settlers in Virginia that their savage neighbors were so
deeply engaged in their own affairs that the colonies had
time to grow without interruption, so that they were in
some degree aide to defend themselvs when defense be-
came necessary. Some of the customs of these early
inhalhtants of the Valley of Virginia, most of which were
derived from the Germans, were ver}- curious.
Marriage Festivities.- — A wedding, then as now, ex-
cited the attention of the whole neighborhood. It was
celebrivted at the home of tlie bride, and was almost the
only frolic that tlieir lives of hard labor allowed. On the
morning of the wedding-day, the groom and his four
attendants met at his residence and proceeded towards that
of "the bride. This they were obliged to reach by noon, that
iiG Jijsro/n' OF vinGiNiA.
being- the hour at wliieh the ceremony was generally per-
formed. Then the fun began, and all the neighbors joined
in it. The groom and his party found the narrow roads
obstructed by fallen trees and grape-vines tied across the
way. These they must stop and remove. Next they
were ambuscaded, and a discharge of guns enveloped them
in smoke. But in spite of tliese interruptions, the groom
could not be behindhand, and the hour of noon would
generally find him at the appointed place. The bridal-
party proper consisted of the bride and groom, and four
groomsmen, dressed in moc'casins, leather breeches, leg-
gings, and linsey hunting-shirts, all home-made. The
ladies were dressed in linsey petticoats, with linsey or linen
gowns over them, coarse shoes, coarse stockings, cotton
handkerchiefs, and buckskin gloves. If the ceremony
took place at the church, the whole party — mounted on
horses caparisoned with old saddles, old bridles, and a
blanket or bag thrown over them — would have to encoun-
ter the same obstructions in their pathway, placed there
by their fun-loving neighbors.
Running for the Bottle. — After the ceremony was
performed they would return home, and the way thither
was beguiled by various amusements, one of which was
called "running for the bottle." A big bottle, named
"Black Bettie," was filled with whiskey and placed at some
designated point (generally at the house of the bride)
on the road. Then two young men, mounted on their
horses, would run a race for this prize, taking an even
start, which was announced by an Indian whoop. Off
they would go, their horses at full speed, dashing over
rocks, stumps, and any other impediments. The victor
announced his success by another yell, and then returned
to the company, holding the bottle high above his head.
It was presented first to the liride. who must at least taste
HISTORY OF VIRGIN I A.
117
it, then to the groom, and then to each of tlie party, no
one heing- allowed to refuse to take a drink.
The Wedding Dinner. — Immediately after arriving at
the house, dinner, for which literally the fatted calf had
been killed, was announced, and a most substantial meal it
was, consisting of beef, pork, fowls, bear's meat, venison.
RUNNING FOR TUB BOTTLE.
bread, butter, honey, maple-sugar, Avine (if it could be had),
potatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables. These were set
out on old pewter dishes and ])latcs. wooden bowls, and
trenchers. If knives were scarce, the guests made use of
the scalping-knife which each man wore in the belt of his
hunting-shirt. During the meal the greatest hilarity pre-
vailed. The younger part of the company attempted to
steal the bride's shoe. The four groomsmen were obliged
to guard her, and he who failed to do so was obliged to
pay a forfeit for the redemption of the shoe, and the bride
was not permitted to dance until it was restored. Next
118 mSTOBY OF VIBGINIA.
came the ceremony of throwing the stocking. A stocking
was rolled in a ball and given to each of the young ladies
in turn, who, standing with her back to the hride, threw
it over her shoulder, and the first who succeeded in strik-
ing the bride's head was the next to be married. The
young men then went through the same ceremony, only
throwing it at the groom^s head. The dancing, which was
kept up often through the whole night, consisted of jigs,
reels, and square dances. If any of the company, through
weariness, attempted to conceal himself for the purpose
of sleeping, the luckless wight was dragged out upon the
floor, and the fiddler ordered to play "Hang out till
morning." These festivities were sometimes kept up for
a week or more, until the revellers, perfectly exhausted,
had to rest several days before they were fit for work.
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the date of these events?
2. Who succeeded Governor Spottswood?
3. What relations existed between Virginia and her sister colonies?
4. What dispute arose between Virginia and North Carolina?
5. Wlio was then governor of Virginia?
6. IIow was the dispute settled?
7. Who was Colonel Byrd?
8. What two cities did he found?
9. Give an account of the settlements in the lower Valley.
10. What settlements were made by Mackey, Lewis, and Sailing?
11. Tell of Burden's visit to Lewis.
12. What present did he make to the governor, and how was he
rewarded ?
13. To what trick did he resort, and with what success?
14. What portion of the Valley did his grant cover?
15. What was the character of the settlers upon it?
16. What of the Indian tribes in the Valley of Virginia ?
17. Did they molest the early settlers?
18. Tell the manner in which a marriage was conducted among the
early settlers.
19. Describe the feast?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
119
CHAPTEE XA'II.
1732-1755.
BIRTH OF GEORGE WASHINGTON — ^INCIDENTS OF HIS EARLY LIFE
UNSUCCESSFUL MISSION TO THE FRENCH WAR WITH THE
FRENCH BEGUN.
Birth of Washington.— On the 22d of February, 1732,
in the Comity o±' Westmoreland, was born George Wash-
ington, the first President of the United States, and the
BIKTHPLACE OF GEOKGE WAS H : NGTOX.
most famous of all A^irginians. He was the son of
Augustine Washington and Mary Ball. When he was
about five years old, his father removed to Stafford
County: and uj^on the banks of the Eappahannock, nearly
120
HISTORY OF VIE GIN I A.
opposite Fredericksburg, tlie childhood of George Wash-
ington was passed.
He received only a plain English education^ his first
schoolmaster being an old sexton named Hobby, who
lived to see the renown of his pupil, and used to boast that
the foundation of George Washington's greatness was laid
between his knees. But it is far more likely that the wise
counsels and good example of his father had more to do
with the formation of the character of the future patriot
than the ABC teachings of old Hobby. "Truth, George,"
said his good father to him one day, "is the loveliest quality
of youth. I would ride fifty miles, my son, to see the little
boy whose heart was so honest, and his lips so pure, that I
could depend on every word he says."
ii^f.^"<\,^- % .gt jm
ONE OF WASHINGTON'S EARLY VICTORIES.
His School-Life. — Young Washington seems to have
taken a position among his companions at an early age, as
one whose word could be depended upon. His father died
HISTORY OF VIEGINTA. 121
when he was ten years old, but he never lost the impres-
sion made upon him by his teachings; on the contrary,
they seemed to grow with his growth and strengthen with
his strength. He went to school in Westmoreland County,
to a Mr. Williams; and here he was distinguished for his
skill in such athletic sports as running, jumping, and
wrestling, but he showed great disdain for tame games
like tops and marbles.
Mimic Warfare. — It is said that, when he was only in
his eleventh year, he gave evidence of military talent.
He used to divide his school-fellows into two parties,
one of which he called French and the other American.
The French were commanded by a big boy named William
Bustle; • George himself commanded the Americans.
Every day, at recess, the little armies would seize their
corn-stalk muskets and calabash drums, and turn out to
fight their mimic battles with great fury. At the age
of sixteen he left school and obtained a situation as sur-
veyor for Lord Fairfax, who owned all the land in what
is called the Northern Neck of Virginia, lying between the
Eappahannock and Potomac Eivers, and from the Chesa-
peake Bay back to the Alleghany Mountains. This tract
was first granted to Lord Culpeper, former Governor of
Virginia, and inherited by Lord Fairfax, his nephew.
Recently the United States Government made a re-
survey of the old Lord Fairfax grants, and found that
there was no noticeable error in the survey made by this
lad of sixteen.
Washington was a surveyor until his twentieth year.
He worked hard as a woodsman, and spent his leisure
hours in athletic sports with his young companions, the
Stevenses and Crawfords. Thus his body was well trained,
and his heart seems to have been equally disciplined, for
he always retained the tenderest feelings towards the com-
122 HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
panions of his youth. It is said that he received an
appointment on a British man-of-war, and his trunk was
actually on board; hut when he came to take leave of his
weeping mother, who told him her heart was breaking,
he declined the appointment and stayed at home to gratify
her.
From this time he seems to have imbibed a passion for
military life, and spent his leisure time in practising mili-
tary tactics. He attracted so much attention by the skill
he manifested in all military arts, that when he left the
service of Lord Fairfax he was appointed adjutant-general
of the Virginia forces on the Northern Neck, who were
training for service against the Indians. Here his history
becomes involved with events of national importance.
The French and English. — When the first colonists came
to this continent, England claimed, by right of discovery,
the entire country stretching in length from Canada to
the southern border of North Carolina, and in breadth
from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This comprises a great
extent of territory cut in two by the Mississippi Eiver. It
is true that England had no idea of the immense territory
she was claiming; nevertheless her title to it all was con-
sidered perfect.
The French, Avith their possessions in Canada as a
stronghold, were disputing this title vigorously. About
seventy years after Captain Smith had planted his colony
in Virginia, one of the French Jesuit missionaries went
down the Wisconsin Eiver in an open boat, entered the
Mississippi, sailed past the mouth of the Ohio and
Missouri rivers, and, in the name of his sovereign, claimed
the whole country watered by the Mississippi and its
tributaries. He did not know and did not care that the
English had a prior claim.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. l'.^3
^ine 3'ears after the expedition of the Jesuit missionary,
another Frenchman, named La Salle, descended the
Mississippi Eiver to its mouth, and named the surround-
ing country Louisiana after his sovereign, Louis the
Fourteenth, The possession of Louisiana was never dis-
puted by the English, as it was not within the boundaries
of their claim. After the English settlements had been
pushed back towards the Mississippi, it became a contested
matter, whether the English or the French should own the
magnificent country watered by the Mississippi and its
tributaries. Many years before this time, Governor Spotts-
wood had advised the English government to send com-
panies to explore this splendid country, to make English
settlements, and to build forts along the Ohio River for
their protection. Had he been listened to a bloody war
might have been averted; but he was not, and the colony
of Virginia had now to suffer the consequences of this
disregard of his advice.
French Treaties with the Indians. — The Indians with
whom the American colonists came into contact were
divided into many tribes, l)ut all belonged to about three
families, and these families in time of trouble united their
strength. The Algonquins, in Canada, had for their con-
federates the Few England tribes, the Susquehannas in
the south, and some tribes in the west ; then ihere were
tlie Creeks and Cherokees, belonging to the Mobilians in
the south; but the most powerful of all the three were
the Iroquois, who comprised the famous Five Nations,
already mentioned in a previous chapter. These formed a
powerful confederacy which held sway over the others;
the Algonquins paid tribute to them for many years.
The French, however, formed an alliance Avith the Algon-
quins and helped them to rebel against the Iroquois, and
124 HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
thus gained their bitter enmit}^ The continual warfare
between these powerful tribes prevented the rapid advancb
of the French upon the English possessions, and secured
to us final conquest. Information reached Governor
Dinwiddle, of Virginia, that the French had made treaties
with all the western tribes of Indians, and were building
forts on the Ohio Eiver, which they intended to claim.
Governor Dinwiddle, after having tried other means, deter-
mined to send a message to the commander on the Ohio
to remonstrate against his encroachment, and to warn him
to withdraw his forces. But a difficulty arose as to who
should be the bearer of this message through trackless
forests, where the silence of nature had never been l^roken
save by the Indian's war-whoop and the roar of wild beasts,
and where danger known and unknown must Ijeset every
step.
Washing-ton's Perilous Journey. — Dinwiddle did not
have long to wait for a messenger. Young George Wash-
ington, hearing of the difficulty, at once presented himself
to the governor and tendered his services, which were
gladly accepted. The next day, the 31st of October, 1753,
he left Williamsburg, passed through Fredericksburg up
the Potomac to Alexandria, thence to Winchester, and
from there to the point on the Potomac where the city
of Cumberland now stands. Beyond this tliere was no
European settlement.
The prospects before him would have daunted any
heart less brave than his own, but Washington did not
linger long enough to think of the dangers of the way.
The firmness which his early education had imparted to
his character now displayed itself. At the head of his
little party he slowly and cautiously made his way over
the. snow-crowned Alleghanies. How the journey was
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 125
accomplished has ever since been a wonder to all. In the
middle of winter, througli difficulties of which language
can convey no idea, our young hero and his companions
pushed on. They crossed the large rivers on rafts, and
had to fell trees across the rapid mountain torrents. At
length they reached the point where the Monongahela and
Alleghany Eiver unite to form the Ohio. It was a
beautiful country, and the keen eye of Washington at
once fixed upon it as a most important position for a fort.
Twenty miles farther on he again paused, and collecting
as many of the Indian braves as he could, made them a
speech, in which he told them the object of his mission
and asked their assistance. He was answered by a young
Indian king, from whom he learned that his people were
not unwilling to assist in putting a stop to the progress
of the French, whose movements they were beginning to
view Avith apprehension and jealousy.
After having rested a few days, "Washington again set
out on his journey for the headquarters of the French,
which were about one hundred and twenty miles from the
Ohio Eiver. The young Indian king and three of his men
accompanied him. By perseverance they at length reached
the place, and were courteously received by the French
commander, St. Pierre. Washington presented Governor
Dinwiddle's letter; St. Pierre, in reply, said that the mat-
ter must be decided by the Governor of Canada; his duty
was simply to obey orders, which obliged him to maintain
his present position. With this unsatisfactory answer,
Washington was forced to return. He reached Williams-
burg about the middle of January, after an absence of
only two months and a half, and delivered his message
to Governor Dinwiddle. It was decisive ; war between
the English and French was at once declared.
12G
HISTORY OF VIE GIN I A.
The service of the young officer in this expedition was
highly appreciated. Going into the House of Burgesses
one day, he took his seat in tlie gallery just in time to hear
Speaker Eobertson say, "Gentlemen, it is proposed that the
WASHINGTON UECEIVING THE THANKS OK THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES.
thanks of this House be given to Major Washington, who
now sits in the gallery, for the very gallant manner in
which he has executed the important trust lately imposed
on liiiii l)v liis Excellencv Governor Dinwiddle.'' In a mo-
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 127
ment the House rose as one man, and turning towards the
blushing young officer, saluted him. He tried to reply, but
so completely confounded was this young hero, who had
not feared to encounter the dangers of the American forest,
that he stood blushing like a girl as this the first leaf in his
crown of laurel was placed on his head. At last he was
able to articulate faintly, "Mr. Speaker — Mr. Speaker !"
and then was silent. Old Speaker Eobertson called out to
liim, laughingly, "Major Washington — Major Washington,
sit down, your modesty alone is equal to your merit."
Washington's First Command. — As soon as the news
of the unsuccessful mission of Washington to the French
reached England, orders were issued by the British Min-
istry for the colonists to arm and unite in repelling the
aggressions of the French. Virginia raised two companies
of one hundred men each, and placed them under the com-
mand of Washington. In obedience to orders, he marched
early in April towards the fork of the Ohio, to complete
the erection of the fort begun there some time before.
Before they had reached there, however, they heard that
the fort had been surrendered to the French, with a
quantity of valuable property and a large body of men.
This was the first open act of hostility on the part of the
French.
His Success. — Upon hearing this news, Washington
moved slowly forward, intending to be guided in his
course by the course of events. He had many difficulties
to encounter, with the Indians particularly. At one time,
as he was making his way down the mountain, his Indian
guides refused to go any farther without reward, and he
was obliged to promise them his coat and his ruffled shirt
at the end of the journey. At length the opportunity
to meet the enemy, for which he liad so ardently longed.
128 IIISTOEY OF VTBGIMA.
presented itself, as liis Indian scouts reported quite a
large body of French approaching with apparently hostile
intentions. Guided \f}' the friendly Indians, Washington
nuirched under cover of a very dark night in the direction
of the valley in which the enemy were encamped, and
before morning dawn had completely surrounded the
French commander. There was a rush to arms, but it
was too late, and the whole party was forced to surrender,
but not until they had lost their commander and ten men.
This was the first blood shed in the war between the
French and English.*
QUESTIONS.
1. When and where was CJeorge Washington born?
2. Rehite the circumstances of his early life.
3. What was the real foundation of his honest character?
4. Relate the story of his school-days.
5. What place did he fill when he left school?
6. Where is the Northern Neck of Virginia, and to whom was it
granted ?
7. How long did he act as surveyor to Lord Fairfax?
8. What proof of filial love did he give?
9. What situation did he next receive?
10. I'oint out on your map the territory claimed by England.
11. What great river cuts this in two and waters it?
12. Where were the French possessions?
13. What circumstances led them to claim this country?
14. Of what portion of the country did La Salle take possession, and
what did he name it?
15. What difficulties arose out of these French claims?
16. What advice had Governor Spottswood once given upon this
subject ?
17. What news reached Governor Dinwiddle?
18. What step did he determine upon?
19. Who was chosen as messenger?
20. What course did Washington pursue?
21. Relate the circumstances of his journey.
*I would advise teachers to make the pupils study these lessons with
the aid of maps, as it is imptirtant that they should have a proper idea
of these localities.
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 129
22. Tell of his interview with the friendly Indians.
23. Next his interview with the French oflBcer.
24. Of his return home.
25. Of his appearance in the House of Burgesses.
26. How was the news of French aggressions received in England?
27. What position was given to Washington?
28. To what point did he direct his course?
29. What condition of things did he find?
30. What course did he pursue next?
31. Tell of his first battle with the French.
CHx'VPTER XVIII.
1755. — CONTIXUEU.
BATTLE OF FORT DUQUESNE RKADDOCK'.S DEFEAT AND DEATH.
Fort Necessity. — After this battle, tlie command of
the Virginia forces, by the sndclen death of Colonel Fry,
devolved npon "Washington. lie was reinforced at a place
called the "Meadows" by two companies, one from New
York and one from South Carolina. At the Meadows he
erected a small fort which he called Fort Necessity. He
then marched, at the head of nearly fonr hundred men, to-
wards Fort Duqnesne (-l-ane). After having gone thirteen
miles in this direction, he was met by some friendly
Indians, who told him the troops in Fort Duqnesne were as
numerous as the pigeons in the woods. A council of war
was held, and it was reluctantly determined to return to
Fort Necessity. Here Washington strained every nerve to
complete the fort, as he had no doubt that the French,
trusting to their superiority of numbers, would make a
descent upon him.
Washington's Defence. — The result showed the fore-
sight of the young officer, for before his preparations were
130 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
complete, fifteen hundred French and Indians came bear-
ing down upon Fort jSTecessity. They were commanded by
Monsieur de Yilliers, who, confident in his superior num-
bers, expected to secure an easy prey. Surrounding the
small fort, they commenced a furious fire from all points
at once ; but now the wisdom of "Washington in the choice
of its position was shown. It was erected in the middle
of level ground, with nothing to obstruct the eye for a long
distance on any side. The French shots were thrown
away on account of the distance, and as they ventured
nearer they were picked out and shot down by the keen
American marksmen. All day long the fight continued,
Washington animating his troops by exhortations and
personal example. He had early taken a position on
the outside of the fort, where the men fought from
morning until evening in the ditch and up to their knees in
mud and water. De Villiers was astonished; he was not
prepared for so earnest a resistance from these untutored
Americans. After hours of contest he had made no im-
pression on tlie fort, and had lost two hundred of his
men killed and disabled.
The Capitulation.^ — Knowing that it was impossible for
the little garrison to escape, and that it could be reduced
by famine, he sent a message to Washington proposing
terms of cajjitulation, too humiliating to be thought of
for an instant. The young officer, therefore, returned for
answer that he and his companions would sacrifice their
lives one by one in the ditch where they had fought
rather than submit to dishonor. The haughty French-
man now began to understand what sort of man he had to
deal with, and during the night sent another message. He
proposed that the Americans should be permitted to retire
from the fort with their arms and baggage, and to march
witliout molestation into the inliabited parts of A^irginia,
rilSTOL'Y OF Y IB GIN I A. 131
and that tlio French should retire to Fort Duquesne.
These terms were accepted; bnt Washington had scarcely
begun his march before he discovered that the terms he had
accepted were not honorably observed, for the Indians in
the employ of the French hovered about his little army
continually, committing the most wanton outrages and bar-
barous cruelties. His men dared not close their eyes for
fear of the terrible war-whoojr and the scalping knife. At
length, with diminished numbers, and spent with fatigue
and hunger, the little army arrived at Winchester. The
House of Burgesses returned a vote of thanks to the offi-
cers and men engaged in this expedition, and gave about
nine hundred dollars to be divided among thein.
Plans for other Campaigns. — Governor Dinwiddle im-
mediately formed a plan for another campaign, and sent
orders to Washington to retrace his steps across the AUe-
ghanies, to defeat the French and Indians and to capture
Fort Duquesne. Xothing could exceed Washington's as-
tonishment at these orders. He knew that it was madness,
with his exhausted army, to attempt to march through the
wilderness in the midst of winter and without supplies, in
order to accom23lish the defeat of a daring foe, who had
double liis numl)er besides being entrenched in a fortifi-
cation. In his dilemma the Virginia Assembly came to
his relief, and refused to vote the money required to carry
out Governor Dinwiddle's plan of campaign.
During the next winter the English government sent
Governor Dinwiddle ten thousand pounds for carrying on
the war, but it was accompanied by orders that threw
everything into confusion. The whole army in Virginia
was to be divided into companies, and no officer was to
have a higher grade than that of Captain. Hence, Wash-
ington, who had fairly won his position as colonel of a
132 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Virginia regiment, was degraded to the rank of captain,
with English officers, who had seen no service, outranking
him. As his high spirit refused to brook such injustice,
he resigned his position in the army and retired to private
life.
Washington's next service. — He was not permitted to
remain long in retirement. Early in the spring of 1755
Major-General Braddock arrived with a sufficient body of
troops to carry on the war with vigor. Hearing of the
merits of the young Virginia officer, and, knowing how
important would be his knowledge of the country in the
approaching campaign, he sent for him and entreated him
to accept the position as aide upon his staff, with tlie
rank of colonel. Washington was only too glad to accept
, this offer, as it had been a severe trial to him to lay down
his arms which had been raised in defence of his country.
Braddock's Campaign. — General Braddock, a brave and
experienced officer, had won many laurels upon the battle-
fields of Europe, but he knew nothing of fighting in Amer-
ica. He expected to march his men through the thick for-
ests in heavy column as he had done over the plains of Eu-
rope. To do this he had to cut down trees, level obstruc-
tions, and bridge every brook. The progress of his troops
was, therefore, very slow ; they were nearly one month go-
ing eighty miles from Cumberland towards Fort Duquesne.
Unfortunately. Washington was taken sick and obliged to
stay behind, so that General Braddock lost the benefit of
his advice. It is doubtful, though, whether he would have
availed himself of it had Washington been with him, for
he was a haughty, imperious man, unwilling to accept
counsel from an inferior officer.
At length they arrived at the Monongahela,- and here
Colonel Washington, weak from illness, joined them ;
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. . 133
but the ardor of his spirit and the urgency of the situ-
ation forced him to enter upon the duties of his position
without delay. On the morning of the 9th of July, Gen-
eral Braddock made preparations for crossing the Monon-
gahela. Washington in later days often spoke of the
beauty of the scene. The British troops, perfectly dis-
ciplined and in full uniform, marched through the forest
with the regular step of the parade-ground. Braddock
had retained l)ut three Virginia companies, and those
probably out of compliment to ^Yashington ; the others
were left in the rear.
The Ambush. — They were now within seven miles of
Fort Duquesne and Washington saw, with the deepest
anxiety, the incautious rapidity with which General Brad-
dock advanced. In vain he warned him of the dangers
of ambush, and entreated that he might lead the way
with the Virginia Eangeis and search the country well
before the advance of the whole army. Eejecting his
advice, the haughty commander gave him to understand
that he was presuming upon his position. Washington
retired with flushed cheeks, feeling very sad as his eyes
glanced over the splendid army, for he knew that many
of the brave fellows before him, so confident of victory,
would that day bite the dust. The result was worse even
than his anticipations. Just before the crossing of the
river, as they were descending the slope from its banks,
a heavy fire was opened upon the front and left from an
unseen foe. The van of the arm}', startled by this fire, fell
back. A panic commenced; and now the fire opened upon
them from every side, though not a foe was to be seen.
The Defeat. — General Braddock was a brave man, and
did his utmost to rally his troops; but again his ignorance
of American warfare misled him. Instead of ordering his
men to charge into the trees and brushwood, and thus to
134
. UISTOEY OF VIRGINIA
dislodge tlie hidden enemy, he formed them in solid col-
umns, as he had been accustomed to do upon open battle-
fields. This was playing into the enemy's hands, as the
French and Indian sharpshooters poured contiinious volleys
braddockTs defeat.
upon these masses; and no exhortations, .no examples o£
individual bravery, could stay the panic that ensued.
Crowded together like sheep in a slaughter-pen, the Brit-
ish added to the bloodshed of their own men by random
firino-. Their unfortunate general did all that man could
HISTORY OF VIFGINIA. 135
do to restore order. Riding from place to place he tried
to rally his men, but all in vain. Five horses were killed
under him, and two of his aides were shot down by his
side. Nearly half of his army was either killed or
wounded, and the ground was literally strewn with the
dead. The Indians picked out the officers by their brilliant
uniforms.
The Virginia troops, in this terrible havoc, behaved with
the greatest bravery. Unlike the British, they made no
attempt to keep in close order, but scattered themselves in
the woods, and fought from behind the trees. To speak in
the language of the time, they fought like men and died
like soldiers; but their bravery did not save them from
destruction. When the battle ended, but thirty remained
alive out of the three hundred that had gone into it. Out
of one company of twenty-nine, twenty-five were killed;
of another, only one private survived.
A Charmed Life. — Colonel Washington distinguished
himself by his coolness and resolution. After the death
of the general's aides, the whole duty of carrying his orders
to different parts of the field devolved upon the Virginia
Colonel. This duty he performed in the midst of an in-
cessant fire. It is said that an Indian chief marked him
as he rode to and fro through the field, and, taking de-
liberate aim, fired; but the intendent victim rode on un-
harmed. The fire was repeated with a like result; then,
calling his men around liim the chief pointed out the
brave young officer whose life he sought, bidding them
direct their fire upon him. Still the young hero passed on
unharmed, until the superstitious Indians desisted, believ-
ing that he bore a charmed life. He had two horses shot
under him, and four bullets passed through his cIotlu>s,
but not a hair of his head was hurt. Further, bv his
136 HTSTOEY OF VIEGINTA.
coolness and activity, he sa\cd the remains of the army.
Unfortunately General Braddock was not tlnis protected.
He received a ball through his Inngs, and was borne from
the field by Washinofon and another of his officers. After
this the rout became general. Everything was deserted;
the artillery, baggage, and colors were all abandoned, and
this probably saved the remnant of the army, for the Indians
stopped the pursuit to revel in the plunder.
Braddock's Grave. — Fortunately, a portion of Brad-
dock's army had been left some distance in the rear, under
Colonel Dunbar. To join these the fragments of the de-
feated forces bent their way, bearing their dying general.
He died on the way, within sound of the savage v^ar-whoops
of the pursuers. They buried him in the road, and drove
their wagons back and forth over the spot to obliterate the
marks. The spot remained unidentified until a few years
ago, when a skeleton was found and identified as that of
General Braddock by the English military buttons found
with it. It was removed to a field nearby, and buried
beneath an oak tree, upon which is recorded the fact.
October, 1913, the British and Canadians erected a suit-
able monument to mark the spot. It is said that in his
dving moments Braddock confessed franklv to Washington
that he had erred in not taking his advice upon that fatal
morning.
After Braddock's death the entire army retreated to Win-
chester; nor did Dunbar, who succeeded to the command,
consider himself safe even there, for he announced his in-
tention of taking iip winter-quarters in Philadelphia in
the middle of summer. Wasliington sent a message to
Governor Dinwiddle, to inform him of the defeat and
death of (Jeneral Braddock and of Dunbar's departure
to Philadelphia. The whole frontier was open to the
HISTOEY OF VIRGIMA. 137
eneniv. Xotliing conkl exceed the dismay of tlie people
of Virginia at the reception of this news. A meeting of
the Burgesses was immediately called; a sum of money
was voted to Washington and his surviving officers, as a
token of approval of the part they had t)orne in the un-
fortunate campaign. Their confidence in Washington was
also shown l)y bestowing upon him the command of a
regiment wliich was to proceed at once to the protection
of the border.
QUESTIONS.
1. lu what year did these events nccnr?
2. What promotion was conferred upon Washington after the battle?
3. What fort did he erect?
4. What prevented his marching against Fort DiKpiesne?
5. What was Washington's next step?
6. Tell of the attack on Fort Necessity.
7. Of the close of the affair.
8. Of Washington's retreat to Winchester.
9. How did the House of Burgesses acl^nowledge his services?
10. What plan of campaign did the governor form?
11. What prevented its execution?
12. What did the English government do next?
13. What course did Washington talie?
14. What induced him again to take up arms?
15. What of General Braddock, and his idea of fighting in America?
16. Tell of his march.
17. Where was Washington?
18. What happened on the 9th of July?
19. Relate the order of the advance.
20. What remonstrance did Washington make, and with what effect?
21. Relate the story of the fight.
22. Tell of the panic.
23. What course did the Indians take?
24. What of the behavior and loss among the Virginia troops?
25. How was Washington wonderfully protected?
26. Tell of Braddock's death.
27. What became of the rest of the army?
28. What remarkable course did Dunbar take?
29. What did the House of Burgesses do?
138 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
CHAPTER XIX.
1756-1763.
INDIAN ATROCITIES FALL OF FORT DUQUESNE WASHINGTON RE-
TIRES TO MOUNT VERNON.
After the Defeat. — The prompt measures thus taken
were not premature, for, before Washington could return
to Winchester, news was received that the Indians, en-
couraged by the defeat at Fort Duquesne, had gathered
in great numbers, and were already spreading devastation
throughout the whole country. Had the government fur-
nished him with men and means sufficient to take Fort
Duquesne at once, the heart-rending details of savage
butcheries upon the frontier might never liave been told.
The whole country -was terror-stricken at the fate of Brad-
dock's army, and no representations of Washington could
induce the authorities to order another advance. Thus
the French were enabled to concentrate their forces at this
most important place. This civilized nation also used
every means in its power to set the murderous savage
with his tomahawk and scalping-knife upon the defence-
less inhabitants of the frontier of Virginia.
Washington builds Forts. — Washington did all he
could in its defence, but this was little; for how could six-
teen hundred men guard a frontier of three hundred and
sixty miles? He built a fort at Winchester, which he
named in honor of Lord Loudoun, who was now in com-
mand of the British forces in America. Twenty-three
smaller forts were also erected along the n\ountain laiigrs.
Among these he divided his forces, and to these ])laces of-
refuge men, women, and children would fly for safety when
inSTORY OF VIEGIXJA. 139
the war-whoop of the savage awakened the echoes of the
forests.
Indian Outrages.— The history of the following three
years is written in blood, and the heart of the l)rave com-
mander of the Virginia forces sickened at the sights which
daily met his eye, and which he was powerless to avert.
Steadily he pursued his course, going from fort to fort.
At one place he found a man lying in the furrow beside
his plow, with his story written in bis forehead by the
terrible tomahawk. At a short distance stood the *i-uins
of his cottage, with the bones of his wife and children
bleaching in the ashes. Many other instances of Indian
savagery might be given.
Fort Duqiiesne taken. — During all this time Washing-
ton continued to advocate the attack upon Fort Duquesne,
but all in vain, until Lord Fauquier was appointed gover-
nor in Dinwiddle's place. The new governor at once saw
the wisdom of this movement, and an army was raised,
which, after many dangers and delays, reached Fort Du-
quesne to find it deserted, so that this important position
fell into the hands of the Virginians without a blow. It
was now their duty to bury the remains of those who were
slain in Braddock's defeat. Disfigured, mutilated by
wounds, torn by birds and beasts of prey, they presented
a horrible spectacle, and many a brave soldier dropped a
tear as he walked silently and solemnly through this army
of the dead.
Distressing Scenes. — It is related that one Major
Halket had lost a father and a brother in this battle.
An Indian guide told him of an old officer whom he had
seen fall, and of a young man who in stooping to help
him fell across the body, and he pointed out the two skele-
tons as tliey lay. (Quivering with emotion, tlie strong man
140 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
stood by the side of the bones; stopping an instant to
think, lie recalled some peculiarities connected with his
father, and as he raised the skeleton and perceived the
mark- for which he sought, he exclaimed "It is my
father !" and fell back in the arms of his companion.
This is but one touching instance among many. There
were some there who had escaped the slaughter of that
terrible day, and told of its horrors with all the eloquence
of eye-witnesses. At length, with pious care they gath-
ered together the sacred dust and buried it in one srrave.
Having performed this duty, they made a treal^y with the
Indians, and liaving taken proper steps for the protection
of the frontier, General Forbes returned with his army to
Philadelphia.
The fall of Fort Uuquesne put an end to the war between
the French and English upon the frontiers of Virginia, and
Washington, after five years of active service, was not sorry
to lay down his sword and return to Mount Vernon.
It is a remarkable fact that Washington, * though often
unsuccessful, never lost the confidence of his countrymen.
No one blamed him for Braddock's defeat; on the con-
trary, his reputation rose upon that battle-field. Ministers
in the jjulpit thanked God for preserving the life of the
young hero, and the Burgesses presented him with a token
of their confidence in him.
Prosperity of Virginia. — For some years after this Vir-
ginia grew in strength and prosperity. Her population
increased rapidly, and she was unconsciously preparing for
the great struggle in which she was to take the lead. She
had now passed her infancy, her childhood, and even her
youth, and she was slowly learning the high duties to which
she was to be called, and in whose faithful performance
she won for herself a name of which her sons to the latest
generation will be proud.
HISTORY OF YIRGIMA. 141
Taxation without Representation. — England, in the
meantime, had been involved in so many wars that she was
deeply in debt, and began to think seriously of forcing her
prosperous colonies in America to assist her in paying these
dues. This she had no right to do. Her House of Com-
mons is made up of men elected by the people to represent
their interests, and the people are then taxed to pay the
expenses of the government. This great assembly, selected
from the most intelligent men in the country, meet to-
gether and consult about the good of the whole. After the
wants and wishes of all are made known, they then decide
how the sum of money they have in hand, and to which all
have contributed, can be best used to meet these necessities.
Hence, there can be no just taxation without due repre-
sentation. Therefore, as America was not allowed to send
any men to the Parliament of England to represent her
interests, she very properly thought that England had no
right to tax her, particularly as each colony had its own
government to support. Taxation without representation
was the chief cause of the American devolution.
QUESTIONS.
1. What years are included in tliis chapter?
2. What happened before Washington returned to Winchester?
3. What was the cause of these misfortunes, and how might they
have been averted ?
4. What steps did Wasliington talse?
6. AVhat of the following three years?
6. What course did Washington advocate, and with what success?
7. Give an account of the return to the scene of Braddock's defeat.
and the burial of the dead.
8. What put an end to the war between the French and English?
9. What is a noticeable fact in Washington's career?
10. What progress did Virginia make after these events?
11. What was the condition of the British government, and how did
she propose to relieve herself of her difiiculties?
12. Explain why England had no right to tax .America.
142 HISTOL'Y OF VIBGINIA.
CHAPTEE XX.
1765-1770.
PATRICK HEXRY RICHARD HENRY LEE^ RICHARD BLAND AND ED-
MUND PENDLETON ^THE STAMP ACT RESISTED THOMAS JEF-
FERSON.
Loyalty of Virginia. — During the disputes between Eug-
land and America, Virginia was in sore difficulties, for
she was more devoted to the mother country than any
other colony. She had been the last to desert King Charles
I., and the first to welcome King Charles II. to' the throne.
But there was something that Virginia loved more, even,
than she did her king, and this was justice and freedom.
These she found endangered by the proposition to tax her
to enable England to pay a heavy debt.
The Navigation Laws. — I have told you about the navi-
gation laws which forbade America to trade with any
country but England. AMien the colonies were too feeble
to think of resistance, they had been forced to pay a tax
upon all articles brought from England to America. This
was Avrong, but Virginia had become accustomed to these
laws. However, when her submission in this matter en-
couraged her English rulers to put still greater burdens
upon her, she became alarmed, and looked around anxiously
to see which of her sons would give voice to her indigna-
■ ition ; nor did she look in vain.
Patrick Henry, — A young lawyer from the county of
Hanover, with neither birth, wealth, nor connections to
recommend him, came forward. This was Patrick Henry,
whose name, as an orator, will go down side by side with
HISTORY OF VIEGINIA. 143
that of Demosthenes; and there is no person in history
the study of whose character should give more encourage-
ment to the young. He had not even enjoyed the advan-
tage of a first-rate education; he was awkward and
ungainly in a^jpearance, and his natural indolence made
success doubly difficult; but with all this he had a thirst
for knowledge which was unconquerable. History was his
favorite study, particularly that of Virginia. With this he
made himself perfectly familiar, from the time that
James I. had given the charter to the London Company
down to the present. Thus fortified by a knowledge of her
past, he was ready to help his native State when she needed
his aid.
The Stamp Act. — The question of the right of Eng-
land to tax her colonies was discussed in the Assembly
of Virginia. There were many eloquent men in this body,
l3ut it was a serious matter to oppose England. It was
not only the love of a child for a mother which made
Virginia pause to think, but the knowledge that the oppo-
sition to the mother country would produce a struggle from
which the boldest shrank, and which many thought had
better be avoided, even by allowing the right of England
to tax the colony. Fortunately, this was not the opinion
of all. The colonies now resembled a smouldering fire
which only required a strong breath to kindle into a flame.
This breath was supplied by the news which reached Vir-
ginia that the Parliament of England had passed a law
known as the "Stamp Act."
A Modern Parallel. — -In these days it is not difficult-
to understand what this was. Kot many years ago almost
every article purchased from a store in this country had
a stamp upon it. Many business papers and instruments
of writing Avere not worth anything unless they had a
144 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
PATKICK HENKY.
HISTORY OF V IB GIN 1 A. 145
stamp upon them. Now, these stamps were a tax whicli
the government levied upon the articles. The United
States issued. these stamps, and sold them to the people;
the money thus obtained was put into the Treasury, and
provided a fund for the payment of the debt of the country.
Every American was interested in having the debts of the
country paid, and no one felt sensibly the few cents which
these stamps cost. But when England, in 1765, made it a
law that America should buy her stamps and use them,
the colonists determined to resist.
Indignation in the Colonies. — The Virginians were a
proud race, and very jealous of any attack upon their liber-
ties. It was not the money that they cared for, but it Avas
the principle involved in the matter. They would willingly
have voted a large sum to assist England in paying her
■debts, but they knew that this small tax was but the first
link in the chain whicli was to bind them as slaves to the
mother-country. Admit her right to levy this upon them,
and it would l)e followed by a larger and a larger tax until
the Imrden would become intolerable. Nor was Virginia
alone in this opinion ; the voice of indignation arose from
all the colonies. When the Stamp Act was issued in Bos-
ton, it was seized, torn in pieces, and trampled underfoot.
The Virginia lawyers declared that they would rather give
up their profession than use the stamps ; and when the
English agent arrived to distribute them, he was so rudely
treated that he was obliged to seek safety in flight. These
are the circumstances which prepared the way for the great
orator, Patrick Henry.
The Virginia Assembly. — In the Virginia Assembly,
Avhich met to discuss the Stamp Act, there were many
notable men. There was Eichard Henry Lee, called the
Cicero of Virginia, because of his grelit reputation as an
146
IIISTOr.Y OF VinOINIA.
orator, and because he looked like a noble Eoman. Next
came Peyton Eandolph, attorne}^ general, who was no
orator, but a man of much learning and influence. Then
there was Eicliard Bland, a wise statesman but a better
KICIiAIiU IlENEV LEE.
writer tlian speaker. Still anotlier Avas Edmund Pendle-
ton, who had been left an or])han, poor and uneducated,
and wdio, after having ploughed all day, pursued his studies
at night, working hard, and spending in books all that he
could spare from *liis earnings. He had no skill as a
HISTORY OF riBGINIA. 117
T^Titer, but spoke with great ])0\ver. George ^lason was,
according to Mr. Madison, the ablest debater in this As-
sembly. He w^as fifty years old when he wrote the fanions
Bill of Eights for Virginia and also the Constitution for
the government of the State. These papers will always
secure to him a foremost place among the distinguished
men of Virginia. Such were the sons whom Virginia
called around lior in lier time of trouble.
A Great American Patriot. — But the greatest of them
all was Patrick Henry. He Avas twenty-eight years old
when he became a member of the House of Burgesses. He
had not been elected to the House, but obtained a seat
because one of the members resigned his place to him, in
order that he might speak upon this great subject.
He found the House divided into two parties ; one advo-
cating submission in the matter of the Stamp Act, and the
other opposed to it. Finding that the party for submis-
sion was about to pass the Stamp Act, he took out his
pencil and wrote upon a leaf of an old book some reso-
lutions which he presented to the House. They set forth
the facts that Virgimans had a right to all the privileges of
English subjects ; that having no representatives in Parlia-
ment, they -should not be taxed by Parliament; that the
right of these colonies to tax themselves had always been
recognized by tlie kings and Parliaments of England; and
lastly, that no one had a right to tax Virginians but the
General Assembly of Virginia,^ and were such a thing
allowed it would destroy American freedom.
Patrick Henry's Great Oration. — These wee the
boldest Avords that had ever been uttered in that place, and
the bravest hearts shrunk from the results which might
follow from them. A stormy discussion took place, in
the midst of which Patrick Henry rose. The party op-
posing him laughed almost without reserve at his appear-
148
HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
ance. He was plainly, even coarsely, dressed, awkward in
his figure and manner, and formed a striking contrast to
the fashionable gallants, with their powdered hair and
raffled shirt-fronts, who filled the House. Their amuse-
ment did not last long, for soon a great change came over
the speaker. His eye kindled as he warmed with his sub-
ject, his form became erect, and eVen graceful, and his
voice thrilled like music as he spoke, as no Virginian had
ever dared do before, of the wrongs of the colony and the
dangers which lay before her. Xot a sound In-oke the
stillness; every eye was turned upon him as he painted
PATRICK HENRY BEFORE THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES.
AJL-giuia in chains to the power of England. The blood
ran cold in their veins as they listened. It seems a pity
that this wonderful speech was not preserved; no one
thought of writing it out as he uttered it, and only a por-
tion of it has come down to us. "Caesar," he cried, ''had
his Brutus, Charles I. his Cromwell, and George III. "
Here he was interrupted by loud cries of "Treason ! trea-
HISTORY OF riEGINIA. 149
son !" He knew that he stood upon the lirink of a preci-
pice ; A'irginia was not yet able to bear the daring words
he would have uttered. He did not lose his self-command,
but straightening himself up, he continued, "and George
III. may profit by their example. If this be treason, make
the most of it."
The effect of this speech is best known by its result —
the resolutions passed by a majority of one. At the door
of the House, listening with delight to this tine outburst
of oratory, stood a student of AVilliam and Mary College,
Thomas Jefferson, who afterwards wrote the Declaration
of Independence. The news of the adoption of Henry's
resolutions spread like wildfire, and caused intense excite-
ment throughout the whole country. The other colonies
adopted similar resolutions, and determined that nothing
bearing the stamp of England should come into the
country. Clubs were formed named "The Sons of Lib-
erty," and the members bound themselves by an oath to
resist oppression. Massachusetts proposed that all the
cololiies should send delegates to Xew York in October to
consult about the best means to be adopted in this crisis.
It was the first American Congress. The colonies hereto-
fore had had separate governments, and this was the first
time they had really united for a common defence.
On the 1st of November, the day fixed upon for the
Stamp Act to take effect, signs of indignation and mur-
muring were visible everywhere. In Boston a funeral,
which they called the Funeral of Liberty, took place;
muffled drums beat dead marches, the bells were tolled, and
long processions of black-robed mourners passed through
the streets following a coffin, which they solemnly interred.
Repeal of the Stamp Act. — AVhen the news of this op-
position reached England there was great excitement in
150 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Parliament. JMany members thought x\merica was per-
fectly right in her course, and one of them, William Pitt,
rose from a sick-bed to make a speech in behalf of the
Americans. "We are told/' said he, "that America is obsti-
nate, America is in open rebellion. I rejoice that America
has resisted oppression; three millions of people so dead
to all feelings of liberty as voluntarily to submit to be
slaves would have been fit instruments to make slaves of
all the rest." The result of American firmness was, that
England repealed the act, and the Americans, strengthened
by this triumph, determined that they would never again
submit to a wrong from England.
Governor Botetourt. — For some time after this, affairs
went on quietly in Virginia. Governor Fauquier died, and
was succeeded by Xorborne Berkeley, Baron of Botetourt,
who was chosen as Governor of Virginia because it was sup-
posed that he M'ould check rebellion and see the king's
commands enforced. He was a good and a great man,
loved his new people, and was continually perplexed by
the desii'c to obey liis king and yet do juf^tice to those
over whom he ruled.
Notwithstanding all the troul)le about the Stamp Act,
England still debated how she could make the colonies
help to pay her debts. Virginia had also another com-
plaint to make. There had for many years existed a law
that when a person was accused of crime in Virginia, he
should be sent all the way over to England to be tried.
The year after Lord Botetourt was appointed Governor
of Virginia, the General Assembly passed two resolutions :
first, that Virginia would no longer submit to be taxed by
England, nor would she send criminals to England to be
tried.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 151
The Assembly dissolved. — Now, although the governor
knew perfectly well that the As^sembly was right in this,
vet he thought that his duty to the king compelled him to
take notice of what seemed rebellion against his sovereign's
authority. He said that he could not countenance rebel-
lion, and therefore dissolved the Assembly. AVhen an
Assembly was dissolved, it had always l)een the custom for
the members to return quietly to their homes. Now, how-
ever, the spirit of freedom and independence was aroused,
and, instead of dispersing, they met at a private liouse in
Williamsburg, and resolved that they would not l)ring into
the country anything from England upon which a tax was
laid. Copies of this resolution were sent all through the
country, and tlie other colonies joined Virginia in making
the same resolution.
The Boston Tea Party. — It is one thing to resolve and
another thing to perform. Americans did both. Glass,
lead, paper, and tea had been taxed, and not one of these
articles was permitted to be brought to America. So
determined were the colonists, that when some time after-
wards a vessel loaded with tea entered Boston harbor, a
number of citizens, who feared the people might be tempted
by a sight of the commodity, disguised themselves as
Indians, went on board the ship in the nigh^ and threw
overboard three hundred and forty-two chests of tea, and
then returned to their homes.
QUESTIONS.
1. Who was the great military hero of Virginia?
2. What condition of affairs in her colony called for other weapons
than the sword?
3. What effect had the submission of Virginia to the navigation laws
produced V
4. What did she do in her dilemma?
5. Who was I'atrick Henry?
153 IIISTOBY OF VIE GIN I A.
6. Why should his life be an encouragement to the young?
7. What circumstances fitted him to become the defender of Virginia?
8. What considerations had prevented the men of Virginia from
resisting the oppressions of England?
9. Explain what the Stamp Act was.
10. Why did Virginia determine to resist the execution of the
Stamp Act?
11. How was it received in the other colonies?
12. What of Richard Henry Lee?
13. What of Peyton Randolph and Richard Bland?
14. What of Edmund Pendleton?
15. What of George Mason?
16. How did Patrick Henry get a seat in the House of Burgesses?
17. What division of opinion did he find in the House?
18. What resolutions did he present to the House?
19. How were they received?
20. Describe the orator's appearance.
21. What change came over him when he began to speak?
22. Repeat a portion of his speech.
23. What effect did It have?
24. Who was the student listening at the door?
25. What effect did the news of these events have through the
country?
26. Tell of the first American Congress.
27. What was done in Boston?
28. What efCect did these events have upon England?
29. Who succeeded -Lord Fauquier?
30. Of what other grievance did Virginia complain?
31. What steps did she take in the matter?
32. What did the governor do?
33. Did the Assembly disperse?
34. Did America act as well as resolve?
35. What decisive step was taken at Boston?
REVIEW QUESTIONS OX THE COLONIAL PERIOD
IT: 1075-1775.
1. Who was the Governor of Virginia in 167.5?
2. ^^■hat kind of governor had he been up to this time?
3. Who was Nathaniel Bacon, and what was the cause of his
rebellion ?
4. Give an account of Bacon's Rebellion.
5. What was the chief thing accomplished by it?
6. How did Governor Berkeley behave after Bacon's death?
7. What finally became of Governor Berkeley?
8. Who succeeded him?
9. (Jive an account of the Tobacco Rebellion.
HISTORY OF VIE GIN I A. 153
10. What great treaty of peace was made with the Indians in the
latter part of this century?
11. Give an account of the founding of William and Mary College.
12. What were the most important events of Governor Spottswood"s
administration?
13. Give an account of the settlement, manners, and customs of the
Valley of Virginia.
14. Tell the story of the early life of Washington.
15. What was the cause of the troubles between the French and the
English in America?
16. Tell the story of Washington's part in this struggle up to
Braddock"s Campaign.
17. Give an account of Braddock's Campaign.
18. What put an end to the war?
19. Explain the chief cause of the conflict between England and her
American colonies.
20. What act was passed by Parliament that caused special indig-
nation in America ?
21. Give an account of Patrick Henry's attitude toward English
tyranny.
22. What did Governor Botetourt do to subdue the Virginians?
PERIOD II: ^^RGINIA DURING THE REVOLUTION,
1775-1783.
CHAPTEE XXI.
1774.
DEATH OF LORD BOTETOURT LORD DUNJIORE SUCCEEDS HIM AS
GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA HIS DIFFICULTIES WITH THE ASSEM-
BLY INDIAN TROUBLES ^BATTLE OF TOINT PLEASANT LOGAN
MEETING OF THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION IN ST. JOHN'S CHURCH,
RICHMOND.
Governor Dunmore. — In 1774 Lord Botetourt died, be-
loved and respected by all who knew him. His death was
doubtless hastened by the troubles and perplexities of
his position. The people of Virginia showed their appre-
ciation of his worth by erecting a monument to him at
Williamsburg, and naming after him one of the most beau-
tiful countie.'^ in tlie State. He was succeeded by Lord
Dunmore, the last and the worst of the Colonial Governors
154 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
of Yirg-inia. He was not only harsh and rude in his
manners, bnt perfectly unprincipled in his morals, and
haughty and tyrannical in the extreme. He came to Vir-
ginia accompanied by a favorite, Captain Foy, and with
the determination to draw from the people, by every means
in his power, both fair and unfair, money to enrich himself
and his friend.
Opposition to Dunmore. — But the Virginians were not
so easy to deal with as he had expected. The Assembly
investigated closely, and refused to sanction his attempts,
to cheat the people out of their property. His project was
to bring on a war between Virginia and Pennsylvania
about their l^oundaries, thinking that if he could inflame
the colonies against each other, they would not be able to
join together to oppose England, and, besides, would be so
much interested in this quarrel that he would be at liberty
to carry out his own private plans without hindrance.
But he was again mistaken, for the diiference between
Virginia and Pennsylvania M'as peacefully settled. Fur-
ther, all the colonies were more closely drawn together than
ever before by a common interest, and this was the resist-
ance of oppression. As a punishment to the Boston people
for throwing the tea overboard, her port had been closed,
and no vessel was permitted either to come in or go out,
thus cutting off her trade. This so aroused the Virginians
that at the next meeting of the Assembly they offered reso-
lutions expressing sympathy for their oppressed brethren.
Lord Dunmore, in a great rage, immediately dissolved the
Assembly; but instead of dispersing, as he had intended,
they adjourned to the Ealeigh Tavern, and there, in in-
dignant terms, denounced tea as the source of all their
troubles, and declared their purpose not to send one pound
of tobacco to England until the port of Boston was opened.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 155
Logan's Revenge.^Tn the meantime. Governor Dmi-
more's schemes to produce a diversion from himself and
his affairs had revived a fearful evil, which perhap? even
he did not intend. The Indian war-whoop was heard
once again upon the frontiers, and again were defenceless
men, women, and children flying from their savage foe.
Reports of these horrors thrilled all hearts at Williams-
burg. The white men seem to have begun these outrages.
One Colonel Cresap had headed a fearful massacre of the
Indians, in which the entire family of a great chief named
Logan had been killed. Logan had been a warm friend
to the white man, and had done all in his power to keep
the peace between the Americans and his own race; but
this outrage aroused his savage nature, and he himself
led his tribes to war and wreaked his vengeance upon the
frontier settlements.
A Fierce Battle. — An army was raised and placed
under the command of General Lewis, who marched to
Point Pleasant, where the Kanawha River empties into
the Ohio. Here he remained some time without seeing
the Indians ; but one day two young men, venturing out
for the purpose of hunting, were suddenly attacked by a
large body of Indians. One of these men was killed, and
the other fled wounded to the camp to rouse his comrades.
In a few moments the whole force was imder arms. The
Indian war-whoop was heard, and fifteen hundred savages
came yelling like an army of demons. They were led on
by a gigantic warrior named Cornstalk, whose great skill
and crueltv were well known. Tlie Indians now under-
stood the use of fire-arms almost as well as the Americans,
and a terrible fire poured from their ranks, which killed
and wounded many of the whites. Colonel Charles Lewis,
a brother of the general, was mortally wounded, and only
contrived to drag himself within the camp before he
156 HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
expired. When all seemed lost, a reinforcement arrived
under Colonel Flemming, who ordered the army to adopt
the Indian method of shooting from behind trees.
Instantly, as if by magic, both armies disappeared, and
little was seen of the fight except the flash of fire-arms.
The huge figure of Cornstalk glided from tree to tree,
encouraging his men ; and his loud voice was heard above
the din of battle, calling out, "Be strong! be strong!"
The Indians repulsed. — Colonel Flemming received two
balls through his wrist and one through his lungs, but
still continued to cheer on his men. The firing kept up
all day, and the loss of life was terrible. By the advice
of Colonel Flemming, the Virginians adopted a very cun-
ning stratagem. Holding up their hats from behind the
trees, they let them fall when the Indians fired; the In-
dians, thinking the men were falling, rushed forward Avith
their scalping-knives, only to be shot down by the Vir-
ginians. At length the Indians began to give way, the
Virginians having been reinforced by Colonel Field, who
was killed while leading the pursuit. The Indians fought
for every inch of ground as they retreated, and it was
not until after sunset that they withdrew. Cornstalk
himself brought up the rear, and with his own hand struck
dead one of his men who showed signs of cowardice. This
victory, though complete, was dearly bought, the Virginians
having lost one hundred and forty uien. ainoiig whom
were many valual)le officers.
Peace with the Indians.— Lord Dunmore had promised
to join Lewis, but instead of doing so he went in another
direction; and immediately after the battle an order came
for Lewis to join him at Shawneetown, eight}' miles farther
on, as he had succeeded in securing a treaty of peace with
the savages. General Lewis at first refused to obev, as he
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 157
did not think the Indians meant peace, Ijut at length
yielded to Governor Dnnmore, only stipulating that every
precaution should he taken to prevent treachery. The In-
dians Avere encamped within their fortifications, from
which only eighteen besides their chiefs were permitted to
pass at a time; and they were forced to deposit their arms
with the guard at the gate. The negotiation was opened
by Cornstalk, wlio made a long speech in a loud tone of
voice, which was heard all over the camp. He accused the
Virginians of commencing the war by their massacres,
which was undoubtedly true ; after this the terms of the
treaty were settled, and the prisoners on botli sides deliv-
ered up.
Logan's Appeal. — It was observed that Logan, the great
Cayuga chief, was not present at this interview. Al-
though he would not personally have anything to do with
those who had murdered his family, yet, on account of his
people, he consented to the peace. While the treaty was
going on a man appeared bearing in his hand a letter with
the signature of Logan; he found it tied to a war-club in a
ca!)in at some distance from the camp. It was addressed to
Lord Dunmore, and was afterwards published throughout
England and America. It is considered one of the finest
s]:«ecimens of savage eloquence that was ever penned. I
give it to you complete, because I am sure that its simple
pathos must touch the hearts of all who read it :
"I appeal to any white man to say if ever he entered
Logan's cabin hungry, and he gave him not meat ; if ever
he came cold and naked, and he clothed him not. During
the course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remained
idle in his cabin, an advocate for peace. Such was my love
for the whites, that my countrymen pointed as they passed,
and said, 'Logan is the friend of white men.' I had even
thought to have lived with vou, but for the injuries of one
158 HISTORY OF VIE GIN I A.
man. Colonel Cresap, the last spring, in cold blood and
unprovoked, murdered all the relations of I^ogan, not even
sparing my women and children. There nms not a drop of
my blood in the veins of any living creature. This called
on me for revenge. I have sought it; I have killed many;
I have fully glutted my vengeance; for my country 1
rejoice at the beams of peace. But do not harbor a
thought that mine is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear.
He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is thei'e
to mourn for Logan ? — Not one."
The Clouds of War.— But a more obstinate contest was
in progress than that with the Indians. Thick clouds
were swiftly gathering, which were to burst in the storms
of war between England and America. Notwithstanding
the remonstrances of patriots on both sides of the water,
notwithstanding the firm determination, strictly adhered
to by the colonists, not to send anything to England or
to receive anything from England until their grievances
were removed, still the trouble increased rather than
diminished.
The Virginia Convention. — In the month of ^Lirch,
1774, the Virginia Convention met at Eichmond, whicli
was then a small town of wooden houses built over the hills
that sloped down to the river. Upon what is now called
Church Hill there stands an old wooden church, St. John's,
with which many Virginians are familiar. It was in this
very building that the Convention met to deliberate upon
the course to be pursued in the gathering crisis. Virginia
had not yet acknowledged, even to herself, that war was
inevitable. When, however, day after day ships arrived
from England bringing armed troops, which were quartered
in the town ; when over the waters of Chesapeake Bay she
saw the English vessels of war hovering near her coast, she
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 159
knew that if liberty was to be preserved, she must, without
delay, put herself in a posture of defence. It was for the
mode of doing this that the Convention had now assembled.
It was composed of representatives from all the different
counties in the colony ; and it is interesting and instructive
to read the bold instructions which the hardy patriots at
home dared to give to these delegates.
Instructions to Delegates.— I have now before me a
curious relic of this time. It is a document printed on
white satin, and contains the instructions from the free-
holders of Augusta County to their representatives to this
Convention. The satin is yellow with age, but the prin-
ciples imprinted upon it should ever remain fresh in the
breasts of freemen. It was, in effect, a declaration of their
determination to be a free people. After expressing loyalty
and attachment to their sovereign, the King of England,
the men of Augusta declare that their fathers left their
native land and came to the wilderness to enjoy liberty of
conscience and the rights of human nature, and these
rights thev were fully determined should never be sur-
rendered to any parliament or body of men on earth, in
^vhich they were not represented. Nor did Augusta stand
alone; other counties gave similar instructions to their
delegates. Therefore, the body of men who gathered in
convention at Richmond went strengthened by the knowl-
edge, that whatever course might be decided upon for the
defence of Virginia the people at home were ready to lay
down their purses and their lives to accomplish it.
Patrick Henry's Patriotism.— Patrick Henry proposed
that the citizens of the different counties should be formed
mto military companies and drilled in the arts of war.
This looked so much like threatening England, that the
more timid members drew back in alarm. "What is the
160 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
use," said they, "of taking a bold stand which we have no
means of maintaining? Without soldiers, without arms,
and without oiScers, shall we attempt to contend against
the strongest military power in the world?" Acknowledg-
ing their loyalty to England, they pictured the comforts
and luxuries they might continue to enjoy were only peace-
ful means used to assert tlieir rights.
A Grand Oration. — Then outspoke that voice of Vir-
ginia, Patrick Henry. Turning his piercing eyes from one
member of the Convention to another, he thrilled every
heart with his iiery eloquence. 1 wish I could give you
his whole speech ; I feel sure that your hearts too would
glow with the enthusiasm which moved him. He "Ijesought
the members to give up at once the idea that the storm of
war could by any means be averted ; he reminded them
how again and again they had prostrated themselves before
the throne of England, petitioning simply for their rights,
and liad met with nothing but disregard and insult.
If they wished to be free, they must tight, and He who had
declared that the "race is not to the swift, nor the battle
to the strong" would help them in their helplessness, and
raise up friends for them in their weakness. His wonderful
speech closed with these memorable words : "Is life so dear,
or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains
and slavery ? Forbid it, Almighty God ! T know not what
course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or
give me death !" Not a sound broke the stillness as the
great orator took his seat. His words luid reached every
heart ; there were no timid men now in the Convention ; all
were ready to give up their lives in the defence of liberty.
Battle of Lexington. — Mr. Henry's proposition was
adopted; men from every county were enrolled in the
army of Virginia, and trained with all diligence in military
HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA. 161
duties. But these preparations had scarcely begun before
news arrived which still more fired the hearts of the
Virginians. A battle had been fought on the plains of
Lexington, in Massachusetts, between the British forces
and the Massachusetts militia, in which the first blood of
the Kevolutionary AYar was shed.
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the date of these events?
2. What probably caused the death of Lord Botetoiu-t?
3. What was the character of his successor, and how did he seek to
accomplish his ends?
4. Did he succeed in his schemes?
5. Why did he dissolve the Assembly, and did they disperse at his
bidding?
6. What fearful evil did Dunmores schemes bring upon Virginia?
7. What did Colonel Cresap do?
8. Who was Logan?
9. To what point did General Lewis conduct his men?
10. Give an account of the battle of Point Pleasant.
11. Which side gained the victory?
12. Give an account of the treaty of Shawneetown.
13. How did Logan act?
14. Read aloud his letter to Lord Dunmore.
15. What difficulties were gathering over America?
16. Where did the Virginia Convention assemble?
17. Give an account of the condition of affairs in Virginia.
18. Who composed the Convention?
19. What instructions did Augusta and other counties give their repre-
sentatives?
20. What was Patriclc Henry's proposition, and how was it received?
21. What did Patrick Henry answer?
22. Give the closing words of his speech.
23. What was the result of his eloquence?
24. What news from Massachusetts still more fired the hearts of the
Virginians?
162 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
CHAPTER XXII.
1775.
GOVERNOR DUXMORE'S TREACHERY THE POWDER AT WILLIAMSBURG
THE REVOLUTION BEGUN BATTLE OB' HAMPTON ATTACK ON
JAMESTOWN ^THE TORIES.
Lord Dunmore's Proceedings. — When the news of the
proceedings of the Convention, followed closely liy that of
the battle in Massachusetts, reached Lord Dnnmore. he
became alarmed, and determined, as far as he could, to
take from the Virginians tlie power of resistance. There
was, in the city of Williamsburg, a magazine containing a
quantity of powder belonging to the colony. In the dead
of night a body of armed sailors came up to the city, and,
by order of Lord Dunmore, removed twenty barrels of
powder to their vessel, which lay in York River. This
caused the most intense excitement in Williamsburg.
Groups of men, with gloomy and angry faces, gathered in
knots about the streets. The Common Council sent an
address to the governor, asking an explanation. They
reminded him that the powder had been placed in the
magazine for public use, and that if their slaves, who had
been urged by wicked persons to insurrection, should now
rise, the people would be utterly defenceless. Governor
Dunmore returned a most unsatisfactory answer, and
when, a short time afterwards, he heard that the citizens
were in arms, he swore that if a liair of his head, or of
those who had been instrumental in taking away the
powder, was touched, he would himself arm the slaves and
burn Williamsburg to the ground.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 163
Public Indignation. — Those who knew Lord Diuiniore
best, knew that this was no vain threat: he was wicked
enough to commit this or any other outrage; but this
knowledge, instead of allaying, increased the excitement.
and the news as it spread throughout the country roused
indignation everywhere. A party of citizens entered the
magazine at night, and took from it a numljer of pistols,
muskets, and other military articles.
The "Fowey."— Tliere were, at this time, lying in the
waters of Mrginia a number of English war vessels. One
of them, the ''Fowey," was in York Eiver, directly opposite
to Yorktown. As soon as the arms were removed from the
magazine, Lord Dunmore sent a messenger to the captain
of the "Fowey," asking him to send a body of armed men
to protect him in his palace. This request was complied
with, and after the departure of the troops, the captain of
the "Fowey" addressed a letter to Thomas Xelson. a promi-
nent citizen of Yorktown, who had been very active in
soothing tlie discontent among the people and in uphold-
ing the autliority of the king in the colony. The letter
informed Mr. Nelson of Ijord Dunmore's request and his
compliance with it. The captain then went on to express
a hope that they would meet with no opposition in Wil-
liamsburg, as it was his determination, in such an event, to
open his guns upon Yorktown. which wa> full of defence-
less women and children. You will easily understand the
barbarity of this determination, when you consider that
the people in Yorktown were in no way responsible for
the acts of the people of Williamsburg.
Patrick Henry to the Rescue.— Patrick Henry watched
the progress of atfairs with intense interest. He believed
that the time had arrived for active measures, and allowed
himself to he placed in command of a body of volunteers.
164 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
organized for the purpose of retaking the powder which
Lord Dunmore had stolen. The effect was magical. His
name aroused the enthusiasm of the entire country.
Companies of horse and foot flocked to his standard, and
in a short time not less than five thousand men were in
arms, ready to march at a moment's warning, and to
undertake any work he might order.
Lord Dunmore's Alarm. — Lord Dunmore was alarmed,
and sent a messenger to Mr. Henry, offering to pay for
the powder that had heen taken. This heing the ohject
which they were determined to accomplish, Mr. Henry
and his men, after receiving the money, disbanded and
returned in triumph to their homes. This incident,
though it ended peacefully, convinced the governor and
the British Ministry that Virginia was in earnest, and
that it was dangerous to trifle with her. In the hope of
allaying the excitement. Lord Dunmore summoned a meet-
ing of the Assembly on the 1st day of June. This was
the last meeting of the House of Burgesses ; the next time
these patriots assembled it was as a Legislature, to make
laws for their government without regard to royal
authority.
The Burg-esses assemble. — In obedience to the summons,
the Burgesses arrived in Williamsburg, their serious,
resolved faces showing their sense of coming danger.
Many of them wore hunting-shirts, and brought in tlieir
hands the rifles which were afterwards used upon tlie field
of battle. At the opening of the session the governor made
a very courteous speech, in whicli he said that England was
ready to liold out the olive-branch of peace, provided the
Virginians would agree to pay their proportion of the
public debt of tlie mother-country. If tliis offer had
been made at an earlier period, there is little doubt that
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 165
it would have been accepted; but Virginia, conscious of
her strength, was now in no mood to be conciliated by
half measures. Tliomas Jefferson presented a paper to the
House, in which he declared that the people of Virginia
had a right to bestow their money where they pleased.
He further said that they would not be forced by taxation
or otherwise to contribute to the treasury of England,
for she had invaded their country by sfea and land, and
had been unjust and oppressive.
An Infamous Plot. — Soon after this the Virginians were
further inflamed by the discovery of an infamous plot of
Lord Dunmore's for destroying his opponents in the
Assembly. On the night of the 5th of June several young
men went into the magazine at AVilliamsburg for the
purpose of getting arms. As they passed the door a cord
attached to it fired off a spring-gun, by which one of the
men had his shoulder torn to pieces, and another lost three
of his fingers. When this catastrophe became known, the
fact was recalled that Lord Dunmore had always kept the
key of the magazine, and had that very day officially
insisted upon giving it into the possession of the House of
Burgesses, in order that they might investigate the removal
of the gunpowder.
Suspicion being thus aroused, an examination was
forthwith made, and the diabolical plot revealed itself.
Three or four barrels of gunpowder were found concealed
under the floor of the magazine, intended to be vised,
doubtless, as a mine to l)low up the committee appointed
to investigate the matter of the powder removal. The
indignation of the people at this discovery was extreme,
and there is no telling what punishment they might not
have inflicted upon the wicked governor, had he not fled
from the palace with his wife and servants. He took
refuge on board the "Fowey," at Yorktown. The House
166 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
of Burgesses despatched a message to him assuring him of
safety, and of their readiness to unite with him in restor-
ing order to the country. He could not be induced to
trust tliem, but sent the House an insolent order to come on
board the "Fowey" to consult with him there. Of course
this was declined; all correspondence between Dnniuore
and the Assembly ceased, and soon afterwards the House
of Burgesses adjaurned. With it passed away forever the
loyal authority in Virginia.
The War begins. — Before their separation, the members
agreed to meet in convention at Eichmond, and there they
instituted vigorous measures for arming Virginia. AVar
was no longer a matter of doubt. Arrangements for
the defence of Virginia were not begun a moment too
soon, for the malignant and treacherous Dunmore was
taking every step for her total ruin. He had sailed out
of York Eiver in the "Fowey.'' and had fixed his head-
quarters at Norfolk, then the most flourishing town in
Virginia. Under his command, besides the "Fowey," were
three other vessels, — the "Mercury," the "Kingfisher,'' and
tlie "Otto," — besides a number of smaller vessels.
The Victory at Hampton. — On the end of the peninsula
between York and James Rivers, at the little town of
Hampton, the first battle in A'irginia was fought. For
some time the small vessels oF Lord Dunmore had Ijeen
harassing the coast, plundering the people and destroying
their property, and the town of Hampton was daily ex-
pecting an attack. The people made such simple arrange-
ments for their defence as their limited means allowed.
Remember that Virginia had no navy and no regularly
organized army, and was in these respects no match for
the English under Lord Dunmore. But the battle is not
always with the strong, and vigilance, activity, and bravery
HISTORY OF VIRGIXIA. 167
in a good cause sometimes make up for difference in
numbers.
Colonel Woodford, with the Culpeper riflemen, one
hundred in number, hearing of the expected attack,
marched all night through a heavy rain, and at eight
o'clock on the morning of the 25th of October was ready to
aid the gallant militia at Hampton in repelling the attack.
He found them emboldened by a slight success they had
met with the day before. Six tenders full of armed
men under Captain Squires had approached the town, and,
not expecting any opposition, had landed under a heavy
hre to cover their attack. To their surprise, they were
received by a shower of rifle-bullets. Marksmen concealed
Ijehind fences and in the town poured a precise and deadly
lire upon them, and they were glad to escape to their boats,
not, however, without the loss of a great many men.
The Virginians, reinforced by Colonel Woodford and
his riflemen, awaited quietly the second attack. Tliey had
sunk obstructions in the river mimediately in front of tlie
town, but these the British removed in the night, and in
the morning they drew up their fleet in the harbor with
the guns bearing upon the town. In this fight the Vir-
ginians had no fire-arms but their rifles, to oppose the
English cannon. When the cannonade commenced, the
riflemen drew close to the water's edge, and concealing
themselves behind trees, bushes,. houses, and fences, opened
their unerring fire upon the British vessels. The men at
the guns were killed, and not a sailor touched a sail
without being shot by the deadly balls from the Virginia
rifles. Soon there was confusion upon the British decks.
H was impossible to guide the vessels or to man the guns,
because of the fatal precision of the Virginia riflemen.
In dismay, the British tried to draw off and make their
escape into the bay. Some succeeded, but two of the
168
UlSTORY OF VIRGIMA.
tenders drifted ashore and were captured, with a great
many prisoners. It was with great difficulty that any of
the vessels escaped. A number of men went down to a
narrow channel to oppose the egress of the British into
the bay, and the whole fleet would have been captured
but for the report that a large body of the British were
advancing from another direction. The Virginians re-
treated and the vessels escaped.
Dunmore's next Proceedings. — Soon afterwards nn
attack made ))y Dunmore upon Jamestown was repelled
with great spirit. Alarmed at the boldness everywhere
ATTACK OX HAMPTON.
manifested, and seeing the great necessity for striking a
blow that would create terror and discouragement, Dun-
iiioic left Norfolk and went to Princess Anne County to
(•ai>ture some cannon belonging to the colonists. He
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 169
took with him a large force, composed of reguhirs. fugitive
t slaves, and Tories (the name given to those who took the
part of England against their own coimtrvmen). En-
countering a hody of Virginia militia nnder Colonel
Hutchings, they attacked them suddenly, threw them into
confusion, and the Virginians retreated, leaving Colonel
liutchings wounded upon the field.
His Proclamation. — One would think from Lord Dun-
more's exultation over this slight success that all opposition
had been overcome. Emboldened by this victory he issued
a proclamation commanding everybody to return to their
allegiance to his Majesty the king, under i)enalty of being
declared, traitors and having their property confiscated.
So far from striking terror, to the hearts of the colonists,
as he expected it would do, this proclamation had just
the opposite effect. The Virginians everywhere left their
ordinary employments and flocked to arms, and the
difficulty of the committee on military affairs was not
how to obtain men, but how to furnish them arms and
ammunition.
QUESTIONS.
1. In what year did these events take place?
2. What effect did the news have on Lord Dunmore?
3. What steps did he talie to reduce the Virginians to helplessness?
4. What did the Council do, and what reply did Dunmore make?
5. What effect did this have upon the citizens?
6. What was Lord Dunmore's next step, and how was he aided in his
designs by the captain of the "Fowey?"
7. How did Patrick Henry interfere at this juncture, and with what
effect ?
8. What was the effect of these proceedings on the governor?
9. Give an account of the meeting of the House of Burgesses.
10. Did they accept terms from England ?
11. What plot was now discovered, and how?
12. What did Lord Dunmore do?
170 HISTOEr OF VIRGINIA.
13. Give an account of the adjournment of the last House of Bur-
gesses.
14. How did the people of Virginia employ themselves?
15. Who were the three most Influential men in Virginia?
16. To what position was Washington called, and when?
17. What was Lord Dunmore"s situation?
18. Give an account of the first battle of the Revolution in Virginia.
19. Which side had the advantage in numbers and munitions of war?
20. Who commanded the Virginians?
21. Which side gained the victory?
22. Who were the Tories?
23. What slight advantage did Dunmore soon after gain?
24. What effect did this success have upon the opposing parties?
CHAP TEE XX Til.
1775. — Continued.
DUXMORE IXCITES THE INDIANS TO THE MASSACRE OF THE WHITES
BATTLE OF GREAT BRIDGE NORFOLK BURNED GWYNN'S ISLAND.
Dunmore's Infamous Plot. — An event now occurred
which exasperated the people still more against the in-
famons Dunmore. A man named Connelly, who was sus-
pected of carrying- communications from Dunmore to the
British commander, General Gage, at Boston, was arrested
at Hagerstown, Maryland. Upon searching his baggage,
a large sum of money was found, and the outline of a
scheme for the ruin of Virginia. There was a letter from
Dunmore, addressed to White-Eyes, an Indian chief,
written in the figurative and flowery style which he sup-
posed would please the Indians. He begs his "dear brother.
Captain White-Eyes," to call together Cornstalk and all
the other chiefs, and entreats them to take up the hatchet
against the "Long Knives" (their name for the Vir-
ginians). As a reward for this, he promised them rich
presents and ample iirotection, in addition to the money
HISTOL'Y OF VIEGTNJA. 171
sent by Connelly. Thus the infamous governor, not con-
tent with rousing the slaves to fight against their masters,
was now inciting savages to bring the tomahawk and
scalping-knife upon the defenceless inhabitants of Vir-
ginia. Happily, his plot was discovered in "time.
The Opposing^ Armies. — About twelve miles from
Xorfolk, the Great Bridge crossed a branch of Elizabeth
Eiver. It was surrounded by a swamp, through which a
road led to the city. On a little piece of firm ground on
the Norfolk side Lord Dunmore had erected a fort which
commanded the bridge. The Virginians took possession
of a small village a short distance off. In this state the
two armies remained for several days, watching each other,
and prepared to seize upon any circumstance which would
give one the advantage over the other. This Great Bridge
was looked upon as a very important point, commanding
the possession of the city of Norfolk.
A Virginian Stratagem. — In order to precipitate a
contest, the Virginians had recovirse to a stratagem. A
negro boy, belonging to Major Marshall, was sent to Lord
Dunmore. He represented himself as a deserter, and re-
ported that the Virginians had only three hundred "shirt
men," a term used to distinguish the patriots, whose only
uniform was the graceful hunting-shirt, which afterwards
became so celebrated in the Eevolution. Believing thia
story, Dunmore gave vent to his exultation, as he thought
that he saw before him an opportunity of wreaking ven-
geance upon the Virginians. He mustered his whole force,
and gave the order for marching out in the night and
forcing the breastworks of his hated foe. In order to
stimulate his troops to desperate deeds he told them that
the Virginians were no better than savages, and were
wanting in courage and determination; that in all proba-
bility they would not stand fire at all ; but if by any chance
172 IIISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
they were permitted to triumph, the English need expect
no quarter, as they would be scalped according to the rules
of savage warfare.
The British defeated. — Early in tlie morning of De-
cember 9, the Virginians beheld the enemy advancing
towards their breastworks. They were commanded by
Captain Fordyce, a brave officer. Waving his cap over
his head, he led his men, in the face of a terrible fire which
ran all along the American lines, directly up to the breast-
works. He received a shot in the knee and fell forward,
but jumping up, he brushed his knee as if he had only
stumbled. In a moment afterwards he fell again, pierced
by fourteen bullets. The death of their commander threw
everything into confusion. The officer next in command to
Fordyce was mortally wounded; other officers were dis-
abled by wounds, and many privates had fallen. In this
desperate situation a precipitate retreat towards their fort
at Norfolk was the only resource left to the English.
Pursuit. — But they were not allowed to escape without
a vigorous pursuit. It was conducted by the brave Colonel
Stevens, who captured many prisoners, and, what was still
more valuable, two pieces of cannon. The loss of the
British in this engagement was one hundred and two killed
and wounded. One of the Virginians, writing of the scene,
says, "I saw the horrors of war in perfection, worse than
can be imagined: ten and twelve bullets through many,
limbs broken in two or three places, brains turning out.
Good God! what will satisfy the governor? The only
damage to our men was a wound in the finger of one of
them."
Virginian Humanity. — iVfter the account they had
received of the savage barbarity to be expected from
the Virginians, the English soldiers who fell into their
hands were astonished to find themselves not only humanely
HISTORY OF VinCilXIA. 173
b>it courteously treated. One poor fellow who lay wounded
upon the field, seeing his captor approach, cried out, "For
God's sake, do not scalp me!" He was answered, "Put
your arm around my neck, and I will show you what I in-
tend to do." Taking him in his arms, he bore him tenderly
along till he laid him down within the breastworks. The
gallant Fordyce was buried with military honors. Lieu-
tenant Battul, the second in command, wounded and a
prisoner, sent a letter under a flag of truce to his comrades,
in which he gratefully acknowledged the kindness and
courtesy he had received.
The Virginia Convention at their next meeting voted
a letter of approbation to Colonel Woodford, the officer in
command of the patriots, and instructed him always to
treat the vanquished w^ith lenity and kindness. As Dun-
more had not only heaped insult and .contumely upon
them, but had basely plotted their destruction by treachery,
fire, and sword, by the furious savage and the brutal slave,
the conduct of the Virginians can not be too much
admired.
Dunmore's Cowardice. — Xothing could exceed the
rage of Lord Dunmore at this defeat; he raved like a
madman, and threatened to hang the messenger who
brought him the tidings, but there was no time for the
indulgence of passion. Couriers arrived, saying that
AVoodford with his men was approaching N'orfolk, as
there was nothing now to obstruct his progress. Men,
women, and children crowded the streets, entreating
help; for during the long occupation of the city by
British troops the Tories had flocked into it from all
parts of the State, and naturally feared to meet their
injured countrymen. But they could hope for nothing
from Lord Dunmore, who was brave enough when dan-
ger was at a distance, but whose cowardly heart quailed
174 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
at its approach. He measured his fears hy his deserts,
and thinking only of his own safety, went hastily aboard
a man-of-war in the harl)or. All the Tories, who could,
took refuge with the English fleet.
Norfolk occupied. — Meanwhile, Woodford had been re-
inforced by Colonel Howe, of Xorth Carolina, who brought
with him four hundred fresh troops. They took possession
of Norfolk without opposition, and were warmly welcomed
by those brave citizens who had remained faithful to their
country in its hour of trial. Woodford issued a proclama-
tion offering protection to the country people, and inviting
them to bring their supplies into the town. We read of
but one punishment meted out to those who had been most
active in betraying their country. Such of them as were
taken in arms were sent to places of confinement hancl-
cutfed with their negro fellow-soldiers. This was consid-
ered but just, as they had fought against their country
upon equal terms with the negroes.
Dunmore's Requisitions. — It might now be hoped, and
naturally expected, that Dunmore, having retired from
the town, would not seek to molest or injure it in any
way, particularly as he knew that a large portion of
its inhabitants were friendly to him ; but his kindly
consideration never went beyond himself. He at first
contented himself with idle threats and clamors for pro-
visions. He had been so long accustomed to luxuries,
that he could ill bear being reduced to the naval stores,
and reinforced his larder constantly by marauding upon
the unprotected plantations and towns upon the rivers.
Even this did not satisfy him ; he must have those luxuries
which the city of Norfolk alone could afford him. Hence
he sent a message to the commanders that he should be
sorry to fire upon the town, but that he should do so unless
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
175
a plentiful supply of provisions was sent to him and his
men. This of course was refused ; but a supply was
continually sent for the captain's private table. This,
however, did not satisfy the unreasonable commander, and
the failure of the inhabitants to comply fully with his re-
quest was his excuse for burning- the city of Norfolk to the
ground.
NORFOLK BOMBARDED AND BURNED.
Norfolk bombarded and burned. — This happened on the
1st day of January, 1776, a year which from its beginning
to its end was replete with momentous events to the people
of America. Between three and four o'clock in the after-
noon the English opened a heavy cannonade upon the
devoted city; under cover of this, some sailors landed and
176 HISTORY OF VIEGINIA.
set fire to a number of wooden houses upon the wharves.
The efforts of the Americans to stop tlie conflagration were
unsuccessful. The wind was against them and blew fiercely
from the shore, carrying the burning timbers into the heart
of the town. The horrors of the scene were heightened by
the continuous roar of the cannon from the ships and the
musketry from the shore : for fighting was going on
above the ruins of the houses. The intrepid Stevens
added to his fame in this aft'air, as he rushed to the
water's side and drove back a large party of British who
had just landed, and compelled them, amidst slaughter,
to retreat. The fire lasted for three days, and nine-tenths
of the most flourishing and the richest town in Virginia,
were destroyed. Its beautiful harbor and other natural
advantages had prompted its gTowth, and wealth had
poured in upon it. Such was the great catastrophe which
deprived four thousand people of their homes.
Patriotism. — Those who were true Virginians were too
much interested in the success of their struggle to mind
mere jiersonal loss. One of these patriots wrote to a
friend upon this occasion, "We do not care for our
towns, and the destruction of our houses does not cost
us a sigli. I have long since given up mine as lost; and
1 feel such indignation against the authors of our calami-
ties, and such concern for the public at large, that I cannot
think of my own puny person and insignificant affairs."
A Piratical Cruise. — And now the career of the
wretched Duniuore was happily drawing to a close. His
fleet consisted not only of men-of-war, but of more than
fifty transports, filled with unhappy Tories and negroes
and a ral)l)le of convicts and other low characters, all of
wlioin had to be fed. So he cruised up and down the bay,
landing at one place, burning a house, stealing private
property at another, and eonunitting depredations of
every sort after his own fashion.
HISTORY OF VIRGTXfA. 177
General Lee. — Just at this time Congress put Major-
General Charles Lee in command of the forces in Virginia.
This celebrated person was an Englishman by birth, a
soldier of fortune, of an adventurous spirit, brave, and
talented, but of a temper which afterwards was the cause
of much troul)le in the army. In his later career he
aspired to the position of commander-in-chief, and his
jealousy of Washington led to such acts of insubordination
that he was finally court-martialed and dismissed from
the army.
Lee saw that the only way to deal with Dunmore was
to cut off his supplies; so he ordered that all the inhab-
itants near to the sea-coast, with their live-stock and other
proj)erty. should be removed to the interior ; and that any
Virginian who should be found in correspondence witli the
enemy should be treated as a traitor, and be sent a hand-
cuffed prisoner to Williamsburg. These seemed to l)e
harsh measures, but they were necessary commands, and
their wisdom was soon evident, for Lord Dunmore found
himself and companions in imminent danger of starvation.
But Dunmore was not easily daunted in pursuit of
creature comforts.
Gwynn's Island. — There lies at the mouth of the river
Piankatank, in Matthews County, a beautiful island, now
called Gwynn's Island, containing about two thousand
acres of land. Its natural fertility had been greatly im-
proved by cultivation, and it abounded in fruits, vegeta-
bles, fine water, cattle, and everything that could make it
a desirable asylum for the floating colony of Lord Dun-
more. General Lee had stationed his vigilant soldiers
along the shore, to keep watch over the English fiect and
prevent any landing from it. Tlie guards were sur])rised
to see the whole flotilla come out of Hampton Eoads, one
May morning. After sailing in one direction, and then
178 HISTORY OF VJEGINTA. '
in another, until the watchers were completely puzzled,
the whole fleet sailed rapidly up the bay. Before the
object of these manoeuvres could be guessed the fleet had
entered the mouth of Rappahannock River, and the motley
crew had occupied and intrenched themselves on Gwynn's
Island. They were not to remain masters of this Eden,
for the Virginians could not rest satisfied while this
degraded band, with their execrated leader, found refuge
within their territory.
The Fleet repulsed. — General Andrew Lewis with a
party of men was sent to dislodge them. This brave offi-
cer who had already distinguished himself in the fight
with the Indians at Point Pleasant, joyfully accepted a
position which would give him the opportunity of chas-
tising one who had been a greater enemy to Virginia than
all of the savages combined. He threw up intrenchments
on a point of land opposite Gwynn's Island, and upon
these mounted his guns. The enemy, intrenched within
fortifications on the island, with their ships lying in the
deep waters around, could be plainly seen. One of the
ships, the "Dunmore," lay about five hundred yards from
the shore. General Lewis himself opened the engagement
by firing a gun at this vessel, aboard of which was the
governor. The great cannon gave a roar as it sent out its
terrible messenger, which passed directly through the hull
of the vessel and did great damage. It was followed by
another ball, and then another, each of which did its duty
nobly, breaking the timber and scattering splinters in every
direction. One of the latter wounded Dunmore, smashed
his china around him, and so frightened his lordship that
he cried out, "Good God ! that ever I should have come to
this." The fight did not last very long. The captains of
the vessels were glad enough to cut their cables and make
off in great haste. They would all have been captured
liad not tlie wind favored their retreat.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 179
General Lewis could not immediately go over to the
island for want of boats; but the next morning, having
collected a sufficient number to transport his troops, he
crossed over. A terrible scene met his eyes. During the
month in which Dunmore had held possession of their beau-
tiful island, the small-pox and other diseases had committed
such ravages upon his miserable crew that five hundred are
supposed to have died. Corpses in a state of putrefaction
lay strewn along the shore in half-dug trenches, and miser-
able dying creatures had crawled to the water's edge to beg
that they might be saved from death. The enemy in their
haste left behind them a great deal of valuable property,
which fell into the hands of tlie victors.
Dunmore's Final Proceedings. — Driven from this retreat,
Dunmore found another on St. George's Island in the
Potomac River, but this too he was soon compelled to
abandon. While ascending the river, he landed near the
mouth of Acquia Creek, and wantonly burnt a beautiful
dwelling belonging to Mr. Brent, and was proceeding to
destroy a valuable mill hard by, when the Prince William
militia arrived and drove him to his boats. Tbe fleet
dropped down tbe river on the ensuing day, and some
of his vessels, driven ashore by a gale of wind, were lost.
As one resource after another failed him, liis malignant
spirit began to break. The excessive heat of the season,
the impurity of the water, the bad quality and scanty
supply of provisions, engendered fearful diseases in the
crowded vessels, which hourly plunged numbers into a
watery grave. Thus loaded with the execrations of the
people he had been appointed to govern, defeated in all his
schemes for their ruin, hunted from place to place by their
just resentment, Dunmore found himself a fugitive from
the land where he had lioped to plant the standard of
180 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
victory, and upon wliose people lie had sought to wreak a
terrible vengeance. He returned to England, and here
our histoiy leaves him. Though he never came back to
the shores of Virginia, her people will never forget the
events that connected him with her histor3^
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the date of these events?
2. What discovery was made which still further exasperated the
Virginians against Dunmoi'e?
3. Where was the Great Bridge, and what was its importance?
4. To what stratagem did Virginians resort in order to bring on
the flght?
5. How did Lord Dunmore receive the news?
6. How did he seek to stimulate his troops?
7. Who commanded the English?
8. Give an account of their advance.
9. Give an account of the hattle.
10. How is the scene described?
11. Plow did the victors behave to their prisoners?
12. What did the Virginia Convention do?
13. How did Lord Dunmore behave under defeat ?
14. What course did he adopt?
15. Give an account of the occupation of Norfolk by the Virginia
troops.
16. What was Dunmore's course?
17. What dastardly revenge did he next take?
18. Give an account of the burning of Norfolk.
19. How did the patriots feel about the loss of their property?
20. What class of persons composed Dunmore's fleet?
21. Who was appointed to the command of the Virginia forces?
22. AVhat steps did he take?
23. Describe the retreat of Dunmore to Gwynn's Island.
24. What steps were taken to disbidge him?
25. I)escril)e the battle and retreat of Dunmore.
26. What condition of affairs was discovered on the island?
27. Where did Dunmore next go?
28. What was the end of his story?
II I STORY OF VIRdlM.l. 181
CHAPTER X X I Y.
1776.
THE GENERAL COXVEXTIOX MEETS AT WILLIAMSBURG DECLARATION
OF RIGHTS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE PATRICK HENRY
CHOSEN GOVERNOR THE SEAL OF VIRGINIA RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
DECLARED THE J.AW OF PRIMOGENITURE.
Virginia's Declaration of Independence. — Virginia was
now fairly lainiclied in tlie War of the Eevoliition. Slie
had sought peace, but her plea having been rejected, she
no longer wished for it, unless freedom came hand in
hand with it. The blood of her sons had been shed,
her towns had been desolated, and her property pillaged
by the king's troops. More than once the British had
been forced to acknowledge her victory over them npon
hard-fought fields, and now, while her soldiers were win-
ning freedom witli tlie sword, her statesmen wc iv car\ing
out for her a government wortliy to last through all suc-
ceeding generations.
A Convention, composed of delegates from all of the
counties of Virginia, met at Williamsburg in May. lITii,
to consider the best course for Virginia to take in this
crisis. Oil the loth of the month. Mr. Archibald Cary. of
Chesterfield, offered a resolution citing the grievances of
the colonies, especially those of Virginia, and declaring
that there was no alternative but abject submission to
or total separation from Great Britain. "Therefore, we
unanimously resolve, a]ipealing to the Searcher of hearts
for help in defending the justice of our cause, that the
delegates appointed to represent this colony in the General
Congress be instructed to propose to that body to declare
182 III STORY OF YIEdJMA.
the united eolouies five and independent States, absolved
from all allegiance to oi' dependence on Great Britain,
and to give tlie assent of this colony to any measure
deemed necessary for the good of the whole, provided the
power of forming a government for. and the regulations
of. each colony be left to the respective Legislatures of
each colony." It was further unanimously resolved that
"a committee be a])])ointed to prepare a Declaration of
Eights and such a plan of government as shall be most
likely to maintain law and oi'der and secure substantial
and e<iual benefit and lil)erty to the people.''
George Mason, who had written the Bill of State Rights
in 1776, also drew np a constitution for the State, which
was adopted five days before the Declaration of Independ-
ence. \^irginia asserted her independence of Great Britain
on June 29, 1776, and the United States on the -Ith of July
following. One of Virginia's most gifted sons* thus pictures
the great act by which Virginia addressed herself to the
the solemn and responsible act of self-government: "On that
day N'ii'ginia exhibited to the world a grand spectacle: it
was on that <lay that she renounced her colonial depend-
ence on (ireat Britain, and se])ai'ated herself from that
kingdom, '[du'n it was that, bui-sting the manacles of a
foreign tyranny, she in the same moment imposed u])on
hei-seir tin salutary restraints of hiw and oi'der. In that
moment she commenced the work of forming a government
conipU'tc within it^■.elf, and ha\ing ])t'rfected that work,
she. on the 2!)th of June in the same year, performed the
liighest functions of independent sovereignty by adopting,
ordaining, and establishing the Constitution under which
all of us were horn I 'I'hen it was that, sufficient to her-
self for all the purposes of go\ernment, she prescribed
*.Tudge Beverley Tucker.
HISTORY OF VIRGJXIA. 183
that oath of fealty and allegiance to her sole and separate
sovereignty, which all of ns who have held any office under
her authority have solemnly called upon the Searcher of
hearts to witness and record. At that time it could not
be certainly known that the other colonies would take the
same decisive step. It was indeed expected. In the same
breath in which Virginia had declared her independence
she had advised it. She had instructed her delegates in
the (Jencral Congress to urge it, and it was by the voice of
one of her sons,* whose name will ever live in history, that
the word of power was spoken at which the chains that
bound the colonies to the parent kingdom fell asunder, as
flax that severs at the touch of fire. But even then, and
while the terms of the general Declaration of Indepen-
dence were yet unsettled, hers had already gone forth.
The voice of her defiance was already ringing in the cai's
of the tyrant, hers was the cry that determined him to the
strife, hers was the shout that invited his vengeance. 'Me!
me ! Adsum qui feci. In me convertite ferrum !' "f
Mr. (ieorge Mason, of Gunston Hall, on the Potomac,
was a retiring country gentleman, not ambitious of political
prominence, l)ut destined l)y Providence to do a work for
Virginia which must always place him in the front rank
as a patriot and a man of genius, for it was he who, as we
have seen, framed both the Bill of Rights and the first
Constitution for the government of the State.
Declaration of Rights. — In the Declaration of Rights
the ]trin(i[)le was maintained that all men being entitled
to ctM'tain rights. — namely, the enjoyment of life and
happiness, and liberty, the means of a((|uiring and
])()ssessing property, and of obtaining happiness and
*Tliiiinns .T(jfl:"(>rs(in.
+'ri-;insl;iliiiii ; '-Mr I \uc '. Here ;ini 1 who h;ivt' ddiH' it; agniiisl iiic
dii'oct thv swoi'fl.'"
]84 IITSrOEY OF VIRGINIA.
safety, — the government of a country ought to be ad-
ministered for the protection of the people and the
maintenance of these rights, and that "whereas, George
the Third, King of Great Britain, had endeavored to
pervert the government of Virginia into an insupportable
tyranny, by imposing taxes without the consent of tlie
people, by cutting ofP their trade with all parts of the world.
In- plundering their seas, ravaging their coasts, burning
their towns, and destroying their lives ; by inciting the
negroes to rise in arms against them, and endeavoring to
bring upon the inhabitants of the frontiers the merciless
Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an utter
destruction of all ages, sexes, and condition of existence,
and l)y answering their repeated petitions for redress by
a repetition of injuries, — that for these and many other
acts of misrule and tyranny, the government of Virginia,
as exercised under tlie crown of Great Britain, is totally
dissolved.""
Public rejoicing. — 'Diis decisive step produced the
gi'catcst hcncHt: it I'ciiiov'cd all doubt and uncertainty
from llic ])ublic mind; the people felt that separation
from (ireat Britain was a fixed fact, and demonstrations
of jov e\ery\\lnre showed the i)opular approval of the
course the ('on\entioii had taken. At Williamsburg mili-
tary parades, diseharges of artillery, dinners, toasts, and
general illumination showed the pleasure \\^uch both the
citizens and soldiers felt at the decisive step which dissolved
their union with a, tyrannical and unnatui'al mother.
Declaration of Independence. — 'i'he Declaration of
liighls in \'irginia was sot)n followed l)y the Declaration
of Independence, in which all of the American colonies
united. This was written by Thomas Jefferson, the "Pen
of Virginia, ■■ as Washington was the sword, and Patrick
llenrv the tongue. It expressed the same sentiments as the
insrnn)' of vir(il\i.\. iss
Declaration of Eights, wliicli you know was the work of
George Mason. It was adopted on the 4th of July, 1776.
Each colony then framed a constitution for its separate
government. This was to consist of a governor and a legis-
lature; the duty of the latter was to make laws, and that
of the governor to execute them. Besides, there were to
be three different courts, which were to make decisions in
doubtful cases. For instance, the legislature makes a
law that every murderer must hang; when a man becomes
liable to this penalty, he is tried first by the lowest court,
and, if condemned, he has a right to demand a trial l)y a
second court, and then again l)y a third; if all of the courts
find him guilty of murder, he is condemned to die, and the
governor has to order his execution.
The First Governor of the State. — Patrick Henry was
chosen first governor of \'irginia. His appointment was
received by all classes with the greatest satisfaction. A
committee was appointed to wait upon him and inform
him of the honor which had been conferred upon him.
The regiments which he had commanded since the begin-
ning of the troubles congratulated him in the warmest
terms upon his unsolicited election "to the highest honor
which a free people could bestow." "Once happy under
your military comnumd,'" they said, "we hope foi- more
extended blessings under your civil administration; our
hearts are willing and our arms are ready to support your
authority as chief magistrate, happy that we have lived
to see the day when freedom and equal rights, established
by the voice of the people, shall prevail throughout the
land."" He returned thanks for this address, so expressive
of their confidence and affection, announced his deter-
mination to do all in his power for the safety, dignity, and
happiness of the new commonwealth of Virginia, and then
ISfi HISTORY OF TV/?r,7.Y/.l .
went on to say that, wliilst tlie officers of the State were ex-
erting themselves to create sucli a form of government as
would best conduce to the happiness and welfare of the
people, it remained for them, the soldiers, to save Ijy
their valor all that was most precious to mankind. "Go
on, gentlemen," he said, "to finish the great work
which you have so nobly and successfully begun : convince
tyrants that they shall bleed, and that you ivil] bleed to the
last drop before their wicked schemes find success."
Patriotic Enthusiasm. — These brave young colonists
were not dismayed at the perils which surrounded tliem.
In their weakness they had defied the strongest power in
Europe ; yet their hearts beat high. What to them was
the smallness of their army and their empty treasury?
Free and independent tliey were determined to live, or
not to live at all.
Throughout the country tbe same enthusiasui was mani-
fested. The American army was then at New York.
The Declaration was read to each brigade; it was listened
to in respectful silence, followed by bursts of enthusiastic
applause. In the evening the equestrian statue of
George III., which had been erected six years before, was
laid prostrate, and the lead of which it was composed was
converted into bullets to fight with. In Boston, Phila-
delphia, and Baltimore the demonstrations were even more
entliusiastic, and traces of royalty were obliterated every-
where.
The Seal of Virginia. — After the constitution of Vir-
ginia had been adopted, the subject of interest which next
engaged her statesmen was the choice of a device and
motto for her seal. iV great many suggestions were made,
but at length, after much discussion, one proposed by
Mr. George Wythe was chosen. A female figure, resting
ni>^TOUY OF Vina J XI A
is;
on a spear with one liand and holding a sword in the
other, represents Virtue; lier foot rests upon tlie neck of
Tyranny, represented hy a prostrate man, with a crown
falling from his head, a hroken
chain in liis left hand, and a
scoui'ge in his riglit. Over the
head of the female figure is en-
graved tlie words "Sic Semper Tij-
raniiis." wliicli means "Thus al-
ways to tyrants,"' and underneath,
■'\'iro:inia."
\ IIICINIA.
Liberty of Conscience. — The
convention which met this memo-
rahle year made many important laws. As we have seen,
the early government of Virginia was formed after the
model of that in England. The Episcopal, therefore, was
the established Church, and although many efforts had
been made to do away with some of the restrictions
imposed upon other denominations, and to some extent
tolerance had been granted, yet the laws against "Dis-
senters'" (as all who were not meinbers of the Church of
England were called) were still in full force, and were very
oppressive. All dissenting congregations had to support
not only their own ministers, but also had to conti'ibute to
the support of the Episcopal Church. Moreover, they
were liable to he tried and punished for serving (Jod
through the forms they most approved. All of the dif-
ferent religious sects were now represented in Virginia, and
there was much bitterness of feeling between them and the
established Church. That peaceable sect called Quakers,
strange to tell, was held in particular aversion and was
subjected to special persecution.
But now a spirit of freedom pervaded all classes, and
the time had come to apply the same spirit to religion.
],S8 JIISTOBV OF YlRGJyiA.
TIk' Legislature of Virginia was beset Avitli petitions from
dissenting denominations that the hiws which placed one
chnrch above another might be repealed, and that a free
people might worship God by whatever form they thought
best. Stormy were the discussions between the members
advocating the different sides of this question. Edmund
Pendleton, the venerable Speaker of the House, was a
strenuous advocate for the Episcopal Church, while
Thomas Jeiferson strongly urged religious freedom.
After some time he succeeded in establishing his views,
and liberty of conscience was secured to a free people.
Primogeniture. — Another English law which had lucn
in force in Virginia up to this time remained to be re-
pealed — the law of "Primogeniture.'' In England, when
a rich man dies, he does not divide his property equally
among his children, but the great bulk of it descends to
his eldest son, who is called his "heir." The advantage
of this is that it prevents the property from being cut up,
and keeps it in the family for centuries. The disad-
vantages, though, are greater than the advantages; for
it exalts one son, not from any merit of his own, above
the other children. This unjust law was now repealed,
and all the members of one family were placed on an equal
footing. Thus by rapid strides the government of Vir-
ginia emerged from the despotism of the British monan by
into the full, free light of constitutional freedom.
QUESTIONS.
1. Ill what year did these events take place?
2. What was now the situation of Virginia?
3. What was the action of the General Convention?
4. Who wrote the Declaration of Rights?
5. What did it lay down as a principle?
6. How had the rights of the colony been violated ?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 189
7. In view of these things what did the paper declare?
8. What effect did this step produce?
9. What followed the Declaration of Rights?
10. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
11. When was it adopted?
12. What was the character of the State constitutions?
13. Who was the first governor of Virginia?
14. In what terms did his soldiers congratulate him?
15. What did he answer?
16. How did the colonies regard their situation?
17. IIow was the Declaration of Independence received?
18. Who furnished the device for the seal of Virginia?
19. Describe it.
20. What Church had been the established Church of Virginia, and
why?
21. What objections were now made to this?
22. What controversies arose, and how did they end?
23. What other English law had been in force in Virginia?
24. What were the provisions of this law ?
25. Was it repealed?
26. Why is it necessary for the student of Virginia history to under-
stand these things?
CHAPTER XXV.
1776-1781.
TROUBLES IX THE STATE FEARS OF A DICTATOR LA FAYETTE AND
DE KALB ARRIVE THOMAS JEFFERSOJif APPOINTED GOVERNOR^
BRITISH TROOPS ENTER HAMPTON ROADS DEFEAT OF GENERAL
GATES IN NORTH CAROLINA CONVENTION TROOPS IN ALBEMARLE.
Discouragement. — ^'il•o■ina, after liaving passed through
lior first diflficulties, was to find hy a hard and bitter experi-
ence that freedom was not to l)e obtained without a long
struggle and many discouragements. The terrific sounds
of war were now heard throughout tlie length and breadth
of the land. Wasliington, struggling in vain against the
disciplined troops of England, had been defeated at Long
Island, and was now retreating through Xew Jersey and
190 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Delaware. The enemy followed on his track marking
their course with rapine and violence. Fields were wasted,
cattle destroyed, and houses burned. Virginia bent
beneath the blast ; her Legislature seemed to lose all hope,
and to look beyond their present resources for help in this
bitter hour.
A Dictatorship projected. — One of tlie members re-
called the history of Eome, who, Avhen torn with intestine
strife and deluged in blood, put a dictator at her liead.
Some of the Virginians who were struggling to escape
from a tyrannical monarchy talked. calmly of giving them-
selves up to a far more dangerous governuient, in which
the entii-e power was to l)c placed in the hands of one man.
to be used as lie pleased. There is little doubt that
Patrick Henry was the man thought of to fill the position
of dictator, but it is not believed that lie countenanced thr
idea for an instant. During the discussion in the Legis-
lature, the feelings for and against the projiosition were
hitter in the extreme. The excitement became so great
that opponents not only would not speak to each other, but
would not even walk on the same side of the street. One
of the bitterest o])posers of the dictatorship was the
Speaker of the House, the venerable Archibald Cary, who.
meeting the brother-in-law of Patrick Henry one day,
addressed liim with a great deal of passion and said, "Sir,
1 am- told that your l)i'othcr wishes to be dictator; tell
him for me that the day of his appointment shall be the
day of his death, for lie shall feel my dagger in his heart
before the sunset of that day I'" He was answered th;it
Patrick Menry bad never approved that or any othei'
measures whit'li would endanger the lil)erties of the
country. Had he l)cen on the s|)ot, one word from his
ekxjuent tongue would have brought the Assembly to its
HISTORY OF VIEGJNIA. 191
senses; but lie bad been obliged by sickness to go some
distance into the country, and before he returned the
madness of the hour had passed away, and the project was
abandoned. The next year he was re-elected governor ; the
manner in which he had performed the duties of the first
term having uiore than satisfied his friends.
La Fayette and De Kalb.— This same year tliere passed
througb tbe State of Virginia, on their way to join the
American army in the North, two young foreign noblemen,
Marquis de La Fayette, a Frenchman, and Baron De Kalb,
a German by birth but a brigadier-general in the French
army. These distinguished men, who were about to do
battle for x^merican liberty, were received with the great-
est enthusiasm by the Virginians. Their stay was brief,
as they were anxious to join the army; l)ut they were
both destined to revisit Virginia, and La Fayette won most
of his laurels in this State during the closing scenes of the
Eevolution.
The French Alliance. — For nearly three years after this
time there was \eiy little fighting in Virginia, although
she took her full part in the way by her contributions of
men and money. The fortunes of the united colonies
during these years were at their lowest ebb. Nothing
but their determination to be free, or die in the attempt,
could have supported them under their dreadful dis-
couragements. There was one gleam of light, however, in
the midst of the darkness, and this was a treaty with
France, by which she not only acknowledged the inde-
pendence of the colonies, but promised her assistance in
securing it. This was the turning-point in the history of
the Revolutionary War, as it had the double effect of
encouraging the Americans and of discouraging the
English.
192 HISTORY OF VIUGIMA.
Jefferson elected Governor. — At the expiration of his
second lerni of uitice as Governor of Virginia, Patrick
Henry would have been re-elected by the unanimous voice
of the people, as there was no one in the State who held
more com])lete sway over the inhabitants than he; but he
refused the honor, and Thomas Jefferson became Vir-
ginia's second governor.
The British Attack Virg^inia. — The British successes in
the Xortli were followed by still more decided victories in
the South. Thus the English government began to look
forward with certainty to the conquest of the entire
country. Virginia was regarded as the heart of the
rebellion, and the British decided to carry their victorious
arms into that State, as the surest way of bringing tlie
war to a speedy conclusion. In May of this year a fleet
of armed vessels, commanded by Admiral Collins, and
carrying two thousand troops, entered Hampton Eoads.
The Virginians had built a fort a short distance below
Portsmouth, for the defence of Xorfolk and Gosport navy-
yard. This fort was the first point of attack. The British
fleet attacked it in front, while the land forces assaulted it
in the rear. It did not hold out long. The Virginians,
under Captain Matthews, having no means of defending
themselves, abandoned the fort and took refuge in the
Dismal Swamp. The whole country was thus left open to
the British, who did not hesitate to take advantage of
the opportunity. Their course was marked by devastation;
they burned houses, and destroyed all the property that they
could not carry away. They burned the town of Suffolk,
where there were a great many stores which had been
accumulated for the use of the army, and after having
laid waste the whole country as far as it was possible,
retiii'iied to Xew York.
Ill STORY OF VIRaiNIA. 193
The American Defeat at Camden. — Though this seemed
to be a misfortune to \'ii"ginia, yet in the end it was not
without its advantages, as for some time her attention had
been so constantly directed to the main army that she had
forgotten the defence of her own territory. Xow, how-
ever, she saw tlie impolicy of this inaction, and the legis-
lature immediately authorized the governor to call twenty
thousand militia into the field,, if necessary. Nor were
they too early in taking these more active measures.
General Gates, finding that Lord C'ornwallis, the British
commander, was already passing through South Carolina
on his way to Virginia, determined, if possible, to inter-
cept him. They met at Camden, South Carolina, Au-
gust 16, 1780, and the Americans under Gates were
totally defeated. Xever did American soldiers act more
disgracefully than in this battle; and I am sorry to re-
late that the Virginia militia were among those who
inglorionsly fled from the field. The brave Colonel
Stephens, wdio commanded them, was almost maddened
by their conduct; but in vain he entreated, in vain he
even exerted all his personal strength to turn their
bayonets again towards the enemy ; they were panic-
stricken, and even bore him away in their flight. It is
said that this defeat was caused by a mistake of General
Gates, who had, before this, been a most successful general.
Th'e Saratoga Prisoners. — Three years before these
events, while General Gates was in command of a portion
of the army in the North, he met the British general Bur-
goyne at Saratoga, and forced him to surrender with his
whole army, consisting of about six thousand men. The
prisoners were at first marched to Boston. From this
place they would have been sent to England on their
parole, but in the meantime some dissatisfaction arose
between the two governments, and it was deemed neces-
J!)-t
niSTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
IflSTOnV OF VIRGINIA. 1!)5
sary to keep the prisoners, who were known hereafter as
the Convention troops. What to do with them, however,
was a serious question.
Their Removal to Charlottesville. — To maintain six
tliousand prisonei's. in the eily of Boston, was scarcely
possihle. t^omt" ])hi(e both secure and comfortable must
be selected i'or lliciii. After some time, the neighborhood
of Charlottesville, X'iiginia, was chosen. On the top of a
ridge, five miles from the town, barracks, costing aljout
twenty thousand dollars, were built for their accommoda-
tion. To these the prisoners were transferred as j'apidly
as possible.
When they first arri\e(l, considerable fear was felt that
so large an increase of ])opulation could not be sustained;
but such apprehensions were soon remove;!. The
country was very productive, and the planters were glad
enough to have purchasers for their crops. Soon every-
thing assumed an air of comfort. The ground around the
barracks was laid off in several hundred gardens, which
the soldiers amused themselves by eirclosing and cultivat-
ing. One general, a German, is said to have spent two
hundred pounds in garden seeds for the use of his own
troops.' The officers rented houses in the neighborhood,
and in many instances their families joined them. They
purchased horses, cows, and sheep, and spent their time
in farming. Governor Jefferson himself acted the hos-
pitable host in devising amusements to make their captiv-
ity as pleasant as possible. His own residence was at
Monticello, and here the officers would visit him; and he
])laced Ids fine library at the disposal of those who were
fond of literature. Others who had a taste for music and
painting found in him a cultivated companion. Thus Mr.
Jefferson gained over the lu'arts of these enemies of his
country a bloodless virtorv. Anuing his letters have been
1!)6 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
found many from these officers expressing in warm terms
their admiration for him. Years after, while passing
through Germany, Mr. Jefferson was recognized by one of
the soldiers who had been among these prisoners. The
news spread, and he was soon surrounded by officers, who
sj^oke of Virginia with feeling.
But captivity, even under the most favorable circum-
stances, is far from pleasant. Hence, notwithstanding the
comforts which surrounded the prisoners, desertions be-
came so frequent that, after they had been two years in
Albemarle, it was thought necessary to remove them.
Part were taken to Fort Frederick, Maryland, and the
rest to Winchester.
QUESTIONS.
1. The events of what years are included in this chapter?
2. What condition had the colonies of America reached?
3. What insane idea was suggested in Virginia?
4. Who was to be chosen dictator?
5. Give an account of the strife of opinion.
6. Where was Patrick Henry during the excitement?
7. What distinguished visitors passed through Virginia?
8. Give a brief review of the liistory of Virginia for the next three
years.
9. Who was elected the next governor of Virginia?
10. What course was the British victories assuming?
11. Tell the story of the tight near Portsmouth.
12. How did the British behave after this victory?
13. What effect did these excesses of the enemy have upon the Vir-
ginians?
14. What measures did the Legislature take?
15. Give an account of the battle of Camden.
16. Who were tlie Convention troops?
17. To what portion of Virginia were they transferred, and why?
18. What preparations were made for their reception?
19. How did the prisoners spend their time?
20. How did Mr. Jefferson behave to them ?
21. What happened when Mr. .Tefferson was afterwards travelling
through Germany ?
22. What became of the Convention troops?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 197
CHAPTER XXVI.
1781. — Continued.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR TRANSFERRED TO VIRGINIA RICHMOND
ABANDONED THE TRAITOR ARNOLD BARON STEUBEN AND
GEORGE ROGERS CLARKE ^ — -DEATH OF DE KALB CORNWALLIS
MARCHES TOWARD PETERSBURG COLONEL TARLETOX'S RAID.
Virginia becomes the Seat of War. — We have now
reached that point in the history of Virginia when the
War of the Eevoliition was in a great degree transferred
to her soil. The beginning of this year was signalized
by the princely donation which the Legislatnre made to
the Union, which was nothing less than the huge territory
northwest of the Ohio River. In 1781, Virginia agreed to
cede this territory if she should be allowed to keep Ken-
tucky. Three years later she gave it up without this con-
dition. This great territory, from which, at the suggestion
of Jefferson, slavery was excluded, embraced the States of
Ohio, Indiana. Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of
Minnesota.
Richmond threatened. — On the last day of the old year
information was received that twenty-seven British
ships had entered Chesapeake Bay, and w^ere coming up
towards the mouth of James River. It was much to be
regretted that at this time there was no officer in Vir-
ginia to direct her military affairs; for if there had
been, Richmond, the capital of Virginia, would have been
rendered impregnable against assault. But General
Nelson, who was in command of the Virginia forces, was
striving to organize militia in the counties near tlie coast,
and there was no other capable officer available.
198 HISTOEV OF, TIBGIXIA.
The means of defeiiL-e in Eiclmioud were amply
.siillicionl. At the fonndrv, about six miles from the city,
there were five tons of gnn powder and other military
stores, and in the city there Avere five brass cannon and
plenty of muskets. The natural situation of the city is
so strong, that a few resolute men, under an efficient
leader, who knew how to make use of the resources at
command, could easily have defended the place. Un-
fortunately these were wanting, and Mr. Jefferson deter-
mined to abandon Eichmond to the enemy. He ordered
the five brass cannon to be thrown into the liver, and set
the teamsters and negroes to work loading arms and am-
munition, which were driven off to Westham, seven miles
from the city. Why this place should have been thought
safer than Eichmond is hard to understand, for if the
enemy reached the city they could easily go to Westham.
The Traitor Arnold. — On the 4tli of danuary news was
received tliat the pji'itish had anixi'd at W^'stover. Tiiey
were under the command of the wretched traitor Arnold,
who liad once been an otheer high in rank in tlie Ameiican
army, but who had accepted a bribe of ten thousand guineas
and the raidv and pay of brigadier-general in the British
army to betray his country and Washington into the hands
of their enemy. His plot failed, but he received his re-
ward. This was the man who now approached the city at
the head of nine hundred British soldiers. jSTothiug could
exceed the terror and dismay all through the country
when this was known. Families left their houses to the
mercy of the enemy, and fled to some place of safety, out
of leaeh of the traitor, the mere mention of whose name
tilled them with terror. The whole country was thus left
open to a ruthless enemy, and Arnold landed his forces at
Westover and marehed without opposition to Eichmond.
On the evening of tiie 4th of January, 1781, the governor
HISTORY OF YIEGTNIA. UVj
left Riclimoncl. His example was followed by most of
the inhabitants, and at one o'clock the next day the in-
famous Arnold entered it.
Richmond at this time contained about three hundred
houses, and was rapidly increasing in size and importance.
Arnold at once despatched Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe to
Westham. who destroyed the foundry and military stores
at that ]ilace. Two days were spent by the army in
Eichmond. They ])inao-ed and destroyed public and
private property; burnt buildings, broke open warehouses,
and emptied them of all they contained. Some of these
contained a quantity of casks of spirits. These were
emptied into the streets, the liquor running down the
gutters like water, and it is i elated that the cows and hogs
drinking of it were seen staggering about the streets.
Arnold pursued.— The enemy found the five brass pieces
that had l)een thrown into the river, which they, of
course, rendered useless. After having in a few hours done
all the injury possible, Arnold and his men leisurely
left the city, reached their fleet, and embarked without
having met with any opposition. This was a severe
humiliation to the capital of the proud commonwealth,
and one that was never forgotten. From this time
great exertions were made to place the State in a pos-
ture of defence. Arnold did not escape, however, en-
tirely unmolested; some of the vessels ventured up the
Appomattox Eiver, and were fiercely attacked by Gen-
ei'al Small wood with three hundred militia, armed only
with muskets, whereupon they returned precipitately to
('ity Point. General Smallwood pursued them to this
place, and having obtained two small cannon, opened fire
upon the sbijis and drove them down the river.
Clarke's Ambush. — There was in the American army
a hrigadier-genei'al named IJai'on Steuheii, who undei-stooil
200 III STORY OF VIRGINIA.
well the art of war. Ho had undertaken to drill the
militia. With a party of these, he marched rapidly down
James River, hoping to meet some of Arnold's troops, hut
he was disappointed, as Arnold was too quick for him.
Now there was with Baron Steuhen's command a heroic
oHficer, Ucorge Rogers C*larke, who was called the "Ton-
queror of Illinois," as he, l)y almost incredible bravery and
persc\erance, had rescued tlie whole of tliat country from
the French. He now stepped forward and entreated to he
placed in command of two hundred and forty men, with
whom he hoped to be able to strike a blow against the
departing forces. His request was granted. Placing his
men in ambush where Arnold and his troops were landing
in the night, he fired into them a volley, which killed
seventeen and wounded thirteen men. They were thrown
into confusion, but soon recovered and returned the fire.
Clarke's force was too small to make any further demon-
strations, so Arnold marched on slowly towards Chesa-
peake Bay, destroying everything in liis way except the
tobacco, which he carried off with him. He was super-
seded in command by General Phillips, who made another
expedition up the James and Appomattox Rivers, but not
without opposition.
Virginia's Stubborn Resistance. — The Virginia forces,
however, were not yet sutticiently organized to make a
successful resistance. Baron Steuben with his militia
contested the way most gallantly, but they were obliged to
retreat before the enemy, who took possession of Peters-
burg, and burned the tobacco and some small vessels lying
at the ^\'harves. General Phillips despatched Arnold to
Chesterfield Court-House, where he destroyed the barracks
and hiiined a ([uantity of flour. He then rejoined Phillips,
and they marched together to Manchester, which is on the
opposite side of the river from Richmond, intending to
HISTOBV OF VIRGINIA.
201
pay that fit}' another visit. But they found this rather
more ditfieult than they expected.
La Fayette. — You rememher I tohl you, some time
back, of two gaUant noblemen who marched through
Virginia to join the forces in the Xorth. One of tliem,
De Kalb, nearly one year before this time, had laid down
his life on the fatal field of Camden; the name of the
other, La Fayette, is from this period closely connected
with the history of the Eevolution in Virginia.
I. A rAYETTE.
There is no name, except that of Washington, which is
dearer to the heart of Americans than that of Marquis de
La Fayette. It is hard to find terms of praise or admira-
tion too strong for him. Born of the best blood of France,
he early imbibed a love for those principles of liberty
which actuated America in her struggles with England.
His enthusiasm in her cause was so great that he would
20-3 IlISTonV OF VIIICIMA.
\\<\\v joined her in tlie I )e,u inning' of the war but for oppo-
sition of his friends. Hi' yiehh'd to their opposition, until
those (birk (hiys wlien he heard of Washington and his
hrave troops being driven fi'oni State to State l)efore the
\ietoiious arms of Great Britain. Then this gallant hero
determined no longer to allow himself to be controlled by
others, but to link his fate, foi- good or ill. to that of
struggling America.
The Defence of Virginia. — ! have told you of the
enthusiasm with which ho and liis companion had been re-
ceived in Virginia, and this rece])tion seems to have made
a lasting impression on the young hero; for although he
fought willingly by the side of Washington, ho sought
c\ery opportunity to olitain a command in Virginia. At
this most important juncture, Washington, who had the
greatest confidence in him, placed in his charge the defence
of Virginia, towards which the eyes of both armies were
now- turning as the future theatre of war.
Kichmond saved. — La Fayette arrived in liichmond on
the 29th of April. Two days afterwards Phillips and Ar-
nold made their appearance at Manchester; but hearing
that La Fayette was in command of the city, they aban-
doned all thought of attacking it, and nuirched down the
river, destroying tobacco, mills, and shipping on the way.
Re-embarking at a point called Bermuda Hundred, they
proceeded down the river towards Chesapeake Bay ; l)ut they
were not to leave Virginia so soon as they expected. While
they were still sailing down the James, (leneral Phillips
received despatches from Lord ('oi'nwallis, the British gen-
eral who had defeated General Gates at Camden, telling
hi]n that he was marching with his whole force as rapidly
as he could to form a junction with him at Peterslnirg.
Phillips therefore turned back again, and on the 9th of
May re-entered Petersburg.
nisTouY OF vinriiMA. 203
Arnold again in command. — It was not designed by
Providence, however, that (icneral Phillips should any
longer share either the triumphs or tlie defeats of the
British army, as he died at Petersburg four (hiys after
entering it, and Arnokl again assumed command. So
great was the iiatred of Virginians towards this man,
that the governor issued a prochunatioii offering a re-
ward of five thousand guineas to any one who should
capture him; but the traitor, knowing his danger, never
trusted himself out of his quarters without a large body-
guard.
Cornwallis in Virginia. — On the 25th of April, Corn-
wallis nuirched towards Halifax, sending before him the
dashing cavalry officer Colonel Tarleton, Avith one hundred
and eighty dragoons, to scour the country in front of him.
They met with no opposition, and on the 20th of May,
Cornwallis united the two armies at Petersburg. A few
days afterwards he crossed the James Eiver at Westover
and proceeded toAvards Eichmond ; l)ut Arnold, who had
no idea of coming within reaeh of the Governor of Vir-
ginia, applied for permission to return to New York.
Cornwallis, glad to be relieved of the company of a man
whom he despised, ])romptly complied with his request.
Richmond evacuated. — Exulting in the superiority of
his }nunber& over those of La Fayette, flushed with hopes
of a l)rilliant campaign, and confident of his triumph over
the youthful officer who was opposed to him, Cornwallis
wrote to England, "The boy cannot escape me." But La
Fayette, though young, brave, and impetuous, had also the
prudence which was requisite for his position. Although
he had oidy al)Out tlirie thousand men to oppose the im-
mense force of Cornwallis, and felt humiliated at being
obliged to leave the capital of the Shtte, his judgment
nevertheless i)rompted him to act for the bt'St interests of
204 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
the people whose cause he had espoused. iVccordiugly he
evacuated Richmond, retreating in such a manner as to
protect the military stores in his rear, until he was rein-
forced by General Wayne, who, with eight hundred of the
Pennsylvania forces, was rapidly approaching from the
North. Crossing the Chickahominy, he retired towards
Fredericksburg, and in Culpeper County was joined by
General Wavne.
QUESTIONS.
1. In what year did these events take place?
2. How was this year signalized?
3. What happened on the last day of the old year?
4. Under what disadvantages did Virginia labor?
5. What means of defence had Richmond?
6. What course was determined upon and adopted?
7. Who was in command of the British, and what was his story?
8. How was the news of Arnold's approach received?
9. Give an account of the evacuation of Richmond.
10. Give an account of Arnold's occupation of the city.
11. What was its effect upon the people of Virginia?
12. Did Arnold escape unmolested?
13. Who was Baron Steuben?
14. What was Colonel Clarke's history?
15. Tell of his attack on Arnold.
16. What did Arnold do afterwards?
17. Give an account of the expedition of General Phillips.
18. Of Arnold's expedition to Chesterfield Court-1 louse.
19. What was Baron de Kalb's fate?
20. Who was La Fayette?
21. \Ahat was his course towards America?
22. What command was now conferred upon him?
23. What happened after his arrival in Richmond?
24. Give an ac(?ount of the course of Phillips and Arnold.
25. How did Virginia show her abhorrence of Arnold?
26. What British general was now marching into Virginia ?
27. What became of Arnold?
28. How did Cornwallis regard the situation?
29. What course did La Fayette take?
inSTOR)' OF VfndlXIA. 205
CHAPTER XXVII.
1781. — Continued.
LEGISLATURE AT ClIAKLOTTIiSVILI.E ESCAPE FROM TARLETON JIONTI-
CELLO OUTRAGES OF THE BRITISH ARMY — ^ CORNWALLIS RE-
TREATS TO CHESAPEAKE BAY HE FORTIFIES YORKTOWX SIEGE
OF YORKTOWX SURRENDER OF CORXWALLIS VIRGINIA HEROES.
Attempt to Capture the Legislature. — Lord Cornwallis,
finding liis young enemy too wary to be entrapped, stopped
the pursuit, and encamping on the Xorth Anna Eiver,
in Hanover County, rested until he could take a full view
of the situation. A large part of the State of Virginia
lay open before him. The Legislature had withdrawn
from Richmond to Charlottesville, and Mr. Jefferson,
whose term of service as Governor of Virginia had just
expired, was at Monticello, about three miles froui tlie
village. At a place called Point-of-Fork, now Columl)ia,
at the junction of the Eivanna and James Rivers, the
Virginians had accumulated a quantity of stores, leaving
Baron Steulien with only six hundred raw militia to guard
them.
Cornwallis tliought that if he could capture Mr.
Jefferson and the Legislature at Charlottesville, and
destroy the military stores at Point-of-Fork before La
Fayette could interfere, he would by this double lilow
convince the Virginians of his power, and disgust them
with a governni(>nt which was too weak to jirotect them.
Accordingly, he divided ids cavalry into two parties, one
of which he placed under tiie command of Colonel Simcoe,
an officer of great activity and bravery, and the other
under Colonel Tarleton. The latter with two hundred
20{) iiisToir)' or vinaixiA.
iiuMi was to proceed to Cliar]ottes\ille. and after having
accomplished his object there, was to join Simcoe and aid
him in destroying the stores.
Simcoe's Stratagem. — The two forces started nearly
at the same time. When Simcoe reached the Point-of-
Fork, he found that Baron Steuben had received notice of
his approach, and had i-eiiiovcd all the stoi'cs across the
river. Seeing this, he had recourse to a stratagem which
proved successful. He thought that if he could nuike
Steul)en believe that C*ornwallis"s whole force was with
him, he would become frightened and abandon his stores.
iVs night approached, he set his men to work to cut down
tindjcr and Iniild camp-fires over a large extent of country.
When it grew dark, Steuben, seeing the wide extent of
the encampment, hastily packed up the lighter baggage
and went oft, leaving behind him all the heavy baggage,
which Simcoe destroyed, and rejoined C'ornwallis the next
morning.
The Legislature warned. — Tarleton was not so suc-
cessful. He dashed off through the county of Louisa to-,
wards Charlottesville, and had be gone straight forward
would Ud doubt ha\e accomplished his object. However, he
stoi)})ed to burn twelve wagons containing clothing for the
Southern army, and then visited the house of Dr. Walker,
whci'c he ca])tur(Ml a mnnber of gentlemen of the country.
'i'his delay caused the failure of bis main object, for one
of the gentlemen, guessing Tarleton's object, mounted his
horse, and taking a short cut across the country, did not
draw a rein until he had reached Charlottesville. Kush-
iiig into the midst of the k'gishiti\e members, he an-
noniiccd that Tarlcton was at his heels coming to capture
thcni. They hastily adjourned to meet in Staunton on
the ^th of dune, and then scattered like a covey of part-
rid uvs.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
207
Ti;i; ANNolNl'K.MIONT (IF TAHLETON 'S AI'l'ItDACll
Jefferson's escape. — A ivw hours afterwards Tarleton,
knowing nothing of the flight, came along at a sweeping
pace, fully expecting to ca])ture his prey, and great was
his disappointment when he found tiie birds had flown.
Before he readied Charlottesville he had detached a party
under the command of Captain McLeod, witli orders to
208 HISTORY OF VIEdlXIA.
capture Mr. Jefferson. Monticello,* the residence of Mr.
Jefferson, was liuilt upon the top of a high knoll, and
Tarleton was approaching ])y a road which wound around
it. Mr. Jefferson, not dreaming of danger, was enter-
taining some friends, when a servant rushed in and told
him that the Bi-itisli were coming. No time was to be
lost ; in a few moments the carriage was at the door, and
Mrs. Jefferson and her three children were put into it
and sent oft' by a road opposite to that by which the enemy
were approaching. She took refuge at a friend's house
about six miles distant ; and Mr. Jefferson, mounting his
horse, plunged into the recesses of the mountain, and so
made his escape. It is due to Captain McLeod to say that
he did not allow anything to be disturbed at Monticello.
and Mr. Jefferson found all of his books, papers, and other
proj)erty just as he had left them. There is still shown
at Monticello a subterranean apartment, into which two
negro servants of Mr. Jefferson descended l)y a trap-door,
bearing with them the family silver, over which they kept
faitliful guard whUo Tarleton was in the house.
An Amusing Incident. — Tai'leton was a givat boaster,
and it was an intense' mortification to him to be obliged to
return to Cornwall is witli the few prisoners, for whose
capture he had sacriliced the main object of the expedition.
He allowed his men to pillage the country, and incidents
of his progress are still preserved among the descendants
of those who suffered from the license of his soldiery. At
one liouse exerything, in the wa\' of poidtry, was taken
off' except one old drake. The family still display a
picture in which the angry housewife is sending this sole
denizen of her poultry-yard after Tarleton as a present
fi'oin her, as she had no use for it.
*M(inticHllii. the ItaUjin ftir little iiKnintaiii.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 209
Depredations of Cornwallis. — ]MeamvhiIe, Cornwallis.
advancing from tiie Xortli Anna River, took possession
of one of Mr. Jefferson's farms, called Elk Hill, slaughtered
and drove off the cattle, appropriated the horses which
were fit for nse, and with wanton cruelty cut the throats
of all that were too young for service. Thirty thousand
slaves, also, are sup^wsed to have been carried off from
the country, of whom twenty-seven thousand died of
,small-pox and other diseases in the course of six months.
Altogether, property amounting to six millions of pounds
sterling was either taken away or destroyed.
La Fayette's Vigilance. — But C"ornwallis"s reign of
terror was nearly over. A fearful retribution awaited him.
He had received information of a quantity of military prop-
erty which was stored at Albemarle Old Court-Housc (now
Scottsville). These he determined to destroy; but he was
no longer to mark his course through Virginia with fire
and sword without meeting an arm of defence raised
against him. for the brave La Fayette was ready for
him; he had bei'U watching with an eagle eye his every
movement, and now the' time for action liad ai'rivcd.
Eeinforced and in command of an ample body of troops,
he moved cautiously from Culpeper to Boswell's Tavern,
near the Albemarle line. Cornwallis was between him and
Albemarle Old Oourt-House, where the stores were; there
was but one way in which he could intercept him, and this
La Fayette took. He set all of his men to work to open a
road across the countrv, and next morning Cornwallis
saw, with astonishment and rage, the Americans encamped
in an impregnable position, just between him and Albe-
marle Old Court-House. At the same time he received a
despatch from Sir Henry Clinton, commander-in-chief of
the British forces in America, ordering him to proceed at
once to the sea-coast and to send him all the men he could
21U HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
s])ai\', as there was reason to lielieve tliat Xew York would
he the next point of attack. .
A Perilous Error. — Cornwallis without delay set his
face towards the sea, and now lie was the pursued and La
Fayette the pursuer, ("oi'iiwallis moved slowly, and La
Fayette watched keenly every steji he look. Onee, and
only onee, was La Fayette oH' his ^iuard ; hut happily his
want of vigilance was not attended with serious conse-
quences. On the -ith day of July, Cornwallis was prepar-
ing to transport his entire army across James Eiver, having
selected Jamestown Island as the proper point. Inexperi-
enced spies had informed La Fayette that the British army
had crossed, leaving the rear-guard on the north side of the
river. This he determined to attack, and did not discover
his mistake until he had driven in the pickets and found
himself in the midst of the full stretch of the British
army. Two field-pieces were captured, and had it not
been for the darkness of the night, which enabled La
Fayette to accomplish a retreat, the Americans must
have been disastrously routed. As it was, there Avas little
real damage done, and Cornwallis withdrew his forces
across the river and continued his course towards Chesa-
peake Bay, followed by La Fayette. He soon received
despatches from Sir Henry Clinton, informing him that
New York was not to be attacked, and ordering him to
retain his whole force in Virginia, selecting Y^orktown as
his base of operation. Of this ])laee lie took possession,
and thi-ew up intrenchments.
Washington joins La Fayette. -pLa Fayette saw at
a glance the advantages of the situation, and lost no lime
in informing \A'ashington. Thereupon Washington turned
his face without delay towards Virginia, and with his com-
bined French and American troops was far on his south-
ward inarch before the British general had anv idea of
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 211
the contemplated movement. Before AVasliington joined
La Fayette, lie had learned with joy that Count de Grasse
had entered Chesapeake Bay with a fleet of twenty-fiYe
ships, on board of which were three thousand French
troops. It was near the last of September when Wash-
ington joined La Fayette and immediately mounted can-
non around Yorktown, which was soon, with the aid of
the ships of De Grasse, completely invested, and the proud
Cornwallis saw himself caught in a trap of his own setting,
while the Americans determined that he and his army
should never leave Yorktown except as prisoners of war.
Cornwallis entrapped. — General Washington knew
that as soon as Sir Henry Clinton heard of the situation
of Cornwallis he would make every effort to relieve him;
his aim therefore was to prepare for a defence from an out-
side attack, as well as to secure the army in Yorktown.
Cornwallis on his part was not idle, but strove in every
way to escape from his precarious situation ; l)ut day by
day his hopes grew fainter, until at length they rested alone
upon the anticipated help from Sir Henry Clinton. After
a while food became scai'ce, and still the Americans buili
their intrenchuu-nts closer and closer to the fated eity.
• icneral Xelson. who was now Governor of Virginia, luul
Ill's home in Yorktown. Observing, one day, that in com-
pliment to him the gunners would not aim at his house
while firing into the town, though it was known to he the
hea<lquarters of the British officers, he remonstrated, and
insisted that the guns should open fire in that direction.
His wish was complied with : the first shot killed two
officers, and the entire building was soon demolished.
Escape prevented. — Aware of his desperate situation,
and hcgiuning to despair of help from without, Cornwallis
iiuule an attempt to cut his way through the American
lines, hut he was driven hack. He then determined to
312
HISTORY OF VIRGINTA.
abandon his sick and wounded and his materials of war,
and to escape with his men across the river. The boats
ST'RItENDER OF LORD CORNWALLIS.
were in readiness, and some of the troops liad actually
embarked: l)nt a storm of wind and rain arose wliieli
drove tlie boats back on tlie shore, and the attempt w^is
aban(h)ned.
HISTOBY OF VIBGINIA 213
The Surrender of Cornwallis. — The hopes of Lord
Cornwallis were now at an end, and unwilling to sacrifice
an}^ more of the troops who had so bravely stood the hor-
rors of the siege, on tlie morning of the 17th of October he
despatched a flag of truce with a letter to General Wash-
ington, proposing a cessation of hostilities for twent_v-four
hours, in order that the terms of surrender might be
settled. Washington, fearing that reinforcements might
anive from Xew York and change the aspect of affairs,
declined a longer delay than two hours. With this Corn-
wallis was forced to be satisfied, though two days elapsed
before all of the preliminaries were settled, and at twelve
o'clock on the 19th of October the surrender was made.
The allied armies were drawn up in two lines more than a
mile in length, the French on one side of the road and the
Americans on the other. The Count de Eochambeau and
his staff, handsomely mounted, occupied a position in front
of the French, and Washington on a noble steed, with his
staff, was Ijeside the Americans. The French presentofl
a brilliant appearance in their complete uniforms, and
marched to the field with a band of music in full phiy.
The Americans, in spite of their shabl)y dress, which bore
the nuirks of hard service and great privations, wore a
proud, soldierly air which was better than mere outside
adornment.
The British Garrison. — About two o'clock the British
garrison sallied forth from Yorktown and passed through
the two lines of their conquerors. Tliey mai-ched with
slow, sad steps, their arms shouldered, their flags furled,
and their drums beating a solemn march. They were led
by General OTiara, who at once marched up to Washing-
ton and apologized for the non-appearance of Lord (corn-
wallis on account of sickness. He then led his men for-
ward to the field where they were to around their arms.
214 . HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Their aspect as they followed their leader was sullen,
which was very natural under the circumstances.
Their Humiliation. — The British had shown such con-
tempt for their American foe that they were keenly
humiliated hy this overwhelming defeat. Many of the
men threw their muskets violently on the pile, as if vmable
to conceal their rage ; and Colonel Abercrombie, one of the
officers, as he stood by, compelled to witness the sight, bit
the hilt of his sword, and turned away his head as if com-
pletely overcome. In 1881 the centennial of this victory
was celebrated with great splendor at Yorktown.
Importance of the Surrender. — The surrender of Corn-
wall is not only enriched America by the capture of men,
guns, stores, ammunition, and ships, but it produced the
happiest moral effect. Tliose who were disposed, through
discouragement, to abandon the cause, soon became its
most earnest supporters. Enthusiasm prevailed every-
where, and Great Britain, seeing that her strength was
being wasted on a people detennined to be free, abandoned
the contest. Peace w^as not formally declared for nearly
two years afterwards, but the independence of the republic
was recognized, and the new country invited to trade, on
equal terms, with tbe power that had ruled over her.
Virginia's Roll of Honor. — Thus ended the War of the
Eevolution, and Virginia nuiy well be proud of her part
in the struggle. On her soil tlie seeds of independence
were sown, and on her soil the last great battle was foiight.
Her sons were always foremost in the field and the council-
chamber. The voice of Patrick Henry was tlie first to
sound the cry of liberty; George Mason penned the
Declaration of Eights, and Thomas Jefferson the Declara-
tion of Independence ; and George Washington, preemi-
nent in all the noble qualities of man and soldier, kept
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 215
alive the courage of liis countrymen in the darkest hour,
and led the American army to final triumplj. Nor does
the list of Virginia's heroes end here, for there are AVilliam
AVasliington,* Lecf Mercer, Morgan, Steplien, and Clarke
among her soldiers, and Mason, Page, Xelson, Eichard
Henry Lee, Rando]])]i, Bland, Pendleton, and Wythe
among her statesmen — an honor roll of wliieh the State
may well he proud.
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the date of these events?
2. What was the next step of Lord Coi-nwaUis?
3. Where were the Legislature and Mr. .Tefferson?
4. Where was Baron Steuben?
5. Wliat did ("ornwallis propose to do?
6. What part of the plan was given to Simcoe. and how did he accom-
plish his object?
7. What work was assigned to Tarleton?
8. What caused the failure of his object?
9. Relate the story of his raid upon rharlottesville.
10. How did the Legislature escape?
11. The command of what enterprise did McLeod undertake?
12. Was he successful ?
13. How did Tarleton behave under disappointment?
14. Give an account of Cornwallis's reign of terror.
15. Who was waiting to oppose him?
16. What piece of military strategy did La Fayette accomplish?
17. What happened to change Cornwallis's plans?
18. What course did he pursue?
19. Describe the retreat of his army to Yorktown.
20. What did Washington do when he heard the news?
21. What was the situation of the two armies?
22. What was Cornwallis's only hope?
23. What did General Nelson do?
24. Tell of Cornwallis's attempt to escape.
25. What proposals did Cornwallis make, and how were they received?
26. Describe the manner in which the allied armies were drawn up at
the time of surrender.
27. Give an account of the surrender.
28. What was the importance of this surrender?
29. What part had Virginia taken in the Revolution?
30. Give the names of some of her Kevolutionary soldiers and states-
men.
♦Lieutenant-Colonel William Washington, a cavalry leader.
f'Light-Horse Harry," father of General Robert E. Lee.
216 HISTORY OF VIBGINIA.
REVIEW QUESTIONS ON PERIOD II: VIRGINIA DURING
THE REVOLUTION. 177o-1783.
1. Whei-p and when was the first battle of the Revolution fought?
2. What action did Lord Dunmore take when he heard of this battle?
3. What was the attitude of the House of Burgesses at this time?
4. What plot of Lord Dunmore against the Burgesses was discovered?
5. How did tills discovery affect the Virginians?
6. Give an account of the battle of Hampton.
7. Give an account of furtlier troubles with Lord Dunmore and of his
final repulse.
8. What did the Williamsburg Convention. May. 1776, do?
9. Who wrote the Declaration of Rights, and what were its chief
provisions?
10. Date and author of the Declaration of Independence.
11. Who was Virginia's first governor?
12. What noteworthy things had he done before his election?
13. Explain the Seal of Virginia.
14. Who were the Dissenters, what liad been the laws against tliem,
, and what was now done for them ?
15. Explain the law of primogeniture.
16. What are its advantages and disadvantages?
17. What progress does the repeal of this law and of law against
Dissenters indicate?
18. For the next three years what was the condition of Virginia ?
19. What strange proposal was made about a dictatorship?
20. What were some of the most important events happening outside
of Virginia 177t)-177!)?
21. Who was Virginia's second governor?
22. Tell the story of the Saratoga prisoners.
23. Give an account of Arnold's proceedings in Virginia.
24. What distinguished Frenchman was aiding Virginia at this time?
25. What were Lord Cornwallis's plans in regard to Virginia?
26. Why did he fail in regard to the Virginia Legislature?
27. Give an account of the surrender of the British at Yorktown.
28. Mention some of Virginia's great men of the Revolutionary Period.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 217
PERIOD III: VIRGINIA FROM 1783-I8G5.
C HAP T E E XXVI 1 I.
1781-1800.
"crazy RUMSEY" WASHINGTON AT MOrXT VERXOX COX VENTIOX
AT PHILADELPHIA VIRGINIA CONVEXTIOX MEETS TO DISCUSS
THE NEW COXSTITUTIOX VIRGINIA .TOIXS THE FEDERAL UNION
WASHINGTON ELECTED PRESIDENT KENTUCKY ADMITTED INTO
THE UXIOX FEDERALISTS AXD REPUBLICANS ALIEN AXD SE
DITION LAWS "RESOLUTIONS OF '98" PATRICK HENRY's LAST
SPEECH JOHN RANDOLPH OF ROANOKE — DEATHS OF PATRICK
HENRY AND WASHINGTON.
A Virginian's Invention. — It is pleasant to turn aside
for a moment from the turmoil of war and the difficulties
that beset the ship of state to tell the simple story of a man
whose name deserves a higher place than it at present oc-
cupies in history. There has been a great deal written
about the invention of the steam-engine. We are so
accustomed to see it in common use that but few of us
realize how wonderful was the genius which first conceived
the idea of using steam as a locomotive power. There are
records as far back as the year 1543 of the conception of
some such idea, but no one had ever been able to put it
into execution.
James Eumsey was a native of Maryland, and had his
residence at Bath, Morgan County. Virginia, and after-
wards in Shepherdstown. He was employed by the Poto-
mac Company to improve tlie navigation of the Potomac
River, and here liis attention became directed to different
modes of propelling vessels, and particularly to utilizing
steam for this purpose. He was a simple man, but one of
considerable inventive powers and great earnestness of pur-
218 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
pose. In spite of the ridicule of his ignorant neighbors,
who dubbed him "Crazy Eumsey," he built a boat on the
banks of the Potomac, and succeeded in launching it upon
the waters of that river, propelling it by steam against the
current at the rate of four or five miles an hour. This
seems very slow to us, but it was considered wonderful
speed by the people of the country, who called it the
"flying boat." It was about fifty feet long, and the whole
machinery did not occupy more than six feet square. The
boiler held about five gallons of water, only a pint of
which was required at a time, and it used from four to
six bushels of coal in twelve hours. Eumsey was working
at his idea nearly four years before he developed it; and
there is a path along the banks of the Potomac, near Shep-
herdstown, which was called Eumsey's Walk, becavise here
the poor fellow walked up and down, day after day, medi-
tating upon his project.
The Trial Trip. — At length the "flying boat" was ready
for its trial trip, and among other distinguished persons
who were on board, upon this its first voyage, was General
Washington himself, who was convinced of the utility of
the idea, and gave his certificate to that ett'ect.
Death of the Inventor. — Thus encouraged, Eumsey
resolved to go to England for the purpose of obtaining
skilful workmen and such machinery for the carrying
out of his plans as he could not obtain in this country.
But here the difficulty beset him which so often lies in
the way of great projects, — want of money. He was
obliged to abandon his main scheme and turn his atten-
tion to something else until he could raise tlie means to
resume it. He even sacrificed a large interest in his in-
vention in order to escape a London prison. Still he
struggled on, finally completing a Ijoat of about one
hundred tons' burthen, and named a day for its public
HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA. 219
•exhibition. Tlie evening- before this, he intended to devote
to an explanation of his project, in order that he might
get aid from the public. The evening arrived, and, to
poor Rumsey's astonishment, the hall was filled to over-
flowing with tlie learning, fashion, and beauty of Liver-
pool. He was perfectly overwhelmed with the sudden
prospect of seeing the fulfilment of his dearest hopes.
When he arose to begin his lecture, he was so overcome that
he could not control his feelings. A gentleman nearbv,
observing his agitation, handed him a glass of water. He
thanked him incoherently, sank into his chair, and never
spoke again. He died two days afterwards, leaving his
project to be completed by others. Nearly twenty years
later, Fulton succeeded in improving upon his idea, and
is recognized as the great master of steam navigation, while
poor Eumsey fills an unhonored grave.
Forming a Government. — Though the sword was laid
aside, an arduous task hiy before tlie country, for she now
had to take hei- place in the family of nations, and prepare
herself to support that position with honor. A monar-
chical form of government, that is one in which the king
is the chief ruler, had not satisfied them; they determined
to make an experiment which had never yet been quite
successful in the history of the world, — namely, to have a
government in wliich all of the officers were to be elected
by the people, and no office to be held for life. Thus if
the chief ruler did not prove to be a good one, his govern-
ment could not be a lasting evil, for in a short time
another election would take place, and another man would
fill the position. Each State was to have a government of
its own, consisting of a governor, judiciary, and legisla-
ture, which would render it entirely independent of the
others. There was to be a general government, in which
220
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
HISTONY OF VIEGIXIA. 221
all should unite, consisting of President, Congress, and
Supreme Court. There were at that time thirteen differ-
ent States, hut it was agreed that each new State which
was formed should join the Union subject to the same
regulations as the original thirteen. In the year 1784
Virginia, as we have seen, gave to the United States her
great territories in the Northwest, out of which were
afterwards formed the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan, Wisconsin, and a part of Minnesota. For many
years, however, it was not divided, but was known as "the
Territory of Indiana."
Washington retires. — The subject which first engaged
the attention of all was how the two governments, state
and national, should be constituted, so that the one should
not interfere with the other. This was an undertaking full
of difficulty.^ The States had adopted their own forms of
government, and they were not prepared to surrender their
power entirely into the hands of the United States. General
"Washington, when peace was fully established, had taken
a final leave of the officers and soldiers of the army which
had so long acknowledged him as their leader, and at a
meeting of Congress had surrendered his commission as
commander-in-chief. After this he retired to Mount Ver-
non and engaged in domestic pursuits, but never for an
instant did he lose sight of what he considered the best
interests of the United States, and he keenly shared in the
anxiety for the adoption of such a constitution as would
promote this object.
The Constitutional Convention. — Years passed away
before the matter was definitely settled. In May, 1787, a
convention met at Philadelphia, and a constitution or code
of laws was prepared, which was presented to each of the
different States for their discussion in convention. In Vir-
ginia this produced the greatest excitement. Xothing was
222 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 223
talked of but the new Constitution and tlie election of
members to the Convention which met at Eichmond on
the 2d of June of the following year, 1788.
MARTHA WASHINGTON".
Virginia's Action. — ^Never before or since, in the his-
tory of the State, had there been such an array of talent and
224: HISTORY OF VIRaiXIA.
patriotism as met on that occasion. Of roiirsc Patrick
Henry was there, and Pendleton and Wythe, Lee and
Kandolph. Madison and Marshall, and many others, all
of whom came to the Convention with the love of their
State as the ruling passion of their hearts, though they
differed widely as to the means of securing her best in-
terests. Patrick Henry opposed the new Constitution with
all the power of his great eloquence; he thought that
Virginia ought not to give the general government so
much power over her. Mr. Madison and Mr. Eandolph
and others opposed him. They thought that Virginia did
not give away any power necessary to the existence of her
State government, and that she would be strengthened by
a federal union wath her sister States. The result of many
stormy discussions was the adoption of the Constitution
by a majority of only ten votes. By this action Virginia
became a member of the Union and her history is linked
with that of her sister States. But as this is a history of
Virginia we shall confine ourselves, as far as possible, to
topics exclusively connected with the State.
Washington elected President. — The year after the
adoption of the Constitution, George Washington was
elected to fill the oflfice of President of the United States.
He had been a great advocate of the Union, and President
of the Convention which met at Philadelphia to frame the
Constitution, but it was with the greatest reluctance that
he accepted the post of Chief Magistrate of the new coun-
try. He was growing old, was wearied with the life of
toil which he had led, and only desired to spend the even-
ing of his days in the quiet of his home at Mount Vernon.
But he could not decline the call from the country of
which he was the father, and so became the first Presi-
dent of the United States, while Patrick Henry was elected
Governor of Virginia.
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 325
Kentucky admitted. — One of the first acts of the new
government was the admission of a new State to the Union.
This was Kentncky, a yonng daughter of whom Virginia
was justly proud. Twenty years before the period at
which we have now arrived, the whole of this beautiful
land was in possession of the Indians ; but after a ten-ible
struggle, it was rescued from the savages. As years passed
away, the fertility of the soil and the healthfulness of the
climate invited settlers, and Kentucky was soon known as
"the Garden of the West." Each year marked her
progress in strength and vigor, until she was ready to
take her place with her sisters as a State of the Union,
whicli she did with honor and credit in the year 1793.
Political Parties. — About this time arose two great
political parties in the country, which weie known by the
titles of "Federalist'* and "Kepublican." The Fedt'ialists
were those who approved of a strong central government,
and thought it ought to be powerful enough to keep in
check the State governments. The Republicans, on the
contrary, looked with great jealousy and distrust upon the
power already granted to the general government by the
new Constitution, and zealously contended for the right
of the different States to govern themselves. This last
party was the strongest in A'irginia.
Measures of State Defence. — As the Eepublican party
was tlie strongest in \"irginia, the Legislature of the State
adopted every means to strengthen the State government
by increasing her means of defence. Laws were passed for
arming the militia, and an armory was built at Richmond
hu-ge enough to store away ten thousand stand of arms; two
hundred and twelve pieces of cannon were mounted around
the yard, besides six beautiful brass siege-pieces and two
mortars. Tliese hist were sui)posed to have been lirouglit
226 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
over in a French vessel during the siege of Yorktown, and
were presented, after the fall of Cornwallis, to the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
Alien and Sedition Laws. — This same year (1798)
events occurred which made the opposition between the
two great political parties of the country more bitter than
ever. Some laws were passed by the United States styled
the "Alien and Sedition Laws." The first named gave the
President the power to send any foreigner out of the
country whom he regarded as dangerous to the peace of
the United States ; and if he remained in the country after
the order to leave had l)een issued, he was to be imprisoned
for a term not exceeding three years. The "Sedition Law"
empowered the government to seize any one who should
write, speak, or publish anything false, scandalous, or ma-
licious against the government, Congress, or President of
the United States, and subjected the offender to fine and
imprisonment.
Their Reception. — When it became known that these
two laws had Ijeen passed, the greatest excitement pre-
vailed throughout the country. The Federalists contended
that it was right and necessary that the general govern-
ment should thus act ; and the Republicans said that these
placed too uiucli j^ower in the hands of the President and
Congress, and would be sure to lead to tyranny, by bring-
ing under punishment many who were only suspected, and
who ought to be tried before condemnation. Besides, they
restricted the "liberty of the press," by forbidding the
publication of opinions.
In Virginia the feelings of these two parties were
particularly bitter, and the discussions in the Legislature
were stormy, a great deal of talent and eloquence being
arrayed on both sides. Patrick Henry had opposed the
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 227
adoption of the Constitution, but as Virginia had agreed
to bind herself to the Union he thought her best interests
lay in doing everything to strengthen the tie. Mr. Madi-
son drew up some resolutions, which have ever since been
celebrated as the "Resolutions of '98." These, full of
patriotism both to the United States government and to
the State, declared the intention of Virginia to maintain
and defend the Constitution of the United States against
all opposition. At the same time they avowed her purpose
to oppose anything that went beyond this Constitution
and endangered the liberty of individuals and of the
States. These resolutions also declared that it was espe-
cially necessary to guard the liberty of the press and of
conscience. The Alien and Sedition Laws were declared
to he aimed against such rights, and therefore were op-
posed. Even before this action by Virginia, Kentucky had
passed resolutions written by Thomas Jefferson which
were eVen stronger than those passed by Virginia. These
were the only two States that openly opposed tlie action
of the Federal government.
Patrick Henry's Last Speech. — Patrick Henry, though
a very old and feeble man, allowed himself to be brought
before the people of Charlotte County as a candidate for
the A'irginia Senate, in order that lie might once again
raise his voice for what he considered the best interests
of his beloved State. Before his election, a day was ap-
pointed for him to make a speecli to the people of Charlotte
Court-House, in order that he might tell them what course
he intended to pursue sliould they elect him to the Legis-
lature of Virginia. He mounted the stand fixed for him,
and the tears gathered in many eyes as they saw the sad
change wrought by years and ill health upon his honored
form. But soon his eye lighted up, and his voice uttered
228 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
such eloquent words as none had ever heard from him
before. He said he had opposed the adoption of the Con-
stitution, and the Alien and Sedition Laws were but the
fruits he had expected; but it was too late for Virginia to
set herself against the government. Then clasping his
hands, and waving his body backward and forward, he said,
"If we are wrong, let us all go wrong together." The
audience was so excited that the entire mass of people
wared with him, and as he fell exhausted into the arms of
the crowd, a friend exclaimed, "The sun has set in all
his glory !"
John Randolph. — The applause over Patrick Henry's
speech was still at its height when a young figure, of un-
gainly and unprepossessing appearance, stepped forward
and took his place upon the stand which the great orator
had just left. Every one looked in amazement as they
recognized John Kandolph, who had grown up in the
county, and now presented himself as a candidate for
the Congress of the United States. Many laughed at
the temerity of the daring youth who thus made his ap-
pearance after Mr. Henrj^, and one old man said, "Tut !
tut ! it won't do. It's nothing but the beating of an old
tin pan after hearing a fine church organ." But they
soon found that the tin pan sounded notes wliich claimed
their attention. Patrick Henry's sun had set, but here
was another rising, the herald of a bright day. John
Randolph afterwards became the most celebrated orator,
next to Patrick Henry, in the history of the State.
Both candidates were elected, Mr. Henry to the Vir-
ginia Legislature and Mr. Randolph to Congress. Patrick
Henry did not live to take his seat, as he died on the
16th of June, 1799, mourned. by all; for he was not only
a great orator and a great patriot, but a loving-hearted
Christian gentleman.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 229
Death of Washington. — December the 14th, 1799,
George Washington, the most distinguished of all the sons
of Virginia, died at Mount Vernon. This event plunged
the whole country in mourning. Upon hearing the sad
news. Congress adjourned, after resolving that all of the
members should wear crape during the session, and that
a committee be appointed to consider the best means of
honoring the man who was "first in war, first in peace,
and first in the hearts of his countrymen."* Every
State in the Union hastened to take steps to testify its
grief at this public bereavement. Nor was the recogni-
tion of the sad event confined to America. When the news
reached Europe, Bonaparte, First Consul of France, issued
an order that black crape should be suspended from all of
the standards and flags in the army of France for ten days.
Even the English government honored the man who had
fought against her, for sixty ships lying at Torbay lowered
their flags to half-mast at the reception of the news.
Throughout America, passion was calmed and party spirit
extinguished, while all mourned Washington as the "Father
of his Count rv."
QUESTIONS.
1. The history of what yoars is included in this chapter?
2. For wiiat purpose does our history turn aside from the difficulties
which beset Virginia ?
3. What about the invention of tlie steam-engine?
4. Who was .Tames Kumsey?
5. Wliat first turned his tlionglits to mal<ing use of steam?
6. IIow was his idea loolied upon?
7. What success did he meet with?
8. Tell of the launching and trial trip of the "flying boat."
9. Tell of Ilumsey"s trip to England.
10, What difficulties did he encounter?
*The resolution adopted by Congress ran "first in war, first in peace,
and first in the hearts of his fellow-citizens."
230 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
11. Wbat is the end of his story?
12. Wlint was the condition of Virginia?
13. Wliat duties lay before her?
14. What Ivind of government was determined upon?
15. Wliat was the general government?
16. What the State government?
17. What had Washington done when peace was declared?
18. When and where did the Convention meet, and what did it accom-
plish?
19. What was the effect of these events upon Virginia?
20. When and where did her Convention meet, and what great men
were there?
21. W^hat difference of opinion existed among these patriots?
22. What was the result of these discussions?
23. How has Virginia heretofore been presented to you, and 'what
change now becomes necessary?
24. Who was the first President of the United States, and how did he
regard the honor?
25. Who was elected Governor of Virginia?
26. What of Kentucky?
27. When was she admitted as a State?
28. Who were the Federalists and the Republicans?
29. What is said of the political feeling?
30. What laws were passed in 1798?
31. What was' the Alien Law?
32. What was the Sedition Law?
33. What was their effect upon the different States?
34. How did Virginia receive them?
35. What position did Patrick Henry occupy?
36. Who drew up the "Resolutions of "98?"
37. What did they declare?
38. What had Kentucky done?
39. For what position did Patrick Henry become a candidate?
40. Tell of his last appearance before the people.
41. How did he close his speech, and with what effect?
42. Who occupied the stand after Patrick Henry?
43. Who was he, and how was he received?
44. What reputation did he afterwards gain?
45. What success did the two candidates meet with?
46. Where and when did Patrick Henry die?
47. What sad event happened near the close of this same year?
48. What was the effect upon the whole country?
49. How was the event recognized in Europe?
HISTORY OF YIEGIXIA. 231
CHAPTEE XXIX.
1800-1813.
CALLEXDER'S "prospect before us" IXSURRECTIOX OF SLAVES-
BURXIXG OF THE RICHMOXD THEATRE WAR OF 1812.
Party Spirit. — The mourning for George Washington
and Patrick Henry was quickly followed by a revival of
party spirit, due to the enforcement of the Sedition Law
in Virginia.
One James Thompson Callender, a foreigner, who
had his home in Virginia, published a pamphlet called
"The Prospect Before Us," in which he took occasion, in
the most outrageous manner, to load with coarse abuse
and false accusations not only Mr. Adams, the President
of the United States, but even the lamented Washington.
So infamous was this paper that the public indignation
was aroused. Judge Chase, who had been one of the
signers of the Declaration of Independence, and was now
one of the judges of the Supreme Court, read the pam-
phlet, and declared his intention of taking it with him to
Virginia, — where he was soon to hold a circuit court, — and
that if a jury of honest men could be found in the com-
monwealth, he would punish Callender. He did so; and
presenting the pamphlet to the grand jury, insisted upon
the arrest of Callender as a "seditious libeller." This was
done; and very much frightened at "the prospect before'"
him, Callender was brought before the court. Three cele-
brated Virginia lawyers undertook his defence. They were
Mr. Wirt, Mr. Ha}^, and Mr. Philip forborne Xicholas.
Judge Chase, in his anxiety to enforce the law, showed a
232 HISTORY OF VIRGIXTA.
little too much ardor, as he refused to orant the counsel of
Callender a longer time to summon witnesses, and in the
end so offended the three gentlemen that they left the court.
Callender was condemned ; and so great was the disgust of
all parties for his pamphlet, that although the proceeding
was contrary to the ideas of A^irginians in regard to liberty
of opinion, no one was sorry that he suffered fine and
imprisonment.
Judge Chase was afterwards brought before the bar of
Congress for his action in this case and others, and John
Randolph was very earnest in his efforts to have him im-
peached. The trial was a long one and full of interest,
but he was cleared Alarch 1st, 1805, of all the charges
brought against him.
An attempted Slave Insurrection. — In the year 1800 the
State of Virginia was startled l)y the discovery of an in-
tended insurrection of slaves. In 1619, a Dutch vessel
brought to the young colony a cargo of Africans, who were
used as slaves. For many years English ships continued
the practice thus introduced, until they becanie very
numerous in the different colonies, especially in the South.
During the Revolutionary War, Virginia made a law that
no more Africans should be brought into the Slate. Still
she was obliged to care for those who were already thei'e.
Generally speaking, the negroes proved a hamnless and
affectionate race, easily governed, and happy in their con-
dition; and history records but two attempted insur-
rections in Virginia during the existence of the institution.
The first happened in the neighborhood of Richmond.
It was headed by a man named Gabriel, and about
one thousand negroes were concerned in it. So well was
their secret kept, that not" a suspicion of it existed until
the very night appointed for the execution of the plot.
It was then clivulo;ed l)v a slave named Pharaoh. His
TIISTOBY OF YIRGIXIA. 233
heart failed him at the last moment, and making his
escape, he presented himself before the authorities a.t
Eichmond and disclosed the whole plot. Steps were in-
stantly taken to defeat it; and it was found that an
organized plan had been laid to surprise Eichmond, exter-
minate the male inhabitants, and take the women for wives
for themselves. The conspirators were convicted and con-
demned to meet the fate they so justly deserved.
The Nat Turner Massacre. — Though it does not prop-
erly belong to this period, as it happened thirty years after,
I will tell you, in connection with this incident, of the only
other insurrection which soils the fair page of the liistory
of Virginia. It was headed by a negro named Xat Turner,
a religious fanatic and a preacher. He also claimed to be a
prophet, and by the interpretation of some signs obtained
a great influence among the ignorant, superstitious negroes.
By this means he succeeded in inducing numbers to join
him in his plot. On the 21st of August, 1831, accompanied
by twenty of his followers, he entered the house of his mas-
ter, one Mr. Travis, in Southampton County, during the
night, and murdered the entire family before they were
sufficiently awake to offer defence. He next went to the
house of a Mr. Waller, and left his wife and ten children a
bleeding heap on the floor. Near by this last-named place
there was a school of little girls, all of whom were butchered
in cold blood except one, who made her escape and was
found by her friends hidden in a hedge. In giving an ac-
count of the horrors through which she had passed, the
little thing said, "but God watched over me."
Retribution. — For one entire day did these wretches
revel in blood. Fortunately, their courage was not proof
against resistance, and this they encountered at the house
of Dr. Blount. That gentleman, his son, a youth of
fifteen, and three white neighbors were on the lookout
234 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
for tlie negroes, and when they came within twenty yards
of the house, opened fire upon them from the windows.
One of tlie negroes fell dead, a second was wounded, and
the rest betook themselves to flight. From this time the
warfare was at an end. The whites turned out and hunted
the murderers down through the swamps. The first
captives were killed on the spot, but when the heat of
passion had cooled, justice resumed her sway, and they
were taken to the county town of Southampton and tried
for their crimes. It was some weeks before Nat Turner
was found, but at length he was discovered under a pile
of fence-rails, and, being lirought to trial, was hanged.
A Terrible Event.— In the year 1811, the city of Eich-
mond was the scene of a disaster even more terrible than
the slave insurrection. The prosperity of the State, after
the Revolutionary War, was steadily progressive ; her
wealth and population had greatly increased. Richmond,
at the time it was chosen as the capital of the common-
wealth, was but a village. It had now spread its
boundaries over the neighboring hills, and was the centre
of wealth, fashion, and gayety. During the memorable
winter of this year, the young, the gay, and the beautiful
had flocked to the city. Brilliant entertainments followed
each other in rapid succession, and night after night crowds
gathered at the theatre, where the best actors in the country
were performing.
On the evening of the 26th of December an immense
crowd assembled to witness a favorite play, in which the
principal character was sustained by a very celebrated
actor. While every eye was fixed upon the performers,
and the interest was at its height, sparks of fire were seen
to fall from the scenery at the back of the stage, and at
the same moment one of the actors rushed forward and,
throwing up his hands excitedly, exclaimed, "The house is
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 235
on fire ! the house is on fire !" Instantly the cry of horror
was repeated through the building in various accents of
terror and despair, and a scene of confusion followed which
language is inadequate to describe. The crowd trod upon
each other in their efforts to reach the doors, which they
found tightly closed, as they unfortunately opened on the
inside of the room, and the pressure against them only
kept them more tightly barred. Behind, the flames gained
ground, and the suffocating smoke spread over the doomed
mass of human beings like a pall. Strong men, frantic
with fear, passed over the heads of tlie dense crowd in
their efforts to reach the doors ; the groans of the crushed
and dying mingled with the labored respiration of those
who were smothered by the smoke. Many threw them-
selves from the upper windows, exchanging one violent
death for another.
Affecting Scenes. — In the midst of the wild tumult,
touching instances are narrated where love triumphed over
the fear of death. Parents rushed back into the flames to
rescue their children^ and perished in the attempt; and
children refused to be saved at the expense of a parent's
life. Husbands and wives chose death together rather than
separation. One old lady tells with the eloquence of
an eye-witness of her own rescue Ijv one who afterwards
became her husband. With admirable presence of mind,
he bore her to an upper window, and fastening his foot in
some way in the shutter let her down as far as his arms
could reach, and dropped her into those of the watching
crowd below. When lier safety was assured, he saved him-
self by climbing down one of the i^illars. Seventy persons
lost their lives. on this eventful night, and this number
comprised the wealth, the fashion, and the talent of the
metropolis. The governor of the State was among the
lost, besides many distinguished and valuable citizens.
236
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Eichmond was shrouded in mourning; there was scarcely
a family in which there was not one dead. When the news
of the calamity reached AVashington, it was resolved, in
both houses of Congress, that the members should wear
crape on the left arm for a month. The Monumental
Church now covers the site of the old theatre, and at the
door is a monument bearing upon it as an inscription the
names of many of those who perished in this disaster.
.MONUMENTAL CHURCH, KICllMOND.
The War of 1812. — The year following this sad event,
a war broke out between Great Britain and the United
States, known as the War of 1813. The account of this
war belongs to the liistory of the United States. The
scene of the conflict was, for tlie most part, far removed
from Virginia, though her borders were not to escape
invasion entirely.
HISTORY OF YinGIMA. 337
Cockburn's Outrages. — An admiral of the British navy,
named ("ockhuin ( h-o-inirn } , in the month of May of 1812
entered Chesapeake Bay and committed the most shocking
depredations along the coasts of Mar^dand and Virginia.
He had under his command a large fleet of ships and about
twenty-six luindred men. A heayv fight took place near
Xorfolk between this fleet and the American gunboats.
The battle was fought at Craney Island, which stands at
the entrance of Xorfolk harbor, and the Americans de-
fended the position so bravely that tlie enemy were forced
to abandon their designs on Xorfolk. In rage and shame
at their unexpected defeat, they turned their attention to
Hampton, a comparatively unimportant post, defended by
only a few men under Colonel Crutchfield. These kept
Ijack the enemy with determined lu'avery for a time, but
were at last obliged to retire before overwhelming num-
bers. The British entered Hampton and committed every
species of outrage. One aged num was brutally murdered
in the presence of his wife, who herself was desperately
wounded. The infamous Cockburn refused to protect the
defenceless women who remained in the town from the
negroes who followed in his train, answering one who
applied to him for protection, that he "took it for granted
that all the ladies had left" before his arrival. Happily,
the stay of the British was of short duration, as the militia
gathered in such numbers that Cockburn retired to his
ships. The war lasted three years, but this was the only
occasion upon which Virginia suffered invasion, though
the State enthusiastically supported the Federal Govern-
ment during the struggle.
238 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
QUESTIONS.
1. The events of what years are included in this chapter?
2. What was the next cause of public excitement in Virginia?
3. What was Callender's crime?
4. Who was Judge Chase, and what did he declare?
5. What steps were taken against Callender?
6. What lawyers defended him ?
7. What difficulty arose between the lawyers and judge?
8. How did it end?
9. Give a short account of the history of slavery in Virginia.
10. Give an account of the Gabriel insurrection.
11. Give an account of the Nat Turner insurrection.
12. What was the condition of the city of Richmond in 1811 ?
13. Describe the burning of the theatre.
14. What effect did this event have through the country?
15. What did Congress do?
16. What happened the next year?
17. Was the principal scene of conflict in Virginia?
18. Where was she invaded, and by whom?
19. Give an account of the battle of Craney Island.
20. Give an account of the occupation of Hampton.
21. How long did this war last? '
CHAPTER XXX.
1818-1859.
VIRGINIA THE "MOTHER OF PRESIDE.NTS" UXIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
DEATH OF THOMAS JEFFERSON THE VIRGINIA CONSTITUTION
AND THE MEN WHO MADE IT TROIBLES BETWEEN THE STATES
.JOHN brown's RAID.
Presidents from Virginia. — Between 1815-1861, undis-
turbed by tbe horrors of war, Virginia had time to give
her attention to matters es.sential to her permanent ])eaee
and prosperity. Of the first five Presidents of the United
States, four — Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe
— were from Virginia. Four others were born in Virginia:
William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor,
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 239
and the present (191 J:) occupant of the White House —
Woodrow Wilson. Hence Virginia is called not only the
Mother of States, hut the Mother of Presidents.
Jefferson at Home. — At the close of Jefferson's second
term of office he retired to his beautiful home at Monti-
cello, in Albemarle County, where he devoted the re-
mainder of his life to literary and agricultural pursuits.
But even in private life he was ever alive to the welfare
of his native state. He had always taken a keen interest
in the cause of education, and for years past he had
indulged the hope of enlarging the college at Williams-
burg into a great university, which would afford the same
advantages as could be furnished by a European education.
Though he was obliged to abandon his scheme in relation
to Williamsburg, he still clierished the idea of a great
Virginia university.
His Grand Purpose. — As he cast his eye over the beauti-
ful country which lay around his mountain liome, his
imagination pictured a grand institution growing out
of the bosom of these plains. An idea once conceived
with him was not easily abandoned, and although years
elapsed before he was able to accomplish his design, he
at length induced the Legislature to appropriate a sum of
money for tlie erection of the necessary buildings. About
two miles from Charlottesville, in the county of Albemarle,
there was already an institution called Central College.
This was purchased by the State of Virginia, and Mr.
Jefferson had the gratification of seeing the good work
really commenced in earnest under his own superintend-
ence. Six years passed away before the work was sufS-
ciently advanced for the commencement of college exer-
cises. Mr. Jefferson did not live to witness the estab-
lished success of the University of Virginia, as his death
occurred in 1836, only one year after this famous institu-
tion had "opened its doors to students.
240
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
HISTORY OF VIRGIXIA. 241
The Constitution Revised. — In 1776, the young State of
Tirginia had formed for its government a constitution,
Avhich had been, on tlie whole, satisfactory. But changes
were required, and, as the country was now quiet and
prosperous, there was time to consider them. The vote of
the people was taken, and members were appointed to a
convention which met in the Capitol at Eichmond, Oc-
tober 5, 1839. Very few of the great statesmen, with
whom we have been acquainted in the past, were there.
The voice of Patrick Henry, the pen of Jefferson, and
the sword of George Washington were buried with them
in their graves, but their patriotic spirit still lived in
many who had succeeded them. Madison, Monroe, and
Marshall were still alive and present, to tell the young
men of the "spirit of '76" and of '98, and to hold up the
"Bill of Eights" and the "Eesolutions of *98** ; and John
Eandolph, whose sun rose just as that of Patrick Henry
set in 1799. After a discussion which lasted three months,
the changed and improved Constitution was adopted by
this assembly of notables and the convention adjourned.
The Mexican War. — In 1837, Texas, which had be-
longed to Mexico, became an independent repuldic. Her
independence, though acknowledged by the United States
and hy European nations, was never recognized by Mex-
ico. Hence, when Texas, at lier own request, was ad-
mitted into the Union in 18-15, war with Mexico was
unavoidable. Further, there was a dispute as to the
boundary line between Mexico and Texas. When, there-
fore, xlmerican troops under General Zachary Taylor were
ordered to occupy the disputed territory, Mexico sent
troops against him and the skirmish between the Ameri-
cans and the Mexicans began the war in April, 1846.
By this war, which ended in 1848, the United States
242 HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA.
acquired a very large extent of territory coiiiprisinp- the
States of Texas, California, New Mexico, Xevada, Ari-
zona, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. Many
of the officers who distinguished themselves in Mexico
afterwards acquired still greater distinction in the Civil
War. Among these were Grant, Sherman, McClellan,
Lee, Jackson, Beauregard, and Jefferson Davis. This
war intensified the bitterness of the struggle in regard
to slavery. The anti-slavery party l)itterly opposed the
war and the admission of Texas. Violent disputes also
arose over the admission of California as a State and over
the introduction of slavery into the newly acquired ter-
ritory.
The Slavery Question. — As years went on, this ques-
tion of slavery was a constant source of trouble between
the different States of the Union. The difficulties to which
it gave rise make up so large a portion of the history of
the State that it is necessary to review the subject before
we go any further.
England supports Slavery. — You will recall the fact
that in 1619 a Dutch vessel brouglit to the young colony
a cargo of Africans, who were used as slaves. This proved
the beginning of a train of evil for the whole country, as
England took up the traffic, and in the face of the remon-
strances of Virginia insisted upon her receiving and em-
ploying the slaves. Queen Anne owned one-fourth of the
stock of the Royal African Company, as it was called,
and it is computed that under the fostering care of Eng-
land three hundred thousand slaves were brought to
America.
Virginia, to check the growth of slavery, imposed a tax
on all Africans brought into the colony, but the queen, the
Parliament, and the merchants of England would not agree
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 243
to give up a traffic which was bringing them enormous
profits, and the law was repealed. In 1775, the year
before her separation from Great Britain, Virginia made
an earnest remonstrance against the importation of Afri-
can slaves, and was answered that notliing should be done
to check a traffic so beneficial to the nation.
Slaves in all the Colonies. — At the time of the for-
mation of the Union of States slavery existed in them al],
with the single exception of Massachusetts, and there it
had ceased only a short time before. With the exception
of Massachusetts, the Xew England States were strong
advocates for carrying on the trade, because they were
largely engaged in it, and made a great deal of money by
bringing slaves into the Southern ports and selling them to
the planters. The cotton States favored slavery because
the negroes, being from a warm climate, could stand the
work in the cotton-fields under the Southern sun so much
better than the whites, and they were glad to buy all that
Xew England brought. So important did the States of Geor-
gia and South Carolina consider this institution that they
would not agree to join the Union unless there was a law
made that it should not be interfered with. Thus it was
that the interests of the cotton States and Ncav England
were the same, and in the discussions in Congress they
always furnished the strongest advocates for continuing
the slave trade. Virginia, on the contrary, always raised
her voice against it, and was the first of the States to forbid
it by law. Her ablest men — Jefferson, Madison, Monroe,
Mason, Wythe, Lee, Pa^e, Marshall, and others — con-
sidered it a great curse, and all expected that in a short
time Virginia would be a free State.
Abolition of the Slave-Trade. — In 1778 Virginia and
other States, north and south, brought a bill before Con-
gress for the abolition of the slave-trade. Xew England
244 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
and the cotton States objected for reasons already given.
Mr. John Brown, of Ehode Island, argued that every
country in the civilized world had the privilege of bring-
ing slaves from Africa, and there seemed no reason why
Xew England should not have the same advantages.
especially as there was no doubt that the condition of the
Africans themselves was bettered by the change. It was
further argued that the loss to New England would be
very heavy, as she had so much money invested in her
slave-ships. Hence it was agreed to defer the abolition
of the slave-trade till 1808. i\.fter this year no slaves
were to be brought into the country, though the traffic was
for years secretly carried on. Afterwards New England
became the most bitter abolition section, but the cotton
States held on to the institution of slavery because it was
guaranteed to them under the Constitution, and because
they considered it essential to their prosperity.
The Northern States, cleansed from what they now
sidered a great crime, looked with horror, upon their South-
ern sisters who dared to hold their fellow-creatures in bond-
age; while the Southern people, having a large part of their
property invested in this way, and deeming the negro
necessary to the cultivation of their crops, contended for
their rights under the Constitution to keep their slaves.
A Bitter Animosity. — The feeling upon this subject
grew in l)itterness, many individuals at the North regard-
ing it as a religious duty to purge the Union from this
great evil, and the South holding to it more obstinately
from this interference with their legal riglits. Tlie ques-
tion was continually discussed in Congress; aholitionists
came South and enticed the slaves from tlieir masters:
books were written giving false or exaggerated pictures
of tlie condition of the slave in the South, representing
the masters as cruel tyrants. Thus a bitter animosity
HISTORY OF VIRGIMA. 215
grew lip between the two sections. Visitors from the
North were looked upon with suspicion; books from the
Xortli were banished from Southern territory; Southern
Legislatures made laws forbidding the master to teach
his slave to read, because of the dangerous books they
would be supplied with. Travellers going Xorth dared not
take their servants with them, for fear of losing them.
Virginia, occupying a middle position between these
opposing sections, was influenced by contact with hotli.
Slavery had been entailed upon licr almost against her
will; and we have seen how she paused, even in the midst
of the bloody scenes of the Eevolution, to make laws that
no more slaves should be brought within her boundaries.
From that time the question of freeing them was con-
stantly discussed in her Legislature, and a large number
of her statesmen advocated it. Tt became a common oc-
currence for slave-holders, at their (kath. to leave their
slaves free and provided for. John Kandol]))! of Roanoke
did this, and appropriated a large portion of his property
for their support. Thus the gradual banishment of slavery
was looked ujion as a certainty. Owing to this condition
of alfairs, slaveiT ceased to be regarded in the State as
a matter of profit, and the buying and selling of slaves
was rare. Slave-dealers were looked upon with disgust.
Families of negroes were retained in the same household
for generations, passing down from father to son, until
the affectionate connection between the Virginia master
and his servant, wlio had shared his boyish sports, and
now jK'rformed the duties of a mild' servitude, became
proverbial.
The Feeling in Virginia. — We have seen that, in her
contests with England, \'irginia never willingly conceded
to another what she considered her rights. Thus when.
she found that her Xorthern sisters were attempting to
246 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
force her to emancipate her slaves, the spirit of the Old
Dominion rose. She remembered her Declaration of
Eights, she recalled her State sovereignty, and tightening
her grasp upon her property which she was beginning to
hold so loosely, she declared her intention to act for her-,
self in the matter, made stricter laws with regard to her
slave population, and joined hands with her Southern
sisters upon the disputed question.
New Parties. — The breacli now went on widening. The
political parties of the country were no longer "Federal-
ist" and "Republican,'" "Whig" and "Democrat," but
Slavery and Antislavery. New States were constantly
being made, and the question frequently discussed was
whether slave-holders should be permitted to carry their
property into these new States. The Constitution of the
United States permitted this, and many Southerners in-
sisted upon their rights, but when they attempted to
carry their slaves into these new states they were opposed
by determined men. and scenes of violence and bloodslied
ensued.
John Brown's Raid. — One of the fiercest of the free-
soilers, as they were called, was John Brown of Kansas.
His whole life had been one of adventure, and now, in
his old age, the idea of freeing the slave seems to have
taken full possession of his thoughts. Encouraged by
many intelligent men at the North in his violent course -of
conduct, John Brown laid a deep scheme for freeing the
negroes, first in Virginia and afterwards in the other
Southern States. For two years he prepared for this
object. Silently and secretly lie purchased arms. Those
lie intended for the negroes were small pikes, but capable
of doing deadly work in the hands of a skilful workman.
'He had with him only eighteen men, but he expected to
have his number swelled by the slaves as soon as his
jueseiice Avas known.
HISTORY OF VIRGIXIA. ' 247
Harper's Ferry captured. — On Sunday night, the 16th
of October, 1859, he crossed the Potomac from Maryland,
entered Harpei-'s Ferry, captured the United States
Arsenal at that place, and sent out armed men to seize
the prominent slave-holders in the neighborhood and to
■ announce their freedom to the negroes. So silently was
all this done that even tiie citizens of the town remained
in perfect ignorance of the invasion until the next morn-
ing, when every one who left his house was at once
captured and imprisoned in an engine-house very near to
the arsenal. In the meantime the armed parties returned,
bringing in some prisoners and many slaves, in whose
hands the pikes were placed, and they were ordered to
"strike for freedom." The poor creatures, however, only
looked frightened, and showed little disposition to take
advantage of their opportunities, so John Brown found
that he had nothing to hope from their assistance.
The Invaders defeated. — Soon the news of this invasion
of A'irginia spread throughout the country, and the excite-
ment surpassed anytliing ever known there before. The
people flocked towards Harper's Ferry from all directions,
with arms in their hands, and before night Brown and his
party were shut up in the engine-house and' surrounded by
indignant Virginians. As soon as the news reached Wash-
ington, the government ordered a party of marines to
proceed to Plarper's Ferry uuder the command of *C'olonel
*Kol)ei-t Edward Loe, son of "Light Horse Harry Lee" and Anne
Hill Carter, was born January 19, 1809, in Westmoreland County at
Stratford, the birthplace of his distinguished kinsmen, Richard Henry
Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee. Prepared for West Point at the
Hallowell Mathematical School he graduated with distinction at the
Military Academy in 1829. In 1831. he married Mary Randolph
Custis, the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington. He did such
tine engineering work at St. Louis and elsewhere that he became
captain of engineers in 1839. In the Mexican War. 1846-1848, he
so distinguished himself that he rose to the rank of Colonel. In
1852, he was appointed superintendent of the military academy at
West Point, a position which he held for three years. After this he
was stationed in Texas, then greatly disturbed by Indian inroads.
The rest of his career Is a part of Virginia history. '
248 HISTORY OF VIRGIMA.
Robert E. Lee, and Brown was summoned to suri'endei'.
When he refused the engine-house was stormed by the
marines, and in less than thirty-six hours after he had
entered Virginia, John Brown and his party were either
killed or captured, and the insurrection which he had
taken two years to prepare for was suppressed. Not a
negro volunteered to join him. Ten of his men were
killed, and all the rest wounded, including Brown himself.
The first blood they shed was that of a free negro named
Hey ward. Besides they killed five of their oppose rs and
wounded nine. The criminals were tried at Charlestown,
Virginia, and were hanged for treason, insurrection, and
murder. Thus ended the "John Brown raid,"' as it was
called; but it was the beginning of a series of events
which constitute a new era in the historv of Viro-inia.
QUESTIONS.
1. From what yeaf tn what year diics this chaptfr iiicliulp?
2. What period follcwcd these events in tlie liistory of \'irgin:a?
3. Name the Presidents of the United States from Virginia.
4. What did Mr. .Tefferson do at the close of his I'residential term,
and how did lie omploy his advancing years".'
5. To the accomplishnicnt of what idea did he devote his thoughts?
6. Where did he propose building the T'niveisity of Virginia?
7. Tell of his difficulties, and how he accomplished his design.
8. When did Mr. .Tefferson die?
9. What next engaged the attention of the statesmen of the United
States?
10. Tell of the Virginia Convention.
11. What three great patriots do we miss at this Convention?
12. Who were there, and what of the past did they recall?
13. Where have you known .Tohn Randolph before?
14. What was accomplished by the Convention?
15. What institution now became a source of trouble?
16. What made the diffei-ence of feeling en the subject?
17. How did the two sections regard it?
18. What position did Virginia occupy?
19. What effect did opposition have upon her, and why?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 249
20. What were the two political parties in the country now?
21. Who was .Tohn Brown, and what was his history?
22. What scheme did he form?
23. Tell of his raid into Virginia.
24. How did it end?
25. What period does this mark in the history of Virginia?
REVIEW QUESTIONS OX JPERIOD III: VIRGTXIA FROM
THE REVOLITIOX TO THE CIVIL WAR, 1783-1861.
1. Tell the story of Rumsey and his invention.
2. What provisions were made for the organization of the New Union?
3. What great territory did Virginia give up in 17S4?
4. What provision was made in regard to slavery in this territory?
5. What was the date and work of the Constitutional Convention in
Philadelphia?
6. What action did Virginia take in regard to the Union?
7. Who was the first I'resident of the United States?
8. What State was formed at this time out of Virginia territory, and
what was the character of this State?
9. What were the two chief political parties in the United States at
this time, and what did each believe?
10. Which was the chief party in Virginia ?
11. Explain the Alien and Sedition laws and their connection with
Callender's trial.
12. What famous Resolutions did they cause in \irgniaV
13. Tell the story of Patrick Henry's last candidacy.
14. How was Washington's death received?
15. Give an account of slave insurrections in Virginia.
16. Give an account of a terrible event that occurred in 1811.
17. Name the Presidents from Virginia.
18. What great university did Jefferson found and when?
19. Tell the story of the Constitutional Convention of 1820.
20. t'ause of the Mexican War and territory acquired from Mexico.
21. Connection with the Civil War and slavery.
22. (iive the history of Virginia's attitude towards slavery.
23. What was the attitude of Northern States towards slavery?
24. Give an account of John Brown's raid.
250
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
UEN. ROBERT E. LKE.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 251
PERIOD IV: VIRGINIA IN THE CONFEDERACY, 1801-1805.
CHAPTEK XXXT.
1860-186L
CAUSES OF THE CIVIL WAR COXSEQUEXCES OF THE ELECTION OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN"— VIRGINIA PASSES THE ORDINANCE OF
SECESSION— ATTITUDE OF MARYLAND— COMPARATIVE RESOURCES
OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH.
Causes of the Civil War.— In order to understand the
questions that gave rise to the Civil War it is necessary to
review some facts already given.
When the government of England became oppressive to
her colonies in America, they determined to throw off the
yoke of the mother country and govern themselves. There
were thirteen different colonies which made this deter-
mination, and they became thirteen different States, each
with a governor and legislature of its own. But their
interests in many things were the same; for instance,
though separate, they were one in their resistance to Eng-
land ; and thus, fighting all together for an object of
mutual interest, they were hound to each other by ties of
affection. Hence they all signed the Declaration of
Independence, and formed a government known as the
United States of America. Xow, when they joined in the
united government, there were many of the great and wise
men of all the States who were very much afraid that
the Union might interfere with the State governments.
So, in framing the laws, or Constitution, of tlie United
States, they tried to make it as plain as possible that each
State was to have its own government, and that the
United States government was not to interfere with the
rights of the States. At least four of the States, Virginia,
'^'r^ iiisToiiY OF vmaiMA.
South Carolina, Massachusetts, and Xew Yoi-k, when tliey
adopted the Constitution, reserved tlie riiiht to wit lid raw
from the Union.
Tims States hoth in the Xortli and the South helioved
at first in the right of a State to secede. As time went
on, however, the XJnioii sentiment grew stronger and
stronger. Many ties of affection and of interest liound
the States more firmly together. The inhalntants of
the various States had fought side by side against the
Indians, against Great Britain (1812), and against Mexico
(1846). Eailroads and common commercial interests
linked them financially. The elo(|uent speeches of AVebster
(1830-1850) glorifying the Constitution and the Union
strengthened still more the Union sentiment. Further,
through a more and more liberal interpretation of the
Constitution, the powers of the central government at
Washington had become very much enlarged. The new
States, too, formed after the Constitution had been
adopted, naturally had less State pride than the original
thirteen, and thus were less inclined to resent the growth
of the central power at AVashington. Plence, by 1860. a
large majority of people in the Xorth and a respectable
minority in tlie South believed that the Union was in-
di\isil)le.
The Southern States, especially \'irginia. loved the
Union which they had done so much to form, but they
cherished still more dearly the rights of the States. They,
therefore, resented any interference with these rights and
were especially indignant at the growing hostility of the
Xoi-th towards slavery.
'i'lic oj)ponents of slavery contended that the general
government should interfere to prevent its extension into
the Territories and new States, some of the more extreme
HISTORY OF VlRGiyiA. 253
opponents going so far as to advocate interference with it
in the localities where it already existed. The South con-
tended that the general government had nothing to do
, with slaver}', and that it was a domestic institution which
each State should he left to manage for itself, with the
right on the part of its citizens to carry their slaves into
the Territories that l)elonged alike to all the States. Every
year this question was discussed in Congress, especially
since the Mexican War, and, as is always the case when
people quarrel, bitterness grew between the sections, and
the John Brown raid, in October, 1859, gave the finishing
stroke to the matter. Then the Southern States began to
talk of withdrawing, or seceding, from the Union.
Secession begins. — During the fall of 1860 there was an
election to be held for President of the United States, and
there were four candidates in the field. The one who was
elected was Abraham Lincoln, and he was chosen by that
l)arty which was opposed to slavery and was pledged to
prevent its extension beyond the limits it then occupied,
and whose extreme members even wished, as I have said,
to interfere with it in the States. So most of the Southern
States determined to withdraw, believing that the success
of tlie party which was bitterly opposed to slavery would
k'ad to a violent interference with their domestic affairs.
South Carolina seceded on the 20th of December, and was
followed ill two months by six others. They were anxious
that Virginia should join the Southern Confederacy, on
account of lier influence in the Union. But it was not the
way of ^'i^ginia to act hastily. She loved the Union, and
knew that war would brhig sorrow and loss to her, for
from her geographical position she must necessarily be
one of tlu' cliief battle-grounds of the war. So she pro-
posed a ])eace congress to meet in Washington on the 4th
254 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
of February, and at the same time the Legislature called
a convention of the people of Virginia to meet in Eich- ,
mond, on the same day, to decide what course Virginia
should take. The Peace Congress met and accomplished
nothing, and the Convention sat until May, watching the-'
course of events.
Virginia Secedes. — On the 15th of April, President
Lincoln issued a proclamation for seventy-five thousand
troops to suppress the efforts of the people in some of the
Southern States to maintain their rights. The Southern
people considered this proclamation a declaration of war,
and a violation of the Constitution, which declared Con-
gress the war-making power. When, in the same procla-
mation, the President called upon Virginia and all the
other States to raise large armies to subdue the South,
there remained nothing for Virginia to do but to pass an
ordinance of secession and throw in her lot, for better or
worse, with those States which were about to fight to the
death for those principles which she had always advocated.
The Convention, which had been sitting in Eichmond since
the 4th of February, passed the ordinance of secession on
the 17th of April, two days after the Lincoln proclama-
tion. In May the voters of the State ratified the action of
the Convention.
Maryland's attitude. — ^Maryland was quite as earnest as
Virginia for the Southern cause, but, because of her posi-
tion, it was harder for her to join the Southern States.
The North determined that she should not do so, and they
did succeed in preventing her from seceding. Her brave
soldiers, however, fought shoulder to shoulder witli Vir-
ginians; and when the Northern troops passed through
Baltimore to go against the South, tliey were resisted by a
iiiol) of llic citizens. Blood was shed on t)oth sides, and
HISTORY OF VIRGIXIA. 355
the governor, who acted in the interest of the Xorth, noti-
fied the United States government that the people couhl
not be controlled if troops were brought through the city.
Hence, they were taken through Annapolis, and Mary-
landers were assured that the troops were to lie used only
to defend the Capitol at Washington. Maryland suffered
greatly at this time. Her prominent citizens were arrested
and imprisoned, and troops were raised on her soil; but
she was true at heart to the South all through the struggle,
and spared neither men, money, nor stores to help the
cause she loved.
Resources of the North and the South. — The story of
the Civil War, the most terrible war of modern times, be-
longs properly to United States History. We shall give,
therefore, only a brief account of the noble part Virginia
played in this great struggle. To appreciate her heroism,
however, it is necessary to have some idea of the resources
of the North and the South in 1861.
Twenty-one States, including West Virginia, favored
the Northern side, eleven the Southern, three, Missouri,
Maryland, and Kentucky being divided in their allegiance.
The population of the South was nine millions, three and
one-half of these being slaves. The white population of
the North was twenty-two millions. The South enlisted
nearly a million of soldiers out of a military population of
a little more than a million. The North enlisted over two
millions and a half, counting foreigners and negroes. She
had a military population of nearly four millions. The
North had taxable property worth more than ten billions,
the South five, two billions being slaves. Thus, both in
men and in money, the resources of the North were more
than double those of the South. Further, the great Appa-
lachian Mountain region stretching through Virginia,
356 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee furnished
nearly two hundred thousand soldiers to the Federal army,
and constituted a hostile barrier dividing a great part of
the Southern territory. This mountain region, especially
in Kentucky and Tennessee, could thus be readily occu-
pied by the Federal forces.
The North also had a well-organized central gov-
eniment, while the South had to organize hers. She was
hampered, too, by the fact that the States did not always
cooperate as they should have done with the Southern
central government. They sometimes pushed the doctrine
of States' Eights too far. But, worst of all, the South
was almost entirely dependent upon Europe and the North
for manufactured articles. At the opening of the war
there were only two large iron foundries in the whole
South. "The day after the victory of First Manassas
there was not powder enough left in Virginia to fight
another l)attle." As the South had not engaged to any
extent in commerce, her direct trade with Europe, even
before the blockade of her ports, was very limited.
The Civil War was the first great war in history in
which railroads were used to aid in military operations.
The Southern railroads, not so numerous nor so well-
equipped as the Northern at the opening of the war, de-
clined steadily in niiiiiber and equipment as the war pro-
gressed. They could not be kept up because of the lack
of machine shops.
But it was the Northern Navy that really "turned the
scale in the war." She had nearly all of the old navy
and was thus enabled to blockade Southern ports and send
supplies to her armies up the large navigable streams of
the South. By the blockade, most of the cotton, the most
profitable crop of the South, was kept out of Europe, its
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 257
best market. With lier very small navy, however, the
South destroyed a large number of Northern vessels.
To offset all these drawbacks it must never be forgotten
that the soldiers of the Southern army were fighting most
of the time on their own soil and in defence of their homes,
their loved ones, and their most sacred rights. These con-
siderations more than anything else will account for the
length and stul)l)orness of tlie conflict.
Note. — The editor is indebted to Thomas Nelson Page's "Life of
Lee" for this account of the comparative resources of the North and
South.
QUESTIONS.
1. What did the founders of the government thinJj about the
relation between the States and the Central Government?
2. What four reserved the right originally to withdraw from the
Union?
3. What caused the growth of Union sentiment?
4. What was the belief of the majority in the South about the Union
and the rights of the States in 1S(J0?
5. What were the chief troubles in regard to the slavery question?
6. Who was elected President in 1860?
7. How did the South regard his election?
8. What State seceded first and when?
S. What was Virginia's attitude at first?
10. What made her change?
11. What was Maryland's attitude?
12. Give on each side, North and South :
a. The number of states.
b. Whole population.
c. Military population and army.
d. Value of property.
e. Condition of central government.
f. Manufactures.
g. Railroads,
h. Navy.
13. Effect of a hostile population in the Appalachian Mountains.
14. Why was the South able to hold out so long?
15. Give in review the causes of the war.
258 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
CHAPTEE XXXII.
1861. — Continued.
PREPARATIONS FOR WAR VIRGINIAN WAR LEADERS ^FEDERAL PLANS
BATTLE OF FIRST MANASSAS SUMMARY OF EVENTS OF 1861.
Preparations for War. — When Virginia seceded in 1861
she was not prepared for war. She had only a few troops
guarding the puhlic property at Eichmond, and her State
armory was poorly equipped. Men and arms were, there-
fore, in great demand. Soon volunteers from all over the
State came flocking to the Confederate standard. These
undisciplined troops were drilled mainly by the cadets of
the Virginia Military Institute under the direction of
Major Thomas J. Jackson,* then a professor at that insti-
tution. Preparations were also made for the manufacture
of cannon and firearms. The Confederate authorities were
very anxious to take possession of Harper's Ferry, where
the United States had large supplies of arms. The Fed-
eral authorities, hearing of the approach of the Confed-
erates, attempted to destroy these, but in their haste they
succeeded imperfectly, hence a large quantity of ma-
chinery, cannon, and firearms came into the possession
♦Thomas Jonathan Jackson ("Stonewall"), born in Clarksburg, now
West Virginia, and left a penniless orphan at three, had a hard
struggle for an education and a living. With characteristic grit and
pluck when he heard of a vacancy at West Point he went partly
on foot to Washington. Clad in a homespun suit, with his saddle-
bags thrown over his shoulder, he so impressed the Secretary of War
with his manliness and independence that the appointment" to West
Point was given him. Though he barely passed the entrance exam-
ination he studied so faithfully that he graduated seventeenth in a
class con.sisting of such members as McClellan, Pickett, and A. P.
Hill, all famous afterwards in the Civil War. One who knew him
well said, "If the course had been longer old Jack would have
graduated at. the head of the class." In the Mexican War he was
promoted more rapidly than any other officer in the American army.
In l.S.jl, he was elected professor of Natural Science and instructor
niSTOEY OF VIBGINIA. 351)
of the Confederates. The Federal forces at Norfolk also
destroyed a great deal of shipping, but left uninjured
the fine dock, costing over a million of dollars.
Virginian War Leaders. — When the war began most of
the Southern officers in the Federal army resigned their
commission and Joined the Confederates. Among these
were General Joseph E. Johnston and Colonel Eobert E.
Lee, son of "Light Horse Harry Lee," a famous Eevolu-
tionary officer. If Colonel Lee, who had distinguished
himself in the Mexican War, had remained in the Fed-
eral Army he would have attained the highest rank, Imt,
as he says in a letter to his sister, "With all my devotion
to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty as an
American citizen, I have not been able to make up my
mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children,
and my home." His loyalty and ability were promptly
recognized, for he was soon made commander of the Vir-
ginia troops by the governor of the State. To the sur-
prise of many. Governor Letcher also made Major Thomas
J. Jackson colonel of volunteers. Though, like Colonel
Lee he had distinguished himself in the Mexican War,
he was only knoAvn at the time as a somewhat eccentric
professor at the Virginia Military Institute. But the
governor's wisdom in both appointments was soon to be
in military tactics at tlie Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Vir-
ginia. Wliile in Lexington lie conducted a Bible Class for negroes,
and was greatly beloved by tliem. DifBdent and reserved he faltered so
much when first called upon to pray in public that the pastor of the
Presbyterian Church of which .Tackson was the deacon kindly re-
frained from calling upon him for some time. But the sturdy deacon
felt that public prayer was one of the duties of his office, and in-
sisted upon being called on again. All through his life he felt the
power of prayer, and at every crisis in his military career he sought
the guidance of the God of battles. Like liCe, .Jackson was opposed
to secession, but when Lincoln issued his call for troops he was in
favor of meeting Northern invasion, as he said, "by drawing the
sword and throwing away the scabbard." The rest of his life Is a
part of the history of the war.
Adapted from Southern Biography, Vol. XI. "The South in the
Building of the Nation."
2G0 HISTORY OF VIRCilNlA.
amply vindicated, for Colonel Lee afterwards became one
of the greatest generals of modern times, and General
Jackson's campaigns in the Valley were so brilliant that
they have challenged the admiration of military men all
over the world. General Johnston, one of the ablest of
the Confederate generals, was appointed by President
Davis commander of the Confederate forces in Virginia,
and held this position till after the battle of Seven Pines,
May 31, 1862, in Avhich he was severely wounded.
Federal Plans. — While there were important military
operations in Tennessee, IMississippi, and Georgia, it was
soon apparent that Virginia was to l)e the chief seat of
war. Her geographical position made this unavoidable.
The Capital of the Confederacy was, therefore, removed
May 21st, 1861, from ^lontgomery, Alabama, to Kichmond.
"On to Richmond'' was then the cry of the Federals from
this time to the close of the war. Four Federal armies
were to move agahist Richmond, one from the east up the
James River, one from the north through the middle of
the State, one up tlie Valley, and tbe other from the north-
west to join the last. Four C^onfederate armies opposed
each of these. General Johnston, under whom Colonel
Jackson served, commanded the army at Harper's Ferry,
and was under orders to hold this important place if he
thought it wise. General Beauregard commanded the
army of the center at Manassas, and was opposed by Gen-
eral McDowell.
The Battle of Manassas. — Though there had been an
engagement in northwest Virginia in which the Confed-
erates had been defeated, and one at Big Bethel (June 10)
on the peninsula in which they gained a victory, tTie first
important battle of the war was fought at Manassas or
Bull Rvm, as it was called by the Federals. The Federal
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 2G1
army was fifty-two thousand strong, while the Confederates
had thirty-two thousand men. The equipments of the
Federal army — hy which you must understand the fire-
arms, artillery, uniforms, teams, and tents — were magnifi-
cent. They had every preparation made for their comfort.
The Confederates, on the other hand, were poorly equipped
and Avretchedly clad. Their artillery and fire-arms were
of the greatest variety of old-fashioned patterns. Few of
the cannon were over six-pounders, wliile a large number
of the infantry were armed with common muskets, and
many of the cavalry with shot-guns which they had used
in hunting game in the woods. The long lines of army
wagons with their snow-white covers, drawn by well-fed,
strong horses, on the Federal side, contrasted strikingly
with the coverless vehicles and the meagre horse-flesh in
the Confederate rear. But the odds in other respects were
all on the Confederate side, for they fought on their own
soil, to repel the invader and defend their homes; and
these incentives more than counterbalanced the superior
numbers and equipment of their foe.
The Confederate line was eight miles long, extending
along the southern bank of Bull Run, which was fordable
at various points; and at these fords were placed the
different divisions of the army. The Federal army was
about three miles away, extending along the road from
Centreville to Alexandria. In the artillery fight of the
18th, the effort was made to cross two of the fords of
Bull Run, but Beauregard drove them back. The plan was
now changed, and it was determined by the Federal
commander to march a portion of his army around the
head of the Confederate line, which was near a stone
bridge, and by getting in the rear of the Confederates,
crush them between the two Federal lines, or force them
to retreat. This brought the heavy fighting just to that
262 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
point, — the stone bridge. There the tiglit raged hour
after hour with varying success. At one time all seemed
lost to the Confederates, when reinforcements arrived,
under Generals Bee and Bartow, to the assistance of
Colonel Evans, who was outflanked and sorely pressed.
Here for two hours the Confederate left wing resisted the
assault of the. enemy, but despite its heroic efforts it was
steadily forced back by overwhelming numbers. The
shattered ranks were exhausted and dispirited, while the
Federal army was exultant.
At this critical moment General Jackson reached the
scene with his brigade of two thousand six hundred men.
These he quickly disposed upon the crest of a ridge, and
posted seventeen pieces of artillery along his line. On the
right of this brigade General Bee formed the remains of
the forces under him and Evans. The whole numbered
about six thousand five hundred. Against these a Federal
column of twenty thousand, mostly fresh reserves, with
twenty-four pieces of artillery, made impetuous charges
from eleven till three o'clock, when again it seemed as
if the days was about to be lost to the Confederates.
General Bee rode up to Jackson and said in despairing
tones, "General, they are beating us back." "Then,"
replied Jackson, "we wall give them the bayonet." This
inspired Bee with fresh resolution, and hurrying back to
his dispirited men he exclaimed, "There is Jackson stand-
ing like a stone wall. Eally behind the Virginians." This
circumstance gave to Jackson and his brigade the name
Stonewall. A bayonet charge was made before which the
enemy recoiled and fled. The gallant Bee fell pierced by
a Ijall. But fresh regiments continued to pour in, and
the Federals extended their line still farther to the right.
It was now four o'clock in the afternoon, and the Federals,
who had been repulsed but not routed, were preparing
for another determined effort.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
263
At this critical juncture the reserves from the Con-
federate right, nine miles distant, arrived under Generals
Early and Holmes, and arrested the flank movement of
the Federals, while at the same time General Kirhy Smith
reached the field with the remainder of the army from the
^^alley. He hail arrived at Manassas Junction while the
battle was raging, and following the sound of the cannon
and musketry, assaulted the right wing of the Federal
army. Consternation seized the ranks of the Federals
JACKSOX AT MANASSAS (BULL KUN.I.
from this unexpected attack, and giving way they fled in
confusion from the field, and did not stop until they were
across the Long Bridge and within the defences of Wash-
ington. General Bartow was killed while rallying his
brave Georgians. While his life was ebbing away he ex-
claimed, "Yes, they have killed me, but never give up the
field." Geiieral Kirbv Smith was danaerouslv wounded.
264
HISTORY OF riROlNIA.
GENEKAL "STONEWALL" JACKSON.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 365
Tlius ended one of the most remarkable battles of the
world's liistory. The Confederates captured twenty-eight
cannon and five thousand muskets. General Jackson, see-
ing the demoralization and panic-stricken rout of the
enemy, remarked that with ten thousand fresh troops he
l)elieved he could go into Washington.
The "Stonewall" Brigade. — After the battle of Manassas,
Cieneral Jackson was again promoted, and ordered to a
new connnand in the Valley of the Shenandoah. In taking
command of this division General Jackson was separated
from the "Stonewall Brigade,"^ wdiich was ordered to re-
main under the command of General Johnston. This was
a great trial to Jackson and to the brigade, as he had led
them from the beginning of the war and the warmest
affection existed between them. But orders must be
obeyed, and he took leave of them in words too full of
interest to be omitted. After speaking to them with the
tender pride of a father of the record that they had already
made, and assuring them of the interest Avith which he
would watch their future, his calm self-control gave place
to the most profound emotion ; his lips quivered, and,
throwing the bridle on the neck of his horse, he rose in
his stirrups and, extending his arms towards them, said,
"In the Army of the Shenandoah you were the First
Brigade ! In the Army of the Potomac you were the First
Brigade ! In the Second Corps of the army you are the
First Brigade ! You are the First Brigade in the affections
of your general; and I hope by your future deeds and
bearing you will l)e handed dow^n to posterity as the First
Brigade in this our second War for Independence. Fare-
well !" But the separation between Jackson and the First
Brigade lasted only a few w'eeks, for, much to the delight
of the general and his men, they were ordered to join his
command in Xovember.
366 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Summary of Events in 1861. — It will be seen from the
account of the conflict thus far in Virginia that the ad-
vantage lay with the Confederates. They had won the
important Battle of Manassas and had been victorious in
nearly all of the minor engagements. In what is now
known as West Virginia, however, the Federal forces were
in the main successful, and by the close of the year had
possession of a large part of the State. West Virginia
had refused to abide by the Virginia ordinance of seces-
sion, and was in 1863 admitted into the Union as a sepa-
rate State.
Outside of Virginia, Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor,
had been bombarded and had fallen into the hands of the
Confederates April 14th. This was the beginning of hos-
tilities. The Federal forces had driven the Confederates
from Missouri, had strongly entrenched themselves in
Kentucky, and had prevented Maryland from seceding.
Further, they had captured Fort Hatteras, in North Caro-
lina, and had taken possession of the important harbor.
Port Eoyal, in South Carolina. Both sides now began to
realize the magnitude of the conflict. The Federal Con-
gress called for half a million of volunteers, and authorized
the expenditure of half a billion of dollars. The Con-
federates called for 400,000 men and issued $100,000 in
treasury notes.
QUESTIONS.
1. How was Virginia prepared for war?
2. Wlio mainly drilled the recruits?
3. What places were the Virginians anxious to possess and why?
4. Who were some of the prominent Virginian war leaders?
5. Why did General Lee resign from the Federal Army?
6. What were the Federal plans?
7. Give an account of the first Battle of Manassas.
8. Why didn't the Confederates advance on Washington after this
battle?
9. What other important battle was fought in Virginia during this
year?
10. What were the important events of the war outside of Virginia?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 267
C H A P T E E XXXIII.
1862.
A MEMORABLE YEAR JACKSON'S VALLEY CAMPAIGN OPERATIONS
IN SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA MONITOR AND MERRIMAC PENIN-
SULA CAMPAIGN SECOND MANASSAS THE MARYLAND CAM-
PAIGN SUMMARY OF EVENTS IN 1862.
A Memorable Year. — 1862 was a glorious year for the
Confederate forces in Virginia. The chief events of the
year cluster around operations in the Valley of Virginia,
in southeast and north central Virginia, in the engage-
ments near Richmond, and in Maryland. In the final
outcome of each of these campaigns the Confederates were
either wholly or, in the case of ]\Iaryland, partly successful.
Jackson's Valley Campaign. — The most brilliant
achievement of the year, and one of the most notable in
the records of modern warfare, was General Stonewall
Jackson's campaign in the Valley. As in the year preced-
ing, the Federal plans were to advance on Richmond and
at the same time protect Washington from attack. Gen-
eral Jackson determined to keep the Federal forces in
the Valley of Virginia so busy that they could not unite
with General McClellan, the commander of the Federal
forces in the Southeast. In less than three months, with
a force never equaling twenty thousand men, he defeated
Milroy at McDowell, ]\Iay 8th, drove Banks from Win-
chester May 25th, defeated Fremont at Cross Keys June
8th, and on June 9th put to rout McDowell's reinforce-
ments at Port Republic, sustaining only one defeat. Kerns-
town. In each of these engagements he was outnumbered
by his opponents. Further, by these victories he cap-
268 lIlSTOnV OF VlliUlNIA.
tiired thousands of prisoners, took possession of ammu-
nition and stores of great value to the Confederacy, and
prevented sixty thousand meii from joining ^IcClellan.
Ide had, besides, completely disarranged the plan laid
down by the government at AVashington for the conquest
of the South, delaying McClellan's advance against Rich-
mond, while large armies were detached to operate against
him in the Valley. Jackson did not leave the Valley until
several weeks after the defeat of Fremont. His men were
very much worn out and were permitted a period of rest.
Colonel Munford, the successor of the dashing young
cavalry leader, Turner Ashby, killed near Harrisonburg,
June 6th, took Harrisonburg, with prisoners and stores,
and the army camped between that place and »Staunton.
General Jackson moved his camps here and there to give
till' enemy the idea that there were a great many Con-
federates in the Valley. In consequence of this display of
strength the Federal commanders were constantly expect-
ing an advance from an overwhelming force, and troops
were concentrated and fortifications thrown up. Jackson's
cavalry took care that there should be no communication
Ijetween the armies to contradict the exaggerated reports
of the large force under his command. When Jackson was
quite satisfied that the large army in front of him was
fully occupied in making preparations for liis reception,
with the greatest secrecy he broke up camp, and the next
news which the Federals in the lower A^alley heard of him
was that he was down on the Chickahuminy fighting
McClellan.
The Monitor and the Merrimac. — \\ hen the Federals
evacuated Norfolk in 1861 they l)ui'iu'(l many of tiieii'
vessels and sunk others. Among the hitter the fine steam
frio'ate "^ierrimac," afterwards called the "\'iro-inia,'' was
niSTOIi'V OF ]'JRGINIA.
269
only partly destroyed. The Confederates raised this vessel,
covered it with a thick coating- of iron, and fastened a
strong iron beak to its prow. These devices were due to
the inventive genius of John ^Mercer Brooke, afterwards a
professor in the Virginia Military Institute, and the dis-
coverer of the method of taking deep-sea soundings. The
"Virginia" was the first ironclad known in naval warfare,
and was thus the forerunner of the formidable dread-
noughts of to-day. ]\[arch S, 1863, this strange-looking
sea monster steamed into Hampton Roads, sunk two of
the Federal vessels, whose guns could make no impression
upon l;ei- iron sides, and was about to attack a third, the
Ji
~*.TTLE BETWEEN THE " MEKKIMAC'' ANB "MONITOR*'
"Minnesota,'' when the hitter ran aground. The "\'ir-
ginia'' then steamed back to Norfolk, as the night was
coming on, and returned next day to attack the "^linne-
sota." This time, however, the "Virginia" encountered
an unexpected opponent in the Federal ironclad "^loni-
tor," built by Ericsson. The "Monitor," with its revolving
ii'on turret on a tlat iron top, looked like "a cheese box
on a plank." After a terrific (iring lasting several hours.
370 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
(luring which neither vessel made any serious impression
upon the other, the "Monitor' ran into shallow water, and
the heavier Confederate vessel, unable to reach her, i-etired
from the drawn battle, the first encounter of ironclads in
naval warfare.
The Peninsula Campaign. — Before and during these
naval conflicts. General McClellan, the Federal com-
mander, had been massing in his forces in the Peninsula
between the York and the James Eiver, with the view of
advancing on Eichmond, with Fortress Monroe as his base.
The Confederate general, Magruder, with a small force of
eleven thousand men, held Yorktown, but was soon forced
to retire before the superior nuniljers of his opponents.
Being reinforced he was enabled to check the Federal ad-
vance at Williamsburg. The Confederates were also com-
pelled to evacuate Xorfolk, as this city was too far away
from their Ijase of supplies. At the same time, they de-
stroyed the famous "Virginia," as she could not be taken
up the James Eiver. This left the James undefended,
and enabled Federal vessels to advance as far up the river
as Drury's Bluff, where they were held in check l)y the
gmis of Fort Darling.
Seven Pines or Fair Oaks. — May 31st, General Joseph
E. Johnston attacked the Federal forces at Seven Pines
(called Fair Oaks by the Federals), where a bloody but
indecisive battle was fought, in which the Confederate
commander was so severely wounded that he had to retire
from active service for several months. General Eobert E.
Lee was then placed in command of the army of Northern
Virginia.
The Campaign around Richmond. — Seven Pines is only
a few miles from Eichmond, and tbe two armies soon be-
sran to concentrate their forces around the Confederate
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 271
Capital. After his famous Valley campaign, General
Jackson joined General Lee. General McClellan's forces
were near the Chickahominy. General Lee, wishing to
find out their position, sent the dashing cavalry officer.
General J. E. B. ("Jeb") Stuart,* to make a raid in their
rear. With a small force he made a complete circuit of
the Federal commander^s forces, destroying many valuable
stores, and gave General Lee the information desired.
General Lee then attacked General McClellan's forces
and, after a seven days' fight (June 25-July 1) at various
points, succeeded in forcing his opponent to retire and
abandon his plan of advance on Richmond. In the last of
these battles, Malvern Hill, the loss on both sides was
very heavy. Though the Confederates failed to dislodge
their opponents from their strong position. General ]Mc-
Clellan's loss in the successive battles was so gi-eat tbat his
forces were completely demoralized, and he retired to Har-
rison Landing, near Westover, where he was protected by
his gunboats. Thus ended the famous Peninsula Cam-
♦.Tames Ewell Brown Stuart was born in Patrick (Jounty, Virginia,
February 6, 18.S3. On botli liis fatlior's and his mother's side he
was of distinguished Virginia ancestry. After a course at Emory
and Henry College, he entered West Point and graduated with
distinction. He was offered a high position in the Federal army at
the opening of tlie war, but, like Colonel R. E. Lee, he followed the
call of his native State. He was perhaps the greatest cavalry officer
during the war. His energy and youthful ardor inspired enthusiasm
everywhere. He seemed to know by instinct every movement of the
enemy. Running incredible risks he laughed gaily over his hair-
breadth escapes. General .Johnston said he was like a yellow jacket ;
as soon as he was brushed off he was back again. His brilliant
charge at First Manassas helped largely to win the day. He was
invaluable to General I>ee in the Peninsula. In tlie Seven Days'
Fight around Richmond he was "the eyes and the ears of the army."
After General .Tackson was wounded at Chancellorsville, Stuart was
put in' command of .Jackson's corps and led it with brilliant success.
But he could not be spared from the cavalry. In the fight at Yellow
Tavern, in 18<;4, he saved Richmond but lost his own life. An
earnest Christian, he said to President Davis, who visited his bed-
side in Richmond : "I am ready to go if God and my country think
I have fulfilled my duty." In his closing hours he joined his rector
in fervent prayer and in singing the noble hymn "Rock of Ages,"
and then passed away to join his comrades in the Great Beyond.
Adapted mainly from Southern Biography, Vol. XII, "The South
in the Building of the Nation."
272 IIISTOIIY OF VinOIXIA.
paign. Tlie advance on liichmond from the east was
abandoned, and the Federal general was ordered to join
near ]\Ianassas the forces of General Pope, a general wlio
l)oasted that "liis headquarters would be in the saddle,"
and that he did not intend' to have any lines of retreat.
Second Battle of Manassas. — General Lee had sent Gen-
erals Jackson and Ewell to hold General Pope in checl-:
until General McClellan should withdraw from the Penin-
sula. General Jackson defeated his old adversary. General
Banks, at Cedar Mountain, and, passing rapidly to the
rear of General Pope's army, succeeded in capturing a
large supply of stores at Manassas Junction. ^leanwhile.
General McClellan was advancing in a iY)undal)out route
by way of Washington to co(")perate with General Pope,
and General Lee, freed from all fear of an attack on Rich-
mond, was advancing northward to join General Jackson.
The hero of the Valley Campaign, hemmed in between
two divisions of General Pope's army, each lai-ger tlian
his own, held the enemy at bay at ^Fanassas until the
arrival of General Lee's forces, then several miles away.
Jackson knew that Po])e had changed his liase to Warren-
ton, and that General Lee would soon join him ; so he
planted himself on the old field of victory and determined
to defend himself until he was reinforced, lie did not
have to wait long, for Longstreet's corps was nearing
Thoroughfare Gap on its way to him. Pope suspected
this and ordered an advance against Jackson, whose defeat
was absolutely necessary, and as soon as possible. They
fought on the old l^attle-field on the 28th, and although the
loss to Jackson's army was heavy, including both (ienerals
Ewell and Taliaferro, who were severely wounded, yet it
was a decided victory for the Confederates.
When news came to Jackson that Longstreet's cor])s
Avas close at hand he kiu'W that the cause so dear to his
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 273
heart had secured another victory; and soon the clouds
of dust in the direction of the mountain gap told Pope a
truth which filled him with despair, for Lee had joined
forces with Jackson. The next day the great battle of
Second Manassas was fought. The woods and mountains
which had witnessed the signal victory thirteen months be-
fore echoed to the Confederates' shouts of victory once
again. It was not until after a long day's struggle that
General Lee, looking anxiously towards the Federal lines,
saw the confusion and dismay he had so long waited
for and ordered a general advance. It was the signal for
another panic-stricken flight over the same old route.
General Lee is said to have paroled seven thousand
prisoners on the battle-field : and the once brilliant Federal
army with tbeir confident connnander retreated behind the
intrenchments at Centreville. The next day (September
1st) General D. H. Hill tlii'eatened the direct road to
Washington. Pope, who could not accept battle on account
of the demoralization of bis army, commenced a retreat.
A severe storm was in progress and Hill was assaulting
him; but night closed in, and the defeated army was glad
to take refuge behind the fortifications at Washington.
President Lincoln then l)egged McClellan to take command
and defend Washington.
The Maryland Campaign. — General I.ee now deterniiiied
to advance into ^laryland, hoping thus to relieve Virginia
and to attract the citizens of ^laryland to bis standai'd.
In this latter hope he was disappointed, as the appearance
of the ragged Confederates was not prepossessing enougl-
to induce many of the prosperous ^larylanders to leave
their comfortable homes.
To oppose General Lee, who had crossed the Potomac
September 5th, General McClellan was advancing from
374 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Wasliiiigtoii with a force of 100,000 men. The two armies
met first at South Mountain, September 14th, where Gen-
eral Lee was finally forced to retire, though he held his
position long enough to enable General Jackson to capture
Harper's Ferry, with a large number of guns and ammu-
nition and many valuable stores. After this great achieve-
ment. General Jackson hastened to join General Lee's
army. At Antietam Creek ( Sharpsburg ) , General Mc-
Clellan attacked the combined forces of Lee and Jackson,
September 17th. The conflict raged fiercely all day, and
night closed in with the balance in favor of the Con-
federates, though their army was not one-third as large
as that of their opponents. Still, the moral victory lay
with the Federals, as General Lee, who succeeded in
cleverly eluding General McClellan, was compelled to re-
cross the Potomac into Virginia. Here, in camp near
Winchester, he was enabled to give his soldiers a much-
needed rest of several weeks.
General McClellan remained in Maryland until ISTo-
vember, and then advanced into A'irginia. When he
reached Warrenton he learned to his amazement that he
was relieved of his command, General Burnside having
been appointed in his stead. Various reasons are assigned
for General McClellan's removal, but the most plausible
one was his inactivity. President Lincoln advocated a
more aggressive campaign.
in an address to his troops, October 2, 1862, General
Lee thus sums up the results of this campaign:
"fn reviewing tlie lU'liievements of tlie army during the present
campaign, the commanding general cannot withhold the expression
of his admiration of the indomitable courage it has displayed
in battle and the cheerful endurance of privation and hardships on
the march.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 275
"Since your gi'eat victories around Richmond, you have de-
feated the enemy at Cedar Mountain, expelled him from the
Rappahannock, and after a conflict of three days utterly repulsed
him on the plains of Manassas and forced him to take shelter
within the fortifications around his capital. Without halting;
for repose you crossed the Potomac, stormed the heights of
Harper's Ferry, made prisoners of more than eleven thousand
six hundred men. and captured upward of seventy pieces of
artillery, all their small arms and other munitions of war. Wliile
one corps of the army was thus engaged, the other insured its
sviccess by arresting at Boonsboro' the combined armies of the
enemy, advancing under their favorite general to the relief of
their beleaguered comrades.
"On the field of Sharpsburg, with less than one-third his num-
bers, you resisted from daylight until dark the whole army of
the enemy, and repulsed every attack along his entire front of
more than four miles in extent.
"Tlie whole of the following day you stood ready to resume the
conflict on the same ground, and retired next morning without
molestation across the Potomac.
"Two attempts subsequently made by the enemy to follow you
across the river have resulted in his complete discomfiture and
his being driven back with loss. Achievements such as these
demanded much valor and patriotism. Historj^ records few
examples of greater fortitude and endurance than this army has
exhibited, and I am commissioned by the President to thank you
in the name of the Confederate States for tlie undying fame you
have won for their arms.
"Much as you have done, much more remains to be accom-
plished. The enemy again threatens us with invasion, and to
your tried valor and patriotism the country looks with con-
fidence for deliverance and safety. Your past exploits give
assurance that this ccmfidence is not misplaced.
"R. E. Lee,
"Genera I Co m m an ding."
The Battle of Fredericksburg. — General Burnside de-
termined to advance on Richmond by way of Fredericks-
Inirg-, and thought he had the start of General T.ee. But
in this he was mistaken, for when he reached Falmouth,
•<!:(; insToiiY of viihunia.
oil llic ()})|)o,site side of the IJappahamiock from Freder-
icksburg-, he found Lougstreet's division of General Lee's
army awaiting him behind liis batteries at Fredericks-
l)ui-g. While General Buniside was prejiaring to resist
General Longstreet, General Jackson and the rest of Lee's
arniy reached Fredericksburg. Though Buniside liad
nearly twice as many men as General Lee, the C*onfederate
general had a much stronger position, as he was entrenched
on the hills l)ehind Fredericksburg. On the eleventh of
December the Federal army began to cross the Ea|)palian-
nock, and on the thirteenth tbe engagement became general.
The Federals were driven back with great slaughter every
time they attempted to storm the heights occupied by the
Confederates. December 15th, General Burnside drew his
troops across the river, having lost more than thirteen
thousand men, while the Confederate loss was under two
thousand. After this disastrous defeat of the Federal
forces General Hooker (''Fighting Joe") was appointed to
supersede General Buniside.
Summary of the Events of 1862. — From the foregoing
account it will be seen that the Confederate forces were
almost uniformly successful in Virginia. The attemi)ts of
Pope, McClellan, and Burnside to advance on L'ic-limoiid
had been thwarted. General Jackson had defeated four
armies in the Valley, and a large amount of amnumitioii
and stores had been captured. On the other hand, tlie
^[aryland Campaign had not been successful, and the
^tate of Virginia was becoming more and more exhausted
from the severe struggle. Yet, despite all their hardships,
the ragged, badly fed, poorly eqiiiiiped Confederate forc-es
achieved wonderful victories.
In the West the outcome of the struggle was disastrous
to the Confedei-acv. Almost all of Kentucky and Ten-
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 277
nessee was now in the hands of the Federals. Further,
they had taken New Orleans and had control of the whole
of the Mississippi, except the part lietween Yicksburg and
Port Hudson.
Ql^ESTIONS.
1. What is said in general of the war in 1862 in Virginia?
2. In what places in the East was the war carried on at this time?
3. Give an account of Jacl?son's Valley Campaign?
4. What did he accomplish by his victories?
5. Tell the story of the Monitor and the Merrimac, or Virginia.
6. Who invented the Virginia?
7. What became of her?
8. What made this battle memorable?
9. Who were the commanders on each side in the Peninsula
Campaign?
10. Where is the Peninsula, and what was McClellan's plan?
11. Who succeeded General .Johnston?
12. What were some of the important battles in this campaign?
13. Which was the bloodiest?
14. What was General Lee aiming to do and how did he succeed?
15. Tell the story of the Second Battle of Manassas.
16. AVhy did General Lee advance into Maryland?
17. What was the result of the battle of South Mountain?
18. What did General Jackson accomplish at Harper's Ferry?
19. Result of the battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam)?
20. Who commanded on the Federal side and who succeeded him ?
21. What were General Burnside's plans, and how did General Lee
meet them?
22. Where and when was the decisive battle between the two fought?
23. Who succeeded General Burnside after this battle?
24. What was the condition of Virginia at the close of 18(52?
25. Mention the leading events in the war outside of Virginia.
10
278 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
C H A P T E R XXXI V.
1863.
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORS\ ILLE DEATH OF JACKSON BATTLE OF
GETTYSBURG SUMMARY OF EVENTS OF 1863.
The Battle of Chancellorsville. — General Hooker, who,
as we have Seen, had been appointed to supersede General
Burnside, chose nearl_y the same route to Eichmond that
had been so fatal to his pi'edecessors. The winter of
1862-63 was so wet that both armies suspended operations
until the spring. General Lee had to send Longstreet with
about one-third of the Confederate forces to meet the
armies advancing against Richmond from the South.
Thus he had at Fredericksl;)urg a force of only 60,000 men
to oppose 130,000 commanded by General Hooker and en-
camped along the Rappahannock River. April 27th, Gen-
eral Hooker began his advance across this river at Kelly's
Ford, twenty-five miles from Fredericksburg. By May 1st
he had massed his entire force at Chancellorsville, ten
miles from Fredericksl)urg. Here General Lee advanced
against him. and sent General Jackson to attack the enemy
in the rear. After a march of fifteen miles. General Jack-
son fell upon the unsuspecting enemy May 2d, and put
them to flight. By ten o'clock next morning the Confed-
erates were in full possession of the field. The series of
engagements between jMay 2-5 resulted in checking an-
other Federal advance on Richmond.
Death of General Jackson. — The victory at Chancellors-
ville was dearly hought by the Confederates, for in this
battle General Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded.
HISTORY OF VIRGIXIA. 279
In the dusk of the evening of ]\Iay 2d, he and his staff had
ridden beyond his line of battle in order to reconnoitre.
As they returned they were mistaken by Jackson's own
men for Federal cavalry, and a volley was poured into the
party. Two fell dead, and General Jackson was so severely
wounded that he died May 10th. Calm and trustful he
talked cheerfully of his approaching end, saying it was
all right and that he would have his cherished wish of
dying on Sunday. Then his mind wandered to the battle-
field and he exclaimed: "Tell A. P. Hill to prepare for
action! Pass the infantry rapidly to tlie front! Tell
Major Hawks ," and then with a sweet smile he said:
"Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade
of the trees." The death of Jackson plunged the whole
South into mourning. When General Lee learned the sad
news he said, "I have lost my right arm," and after the
war he declared, "Had I Jackson at Gettysburg I would
have won a great victory."
The Turning Point of the War.— After tlie battles
around Fredericksburg, General Lee, with the advice and
approval of President Davis, determined to advance north-
ward into Pennsylvania. It was a daring move, and caused
at first great panic and consternation throughout the
Xorth. But the odds were all against the Confederates.
They were in the enemy's country. In the rear they were
threatened by General Hooker, who advanced northward
in June, and in front of them a large body of troops was
collecting under the command of General Meade at Get-
tysburg. Here the two opposing armies met, and a three
days' battle, July 1-3, was fouglit. On the first two days
the Confederates were successful, Imt on the third they
were repulsed with great loss, and General Lee was forced
to retreat to Virginia. On tlie third day General Pickett
280 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
made his immortal charge up Cemetery Ridge and planted
the Confederate flag in the midst of the Federal cannon.
But the triumph was short, as his brigade, already ter-
ribly thinned by the deadly fire of the Federals, was soon
overpowered and was compelled to retreat. In the three
days' battle the total loss on each side exceeded twenty
thousand, though the Federal loss was greater than the
Confederate. However, the Confederacy received a blow
from which it never recovered. If General Meade had
realized the extent of his victory, the result might have
been even more disastrous. But he failed to reap the
fruits of his success, and, to the great chagrin of President
Lincoln, allowed General Lee's forces to retreat compara-
tively unmolested across the Potomac.
Gettysburg is justly regarded as the turning point of
the war. Defeated in the attempt to carry the war into
the North, the Confederacy from now on was compelled
to act on the defensive. Further, all hope that the inde-
pendence of the Confederacy would be acknowledged by
foreign countries was gone. As Gettysburg* was the first
noteworthy decisive victory gained by the Federal troops
in the East, the moral effect of their success was tre-
mendous throughout the North. Though a few still de-
sired peace with the South, the sentiment was overwhelm-
ing for the vigorous prosecution of the war.
After General Lee had crossed the Potomac, he retired
finally behind the Eapidan, where he was followed by Gen-
eral Meade. No events of any importance occurred in
Virginia during the remainino- months of 1863.
Summary of Events in 1863. — The death of General
Jackson, the Confederate victories at Chancellorsville and
*It is pleasant to note tliat .Tuly 1-3, 1913. the Blue and the Gray
met on the old battle-fleld and celebrated with the utmost friendli-
ness the semi-centennial of this great conflict.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 281
in the Wilderness, the invasion of Pennsylvania, and the
defeat of General Lee at Gettysburg were the important
events of the war in the East. In the West, Vicksburg
surrendered to General Grant July 4th, and Port Hudson
to General Banks July 8th. Thus the whole of the Mis-
sissippi was in the hands of the Federals, and the Con-
federacy was cut in two. In Tennessee, though the Con-
federates gained the bloody battle of Chickamauga, the
forces of General Bragg were compelled to retire into
Georgia, and Chattanooga fell into the hands of the Fed-
erals. In the eyes of the North, Richmond, Vicksburg,
and Chattanooga were the three most important places
from a miltary point of view. Two of these were now in
their possession, and they were enabled to concentrate their
attention on the Capital of the Confederacy.
Though not so regarded at the time, the most important
event of the year was President Lincoln's proclamation,
January 1st, emancipating the negroes. After the battle
of Sharpsburg he had proclaimed that the negroes would
be set free if the Confederate States did not return to the
Union in one hundred days. As the South paid no
attention to President Lincoln's threat, the Emancipation
Proclamation followed, January 1, 1863. The thirteenth
amendment to the Constitution legalized this act of the
President, which he justified as a military necessity. It
was really forced upon him by Northern anti-slavery
sentiment.
QUESTIONS.
1. When was the battle of Chancellorsville fought, and who gained
the victory ?
2. What great Confederate commander was wounded in this battle?
3. What did General Lee say of him?
4. What were General Lee's plans after Chancellorsville?
283 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
5. Wliat battle was the turning point of the war, and when was it
fought ?
6. What was the most noted incident in this battle?
7. Why was the Battle of Gettysburg so important?
8. Where did General Lee go after the defeat at Gettysburg?
9. What were the chief military events outside of Virginia in 1863?
10. When and why did President Lincoln Issue the Emancipation
Proclamation ?
C H A P T E E XXXV.
1864.
CHANGE OF MILITARY POLICY OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
IN THE VALLEY— GENERAL EARLY'S CAMPAIGN BUTLER AT
. BERMUDA HUNDRED GRANT AND LEE IN THE WILDERNESS,
SPOTTSYLVANIA, COLD HARBOR SIEGE OF PETERSBURG SUM-
MARY OF EVENTS OF 1864.
Military Policy of the Federal Government. — Before
ISG-i the Federal Government had pursued an unwise
policy in regard tonts generals. As soon as the general in
command was defeated, he was superseded by another. No
less than six Federal generals thus fell from the high office
of commander because they failed in the attempt to capture
Eichmond. In 1864 the Federal Government determined
to change their policy and put their faith in one man,
giving him all the men and means he asked for. Their
choice was a wise one. Early in March they made Gen-
eral U. S. Grant Lieutenant General, the first time this
position had been held by any one since the days of Wash-
ington, and later on the Xorth placed him at the head
of all the armies of the United States.
General Grant had shown at Fort Donelson and else-
where in the West that obstinate deterniination which was
the secret of his final success. Eecognizing the superior
HISTOEY OF VinOINIA. 283
resources of the North, he argued that witli an army of
five to one he could afford to lose enormously and still
have the advantage of his opponent. Though there was
considerable opposition to his demand for more troops, the
Federal Government supported him loyally, and an army
of nearly a million was raised. The main body in the
East under General Grant himself was to advance from
the Eappahannock, another under General Butler from the
southeast, while a third force in two columns was to
march up the Shenandoah Valley, unite at Staunton, and
finally join Grant and Butler at Eichmond. To oppose
General Grant, with his one hundred and twenty thousand
men. General Lee had about sixty-five thousand.
Operations in the Valley. — Before describing the con-
flict between Lee and Grant a brief account will be given
of the operations in the Valley and on the James. The
forces under the Federal general, Sigel, advanced up the
Valley from Winchester, encountered the Confederates
under General Breckenridge at JSTew Market, and were de-
feated with heavy loss. It was in this battle that the
young cadets from the Virginia Military Institute so dis-
tinguished themselves that they won the approval of the
veterans in the service. The cadets, about two hundred
and fifty in number, the majority of whom were only four-
teen to nineteen years of age, reached New Market after a
long march and a night bivouac in the mud and rain.
AVhen General Breckenridge saw how young they were he
wished to place them in a safe position. But they begged
to 1)6 allowed a place in the advance, which was assigned
them. Here, under their commander, Colonel Scott Shipp,
they maintained their position with the steadiness of vet-
erans, and when ordered to advance leaped into the bat-
tery of the enemy, killed the cannoneers, and drove back
284 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
the infantry. They captured the guns, hayoneted the
Federal colonel who refused to surrender to "a parcel of
children," but more than fifty of their gallant little band
were killed or wounded. A worthy monument on the In-
stitute campus, the work of the well-known sculptor. Sir
Moses Ezekiel, commemorates this noteworthy event in the
annals of the institution.
General Sigel after his defeat at New Market was super-
seded by General David Hunter. General Breekenridge's
forces having been withdrawn from the Valley, only a
small force of undisciplined troops, under General W. E.
Jones, was left in the Valley to oppose Hunter's advance.
These troops were defeated by Hunter at Port Republic.
Hunter's aim was to devastate the Valley and destroy the
railroad at Lynchburg. Eeinforced by the Federal cavalry
leaders. Crook and Averill, he burned crops and dwelling
houses along the line of his march, and set on fire the
buildings of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington.
Finding Lynchburg occupied by Generals Early and
Breckenridge, he retreated, was overtaken l)y Early at
Salem, defeated, and driven back to the Ohio Eiver.
Early's Campaign. — After this retreat of General
Hunter, General Early, Avith twelve thousand men,
marched rapidly down the valley, crossed the Potomac at
ShepherdstoA^ai, and advanced to Sharpsburg. He aimed
to threaten Washington and thus draw away some of the
Federal forces that were opposing General Lee. General
Early's rapid advance so alarmed the authorities at Wash-
ington that they recalled nearly ten thousand of Grant's
troops to the relief of the Capital. ]\Ieantime, General
Early had defeated General Lew Wallace at the Monocacy
River, near Frederick, Maryland, and had come within
siglit of the dome of the Capitol. If he had been aware
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
285
of the weakness of the defences at Washington and the
lack of leadership in the Federal forces he might have
made a dash into Washington and have done great damage.
But, deeming his forces inadequate, he retired into Vir-
ginia the night of July 12tli, and encamped near Win-
chester, having lost only three thousand men in this
remarkable campaign.
GENERAL JUBAL A. EARLY.
General Grant, in order to drive General Early out of
the Valley, sent General Sheridan with a large force
against the Confederate connnander. Before the arrival of
Sheridan a detachment of Early's forces under General
Eamseur had been defeated at N"ewtown. Later, in con-
junction with Generals Breckenridge, Ehodes, Gordon, and
Eamseur, he gained a great victory over Generals Crook
and Averill near Kernstown. General Early, outnumbered
five to one when General Sheridan arrived, w^as compelled
to retreat before the superior forces of his opponent.
286 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Though Early's resistance was stubborn, he was defeated
at Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek, and finally
compelled to retire to Staunton. Sheridan then proceeded
to lay waste the Valley until, as he said in his report, the
destruction was so entire "that a crow flying across the
Valley must carry its own rations."
Butler "bottled up." — Let us now return to the army
before Petersburg. Butler had moved up from Gloucester
Point and, on the 6th of May, had taken possession with
thirty thousand men of Bermuda Hundred, a small tongue
of land in shape not unlike a bottle, made by the winding
of the James Eiver. Here he established his base of sup-
plies, which were brought up the river, fortified the neck
of the bottle, and thought that he was entirely safe. Beau-
regard, who had been ordered from the South, took com-
mand of the troops at Petersburg on the 10th of May. On
the 16th a battle ensued with the forces under Butler,
in which Butler was defeated and was forced to retire
within his hoftle, which General Beauregard effectually
corked and sealed by building a line of fortifications in
front of those made by Butler, making it impossible for
him to get out by land. General Grant said General
Butler had allowed himself to be bottled up.
Grant and Lee. — But these minor struggles sink into
insignificance in comparison with the final contest between
the two great leaders. Grant and Lee. General Grant, with
an army more than double the forces of General Lee, de-
termined to carry on a "hammering campaign" by attack-
ing his opponent repeatedly, and thus exhausting the
strength and resources of the Confederate army. To carry
out his design the Federal general crossed the Eapidan
May 4th, expecting to attack the flank of General Lee's
army. General Lee, however, had anticipated him, and
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 287
both armies plunged into the region known as the Wilder-
ness, near Chancellorsville. Here engagements occurred
on the fifth and sixth, in which the Confederates were
successful. From the eighth to the twentieth of May,
assault after assault was made upon General Lee's lines
near Spottsylvania Court-House. At a projecting point in
the Confederate earthworks, known afterwards as the
"Bloody Angle," the carnage was fearful on both sides,
but the Federal forces were unable to break through the
Confederate lines. On June 3d the two armies confronted
each other at Cold Harbor, the scene of a former battle in
1862, but the Confederates could not be driven from their
earthworks. In this battle the Federal loss was so great
that the soldiers of Grant's army refused to make another
assault. General Grant was forced, therefore, to change
his plans. Moving to the left of the Confederate army,
he crossed the James and determined to lay siege to
Petersburg.
In this campaign of a month the Federals lost more
troops than General Lee had in his whole army. Though
the Confederate loss was only about one-third as great as
the Federal, General Grant, by his hammering campaign,
was accomplishing his purpose even in defeat. The Con-
federate ranks could never be filled up, as the South was
becoming more and more exhausted from the long and
unequal struggle. General Lee's achievements during this
wonderful campaign would alone make hun one of the
most famous generals of modem times. General Grant,
with characteristic honesty, admitted the mistakes that he
had made, especially the needless struggle at Cold Harbor.
It must be confessed, however, that his general policy was
a wise one, as General Lee's depleted army was unable
afterwards to take the offensive, but felt obliged to retire
within the lines at Richmond.
288 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Siege of Petersburg. — Petersburg was the key to Eich-
nioiid. This General Grant recognized, and ordered
General Butler to advance against the city, then very
inadequately garrisoned. But Beauregard anticipated
him, and was enabled to hold the city three days until
the arrival of General Lee's troops. Th-e Confederates then
so strongly entrenched themselves that General Grant, at
the suggestion of General Burnside, determined to under-
mine part of the Confederate works and I3I0W them up.
The mine was exploded July 30th. Init in the effort to
make their way through the breach in the C^onfederate
lines tbe Federal troops were attacked right and left and in
front, and killed by the thousands. The Crater, a hole
made by the explosion, became a hideous "slaughter pen."
The siege of Petersburg continued for ten months. At the
close of the year 1864, Grant's army was still investing
the city. Though he had been repulsed repeatedly, the
numbers of the Confederates were slowly decreasing. By
the end of the year. General Lee had less than forty thou-
sand troops, and Grant was in possession of one of the
main lines of railway that connected Eichmond with the
South.
Summary of Events in 1864. — At the close of 1864 the
condition of the Confederacy was so desperate that it seems
strange to us now that neither side foresaw that the end
was near at hand. We have followed the course of events
in Virginia, noting Early's dash towards Washington and
subsequent expulsion from the Valley by Sheridan, the
fate of Butler at Bermuda Hundred, the campaign of
Grant against Lee in the Wilderness, at Cold Harbor, and
finally at Petersburg. Outside of Virginia the Confederacy
met with a succession of disasters. General Sherman, who
succeeded (ieneral (^rant at Vicksburg, and who had charge
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 289
of operations west of the AUeghanies, advanced through
Mississippi and Alabama against General Johnston in
Georgia. Johnston, because of his defensive tactics, now
recognized as the wisest under the circumstances, was un-
fortunately superseded by General Hood, who, after having
sustained several defeats, was finally forced to leave
iVtlanta, which fell into the hands of Sherman September
1st. Sherman, having burned Atlanta, then marched
through Georgia, leaving ruin and desolation behind him,
and took Savannah at the close of the year. General
Hood, having advanced into Tennessee, was defeated with
great loss by General Thomas at Nashville. Thus, at the
close of the year, only four States were left to the Con-
federacy—Virginia, Florida, North and South Carolina —
and there were not enough available troops to oppose
Sherman in his march through the two latter States to
join Grant in Virginia.
QUESTIONS.
1. What change did the Federal Oovernmeut make in its military
policy in 1864, and why?
2. Whom did they choose as the head of all their armies, and why?
3. What was his policy?
4. What were the chief divisions of the Federal forces in Virginia,
and what was the aim of each?
5. Tell the story of the Battle of New Market.
6. Describe Hunter's ("ampaign.
7. Describe General Early's Campaign.
8. Who finally defeated General Early in the Valley?
9. What was this general's policy?
10. How and where was Butler "bottled up"?
11. What were the chief events of the Campaign of Grant against
Lee up to the siege of Petersburg?
12. Relate the chief events connected with the siege of Petersburg.
13. What were the most important events outside of Virginia?
290 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
C H A P T E E XXXVI.
1865.
THE SUBKENDER AT APPOMATTOX CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR
RESULTS OF THE WAR LOSS OF WEST VIRGINIA.
The Surrender at Appomattox. — At the close of 1864
General Grant's large army was investing Petersburg,
while General Lee, with less than forty thousand men, was
still holding out against his opponent. In the spring he
saw that his force was too small to defend Eichmond and
Petersburg, hence he left the latter city April 2d, in the
dead of night, with the intention of cooperating with Gen-
eral Johnston, who was then in Xorth Carolina. When
Lee reached Amelia Court-House he found that the sup-
plies which were to meet him at that place had been sent
by mistake to Eichmond. He lost a day, therefore, in the
attempt to collect some scanty provisions for his starving
troops. Finding that Grant was cutting off his retreat to
the South, Lee then directed his march towards Lynch-
burg. By the time he reached Appomattox Court-House he
found himself compMely surrounded by Grant's forces,
and was compelled to surrender April 9, 1865. The terms
of surrender were signed at the house of Mr. Wilmer Mc-
Lean, near the Court-House. Southern soldiers were
allowed to return home on jDarole, and men and officers were
allowed to keep their horses, an important concession, as
most of the Confederates were farmers. General Grant
displayed great generosity and consideration to his foes at
Appomattox, as he had done at Vicksburg. However, he
did not decline to receive the sword of Lee, as is so often
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 291
asserted. It was not offered to him, as all officers, by the
terms of the surrender, were allowed to retain their
sidearms.
General Lee was even greater, if possible, in the hour of
defeat than he had been in the hour of victory. After the
papers had all been signed, he rode through the ranks of
the men whom he had led to so many victories, and these
veterans, forgetting their own bitter anguish, rushed up to
their old chief and, choking with emotion, vied with each
other for the honor of touching his hand. With tears
streaming down his cheeks, he said, ''My men, we have
fought through the war together; I have done the best I
could for you."' He then bade them to return to their
homes and prove themselves as worthy in peace as they
had been in war. By example and by precept, from the
day of the surrender till his death, he did everything in
his power to induce the people of the South to be as loyal
to the United States as they had been to the Confederacy.
Northern Testimony. — In closing the account of the war
let us hear northern testimony to the gallantry of the
Army of Northern Virginia. "If they drank the bitter
draught of defeat, it was mollified by the consciousness
of many triumphs. If the victors could recall a Malvern
Hill, an Antietam, a Gettysburg, a Five Forks, the van-
quished could recall a Manassas, a Fredericksburg, a
Cliancellorsville, a Gold Harbor. If at length the Army
of Northern Virginia fell before the massive power of the
North, yet what vitality it had shown ! How terrible had
been the struggle ! How many hundreds of brave men fell
before that result could be achieved !" But, in justice to
the other side, we too must make our acknowledgment of
the magnanimity of the victorious general. He not only
gave security of life and liberty to the soldiers who
292 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
surrendered to hiin, but when afterwards the authorities
at Washington wished to take back this promise and bring
Lee and the other leaders to trial as traitors against the
government, General Grant, to his honor be it spoken, is
said to have threatened to give up his sword and resign his
commission if the government refused to fulfil the
promises he had made.
Closing Events of the War. — After Sherman had taken
Savannah in December, 1864, he marched through South
Carolina, burned Columbia, and did even more damage in
this State than he had done in Georgia. General Hardee
was forced to evacuate Charleston, but the city, which had
been subjected to repeated attacks during the war, was
now but a wreck of its former self. In January, Fort
Fisher, near AVilmington, North Carolina, the last of the
Confederate forts to hold out, was taken, and thus a com-
plete blockade was established. ISTine days after the sur-
render at Appomattox, General Johnston surrendered in
North Carolina to General Sherman. Though .there were
a few scattering, minor conflicts after this,, the war was
really at an end.
Results of the War. — The war solved two problems
whose solution had vexed the country since the day of the
■Constitutional Convention. These were peaceable seces-
sion and slavery. Whatever may have been the views held
by the founders of the government and their successors
as to the rights of the States to withdraw from tfie original
compact that led to the Union, secession now means revo-
lution, and, according to one of the highest authorities on
Constitutional law, no State can peaceably secede or be
forcibly divided.
As we have seen. President Lincoln had no intention of
freeing the slaves when the war began. "Military neces-
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 393
sity," the growth of Northern sentiment against slavery,
the desire to weaken the South, to strengthen the North
in the eyes of Europe, and his own honest conviction that
slavery was wrong, all conspired to induce him to issue his
Emancipation Proclamation September 22, 1862, which
went into effect January 1, 1863. The thirteenth amend-
ment to the Constitution legalized this proclamation, the
fourteenth gives the negroes equal rights with the white
man, including the right to vote, the fifteenth binds the
States to observe these laws perpetually. The conquered
States were not allowed the privilege of citizens until they
accepted these amendments. Freedom to the negro was a
gift, but the ability to use this freedom wisely is a growth.
There is every disposition in Virginia and throughout the
South to accord the full right of suffrage to negroes whose
education or material prosperity enables them to exercise
this right with discrimination.
The war left Virginia terribly imjDOverished. It had
been waged in nearly every part of the State. Conse-
quently, farms were laid waste, mills and dwellings were
destroyed, banks were not in operation, and there was little
or no money. Freeing the slaves deprived their owners
of thousands of dollars of valuable property, and the
negroes were so demoralized that many of them became
idle and vicious.
Loss of West Virginia. — Then, too, Virginia, which had
voluntarily given up her great Northwestern domain to
the Union, lost during the war more than one-third of
her territory when West Virginia was made a State. We
have already referred to this fact, .but the event is so
unportant in the history of A^irginia that it is well to
explam it more fully. Most of West Virginia is separated
from the rest of the mother State by the Alleghany
294 IIISTOBY OF VIRGINIA.
^Mountains, which constitute a natural barrier between the
two. This western part of the original State was far away
from the Capital and was settled largely by immigrants
from the North and West. They had different interests
from the Virginians east of the mountains, and complained
that they were neglected by the Legislature at Richmond.
As they had fewer slaves, they were naturally not so much
interested in the slavery question. Hence, when Virginia
seceded in April, 1861, it is not surprising that West
Virginia was divided in sentiment. Many gallant soldiers
and able officers obeyed the call of the State, and served
in the Confederate army. Those who favored the Federal
cause called a convention at Clarksburg in June, 1861,
and elected Francis H. Pierpont governor of ''the re-
organized State of A^irginia." In July, two United States
Senators were elected, and in October an election was
held in wdiich a large majority of the voters declared in
favor of the formation of a new State. This State was
first named Kanawha, but the name was afterwards
changed to West Virginia. In November, 1861, another
Convention, which met at Wheeling, framed a Constitu-
tion which was ratified by the people May 3, 1862.
When the question of the admission of West Vii'ginia
as a State came before Congress it was warmly debated.
Opponents of admission contended that a State could not
be divided without the consent of its legislature, and that
advocates of the new State represented only a small part
of the territory and of the population of Virginia. Advo-
cates of admission contended that the part of Virginia
loyal to the Union was the real State, the rest of Virginia
having no existence because it had committed treason.
The latter party triumphed by the power of votes, rather
than through argument. West Virginia was really
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 395
wrested from Virginia as a war measure, and only as a
war measure was the creation of this new State justifiable.
We can now see that it is best for both States that they
are divided, as their interests are so different. West Vir-
ginia was finally admitted into the Union in June, 1863.
When the war was over, Virginia raised a protest against
this dismemberment, but it was of no avail. She then
tried to regain the two magnificent counties, Berkeley and
Jefferson, but in this also she failed. The only contest
remaining between the mother and daughter is about the
division of the debt incurred l)efore the war. In the
meantime. West Virginia is growing, cities are springing
up, her resources are rapidly developing, railroads are
being built, and she bids fair in the future to be one of
the richest States in the Union.
QUESTIONS.
1. Relate the circumstances immediately leading up to the surrender
of General Lee.
2. When did this occur?
3. What is said of the conduct of Generals Lee and Grant at this
time?
4. What were the chief closing events of the war outside of Virginia?
5. What two long-disputed questions did the war solve?
6. When and why did President Lincoln free the slaves?
7. What are the three amendments to the Constitution relative to
the negroes, and what is the substance of each of these?
8. Condition of Virginia after the war?
9. Relate the circumstances that caused West Virginia to be
separated from Virginia.
10. Present prospects of West Virginia.
296 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
PERIOD V: VIRUIXIA SINCE THE CIVIL \YAR, 1865-1914.
CHAPTEE XXX YII.
1865-1890.
DIVISIONS OF THE CHAPTER MURDER OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN DIS-
PUTES BETWEEN PRESIDENT JOHNSON AND CONGRESS VIRGINIA
UNDER JIILITARY GOVERNMENT DISASTER AT THE CAPITOL
DEATH OF GENERAL LEE GOVERNORS OF VIRGINIA SINCE 1873.
Virginia from 1865 to 1890. — The period which this
chapter embraces may be divided into two sections : First,
from 1865 to 1870, during which the reconstruction of the
State engaged the attention of the people, and, second,
from 1870 to 1890, when the State debt was the absorbing
object of interest. The first period connnences with the
surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox, when every branch
of business was utterly prostrate. The State had a debt of
over forty millions, the farms were fenceless, the stock
and farming utensils all gone; there was no money in the
treasury and none in private pockets, and the government
was in the hands of her enemies, who held her in subjection
with a rod of iron.
The Murder of President Lincoln. — Unfortunately for
tbe South, President Lincoln was shot in Ford's Theatre,
Washington, April 14, 1865, by a fanatical actor, John
Wilkes Booth, and died the next morning. For this act
the South was of course in no way responsible, but she
had to suffer for it, as she was suspected of having insti-
gated the assassination. LTnder Lincoln's wise rule the
reconstruction of the Southern States would have been rap-
idly accomplished. When he was inaugurated for the
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 297
second time in March, 1865, he had promised to act with
"malice towards none, with charity for all." He held the
view that a State could not secede from the Union, and as
early as 1863 had proclaimed that "any seceded State
should be received into the Union whenever one-tenth of
its voters" had taken the oath of allegiance to the United
States and had established a State government. Had this
wise policy been pursued the Union would speedily have
been reformed.
Disputes between President Johnson and Congress. —
President Lincoln was succeeded by ' A'ice-President An-
drew Johnson, a State Eights Union Democrat from Ten-
nessee. President Johnson followed Lincoln's policy in
regard to the readmission of the seceded States, and by
August, 1865, all except Texas were ready for representa-
tion in Congress. Through the votes of these States with
provisional governments, the thirteenth amendment was
adopted.
Owing not so much to his liberal policy towards the
seceding States as his unwise advocacy of this policy. Presi-
dent Johnson became involved in a general quarrel with
Congress, which continued during his whole administra-
tion. As the dominant radical Anti-Southern party had
the necessary two-thirds majority in Congress, many harsh
measures for the reconstruction of the Southern States
were passed over the President's veto. They were treated
like conquered provinces. President Johnson's provisional
governments were ignored, and the South was divided into
military districts. The governors of these appointed the
provisional governors of the States. Citizens who wished
to vote were required to take an "ironclad oath" that they
had not borne arms against the United States and had
given DO aid to the Confederacy. This restricted the vot-
298 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
ing population mainly to negroes and emigrants from the
North, known as "Carpet-baggers." As these white men
from the North and disreputable Southerners known as
"Scalawags" completely dominated the ignorant negroes,
a riot of reckless misrule followed.
Under Military Grovernment. — Virginia, on account of
her smaller negro po|)ulation, did not suffer so much as
some of her sister States in the South. General Schofield
was appointed first military governor of District No. 1
(Virginia) in 1867. Governor Pierpont had been re-
elected Governor of Virginia in 1864, so his term did not
expire until 1868. Schofield was succeeded by General
Stoneman, and in 1861) Virginia adopted her new consti-
tution. That accomplished, Gilbert C. Walker was elected
governor by the people. He was a Northern man and a
Eepublican, hut was elected by the Democrats. General
Grant, then the President, insisted that the vote of the
people should be untrammeled. The new governor proved
very acceptable in his office. State officers and members of
the Legislature were elected, and in 1870 delegates to the
Congress of the United States were admitted from Vir-
ginia, and the noble old Commonwealth was restored to
her place in the family of States.
A Dreadful Disaster. — The year 1870, which saw Vir-
ginia restored to her rights under the Constitution, was a
year of disaster and sorrow. A controversy was in progress
in the city of Richmond between Chahoon and EUyson,
the first having l)een appointed mayor of the city by the
military governor, while fhe latter was elected by the
people. Each held the office in different parts of the city,
appointed his officers, and discharged his duties, causing,
of course, great confusion in business. The decision of
the courts proving unsatisfactory, at length they agreed
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 299
to submit the matter to the Court of Appeals, which met
in the second story of the C*apitoL A great crowd of people
assembled to hear the verdict, which was in favor of the
election by the people. This crowd included many ladies.
Suddenly the crowded gallery gave way, and with its
human freight fell to the floor, which also gave way
beneath it, and all were dashed with the mass of debris
into the legislative hall, in which the Legislature would
have assembled in a few moments. Sixty were killed and
one hundred and twenty wounded, among them some of
tlie most valuable citizens of the State. This sad accident,
which plunged the State into the deepest sorrow, occurred
April 27, 1870.
Death of General Lee. — The following September a
freshet occurred in the James and Shenandoah Elvers,,
which swept away from the impoverished people five
million dollars' worth of property. On, October the 12th
of this year died General Robert E. Lee, the Christian
soldier and gentleman.
After the surrender, he returned to Richmond, where
his family awaited him, and casting aside his military
life like a garment, in calm resignation he took up the
every-day life left to him. This must have been a sore
trial to the brave soldier, not only for the ordinary
reasons which will readily occur to you, but because he
had been in the army since his boyhood, and it is hard
when a man has lived over half a century to change the
habits formed in youth. But no one ever heard a murmur
from him. The writer of these pages well remembers what
a blessing his counsel was to the young men returning
from the army. Disappointed and reckless, they imagined
all was lost with the Confederacy, and were ready to
desert home and friends rather than live under the gov-
ernment against which they had fought for four years.
300
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Many of them did leave,— some for South America. Some
prominent officers became distinguished in the Egyptian
army, and more than one has made a named in the army
of France. Mr. Benjamin, a member of the Confederate
cabinet, escaped wlien President Davis was made a
prisoner, and gained both honors and wealtli in the service
of the Queen of England. Few of the returned heroes
failed to uo and see "Old Mars Kobert." as thev affection-
1^
, U^jSk
ff
m^^,,^ ■ " ■ '
pMii
AKLINGTOX HOUSE, HOME OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE.
ately called him, and to each he said, "Stick to your
State. Accept the situation. You have fought for her like
a brave man, now work for her like a brave man."
He was an object of great curiosity to the soldiers
of the Federal army who were in Richmond. Every Sun-
day when he went to St. Paul's Church, the crowd of boys
in blue would part to let him pass, and I have often
HISTOBY OF VIRGINIA. 301
thought what a trial this must have been to a proud, sen-
sitive nature like his ; but no one ever heard him say so.
He accepted this as he did all the rest, with calm dignity.
Many lucrative and responsible positions were offered him,
but he refused them all to accept the presidency of Wash-
ington College at Lexington, where lie lived and died
beloved and honored by all.
An Impressive Ceremony. — The name of this institution
was changed from "Washington College" to "Washington
and Lee University" in his honor, and the noted Virginia
sculptor, Edward Valentine, of Richmond, was employed
by the Lee Memorial Association to prepare a monument
to mark his grave. How nobly he has fulfilled the trust
committed to him all can testify who have seen the mag-
nificent recumbent statue of the hero, which rests above
the grave where he lies with his noble wife beside him. He
is represented as lying on his soldier's camp-bed with his
blanket draping his form. The likeness is perfect. The
day the monument was unveiled, as General A. L. Long in
his charming life of Lee relates, "the whole immense pro-
cession went to the cemetery and placed immortelles on the
graves of the soldiers, and at the head of Stonewall Jack-
son's grave placed a bronze memorial tablet. The Virginia
orator, John W. Daniel, delivered an oration which elicited
praise from the press of the whole country. Father Ryan
recited his famous poem, 'The Sword of Lee.' Then the
multitude repaired to the mausoleum, where Miss Julia
Jackson, the daughter of Stonewall Jackson, drew back
the curtain from the exquisite marble figure."
Political Affairs. — In 1873, General Kemper, a former
officer in the Confederate army, was elected governor. He
was succeeded in 1878 by Colonel Frederick W. M. Holli-
day, who had given an arm to the Confederate service. In
302 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
1882, Colonel William E. Cameron, also an ex^Confed-
erate, became governor. In 1886 he was succeeded by
General Fitzhngh Lee, a nephew of General E. E. Lee, and
whom you have known in these pages as one of the dis-
tinguished cavalry officers in the Confederate service. In
1890, Captain Philip W. McKinney, who had served
through the war under General J. E. B. Stuart and Gen-
eral Fitzhugh Lee, entered upon the duties of the office.
It was natural for Virginia to confer the highest office
in her gift upon those who had fought so bravely for her
in the Civil War. Though it anticipates our narrative
somewhat, it may be well to give here the governors that
succeeded these. They were :
Charles T. O'Ferrall (1894-98).
J. Hoge Tyler (1898-1902).
Andrew J. Montague (1902-1906).
Claude A. Swanson (1906-1910).
Charles Hodges Mann (1910-1911).
The present governor, Henry C. Stuart, was inaugurated
in February, 1914. Since 1874 all of the governors except
one have been Democats. Governor Cameron was called a
Eeadjuster, because he was elected by the party in favor
of a readjustment of the State debt. In the next chapter
will be given an account of the Eeadjustment Movement
and of the settlement of the State Debt.
QUESTIONS.
1. Into what two periods is this chapter divided?
2. What was the condition of Virginia in 1865?
3. When and by whom was President Lincoln assassinated?
4. What was the effect of this crime?
5. What was his reconstruction policy?
6. Who succeeded President Lincoln, and what was his policy?
7. Why was President Johnson unable to carry out his policy?
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 303
8. What policy finally prevailed?
9. How did it affect Virginia?
10. When did Virginia adopt the New Constitution?
H. When were her delegates admitted to Congress?
12. What dreadful disaster occurred in 1870 at Richmond?
13. Give an account of General Lee's life after the close of the war.
14. Name the governors of Virginia from 1873-1914.
15. How many of these were Democrats?
16. Give an account of the separation of West Virginia from Virginia.
CHAPTEE XXXYIII.
1890-1914.
THE STATE DEBT THE BEADJUSTER JIOVEMEXT EDUCATIONAL
PROGEESS — LITERARY PROGRESS MATERIAL PROSPERITY THE
SPANISH WAR THE JAMESTOWN EXPOSITION THE CONSTITU-
TIONAL CONVENTION — VIRGINIA, PAST AND PRESENT.
The state Debt. — Before the war, Virginia was anxious
to develop the resources of the Valley, the Southwest, and
what is now West Virginia, and connect these portions
of the State by canals and railroads with Eichmond, Nor-
folk, and Newport News. To accomplish these purposes
she had to incur a large debt amounting by January 1,
1861, to nearly thirty-four millions of dollars. About two-
thirds of this debt was contracted between the years 1850
to 1861. The extreme western counties were almost
unanimously in favor of incurring this debt, and the east-
ern counties were opposed to it.
When West Virginia was made a State, Virginia felt
that the new State ought to pay her part of this debt.
West Virginia, in her first constitution and several times
afterwards, declared that it was incumbent upon her to
pay her just proportion of this debt, and the debates in
304 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
Congress show that slie wouhl not have been admitted into
the Union if she had not acknowledged this just obligation.
But though there were a number of conferences after
the war between the two States they were never able to
decide satisfactorily the amount due from each. The
matter finally came before the Supreme Court of the
United States, and in October, 1910, this court decided
that West Virginia's share of this debt was a little over
seven millions of dollars. This decision, however, settled
only the principal of the debt. The question of the amount
of interest due is still (Fel)ruary, 1914) unsettled.
The Readjuster Movement. — The last unreconstructed
legislature of Virginia met in December, 1865, and voted
unanimously to pay the whole of the ante-bellum debt,
al)out one-third of which they thought to be West Vir-
ginia's portion. But Virginia was so impoverished by the
war, that in 1871 she decided to pay only two-thirds of her
debt. Even this amount seemed too large to many in
the State, and those who wished to scale the debt still
further were called Eeadjusters. By uniting with the
Republicans they succeeded in carrying the legislature,
and in 1881 elected William E. Cameron governor, and
General Mahone United States Senator. By the action of
the Eeadjusters the debt was scaled even more than in
1871. After over twenty years of controversy, the debt
question, so far as Virginia Avas concerned, was settled in
1892 by an agreement which the creditors accepted as
satisfactory. The State now (1914) owes about twenty-
four millions of dollars.
The Boom Period. — In 1890 tbere occurred a remarkable
era of speculative adventure in laying off and promoting
new towns, which came to be known as "booming." Xot
since "the Mississippi Bubble" of John Law, in 1718-1720,
HISTORY OF VIHGIXIA. 305
has speculation run so riot in any part of this country. Old
fields near small villages were laid off into imaginary
cities, with streets, avenues, and boulevards of great di-
mensions; and such was the greed to make money quickly
that town lots, where there were no towns except on paper,
were sold, and several times resold on the same day, at
fabulous prices. Large improvements were projected in
the way of manufactories, electric plants, parks, and all the
adornments and conveniences of rich and populous cities.
Of course the bubble soon burst, and much loss followed ;
3'et not without some compensation in a few localities
favored by nature. The rich mineral wealth of Southwest
Virginia and the James Eiver Valley was developed as one
result of the boom, and railroad and telephone lines — both
considered important factor^s in modern civilization — were
extended. In many places where there had been only
straggling villages, thriving towns sprang up, many of
which l)ecame and have remained important centers of in-
dustrial and commercial enterprise, while all the larger
cities felt to a greater or less extent the stimulus of the
speculative movement.
Xorfolk and Xewport Xews, on the seaboard, were great
railroad systems center, became important export towns for
the products of the West and the South, and especially of
the teeming coal mines of Virginia and West A'irginia.
Coke ovens, whose fires are never permitted to go out,
extend for miles along the lines of the great trunk rail-
roads that reach deep water at these ports, where the ships
of the world come for fuel, and where tlie navies of all the
nations can ride safely at anchor in any storm.
Burning of the University. — The worst calamity that
befell the State during this period was the destruetion of
a part of the buildings of the University of Virginia, the
foster-child of Thomas -lefferson. On the 2Tth of October,
306 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
1895, the great Public Hall, containing among many other
things of inestimable value the famous painting known as
"The School of Athens" copied from Eaphael's great fresco
in the Vatican, was wholly destroyed by fire, and the
interior of the beautiful Eotunda, with a large portion of
the invaluable library, was also consumed by the flames.
The injuries to the buildings were promptly repaired, and
in the restoration, Jefferson's architectural plans were
more closely followed. The restored Eotunda and the three
new buildings at the southern end of the quadrangle form
what is generally acknowledged to be one of the most
beautiful and artistic group of university buildings in the
world.
"The School of Athens" has been restored as a fresco,
in plac.e of the canvas, special permission to copy the origi-
nal having been graciously granted by Pope Leo. The
Library has also been reestablished, and is now embellished
with a bust of Edgar Allan Poe, who was educated at the
University, and with busts and portraits of some of its
most eminent professors and students.
The University at Present. — Though the fire cost the
University books, documents, and other articles of price-
less value, this calamity was otherwise a blessing in dis-
guise. Friends of the institution hi and out of Virginia
rallied to its support, and the legislature nobly responded
to the needs of the institution. In 1904, a radical change
was made in the government of the University. Up to
this time it had lieen a "republic of scholars," with only
a chairman, selected from the faculty, at its head. The
Board of Visitors, with the consent of the legislature,
decided that it would be wise to elect a president. They
elected as the first president of the institution Edwin A.
Alderman, who l)efore this had been the head of the Uni-
versity of N'orth Carolina and of Tulane University at
HISTO.RY OF VIRGIN] A. 307
New Orleans. The wisdom of this change of government
has been abundantly justified. The endowment has l)een
increased over a million, new professorships have been
added, and the institution to-day occupies a more com-
manding position than ever in the State and in the educa-
tional world.
Other Higher Institutions of Learning. — Xext to the
University of Virginia in wealth and to William and Mary
in age is the Washington and Lee University at Lexington,
an institution endowed by George Washington, whose first
president after the war was General Eobert E. Lee. Other
noteworthy institutions are the Virginia Polytechnic In-
stitute at Blacksburg, the Virginia Military Institute —
"The West Point of the South"— at Lexington, the
Eandolph-Macon College at Ashland, the Eandolph-
]\Iacon Woman's College at Lynchburg, Hampden-Sidney
in Prince Edward County, Eoanoke College at Salem, and,
oldest of all, historic William and Mary at Williamsburg.
The Normal and Industrial Institute of more than a
thousand students, both sexes, at Hampton, is one of the
leading higher institutions for negroes in the South.
Besides these there are many others that are advancing the
cause of the higher education of young men and women
in the State. Virginia is richer in institutions of this
kind than any other Southern State.
The Public-School System. — The University of Virginia
is considered the head of the public-school system in the
State. Though first formulated by Jefferson in 1779, this
system, in its present form, originated in the fertile brain
of Eev. William H. Euffner, D. D., of Lexington, Vir-
ginia. Some provision had been made for the education
of the poorer white children since 1808, and by 1860 over
thirty thousand were educated by the State. But the
308 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
present organization of the public-school system is due to
Doctor EulTner, who was appointed Superintendent of
Pul)lic Instruction in 1870 and held this office for twelve
years. During this time the number of public-school chil-
dren increased fourfold, and the money spent on them in-
creased threefold. There are now about ten thousand
public schools for whites and blacks in Virginia, and more
than two millions are spent annually for their support.
The Normal Schools. — Schools for teaching the teachers
how to teach are a comparatively recent development in
modern. education. Besides courses of this kind given at
AVilliam and Mary, the University of Virginia, and other
nistitutions, the State has established excellent ISTormal
Schools for AVomen, the oldest and largest being at Farm-
ville, three others, established within the last ten years,
being at Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, and Radford. But
perhaps the most noteworthy recent advance made in edu-
cation is the increase of well-equipped high schools. The
number of these that give the full four years' course is
increasing steadily. Virginia has always been noted for
her private schools of high rank. With the growth of in-
terest in educatioii in all its branches, the prosperity of the
State is intimately connected, and our legislators are see-
ing this more and more clearly every year.
Literary Progress. — Virginia has made distinct progress
in the field of literature. Virginians of to-day can read in
a new and sumptuous edition the "Westover Manuscripts"
of Colonel William Byrd — a classic of the Colonial period.
It is to be regretted that the only edition of the writings
of Dr. George W. Bagby, the first and the foremost in-
terpreter of Virginian character and customs, has l)een
exhausted.
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 309
Passing by the writings of John Taylor, of Caroline, of
George Fitzhugh, of Albert Taylor Bledsoe, of John R.
Thompson, of John Esten Cooke, and of many others
worthy to be named, as belonging to a past era, it remains
a matter of pride to mention the following Virginian
authors: Dr. Alexander Brown, historian; William Wirt
Henry, biographer of his grandfather, Patrick Henry;
Philip A. Bruce, historian; Father Tabb, poet; Armistead
C. Gordon, poet, novelist, and short-story writer; the dis-
tinguished novelists Thomas Felson Page, Mary Johnston,
Ellen Glasgow, Amelie Rives, Mollie Elliott Seawell, and
many others. !N'or ought the writings of John Randolph
Tucker, on the Constitution, and the standard law text-
books of John B. Minor, John W. Daniel, and of Robt. T.
Barton, to be omitted in any mention of Virginian
authors. The writings of Washington, Jefferson, Madison,
and ]\[onroe have been compiled, edited, and published by
capalde scholars, and are still accepted as leading texts on
the science of government and statecraft.
Monuments and Memorials. — On the 39th day of May,
189U, a splendid equestrian statue of General Robert E.
Lee — the work of the eminent French artist Mercier — was
unveiled at Richmond in the presence of the largest body
of ex-Confederates that has assembled since the close of
the Civil War. Capable critics pronounce the statue a
fine work of art.
A handsome shaft, designed after Pompey's Pillar, and
known as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, was dedi-
cated with imposing ceremonies in 1894 in Richmond,
where are also to be seen statues of "Stonewall" Jackson,
A. P. Hill, and others. On May 31st and June 1st, 1907,
statues of J. E. B. Stuart and Jefferson Davis were un-
veiled at Richmond in the presence of an immense crowd.
Many cities and counties have also erected monuments,
11
310
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
more or less imposing, to their Confederate dead. The
memorials are to be regarded as tributes of affection and
tokens of loyalty to the past : in no sense as an expression
of disloyalty to the existing order.
But the most conspicuous of all the iiiuiiuments in Vir-
ginia is the one by Crawford in the Capitol Square, Eich-
MONUJIENT AT CAPITOL SQUARE, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.
mond. This was erected to the memory of the great men
of the Bevolutionary period. A bronze equestrian statue
of Washington rises from a pedestal of granite, and
around him, each on a separate pedestal, are placed mag-
nificent bronze statutes of these Virginians of the past.
Anion o; them is Jefferson, with the Declaration of Inde-
pendence in his hand: ^[ason, with the Bill of Rights;
Chief -Justice ^larshall. with a book of law; and Patrick
HISTOEY OF VIRGINIA. :511
Henry, the soldier orator, with his sword extended. The
statue of John Marshall. Mrgiuia's most celebrated jurist,
arrived in Eiehmond just at the opening of the war, too
late to be placed upon its pedestal. It remained unpacked
in the basement of the Capitol until the war closed, and
while Virginia was Military District No. 1 it was placed
in position. The Colonial Dames, the Daughters of the
American Eevolution, the Daughters of the Confederacy,
and the Society for the Preservation of Virginia An-
tiquities, have been conspicuous in awakening an interest
in Virginia's historic past.
The Jamestown Exposition. — The progressive condition
of the State made it possible for her to celebrate the three-
hundredth anniversary of the foundation of Virginia in
fitting style. General Fitzhugh Lee was the first president
of the Jamestown Exposition, but he died in li)05, after
doing valuable work. The Exposition was opened on April
26, 1907, by President Roosevelt in the presence of a
notable assemblage and with a great military and naval
display. The Jamestown Exposition was one of the most
beautiful ever held; its unsurpassed site on Hampton
Roads, its tasteful and handsome buildings, and its mag-
nificent electrical display will make it notable among
the great expositions of the United States.
Material Progress. — The varied and excellent exhibits
at this exposition demonstrated to the Avorld that the
South had recovered almost entirely from the disastrous
effects of the war and the reconstruction periods. They
showed, too, that Virginia was well in the forefront of
the progressive States. No State in the Union of similar
area is as noted for the variety of her resources. Her
mineral wealth is believed to be practically inexhaustible.
Her iiiinei'al springs continue to he the beneficent fouu-
312 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
tains of liealtli. Her fruits, notably the far-famed Albe-
marle pippins, are regularly exported for the tables of
royalty. Her wines are in active competition with the
iinjiorted clarets. Her jjeef cattle, fattened on tlie green
pastures of the Great Valley and the Southwest, are ex-
ported by the shipload. Her oyster bottoms cover thou-
sands of acres, and are susceptible of great develop-
ment. Manufactures, already flourishing, are being ex-
tended vear after year: the largest dry dock and one of
the largest shipyards on tlie continent are located at
Xewport J^ews, a mammoth locomotive-works plant at
Richmond and the most extensive zinc works in the world
at Pulaski City. And what at one time constituted her
currency and almost lier only exjDort — the celebrated
Virginia Leaf Tobacco — continues without a peer in all
the markets of the Avorld.
War with Spain. — On the night of February 15th, 1898,
the United States battleship, the "Maine," while lying at
anchor in tlie liarhoi- of Havana in Cid^a, was blown up.
and two of her otticers and two hundred and fifty-eight of
her crew were killed in the e\|)losion. At tliat time Cuba
belduued to Spain, and had for some years l)een in a state
of re\()luti(»n. Tlu' ciuelty of the Spanish soldiers to the
Cubans had alreadv caused a ])rotest from the United
States go\ernuieni. and oui- relations with Spain were
sti'ained. The destruction of the "Maine," though never
proved to ha\e Ijeen caused hv tln' S])anis1i government or
its ofhcials. so inflamed the ])uhlic mind as to l)e the cause
of war. which was foi'iiiallv declared hv Spain. Ajiril 24th,
iSiiS.
l-'itziiugh Le(>. of \'irginia. w ho had been a distinguished
Coiifederjite general of t'avalry. was the American consul-
i;eneral at Havana at that tiiuc When wai- was declared
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 313
he was appointed a major-general of volunteers in the
United States army, and Virginia promptl}^ furnished her
quota of troops called for by the national government.
They, however, participated in no battle, the little fighting
that ensued being mostly done by the navy with l)rilliant
success.
The chief result of the war was the Ulceration of Cul)a
and the acquisition l)y the United States of Porto Kico in
the West Indies and of the Philippine Islands in the
Orient. Perhaps the most gratifying -effect of it was the
actual restoration of mutual confidence and good feeling
between tlie sections that had been arrayed against each
other in tlic War of Secession. At the close of the war
General Lee, of Virginia, and General ^\lleeler, of Ala-
bama, both of Avhom had been general oflficers in the Con-
federate army, were placed on the retired list of the regular
army, with tlie rank of brigadier-general. Many other
Southerners who had enlisted received commissions in the
army and navy of the United States.
Assassination of the President. — On the fith of Septem-
ber, liMil, wliile recei\ing the ovations of the people at the
great Pan-American Fair at Butfalo, ^ew York, William
McKinley, President of the United States, was shot l\v an
anarchist, and after lingering for a few days died, univer-
sally lamented. He had but recently entered upon his
second term, and his administration had l)een so patriotic
and unsectional that it had hegun to l)e known as the
Second Era of Good Feeling, as that o( the Virginian,
James Monroe, is known as the first.
Constitutional Convention. — The State Constitution of
1867, ratified under threats in 18fin. was from the first
odious to the great body of the intelligent jieojcle of Vir-
ginia. Several of its worst features had l)eeii chauued
314 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA.
by the method of amendment provided by its terms; but
it remained a burden to the people who had had no share
in framing it. In 1901 the question of a convention to
refoi*m and amend the constitution was submitted to the
people by the General Assembly. The convention was
called, and after deliberating for many months, framed
a new constitution and proclaimed it as the organic law of
the State. Every department of the government, legis-
lative, executive, and judicial, promptly acknowledged the
constitution by taking an oath to support it.
The changes made by it are many and important, the
most important of all bearing on the suffrage — the right to
vote in elections. After 1904 no one can become a voter
Avithout an educational qualification and the payment of a
small head tax, and consequently the ignorant will no
longer be able to vote. In all former constitutions, if there
was any qualification required of voters, it was one not of
intelligence but of property.
Other changes to be noted are the abolition of the time-
honored county courts, the election of all the senators evei*y
fourth year instead of one-half of them every second year;
the establishment of a Corporation Commission, whose
chief function is to supervise all corporations other than
municipal doing business in the State; and the election
of certain executive officers by the vote of the people in-
stead of l)y the General Assembly.
Recent Political Events. — ^The era since the adoption
of the new Constitution has been marked by some
political changes. The restrictive suffrage clauses of the
Constitution have considerably reduced the number of
voters and thus accentuated the control of the Democrats,
who have been in power since 1886. In 1905 the primary
svstem of nominations was introduced for senator, gov-
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA. 315
ernor, and other officers. Increasing jDrosperity and an
improved system of tax assessment have so greatly en-
larged the revenues of the State that in 1914 there was a
considerable surplus in the treasury.
Virginia — Past and Present. — The story of Virginia is
inspiring from the time when a little band of adventurers
and money-seekers landed at Jamestowm in 1607, to the
present when she holds the proud position of the second
State in the South in wealth and one of the foremost in
education, in literary achievement, in agriculture, in min-
ing, and in manufactures. After more than half a century^s
struggle with the Indians and with incompetent royal gov-
ernors, she at last began to prosper, and at the outbreak of
the Eevolution was the wealthiest and most influential of
the colonies. She naturally led, therefore, in the councils
of the nation. Count the stars in tlie flag of our country
and note how many Virginia contributed to the Union, if
you will gain some idea how generously she parted with her
territory to strengthen the central government. When she
considered her past relations to the Union she loved and
had done so much to fonn, it is not strange that strong
men wept when in the Secession Convention they felt
constrained by love of freedom and a high sense of duty
to break ties strengthened by so many sacred associations.
This, too, when they knew that the soil of their native
State would be reddened with the blood of her sons.
Counting all kinds of combats, there were over fourteen
hundred in Virginia during the Civil War. Of generals
of every rank in the Confederacy, Virginia contributed
seventy-seven, and to her armies over one hundred, and
fifty thousand men.
Prostrated by the terrible struggle, with her social and
industrial system overthrown by the abolition of slavery,
:}16 IIISTOEY OF MRdlNIA.
slie experienced for three years the tyranny of military
rule and finally reentered the family of States in 1870.
Since that time she has steadily advanced, though very
slowly for tlie first fifteen years, until at the present
time she occupies the proud position to which we have
already referred.
Wonderfully l)lessed as \'iri;iiiia is hy nature, with her
tem]>erate climate, fertile soil, varied products, and free-
dom from earthquakes, cyclones, and floods, it is her noble
men and women who have made her great, and the children
of to-day, who read and study the story of her past, will
be the men and women of to-morrow who will make her
future.
QUESTIONS.
1. How did \'iiginia iuciir her del)t before the war?
2. When was the debt settled?
3. What part was assigned to West Virginia by tlie Supreme Court?
4. Explain tlie Readjuster Movement.
5. What disaster occurred at the University of \'irginia?
6. What change has lately been made in the government of the
University, and what has been the result of this change?
7. (iive an account of the Boom Ueriod.
8. Mention some of the noteworthy higher institutions of learning in
Virginia.
9. Who originated our present Public School System?
10. Name the leading Normal Schools in the State.
11. What is the present attitude towards education in Virginia?
12. Name some of Virginia's leading men of letters.
13. Name some important monuments.
14. Date and character of the .Jamestown Exposition.
15. Give an account of Virginia's rfsources.
16. What were some of the chief changes made by the new
Constitution ?
17. \Vhat lesson does Virginia's past teach ns?
llL^TOnr OF VIRGINIA. 317
REVIEW QUESTIONS ON PERIODS IV AND V: VIRGINIA
DURING THE WAR. IRdl-lSOo. AND VIRGINIA
SINCE THE WAR. 1805-1914.
1. Why is it necessary to go bacl^ to the foundation of the govern-
ment in order to understand the causes of the war?
8. Wliat was the general view at first as to the right of secession?
3. AVhy did this view change in the North?
4. What was the Soutliern view in regard to the rolatir.n between the
State and the Union?
5. What did the South believe in regard to slavery?
6. What was the ffifect of the Presidential Election in 3 860?
7. What efforts did Virginia make to bring about a peaceful solution
of the troubles ?
8. What was her attitude at first towards secession?
9. When and why did she secede?
10. What was Maryland's attitude?
11. Compare the resources of the North and South in 1861.
a. In population.
b. In property.
c. In manufactures.
d. In navy.
e. In condition of government.
12. Where was the Union sentiment in the South strongest?
13. What advantages had the South over the North?
14. What preparations did Virginia make for the struggle?
15. What were the Federal plans and how were they to be met?
16. Give an account of the chief battle in Virginia in 1861.
17. What were the chief events elsewhere?
18. What were the main centres of interest in the 1862 campaigns in
Virginia?
19. Give an account of .Taeksou's Valley Campaign.
20. Tell the story of the "Monitor" and the "Merrimac."
21. What was the success of the Confederates in the Peninsula
Campaign?
22. Give an account of the second battle of Manassas.
23. What were General Lee's plans after this?
24. Give an account of the Maryland Campaign.
25. Who succeeded General ^IcClellan?
26. Describe the great battle of Fredericksburg.
27. What were the chief events outside of Virginia in 1862?
28. Give an account of the most important battle fought in 1863 in
Virginia.
29. What noteworthy battle was fought in Pennsylvania?
30. What was the effect of the Confederate defeat here?
31. Most important events of the war outside of Virginia.
32. Condition of the Confederacy at the close of 1863.
33. What had been the Federal plans in regard to their generals, and
what change was made in 1864?
34. Who was appointed commandiM- in cbicf nf their forces?
318 HISTOBY OF VIUGiyiA.
35. ^\"llat was his plan of campaigu iu Virginia?
36. Wliat were the cliief minor fiperations of this year iu Virginia?
37. Give an account of the struggle between Grant and Lee in this year.
38. What were the chief events of the year outside of Virginia?
39. What was the condition of the Confederacy at the close of 1863?
40. Give an account of the surrender at Appomattox.
41. Wliat were the closing events of the war outside of Virginia?
42. Give an account of tlie formation of AVest Virginia.
43. What two great questions did the war solve?
44. What was the condition of Virginia after the war?
45. What was the effect of the assassination of President Lincoln?
46. What was Lincoln's and .Tohnson's plan of reconstruction?
47. What change in this plan was made by Congress?
48. Give an account of the closing days of General Lee.
49. Name some of the governors of Virginia since 1870.
60. Give an account of the settlement of the debt of Virginia.
61. What was the origin of the Readjuster party?
62. Who was the originator of the modern public-school system in
Virginia?
53. Name some of the chief higher institutions for men and women
in Virginia.
54. What are some of the chief sources of wealth in the State?
55. Name some important events since 1890.
56. What were the chief acts of the last Constitutional Convention?
[the KND.]
INDEX.
Abercrombie, Col.. 2, 14.
Accomac, 83, 86-7.
Alderman, E. A., .306-7.
Alien Law, 226.
Amadas, 2.
Amelia Court-IIouse, 290.
Amendments to Constitution. 29.3.
Anne, Queen, 242.
Antietam (see Sharpshurgi.
Appalachian Mountains. 107, 255-
6.
A])pomattox, 25. 290.
Argall, 55-56.
Arlington. 300.
Arnold, Benedict, 198-203.
Ashby, 268.
Assembly, Virginia, 145.
Averill, Gen., 285.
Authors. Virginia. 308-9.
Bacon, Nathaniel. 78-96.
Baltimore, Lord, 73-4.
Banks, Gen.. 267.
Barlow, 2, 5.
Bartow, Gen., 262-3.
Bee, Gen., 262.
Beauregard, Gen., 242, 288.
Berkeley, Norborne (see Bote-
tourt).
Berkeley. Sir William, 68, 70. 72.
77-100.
Bermuda Hundred. 286.
Beverley, 91.
Bibliography, just after Index.
Bill of Rights. 182-4.
B.iarne, 1.
Blackbeard, IKi.
Blair. President. 100.
Bland, Giles. 86. 87. 9S.
Bland. Richard. 146. 215.
"Bloody Angle." 287.
Blount, 233.
Boom Period. 304-5.
Bo.ston. 145. 149. 151.
Botetourt County, 153.
Botetourt, Gov., 150, 151, 153.
Braddock, 132-7.
Breckinridge, Gen., 283-5.
Brent, 179.
Brown. .Tohn. of Rhode Island.
244.
Browns. .John, Raid, 246-S.
Bull Run (see Manassas).
Burden's Grant, 114.
Burgesses. 101, 126, 137, 147,
151, 154, 164.
Burnside, Gen., 275-6, 288.
Burras, Anne, 41.
Butler, Gen., 286, 288.
Byrd, Col., 112-13.
Cabots, 2.
Cadets, V. M. L (see New
Market).
Callender, .Tas. T.. 231-2.
Camden, 193.
Capitol disaster. 298-9.
Carpet-bagger, 298.
Carver, Wm., 86.
Gary, Archibald, 181. 190.
Cassen, Geo., 21.
Cedar Creek, 286.
Chahoon, 298.
Chancellorsville, 278.
Charles I, 68, 71, 73, 142,
Charles II, 75, 98-9, 142.
Charlottesville, 195. 2.39. 305-7.
Chase, Judge, 231-2.
Chesapeake Bay. 33-5.
Chicheley, Sir Henry. 7S. 100.
Church disputes. 73-4.
Civil War in England, 71-5.
Civil War in Fnitod States.
Chapters 31-6.
Civil War in Virginia (see
Bacon's Rebellion).
Clarke, Geo. R.. 200. 215.
Clinton, Sir Henry. 209. 211.
Cockburn, Admiral, 237.
Cold Harbor. 287.
Colleges of Virginia. 305-7.
Collins. Admiral. 192.
Colonies. 112. 154. 186.
:i2o
INDEX.
187-8,
241,
•_'UM.
:^(i."i.
288.
Colonists, murder of. 51
Columbus, 2.
Coniurers, Indian, 24.
Connelly, 170, 171.
Conscience, Lil)ert.v of.
Constitution, 182, 221, 241, 314-
15.
Conventions. ^~^S. 181.
4, 314-15.
Cornstalk, 156, 170.
Cornwallis, Lord. 10.T.
200, 210, 211-14.
Crater, at Petersburg,
C/esap, Col., 155.
Croatan, 7,
Cromwell, 72-4.
Crook, Gen., 285.
Cross Keys. 2fi7.
Crutchfield, Col., 237.
Culpeper, Lord. 100-3, 121.
Customs, Quaint Valley. 115-18.
Dale, Sir Thos., 55.
Daniel, J. W., 301.
Dare, Virginia, 7.
Davis, Jefferson, 272, 270.
Debt, State, 303-4.
Declaration of Independence, 183-
4.
Declaration of Rights, 181-3.
De Kalb, 191, 201.
Delaware, Lord, 53-5.
Democrat, 246.
Dennis, Capt., 72. *
Dictatorship in Virginia. lOo.
Dinwiddle, Governor, 124-6, 131.
Disasters (see Theatre and Capi-
tol).
Discoveries, Early. Chapter 1.
Dissenters, 187.
Drummond, 84, 07-8.
Dunmore, Governor, 153-1. s((,
Duquesne,Fort, 120, 132 3. 138-0.
Dutchmen, 45-6.
Early, Gen., 263, 284-5.
Education (see Schools. Colleges,
T'niversity I.
KIizal)c'th, Queen. 2. 3, 8. 65.
E Hyson. 208.
Emancipation, 293.
England, 242.
English History,
Episcopal Church
Eric the Red, 1.
Evans, Col., 262.
Explorers, Early,
Ewell, Gen., 272.
E/.ekiel. Sir Mwses. 284.
64-8.
73, 187-8.
Chapter I.
Fairfax, Lord, 114, 121.
Fair Oaks, 270.
Famine in Colony, 51-2.
Fauquier, Gov., 139, 150.
Federalists, 225.
Federals, 260, 282-3 (see Civil
War).
Field, Col., 156.
Fisher's Hill, 286.
Five Nations, 104-5.
Flemming, Col., 156.
Forest. Mrs., 41.
Fordyce, Capt, 172,
Fowey, 163, 166.
Foy, Capt, 154.
France and America, 191.
Fredericksburg, 275-8.
Fremont. Gen.. 267-8.
French and English Contests,
122-40.
Frobisher, 2.
Fund, Common in Colony. 6(i.
Ca Uriel, 232-3.
• Jage, Gen.. 170.
(Jates. Gen., 103.
(Jates, Sir Thomas, 52, 53, 55.
Gettysburg, 270-80.
(iilbert. Humphrey. 2.
(Jold Fever. 3(t.
(Jooch, Governor. 114.
Gord(m, Gen.. 285.
Gosnold. 10.
(rovernment, forming of. 219-24.
Governors, recent, 301-2.
Granganameo, 4, 5.
Grant. Gen., 242, 282-3, 285, 286-
02.
INDEX.
321
(Ji-asse, Count de, 211.
Greenland, 1.
Oi-envilie. Sir Richard, 6, 34.
(iwynn's Island. 177-0.
Halket. Maj.. I.S9-40.
riampton. 160-8, 268-70.
Hansford, Thos.. 06.
IIari)(M-"s Ferry, 247-8. 2.">S, 274.
Harvey. Sir .Tolin. 68.
Hatteras. Cape. 3.
llenricopolis. 55.
Henry VII, 2, 65.
Henry VIII, 65.
Henry. Patricia, 142-50, 185-6,
100, 214, 224, 226-8.
Ilite, .Joist. 113.
Hobby. 120.
Holmes. Gen.. 263.
Hoolier. Gen., 276.
Horseshoe. Knights of, 100.
Howard, Governor, 105.
Hunt, Parson, 10, 30.
Hunter. Gen.. 284.
Hutchings. Col.. 160.
Indepondenee. Declaration of.
181-3. 184-5.
Indians. 4-7, 13. 17, IS. 20. 31.
30. 62, 63-4, 77-80. 85. 123-4.
130. 155-8. 170.
Industries. 311-12.
Ingram. 06.
H-isli Discovery of America. 1.
.Tack of the Feather. 62.
•Tackson. Genei-al. 24:2. 2.")S-n,
260-5. 267-8. 272-3. 278-0. 301.
.lames I. 65-6.
•lamestown, 11. K".. 23. 24. 20. 30.
32. 35, 37.
.lamestown Exposition. 311.
.Tapazaws. 55-6.
.Tefferson, Thomas, 1 10. 165. 188,
102, 205. 207-S. -jll. 230. 240.
243. 307.
.Teffries. Governor, 100.
.Tones, Gen., 284.
.Johnston. President. 207.
.Tohnston. Gen.. 254. 270.
Kanawha. 204.
Kendall, 20.
Kentucky, 225.
Kernstown, 267-85.
Knights of Horseshoe. 100.
Labrador. 2.
l,a Fayette. 101. 201-4. 200, 210.
Land Regulations. 60.
Lane. Raliih, 6.
Lara more, 86, 87.
La Salle, 123.
Laws, Alien and Sedition, 226.
I.,aydon, John, 41.
Lee, Charles, 177-8.
Lee, Fitzhugh, 312-13.
Lee, Light Horse Harry, 215.
Lee, Richard Henry, 146, 215.
Lee, Robert E., 242, 243. 247-8.
250, 250-60. 270-82. 286-02,
208-301.
Leif, 1.
Lewis, Gen. Andrew. 155-7. 178-0.
Lewis, John, 114.
Lexington, MassachusettiS, 160-1.
Lexington, Virginia. 284. 301.
Liberty of Conscience, 187-8.
Liberty, Sons of. 140.
Lincoln, President. 206-7.
Literary Progress, 308-0.
Logan, 155, 157-8.
London Co.. 10. 13. 33, 40. 65-6.
Longstreet, Gen., 272-8.
Louisiana, 123.
Ludwell, Philip, 87, 01.
McLean. Wilnier. 200.
McClellan. Gen.. 242, 268. 270-4.
McLeod, 207.
McDowell, Battle of. 267.
McKinley, President, assassin-
ated, 313.
Mackey, .John. 1 14.
Madison. 147. :-'24. 240. 241. 243.
Ma doc. 1.
Mahone. Gen.. 304.
Magruder, Gen.. 270.
Malvern Hill. 271.
Manassas. First. 260-5.
Manassas, Second. 272-3.
382
INDEX.
M;iniifactiu-es, 311-12.
Marriage, First iu Virginia, 41.
Marshall, John, 224. 241, 243.
Marshall, Major, 3 71.
Maryland, 73-4, 2.54-5. 273.
Mason, George, 147, 182. 214
215, 243.
Massacre. Indian, 62.
Matthews, Capt., 102.
Maynard, Lieut., 110.
Mercer, Gen.. 21.").
Merrimac, 268-70.
Mexican War. 241-2.
Milroy, 267.
Monitor. 268-70.
Monnachins. 36, 37, 30, 41.
Monocacy, 284.
Monroe. James, 240. 241, 243.
Monticello, 105, 208.
Monumental Church, 230.
Monuments. 300-11.
Morgan, 62.
Morgan, Gen.. 215.
MOjther of Presidents. 238.
Mother of States, 8.
Mount Vernon. 140. 220. 224.
220.
Mnnford. Col.. 268.
Navigation Laws. 75. 84. 142.
Navy, Northern and Southern.
256.
Necessity. Port. 120.
Nelson. Thos., 163, 107, 211.
New England. 243-4.
Newport, Captain, 10. 11. 12-14,
27, 28. 31, 36, 38-41. 45.
New Market, 283.
Norfolk. 168, 171, 174-6. 102. 30.-,,
Normal Schools, 308.
Norse Discoveries of America, 1.
North. Resources in I860. 255-7.
North Carolina, 3. 8.
Northern Testimony as to Civil
War. 201.
Northwest Territory. 221.
o'llara. Gen.. 213.
• )kee. 16. 24.
Old Dominion, 75.
Opechankanougli. 22. 20. 4<j-,s ijl
60, 70.
J'amaunkeo, 46.
Parliament, 71.
Parties. Political. 225.
Pendleton. Edmund. 146, 188. 215.
224.
Peninsula Campaign, 27o.
Periods of Virginia History (see
Review Questions).
Petersburg, 113, 288.
Phillips, General. 200.
Pickett. 270-80, 288-90.
Pierpont. Governor, 204-08.
Pitt. William, 150.
Plymouth Company, lu.
Pocahontas. 26. 32, 43 54 -,-;
56-9.
Point-of-Fork. 205.
Point Pleasant. 155.
Policy. :Militarv. of Federals ''8'''
3.
Pope, (ien.. 272-:'..
Population, North and South
1860, 255.
Port Republic, 267-284.
Powhatan, 11, 12. 24-28. 37-38.
44-6, 55-8, 60-61.
Presidents from Virginia. 238-0.
Presb.vterians, 74.
Primogeniture, 188.
Property. Private Ownership ,,f
60.
Prosperity of Virginia. KiO I4(i
311-12. 315-16.
Public-School System. 307-s.
Questions on Chnptci-s. end oadi
chapter.
Questions, Review on Periods
(see Review).
Raleigh, Sir Walter. 2. 7. 67.
Ramseur, Gen., 285.
Randolph. John. 220, 241.
Randolph. Peyton. 146.
Ratcliffe. 36.
Read.juster Part v. 302.
INDEX.
323
Kclicllidii, Bacon"s (see Bacon).
Kecdnstruction. 207-S.
Religion of Indians, 5, 19.
Republican I'arty. 22.'5.
Resolutions of 1798, 227.
Resources, North and South, 1860,
255-7.
Review Questions. 76-7, 152-3,
216, 249, 317-318.
Revolution. American. 158, 192,
197.
Rhodes, Gen., 285.
Richmond, 113, 158, 197, 198, 199,
203, 234, 290.
Roanoke Island, 5.
Robertson, Speaker, 126-7.
Rochambeau, Count, 213.
Ruffner. William Henry, 307-8.
Rumsey. Jas., 217-19.
Ryan, Father, 301.
Saint John's Church, 158.
Saint Pierre, 125.
Saratoga Prisoners, 193-6
Scandinavian Discoveries in Amer-
ica, 1. •
Scalawag, 298.
Schofleld. Gen., 298.
Schools, High, 308.
Schools, Normal, 308.
Schools. Public, 307-8.
Scotch-Irish Settlers in Valley,
113, 115.
Seal of Virginia, 186-7.
Secession, 251-5, 292.
Sedition Law. 226, 231-2.
Seven Pines. 270.
Sharpsburg, 274.
Shawneetown, 156.
Sheridan, Gen., 285.
Sherman. Gen., 242.
Shipp, Col.. 283.
Shipyards. 312.
Sickness in Colony, 51-2.
Sigel. General. 283.
Simcoe, Col., 199. 205.
Slavery, 61. 232-4. 242-8. 252-3.
292-3.
Smith, .lohn. 8-11, 12-16, 20-26,
28-32, 34-7, 38-44, 45-50, 51-2,
55, 61, 63-4, 122.
Smith, Gen. Kirby, 263.
Somers, Sir Geo., 52, 53.
South Mountain, 274.
South, Resources in 1860, 255-7.
Spottswood, Governor, 106-11,
123.
Spottsylvania, 287.
Stamp Act, 143-150.
Steam Engine (see Rumsey).
Steuben, 199-200, 205.
Stevens, Col., 172.
Stonewall, 262, 265.
Summaries in Civil War, end of
chapters 32-5 and page 292.
Tarleton. 203, 205-6.
Taxation without Representation,
141.
Taylor, Gen., 241.
Teach. .Tohn. 110.
Tea-party, Boston, 151.
Territory, Northwest. 221.
Texas, 241-2.
Theatre, burning of, 234-6.
Tobacco, 66-8. 101-3.
Tories, 169, 176.
Traditions. 1.
Travis, 233.
Tribes, Indian, 17.
Tucker, .Tudge, 182.
Turner. Nat. 233-4.
Union Soldiers in South, 256.
University of Virginia, 2.39, 305-7.
Valley Campaigns, 267-8. 283-6.
Valley of Virginia, 113-118.
Villiers, 130.
Virginia (ironclad), 268-270.
Virginia (State), 8, 142, 176, 181,
186. 214, 225, 238. 242-9. 254,
296, 315-16.
Virginia Authors. 308-9.
Virginia Military Institute, 258,
2S3. 284, 307.
3->l
IXDEX.
Walker. Governor. 208.
Walklate. 06.
Wallace. Gen.. 284.
Waller. Mr., 233.
War. Civil. Chapter^; :M-'W and
292-3.
War of 1812. 236-7.
War, French and English (see
French ) .
War. Indian (see Indians i.
War. Mexican. 241.
War of Revolution fsee Revolu-
tion).
War, Spanish. 312-13.
Washington, George. 119-140. 177.
189. 210-14. 221. 224, 229.
Washington. Wm.. 21.j.
Washington and Lee. 3t>l. 3('7.
Wayne, Gen.. 204.
Wealth, North and South. 1860.
25.5.
Welsh Discovery of America. 1.
Werowocomoco. 24. 41. 4.">.
West Virginia. 266. 293-5. 3«"3-4.
Wheeler. Gen.. 313.
Whig. 246.
White. .Joseph. 7.
■White-Eyes." 17<>.
Wilderaess. Battles in. 2S7.
Wilford. Capt.. 96.
William and Mary College. 105-6.
William and Mary (Sovereigns).
105.
Williams. 120.
Williamsburg. 84. 106. 124. 153.
1.j5. 162. 177, 181, 184, 270.
Winchester. 267. 285, 286.
Wingfield. 10. 12. 13, 14, 15. 26.
Winne. Capt., 45.
Wives Imported for Colonists. 61-
62.
Woodford, Col.. 167. •
Wythe. 215, 224, 243.
Yeardley. Governor. 66. 68.
Yorktown. 211-214. 27i'.
BRIEF LIST OF REFERENCE ROOKS OX VIRGINIA AND
THE UNITED STATES HISTORY.
For the Texcher.
1. Bassett's History of the United States. About the most com-
plete one-volume history. Considered one of the fairest on
disputed questions.
2. The Study of History in the Elementary Schools, 50 cents,
Scribner's Sons. Good bibliogi-aphy. valuable hints on
teaching liistorv. Covers all of American History.
3. Fiske's Old Virginia and Her Neighbors (2 volumes). $4.00.
Sympathetic, accurate, intei'esting.
4. .John Esten Cooke's Stories of the Old Dominion. For local
color.
For the School Library.
1. In the American States-men series the lives of Washington,
Jefferson. ^ladison. and the other distinguished Virginia
statesmen. Of varying merit, but exceedingly helpful.
2. The Old Dominion. Thomas Nelson Page, $1.50. An inter-
esting A'olume.
3. Bruce"s Social Historv of Virsinia in the Seventeenth Century,
$1.50.
4. Bruce's Economic History of Virginia (same period), $5.00.
o. Bruce's Institutional History of Virginia (same period),
$6.00. III. IV. and V are the standard books on the period
themes.
{>. The Old South Leaflets and The American History Leaflets
are cheap pamphlets (a few cents each) giving the
original sources.
7. Long's Life of General R. E. Lee.
8. Henderson's Life of General' Jackson. $4.00. VII and VITT
cover admirably the Civil War period.
0. B. B. !Mimford"s Virginia's Attitude Towards Slavery and
Secession. $2.00.
10. B. S. Wise's Life of H. A. Wise. $3.00.
11. C. H. Ambler's Sectionalism in Virginia. $1.50. IN. N, and
NI cover fairlv well tlie period between the Revolution
and 1861.
12. ^lagruder's Recent Administration in Virginia (Johns Hop-
kins L'niversity studies). $1.50.
13. The South in the Building of the Nation (12 volumes). A
valuable reference book.
14. Tlie American Nation Series (23 volumes). Tlie Standard
elaborate American History..
If school-teachers or superintenderiTs will write to the Traveling
Lilirary Division, State Librarian,^ Riclimond, Va.. they can
licirrow under specified conditions any of the foregoing books.
In tlie pre])aratinn of the above list the editor is largely
indebted to Professor C. C. I'earsoii. acting Professor of History
I l!tl3-litl4 I . at Washiiiiituii and Lee Universitv.
* .xV
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