Class F'cL . fe^ WILMINGTON, 'asli, Ppesenfe ^ Byljupe, EMBRACING HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF ITS GROWTH AND PROGRESS FROM ITS ESTABLISHMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME, TOGETHER WITH OUTLINE OF NORTH CAROLINA HISTORY. ALSO A REVIEW OF ITS MANUFACTURING, MERCANTILE, NAVAL, AND GENERAL BUSINESS ADVANTAGES, TOGETHER WITH STATISTICS OF THE MAGNITUDE OF OPERA- TIONS IN THE DIFFERENT TIMES AND INDUCEMENTS OFFERED TO ALL CAPITALISTS. TO WHICH IS ADDED SKETCHES OF THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS HOUSES AND MANUFACTURING CONCERNS OF THE METRDPDLIS DF NORTH CARDLINA. -BY- J. S. RKILLY. %^ ^^ ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. GENERAL INDEX. PAGE A^.ron & Rheinstein, Dry Goods, Notions, Hats and Shoes 87 Adrian & Vollers, Wholesale Groceries and Liquors 112 Atkinson & Maning, Insurance Agents JOl Ba-nk of New Hanover ; 91 Bear, Sol., Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes, &c 105 Behrends & Monroe, Dealers in Furniture, Carpets, &c 129 Bladen Steamboat Company 92 Boney, G. I . , Pearl Hommy and Grist Mill 100 Bridgets, P . L. & Co . , Groceries, &c 86 Brown & Roddick, Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods and Notions. 127 Brunhild, H. & Bro., Wholesale Liquors and Tobacco * 120 Cape Fear and People's Steamboat Company 90 Carolina Rice Mills 81 Chamber of Commerce go Chadboum, J. H & Co., Clarendon Saw and Planing Mills 77 Champion Compress and Warehouse Company. 107 Churches 32 City Government 23 City of Wilmington, N, C 12 Commercial Hotel 120 Cotton 63 County Government 27 Cowan Saw and Planing Mill 113 Craft, Thomas C, Furniture, Mattresses, &c 107 Crapon, Geo . M . , Retail Grocer lOi) Cronly & Morris, Auctioneers and Real Estate Brokers 79 Croom, J, L., Wholesale and Retail Grocer and Liquor Dealer 116 I>avid, A., Wholesale and Retail Clothing and Merchant Tailor 117 DeRosset & Co., Shipping and Commission Merchants 117 Dyer, John & Son, Tailors and Haberdashers , 99 Educational Matters, &c 29 Evans & Von Glahn, Boots, Shoes and Leather Dealers US Express Steamboat Company 97 ? financial, &c 59 irst National Bank of Wilmington '. .*,'.'. ,.*.'.'.',*.*.*. 122 Fore, James A., Proprietor Harrison Planing Mills ".*..'. ,*.'.'.'.'.' 82 French, George R. & Sous, Boots, Shoes, 6cq 93 GENERAL INDEX. Gilbert, H. D., Bakery, &c 85 Giles & Muichison, Hardware, Queensware, &c 119 Goodman, Wm., Dry Goods, Gents' Furnishing Goods, &c 99 Gore, D. L , Wholesale Grocer and Commission Merchant Ill Gore, W. I & Son, Commission Merchants 113 Green, W, H., Wholesale and Retail Drugs 122 Hansen L. & Co., Ship Chandlers and Grocers 112 Harbor and River Improvements 44 Harriss, Geo. & Co. , General Commission Merchants and Ship Brokers 125 Harriss, Dr. W. W., Cotton and Naval Stores Broker 114 Hayden, P. H., Carriages, Harness, &c 86 Heide & Co., Ship Brokers, &c 100 Heinsberger, P., Live Book and Music Store HI Heyer, Matt. J., Wholesale Grocer Liquor Dealer and Commission Merchant 115 Hicks R. W., Grocer and Commission Merchant 89 Hollingsworth & Co., Livery and Sales Stable 95 Holmes & Watters, Grocers, &c • 81 Huggins, J. B. Si. Co., Family Groceries, &c 110 Jacobi, N., Hardware, Paints, Oils, &c 109 Jones, J. H., Livery, Feed and Sales Stable 121 Katz, M. M., Staple and Fancy Dry Goods . . . 114 Kenan & Forshee, Merchandise Brokers 109 Kerchuer & Calder Bros., Wholesale Grocers and Commission Merchants 79 King, F. M. & Co., Tinware, Stoves, &c 98 Ijinder, G. W., Grocer and Liquor Dealer 89 Love, C. S. & Co., Coramisiion Merchants . 92 Lumber and Shingles VI ■J^aliard, J. H., Harness, Saddlery, Collars, &c 129 Manufacturing Advantages, &c 62 Martin, Alfred, Commission Merchant and Manufacturer of Turpentine and Rosin 102 McDougall & Bowden, Dealers and Manufacturers of Carriages and Harness 130 Mcllhenny, J. K , Wholesale and Retail Drug Store 102 Mebane, Chas. P., Ship Broker, Commission Merchant, &c 94 Metts, James J., Merchandise and Produce Broker 127 Miscellaneous Manufacturing and Mercantile Interests 72 Mitchell, B. F., & Son, Commission Merchants, Millers and Grain Dealers. 124 Munds Bros. & DeRossett, Druggists, &c 119 Munds, James C, Druggist 85 Munson's Clothing and Merchant Tailoring Rooms 117 Ifaval Stores and Turpentine Products 65 New York and Wilmington Steamship Company 94 Northrop & Cuming, Lumber, Shingles, &c 103 Ocean Carrying Trade and Shipping Interests " 51 Oldham & Co. , Corn Mill, Meal and Feed 105 Otterbourg, L. J., Wholesale and Retail Clothier 110 I>arker & Taylor, Stoves, Tinware and House Furnishing Goods 83 Parsley & Wiggins, Saw and Planing Mill, Sash, Doors and Blinds 116 Patterson, Downing & Co., (Roger Moore, Manager), Exporters of Naval Stores, &c 129 Peck, Geo. A., Hardware, Sash, Doors, Blinds, &c 89 Penny, W. J. & B. F., Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods, Notions, Clothing, &c 123 Peschau, E. & Westermann. Ship Brokers and Commission Merchants 128 Powers, E. J., Guano Company 95 Press (The), Its History, &c 34 Preston Cuming & Co., Corn Mill, and Dealers in Grain, Feed and Peanuts 126 Produce Exchange 60 Public Institutions, &c 37 R,iver Navigation 59 Robert Portner Brewing Company 80 Shotler. S. P. & Co., Naval Stores 108 Shrier, I., Wholesale and Retail Clothing and Gents' Furnishing Goods 124 Smith, D. A. , Dealer in Furniture. &c 104 Southerland, T. J., Livery Stable 101 GENERAL INDEX. Springer, J. A., Dealer in Coal, Wood and Cypress Shingles 128 Springer, W. E. & Co., Wholesale Hardware and Dealers in Agricultural Implements 115 Sprunt, Alexander, & Son, Naval Stores and Cotton Brokers 125 State of North Carolina 10 Stevenson, J. C, Groceries, Provisions, &c 86 Xabular Statement of Destination of Exports ... 76 Taylor, J. W., Saw Mill, &c '.'.... 82 The Achme Manufacturing Company, and Manufacturers of Cotton Seed Oil, Fertilizers, &c. . . 83 The Navassa Guano Company, Fertilizers, Sulphuric and Muriatic Acids 91 The Purcell House 97 The Wilmington Cotton Mills " '. 88 Thomas, Orin T. . Art Studio 118 To the People of Wilmington 77 Transportation Facilities 48 Turrentine, John R., General Merchandise and Produce Broker 121 West & Co., Wholesale and Retail Grocers 104 Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company 105 Willard, A . A., Salt and Cotton Buyer 98 Willard, M. S ., Insurance Agent 98 Wilmington Compress and Warehouse Company 96 Wilmington in 1884 22 Wilminton Iron and Copper Works 108 Woody & Currie, Commission Merchants 96 Worth & Worth, Naval Stores, Cotton, Molasses, Groceries, &c '. 90 Wright, C. B., Flour, Pearl Hominy and Meal Ill Yates, C. W., Books and Stationery, Pianos, Organs, Photograph Gallery, &c 126 TILESTON NORMAL SCHOOL, Miss Amy M. Bradley, Principal. INTRODUCTORY. It has been said, that the value of anything may be determined by the attitudes and positions you can place it in, and in how many different aspects it may be regarded. Judging by these rules we may certainly flatter ourselves that this publication is a very important and useful one. It is important and useful as giving, in concise yet com- prehensive form, an exhibit of the trade and commerce of the city, together with sketches of her leading business interests. It will be found interesting to the general reader, in that it contains as complete a record of the historical events connected with the early settlement and progress of this section as can be gathered together at this day. It will be of service also with respect to the material advancement and develop- ment of the resources and advantages of this community, presenting, as it does, some idea of the great possibilities held out to future enterprise. But we prefer that the work should speak for itself. The facts that are stated in the following pages may be implicitly relied on, for we ai;e not residents of Wilmington, and our review is an entirely impartial one. In a work of this character there is noth- ing left to the imagination, and facts and figures have been carefully gathered with the utmost care and without regard to expense. Our work, then, is presented to the public with the belief that it is as nearly ac- curate as such a work could possibly be made. Before concluding, we take occasion to return our thanks to the liberal and enter- prising citizens of Wilmington for many kindnesses and hospitalities received at their hands, and for the generous patronage bestowed upon our efforts. We are especially under obligations to Hon. A. H. VanBokkelen, President of the Chamber of Commerce; Roger Moore, Esq., President of the Produce Exchange; Col. John L. Cantwell, Secretary of the same; C. P. Mebane, Esq., and the city press. THE PUBLISHERS. THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. It would be impossible for our work to be complete did we fail to make some al- lusion to the great State upon whose broad bosom the City of Wilmington has grown, and from whose resources she has drawn the vitalizing elements of prosperity. The State of North Carolina, by ihe enormous extent of her relations, agricultural, industrial, commercial and social, has long been recognized as a leading commonwealth in the sisterhood of States. Placed under a kindly sky, in a temperate cHmate, in the center of a great civilization, midway between New York and the Gulf of Mexico, she proudly takes her place on equal terms with her sister States, and is dependent alone upon her own boundless resources and the energy and enterprise of her people. North Carolina is bounded on the north by Virginia, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by South Carolina and on the west by Tennessee, and is the most northerly of all the South Atlantic States. It is often called the '-'Old North State." It is situ- ated between parallels 34° and 36^° north latitude, and between the meridians 75° 27^ and 84°203^' west from Greenwich. In point of size North Carolina is the six- teenth state in the Union, and is almost exactly the size of England. The extreme length of the State from east to west is 503^ miles, its average breadth is 100 miles; its extreme breadth is 187^ miles. Its area embraces 52,286 square miles, of which 48,666 is land, and 3,620 is water. Its topography may be best conceived by picturing to the mind's eye the surface of the State as a vast declivity, sloping down from the summits of the Smoky Moun- tains, an altitude of 7,000 feet to the level of the Atlantic Ocean. The Smoky Moun- tains constitute a part of the great Appolachian Chain, which here attains its greatest height ; the greatest, indeed, in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. This slope is made up of tljree wide extended terraces — if the expression may be allowed; the first is a high mountain plateau — distinguished as the Western or Moun- tain Section ; the second, a sub-montane plateau, distinguished as the Middle Section, of which the western half is still further distinguished as the Piedmont Section ; the third, the Atlantic Plain, distinguished as the Low Country or Eastern Section, and that part from the head of the tides downward, as the Tide-water Section. From the first to the second section there is a sharp descent through a few miles only of not less than fifteen hundred feet ; from the middle to the low country a descent of about two hundred feet; through the two latter, however, there is a constant downward grade. The State is traversed by two ranges of mountains. The first is the Blue Ridge, a grand and lofty chain, which conforming to the trend of the Smoky Montains and that of the coast line, runs in a direction northeast and southwest entirely across the State. The Brushy and the South Mountains are bold offshoots of this chain. The second, the Occoneeche and Uwarrie Mountains, a range of much inferior elevation, whose rounded summits and sloping outlines present themselves in forms alike grace- ful and pleasing, crossing the State in a parallel direction near its centre. The State is watered by numerous rivers, many of which have their rise on the flanks of the Blue Ridge. Those which flow west empty into the Mississippi, breaking their way through the Smoky Mountains, plunging headlong for miles through chasms from three to four thousand feet in depth, the walls of which are perpendicular to the height of one thousand feet. Some of these gloomy passages have never been explor- ed ; no boat could live in such a current, and no foothold can be found along the sides. Of those which rise on the eastern flank, only one, the Roanoke, reaches the sea within the borders of the State. The rest following the line of the softest rock, meander first towards the northeast, then sweeping round with bold curves, flow to the sea through South Carolina. The principal rivers which reach the sea within the State limits take their rise in the northern part of the Middle Section, and on the eastern flank of the Occoneeche range, near its northern termination, and of these, only one, the Cape WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, 11 Fear, flows directly into the ocean. The eastern rivers are navigable from fifty to one hundred and fifty miles. By reference to the mean parallels of latitude in the United States, it will be seen that North Carolina is situated nearly midway of the Union, and, inasmuch as those States lie entirely within the temperate zone, it follows that North Carolina is situated upon the central belt of that zone. This position gives to the State a climate not ex- celled by any in the world. She is exempt from the extreme cold which prevails in the Northern States, and to a considerable extent from the early frosts which visit the States immediately north of her, on the one hand, and from the torrid heat and malarial in- fluences which prevail in the States south of her on the other. Other causes apart from position concur to produce this result, but we have not space to mention them. From the incoming of October to the latter part of December there is an almost uninterrupt- ed succession of bright sunny days, during which the air is dry, crisp and pure — a season equally favorable to the ingathering of crops and to active exertion of every kind. The reign of winter, as respects cold and wet, is short, and field labor is carried on throughout that entire season, with the exception of two or three days at a time. The average rainfall throughout the State is fifty-three inches, which is, as a general rule, uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dr. Kerr, in his Geological Report, classes the climate of the different sections of the State, with reference to their isothermal ranges, as follows : "Middle and Eastern North Carolina correspond to Middle and Southern France, and Western North Carolina to Northern France and Belgium; and all the climates of Italy from Palermo to Milan and Venice are represented." The population of the State in 1880 was 1,399,750. There were 867,242 white persons, 531,277 colored and a few Indians. North Carolina was the first State to declare herself independent of Great Britain, which was done at Charlotte on the 20th day of May, 1775, at which time the famous Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed ; and the first geological survey made by public authority in America was made by the State of North Carolina in 1823. Another fact worthy of note is, that North Carolina is the only State in the Union that fills every agricultural blank sent out by the Department at Washington, The following were the farm products of North Carolina in 1880 : Cotton, 389,598 bales; Tobacco, 26,986,213 pounds; Corn, 28,019,839 bushels; Wheat, 3,397,393 bushels; Oats, 3,838,068 bushels; Rye, 285,160 bushels; Barley, 2,421 bushels; Buckwheat, 44,668 bushels; Irish Potatoes, 722,773 bushels; Sweet Potatoes, 4,576,148 bushels; Hay, 93,711 tons; Rice, 5,609,191 pounds; Wool, 917,756 pounds; Butter, 7,212,507 pounds; Horses, 133,686; Mules, 81,871; Milch Cows, 232,133; Cattle, 425,293; Sheep, 461,638; Hogs, 1,453,541 The total number of farms in the State in 1880 was 157,609. The following figures give the manufactures of North Carolina for 1880 : Value of No. of Hands Products. Employed. Naval Stores $1,758,488 1,798 Lumber 2,672,796 3,029 Tobacco 2,215,154 3,583 Flour and Mill Products 6,462,806 1,844 Cotton Goods 2,554,482 3,232 Woolen Goods 303,160 185 Paper, Printing and Publishing 145,000 105 Carriages and Wagons 334,900 380 Agricultural Implements 178,449 257 Leather, tanned ,. 367,920 220 Fertilizers 300,000 125 No section of the country presents more favorable inducements to enterprise and industry than the State of North CaroUna. In fertility and variety of soil, unlimited mineral resources and healthfulness of climate, her advantages are unsurpassed, and offer to capital and labor a vast field for active and successful operations. 12 WILMINGTON PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. THE CITY OF WILMINGTON, N. C.-ITS HISTORY. We, of the present day, are so imbued with the notion of this being an age of progress and enHghtenment, as compared with its predecessors, that we very frequently either altogether deride the attainments and performances of our forefathers, as being unworthy of our attention, or regard them with such a cold, patronizing glance, that our approval of them is rather an insult than an honor to their memory. And yet there are times when this self laudation is not only ill-timed, but unfounded; when it would contribute much more to our present benefit, if we thought how little rather than how much we had progressed, and considered that, while running more speedily than our predecessors, we may be on an entirely different line, instead of the direct roadway which they were pursuing. It would be well, then, if every one were at least familiar with the leading events connected with the history and early settlement of the community in which he resides, and had some knowledge of the character of the people to whom the civilization of to-day is so much indebted. Of all the departments of in- telligent research, the study of historical events is certainly the most interesting, hav- ing attractions peculiarly its own. The student of human nature here finds the lives of all kinds of men, the circumstances that led to the formation of their characters, and the influence they exerted upon their contemporaries and their posterity. The student of prophecy here finds the data upon which his surmises regarding the unforseen future must be built. Gathering together the tangled webs of the past, and looking at their issues, he has some guide as to what is likely to spring from the events going on around him, and a clue to the movements and changes to which in turn these will give rise. The voluminousness of historic detail, however, brings with it one or two serious drawbacks — one is, that it is impossibe to overtake all history, and it is, therefore, need- ful to confine one's attention to a comparatively limited portion of it. It would be impossible, for instance, to write a complete history of the world for a single year — for no building could contain the books that would have to be written — a lifetime would not suffice to write it — a lifetime would no be long enough in which to read it. Recognizing the full force of what we have said, and, also, that "brevity is the soul of wit," — as well as having a due regard for the purposes with which this volume is published — we content oureslves with endeavoring to present, in as concise a shape as we may, some few of the principal events of the city's past history, trusting that we may be able to make at least some slight record of those early times so preg- nant of the city's future greatness and importance, as well as of her latter days of per- manent and assured prosperity. Before proceeding at once with our subject, it would, perhaps, prove of interest to our readers to know that there are many who contend that the name of the majestic river to which Wilmington owes her existence as a city, should be called by another name : that is to say, that Cape Fear should be Cape Fair. It is said that the name was originally so given because its surroundings presented to the early adventurers so fair and attractive an appearance. It is, furthermore, stated by some authorities that neither the cape or river were ever called by the present name until after 1750, and never officially until 1780. The preponderance of evidence, however, is strongly in favor of the existing name as against the more attractive appellation. The word was unquestionably often spelt " Fair," and there is, therefore, some foundation for the con- troversy. The true explanation of the apparent misnomer is, doubtless, to be found in the fact, that in those days a most startling latitude and license in the matter of spelling was universally allowed and most recklessly indulged in — every man being, as it were, his own Webster. Plantation was "plantacon;" proposals were " proposealls ; " grant was " grannte ; " engage, " ingaige ; " growth, *' groathe," and so on ad infitiitum. In pursuing this inquiry, it must be borne in mind that it is to the name of the cape, WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 13 and not that of the river, that investigation must be directed, as for nearly a hundred years the cape bore its name before the river was known to history. In De Bry's map of Lane's expedition, 1585, although no name is given to the cape, the two Latin words, '■'■ promontorium tremefidum," sufficiently attest the knowledge of its location and dangerous existence. In the narative of Sir Richard Greenville's first expedition in the same year, the following entry is read for the month of June, 1585 : " The 23d we were in great danger of a wreck on a breach called the Cape of Fear." Again, two years later, in the narrative of White's first voyage, we are told that in July, 1587, " had not Captam Stafford been more careful in looking out than our Simon Fernando, we had all been cast away upon the breach called the Cape of Fear." It will be observed that in those days a '■'■breach'' constituted a beach. The river at first bore a diff'erent name, being called Charles River, and it was some time after 1663, that it took the name of the cape, and was called Cape Fear River. The first settlement on what is now Cape Fear River, was made in 1659 or '60, but was abandoned in 1663. In the same year one of the first acts of the Lords Proprietors of the Colonies, after receiving the liberal grant from the Crown, was to publish an important document, denominated the *' Declaration and Proposealls to ally'/ will plant in Carohna." It was published in Au- gust, 1663, and one of the first results effected was during the autumn of 1665, when Sir John Yeamans, with a colony of men from Barbadoes, sailed into Cape Fear River in search of a site for settlement. It was one of the strict requirements of the " Propos- als " of the Lords Proprietors that for every fifty acres of land granted there should always be one man, "armed w//; a good firelock musket, performed boare, 12 bullets to ye pound, and w/A 20 pounds of powder and 20 pounds of bullets." That's what col- onization meant in those days. It was not so much against the Indians, however, as it was against the pirates, who infested the coast, and the Spaniards in Florida, that these precautions were necessarily taken. It was, probably, through fear of the latter that the Lords Proprietors were so anxious that settlements should be made to the westward of Cape Fear in order that the North and South Provinces might the more readily af- ford each other mutual aid and protection. However that may be, the first condi tion in the Proposals was: "If ye first coUony will settle on Charles River, near Cape Feare, y^ch seems to be desired, it shal be free for them soe to doe, on ye larboard side enteering. If in any other parte of ye Terrytory, then to chose eithr side, if by a rivr." The colonists were empowered to fortify the mouth of the river, and were presented by the King with twelve pieces of cannon and a considerable amount of ammunition for that purpose. Agreeably to the terms and stipulations contained in the Proposals, Sir John and his men landed on the west side of the river, selected a site, and laid the foundation of a town. In honor of the reigning King, it was called Charleston, or as it was at first, and for years afterwards written, Charles Towne. Among historians there has been much doubt and uncertainty as to the exact place se- lected, but tradition has fixed the spot beyond dispute. It was at or near the junction of Old Town Creek with the river, about eight miles below Wilmington, on the north side of the river, an evidence of which may be found, if any were wanting, in the fact that just before our late civil war an old cannon was found, deeply imbedded in the earth, and almost devoured by rust, at this spot The town "assumed immediate importance, and in less than two years numbered eight hundred souls ; and built up an important trade with the West Indies, particularly in timber and staves." And such was the desire for emigration to it from Barbadoes that the Legislature there felt called upon to pass an act prohibiting " the spiriting people off" the Island." Its prosperity, however, was but temporary, and it soon began to decline. It can now only be conjectured what caused its decay. At any rate in 1671 Sir John was appointed to succeed Governor Sayle, and together with most of the colonists sailed for Port Royal in the Southern Province, and afterwards removed to the neck of land between Ashley and Cooper Rivers, and founded the present city of Charleston, S. C. Many of his descendants are still Hving. The new town afterwards went totally out of existence, and it is conjectured by some that what few inhabitants it had left founded the old town of Brunswick. Brunswick was situated on the river, some sixteen miles below the present City of Wilmington, at the place afterwards known as Fort Anderson, which was the scene, during the late war between the States, 14 WILMINGTON PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. of one of the most terrific bombardments known in the history of modern warfare. Our first authentic knowledge of it begins in 1820, and in 1825 Col. Maurice Moore, a grandson of Sir John Yeamans, received from the Lords Proprietors a grant of 1,500 acres of land on the west side of the river, and proceeded to lay off a town on its most eligible site, which he named Brunswick. Emigration rapidly set in, and many gen- tlemen of culture and refinement, we are told, came here from both Carolina and Vir- ginia, and others from England. In the same year, also, a number of educated gentle- men, disgusted with the despotic laws of New England, settled here. It was from ancestors such as these that many of the most illustrious names in the history of this section were handed down to the present day. The exposed roadstead of Brunswick, and the discovery that its harbor was unsafe for such crafts as were then in use for bringmg produce from the upper rivers, neces- sitated a further exploration up the line of the river for the purpose of securing a more suitable place for the reception and shipment of the produce then constituting the princi- pal articles of export from this part of the Province, and the present site of the City of Wilmington was determined upon as the best for the purpose required. Accordingly in 1730 the first settlement was made, a village was laid out, and wharves and buildings first erected. It was called New Liverpool. In 1732, a survey having been made for the purpose of laying it out as a town, the settlement was called Newton or New Town. In 1735, John Watson received a grant for 640 acres of land, situated on the west side of the Cape Fear River, and including the village or town of Newton. In 1739, through the influence of Gabriel Johnston, then Governor of the Province, the name of New- ton was changed, by Legislative enactment, to Wilmington, in honor of his patron, Spence Compton. Earl of Wilmington, From this time forward the town of Wil- mington grew rapidly in wealth and population, while the old town of Brunswick sank into obscurity and decay, and was finally abandoned. It is believed by some that it was burned by the British during the War of the Revolution, but that Wilmington had previously absorbed almost the entire population. It was near Brunswick that, on the 8th of August, 1775, Josiah Martin, the last Colonial Governor of North CaroUna, ful- minated his proclamation against the famous Mecklenburg Declaration of Independ- ence, the Governor at the time being on board H. M. ship Cruiser, whither he had fled from the righteous indignation of the people. The only vistiges of the city now remaining arc the walls of old St. Philips Church, which was built, prior to the Revo- lution, of brick imported from England. The walls are two feet thick, and apparently strong enough to stand another century of exposure. It is, by the way, a somewhat memorable circumstance that, during the terrific bombardment of Fort Anderson dur- ing the late war, by the Federal fleet, on the day and night of the 18th of February, 1865, not a shell, or even the fragment of a shell, struck the old church, although its walls frowned upon the war vessels from the immediate rear of Anderson. In 1738 the Parish of St. James embraced the whole of New Hanover county. At that period there was no parish church, and in 1747 the Court House was used as a place of worship. During this year the lot upon which the Church of St. James now stands was presented to the parish by Michael Wiggins, on which the first church was afterwards erected. It was nineteen years in course of constructidVi, and when finished was a huge, barn-like structure of brick, without ornament, but of most ample accomo- dation within. It gave place in 1839 to the present more commodious and elegant edifice. An interesting incident in the history of this church is worthy of mention in connection with the city's history. In 1749 a number of Spanish privateers, availing themselves of the defenseless position of Cape Fear, entered the harbor and committed a number of depredations upon the inhabitants. The people hastily collected and at- tacked them. During the action one of the pirate vessels was blown up and captured, and a number of valuables were taken from the wreck. The proceeds of this property were afterwards applied to the building of the churches of St. Philips and St. James at Brunswick and Wilmington. Among other acts of the General Assembly of North Carolina, will be found the one passed in 1760, authorizing a lottery to raise money to build the church of St. James Parish at Wilmington, and. appropriating part of the ef- fects of this vessel to the same object. Modern lottery companies are hete presented w'th a precedent as to the righteousness of their undertakings. WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 16 Among the many curious things found in this pirate was an '■'■ Ecce Homo" a painting of the Savior in one of the scenes of his passion as described in St. John xix, 5. This valuable painting is still preserved in the vestry of St. James' Church, and probably came into possession of the pirates in one of their marauding descents upon the South American or West Indian coasts. In 1758 sixty persons owned houses in the town of Wilmington, valued in the ag gregate at $6,625. In 1762 the population of the place approximated one thousand persons. February 25th, 1760, the citizens were granted a charter erecting Wilming- ton into an incorporate borough, to consist of a Mayor, a Recorder and eleven Alder- men. John Sampson was chosen Mayor and Marmaduke Jones, Recorder. Among those elected Aldermen were Cornelius Harnett, Dan. Dunhibben, Arthur Mabson, Sam. Green and Moses John De Rossett. The borough had power to enact its own laws and send a representative to the General Assembly. It seems, however, that a portion of this charter must have subsequently been set aside, as we find that afterwards the names of five gentlemen chosen appear as Commissioners. In September, 1761, a violent equinoctial gale raged along the coast of Cape Fear. It lasted four days, and was very disastrous in its effects. Such was the fury of the storm, that the waves forced open a new passage from the river to the ocean, and what is known as the New Inlet, which has lately been closed at so much trouble and expense, dates its existence from this time. On September 1, 1764, the first newspaper ever published in Wilmington made its appearance. It was called the Cape Fear Gazette and Wilmington Advertiser, and was edited and published by Andrew Stewart. North Carolina is certainly entitled to precedence of the other colonies in taking steps toward throwing off the British yoke, for at Charlotte, m Mecklenburg County, on the 20th of May, 1775, there was drawn, signed and sealed, the famous Mecklenburg Declaration of Independance. But Cape Fear, as a section, anticipated the action of the State. The Stamp Act received the King's assent March 22d, 1765. The people of North Ca^rolina were so warm in their indignation, and so violent in their opposition to this flagrant violation of the rights of the colonists, that Governor Tryon, who was called by the Indians the "Great Wolf of Carolina," was afraid to con- vene the General Assembly. Early in 1766 the British sloop-of-war. Diligence, arrived in the river Cape Fear, having on board the stamped paper destined for the use of this Province, and on the 6«;h of January the Governor issued a proclamation announcing the circumstance, and calling on all persons authorized to act as distributors of the stamps to make application therefor to the commander of the sloop. But on the first notice of the arrival of this vessel. Col. John Ashe, of the County of New Hanover, and Col. Waddell, of the County of Brunswick, assembled the militia of the two counties, and marched at their head to the town of Brunswick, where the sloop was anchored, and notified its com- mander of their intention to resist the landing of the stamps. It was judged best by him not to make the attempt. A party was then left to watch the movements of the sloop, and the rest of the militia marched back to Wilmington, carrying with them one of the boats belonging to the vessel. Having fixed a mast in it, with a flag attached, they hoisted it on a cart and drove triumphantly through the streets of Wilmmgton — the inhabitants all joining in the procession. At night the whole town was illummated. On the next day a great concourse of people, headed by Col. Ashe, proceeded to the residence of the Governor, then situated on the south side of what is now Market street, between Front and Water streets, and demanded audience with James Houston, one of the Council, who had been appointed Stamp-Master for the Province. The Gov- ernor first declared his intention not to allow it, unless Houston would come willingly, but the people threatened to set fire to the house, and proceeded to make preparations for so doing. The Governor then requested Col. Ashe to step inside and talk over the matter with the Stamp-Master, when Houston, finding himself so obnoxious to the peo- ple, went with them to the market house, where he took a solemn oath not to proceed with the duties of his office, whereupon the people gave him three cheers and con- ducted him back to the Governor. Thus ended the first overt act of armed resistence to the British Crown. In the latter part of February, at a general militia meeting in IB WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND t"UTtJRE, the town of Wilmington, the Governor offered to the people there assembled a barbe- cued ox and a number of barrels of beer. They were refused ; the ox was thrown in the river and the beer poured out on the ground. The Stamp Act was repealed, and on the 26th of June the Mayor, Alderman and Recorder of Wilmington presented an address to the Governor, congratulating him upon the fact. This manly resistance to oppression on the part of the people of the Cape Fear section, was but the first exhibi- tion of a valor and patriotic enthusiasm that soon brought about a revolution against the most powerful Government on the face of the earth, which finally resulted in the establishment of American liberty and independence. In August, 1774, the citizens of Wilmington sent to the relief of the people of Boston, who were then suffering many privations from the arbitrary enactments of the British,' a large sum of money and a vessel of provisions. The vessel was tendered free of cost by Parker Quince, Esq. , and the captain and crew refused any compensa- tion whatever for their services. On the 19th of June, 1775, after the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence had been signed, the citizens of Wilmington assembled themselves together and unani- mously resolved themselves into an association, whose avowed object was resistance to the Government of Great Britain by an appeal to arms. A committee of safety was appointed, which remained in office until February 1776, and means of defence aganst the British were mimediately collected and arranged. War was immment, and the ut- most prudence and foresight were exercised in making the necessary preparations to meet the emergency. Knowing that they occupied a revolutionary aspect, and that they were at any moment liable to British attack, these patriots did not hesitate. They fully appreciated the fact that Fort Johnson was the key to the district; knew that it was defended by British bayonets, and that Gov. Martin, the executive head of affairs in the State, had there taken refuge. They were fully aware, also, that the guns of the British man-of-war. Cruiser, commanded the place. Yet, in the face of all this, they were determmed that Fort Johnston should be reduced. Thoroughly frightened by the demonstrations of the colonists, Gov. Martin caused the guns and stores of the Fort to be removed to the Cruiser, and was preparing to follow them himself, when on the 18th of July, Col. John Ashe and his followers appeared before the walls of the Fort. Martin immediately fled to the ship, the works at Fort Johnson were burnt and destroyed under its very guns, and Col. Ashe and his men returned to Wilmington. In the language of another, " Thus, nobly upon the Cape of Fear, closed the first act of the drama, and when the curtain rose again, George, by the grace of God, King, was King no longer, but the Constitution reigned, and the free people of North Carolina governed themselves." J3uring the Revolution, the town of Wilmington became a place of much miUtary importance. The most important event of this period, perhaps, as regards the town of Wilmington, was the battle of Moore's Creek, which occurred about eighteen miles from the city, where the county bridge now crosses that stream. It was fought on the 27th of February, 1776, between the Scotch Tories, under Brigadier General McDonald, and a small body of patriot Whigs, under Colonels Caswell and Lillington. The Tories were on their way to Wilmington to effect a junction with Sir Peter Parker and Major- General Sir Henry CUnton, who arrived in Cape Fear with a military and naval arma- ment, on April 18th, 1776. The Tories were completely routed with great loss of both men and arms. The victory was an exceedingly important one, for the reason that it entirelv broke up an intended British campaign in North Carolina. Clinton, being sorely disappointed at the result, and despairing of obtaining a foot-hold in the Cape Fear section, after landing with a part of his troops and devastating a portion of Bruns- wick County, re-embarked and sailed for Charleston on the 4th of June. In 1780 the town of Wilmington became one of the military posts of the British army in America, and a dwelling house at the corner of Third and Market streets was used as the headquarters of Lord Cornwallis during the occupancy of the town by the British. The enclosure around the graveyard of St. James Church was removed, the edi- fice stripped of its pews and other furniture, and converted first into a hospital, next into a block-house for defence against the Americans, and last into a riding school for the dragoons of Tarleton. This old and historic church could lay no claims in those WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 17 days to architectural beauty. It was built of brick, and extended thirty feet into what is now Market street — standing about fifty yards east of the site of the present edifice. During the Revolutionary period the history of the town became blended with the records of the common country, and we hasten on. During the period extending from the close of the Revolution to the second war with Great Britain, the people of Wilmington and its vicinity were distinguished for gaity, cordiaHty, generosity and sociability. Many opulent planters made the town their residence for a part of the year. Men of leisure, in conjunction with gentlemen of the liberal professions, moderated and refined the spirit of trade, and gave an elevated tone to society. The woods furnished game in abundance, and the river and neigh- boring ocean many varieties of fish. Racing was greatly indulged in, and gentlemen prided themselves, rather upon the quality of their horses than the style of their equi- pages. Style was hardly considered of so much importance then as now. In the wars of 1812 and with Mexico, Wilmington was not behind in zeal and pa- triotism, and the blood of many of her sons was shed upon the heights and plains of Monterey, Buena Vista and Palo Alto. Prior to the late civil war Wilmington had become one of the most prosperous and wealthy cities in the South. With a safe and convenient port, the outlet of the most highly productive portions of this great State, her trade and commerce had grown to extensive proportions, and an era of unbounded prosperity was being enjoyed. But cruel war came again, commerce was prostrated, trade paralyzed and society complete- ly demoralized for the time. Every available man was needed in the Southern armies, and the port was blockaded by the Federal fleet. Although the State did not secede until the 20th of May, 1861, she had for more, than a month been committed to the act. The news of the bombardment and capture of Fort Sumter by the Provisional forces, on the 14th of April, fired the people of North Carolina with patriotic zeal, and fearful lest Forts Caswell and Johnston, at the mouth of Cape Fear River, should fall into the hands of the enemy, the young men of Wilmington rushed to arms. On the 15th of April, Col. John L. Cantwell, then commanding the 30th regiment of the North Carohna militia was ordered to proceed, with the volunteer companies under his com- mand, to Smithville and Caswell and occupy the forts there. This order was counter- manded on the same day, but on the day following a final telegram was received from Governor EUis directing his previous order to be at once put into execution. On the morning of that day, therefore, four volunteer companies from this city, the Wilming- ton Light Infantry, Capt. Wm. L. DeRossett; the Wilmington Rifle Guards, Capt. O. P. Meares; the German Volunteers, Capt. C. Cornhelson, and the Cape Fear Light Artillery, Capt. John J. Hedrick, embarked for the forts below. This, and the almost simultaneous seizure of Fort Macon, in Beaufort Harbor, was the signal for the revolu- tion in North Carolina. It is certainly a fact worthy of note that the news of the secession of the State from the Federal Government, and the call upon her people to arm themselves, was first made known to the pioneer troops of Cape Fear upon the parade ground of Fort Caswell. .These four companies were the first in this section to take active part in the commencement of hostilities, and eventually gave to the war some of the most illustrious names that the South can boast. In the meantime troops began to assemble from all parts of the State, and the most distinguished men of the time offered themselves to the Executive for service. The terrific struggle between North and South began in earnest, and troops were rapidly advancing to the front. A Federal blockade was soon placed upon Southern ports, nothingbut battles were thought or spoken of, and commercial enterprise was looked upon as a thing of the past. Cape Fear River, though unmolested until near the close of the war, ere long was - recognized as one of the few links connecting the Confederacy with the outside world. The low, swift, English-built blockade runner became a frequent guest in these waters, and revived to some extent the dormant spirit of commercial enterprise, and the city began to assume some appearance of its former activity. Merchants and ship agents from abroad flocked to the city, railroad trains were filled with cotton and naval stores, either for the Government or private parties, and new buildings and warehouses were erected to accomodate the increasing supplies arriving here, both for exportation and for 3 18 WILMINGTON, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. the Southern Army. The Army of Northern Virgmia, in 1863 and '64, drew much of its supplies from this source, and a large per centage of the army munitions furnished to the different ordnance and quartermaster departments of the Confederate States was received by blockade runners through this port. The importance of Wilmington as a post was not lost upon the Confederate Government, even as early as the first year of the war. Generals Gatlin, Anderson and French being successively placed in com- mand, new works were projected, new fortifications built and requisitions made upon the War Department for men and material for the construction of ttiese defences. Yet work was delayed by the want of energy and skill of those commanding the depart- ment, and it was not until November, 1862, that operations were commenced in earnest. In that month General W. H. C. Whiting, by order of the War Department, assumed command of the post and the supervision of the Cape Fear defences. Then the work commenced with vigor. The works at Fort Fisher were energetically pushed forward to completion. Smith's Island was cleared, and the foundation of Fort Holmes established. Fort Pender, at Smithville, was built, and soon the guns of Fort Anderson, first called Fort St. Philip, the last great work of the defences which fell to the Federal hands, frowned from the heights of Old Brunswick. No means were spared, and no labor was begrudged that could contribute to the defence of the river. Day by day the work went bravely on, new additions were constantly made to its defensive strength, until at length numerous guns looked forth threateningly to the sea from the five principal forts of the river. Torpedoes and sunken obstructions were placed in the river, batteries frowned from every bluff and the city itself was surrounded with a chain of entrench- ments. Of so great an importance to the Confederacy, and one of its chief strongholds, it appears strange that Wilmington should have escaped attack until during the last year of the war. The nature of the coast and the known strength and durability of the fortifications were enough, it seems, to deter the hazard of an attempt until December 23d, 1864. On that day, memorable for all time, the Federal fleet appeared in the off- ing opposite Fort Fisher, and at about two o'clock that night, Butler's Yankee Toy, the powder boat, was exploded near the works with no other result than that of affording the Confederates a gratuitous display of fire-works. The next day the Federal fleet, numbering fifty-two vessels, was ranged in line of battle opposite the fort, and at about noon opened a terrific bombardment. The fort replied slowly but steadily, until after an uninterrupted contest of five hours, the fleet retired. On the next day the bombard- ment was resumed with redoubled vigor, and with a force up to that time unprecedented in the history of the world. Shot and shell were literally hurled in an almost solid mass at the fort, and the air was filled with flying fragments. The gallant defenders held manfully to their posts and hurled defiance back. In the midst of the fight a landing was effected by the enemy at Anderson Battery, at the head of the Sound, and they ad- vanced to attack the fort. Their assault was assisted by an increase of fire from the fleet, which endeavored to prevent the Confederates from manning the parapet to resist the attack. Gen. Whiting and Col. Lamb, who were in command of the fort, were the first at the post of danger, and encouraged by their brave example, the men swarmed to the parapet, and the enemy were driven back to their entrenchments. That night the entire fleet was withdrawn. Shortly afterwards the land forces also re-embarked on their transports, and the Federal force left for the North, defeated. Over twenty thou- sand shot and shell had been expended by the fleet in their futile attempt to reduce the fort. The strength of Fort Fisher, as a defensive work, was vastly overrated by the Federal commanders, and it could easily have been taken by Butler at this time if a concentrated effort had been made. Its chief value to the Confederacy lay in the aid it afforded blockade runners in entering or leaving the port. We must now pass over many acts of heroism on the part of the brave detenders of Fort Fisher, the memory of which will forever be cherished in the fond recollections of this people, and can only mention that litde band of boys, yet children, who constituted the only defence of their mothers and sisters in Wilmington at this time, who alone stood guard over the pris- oners at this city on the night of the great bombardment, and who were "as true to the trust confided to them as if their leader had numbered fifty instead of fifteen years." WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 19 The fatal ti.ne soon came, however, when Fort Fisher was doomed to fall, and when the Confederacy was destined to receive a vital blow, from the effects of which it never recovered. Suddenly and without warning the Federal fleet again appeared before Fisher on the 13th of January, 1865, Troops were landed at Anderson Battery, and when Gen. Hoke arrived later in the day with his division, he found the line of the enemy confronting him, stretched across the entire peninsula from ocean to river. At the first news of the intended attack. Gen. Whiting had hurried to the assistance of Col. Lamb, and these two heroes of the first great battle made vigorous prep iration for a second defence. Although not ex ictly in the nature of a surprise, the attack came at a most inauspicious moment. Forts Fisher, Caswell, Anderson, Pender and Holmes, near the mouth of the river, and comprising the defensive strength of the Cape Fear, had become almost entirely stripped of troops for action at other points, and the divis- ion under Gen. Hoke was then stationed at or near Wilmington, but between Fisher and Wilmington there intervened some twenty miles of sandy, tedious road. At about two o'clock on the morning of the 13th, Hoke's command left for the tort, but arrived too late to prevent the landing of the troops. In the meantime Gen. Whiting had left for the front. About noon on the 13th the fleet opened fire upon the fort, and a more terrific and terrible bombardment than the first one ensued. The eneriiy's object was plainly apparent. It was their intention to cripple the fort as much as possible by the fire of the fleet, and to make easy a projected assault by the land forces. Success re- warded their efforts. So terrible was the fire of shot and shell that it was almost im- possible to man the guns of the fort, and the garrison were driven to the bomb-proofs and kept closely confined there. From noon on the 13th until three o'clock on the afternoon of the 15th, a period of fifty-one hours, the terrific bombardment was con- tinued without intermission. At the last nimed hour the fire of the fleet was suddenly raised, and the land forces were discerned moving to the assiult of the fort. The as- sault was mide in two columns, each advancing to different points of attack. The first nnmbered about two thousand anl wis composed of sailors and mirines, who moved up the line of the sea beach, while the other, numbering four tho isand, charged along the bank of the river, and made their attack on the left land flank of the fort. The first column mentioned vvas easily driven back, and made no second attempt. The sec- ond was temporarily checked in its advance, but upon being strengthened by reinforce- ments, again advanced and succeeded in entering the fort. But Fort Fisher did not even then yield witho.it a find and desperate struggle. The Confederates fell back in disorder, but not in confusion, and stubbornly contested every foot of the enemy's ad- vance. From traverse to traverse they, retreating, fought the overwhelming force of numbers, driving them back. The fight was continued in this way for six hours, until at length the last traverse was torn from the hands of these brave defenders, and they were forced beyond the enclosure of the tort. Thus was Fort Fisher captured — it never surrendered. The conflict ceased, and at about midnight, there being no means of escape to the main land, Gen. Whiting was compelled to surrender his command as prisoners of war. In this engagement the loss of the Confederates although severe, was not nearly so large as that of the Federals. The losses of the former amounted to two hundred and fifty killed, wounded and missing, while the latter lost over eight hundred. So Fort Fisher fell, and on the same night the works south of it, and commanding Main Bar, consist- ing of Forts Caswell, Holmes and Pender, were destroyed and abandoned, and their garrisons removed to Fort Anderson. It was plain to be seen that Wilmington must eventually fall into the hands of the enemy. But Fort Anderson, on the site of the ancient city of Brunswick, still defiantly commanded the approach to the city. The river vvas filled with torpedoes and sunken obstructions, and Gen Hoke was strongly entrenched between the advancing army and Wilmington. On the 17th of February a portion of the Federal fleet steamed up the river and commenced the bombardment of Fort Anderson. The fire was returned as slowly and deliberately as if the garrison were at target practice. In the meantime Gen. Schofield had marched up from Smithville with a land force of eight thousand men, to co-operate with the fleet in the reduction of the fort. He was confronted by Hagood's brigade, which had been thrown over by Hoke to the assistance of the fort, 20 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. and which was strongly entrenched, presenting an effectual barrier to his advance. Hagood's left rested on the fort and his right on Orton Mill Pond. Finding his path so completely obstructed, Schofield made a detour to his left around the pond, which was about nine miles in circumference, with the intention of striking Hagood on the flank. This movement could not be opposed with the small force on hand, and the immediate evacuation of Anderson became an imperative necessity. On Sunday, the 19th, before daylight, the guns were spiked and the garrison quietly withdrew. This fort had been considered almost impregnable, and it has been often contended that, if a sufficient land force had been available to protect its rear, it could never have been taken. As it was, the bombardment left it comparatively uninjured. The garrison retreated rapidly, and paused the same day at Town Creek, where a few entrenchments had been hastily thrown up. On the next day the line of retreat was resumed, and that night they reached Wilmington. On the following day the advance of the Federals could be plainly seen marching along the causeway on Eagle's Island, but a shell fired from the corner of Front and Market streets' informed them that the defenders of An- derson were in the city, and suddenly checked their onward march to take possession, which they had supposed an easy undertaking. They again endeavored to advance, but a few more shell drove them back in confusion. Skirmishers were then sent forward by both sides. In the meantime, as soon as Anderson had been evacuated, Hoke had gradually fallen back upon the city, but still presenting a defiant front. On the mornmg of the 21st he reached Wilmington and effected a junction with Hagood and Hedrick. Then it was that Wilmington was evacuated, the enemy entering the next day, and with it expired the most sanguine hopes of the final success of the Confederate cause. We reluctantly pass over many of the incidents connected with the occupation of the city by the Federal forces, nor would it serve any purpose to relate many of the events then transpiring. There is one incident of the Federal occupation, however, the actors in which are still living, which viewed in any light reflects neither reputation or credit upon the officers in command. The Rev. Dr. Watson, who was at the time rector of the church of St. James, was ordered by Federal authority to offer prayer in the church service for the President of the United States, instead of the President of the Confederate States. Feeling that he had no canonical right to do so, Dr. Watson refused, whereupon the keys of the church were seized by order of Major-General Schofield. Subsequently Brigadier- General Hawley — who is now a United States Sen- ator from Connecticut — ordered that the edifice itself be seized and converted into a hospital. Members of its congregation, now living, begged him to spare their be- loved church and offered him any number of more suitable and convenient places for the purpose. But he was inexorable and commanded a force of twenty-five negro soldiers, in charge of a negro officer, to proceed to the building with pick-axes and tear out the pews and other furniture. His orders were obeyed, the pews were thrown into the street by negroes, and for the second time in its existence the historic and ven- erable church of St. James was turned into a military hospital. Hawley is a North Carolinian by birth, having been born in Robeson County, but while an infant his parents removed to that land of morality — Connecticut. During his occupation of this city he boastingly averred that he had returned to his native State to teach the people "correct principles." The conduct of this moral educator of the people would certainly seem to indicate that during his sojourn in Connecticut he had acquired peculiar notions as to what constituted correctness of principle, and that a preliminary step in this branch of knowledge consisted in the wanton and uncalled for desecration of a house of God. We are free to confess that, to those not so enlightened as Senator Hawley, his conduct on the occasion we have mentioned would appear to in- dicate a most unfortunate ignorance of the ordinary decencies of life and an entire absence of reverence for the Almighty. Before drawing the curtain upon the events of the war, we may be pardoned a few words in regard to the swift and silent blockade runners, whose incomings and out- goings gave to Wilmington so much of commercial importance during 1863 and '64. The blockade runners were English steamers built more for speed than carrying capacity. They were painted a French gray or lead color, which blended with the atmosphere so WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 21 as to make detection extremely difficult. They carried a pilot and signal officer, and when ready to leave port, dropped down the river near the mouth of the inlet, waiting for a dark night to slip out. The guns of Fort Fisher commanded the entrance to the harbor, and no vessels could pass in or out without the knowledge of those within the fort. Signals were consequently arranged, and an officer placed on board each ship in control of that branch of the service, and by such means those in command of the fort could easily distinguish friend from foe. In running into the harbor the same precau- tions were necessary. When a runner approached the fort, which was of course always at night, the signal officer on board displayed a peculiar light and made a certain sig- nal, which was answered by the fort, and she then passed in without molestation. The blockading fleet lay some four or five miles distant from the fort, and the danger of run- ning in or out was the risk of capture by them. In making the passage the ship displayed no light, and the most rigid discipline was enforced. It frequently happened that in the darkness they ran so near to the blockading fleet as to be heard by them, the noise of the wheel betraying their presence. Rockets would immediately be sent up and a fire opened. If coming m, a dash was then made to get under the guns of the fort; if going out, all steam was raised and a chase of the most exciting character began, the ships dashing through the water at a tremendous rate, the blockader firing continu- ally at the fleeing runner, hoping by a well directed shot to disable her, and the latter using every means that skill and ingenuity could suggest to effect her escape. A great portion of the cargo was frequently thrown overboard to avoid capture, and instances were not infrequent when large amounts in gold, which were shipped out for foreign purchases were tossed into the sea when escape became impossible. In the early days of blockade-running the ships engaged were rarely captured, as they were much faster than the vessels of the blockading fleet, having been built expressly for the business, but very soon ships equally fast were obtained by the Federal Government, rendering escape more difficult. It is remarkable, when the risk attending the running is consid- ered, that so little damage should have been done to life and property. There was but one life lost during the entire time, and but very few were injured. Some vessels were run upon the beach to prevent capture, but none were sunk outright by the blockading fleet, and individual acts of heroism were frequent. It is greatly to be regretted diat a correct record has not been preserved of the blockade steamers and their operations in Cape Fear River during the four years of the war, and any account of the same that can now be given is but partially correct. From private memoranda the following figures are given and may be relied upon as being substantially correct: The number of vessels from May the 20th, 1863, to December 31st, 1864, was about 260; prior to May 20th, 1863, 15, and after December 31, 1864, 10, mak- ing a grand total of 285. There is no record extant of the imports and exports during that period. After the close of the war, and upon the reopening of the port, the most gloomy anticipations as to the future were indulged. Little cotton and scarcely any turpen- tine had been produced during the war, and it was generally supposed that home manu- facture and foreign shipment had exhausted the last bale and barrel of each. But as soon as it was ascertained that shipments could be made North with perfect security, the market became flooded with both cotton and naval stores, commerce suddenly re- vived and Wilmington began to rise again to commercial importance in the maritime world. A direct foreign trade began to be established and shipments were made to the principal points in Europe, the West Indies and South America. On the 20th of February, 1866, the act incorporating Wilmington into a city was ratified by the Legislature, and on Thursday, the 8th day of March, it was accepted by the citizens through the ballot-box. On the same day Hon. A, H. Van Bokkelen was elected the first Mayor of the City of Wilmington, and on the 10th day of March he entered upon the duties of his office. At the same election S. D. Wallace, R. J. Jones, James G. Burr, James H. Ryan, W. H. Lippitt, O. G. Parsley, A. E. Hall and Wm. A. Wright were chosen Aldermen. From this time to the present the City of Wilming- ton has steadily and surely progressed in population, wealth and commercial importance, 22 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. and, in proportion to her population, is to-day beyond all question the most prosperous city in the South. We have thus, with feeble pen, briefly, but to some purpose we may hope, traced the history of the Cape Fear region down to a period within the recollection of all. Through the terrible and trying ordeal of war this city has bravely passed, coming forth like iron from the furnace strengthened and purified, and to day her diversified in- dustries give forth those sounds of prosperity and general well-being which quicken the pulse of a nation and prolong the life of a republic. But in the prosperity of to-day may the memory of the glorious past be ever fondly cherished, and as the ancients were wont to twine the dark wreath of the cypress with the amaranthus and the rose, so let us join the memory of days gone by with the golden opportunities of the present and the briUiant promise of the future. WILMINGTON IN 1834. No one can visit the city of Wilmington to-day and fail to be impressed with the many signs and indications of growing wealth and prosperity which abound on every hand. Here will be found all public buildings and institutions usual to a commercial city of metropolitan proportions, as for instance a U. S. Custom House, U. S. Marine Hospital, U. S. Signal Service station, Seamen's Home and Bethel, a city hospital, eight newspaper publications, thirty-eight churches and twenty eight public and private schools. The city is in latitude 34° 12' and in longitude 77° 6'. It is situated upon both sides of Cape Fear River, thirty miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and has over three miles of river front. It is a port of entry, having a large commerce, both foreign and coast-wise. Vessels drawing eighteen feet of water can readily reach the ocean. The city is located on a rolling site, which renders drainage easy, and in this regard certain- ly occupies a most ad "♦^•^geous position. The situation of the city as regards health- fulness is a most excelleni ^ne, the average rate of mortality being much below that of other seaports on the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. By the reports of the National Board of Health for the year 1881, the following were the number of deaths to each one thousand of the white population in the following cities: Wilmington, N. C, 15.9; Philadelphia, 22.6; Boston, 25.9; Norfolk, 27.2; Savannah, 29.2; Charleston, 29.5, New York, 31.7, and Baltimore, by a report from another source for 1880, 27.1. At the last census Wilmington had a population of 17,350, which has since rapidlyincreased, and is now estimated at from 20,000 to 21,000. During the last decade the aggregate increase of population in Wilmington was in excess of that of Charleston and Savan- nah, or Norfolk and Portsmouth combined, and while the per centage of increase in New Orleans was only .13, in Wilmington it was .29. The city limits extend from north to south 2^ miles, and from east to west lys miles, comprising a total area of about 2,400 acres. The general contour of the city is that of an elevated sand ridge, running parallel with the river, intersected with dunes and rivulets emptying into the river and adjacent streams. The Cape Fear River flows past the western front of the city, and its branches and tributaries almost encompass it. The advantages and attractions of VVilmington as a place of residence are sur- passed by no city of equal population in the Union. The climate is delightful, the society is cultivated and refined, educational facilities are both excellent and abundant, and the city is well provided with churches, whose pulpits are filled by pastors of most excellent abilities, who are, in every instance, well supported by large congregations. WlLMlNGtON— l>ASt, PRESENt AND PtJTWRE. 23 Some of the church edifices are remarkably fine specimens of architecture and will compare favorably with those of any city in the Union. In the foUowmg pages we will speak of the leading institutions and industries of the city in detail, and feel assured that a careful consideration of the facts presented will convince our readers that the fu- ture of the city is no longer a matter of speculation, and that the position of Wilming- ton as one of the greatest trade centers of the South is established beyond the possibility of a doubt. The city is growing rapidly and is already one of the most important commercial points in the country. As the metropoHs of a great State, that is destined in a few years to take a front rank among her sister States, the future of the city is assured, and she is unquestionably entering upon an era of permanent prosperity. CITY GOVERNMENT. As herein-before stated, the first charter was granted to'the Town of Wilmington in 1739. The city charter was granted in 1866 by an act of the General Assembly, passed February 1st. Since its incorporation as a city the following- named gentlemen have officiated as Mayor : A. H. VanBokkelen, elected in March, 1866. John Dawson, elected in January, 1867. Joseph H. Neff, appointed by the Provisional Governor of the State in July, 1868, and elected in January, 1869. S. N. Martin, elected in January, 1870. James Wilson, elected in May, 1872. W. P. Canaday, elected in May, 1873. John Dawson, elected in June, 1877, and resigned in February, 1878. S. H. Fishblate, elected in February, 1878. W. L. Smith, elected in March, 1881. E. D. Hall, elected in March, 1883. The present city government is composed of a Board of Aldermen and Board of Audit and Finance. The city is divided into five wards, which uife represented by ten Aldermen — two from each ward — from which number one is elected Mayor to serve for a term of two years. The present Board of Aldermen is composed of the following named gentlemen : Hon. E. D. Hall, Mayor, and Messrs. G. J. Boney, Samuel Bear, John L. Dudley, S. H. Fishblate, Wm. L. DeRossett, Wm. H. Chadbourn, Isham Sweat, John J. Geyer and Valentine Howe. The bonded debt of the city is $567,700, which was mainly contracted for railroad subscriptions, a city hall building and market house. A sinking fund was established in 1880 for the purpose of liquidating the public debt, and a regular tax levy has been made each year for that purpose. Last year the tax was eighteen cents on the one hundred dollars. The sinking fund now amounts to $53,437.86. The tax levy this year was 1^ cents on real and personal property, which, together with the license tax, will produce a revenue of about $125,000. The assessed value of real estate in the city is $3,347,010, and of personal prop- erty $1,801,091. THE BOARD OF AUDIT AND FINANCE, As a co-ordinate and most important branch of the city government, has brought about a most fortunate and substantial improvement in the city's financial affairs, and should receive that consideration to which the intelligent efforts of its members entitle 24 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. it. This Board was created by act of the General Assembly, passed February 28th, 1877, and its members are appointed by the Governor for a term of two years. It is at present composed of the following gentlemen : R. G. Jones, Chairman and Commissioner of the Sinking Fund, and Messrs. William Calder, W. R. Kenan, O. A. Wiggins and John L. McEachern. Capt. John Cowan is the Clerk of the Board. The Board holds regular meetings twice every month, or oftener, if they deem it necessary, of which public notice is given, and at which all claims or demands against the city must be presented, verified by the affidavit of the claimant or his agent. The Chairman of the Board is also ex officio the Commissioner of the Sinking Fund of the city. We make the following extracts from the act establishing the Board, as giving an idea of the extent and importance of their duties and responsibilities : "Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of said Board to audit and pass upon the validity of all claims and demands against the City of Wilmington, and no claim or demand against said city shall be paid by the Treasurer of said city, or by any other person, out of any funds belonging to said city, until the same has been duly audited and approved by said Board, and a warrant, signed by the Chairman and Clerk, given for the payment of the same. All claims, demands and accounts presented to said Board to be audited, shall be treated and proceeded with in all respects as is provided in section twelve, chapter twenty-seven of Battle's Revisal, in reference to claims or accounts against coun- ties. Any member of said Board who shall knowingly vote to allow any false, fraudu- lent or untrue claim or demand against said city, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars, and by imprisonment for not less than one year. "Sec. 6. No ordinance of the Board of Aldermen of said city, levying any tax whatever, shall be valid or of any effect, unless an estimate and the rate of assessment of the taxes so to be levied, shall be first submitted to said Board of Audit and Finance, and approved by at least three of its members. The estimates aforesaid shall specify the amount required during the next coming fiscal year to pay interest on the debt of said city, and to provide a sinking fund for its ultimate payment, and the amount which will be required, as nearly as can be ascertained, to meet the necessary expenditures for the several departments of the city government, and the amounts to be expended under said estimates shall be apportioned by said Board of Audit and Finance, accord- ing to the specification accompanying the same, among the several departments of the city, of which apportionment a copy shall be delivered to the Clerk and Treasurer of said city. All warrants which may be drawn on account of any duly audited claim or demand, shall specify the particular fund from which the same is to be paid, and no such warrant shall be paid from any other fund, than the one designated therein; and if any such warrant shall be paid, in violation of this provision, or if any claim against said city shall be paid or be received on account of any indebtedness to said city, be- fore a proper warrant for the same has been issued, the Treasurer of said citv, or any other person paying the same out of any funds belonging to said city, shall be liable for the amount so paid, and shall be deemed guilt) of a misdemeanor. "Sec. 7. The said Board of Audit and Finance shall, once in every three months, cause to be posted at the Court House, and ten other public places in said city, a state- ment of all claims and demands against said city, audited by said Board, giving the re- spective amounts claimed and allowed, the character of said claim and the name of the claimant. "Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of said Board of Audit and Finance, and it shall have exclusive power to fix the salaries or other compensation of all officers and em- ployes of said city, and to pass upon and approve the official bonds of such officers ; and no contract, even for the necessary expenses of said city, nor any bond, note or other obligation in behalf of said city, shall be valid or of any effect, unless the same be approved by said Board, and such approval be endorsed thereon." As showing the remarkably healthy and satisfactory condition of the Sinking Fund, we give in full the report of the Commissioner, Richard J. Jones, Esq., of date Janu- ary 2d, 1883: WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 25 OFFICE BOARD OF AUDIT AND FINANCE, Wilmington, N. C, January 2d, 1883. To the Honorable^ tht Mayor and Aldermen, City of Wilmington : Gentlemen: — As required by law, I herewith submit statement, showing the con- dition of the Sinking Fund of your city : securities held. Of Matured Bonds $ 1,700 Of Bonds Maturing- February 1st, 1892 3,000 " " " January 1st, 1897 3,700 January 1st, 1899 1,000 " " " January 1st, 1901 10,000 " " " January 1st, 1904 ... 25,000 Cash Uninvested 29 Total $44,529 The value of maintaining this fund as an important factor in sustaining our city credit, is fully recognized by every one who deals in our city securities, or is at all inter- ested in the good faith of the city toward its creditors, as it forms a part of the contract under which our bonds were issued. For it must be borne in mind that the several acts of the Legislature authorizing the city to issue bonds, provided for the creation and maintenance of a Sinking Fund for their gradual payment. But it was not until the creation of the Board of Audit and Finance — whose Chairman was made ex officio Com- missioner of the Sinking Fund — that any attention was ever given to the subject. Hence, in 1877, when the Board of Audit and Finance was organized, its Chairman found no such fund in existence. While the pressing demands upon the City Treasury — which was then laboring under the heavy burden of over a hundred thousand dollars past due indebtedness, gave no encouraging prospects of establishing one — yet the law required it should be done, and the necessary machinery was set to work by tax assessment for that purpose. As the money is collected and paid over to the Commissioner of the Sinkmg Fund, it is invested in the City Bonds, which are registered and stamped — both bonds and coupons — "Sinking Fund, City of Wilmington," and now formTa permanent fund, the interest of which is invested semi-annually. That it has grown to its present proportions, is certainly a matter for congratulation, and, if prudently man- aged, it will go on increasing until our bonded debt is entirely absorbed by it, while it gives assurance meanwhile to our creditors that the city is mindful of its obligations, and is preparing to meet them. RICHARD J. JONES, Commissioner Sinking I^und. The bonded indebtedness of the city, including the Market House Bonds, togeth- er with the amount belonging to the Sinking Fund, as per last semi-annual report of Commissioner Jones, made January 14th, 1884, will be found in the following figures: CITY INDEBTEDNESS. Funding 8 per cent, bonds due in 1887 $130,800 8 " •' " 1888 23,600 8 " " " 1889 5,500 Ma. 8 " " " 1892 100,000 Funding 6 " " " 1897 49,800 6 " " " 1899 50,000 6 " " " 1901 50,000 6 " " " 1904 50,000 6 " " " 1910 80,000 Market House 6 per cent, notes due in 1902 30,000 Total Bonded Indebtedness $569,700 4 26 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE SINKING FUND, JANUARY 14, 1884. 4 city bonds due in 1887 $ 400.00 1889 1,00000 1892 3.500.00 1897 3,700.00 1899 1.000.00 1901 10,000.00 1904 25,000.00 1910 3,000.00 97 bonds, amounting to $47,600.00 Cash invested 5,837.86 Total amount Sinking Fund $53,437.86 Increase since last report 8,908.56 This is a most creditable showing for the Board, and sufficiently attests the efficien- cy and intelligence with which they manage the affairs entrusted to their care and direc- tion. The city six per cent, bonds are now worth par and accrued interest, and there are none for sale at those figures. WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, 27 COUNTY GOVERNMENT. The administration of the county affairs is vested in five commissioners, who are elected by the Board of Magistrates of the county for the term of two years, and are styled "The Board of Commissioners for the County of New Hanover." They hold their meetings on the first Monday of each month, and are paid $2.00 per day for their services. The following gentlemen constitute the present Board : D. G. Worth, Chairman ; Horace A. Bagg, Roger Moore, James A. Montgomery and E. L. Pearce. The following is the annual statement of the Board of Commissioners for the County of New Hanover, for the fiscal year beginning the 1st day of December, 1882, and ending the 30th day of November, 1883, omitting the individual payments : TREASURER'S REPORT. General Fund Account, New Hanover County in Account with Owen Bumey, Treasurer, from De- cember 1st, 1882, to November 30th, 1883. Dr. Cr. ToAm'tpaid Warrants. .|24,556 92 " " " Bonds 9,700 00 " " " Coupons.... 1,050 00 " " " Com'sions.. 809 64 Balance $19,969 41 $56,085 97 By Balance Dec. 1st, 1882 " " from Sp'l Fund " S. H. Manning, Sheriff, General Tax, 1882, $ 8,826 64 By S. H. Manning, Sheriff, General Tax, 1883, 14,150 00 By S. H. Manning, Sheriff, Schedule B. Tax, 5,026 00 By S. H. Manning, Sheriff, Jury Tax By J. E. Sampson, Register, Marriage License Tax. . . By J. E. Sampson, Jail Fees By Pender County Insane. . By Tax on property pur- chased by County. .. . By sale of sundry articles . By Ara't from S. H. Man- ning By Am't from Craig's Bond $26,475 83 145 65 59 33 154 31 14 00 60 30 054 00 53 91 16 00 50 00 $29,464 49 $56,085 97 County Treasurer's Report of Receipts and Disbursements of School Fund from December 1st, 1882, to November 30th, 1883. DISBURSEMENTS. Paid Teachers of Schools for Whites. .$ 3,937 52 " " Colored.. 5,338 52 " for School Houses (White) 430 18 " " " (Colored) .... 577 68 " County Supenntendent 272 00 " Register of Deeds 150 00 " Treasurer's Commissions 301 69 Total Disbursements $11,007 59 Balance 9,428 05 $20,435 64 RECEIPTS. Balance on hand as per last report $ 7,006 78 Rec'd Gen'l Property School Tax. . . . 6,315 34 " " State and County Poll Tax, 1883 2,982 91 Rec'd from Liquor Licenses 3,819 00 " Auctioneers 19 89 " " Fines, Forfeitures and Pen- alties 291 72 $20,435 64 28 WILMINGTON PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. RECAPITULATION. CRIMINAL COURT. Judge $2,500 00 Clerk 885 20 Solicitor 212 00 Sheriff 664 41 Jurors 1,858 30 Witnesses 508 98 SUPERIOR COURT. Clerk.. Sheriff. Jurors. 119 69 23 30 773 10 Attorney Commissioners . Coroner 3,628 89 916 09 530 00 831 90 197 75 Constables Justices of Peace Register of Deeds Advertising Roads and Bridges Clerks of other counties Elections Clk. Aud. Com. Janitor, Gas, Ice, etc. Poor House Out Door Poor Jail Public Buildings Stationery and Printing. . . Tax Listing and Assessmg. Tax Remitted Real Estate Superintendent of Health . Hospital 230 61 592 56 429 69 83 75 131 99 21 00 6 50 1,239 58 2,696 06 2,396 64 . 1,650 45 563 11 343 73 . 1,338 00 33 14 . 1,000 00 900 00 , 1,353 49 $24,114 93 Current Expenses proper of County $21,761 44 County Proportionate part of Expenses of City Hospital 1,353 49 Purchase of Old Fair Ground Tract. 1,000 00 $24,114 93 Current Expenses of County for 1882 $25,042 49 " 1881 29,226 94 " 1880 24,735 61 " 1879 31,546 95 " 1878 41,037 37 BONDED DEBT. Bonded debt due March, 1887 $6,100 00 To meet this debt there is on Certificate of Deposit, bearing 4 per cent, interest, First National Bank 6.500 00 Floating debt 0,000 00 TAX LEVY OF 1883. State Tax on Property S7% County Tax on Property 373^ Total. 75 State Tax on Poll $1 12}4 County Tax on Poll 1 12)^ Total. .$2 25 AMUONT DUE EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT. District No. 1, White $ 246 " 2, " 3, " 4, " 5, " 6, 1,722 26 37 63 90 46 247 09 22 73 District No. 1, Colored $4,988 50 944 89 101 10 283 47 337 66 131 29 Total White $2,396 85 Total Colored $6,786 91 Total White 2,396 85 Balance General School Fund 244 29 $9,428 05 B. G. WORTH, Chairman, H. A. BAGG, ROGER MOORE, Auditing Committee. WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 29 EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. In recording the advantages possessed by the City of Wilmington as a commercial, manufacturing and business center, the fact should not be overlooked that the city has kept fully up with the times in regard to educational matters. It is not necessary, nor does space permit us, to enter into a detailed description of each of the twenty-eight public and private institutions in the city, and we content ourselves with stating what is known to be the fact — that they are fully equal in most respects to those of other Southern cities. Among the individual and denominational schools, academies, (fee, the following, however, are worthy of mention : Academy of Incarnation, 223 and 225 S. Fourth street, Sister Mary Augustine, Superior; Messrs. Burr & James, 310 Market; Cape Fear Militiry, 105 N. Fourth; Annie J. Hart, 16 N. Third; James H. Lane, 410 Red Cross; Rev. Daniel Morelle, English and classical, 420 Orange; Mrs. R. A. Murray, 401 Market; New Hampshire Memorial Institute, 318,-324 S. Seventh, Rev J. M. Thrall, Principal; St. Barnabas, 421 Swan, Fannie S. Jackson, Principal ; St. Joseph's Male Academy, 220 S. Fifth. The people of Wilmington have most excellent reason to congratulate themselves upon the prosperous and flourishing condition of their PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, A condition of aifairs for which they are in a large measure indebted to Mr. M. C. S. Noble, under whose supervision and direction the schools have reached a most gratify- ing standard of excellence. Elementary education is now within the reach of all, and a very general disposition is noticeable among all classes to avail themselves of this privilege. The management of the common schools is in the hands of five County Commis- missioners, who form the County Board of Education, and appoint three school com- mitteemen for each District, and the School Committee, in turn, appoint teachers, and oversee the general management of the schools. The County Superintendent is ap- pointed by the Board of the Justices of the Peace. " The system, surrounded in this manner, by all the safeguards necessary to pro- tect both the interersts of the children and those of the tax-payer, works well in this city." We make the following extracts from Mr. Sprunt's work, published in April, 1883, and to which we have elsewhere alluded : "Wilmington Township, which is coextensive with the City of Wilmington, has two school districts, in each of which is one for the whites and one for the blacks. District (No. 1), white, lies north of Market street. " (No. 2), white, lies south of Market street. " (No. 1), black, lies north of Chestnut street. " (No. 2), black, lies South of Chestnut street. Hemenway Graded School, District No. 1, white race, is on Fourth street, between Red Cross and Campbell Peabody Graded School, District No. 1, colored race, is on Fifth, between Red Cross and Campbell streets. Union Graded School, District No 2, white race, is on Sixth, between Nun and Church streets. Williston Graded School, District No. 2, colored race, is on Seventh, between Ann and Nun street. 30 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. Number of children of school age in District No 1, white 1,009 Number of children of school age in District No. 2, white 943 Total 1,952 Amount apportioned $3,904 Number of children of school age in District No. 1, colored 1,606 Number of children of school age in District No. 2, colored 1,510 Total 3,116 Amount apportioned $6,232 Average daily attendance in white schools about 300 " " in colored schools about . 425 Number of teachers in white schools 8 " " in colored schools 12 In a speech by Senator Blair, of New Hampshire, June 13, 1882, allusion was made to the disproportionate attendance of school children in North Carolina to the population, in the following language : " Wilmington, North Carolina, has an enroll- ment of 866, or 18 per cent., while 82 per cent, of the children of that city would ap- pear to be without means of public education." This reflects unjustly upon our public school system. "The school laws of Massachusetts require the attendance of children between the ages of five and fifteen years — those of North Carolina between six and twenty-one years. It is well known that the greater number of both male and female children leave school before they reach the age of 17 years; and, as all over that age are registered as attending no school, it would appear that there is a want of proper interest in the matter of education; whereas both sexes generally attain all the elements of an educa- tion at or about 17 years of age, at which time they are generally obliged to work for a livelihood. The cost of each pupil per school year in Wilmington is about $8. 50 — in New York City it is about $30." Special features of the Wilmington schools consist m the fact that they are all thoroughly graded, and conducted on the same general principle. The teachers are well qualified, and many of them have made special preparation by attending the State Normal School. The Principal conducts four teachers' meetings during each month — two for the white teachers and two for the colored teachers. At these meetings, school government and methods of teaching are discussed, and work for the next two weeks is properly assigned. While the schools are in session, the Principal goes from room to room, takes notes on the teacher's manner, and the decorum of the pupils, and at times conducts the recitation himself; and, while inspecting, forms, in a great measure, the subject of discussion at teachers' meetings. Occasionally, to illustrate any new method of instruction, the teachers are resolved into a model class, when the recitation is first conducted by the Principal, and afterwards by the teachers in turn. In this way the peculiarities of each teacher are brought to view, criticised, and then approved or disapproved, according as they are good or bad. The members of the District School Committees from time to time, in a body or individually, visit the schools and inspect the character of the work done. They pay particular attention to the most economical methods, and are careful to employ only thoroughly capable teachers. In this way, and with the aid of instructors working for a reputation, they hope to make the schools under their charge an honor and an ornament to the city, and an object of interest to visitors from abroad. The members of the School Committees are : District No. 1 — Donald McRae, Chairman; William M. Parker and Joseph E. Sampson. WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 31 District No. 2 — James H. Chadbourn, Chairman; Walker Meares and John Nor- wood." UNION FREE SCHOOL. The question of building this public school house was first brought to the attention of the citizens of Wilmmgton in 1856 by Mr. John W. Barnes, Sr. A meeting was held and a subscription list opened, and in a short time a sufficient sum was realized to war- rant the erection of the building, which was finished the following winter, and denom- inated the "Union Free School." The first annual session was opened October 1st, 1857. In the spring of the ensuing year, the "Board of Superintendents of Common Schools for New Hannover County, in response to a petition of a number of citi- zens, remodelled the town districts (then two in number), dividing each into two dis- tricts, and appointing new committees in the lower or southern districts (No. 2 and 58), in which this school was situated, whereby it would receive the benefit of the funds appropriated for both, and also the advantage of two co-operating committees, which secured its continuance until July 1st, 1863 — a period of six years. A free school was taught in Union School House during the winter of 1865-66, supported by the Soldiers' Memorial Society of Boston, Massachusetts. In December, 1866, INliss Amy M. Bradley came to Wilmington under the auspices of the American Unitarian Association and the above-named Society, and on January 9th, 1867, opened the Union School House with a beginning of three pupils, which was shortly afterwards increased to 157. During the second year the number of pupils was increased to 188. The third term was divided by her charge of Union School — 223 pupils; Hemen- way School — 157 pupils, and Pioneer School — 45 pupils. Her fourth term was classed Normal School — 60 pupils; Union School — 211 pu- pils, and Hemenway School — 176 pupils. The fifth term, October 10th, 1870, to June 30th, 1871, Union and Hemenway Schools expended $5,983.81— of which the State provided $1,286.70, and the Peabody Fund 1,000, retaining seven assistant teachers and enrolling 192 and 205 pupils, re- spectively. In addition to their annual report, November 23d, 1871, the School Committee of the Township of Wilmington, James H. Chadbourn being Chairman, made the follow- ing statement : "In the first communication of the Committee to your Board, you were informed that there were no school-houses within the limits of the township belonging to the State or county; and in a subsequent communication, dated February 8, 1870, a pro- position was made to you for the purchase of two school-houses (one for each race), for the sum of $3,000 each, and you were requested to levy a tax upon the property of the township, which v/ould produce the sum of $6,000 'for that purpose. The proposition was agreed to, and a tax levied, which yielded the sum of $5,- 738.61. The Committee, with the approval of your Board and the Superintendent of In- struction, purchased the Hemenway school-house of Miss Amy M. Bradley, for $3,000, with the promise on her part, that the money she received for it should be expended in continuing her two schools, then in successful operation. This understanding was carried out in good faith, and to the entire satisfaction of the Committee. The cost of sustaining the Union and Hemenway Grammar Schools for the past two years, has been $10,850.40 — $1,266.70 of this sum was received from the State, $2,500 from the Peabody Fund, $3,000 from the sale of the Hemenway school-house — and the balance, $4,083.70, from the friends of Miss Bradley and her work. Seven teachers have been constantly employed for a term of nine months each year. The number of scholars has been over 400, and the average attendance about 300, These schools have attracted the attention of all who feel any interest in free schools in this city, and by good judges, who have visited them, have been compared favorably with the best grammar schools in the country." In October, 1871, agreeably to the foregoing understanding, the advanced divis- ions of the Union and Hemenway Schools were united under the name of WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. THE TILESTON NORMAL SCHOOL, And the session opened in the Union School House — the Hemenway School House having been purchased by the county. In October, 1872, this school was moved into the new building on Ann street, erected by that distinguished philanthropist and friend of education, Mrs. Augustus Hemenway, of Boston, at a cost of $30,000. In the earlier part of her work. Miss Bradley's object was often misunderstood by this sore-hearted people ; but in recent years, hundreds of happy homes in their midst bear cheerful and grateful testimony of the substantial good she has accomplished. The system and course of instruction has been thorough, practical and comprehensive , the discipline, by moral suasion, inflexible and effective; and the result — the education of hundreds of young people of limited means, in all the essential branches of an educa- tion which compares favorably with that of any institution in the State. "One of the noblest and most effective aims of the institution has been the pre- paratory education of boys for the mechanical professions. With unusual discernment, Miss Bradley saw that the avenues of the learned professions were being crowded with mediocrity, and that our counting-houses were filled to overflowing, with little prospect of advancement, and that the mechanical trades — degraded in pubhc estimation by false notions of the dignity of labor — were offering extraordinary attractions in remunerative and abundant work, with every encouragement for excellence in all departments of skilled workmanship. With this in view, many of our boys have been prepared by her efficient instruction for intelligent apprentices as machinists, boiler-makers, carpenters, masons and black- smiths; others for matriculation at the Boston School of Technology, with higher aims as mechanical and mining engineers. There is nothing superficial in the work of this school. An hour's visit will con- vin -re the most skeptical that the Principal is thoroughly in earnest, that her assistants are imbued with the same spirit, efficient in the highest degree, forbearing and patient, and that the good accomplished is simply incalculable." CHURCHES. Wilmington is about as well provided with places of divine worship as any city of its size in the country. There are thirty-eight places of public worship — the principal church buildings being St. James' (Episcopal), St. John's (Episcopal), St. Paul's (Episcopal), St. Mark's (colored Episcopal), First Presbyterian, Second Presbyterian, Chestnut Street Presbyterian (colored), St. Thomas' Pro-Cathedral (Roman Catholic), Front Street Methodist, Fifth Street Methodist, St. Stephen's (colored Methodist), St. Luke's (colored Methodist), First Baptist, Second Baptist, First Baptist (colored). Temple of Israel (Hebrew), Congregational and Lutheran. The average Sunday attendance of whites is estimated at 3,600, and that of the negroes 6,000. The value of church property is estimated between $265,000 and $270,000. There are few cities in the Union where so deep and fervent an interest is taken in religious matters, and as a rule the churches are both largely attended and well sus- tained. We give the following brief sketches of several of the leading churches of the city whose pastors have kindly furnished us with the requisite data. Those not mentioned failed to respond to our request for information. WILMINGTON — t>AST, I^RESENT ANt> FUTURE. S3 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Owing to the fact that unfortunately the records of the estabHshrnent of this church have been lost, the date of the first organization cannot be given, but it was about the year 1816. The present church edifice is located on the corner of Third and Orange streets, the structure being 100x60 feet in dimensions. The auditorium is 90x60 feet, with a seating capacity of from 750 to 800 persons. There are two Sunday school rooms, one 65x30 and the other 30x25 feet in size, which are connected by folding- doors. The church membership is nearly 300; the number of Sunday school scholars 175, and teachers 30. The present pastor is the Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, who entered upon his duties here in October, 1874. The Ruling Elders are Messrs. B. G. Worth, George Chadbourn, A. A. Willard, C. H. Robinson, Samuel Northrop, John McLaurin and B. F. Hall. Deacons — G. W. Williams, W. R. Kenan, H. H. Munson, James Alderman, D. G. Worth, James Sprunt, C. P. Mebane and John D. Taylor. The following clergymen have successively occupied this pulpit down to the pres- ent time : Rev. Artemus Boies, Rev. Leonard E. Lathrop, Rev. Noel Robertson, Rev. Thomas P. Hunt, Rev. James A. McNeill, Rev. W. W. Eels, Rev. Thomas R. Owen, Rev. J. O. Stedman, D. D., Rev. M. B. Grier, D. D., Rev. H. L. Singleton, Rev. A. F. Dickson and Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D. SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The Second Presbyterian Church of Wilmington was organized in December, 1858, under the ministration of Rev. Martin McQueen. Its first officers were Alex. Sprunt and John C. Latta, Ruling Elders; and John Colville, J. R. Latta, James Price and J. H. Blanks, Deacons. The membership at first was only fourteen. The mem- bership had grown to thirty-eight in 1862, when the congregation was broken up and scattered by the war and the yellow fever epidemic of that year. In 1872 a Sabbath school was gathered together, and in 1874 the congregation was re-organized with thirteen of the old members. The church now has a membership of 140, with 125 Sun- day school scholars and 25 teachers. From 1872 to 1874 H. G. Barr was the stated supply, and in the latter year the present pastor, Rev. C. M. Payne took charge. The present officers of the church are Messrs. Alex. Sprunt, John Colville, Robert Mc- Dougald, J. R. Latta, W, H. Sprunt, W. J. Smelt, L. T. Beatty, J. W. Munroe, Wal- ter Smallbones and James C. Stewart. The church edifice is located at the corner of Fourth and Campbell streets, and is 30x66 feet in dimensions. The auditorium is 28x60 feet in size and will seat about 300 persons. The Sunday school room is the same size as the auditorium ST. Paul's protestant episcopal. This church was first established in 1858. It is situated at the corner of Fourth and Orange streets, the edifice being 60x30 feet in dimensions, and having a seating capacity of about 300. It now has a membership of ninety-five persons, about fifty Sunday school scholars and ten teachers. The present rector is the Rev. T. M. Ambler. Christ's church (congregational.) Christ's Congregational Church was first organized May 3d, 1870, with a member- ship of eleven persons. H. B. Blake was the first pastor, and officiated in that capacity for a period of three years, when he was succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. Daniel D. Dodge. The building is located on Main street, between Sixth and Seventh, and 36x72 feet in dimensions. The auditorium is 36x60 feet in size and 22 feet in height from floor to ceiling, having a seating capacity of about 500. The Sunday school is held in the school building, which has two wings. The congregation numbers forty souls, and the Sunday school has three hundred scholars and ten teachers. The officers of the church are Anthony Pedin and Calvin Blount, Deacons, and Esther A. Warner, Treasurer and Clerk. 5 §4 WILMINGTON— PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. THE PRESS-ITS HISTORY, SC. The present is emphatically a newspaper-reading age. If our readers will take the trouble to picture to themselves the condition of our ancestors in the absence of so common a thing as a newspaper, they will be more able to fully appreciate the great convenience, usefulness and power of the press of to-day. Before the press began its labors, how slow do time and events appear to have traveled in comparison with the present, and how unreliable very often was the reported news for a lengthened period. We do not mean to intimate that the latter characteristic never attaches to the news- paper press of nowadays; but the misdemeanor of one journal, in this respect, is soon found out and corrected by the watchfulness of its contemporaries. Now almost every man takes at least his weekly, and in our large towns and cities it is indeed rare to find one in business who does not take regularly one or more dailies. The leading articles in our principal papers are often essays of great merit, and being written by men of acknowl- edged standing and ability, carry a proportionate amount of influence with them, over and above that inspired by the subject and its manner of treatment. The political is, doubtless, the chief element in the general make up of our news- papers, but this exhausts but a comparatively small portion of their contents. Our public meetings, social and other gatherings, novelties of discovery in any art or science, together with the latest news from all parts of the civilized world, are well noticed and brought before the public by the enterprising and ever-ready press. The proceedings in our criminal and civil courts of law, and National and State Legislatures, are also re- ported, and, doubtless, gratify innumerable readers on various accounts; while that portion of a paper devoted to markets, the prices of commodities, stocks and bonds, rates of exchange and general mercantile and industrial intelligence, the greater part of which, to the uninitiated, seems but a series of mazy groups of figures, is full of valu- able meaning to the merchant and business man, who knows that but a slight variation of some of these figures will usher in gloom and desolation to hundreds of families who are dependent upon a fluctuating trade. Truly the power of the press is great, and to the free and judicious exercise of this power is to be ascribed the unprecedented great- ness of the people of these United States. The extension of commerce, the utilization of science, the spread of enlightenment and intelligence, the reform of morals, the maintenance of public law, of social order and of individual right — in a word, all that pre-eminently distinguishes the present age, is due mainly to the influence of a free and enlightened press. The history of the press of Wilmington is one ot the most interesting and note- worthy features in the record of the city's progress. We are told by the historian that the Lords Proprietors and the Royal Governors were extremely hostile to the establish- ment of newspapers in the colony under their administration. We are further told that the Governor of Virginia would not suffer the use of the printing press in the colony under any pretense whatever, and that Sir William Berkley, one of the Proprietors of North Carolina, thanked God that there was not a printing press in any of the Southern colonies. Notwithstanding such opposition, however, a printing press was introduced into North CaroUna, and a paper published at Newbern, by James Davis, in 1749, one hundred and thirty-five years ago. It was called the North Carolina Gazette, and was issued weekly. The second paper published in the State was at Wilmington, where, in 1764, the Cape Fear Gazette and Wilmington Advertiser was started by Andrew Stewart. This paper was discontinued in 1767, but was succeeded in the same year by the Cape Fear Mercury, published and edited by an Englishman named Adam Boyd, WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 35 who afterwards left the press for the pulpit. There is no record extant as to how long the Mercury continued to exist. It has frequently been stated that there could be found no trace of any other publications in Wilmington prior to 1818. Through the courtesy of Hon. A. H. Van Bokkelen, President of the Chamber of Commerce, to whom we are indebted for many favors, the writer has just been shown a well preserved copy of The Cape Fear Herald, a weekly paper published by Boylan & Ray. It bears date Wednesday, November 2d, 1803, and is Vol. I, No. 46. It contains, among other things, Thos. Jefferson's Message to the Eight Congress, which was presented to that body Monday, October 17th, 1803. The existence of this paper forever sets at rest what has heretofore been a disputed point in the history of the press of Wilmington. In 1818 a gentleman named David Smith, Jr., began the publication of a paper called the Cape Fear Recorder, and continued it until 1825, when he was succeeded by Mr. Archibald McLean Hooper, a cultured and educated gentleman, and a ready and forcible writer. For a long time this was the only newspaper published in this sec- tion of the State, and naturally wielded great influence. In 1834 Henry S. Ellinwood came to this city and took editorial charge of a paper then published here called the Wilmington Advertiser. His connection with it was brief, however, as he died suddenly soon after assuming its control and management. The paper, at his death, was purchased by Mr. Joshua Cochrane, of Fayetteville, who conducted it until the summer of 1836, when he also died, and the paper fell into the hands of Mr. F. C. Hill, as editor and proprietor, who continued its publication until 1842, in which year it took its place in history as a thing of the past. A publication contemporaneous with the Advertiser was the People's Press, a paper published by P. W. Fanning and Thomas Loring, the latter being editor-in-chief, a position which he held for some time, when he disposed of his interest and purchased the Standard at Raleigh, which paper was at that time the organ of the Democracy of this State. Differing with his party in 1842 in regard to the course pursued towards the banks of the State, he retired from the paper, returned to Wilmington and estab- lished the Tri-Weekly Commercial, which he conducted until failing health forced him to retire from journalism, and its publication was discontinued. In 1838 the Wilmington Chronicle was established by Asa A. Brown. It advocated the principles of the Whig party with great ability and earnestness. In 1851 Talcott Burr, Jr., purchased the paper and changed its name to the Wilmington Herald. Un- der his capable management the Herald became one of the leading and most influen- tial papers in the State. Mr. Burr continued its publication until 1858, in which year he departed this life in the prime of a useful manhood. His brothers, C. E. and R. Burr, carried on the paper for several years afterwards, when it was purchased by A. M. Waddell, and, upon the breaking out of the war, it ceased to exist. The first number of the Wilmington Journal was issued in 1844 by Messrs. Alfred L. Price and David Fulton. For many years thereafter this publication exercised a controling influence upon the political questions of the day. The editorial charge of the paper was in the hands of Mr. Fulton, and so remained until the time of his death, when his brother, Mr. James Fulton, took charge of its editorial management. Under his control the Journal became a powerful influence, not only in this section, but throughout the entire State. In the early part of 1866 Mr. Fulton died and was suc- ceeded by Major J. A. Engelhard, who fully sustained the reputation the Journal had acquired under its previous management. Col. Wm. L. Saunders became connected with the paper by the retirement of Mr. Alfred L. Price, and the firm became Engel- hard & Saunders. During the perilous times and almost utter demoralization of society that followed the close of the war, the utterances of this paper were manly and fearless in denunciation of the oppressive measures taken by the party in power under their so-called, reconstruction policy. It continued in existence until 1878, when, overcome by adverse circumstances, its publication was discontinued, and it was purchased by the Daily Review, an afternoon paper published by Josh. T. James, as editor and pro- prietor, who now issues it, in connection with the Review, as a weekly, still retaining the old name. Several other papers were, at different times, pubHshed in the city, but their exist- ence was only temporary, and we have not considered them important enough to 36 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, demand mention at our hands. There are two daily papers now pubUshed in WIlmini;ton — The Morning Star and the Daily Review. THE MORNING STAR. This well-known and influential newspaper is an able representative of that indus- try and enterprise which are so essential to the success of journalism in the present age* of enlightenment and progress. It is conducted editorially with marked dignity, cour- tesy and good taste ; its business is prosperous and its circulation large, extending all over this section. It is at all times Democratic in politics, recognizing party fealty as the highest obligation of a party newspaper. It is not only the oldest, but one of the best dailies now published in the State. Its market reports are prepared with great care, and the regular dispatches of the New York Associated Press are supplemented by telegrams and communications of special correspondents, giving it the fullest and most complete summary of North Carolina news of any paper published within the State. Locally, the Morning Star holds the very highest rank, and its daily presenta- tion of Wilmington happenings is looked to by all as being reliable, readable and complete. The daily was established by Mr. W. H. Bernard, the present editor and proprietor, and its first issue appeared September 23d, 1867. The weekly was afterwards established, the date of its first publication being November 1st, 1869. The former is 24x36 inches, the latter 27x42. The editorial staff of the Morning Star at the present time is, Wm. H. Bernard, editor and proprietor; T. B. Kingsbury, associate editor; J. H. Muse, city editor, and H. H. Smith, assistant reporter. Its editorial department is conducted with signal ability and an intelligent inde- pendence, while its city columns contain full and well-written presentations of all matters of local interest. In a word, the paper, in its manifold features of excellence, is one of the best representatives of metropolitan journalism south of Mason and Dixon's line. THE DAILY REVIEW. The Daily Review is one of the most influential and widely circulated newspapers in the State of North Carolina. It was established in 1875, and afterwards became, by purchase, the successor of the Journal, a daily publication whose existence dated back to 1844. The Review is now published every afternoon, ^except Sunday, the Journal still being issued in connection with it as a weekly, appearing every Friday. The Re view has always exercised a wide influence in all matters of public interest, and paid vigilant and critical attention to local affairs. It has been an important factor in the growth and prosperity of the city, and has invariably given a liberal and discriminating support to mercantile and industrial interests, which owe a lasting debt to its intelligent labors in their behalf. The paper's especial features are accuracy, promptness in getting together all items of news and fidelity to honest convictions. The sharp, pungent par- agraph is a praiseworthy feature of its editorial department, and all matters, of either local or general interest, are creditably presented in a most comprehensive shape. The editorial staff consists of Josh. T. James, editor and proprietor, and Major H. H. Fos- ter, associate and local editor. Under the editorial management and direction of Mr. James, the paper has assumed distinctive and attractive characteristics, which Major Foster has energetically promoted. It is strictly Democratic in politics, is extensively quoted by contemporary journals, and considered one of the best exponents of Demo- cratic principles in this section. No paper in the State is conducted with more dignified manliness or is more devoted to the best interests of the community in which it is pub- lished. THE SUNDW MORNING MAIL. The first issue of this bright and attractive weekly paper made its appearance on Sunday morning, January 13th, 1884, and supplies a want which has long been felt in this community. Although in existence but so short a time, it has already become the most popular publication in the city, and its appearance every Sunday is eagerly looked forward to. It is devoted to the manufacturing and general interests of North Caro- lina, to society, art, the drama, and the presentation of all items of news of general WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 37 interest. Politically and religiously the Mail is untrammeled, and freer to express its views on all subjects than any other paper in this section. It is neatly printed and presents a better appearance than any paper in North Carolina. It reaches the very best classes in the community, and as an advertising medium com- mends itself to the most favorable consideration of business men. It is published every Sunday morning by Messrs. E. S. Warrock & Co., proprietors. In this connection we desire to also call attention to the job printing establishment of the same firm. They have been making rapid strides in this department of their business since the first of October, 1882, when they began to enlarge upon the already flourishing business of Mr, E. S. Warrock, who is a first-class practical printer and an intelligent gentleman. Their operations have increased to such an extent that they have been compelled to add to their already finely equipped job office two new presses and a new ruling machine. Their type is entirely new, and these gentlemen enjoy the reputation of turning out promptly and on short notice work that, in point of neatness and style, is not only of the most excellent character, but superior than that of probably any other office of the kind in the city. NORTH CAROLINA PRESBYTERIAN. This weekly publication was first established in 1858, at Fayetteville, as the official organ of the Synod of North Carolina, and has continued in existence uninterruptedly ever since that time, with the exception of a short period just after the close of the war. In 1874 it was removed to Wilmington, where it has ever since been published. It is a religious family newspaper, devoted to the intellectual, moral and spiritual interests of the people. It is the only Presbyterian paper published in the State, and one of the seven published in the interests of the Southern branch of that church. Rev. George McNeill was its first editor, and John McLaurin is its present editor and proprietor. There are also now published in Wilmington the following journals : The Wilmington Post, a weekly, established in 1866. The Africo-American Presbyterian, published in the interest of the colored mem- bers of that denomination. The North Carolina Medical Journal, a monthly publication of great value to the profession. It was established in January, 1878. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. SEAMEN'S FRIEND SOCIETY. This Society is incorporated by act of the State Legislature, and was organized on February 4th, 1853, for the purpose of improving " the moral, social and religious con- dition and character of seamen." The building used as the Home, or "Hotel," is a tour-story structure, 65x65 feet in dimensions, located on Dock and Front streets, and can accomodate 100 seamen. There is also a church or Bethel adjoining the Home, which is kept up, and whose chaplain is paid, by annual contributions from the Ameri can Seamen's Aid Society of New York City. 38 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. All ship-wrecked or destitute seamen are cared for by the Society free of charge. The revenues of the Society are derived from the annual dues paid by its members and the rents received for the stores under the "Hotel." It is to the Rev. Wm. L. Lang- don, a Methodist clergyman who devoted many years of his life to the soliciting of subscriptions, that this port is indebted, in a great measure, for the success of the in- stitution. The Sailors' Bethel was built by the late Capt. Gilbert Potter, and donated to the Society. Both church and Society are non-sectarian in their management. The present officers of the Society are as follows: Geo. R. French, Sr., President; George Harris, Vice President; Geo. R. French, Jr., Secretary and Treasurer; Capt. Potter, Chaplain. The Trustees are fifteen in number. The Executive Committee is composed of the following gentlemen: Messrs. H. B. Filers, E. T. Hancock and R. E. Heide. ST. JAMES' HOME. "In the spring of 1867, Dr. A. J. DeRossett, Senior Warden of St. James' Parish, Wilmington, N. C, conveyed to the vestry of the parish an entire city square, with a two-story double wooden house thereon, as a free gift for religious and benevolent use. The active exertion of the parishioners, aided by the liberality of friends in different portions of the United States, and supplemented by a very successful fair, enabled the vestry to restore the residence which had been seriously damaged during the war of secession. In 1870, a Sunday and a day school were opened in the building for the gratui- tous instruction of the poorer white children of the city. The object of the school was the instruction of such children as might be reached by it in the more fundamental branches of an ordinary English education, in connection with the direct inculcation of moral and religious principles, with a view, not merely to prepare its scholars for respect- ability and success in the world, but therewith, also, to make them good, orderly citizens, both of the commonwealth, and of the church. Since its commencement, the school has been maintained without interruption, ex- cept for the ordinary vacations. So far as the existing records of attendance supply material for the estimate, it is calculated that from 600 to 800 children of both sexes have, up to the present time, come under the influences and enjoyed the training of the school. Though at no time having room for any very large attendance, the num- bers of the school have steadily increased from the first, and there are now upon the rolls more than one hundred names. The growth of the school required, very soon after its first opening, a separate school room, which was annexed to the main building. This has recently been enlarged to more than double its original size, and, thanks to the liberality of friends, both in New York and Wilmington, has been lately fur- nished with an entire set of new and handsome desks of the most approved pattern. Teachers have been employed at fixed salaries during much of the time. But much or most of the work has been done — and well done — by the voluntary labor of edu- cated women who have devoted themselves to good works, and who have had their home on the premises. Since the fall of 1878, the school has been in charge of mem- bers of the Sisterhood of the Good Shepherd, whose mother house is in New York, and whose work in this connection has been beyond all praise. The order and discipline maintained have been such as would compare favorably with that of any other school in the country, and the advances in education have been creditable to both teachers and scholars. In connection with the school, a general mission work among the poorer classes has been zealously maintained, and with the best and most evident results. It has been a part of the work of the ladies, resident at the Home, to visit the poor and afflicted, and carry with them help and consolation — to be instructors in all good and useful things — from house to house, especially among the parents of the school children. A large and varied work of this sort is incessantly done. In addition to this, orphans, or half orphans, have from time to time found a home in the house. The more helpless and homeless sick have, in several instances, been brought thither and cared for, and nursed till relieved of their sufferings by death, and WILMINGTON — f AST, PRESENT ANt) iPtJTtJRfi. then decently buried. Invalids from places at a distance, seeking the help of the skilled physicians of the city, have been received and nursed. Penitent women have found a refuge where the religious influences of the household have aided them in their attempts at reformation. Beside all which, the Home has been a nucleus for the benevolence of the parish, and has given wise form and direction to its alms. Nor should it be forgot- ten that to carry out more completely its influences for good among the children connected with its schools, instruction in needle work and in cooking have been added to its other departments of education. It is at this time, and in this way, the only industrial school in the city known to the writer. All this work has, of course, involved considerable expenditure, and at the same time required very rigid economy in the administration of the household. The institution has so far been supported — 1st. By a regular subscription kept up by a few ladies and gentlemen of the parish. 2d. By the collections in its behalf of the Ladies' Association of the parish. 3d. By public offerings on Ash Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day in each year. 4th. By occasional contributions. At present there are three lady residents at the Home, and constituting the sister- hood family, all of them connected with the Sisterhood of the Good Shepherd, and all of them, together with another lady of the parish, who comes daily, actively occupied in the work." The foregoing particulars are taken from a published sketch of the mstitution pre- pared by the Rector of St. James Parish. WILMINGTON CITY HOSPITAL. About four years since, some citizens connected with the countv and city govern- ment, having experienced the great difficulty of properly carrying for the indigent sick of the city and county, planned the establishment of a hospital for this purpose, and at the session of the Legislature of 1880-81, procured a charter which allowed the county and city to conjunctly pay or build a hospital for the sick poor, the former bearing three-fifths and the latter two-fifths of the cost and operating expenses, and to be con- trolled by a Board of Managers, consisting of three members of the Board of County Commissioners and two members of the Board of Aldermen. Early in the year of 1881 this Board organized and purchased for a hospital the Wilmington Garden property, occupying a whole square m one of the most elevated portions of the city. The number of patients, both pauper and those who pay for their treatment, has steadily increased from the beginning. The Board wisely selected one of the best surgeons in the city as the resident physician, and, under his careful treatment, with a competent corps of nurses, many have been cured, who otherwise would, doubtless, have died from want of proper treatment. Many patients have come from distant parts of the State, where medical advice is not as good as they wish, and have placed themselves here in the hospital where con- sultation can be held with all the physicians of the city. The management now find the buildings inadequate for the increased number of patients, and have now contracted for the erection of a new wing to the main building, containing twelve cots and bath- rooms, water closets and operating rooms. This noble charity does great credit to the people of Wilmington and New Han- over County, as nothing shows the benevolence of a community better than the manner in which it provides for its sick and infirm. The Board of Managers are Roger Moore, Chairman; B. G. Worth, H. A. Bagg, Sam'l Bear, Jr., W. H. Chadbourn, Secretary; W. W. Lane, M. D., Resident Surgeon ; John T. Taylor, Treasurer. THE OPERA HOUSE. ,,,„,,; ,^j, ,, ^,„„i^i.^ Most cities, in both Europe and America of any metropolitan 'pretefttsioris, "C6fisider an opera house a necessary institution, one of the best evidences of culture and refine- ment, and a certain indication of commercial progress and wealth. It has, moreover, been said by an eminent writer on commercial topics, that, "when a traveler arnves 40 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTlJRfc. in a city and spends a dollar, the effect is just the same as if he had remained abroad and sent it to the city, instead of coming and consuming it here ; and is precisely simi- lar to that of international commerce, in which the profit is made by the city, if not the whole or the principal value received, at least is a large per centage upon that principal. But, if that city offers no especial attractions, how can we hope to gain that dollar. We are quite certain that the merchant will not come for ever purchase that he makes, unless there be offered some inducements to pleasure and recreation, and in ordering his goods he will not enclose a dollar toward the support of an institution from which he derives no benefit while at a distance. " Whether or not, in recognition of the force of this or similar arguments, it is certain that the City of Wilmington is far in advance of many of her larger sister cities of the South in respect to having a first-class attractive and well patronized place of amusement. The Opera House in this city is situated in, and forms a part of, the City Hall building. Its lessee is E. J. Pennepacker, Esq., one of the most enterprising and public spirited of the prominent citizens of Wilmington. Its interior design and construction is most complete and attractive, both as to the conven- ience and accommodation of the audience, and theatrical and operatic companies, as well as regards accoustic properties. It is supplied with six dressing rooms, having all necessary conveniences, and has property and baggage rooms, together with all neces- sary scenery, carpets, &c. The stage is perfectly equipped with all necessary flies, traps, shittings and other arrangements, and is 30x35 feet in dimensions. The seating capacity of the parquette is 350 ; of the balcony and first gallery, 300 ; of the second gallary, 300 ; total, 950. The house is heated by large furnaces, and by means of eight fire exits, can be entirely emptied in two minutes. The manager, Mr. George R. Dyer, is a gentleman of acknowledged ability and business intelligence, and has exhibited rare judgment and managerial skill. The Treasurer is Mr. J. H. Hart, a gentleman also perfect in his responsible position as to acquirements, urbanity and popularity. Altogether the Wilmington Opera House is a most creditable and successful institution. THE HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY OF WILMINGTON, N. C. This Society was organized in October, 1876, and is the only one of the kind m active operation in the State. Its first officers were Rev. G. D. Bernheim, President; W. B. McCoy, Secretary and Treasurer ; W. F. Wenzel, Curator, The object of the Society is to collect, preserve, and diffuse historical and scientific information, especially such as is connected with the State of North Carolina, and, par- ticularly, with the Cape Fear region. In this it has been so far very successful, and its archives now contain valuable records which would jjrobably been forever lost but for the existence of the Association. Many rare specimens in the animal and vegetable world have been collected, and con- tinued research frequently brings to light, when least expected, some hidden treasure which greatly enriches the collection. The Society maintained a correspondence with similar organizations throughout the country, and a system of exchange has been established, by means of which the various publications of those sections are regularly received. They are also the recipients of publications from the Smithsonian Institute at Washington. The meetings of the Society are held monthly, at which time a paper upon some historical or scientific subject is read by a member previously designated for that pur- pose, and which are published. It is a matter of gratification that so many of those papers have been favorably commented upon, not only at home, but also abroad. It is the intention of the Society, in the not far distant future, to have all of its productions published in one or more volumes for sale and distribution, and it is but reasonable to suppose, from the recognized abilities of the writers, that the work will be a valuable addition to the literature and history of this section of the State particularly. The Association has labored under many disadvantages from its organization — the want of capital has been, and still is, a very serious one. Not having the means to control a building of its own, it has been compelled to rent a room from year to year in which its meetings are held, which is a very unsatisfactory arrangement, as it affects the WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 41 idea of stability, but, nevertheless, it has more than equaled the expectations of its founders, and is doing a good work that will be appreciated by posterity. The officers of the Society are elected annually, and hold their positions for one year, but are eligible for re-election. The present officers are Col. J. G. Burr, Presi- dent; Rev. A. A. Watson, D. D., Vice-President ; S. A. Story, Secretary and Treasurer; Rev. F. W, E, Peschan, Corresponding Secretary ; David Cashwell, Curator. OAKDALE CEMETERY COMPANY. The charter of this corporation was granted on the 27th day of December, 1852, and the company was organized on the 16th of November, 1853. The grounds were opened, and the first interment made on the 6th of February, 1855. The necessity for the formation of this corporation grew out of the fact that the old time-honored cus- tom of interments within the city church yards was fast giving way, in other places, to the cemetery system of burials, and a few public-spired gentlemen of Wilmington sug- gested the location of a central cemetery, "to be universally adopted as a substitute for the old grave-yards then in use.'" Acting upon this suggestion, the grounds just east of the "Old Burnt Mill Creek," containing 60 acres, were purchased and named "Oakdale, '' and dedicated to the preservation and continued protection of the dead. All revenue, from whatever source it may be derived, is devoted to the mainte- nance of the grounds. Up to the present time about one-third, or probably one-half of the grounds, have been improved and formed into sections, and sections into lots, each lot containing four hundred square feet. The sections vary in size to suit the conformation of the grounds, as follows : Section A has 4 lots, section B has 151 lots, section C has 23 lots, section D has 110 lots, section E has 42 lots, section F has 70 lots, section G has 25 lots, section H has 124 lots, section J has 87 lots, while the last section, K, which has been opened, con- tains 150 lots, without including the plot donated to the Ladies' Memorial Association for the Confederate dead, to which 453 bodies were removed and buried in two semi- circular graves, and upon which stands the most beautiful monument erected to the Confederate dead in the South. Owing to the loss of some of the records during the war, as well as to the con- fusion growing out of that terrible epidemic of 1862 — the yellow fever — which carried hundreds to their graves, including both the Secretary and Superintendent of this com- pany, the present Secretary, Mr. R. J. Jones, says: "I cannot give a correct list of the interments since the opening of the grounds. My records, commencing February 4th, 1867, show 1,825 for the past sixteen years, or up to the 1st of January, 1883, and it is but fair to presume, that with the casualities of the war and yellow fever combined, there were at least 2,000 buried before my record commences." The present managers are : Donald MacRae President; Timothy Donlan, Super- intendent; Richard J. Jones, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors — Edward Kidder, W, H. Northrop, Wm. J. Yopp, Geo. R. French, James H. Chadbourn, Dr. A. J. De- Rossett. CLARENDON WATER WORKS. The Clarendon Water Works Company was organized on April 16th, 1881, and the works were completed during the following autumn. They began supplying the city with water during the month of December, 1881. The hydrant service was accepted by the city during January, 1882. There are about twelve and a half miles of main pipes from four to twelve inches in diameter, and about one and a half miles of service pipes and small mains from three-fourths of an inch to two inches in diameter. There are over one hundred public fire hydrants and nearly three hundred consumers. The daily consumption at the present time is upwards of 100,000 gallons. The Com- pany makes use of what is known as the stand-pipe and direct pressure system. The 6 42 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. water is pumped into the stand-pipe for ordinary use, but in case of fire it is pumped directly into the mains, the pressure being increased as the exigencies of the case de- mand. The stand-pipe is 20 feet in diameter and 90 feet high, which gives a domes- tic pressure of from 25 to 50 pounds to the square mch. The fire pressure is usually 100 pounds per square inch. The capacity of the stand-pipe is 210,000 gallons. The works have two Worthington duplex pumping engines — one high pressure of 500,000 gallons daily capacity, and the other a compound non-condensing engine, of 1,000,000 gallons daily capacity. This can be increased about 25 per cent, if necessary. The capital stock is $50,000 and the works cost about $150,000, the balance being represented by stock. WILMINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY. This company was chartered January 27th, 1851, and was organized in February, 1855. Its capital stock is $100,000. The works are located at the corner of Surry and and Castle streets. The gas produced is manufactured from wood and rosin, and the holders have a capacity of 40,000 cubic feet of gas. The price charged is $2.50 per 1,000 cubic feet. The length of mains is about ten miles. The officers are Edward Kidder, President; Richard I. Jones, Secretary and Treasurer; John W. Reilly, Superintendent. THE WILMINGTON TELEPHONE EXCHANGE was opened here in 1879, Wilmington being the first city in the South to adopt the telephone exchange system. In 1880 the method of working was much improved by the introduction of the "Law System" of central office "switching," which is claimed to be the best in the world. Wilmington was also the second city in the United States to adopt the telephonic fire alarm system, the wisdom of which action has been frequently demonstrated. SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. There are twenty-eight benevolent organizations in the City of Wilmington, of which twenty-two are white, and six colored. First in order, as in age, is St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. This is probably the first Lodge organized in North Carolina, as the register of the Grand Lodge of England, published in 1762, contains the follow- ing: "213, A Lodge at Wilmington, on Cape Fear river in the province of North Car- olina, March 1755." In 1791 the Grand Lodge, after a full investigation of the claims of all the Lodges to priority, in the award of numbers, gave St. John's Lodge at Wil- mington, the "No. 1," thus showing that it has claims to antiquity, which claims the records sustain. It is to be regretted that there is no record containing the names of its first members, but we know that they were among the most prominent Wilmington cit- izens. For more than a century this Lodge has been active in good works, and in its green old age still flourishes with as much vigor as in the early days of its youth. Cape Fear Lodge No. 2, I. O. O. F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows), was instituted by dispensatian from the Grand Lodge of the United States, in the town of Wilmington, on the 13th of May, 1842. Its officers first were W. S. G. Andrews, Noble Grand; Valentine Hodgson, Vice Grand; Wiley A. Walker, Secretary ; Alexander McRae, Treasurer. The Lodge was organized on the second floor of a building owned by the late Aaron Lazurus, on the corner of North Water street and Ewing's alley, and had only vacated those quarters about two or three months for their new one on Front street, now occupied by J. L. Boatwright, Esq., when the great fire of 1843 burned every building on the wharf, from Ewing's alley to the depot of the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad Company. On the 26th of April, 1870, the Lodge commenced the erection of their new hall on Third street, and on the 1st of January, 1871, formally occupied the same as their per- manent home. It now numbers over fifty members. The other societies are as follows : WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 43 MASONIC. Wilmington Lodge No. 319, Concord Chapter No. 1, Wilmington Council No. 4 and Wilmington Commandery No. 1. I. o. o. F. Orion Lodge No. 67, Oriana Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca, No. 3, Wilmington Degree No. 1 and Campbell Encampment No. 1. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. Stonewall Lodge No. 1 and Germania Lodge No. 4. AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR. Clarendon Council No. 67. KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF HONOR. R. H. Cowan Lodge No. 549 INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RED MEN. Wyoming Tribe No. 4. I. O. O. B. (HEBREW.) North State Lodge No. 222. K. S. B. (HEBREW.) Manhattan Lodge No. 158, ROYAL ARCANUM. Cornelus Harnett Council No. 231. KNIGHTS OF HONOR. Carolina Lodge No. 434. There are also a number of colored associations. ladies' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. This is probably the oldest of the charitable institutions of Wilmington, having been organized early in 1845, and in 1852 it was incorporated as "The Ladies' Benevo lent Society of Wilmington, North Carolina." During the war, the operations of the Society were entirely suspended, but in 1868 a re-organization was effected, and Mrs. C. G. Kennedy elected President. This lady has been successively re elected, and to her, more than to any one else in Wilmington, is the success of the Society due, almost her whole time being devoted to its work. In 1872, a lot which had been donated to the Society before the war, was sold, and one- half the proceeds given to the family of the donor, who were left much impoverished by the war. The remaining half, together with the proceeds of some railroad stock, was used to purchase a more suitable place for the Home, which the Society wished to organize, and in 1881 was established the "The Old Ladies' House of Rest." The President, in her annual report for 1881, says: "The House is rather small, and is now occupied, almost to its full extent, by respectable and worthy ladies, to whom, as yet, we can only give a comfortable shelter, not having funds for the support of those who are received, but hope to be sustained in our efforts to make it altogether what its name imports. It is even now a harmonious and peaceful home — not denominational, but guarded by Christian principles." The Society is supported entirely by voluntary contributions of money, wood and provisions, from benevolent citizens and the dues of its members, which are one dollar a year. ST. GEORGE AND ST. ANDREW SOCIETY, OF WILMINGTON. This is a charitable Society, and was instituted in 1871. Its object is to relieve and aid sick and distressed Englishmen and Scotchmen. The members of this Society wish 44 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. to alleviate all suffering amongst their fellow-countrymen. The Treasurer has expended about $1,500 in such charities since the Society was founded. The present membership number about thirty-four. None but Englishmen, Scotchmen, or the sons or grandsons of native English or Scots are admitted as resident members. Officers — Alex. Sprunt, President; Robt. Sweet, Vice President; John Colville, Treasurer; H. G. Smallbones, Secretary, and T. F. Wood, Physician. The regular meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, and the an- nual meeting on the 21st of March. The fees are 50 cents per month, and the life members are required to pay $50, which relieves them from all other dues. THE HIBERNIAN ASSOCIATION, OF WILMINGTON, Was organized in 1866 for the purpose of relieving sickness and distress among its mem- bers, and also to assist strangers, (their fellow-countrymen), who would otherwise be a burthen to the community. The present membership is about fifty. The Society is not a secret organization, but purely benevolent, and includes in a bond of good fellowship nearly all of the most respectable Irishmen of this community ; many having risen to wealth and honor, and not a few of whom have been identified in the past with the material progress of the city. The officers are elected yearly. HOTELS. There are not sufficient hotel accomodations in Wilmington. There are a number of minor associations and institutions of a social, hterary and military character in the city, but we have not the space to speak of them in detail. HARBOR AND RIVER IMPROVEMENTS. THE HARBOR AND IMPROVEMENTS OF CAPE FEAR RIVER AND BAR BELOW WILMINGTON. On Other pages of this volume we have repeatedly directed attention to the extra- ordinary advantages and facilities possessed by the City of Wilmington as a great center of trade and commerce, and as a depot for the reception of those products which find so ready a market and are in such great demand in foreign countries. The position of the city, as regards easy accessibility and convenient distances of carriage, is at once commanding and important. For years this city has supplied a larger portion of the naval stores in the markets of the world than any other, while the exports from this port of the greatest of all agricultural products — cotton — are of a magnitude demand- ing especial consideration. The city is also the natural entrepot for the grain and pro- duce of the West seeking foreign markets, and as a port of refuge on the exposed coast of North Carolina, its utiUty does not admit of calculation. It, therefore, becomes a matter of supreme and paramount importance, not only to all classes of this community, but to the world at large, that the great undertaking of procuring and maintaining the requisite depth of channel should succeed. Upon it depends the future prosperity of the city. The operations so far have been eminently successful, and it is the duty of the General Government to see to it that they be rapidly pushed forward until the desired result be attained. There are a number of gentlemen who have devoted considerable time and attention to the advancement of these much-needed and greatly to be desired improvements, but no one does the City of Wilmington owe more in this regard than to WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, 45 Hon. A. H. Van Bokkelen, President of the Chamber of Commerce, who has been untiring in his efforts to induce and secure the necessary legislation on the part of Con- gress in this behalf. From reliable and official sources we are enabled to give the following condensed review of the condition of Cape Fear River, below Wilmington, for the last century, and bring the history of its improvements down to the present time : The original condition of the entrance to Cape Fear River before the opening of the New Inlet in 1761, according to rather uncertain information obtained from old maps, was that of a good channel over the bar and shoals of fourteen feet depth at low water in the Baldhead Channel, in about the same position as that of the present chan- nel. The position and depths of the Smithville Harbor were about as they have ever since remained. The depth of the Horse Shoe Shoals appears to have been about twelve feet. The earliest information as to the upper river, from Campbell's Island to Wilmington, is that there were shoals in several places where there was not more than seven and a half feet depth at low water. After the opening of the New Inlet there was a gradual deterioration at the Bald head Channel, and variable conditions in the Rip Channel and Bar, and in the New Inlet Bar. There are no certain records before 1839, when the survey of Lieutenant Glynn shows nine feet at the Baldhead Channel, nine feet at the Western or Rip Chan- nel, and ten feet at the New Inlet. The Coast Survey Chart of 1851, shows the low water depth at Baldhead Channel eight feet, the Western Channel seven feet and New Inlet Bar eight feet. The Coast Survey Chart of 1866 does not show much change, the available depths appearing to be about the same. A careful survey made by Mr. Vinal, of the Coast Survey, in 1872, when considerable progress had been made in closing the opening between Smith's and Zeke's Islands, shows still nine feet at low water at the Baldhead Channel, and the same depth at Rip Channel, and ten feet in the New Inlet Bar. No changes appear to have occurred in the upper river until after improvements were made. The improvement of the river below Wilmington was begun by the State of North Carolina, and continued from 1823 to 1828. In 1829, it was taken in hand by the United States, and from 1829 to 1838, inclusive. Congress made annual appropriations, amounting to $202,539, which were expended in improving the river from Wilmington to Campbell's Island, about nine miles below. The operations consisted mostly of pile and plank jetties made to concentrate the currents. Some dredging was also done. The plans initiated by the State were continued by the United States. An available in- crease of about two feet in depth was obtained, so that nine to nine and one-half feet could be carried at low water. Projects for improvement were revived in 1852, when Congress appropriated $20,- 000, and $140,000 was appropriated in 1854. These appropriations were expended for the improvement at the entrance, by jelties, at Baldhead Point, and by closing the breaches between Smith's and Zeke's Islands. When the latter works were nearly completed and the appropriation exhausted, a great storm in September, 1857, destroyed to a considerable extent the works at Zeke's Island, leaving the stone foundations only. Nothing further was done towards improvement until 1870, when the work began again. The project adopted in 1870 was the closure of the breaches between Smith's and Zeke's Islands, with the ultimate closure of the New Inlet in view. In 1873 and '74, the additional work projected was the dredging of the new channel behind the Horse- shoe Shoal's, near Snow's Marsh, and dredging the Baldhead Channel, (which had already began to improve), and also dredging and removing obstacles in the river be- tween Campbell's Island and Wilmington, so as to obtain twelve feet depth at mean low water. The official report to the Commission of Navigation and Pilotage, Wilming- ton, on the 1st day of July, 1870, gave depth of water as follows: Western Channel, outer bar, ten feet ten inches at low water; Western Channel, rip or inner bar, seven feet ten inches at low water; New Inlet, outer bar, nine feet at low water; New Inlet, inner bar, nine and a half feet at low water, to which must be added four feet for neap tides and six feet for spring tides, to give the depth at high water. In 1870 Baldhead Channel was not reported. The recollections of persons who should know, place the depth of water on the obstructions in the same at six to six and a half feet at low water. 46 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. In 1875 the work of closing the New Inlet was begun in earnest. A continuous line of mattresses, composed of logs and brush, sunk and loaded with stone, was laid entirely across the New Inlet, from October, 1875, to June, 1876. This was the first founda- tion of the dam. As fast as appropriations were available the work was continued from year to year, by piling small stone rip-rap on and over this foundation, and finally bringing it up to high water, and then covering it with heavy granite stones on the top and slopes to low water. There were many real discouragements during the progress of the work, not to speak of the almost universal prediction of ultimate failure by the pilots and others, who were well acquamted with the forces to be contended with. The great rush of these tidal currents in and out can hardly be realized, even now, when it is shown that the alternate difference in level on the sea and river sides of the dam at the different stages is usually from one to two feet, and a difference of three and one-half feet has been observed. This rush and over-fall caused a scour on both sides of the foundation for a depth of from six to sixteen feet below the bottom of the mattresses, and the water found its way underneath them, and the scouring caused their irregular subsidence. In some instances the settlement was ten or twelve feet within twenty-four hours. The only, or at least the best remedy, was to continue to pile on stone and let them go to their limit, thus making the foundation from ninety to one hundred and twenty feet in width at the base, where the original mattresses were from forty-five to sixty feet. The whole work, from shore to shore — Federal Point to Zeke's Island — is nearly a mile in length. For about three-fourths of a mile of this length the stone go to an average depth of about thirty feet below the top of the dam ; in many places the depth is more than thirty-six feet. The limit of subsidence was reached during the year 1878, since which time it has only been necessary to widen the foundation and cover the dam with heavy rock. This was carefully done by the use of three floating derricks — one of which was operated by steam — between December, 1879, and July, 1881. The stone used in its construction amounts to 181,600 cubic yards, including 16,756 gross tons of heavy granite. During the progress of the work the small stones below high tide were being cemented into a solid mass by oysters and barnacles ; and now the whole structure, with its granite surface, is like one solid rock. Its crest is above the level of ordinary spring tides, and there can be no question of its permanence. When the magnitude, and apparent and real difficulty of the work are considered, the cost has been small. The whole cost, from its inception in 1875, to its thorough completion in 1881, has not exceeded $480,000. During the first three years of the construction of the dam, it did not much effect the quantity of the in and out flow of the tides at the New Inlet, but as it approached completion, the stoppage was more and more, and the effect on the Baldhead Channel increased; this was also assisted by the operation of the suction dredge Woodbury, which was thoroughly rebuilt and put in operation on the Baldhead Channel early in April, 1879, and continued work until October, 1881, during which time 169,491 cubic yards of sand were dredged and dumped in deep water. In good weather the amount of compact sand dredged and carried to deep water for dumping would often amount to 500 cubic yards per day, and occasionally more than 600 cubic yards. The large amount of materials removed by the dredge bore a small proportion to the amount carried out by the natural force of the tidal currents, as frequent surveys have proved. The following were the shortest soundings in the Baldhead Channel at the end of the fiscal years: 1878, 9 feet; 1879, 11 feet; 1880, 13 feet; 1881, 14 feet; 1882, 14 feet. This result has been gratifying in the extreme, and has brought the channel into as good or better condition than it was before the breach of the New Inlet in 1761. Up to this point, the mean range of tides being four and one-half feet, seventeen and one- half feet draft could be carried oyer the bar and shoals at ordinary high water, and eighteen and one-half at spring tides. As the available depth of water between Smith- ville and Wilmington only allowed fourteen and one-half feet draft at high water, the importance of obtaining a greater depth was apparent. An estimate of it was placed before Congress, at the instance of Senator M. W. Ransom, in January, 1881, and an appropriation of $140,000, designed in part for it, was made by act of Congress, WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 47 approved March 3, 1881. The project adopted was for a channel to be dredged, where dredging was needed to obtain it, of 270 feet wide and sixteen feet depth at mean low water, from the deep water at Smithville Harbor to Wilmington, and the first contract for dredging was made in May, 1881. Another appropriation of $225,000 was made in August, 1882. The work is still in progress, and in the course of the next twelve months a depth of eighteen feet will be obtained from the ocean to the city, which will eventually be increased, as now contemplated, to from twenty-four to twenty-six feet — it being practicable at a moderate cost. Wilmington now compares favorably with other Southern ports, and will in a very short time be the equal of any. Vessels loading to a draft of over eighteen feet can lighten a portion of their cargo at a comparatively small expense and with but sUght detention. During the present season foreign steamers of 1,700 tons burden, loaded with cotton, have easily proceeded from the city to the sea. This port is also well located for a coaling station — is already a port of call for steamers, and is destined ere long to become the most popular coaling station on the South Atlantic coast. This work of improvement now being carried on by the Government stands high in the estimation of the United States Engineer department, and being recognized as a truly National work, will always, as it should, receive favorable consideration from the Government authorities. Upon a visit of inspection made January 29, 1884, by Hon. Robert T. Lincoln, Secretary of War; Gen. H. G. Wright, Chief of Engineers; Gen. J. G. Parke, in charge of the Division of Rivers and Harbors office of Chief Engin- eers, and Col. W. P. Craighill, engineer in charge of the improvement of the lower Cape Fear River and Bar, they found the work progressing satisfactorily, with results already attained, giving conclusive evidence that the depth of water contemplated would be obtained within a reasonable time. From the reports of the engineers in charge there seems to be no doubt but that, by a proper jetty system, a depth of at least twenty feet at low water can be obtained from the sea across the bar to the harbor. It then becomes a mere matter of expense to secure that depth all the way to the city. The matter is certainly important enough to deserve careful consideration by the Government. The following are the appropriations that have been made by Congress for the improvement of Cape Fear River and Bar : By act approved March 11, 1870 $100,000 " " " March 3, 1871 75,000 " " " June 10,1872 100,000 " " " March 3, 1873 100,000 " " " June 23,1874 150,000 " " " March 3, 1875 150,000 " " " Aug. 14,1876 132,500 " " " June 18,1878 160,000 " " " March 3. 1879 100,000 " " " June 14,1880 70,000 " " " March 3,1881 140,000 " " " Aug. 1,1882 225,000 Total $1,502,500 48 WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE, TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. With reference to direct communication with all p. s of the world, the City of Wilmington occupies a position at once commanding -^nd unexcelled. By comprehen- sive railway system, all points in the United States are readily and quickly reached ; by the Cape Fear River the richest and most fertile sections of the great State of North Carolina pay tribute to her commerce, while her eligibility and superior advantages as a great maratime port, place her among the greatest commercial and trade centers on the South Atlantic coast, and connect her industries with the leading markets of the world. We shall briefly consider the RAILROADS centering here, and call attention to several which are now being projected, and which will, in all probability, be completed at an early day. WILMINGTON & WELDON RAILROAD. This railroad was projected solely by the people of Wilmington, and was com- pleted in 1836. Its length from Wilmington to Weldon is 163 miles, the line passing through New Hanover, Pender, Wayne, Wilson, Edgecombe, Nash and Halifax Coun- ties, with branch roads from Rocky Mount to Tarboro, a distance of seventeen miles, and from Halifax to Scotland Neck, twenty miles. It is said to be one of the best equipped roads in the South for traveling comfort and speed. President Bridgers has not seen fit to respond to our request for information touching matters of interest con- nected with the management and affairs of the road, and we are, therefore, unable to give any other facts and figures save the following contained in his annual report, No- vember, 21, 1882 : Gross earnings $ 783,790 27 Total expenses 574,318 30 Leaving a net of $ 209,471 98 The receipts show an increase of $32,873.43, which is made up as follows : Through Freight $ 1,033 88 Passengers 16,877 07 Local Passengers 24,042 30 MaU and Express 11,930 97-$53,884 22 Decrease in Local Freight 21,010 79 Net increase $32,873 43 WILMINGTON, COLUMBIA & AUGUSTA RAILROAD. For the like reason given above, namely : the failure of President Bridgers to pay any attention to our request for information as to this road, of which he is also Presi- dent, we can only give our readers the following facts : This road is 189 miles in length, and passes from Wilmington into South Carolina, through Brunswick and Columbus Counties, North Carolina, and continues its route through Marion, Darlington, Sumter and Richland Counties, South Carolina. The President's annual report, dated November 21, 1882, gives the following : WILMINGTON — PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. 49 "The gross receipts for the year are $692,628.52, being an increase of $51,672.22 over those of the preceding year, which is made up as follows : Through Freight $ 6 51 Local Freight 20,578 44 Through Passengers 9,704 69 Local Passengers 8,272 02 Mail and Express 13,110 56 Total increase $51,672 22 The expenses are $553,036.57, in addition to which the following amounts have been paid for improvements : Two New Engines $ 25,898 10 One Hundred and Fifty Box Ci: