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1653-1912
We^moreland County
Virginia
COMPILED BY
T. R. B. WRIGHT
A Short and Bright Day in Its History
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^. James Monroe
2. Gforge Washington
3. Rout. E. Lee
4 Richard Henry Lee
5. Tamrs Madison
(5. Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee
7. Francis Lightfoot Lee
1653- I9'2
Westmoreland County Virginia
PARTS I AND 11
A Short Chapter and Bright Day in Its History
Addresses Delivered by Lawrence Washington, Esq., Rev, Randolph Harrison McKim, D. D., LL. D , and Rev. George Wm. Heale, D. D. , at
Montross, Va., May 3, 1910.
And he said, 'Draiu not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place nuhereon thou standest is holy ground.
— Exodus, Chap, iii, v. 5.
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Richmond, Virginia:
WHITTET & SHEPPERSON, PRINTERS.
1912
cm
Author
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DEDICATION
TO MY WIFE WHO NEVER FORCIETS ME.
The symphony of a grand fiasi is indeed heard
when the hand of memory siveeps
07'er such golden strings.
INTRODUCTION,
"The history of a people is, often, best preserved by their laws and civic institutions; and nothing adds more to the true glory of a nation than narratives of its wise and impartial administration of justice. The fame of the Areopagus survived the military glory of Athens; and while the battle of Marathon, the passage of the Hellespont and the victory of Salamis were treated as fables at Rome,* the memory of the Grecian Laws still lived in the twelve tables of the Capital of the Universe. "f — Preface to fourth volume Call's (Va.) Reports.
* Liv. lib. 28, 43 ; Juv. sat. XI., 174 etc.
f Adams's Antiq: ICC- 5 Gibb. Rom. Emp. 308.
PART I.
From painting by Col. Trumbull.
Washington
Westmoreland County, Virginia.
I.
Westmoreland Called "The Athens of Virginia."
A. Pleasant and Noted Day at Monteoss, the County Seat. Brilliant Addresses by Lawrence Washington, Eev, Eandolph Harrison McKim, D. D., LL.D., AND Rev, George Wm. Beale, D. D.
Westmoreland county, Virginia, was taken from the older colony of Northumberland by an Act of the "Grand Assembly/' July, 1653.
Westmoreland has been called "The Athens of Virginia." Some of the most renowned men of this country have been born within her borders. Among these may be mentioned Washington, Eiehard Henry Lee, and his three brothers — Thomas, Francis and Arthur : General Henry Lee, Monroe, and the late Buslirod Washington.
President Monroe was born at the head of Monroe's Creek. Chantilly, situated upon the Potomac, now in ruins, was once the residence of Eiehard Henry Lee. Upon the same stream, a few miles up, is Stratford, the family seat of the Lees for many gene- rations. The birthplace of Washington was destroyed previous to the Eevolution. It stood about half a mile from the junction of Pope's Creek with the Potomac. — Hoive's Historij of Virginia, page 507.
The fac simile in the engraving of the record of the birth of Washington is from the family record in the Bible which belonged to his mother. The original entry is supposed to have been made by her. This old family Bible is in the possession of George W. Bassett, Esq., of Farmington, Hanover county, who married a grandniece of Washington. It is in the quarto form, much dilapi- dated by age, and with the title page missing. It is covered l)y the striped Virginia cloth, anciently much nsed. The portrait of Wash- ington, which we give, is engraved from the original painting bv his aid. Colonel John Trumbull. When Lafayette was on his visit to this country he pronounced it the best likeness of Washington he had seen. It was taken at the time of life when thev wore both together in the armv of the Revolution. — Idem, page 508.
10 W EkiT MOREL AS D COUNTY, ^ JRGINIA
We clip from the Northern Neck Neivs, Warsaw, Va., Friday, May 20, 1910, the following extract from its correspondent:
Big Day at Montkoss.
Brillunil l:<pcak-ers (Did Di.sliiif/jilslied Assemblage.
Tuesday, May ;5rd, at 1 P. M., Avas the occasion at Montross of presenting and accepting the portraits, tablets and statues so gen- erously given to Westmoreland county, and in public recognition of the gifts.
After a delightful luncheon by the ladies of Westmoreland. Eev. Dr. E. H. McKim, of Washington, D. C. ; Eev. Dr. G. W. Beale, of Westmoreland; Lawrence Washington, Library of Con- gress; Hon. William Mayo, and Hon. C. Conway Baker delivered patriotic and striking addresses.
They were met by the honorable Board of Supervisors, the Washington and Lee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Con- federacy, the members of the Westmoreland Camp Confederate Veterans, the patriotic order of Sons of America, the officers, teachers and scholars of public and private schools, and patriotic citizens generally. The occasion was a pleasant one, and full of intense historical interest to Westmoreland people. The flower and chivalry of the county assembled there. The brave and patriotic manhood and the presence and grace of cultured and lovely woman- hood made it brilliant. All felt the silent and potent influence of the Washington and Lee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (Mrs. George W. Murphy, president, and Mrs. B. P> Atwill, secretary), as they came in the court room in a body. They gave cchil and delight to the pageantry and brill inncy of the occa- sion.
Mrs. Charles W. Harris presided at the organ and led the rendi- tion of Southern songs and national anth(>ms and hymns. She is an accomplished scholar of the Peabody Institute, Baltimore. Mrs. Lee Crutchfield and Misses Atwill assisted, and adding their. lovely voices to the lovely voice of Mrs. Harris, made the most delightful and thrilling music. We owe much to these ladies.
Hon. William Mayo, president of the Board of Supervisors, called the meeting to order and presided. Mr. Mayo is proud of the fame of Virginia and Westmoreland. Their history is glorious to him. He does not, however, supinely and repiningly dream of the past, but as a citizen and president of the Board is a man of genuine progress and believes in present and future achievement for the betterment of his people and locality, and- is doing as much
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WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA H
for good roads and development along industrial, educational and agricultural lines as any man in the State, and has the confidoiu'c and esteem of all his people. He is an easy, forceful, fluent speaker.
The Judge of the Court made the following report:
I have the honor to report and turn over to you —
1. General George Washington, hero of Yorktown, "Father of his Country," of whom Governor Henry Lee (Light Horse Harry), appointed by Congress to pronounce the eulogy on his death, said : "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his country- men"; first President of the United States; painted after Harding, and donated and painted by (Mrs. Jolm S. Bonebrake) IMiss M. B. Snyder.
2. James Monroe, fifth President of the United States, author of the great Monroe Doctrine, the foundation of our foreign policy ;. painted by Willis Pepoon, Eichmond, Va., after Vanderlyn — color- ing after Stuart — and donated by Mr. P. H. Mayo, Eichmond, Va.
3. William Pitt, Lord Chatham, donated in 1768 by Edmond Jennings, Esq., of London, England, to the gentlemen of the county of Westmoreland; figure full length, addressing the British Parlia- ment. This historic painting once embellished the hall of the House of Delegates, Eichmond, Va. (See Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia, 1901-1902, page 676.)
4. General E. E. Lee, of Stratford, the '^'brightest star in the galaxy of Anglo-Saxon greatness," in full uniform, figure full length; painted by E. F. Andrews, and donated by Colonel E. E. Lee, Jr., Fairfax county, his grandson.
5. Judge Bushrod Washington, favorite nephew of General Washington, devisee of Mount Vernon, his books and library; As- sociate Justice Supreme Court of the United States; painted by Estella Gross, Washington, D. C, after Plarding, and donated by the Mount Vernon Washingtons through Major E. W. Hunter, sec- retary of Confederate Eecords, who married Miss Lila Washington.
6. General Thomas Stuart Garnett (of Chancellorsville fame). Confederate States Army; painted and donated by Mrs. Eoberta Garnett Morris, Fredericksburg, Va., his sister.
7. Colonel Henry T. Garnett; painted and donated by ^[rs. Eoberta Garnett Morris, Fredericksburg, Va., his daughter.
8. General E. L. T. Beale, the gallant and dashing Brigadier of Cavalry, Confederate States Army, and member of United States
12 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Congress before and after the War Between the States; donated by his family,
9. Judge Richard Parker, Supreme Court of Appeals of Vir- ginia ; donated by James E. Keene, New York ; painted by Charles S. Forbes, Boston, now Paris, France.
10. Judge John Critcher, Colonel, Confederate States Army, member of Congress and Circuit Judge; painted by Miss Cathe- rine Carter Critcher, Paris School of Arts, and donated by Mrs. Nannie C. Gatewood, Washington, D. C, and herself.
11. Governor Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee, Governor of Virginia; General United States Army, and member of Congress (eulogist on the death of Washington), and "the Eupert of the Eevolution,'^ father of General E. E. Lee; painted by B. West Clinedinst, Pawling, Duchess county, New York, after Stuart, and donated by General G. W. Custis Lee, his grandson.
12. Francis Lightfoot Lee of Stratford, member of Congress and signer of Declaration of Independence ; painted by Willis Pe poon, Eichmond, Va., after Peale, and donated by Dr. Eichard H. Stuart, of Stratford.
13. Eichard Henry Lee of Chantilly (born at Stratford), mem her of the first Congress at Philadelphia, September 5, 1774, "the Cicero of the House" ; author and mover of the famous "Westmore- land Eesolutions" at Leedstown, Va., February 27, 1766 (Judge Eichard Parker presiding), passed by the patriots of Westmoreland protesting against the Stamp Act^ and signer of the Declaration of Independence; author of "The Committee of Correspondence,^' from which sprung the Union of the Colonies ; and mover, on the 7th day of June, 1776. in the Continental Congress, "that these united Colonies are and ought to be free and independent States" ; painted by Mrs. Montague (nee Taliaferro), after Peale, and donated by Joseph Bryan, Eichmond, Va.
14. William Lee, of Stratford, Lord Mayor of London, Eng- land, and United States Commissioner to the Court of Berlin, and United States representative to Holland; painted by Charles S. Forbes, Boston, now Paris, France; donated by James E. Keene, New York.
15. Arthur Lee, of Stratford, member of Congress, United States Minister to the Court of Versailles; the scholar, the writer, the philosopher, and the negotiator of the treaty of commerce and alliance with the French Court; painted by Harreotte Lee Monta- gue (nee Taliaferro), Eichmond, Va.; donated by William H. Lee,
o
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, ] IROIMA 13
president of the Merchants'-Laelede JSTational Bank. St. Louis. Mo. ; Blair Lee and Jolui F. Lee, his brother.
16. Mural tablet (polished Italian marble, letters black and gold) to Taliaferro Hunter, Superintendent of Schools of West- moreland county, and educator; donated by the citizens of West- moreland county through Miss Lizzie Baker.
17. Mural tablet, polished Italian marble, letters black and gold, richly engraved by Gaddess Brothers Company, Baltimore, Md., to Joseph Cliristopher Wheelwright and Samuel Francis At- will, Virginia Military Institute cadet heroes who fell in the battle of New Market in 186-i; donated by J. H. Wheelwright, vice-presi- dent of the Consolidation Company, Continental Trust Building, Baltimore, Md.
18. Eeplica of the Houdon statue of Washington in the Capitol at Richmond, Va., and fluted pedestal, manufactured by P. P. Cap- roni & Bro., Boston, Mass. ; donated by Lloyd Washington, 1842 Indiana avenue, Chicago, 111.
19. American Eagle, handsomely hand carved in wood, gilded with fine gold, 3H to 4 feet from tip to tip ; donated by the Mary- land, Delaware and Virginia Eailway Company, Pier Light street. Baltimore, Md.
"Poor is the country that boasts no heroes, but beggared is that people who, having them, forgets."
Respectfully reported.
Mr. Mayo then introduced Lawrence Washington, Library of Congress, and late of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Mayo was very happy in presenting his old schoolmate to present Justice Bushrod Washing- ton's portrait, Supreme Court United States. Mr. Lawrence Wash- ington is a very cultured and refined looking gentleman — cleanly shaved, trim in figure and dress, strong, handsome face and eyes. His address was a finished one and very strong and eloquent. Judge Washington was a very much more distinguished man in his day than is now generally apprehended, and this address, which will be published, will be an interesting chapter in the literature of the history of the country. It was a matter of regret that his son, Richard B. Washington, a rising and distinguished young attorney of Alexandria, with him, and who has just returned from a two years' service at Vice-Consul to Planca in Germany, had to leave for the steamer before he could be pressed into service for the oc- casion.
14 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VfRGINlA
Hon. C. Conway Baker then introduced Eev. Dr. Randolph Har- rison McKini, Church of the Epiphany, Washington, D. C, to pre- sent the entire gallery. Mr. Baker, at all times fluent and pleasing, never made a happier or more delightful speech in his life. It was generally conceded that it was a gem in delivery and oratory, and adds another laurel to liis fame and delight to his friends.
Dr. McKim's address was a masterpiece. It was one of the grandest tributes to Westmoreland ever delivered, and one of the brightest chapters in her glorious history. The speech of Lord Brougham on Washington was adopted in the history of Westmore- land by the historian Howe in his "History of Virginia." This tribute of Dr. McKim to Westmoreland's Washington and other heroes may well be treasured like Lord Brougham's in its history. Dr. McKim is a brilliant and eloquent speaker. A man of the most imposing and distinguished presence, charming personality, voice clear, resonant, attractive in volume and tone, he simply thrilled us as he rang out. We feel prouder than ever of Westmore- land.
Mr. Mayo then, in a happy manner, presented Dr. Beale to ac- cept. Dr. Bcale, a son of Westmoreland, truly exalted his county and people, their achievements and memories. He urged them to keep rekindled the flres of patriotism on the altars of their country. He was truly eloquent, and his appeals from a fine exordium to per- oration touched us and won us. As a brilliant historian, scholar and learned divine, we always wish to hear from him.
T am told that the Board o^ Supervisors will endeavor to print al] these addresses in pamphlet form for distribution.
As the choir were delightfully rendering ''Auld Lang Svne," the driver hurried Dr. McKim to start on his pilgrimage to Wake- field and Stratford, the birthplaces of the immortal Washinoion and Lee. At Wakefield, Mrs. Wilson and Miss Etta were very polite and cordial, and at Stratford D". and^Mrs. Stuart were also very polite and cordial. After visUing these consecrated shrines he reached Leed^town a little after 8 P. M., and after a nice s-upper at Mr. Baxter's and cordial entertainment as a guest, took the steniner. Tliis ended his visit to the Northern Neck, where this brilliant man had flashed through its classic section like a brilliant meteor in the clear heavens, leaving behind with those people the most delightful memories of himself. The trip was a strenuous one for a man seeking to recruit himself from recent illness. Dur- ing the few days of his visit he preached two beautiful sermons — one at St. John's. Warsaw, the other at St. John's Tappahannock. He delivered two brilliant addresses — one at Warsaw, the other at Montrose.
WE^^TMORELAXD COlKTY, VIIiUlMA 15
While resting on the steamer that night in the little quiet town of Leedstown, it was recalled that there, in February, 1766, after Richard Henry Lee had organized the "Westjnoreland Association" of patriots, that he wrote there (the famous Westmoreland resolu- tions) a direct protest against the Stamp Act, Judge Richard Parker presiding over the meeting. Although Xorth Carolina claims the glory to have shed the first blood for Colonial liberty at Alamance in 1771, and boasts of the Mecklenburg resolutions (May 20, 1775) which ante-date the Declaration of Independence, yet it must be remembered to the glory of old Westmoreland that more than nine years before the Mecklenburg resolutions, and more than ten years before the Declaration of Independence, and one hundred years after Nathaniel Baoon, these patriots of old West- moreland at Leedstown were the first to rekindle the latent and hidden rfires of the American Revolution through Richard Henry Lee — a great historical fact which should ncvrr l)o forgotten by Virginians.
Richard Henry Lee. chairman of the Conimittee of Congress to report on his motion in Congress "That the LTnited Colonies are and ought to be free and independent States," etc., on June 10th was called from Philadelphia home to see his ill wife. This acci- dental sickness of his wife deprived him of the signal honor of being the author as well as mover of the Declaration of Independ- ence, thus by his conduct demonstrating to the world that loyalty and devotion to wife, family and home are dearer and sweeter than earthly honors — a virtue the highest, sublimest and supremest known to mankind. — Correspondent Northern NecJc News.
20. Since the above report of the contributions to the gallery of the court room, a costly and beautiful tablet in letters of black and gold has been given by ]\Irs. Emily Steelman Fisher, a daugh- ter of the American Revolution, General Lafayette Chapter, i\.t- lantic City, N". J. The tablet gives the full text of "Westmoreland Articles" offered by Richard Henry Lee at Leedstown, Va., and passed by the patriots of Westmoreland on 27th of February. 1766. "A signal gun of warning and preparation, whose clear, reverber- ating echoes heralded the Declaration of Independence, and Avas a prelude to all the patriotic guns fi-om Lexington to Yorktown."
31. .Another beautiful tal)let of letters black and a^old givins: the text of the Resolutions of the Westmoreland patriots and the Westmoreland Committee of Safety passed 1774 and 1775. when the Boston harbor in our sister colony of ^lassachusetts Bay was locked up and Lord Dunmore seized the i)owder in the magazine in Williamsburg, has been given by Dr. Algernon S. (rarnett, of
]e, WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Hot Springs, Arkansas, a son of Westmoreland and brother of General Thomas S. Garnett, a dashing officer killed at Chancellors- ville.
These two tablets were unveiled at Montross May 9, 1911.
22. Replica of the statue of Chief Justice Marshall from the original in marble in the Boston Athenaeum; donated by Bush Wilkins. Esq. Virginia gave Washington, who with the sword led the armies of the Eevolution, and Marshall with the pen expounded the Constitution of this great Republic. Colonel Thomas Marshall, the father of the Chief Justice, was born in Westmoreland, and the historic county is, therefore, the grandmother of John Marshall.
23. Statue of R. E. Lee (P. P. Caproni & Bro., sculptors, Bos- ton, Mass.,), donated by Bushrod Washington Pomeroy, Esq.
"An angel's heart, an angel's mouth, Not Homer's could alone for me Hymn v^ell the great Confederate South, Virginia first, and Lee."
Historical Events Commemorated by Tablets Unveiled at
Montross.
Lieutetmnt-Governor Ellyson Presides Over Interesting Exercises.
Montross, Va., May 9, 1911.
Two tablets, commemorating historical events, were dedicated here to-day with interesting exercises.
The exercises began in the early afternoon when William Mayo, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, called the meeting to order and designated J. Taylor Ellyson, Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, to preside.
Mr. Ellyson, accompanied by his wife, who is the president of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, ar- rived here early this morning on the Commodore Maury, flagship of the Virginia oyster navy. Mr. Ellyson expressed his pleasure at being present and being permitted to preside over the meeting, a duty which he performed with grace and dignity.
T. R. B. Wright, judge of the judicial circuit, then presented the tablets to the county of Westmoreland in a ringing speech, which created srreat enthusiasm.
WE8TM0I?ELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 17
As the portraits were unveiled the audience arose and sang "America."
Historical addresses were delivered by Frank P. Brent and Walter E. Hathaway, of Lancaster ooimty, which brought the exer- cises to a close.
Judge Wright, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Ellyson and Mrs. Wright, visited Stratford, the birthplace of the Lees, and other historical places in the vicinity this afternoon.
On one of the tablets is the text ol^ the famous "Westmoreland Resolutions," offered by Eichard Henry Lee, and passed by the patriots of that day at Leedstown, February 27, 1766, thus outdat- ing by nine years the Mecklenburg, N. C, resolutions, and by ten years the Declaration of Independence.
The other tablet bears the resolutions of Eichard Henry Lee, passed at the Westmoreland county court house June 22, 1774, ex- pressing sympathy with and tenderinsf aid to Boston because of the locking up of that harbor. Also on this tablet appear the resolu- tions of the Westmoreland County Committee of Safety, passed May 23, 1744, denouncing Lord Dunmore, the Governor, for seizing the powder in the magazine of Williamsburg, Ya. — The Times- Dispatch. Eichmond, Va.
HONOE COLONIAL HEEOES.
Tablets Unveiled in Memory op Westmoreland Patriots. Gift to Virginia County.
Moniross Celchrates Drafting of Besolutions hy Richard Henry Lee — Licutenani-Governor Presides.
Montross. Va., May 9, 1911.
With imposing ceremonies and in the presence of a distinguished assemblage, two large and costly tablets commemorating important events in the early history of Westmoreland county were unveiled in the courthouse here this afternoon. These tablets were secured through the aid of Judge T. E. B. Wright, who for several years has urged the practice of adorning the walls of the court rooms in his circuits with the portraits of prominent men of each county and with tablets commemorating notable historic events.
J. Taylor Ellyson, Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, accom- panied by Mrs. Ellyson. the president of the Associafion for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, presided at the exercises. Judge T. E. B. Wright presented the tablets.
j^3 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Historical addresses were delivered by Frank P. Brent and Wal- ter E. Hathaway, of Lancaster, and by Dr. George W. Beale, of Westmoreland. The tablets were received in an address by Conway Baker, Commonwealth's Attorney of Westmoreland.
WRITTEN BY RICHARD HENRY LEE.
The first tablet commemorates the formation of the Westmore- land Association of Patriots at Leedstown, on February ^7, 1766; and the resolutions adopted by them at that time. These resolu- tions denounce the Stamp Act as a violation of the natural and chartered rights of British America, pledge the membership of the Association to resist its execution and bind them to defend each other with their lives and fortunes.
These famous resolutions, written by Eichard Henry Lee, were f jimd in 1847 among the papers of Mr. Henry Lee, at one time Consul-General to Algiers, by Dr. John Samuel Carr, of South Carolina, then residing in Maryland, by whom they were delivered to John Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy in the Cabinet of Presi- dent Polk, who transmitted them to William Cabell Rives, presi- dent of the Virginia Historical Society, in Mdiose archives they are still preserved.
They are believed to be the first resolutions adopted by any local association in the American colonies against the Stamp Act. The tablet is a present to the county of Westmoreland from Mrs. Emily Steelman Fisher, a native of New Jersey, but now residing at Peedville. Mrs. Fisher is a member of the General Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, at Atlantic City.
FIERY RESOLUTIONS PASSED.
The other tablet commemorates the acts and resolves of the Westmoreland patriots at their meetings held at the Courthouse on June 22, 1774, and January 31, 1775, and the resolutions of the Westmoreland Committee of Safety, on May 23, 1775. These reso- lutions assert the right of inhabitants of the American colonies to be taxed solely by their Colonial assemblies, composed of members of their own choosing; reprobate the act of Parliament closing Bos- ton harbor ; pledge the citizens of the county not to use any article imported into the colony from England and to export no pro- ducts from the colony to England; denounce the action of Lord Dunmore, the Colonial Governor, in seizing the powder in the magazine at Williamsburg; and in appointing Richard Henry Lee
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 19
and Eichard Lee deputies to the convention soon thereafter to as- semble in Eichmond instruct them to inform the convention that the patriots of Westmoreland are firm in their determination to stand or fall with the liberties of their country.
The tablet commemorating these events in the history of West- moreland is a present from Dr. Algernon S. Garnett, a native of this county, but now a prominent physician in Arkansas. Dr. Gar- nett was a surgeon in the Confederate ISTavy, and his brother, Gen- eral Thomas Stuart Garnett, was killed at the battle of Chancel- lorsville.
The walls of the court room here are covered with the portraits of the great men that Westmoreland has produced. In less than one hundred years this county produced George Washington, Eich- ard Henry Lee, Thomas Ludwell Lee, Francis Lightfoot Lee, Eich- ard Lee, Arthur Lee, James Monroe, and Eobert E. Lee, while James Madison was born just across the border, at Port Conway, in King George county, which was carved from Westmoreland. — Correspondent Baltimore Sun.
Tablets to the Patriots of Historic Westmoreland.
"Westmoreland county contains more historic ground than many an entire State," an old resident of Baltimore who was familiar with his native Virginia often remarked. The tablets just placed in the Westmoreland Courthouse, which were unveiled with due ceremony on Tuesday, direct attention anew to the county that was the birthplace of Washington and the home of the Lees.
As early as 1766 an association of patriots was formed at Leedstown to resist the imposition of the Stamp Tax; and resolu- tions, written by Eichard Henry Lee, were adopted, denouncing the Stamp Act of the British Parliament, pledging the members to resist its enforcement, and binding them to defend each other with their lives and fortunes. This was the same spirit that burst into full flower in later years in the Declaration of Independence penned by the great Virginian. These resolutions are in the posses- sion of the Society of Virginia Antiquities, and comprise one of the most precious documents of our early history.
The Westmoreland patriots never relaxed their activity until the Eevolution was ended and the colonies firmly established as an independent nation. At, meetings in the Courthouse on June 22, 1774, on January 31, 1775, and on May 23rd of the same year the rights of the colonists were asserted in terms little less vigorous than in the Declaration of Independence itself.
20 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
One of the tablets commeni>orates the events of 1766, and the other the action of the colonists just preceding the Eevolution. They stand as a memorial to men who were not only leaders in the patriotic cause in Virginia, but bore a great part in winning the independence of all the colonists. If they had been blessed with chroniclers as industrious as the Massachusetts historians, the West- moreland resolutions would be as familiar to every school child as the Boston Tea Party. Virginia has been tardy in giving recogni- tion to many of its heroes, but perhaps one reason is that the State, like Maryland, is so full of historic spots, so much richer in his- tory than in historians and sculptors, that it has required more than one hundred and twenty-five years to mark them all. The "Mother of Presidents" has produced so many illustrious men that they overcrowd her hall of fame. — Editorial Baltimore Sun.
ADDRESS OF LAWEENCE WASHINGTON, Esq., The Libraky of Congress,
In Presenting' on May 3, 1910, at Montross, Va., the Portrait of
Judge Bushrod Wasliington^ Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court of the United States.
In appearing before you on behalf of the family of the late Colonel John Augustine Washington, of the Confederate States Army, to beg the acceptance by Westmoreland county of this por- trait of Judge Bushrod Washington, the task of preparing a brief sketch of his life to be used on this occasion has been assigned me, and I have consented to it, from a sense of filial duty and not from any conceit of my special fitness to perform it.
The difficulty that confronts a layman in an attempt to portray the life of one whose reputation rests on professional achievement is so generally understood that I undertake it with much diffi- dence, trusting to your very indulgent judgment of my effort, and promise to confine myself to a plain statement of unornamented fact, much of which I have taken from the writings of Judge Bin- ney, Judge Hopkinson and Judge Story, who knew Judge Wash- ington intimately, having been closely associated with him during the thirty-one years he sat on the bench, and esteemed his character fit subject for their literary efforts.
Born at Bushfield. near the mouth of Nomini, in this county, on the 5th of June. 1762, Bushrod Washington was the oldest son
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 21
of that Colonel John Augustine Washington whose wife was the daughter of Colonel John Bushrod. His ancestors on both sides of the house had taken part in the councils of the Colony and of the Church in the Colony from the beginning of their history, and though perhaps not w^ealthy, he enjoyed from infancy every advan- tage that social and political prestige could give; and, what stood him in better stead than either or both, the careful training of pious, intellectual parents. His early tutelage was firm, if not severe. The dominant purpose of parental authority in that day was the inculcation of a spirit of reverence. His duty to God, his duty to his neighbor, and veneration for his parents held higher place in the curriculum of the school in which he was reared than the softer policy of obedience from love, and whatever modern critics may say of it, its vindication seems secure in the characters it produced. In the only letter written by Bushrod Washington to his parents that I have seen, he addresses them as "Honored Sir and Madam", signs himself, "Your most dutiful, obedient ser- vant", and the whole tone of this letter, written when he was about sixteen, is deferential in the extreme.
The schoolmaster, too, was a serious proposition. Solomon's admonition as to the use of the rod was as strictly followed in the private schools, conducted in the homes in the neighborhood, as it was at a later period in the public academies, and it was under those conditions that young Washington was prepared for a course in William and Mary College, where he finished his classical education. General Washington's influence secured him a position in the law office of Mr. James Wilson, one of Philadelphia's most distinguished lawyers, where he was carefully and thoroughly pre- pared for liis chosen profression, and it may not be uninteresting to note that it was this Mr. Wilson who was later appointed an associate justice, and whom Judge Washington succeeded on the bench.
On the completion of his law course. Bushrod Washington prac- ticed several years in Westmoreland, which he represented in the General Assembly and in the Convention that ratified the Federal Constitution, though in neither body did he take a very prominent part in debate. Neither does his law practice seem to have been altogether satisfactory, as we find a letter from him to the Presi- dent intimating a desire to be appointed attorney in the Federal Court; but the reply he received was sufficient to convince him that nepotism was not one of his uncle's redeeming vices, and he shortly afterwards removed to Alexandria, where he was no more encouraged than he had been in his native county.
22 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Whether this apparent lack of success was onlj; such as most young lawyers experience, or was due to the great draught on his time, occasioned by a close attention to the private affairs of Gen- eral Washington, whose public duties obliged him to rely on him more and more as the cares of State increased, does not appear, but his stay in Alexandria was short, and he moved on to Kich- mond, where he quickly came into lucrative and successful prac- tice, was soon recognized as one of the ablest lawyers in the State, and was engaged in the most important cases argued before the Appellate Court. He had been married, before leaving Westmore- land, to Miss Anne Blackburn, a daughter of Colonel Thomas Blackburn, of Prince William county, who had served on the staff of General Washington in the Eevolution. The health of this lad'. was never robust, and was greatly impaired shortly after her mar- riage by a shock occasioned by the sudden death of her sister under peculiarly distressing circumstances, a shock from which she never entirely recovered, and which rendered her so dependent on her husband that he took little part in the social functions for which Eichmond was as celebrated then, as now. His whole time was devoted to his practice, to the work of writing and publishing the decisions of the Court of Appeals of Virginia and to a tender and affectionate attention to his wife, which he never relaxed until death claimed him, and which caused him to be cited by his family, even in my recollection, as a model of what a husband ought to be.
Though an ardent Federalist, he had taken little part in poli- tics, and it was with much reluctance that he consented to be- come a candidate for Congress. Politics in Virginia were running high, the Federal party was on its downward road to defeat, and sacrifices had to be made. He entered the canvass with all his energy and had a fair prospect of election, when he received his nppointment to the Supreme Bench, which of course withdrew him from the field. At the time of his elevation to the bench, Wash- ington was only thirty-seven, and it is not unnatural that his selec- tion at so early an age for so high an office, should be attributed, at least in part, to his relationship to his great kinsman, and I have searched most diligently for some word or expression from General Washington that might be construed as indicative of a desire for his nephew's advancement. General Washington's let- ters have been so carefully preserved and so generally published, it seems impossible that such wish, if ever written, should remain concealed. Not only so, but the writings of every man who was in a position to be of service in procuring his appointment have been very carefully collected and published ; but in none of them is found even a remote reference to such influence.
. WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRX^INFA 23
President Adams, who made the appointment, seems to have considered the question purely with reference to the public interest, ^iany eminent and distinguished men were urged for the position, and the claims and merit of each were carefully considered and frankly discussed, but Mr. Adams' mind soon became 'fixed on two men, John Marshall and Bushrod Washington; and however men may have viewed it then, certainly few men will now consider it disparagement to be rated second to John Marshall. In writing to Mr. Pickering, Secretary of State, Mr. Adams says : "General Marshall or Bushrod Washington will succeed Judge Wilson. Marshall is first in age, rank and public service, probably not second in talents. The character, the merit and abilities of Mr. Washington are greatly respected, but I think General Marshall ought to be preferred ; of the three envoys [to France] the conduct of Marshall alone has been entirely satisfactory, and ought to be marked by the most decided approbation of the public. He has raised the American people in their own esteem, and if the in- fluence of truth and justice, reason and argument is not lost in Europe, he has raised the consideration of the United States in that quarter of the world. If Mr. Marshall should decline, I should next think of Mr. Washington."
Other names continued to be presented and considered; but in a short time after the letter just quoted, Mr. Adams wrote again to his Secretary of State : "I have received your letter of Sepitem- ber 20th, and return you the commission for a judge of the Supreme Court, signed, leaving the name aud date blnnk. You will fill the blank with the name of Marshall if he will accept it, if not, with that of Washington."
(See }yritings of John Adams, Vol. "VIII. pages 596, et seq^)
Mr. Marshall declined the office and Bushrod Washington was appointed, and became, says David Paul Brown, "perhaps, the greatest Nisi Prius Judge that the world has ever known, without even excepting Chief Justice Holt or Lord Mansfield", and adds, "This appointment and that which speedily followed, the Chief Justiceship of John Marshall, were enough in themselves to secure a lasting obligation of the country to the appointing power."
In regard to his qualifications as a judge. I have preferred to cite the opinions of his contemporaries to expressing one of my own. Judge Story says :
"For thirty-one years he held that important station, with a constantly increasing reputation and usefulness. Few men, in- deed, have possessed higher qualifications for the office, either natural or acquired. Few men have left deeper traces, in their
2'4 WESTMORECAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
judicial career, of everything, which a conscientious judge ought to propose for his ambition, or his virtue, or his glory. His mind was solid, rather than brilliant; sagacious and searching, rather than quick or eager; slow, but not torpid; steady, but not unyield- ing; comprehensive, and at the same time, cautious; patient in inquiry, forcible in conception, clear in reasoning. He was, by original temperament, mild, conciliating, and candid; and yet, he was remarkable for an uncompromising firmness. Of him it may be truly said, that the fear of man never fell upon him; it never entered into his thought, much less was it seen in his actions. In him the love of justice was the ruling passion ; it was the master- spring of all his conduct. He made it a matter of conscience to discharge every duty with scrupulous fidelity and scrupulous zeal. It mattered not, w^hether the duty were small or great, witnessed by the world, or performed in private, everywhere the same dili- gence, watchfulness and pervading sense of justice were seen. There was about him a tenderness of giving offense, and yet a fear- lessness of consequences in his official character, which I scarcely know how to portray. It was a rare combination, which added much to the dignity of the bench and made justice itself, even when most severe, soften into the moderation of mercy. It gained confidence, when it seemed least to seek it. It repressed arrogance, by overawing or confounding it."
Judge Binney, who practiced in his court for twenty years, and was afterward associated with him on the bench, says :
"Without the least apparent effort, he made everybody see at first sight, that he was equal to all the duties of the place, cere- monial as well as intellectual. His mind was full, his elocution free, clear and accurate, his command of all about him indisput- able. His learning ancT acuteness were not only equal to the pro- foundest argument, but carried the counsel to depths which they had not penetrated ; and he was as cool, self-possessed, and efficient at a moment of high excitement at the bar, or in the people, as if the nerves of fear had been taken out of his brain by the roots.
"Judge Washington was an accomplished equity lavryer when he came to the bench, his practice in Virginia having been chiefly in chancery, and he was thoroughly grounded in the common law; but he had not been previously familiar with commercial law; and he had had no experience at all, either in the superintendence or the practice of jury trials at Nisi Prius, after that fashion which prevails in Pennsylvania, and in some of the Eastern and North- ern States, as well as in England, where the judge repeats and re- views the evidence in his charge to the jury, not unfrequentlv
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 25
shows them the learning of his mind in regard to the facts, and directs them in matter of law. And nevertheless, it was in these two departments or provinces — commercial law and Nisi Prius practice and administration, particularly the latter — that he was eminent from the outset, and in a short time became, in my appre- hension, as accomplished Nisi Prius judge as ever lived. I have never seen a judge who in this specialty equalled him. I cannot conceive a better. Judging of Lord Mansfield's great powers at Nisi Prius, by the accounts which have been transmitted to us, I do not believe that even he surpassed Judge Washington.
''One fundamental faculty for a Nisi Prius judge he possessed in absolute perfection, it was attention. Attention sprang from his head, full grown, at least as truly as Minerva from Jupiter's, or he had trained it up in infancy in some way of his own. He pos- sessed the power, as I have said before, in absolute perfection.
"In addition to this, he had great quickness and accuracy of apprehension. Washington never interrogated a witness, nor asked counsel to repeat what he had said, and but rarely called for docu- ments after they had been read to him. He caught the important parts in a moment, and made a reliable note of them, before the counsel was ready to proceed with further testimony.
"He had a most ready command of precise and expressive lan- guage, to narrate facts or to communicate thoughts, and a power of logical arrangement in his statements and reasonings, which presented everything to the jury in the very terms and order that were fittest, both for the jury and for the counsel, to exhibit the whole case. A jury never came back to ask what he meant, and counsel were never at a loss to state the very point of their objection to his opinion or charge, if they had any objection to make."
"Few, very few men", says Judge Hopkinson, "who have been distinguished on the judgment seat of the law, have possessed higher qualifications, natural and acquired, for the station, than Judge Washington. And this is equally true, whether we look to the illustrious individuals who have graced the courts of the United States, or extend the view to the countrv from which so much of our judicial knowledge has been derived. He was wise, as well as learned; sagacious and searching in the pursuit and discovery of truth, and faithful to it beyond the touch of corrup- tion, or the diffidence of fear; he was cautious, considerate and slow in forming a judgment, and steadv, l)ut not obstinate, in his adherence to it. N"o man was more willing to listen to an argu- ment against his opinion; to receive it with candor, or to yield to it with more manliness, if it convinced him of his error. He was
26 WK^TMORELAXD COUNTY, VIRGINIA
too honest and too proud, .to surrender himself to the undue in- fluence of any man, the menaces of an}^ power, or the seductions of any interest ; but he was as tractable as humility, to the force of truth; as obedient as filial duty, to the voice of reason. When he gave up an opinion, he did it not grudgingly, or with reluctant qualifications and saving explanations; it was abandoned at once, and he rejoiced more than any one, at his escape from it. It is only a mind conscious of its strength, and governed by the highest principles of integrity, that can make such sacrifices, not only without any feeling of humiliation, but with unaffected satisfac- tion."
In any account of Judge Washington a review of his decisions is of course what most interest the profession, but such review most briefly stated would occupy more time than could 1)6 allowed on an occasion like this, and I pass at once to some of the less con- spicuous incidents of his life.
It is entirely unnecessary to rehearse before this audience the efforts made by the Virginia colonists to prevent the shipment of African slaves to her shore; you know, too, that when a power too strong for the colony to resist, had fastened the institution upon her, the wisest statesmen within her borders would have welcomed and contributed to its abolishment by any plan not threatening greater evils; and on this question Judge Washington did not differ from the majority of the gentlemen of his day and class. He had witnessed and qn him had fallen the heaviest of the burden of General Washington's unfortunate experiment in emancipation; he had seen the quiet and contented slave transformed by an act of intended philanthropy into a savage menace to the neighbor- hood; he had seen its demoralizing effect on those still held in bondage, and in company with Judge Marshall had been hurried from his official duties to quell a mutiny among the slaves at Mount Vernon, only arriving in time to prevent serious trouble. How far this insubordination had been brought about by the incendiary teaching of emissaries of Northern abolition societies, who, under the pretense of patriotic interest in the tomb and the late home of the first President, were constantly visiting the place, can not be certainly known, but that the influence of those people transmitted through these free negroes to his slaves, had practi- cally destroyed the value of Judge Washington's property lying in that part of the State is shown by a letter written in 1831 to the editor of Nile's Begister in reply to attacks that had been made on him as President of the American Colonization Society for hav- iilg sold over fifty of the negroes. The letter is too long to be
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 27
copied in full, but the paragraphs dealing with this particular phase of the question will, I hope, prove interesting. After show- ing how, by the purchase of a number of those negroes, to prevent the separation of families, the sale had resulted in little pro'fit to him ; he says :
"I had struggled for about twenty 3^ears to pay the expenses of my farm and to afford a comfortable support for those who culti- vated it, from the produce of their labor. In this way to have balanced that account would have satisfied me, but I always had to draw upon my other resources for those objects, and I would state upon my best judgment that the produce of the farm has in general fallen short of its support from $500 to $1,000 annually. To the best of my recollection I have durin,g the above period (two years excepted) had to buy corn for the negroes, for which I have sometimes paid five, six and seven dollars a barrel. Last year I commenced the purchase of this article for ninety negroes in the month of May and so continued to the end of it.
"The insubordination of my negroes and their total disregard of all authority, rendered them more than useless to me. Southern gentlemen understand, and well know how to appreciate the force of this motive, and I, therefore, forbear to enlarge upon it.
"But if it should be asked, as it well may be, why this tempter was more observable at Mount Vernon than upon other plantations in the neighborhood, I answer that, that place has at times been visited by some unworthy persons, who have condescended to hold conversations with my negroes and to impress upon their minds the belief that as the nephew of General Washington, or as President of the Colonization Society, or, for other reasons, I could not hold them in bondage, and particularly that they would be free at my death. That such conversations have passed I have evidence en- tirelv satisfactory to myself; and that such impressions had been made on the minds of the negroes was imparted to me by a friend, who had no reason to doubt the fact. In consequence of informa- tion so truly alarming, I called the negroes together in March last, and,, after stating to them what I had heard, and that they had been deceived by those who had neither their or my good in view. I assured them most solemnly that I had no intention to give freedom to any of them, and that nothing but a voluntary act of mine could make them so. That disappointment caused by this declaration should lead to consequences which followed was to be expected."
There remained then, no alternative, however distasteful, but the sale of his negroes. Emancipation without deportation was
28 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VlRdlNfA
not to be thought of, and he had already gone as far in that direc- tion as prudence permitted, and was at that time contributing to the support of the most promising of his servants whom he had liberated and sent to Liberia.
Judge Washington's connection with the Colonization Society deserves more notice than it is possible to give it in a sketch of this character. He was its first president, and whatever of success it enjoyed, was due in no small measure to his labor and interest and to the assistance and confidence which his connection with it secured. What the work of this society would have amounted to but for the Civil War, is a matter of speculation; what it has amounted to is best told perhaps by C. H. J. Taylor, who was appointed by President Cleveland Minister to that country, and who on his re- turn to the United States, painted a pathetic picture of reversion to type.
Judge and Mrs. Washington had no children, and the condition of her health rendered impossible a continuance of the hospitality that had made Mount Vernon famous during the life of its pre- vious owner. A dinner now and then to members of the Supreme Court, and that informal visiting that constituted one of the charms of Virginia society, was all that Mrs. Washington's strength per- mitted, and even that was much interrupted by their frequent absences on account of official duties. Mrs. Washington always accompanied her husband and insisted on traveling in their private carriage, in which they made their regular journeys to Philadelphia and Trenton. The fall terra of 1829 was attended with much diffi- culty. PTe managed to sit through the session at Trenton and came back to Philadelphia, hoping to perform his duties there, bat grew steadily worse and died on the 26th of ISTovember, 1829, his wife dying the following day.
One short incident as illustrating his attitude toward his slaves, and I am done.
The incident was related to me by a niece of Mrs. Washington, who was a constant visitor at Mount Vernon, and now living, at the age of nearly one hundred years.
An old negro, who was a kind of under gardener, had been en- couraged by the promise of a dram, to catch a rat that had done much damage and destroyed some of the finest luilbs in the con- servatory. The old negro had long pitted his cunning against that of the rat. and had devised many traps for its capture, but his efforts had been unrewarded, when one day, while the family was at dinner, there came a knock at the back door, which was re- sponded to by the servant waiting on the table. Peturning to the
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 39
dining room and announcing no visitor, the Judge asked who had knocked. The servant replied it was nobody but old Joe with a rat and that he had sent him awaj-.
"Go and bring him back/' said the Judge, and calling for a suitable cup he poured out the promised dram and himself took it To the door, accompanying its presentation to his old negro with highly appreciated praise.
Such, Mr. President, was the man most inadequately portrayed, for whose portrait we beg a place among the portraits of the other illustrious sons of this county, and it is no disparagement to the greatest among them to have it placed there. He represented what they stood for. His regard for truth, and Justice was as great as was that of his greater kinsman, and his devotion to duty as sub- lime as was that of the immortal Lee.
ADDEESS OF EEV. KANDOLPH HAERISON McKIM, D. D., Chuecii of the Epiphany, Washington, D. C,
In Presenting the Gallery to Westmoreland County at the Same
Time and Place.
The genius of Sir Walter Scott has immortalized the old Scotch- man, Eobert Patterson, who passed his life restoring the grave stones of the Covenanters.
Those pious labors of "Old Mortality" find an interesting par- allel in the work which was initiated some years ago by your emi- nent fellow citizen. Judge Wright, whom I am proud to call my friend — a friend of my early years, when we were both students at Jefferson's great university. I refer, of course, to his admirab e enterprise of making the county courthouses historical museums, where the people may see portrayed by the painter or the sculptor the forms and features of the distinguished men whose names have adorned their annals.
I am not surprised to learn that the plan has appealed to the pride and patriotism of the people. It is natural that these county picture galleries should foster self-respect, and a sense of dignity, among the citizens, who are thus constantly reminded of the lives and talents and achievements of their ancestors — or, at least, of the great men who were the fellow citizens and representatives of their ancestors.
But they should do more. I think you may expect that they
30 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
v/ill awake in the breasts of your young men the laudable ambition to emulate the example of the illustrious men who sprang from the sacred soil of Westmoreland. Well may these historical museums be instrumental in kindling the resolve of your young men to be worthy of their sires — to rise to the same lofty plane of endeavor on which they lived and labored — to serve their country and their fellow^ citizens as they did — to count for something in the making of the future history of the Old Dominion.
We read in Holy Writ that the funeral rites of a certain man of Israel were rudely interrupted by the approach of a band of Moabite invaders; and that, in consequence, the corpse was cast in haste into the sepulchre of the prophet Elisha, whereupon an amazing thing occurred, viz., this : "WTien the dead man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet.'^
This, my fellow citizens, is to me a parable of what may be anticipated when a young man in whose breast noble ambition is dead, patriotism is dead, the sense of responsibility for the better- ment of the world is dead — and, alas ! there are such young men,, dead W'hile they live, dead to the solemn issues and the splendid opportunities of life — I say, when such a young man is brought into contact with even, so to speak, the bones of those great men of old Virginia; with the memories of what they were; with the story of their lives ; wdth even a feeble outline of their achievements, we may expect, in some cases, at least, a similar resurrection. He will awake to a new life. Ambition will stir within his breast to play worthily his part on the stage of life. He will say to himself, "Why should not my life count for something in the land of my birth? Why should not I achieve something worthy the name I bear — worthy of the great State of which I am a citizen? Why not? The same blood flows in my veins. The same noble line of ances- tors incite me to be worthy of my birth — worthy of my name."
My fellow citizens, why should we think the old noblesse of this ancient commonwealth incapable of a new outburst of genius and force when the times shall require it?
It (lid not fail half a century ago when a tremendous crisis arose in the history of the Old Dominion. A hero arose — he was born ill old Stratford — who wrought deeds of arms more illustrious than any wrought by the famous men of the Eevolutionary epoch. Such w'as his stature, in peace as well as in war, that he stands in the Temple of Fame the unquestioned equal of that other great American whom Westmoreland gave to the world, born at old Wakefield. Anrl this oflorious hero of 1861-'T0 was not alone. He
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 31
had behind him a great company of men of courage and capacity, unsurpassed in the Eevolution of 1776. Yes, Virginia's outburst of genius and force in 18G1 was worthy of her best days.
Fellow citizens, I have faith to believe it will not fail in the time to come, and I think this enterprise of my friend, Judge Wright, will help it to the birth.
The early settlers of this county named it Westmoreland after that famous county in the west of England which has ever been renowned for its beautiful mountains and its lovely lakes — Win- dermere, Grasmere, and Ulswater. But this Virginia Westmore- land presents a striking contrast in those respects to the West- moreland of old England. Here is, indeed, on your northern bor- der a majestic river to which all Europe can furnish no equal, but you have no charming lakes reflecting lovely hills and mirroring the changing hues of the sky; you have no beautiful mountains lifting their lofty heads towards heaven. Your country is level (I believe it boasts one hill), and though it has a beauty and a charm all its own, it cannot rival the picturesquencss of that famous lake country of the northwest of England.
But, my friends, as the traveller passes through this Virginia Westmoreland, the forms of the great men who have sprung from its soil rise before him. Their fame, their great deeds, tower up to heaven, loftier and more majestic than the mountains of Eng- land's Westmoreland. The deeds they have wrought, the ideas they have given to the world, the standards of civic virtue they have upheld, are like lofty peaks piercing the sky on every hand. After all, great men are more impressive than great mountains, and the great men born on this sacred soil of yours are among the greatest of all time.
Here were born two Presidents of the United States — Washing- ton, "the Father of his Country," and Monroe, "the Father of the Monroe doctrine." Close to your border was born Madison, ^^the Father of the Constitution." Here, too, was born Thomas Mar- shall, father of the great Chief Justice Marshall ; so that Westmore- land is the grandmother of that illustrious jurist. Here was born another great jurist, Bushrod Washington, whom President Adams placed second only to John Marshall, and who in the estimation of Mr. Justice Story, was one of the greatest ornaments that ever adorned the Supreme Bench of the United States. Of other fam- ilies which flourished here, I have time only to speak of one — that illustrious family of the Lees, which has given so many notable men to history, from Colonel Richard Henry Lee, who dared to challenge the power of the mighty Cromwell, and only at last
32 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIROrNTA
acknowledged his authority on condition that the Old Dominion should never bear taxation without representation, down to the last and greatest of the name. Grand old Stratford House has a history unequaled by any other mansion in American history. There lived Governor Thomas liCe, whose worth was so much ap- preciated in the mother country that Queen Caroline contributed, unsolicited, a large sum from the Privy Purse to help rebuild it, when it had been destroyed by fire. There, in the same chamber, Avere born two of the signers of the Declaration par nobile fratrum,, Francis Lightfoot Lee and Eichard Henry Lee, the Cicero of the Continental Congress, scholar (Wirt says he was by far the most elegant scholar in the House) . debater, statesman, patriot, orator, "the smooth tongued chief, from whose persuasive lips, sweeter than honey, flowed the stream of speech" — the man who dared to propose the resolution that "these Colonies are and by right ought to be free and independent States'" — the man who was unanimousl}' elected President of the American Congress and afterwards one of Virginia's first representatives in the United States Senate — the man who would have been charged with the duty of writing the Declaration of Independence, but that he an- swered the call to hasten to the bedside of his sick wife. It was he who wrote the Memorial of Congress to the people of British America. His hand also produced the Address of Congress to the People of Great Britain, productions which Mr. Wirt says were "unsurpassed by any of the State Papers of the time." No won- der the British made such strenuous efforts to capture him. At Stratford was born also Arthur Lee, who rendered such di'stin- gnished service to the young Eepublic in France and England. At Stratford, too, lived Henry Lee, the famous Light Horse Harry, a soldier of great ability, the favorite of Washington, chosen by Congress to pronounce his funeral oration; an accomplished classi- cal scholar, a brilliant orator and the historian of the Southern Campaigns of the Eevolution. One of his famous utterances may here be recalled : "Virginia is my country ! Her will I obey, however lamentable the fate to which it may subject me !" But I have yet to name the crowning glory of old Stratford — it was the birthplace of the greatest 'soldier in American history. "His eye and lofty brow the counterpart of Jove, the Lord of thunder" — of whom Viscount Lord Wolseley has said that he would be recognized as the greatest American of the nineteenth century, and of whom Freeman the historian said, that he was worthy to occupy in his- tory a place side by 'side with Washington himself; and I may re- mind you that Lord Brougham acclaimed Washington as the sreat est man of our own or an;y other ag;..
WESTMORELA^ND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 33
Yes, my fellow cdtizens, this old coimty of Wesxmoreland was the mother of both these peerless heroes — Washington, whose brow Fortune crowned with the laurel of success in his great Eebellion against the mother country; and Lee, foredoomed by Fate to fail in his Titanic effort to establish the Southern Confederacy, but in ispite of failure — yes, by reason of his failure, rising to a height of moral grandeur never reached by any other American.
History tells us that seven cities contended for the honor of being the birthplace of Homer, but Westmoreland has the undis- puted title of having been the birthplace of these two greatest Americans. ISTo wonder this ancient county has been called the Athens of Virginia, for the "worth, the talents and the patriot- ism that once adorned it.'' No wonder it has been celebrated above all other counties in Virginia as the birthplace of genius and lib- erty. The great Athenian orator, Pericles, once exclaimed, "The M^hole earth is the sepulchre of illustrious men," because their greatness has given them a claim upon all the world. But the city or the county that gives birth to a great man receives the homage of the world as the benefactor of mankind.
Such is the homage which is due to this Virginia Westmore- land for the patriot's, the orators, the soldiers, the jurists, the statesmen, she has given to America and to mankind.
The nations of the world to-day acclaim this great Eepublic of the W>st. They recognize her as the mightiest power on earth. 'Fhey do honor to her flag in every land and on every sea. But it may be truly said, that but for the men of genius and devoted patriotism who 'sprang from your soil, my fellow citizens, the thir- teen colonies would never have achieved their independence and the United States of x\merica would never have been born.
The spirit of liberty and independence began to stir in this famous county, I believe, at an earlier period than in any other part of our broad land. Your patriots met at Leedstown, in the northern part of this county, under the leadership of Richard Henry Lee and the presidency of Judge Parker, to denounce and oppose the Stamp Act, ten years before the Declaration of Inde- pendence, and long before the North Carolina Declaration at Meck- lenburg.
But to-day, alas ! the traveller in the Northern ]Sl eck finds many a scene of desolation where once were the homes of patriots and statesmen. Wakefield is no more. Chantilly is a wilderness. Of Nomini Hall not one stone is left upon another. Pope's Creek Church is in ruins. Leeds Church has disappeared. Round Hill Church is no more. Even tHe grand old pile of Stratford is
34 WESTMORELAND COC'\Ty, VlItiJlMA
falling into decay. We see in many places the ruins of clmrches, mansions and cemeteries, once identified with the great families of the county.
Well, in some respects it is true that decay and death have set I heir seal on much in this county that was once associated with its genius, with its culture, with its force. What then? Though the seed be dead, the harvest that sprang from it has filled the world with the fruits of liberty and justice and civilization. So these old decaying mansions, these ruined churches, "the)|3e neglected cemeteries, should be to every American sacred spofs, consecrated for all time by the memories of the brilliant past ; by the liveis and achievements of the great men whose homes were in this ancient county, and hence went forth to build the American Republic. Yes, it is meet we should do homage to-day to the shades of the mighty men, the sons of old Westmoreland, whose genius and self- devotion created the fabric of our free institutions.
The venerable Bishop Meade, reflecting upon the spectacle pre- sented by the ruined churches and mansions of Westmoreland, says one is tempted to exclaim, ""Fidt Ilium ei ingens gloria Dardani- dum'' but no, he continues, "We trust there awaits for Westmore- land a greater glory than the former."
Prophetic words, my fellow citizens, for to-day a greater glory does indeed belong to Westmoreland than when the noble Bishop contemplated her fallen grandeur, in that she is acclaimed as the mother of that hero of whom 1 have 'spoken, born at Stratford, whose glory fills the world, as did that of Washington, shining, too, with a peculiar lustre derived from the fact that in defeat and disaster he bore himself with a majesty and a dignity and a spirit of Christian 'self-sacrifice and sulmiission which the great son of Wakefield, crowned as he was with success, never had the oppor- tunity to show.
Nor is the venerable Bishop's prophecy yet entirely fulfilled. We believe that Westmoreland will yet bring forth noble fruit in lier old age. Her waste places shall be restored: she shall l)lossom as the rose: her soil will vet support a teeming population: her ruined churches shall be rebuilt: her people shall be animated by a spirit worthy of her great past: her young men sliali be fired with a noble ambition to emulate th(> patriotism and the virtues of her heroes of former days: the old (Commonwealth of Virginia shall welcome to her counsels men ol an intelU^ctual and moral stature wortliy of Westmoreland s splendid history. And vvliat we are do- ing liere to-day shall, by God''s blessing, contribute to that <>nd so devoutly desired bv us all.
WESTHORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 35
ADDRESS OF EEV. GEORGE WM. BEALE, D. D.,
Of Westmoreland County^ Va., In Accepting the Gallery at the Same Time and Place.
Your Honor, Ladies and Gentlemen, — The interest and pleas- ure which I feel in accepting in behalf of the people of this county, this elegant statne and these portraits of her distingui'shed sons, spring from a variety of sources. One of these, and it is one which all present must have greatly enjoyed, i's the exceedingly graceful and felicitous manner in which these memorials were presented by the distinguished gentleman who has just spoken (Dr. McKim). It is a plea'sing cause of felicitation to us all that among the men represented in these portraits there are so many names eminent in our history and embalmed in the hearts of all our countrymen. It is also a source of happy reflection that the merits and virtues of these worthy men are not sinking and fading from the minds of their posterity, but are receiving ever fresh and significant tokens of a growing appreciation and esteem. It is, moreover, a matter of hearty congratulation that it cannot Be so truly said jas once it was. that as a people we are too intent and busy in making history to care for its records or the perpetuation of its memorial's. Now, happily, it would seem if our gaze be on the future and "Forward" be our motto, and oun hands eagerly grapple with the strenuous present, we still can pause to glance backward at the lights which have illumined our pathway, and to give attentive heed to the voice? which call to us from the past in mingled ac- cents of virtue, of manly honor, of love of country, and of un- selifish and oft times heroic devotion to duty. For one, at least, I say thrice welcome the day when the easrer present clasps hands with the past, and the grateful children gather reverently, as it were, at the feet of the fathers, to crown their brows with the chaplets of their veneration and love.
The patriots and heroes represented in these portraits claim our devout and admiring contemplation not merely because of their high characters, but by reason of the important positions which they held, the high arenas on which they acted, and the noble ser- vices which they rendered. One of them — Colonel Thomas Lee — was acting Governor of Virginia when she was as yet a colonial dependence of Great Britain. Another — William Lee — having made his residence in England, became Lord Mayor of London and Middlesex. Another — Richard Henry Lee — as a member of the Continental Congress of 1776, offered the memorable resolu-
36 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
tion for Independence which unsheathed the sword of the Eevolu- tion. Another — George Washington — led the colonial armies to victory in that great conflict. Two of them (Washington and Mon- roe) were elevated to the chief magistracy of the nation. Three of them (William Lee, Arthur Lee, and James Monroe) served effi- ciently as diplomatic agents at the leading courts of Europe; two of them (Charles Lee and James Monroe) served as United States cabinet officers; two of them (Henry Lee, son by adoption, and James Monroe) were Governors of Virginia; one (Bushrod Wnsh- ington) was a justice of the United States Supreme Court; one (Eichard E. Parker) was a Justice of the Virginia Court of Ap- peals; two (Eichard Parker and John Critcher) were judges of Vir- ginia circuits, and eight at least (E. H. Lee, Francis L. Lee, Arthur Lee, Henry Lee, an adopted son, John P. Hungerford, Willoughby Newton, E. L. T. Beale, and E. M. Mayo) held seats in Congress. And amongst these all — conspicuous and commanding — rises the majestic form of Eobert Edward Lee, who was to this old county even as Joseph was to Jacob, for whom in the hours of his stern trials and splendid victories she felt as the patriarch felt for his favorite son — "The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him and hated him : but his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his liand were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob."
The endeavor to perpetuate in enduring portraiture the forms and features of these great and worthy men is one for which the citizens of this county find abundant incentive and encouragement from what the public spirit and patriotism of our coujitr3anen have already done in every part of this great Eepublic. In the dis- charge of such a duty we are but joining hands with broad minded and liberal Americans who in the jSTorth, South, East and West, have paid more elaborate and costly tributes to the memory and deeds of these noble sons than we can do to-day. The marble effigy, the granite column, the heroic bronze, the life-like portrait, the finished steel-plate, have all been commanded, and the genius of art has bestowed its choicest benedictions on the chief figures in this pantheon of our patriots, statesmen, jurists and soldiers. It would seem to be an easy and a graceful thing that when the universal chorus is proclaiming their praises, and the votaries of patriotism and honor in other places are weaving wreaths for their l3rows. some notes should mingle in the mighty song from the native hannts which these worthies once frequented, and some sprigs be offered from the ground once hallowed by their birth and early footprints.
It seems proper to note that in thus paying formal tribute to these eminent sons of Westmoreland, by birth and adoption, we are doing indirect and porclianco unconscious honor to the local con-
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, MBGINIA 37
ditioiis and home influences amidst which their lofty ideals were formed and their nobility of character nurtured. These men, in tlieir pure and lofty piatriotism, their love of justice and right, their unconquerable love of liberty, their high sense of personal and professional honor, their indomitable courage and firmness, iheir magnanimity and patience, their public virtue which no pres- sure could bend and no shock could break, came not into possession of their rich investiture of intellectual and moral manhood by chance. These splendid qualities sprang not from the virgin soil which gave them birth; they were not exhaled from the generous foliage of the primeval trees beneath which they sported in their childhood gambols; they were not shed down on them like star- light from the heavens which bent benignly over them in youth; nor did prodigal nature, like a fond mother, confer them along with her other splendid bestowments of pliysical and intellectual manhood. But they were instilled into them at their mothers' knees; they were an inheritance transmitted from sires to sons, and that from hardy men who had fought in freedom's battles beyond the sea and in the colonial wars; they Avere imprinted on their minds and hearts by the examples and traditions of their homes, and by the swords and rapiers, the muskets and pistols, hanging on their walls, which had mingled in bloody scenes of valor and prowess on historic fields; they came to them as an in- spiration from fathers who had in small crafts braved the ocean's storms, who had met the crafty perils of a savage foe, who had felled the forests, had cleared the jungles, opened the highways, builded the pioneer homes, and reared shrines of domestic life, edu- cation and" religion where dense wildwood and tangled vines had grown, and had learned by these hardy struggles self-reliance and independence and that resolute spirit which shrinks not in the face of difficulties or at the frown of dangers.
These men caught the spirit of patriotism from fathers whose right hands had won the land from its savage occupants, and who in the struggle had been hrought into close and sympathetic touch with it : who had had fellowship with it in all its varying forms and cluinging seasons, who had stretched their forms for rest and sleep on its leaf-covered bosom, who in the intervals of their slum- bers had gazed .up through overarching branches at the stars, who had heard the roar of the tempests among the giant trees, who had watched eagles in majestic flight sweeping to their eyries, and seen the sportive deer bounding in tlieir forest haunts free as the winds of heaven : who had listened with easrer ear to the echoes of the huntsman's horn. avIio knew the gurgling music of the unfettered streamlets, the sound of rustling leaves, the patter of the rain drops,
38 WESTMORELAND COfJXTY, VrRCJiyiA
the plaintive notes of the turtle cloves, the glad voices of all the woodland songsters, in a word, all the countless harmonies which mingle in the grand oratorio of nature, and who felt;
"My native country, thee, Land of the noble free. Thy name I love, I love thy rocks and rills. Thy woods and templed hills, My heart with rapiture thrills. Like that above."
Such exercises as engage our attention to-day, intended to com- memorate our illustrious dead as they are, should not be deemed empty or valueless as respects their moral, virtuous and patriotic tendency and teaching. They have indeed a bearing, and are fraught with a signi'ficance, above all merely practical, commercial or utilitarian aims and objects, much as these are emphasized in these strenuous and grinding times. If we should trace the his- tory of the foremost nations in all the files of time with respect to their art, their literature and their eloquence, we should find that these have all been kindled into their highest and noblest flames at the cenotaphs of their immortal dead. The inspired pens of the Hebrew writers of the Bible never caught a more seraphic fire than Avhen portraying the footprints of the Man of Galilee or the deeds of those heroes of faith "of whom the world was not worthy." Grecian oratory knew no finer masterpiece than Pericles' eulogy of his fallen countryman, and its poetry never attained a higher mark than when Homer, ''the grand old bard that never dies," sang the martial deeds of her heroes who maintained their country's honor and prowess on the Trojan plains. Amongst the Latins the foremost place in their treasured literature must be accorded to Virgil, recounting in one of the grandest epics of all time the deeds of ^neas and Anchises, of Hector and Achilles, of Dido, Pallas and Camillas. The annals of English literature — British and American — and the treasures of its painting and sculp- ture contain no triumphs nobler or more inspiring than those which portray the deeds or perpetuate the forms
"Of the few, the immortal names that were not born to die."
But it is not on the altars of genius alone, whether consecrated by poetry, or art, or eloquence, that the contemplation of men of high attainments and noble deeds is felt as an insfiiration to stir the soul with aspirations for nobler and better things. The plain people, the common sons and daughters of toil — the honest yeo-
WESTMORELAND COUNTY^ \ IRdlNIA 39
inanry, their country's strength and pride — own the spell, and arc responsive to the iniiuences of such lives and characters. They recognize in such contemplations a call to set a higher estimate on their own condition and surroundings, to inspire a generous spirit of emulation, to elevate the standard of personal honor, to inspire a higher conception of the dignity and capabilities of our fallen but sublime humanity, and to brighten the prospects of our coun- try's high mission and destiny.
And this recalls to me an aged and shrivelled woman who once lived within a mile of this place, where now a lone chimne}^ stand- ing amidst tall scions, weeds and rubbish, keeps solitary sentry over the spot of her ruined home. I knev^ her in the years which im- mediately succeeded the war of secession, when the ease, afflu- ence and comforts of her better days were gone, when devastation and poverty brooded like the grim spectres of a hideous nightmare over her State; when want, chilling and haggard, threatened en- trance at her door. It was a time when chill penury -might well freeze the genial current of her soul and bitter repinings suppress the glad songs of her happier days. I knew her amidst the chaos, the wreck, the gloom, that war's convulsion had left, when from her grandmother's chair, with age-dimmed eyes, she could look out on desolated fortunes, and domestic and political institutions and Southern valor all lying like a carcass on the field with the vul- inres gathering over it; when patriot graves and household gods were trodden beneath alien feet. But as far as I could observe she yielded to no spirit of repining; she seemed to know how to "he still in God." But she would talk of her revolutionary sire, of her uncles who served under Washington, of their co-patriots, of men whom she had known in later wars upholding their country's cause and honor. How her face would brighten and her eye kindle at mention of their nobleness, their chivalry, their 'fine gentlemanly courtesy, their patriotism and manly honor! i\midst the shadows and desolation that surrounded her, 'twas evident that in her thought a grand and noble past was casting more than sunset glories over her State ; and one could see that memories of the heroic dead were kindling the fine enthusiasm of her being, and her indomitable and unconquerable spirit was drawing inspiration from the ashes of her sires. As I listened to this noble type of a noble race, I could not but feel for myself and for my conntymen, as I do feel here and now —
"Long, long be my heart with such memories filled, Like the vase in which roses have once been distilled. You may break, you may shatter the vase if you will, But the scent of the roses will hnus, round it still."
II.
Leedstown, the Southern Cradle of American Independence.
The Famous Articles of "The Association of Westmoreland" Of- fered hy Richard Henry Lee and Passed hy the Patriots of Westmoreland More Than Nine Years Before the MecMen- hurg (N. C.) Resolutions and More Than Ten Years Before the Declaration of l7idependence.
Few people realize that the little settlement in Westmoreland county on the Rappahannock river, where the large steamers from Fredericksburg to Baltimore tie up for the night, is one of the his- toric places in this country, and the many travelers and tourists, passengers on these elegant steamers, never think, as they look out at the three or four houses, that this was once an important port, and that vessels direct from P]ng]and landed here and discharged their cargoes of the many articles not manufactured here then ; that to this port came the polished furniture, the beautiful china, the massive silver, and the elegant dresses that adorned the Homes and the persons of those great Westmoreland families, such as the Washingtons, Lees, Monroes, and others who lived here in colonial days; that here shiploads of tobacco and other products of tlie soil were loaded for foreign countries.
In IGOS, when Captain John Smith and his party first explored the Eapp^ahannock river, Leedstown was then an Indian town of much consequence, the home of King Passassaek, of the Rappa- hannock tribe. Captain Smith's party was attacked by these Rap- pahannocks, and Richard Featherstone was killed. He was buried on the south side of the Rappahannock river, near the water edge, a few miles below Leedstown. This was the first death and burial of a white man in this section.
Leedstown was settled in 1683, and named after Leeds, in Eng- land. From the very first, the white settlers were constantly at- tacked by the Indians, with the riv^^ult that a military spirit grew up among the people, and we find among the military leaders against the Indians these familiar names: Captain John Lee, Cap- tain John Washington, Captain George Mnsoii and Captain Brent. In fact, it was the terrible retaliation upon the Indians by Captains Mason and Brent that l)rought on the general uprising that finally resulted in "Bacon's Rebellion."
WESTMORELAND C0VST1\ VIRGIXfA 41
Leedstown and the Stamp Act.
In 1764, when the British Parliament passed the odious Stamp Act, it was violently opposed by the people of this section. The justices of Westmoreland county promptly notified the Assembly that they would not act after November, 1765, because "from that period, the Acts for establishing stamps in America commences, which Act will impose on us the necessity of either not conforming to its direction, or, by so doing, to become instruments in the de- struction of the most essential rights and liberties of our coun- try," In fact, in 1766, more than ten years before the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Ludwell Lee, who was born at Stratford, but then living in Stafford county, dispatched by a boy to his brother, Eichard Henry Lee (also born at Stratford, and then liv- ing at Chantilly, an adjoining estate), a letter which read: "We propose to be in Leedstown in the afternoon of the 27th inst., where we expect to meet, those who will come from your way. It is proposed that all who have swords or pistols will ride with them, and those who choose, a firelock. This will be a fine opportunity to effect the scheme of an association, and I would be glad if you would think of a plan." On the day specified, on all the roads leading to Leedstown, our patriotic fathers came riding into that ancient village. On that day, they formed an association, and one hundred and fifteen of 'them solemnly bound themselves in the following agreement :
"We who subscribe this paper have associated and do bind our- selves to each other, to God. and to our country, by the firmest ties that religion and virtue can frame most sacredly and punctually to stand by, and with our lives and our fortunes, to support, maintain and defend each other in the observance and execution of" certain Articles, among which we find this : "As the Stamp Act does abso- lutely direct the property of the people to be taken from them without their consent, expressed by their representation, and, as in many cases, it deprives the British American subject of his right of trial by jury, we do determine, at every hazard, and paying no regard to danger or to death, we will exert every faculty to prevent the execution of said Stamp Act in any instance whatsoever with this Colony, and every abandoned wretch who shall be so lost to virtue and public good as wickedly to contribute to the introduction or ifixture of the Stamp Act in this Colony, by using stamp paper, or by any other means, we Avill. with the utmost expedition, con- vince all such proHigates tliat immediate Sanger and disgrace shall attend their ptrofligate purpose.'*
42 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
This paper, adopted February 37, 1766f is known in history as the "Westmoreland Rcsolulion," and is probably the first public and open resistance to the Mother Country. This paper was writ- ten by Richard Tlenry Leo, the one who, ten years later, wrote and introduced in the Continental Congress, on June 7, 1777, that famous motion,
"Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States; that they arc absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
This Westmoreland resolution was also signed by four Wash- ingtons, brothers of the one who, ten years later, was chosen Com- mander-in-Chief of the Continental ^rmy, and, later, the first President of these United States. And the one who sent the letter, calling for this meeting, became the guiding spirit in Virginia's famous Committee of Safety."
Here, at Leedstown, you can still see the ruins of one of the first three churches built in this country, and was known as Leeds, or Brays ChurcK In 1857 Bishop Meade wrote (Vol. II, p. 164) : "This church stood on the Eappahannoek, at the outskirts of the place called Leeds. It was of brick. The ruins of it are yet to be seen, apparently hanging on the bank of the river. It has under- gone many changes of late years, since it was deserted as a house of worship, having been used as a tavern, a stable or barn, and having -been altered to suit the different purposes to which it has been applied.
"Leeds was once a place of note in this part of Virginia. It was, doubtless, named by the Fairfaxes or Washingtons, after the town of Leeds, in Yorkshire, near which both of their ancestral families lived. This, in Virginia, was a place of much trade in tobacco and other things. Its shipping was very considerable at one time, and it gave promise of being a town of no small impor- tance, but, like many other such places in Virginia, as Dumfries, Colchester, Warren, Warminster, it failed to fulfill the expecta- tion excited. For one thing, it deserves to retain a lasting place in the history of tlu^ American Revolution. As l)Oston was the North- ern", so Leedg may be called the Soutliern cradle of .\merican In- dependence. This was the place where, with Richard Henry Lee as their leader, the patriots of Westmoreland met before any and all others, to enter their protest against the incipient steps of Eng- lish usurpation. At thi.s place did they resolve to oppose the Stamp Act. and forbid any citizen of Westmoreland to deal in stamps. This is a Irue part of American history."
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 43
Why should not a suitable monument be erected here to com- memorate the great event, and let the world know the truth, that proper credit may be given this ancient hamlet and the patriotic citizens of this county? — F. W. Alexander, in Colonial Beach Record, January 24, 1910.
We give the full text below of the famous Articles (sometimes referred to as resolutions) of "the Association in Westmoreland." They were prepared and offered by Richard Henry Lee at Leeds- town, Va., February 27, 1766 (Judge Eichard Parker presiding), and passed by the patriots of Westmoreland, one hundred and fif- teen in number. They are taken from TJie Virginia Historical Register and Literary Advertiser^ edited by William Maxwell, Vol. II (1849), pages 14-18.
The original manuscript document is in the Virginia Histori- cal Society, Richmond, Va., found among the papers of the late Major Henry Lee, eldest son of General Henry Lee (by Matilda Lee, of Stratford), Consul-General to Algiers during Jackson's administration.
THE ASSOCIATION IX WP]STMORELAND.
At the late annual meeting of the Virginia Historical Society, on the 14th ult., the President of the Society, the Hon. William C. Rives, of xVlbemarle, submitted a very interesting document illus- trative of the patriotic spirit that prevailed in Virginia, and par- ticularly in the county of Westmoreland, about the time of the passage of the Stamp Act, in 1765; which he had received from the Hon. John Y. Mason, Secretary of the ISTavy, together with a letter from that gentleman, which was read, and is as follow? :
Copy of a letter from the Hon. John Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy to the Hon. William C. Rives, President of the Historical Society of Virginia.
Washington City, December 13, 1848.
Sir, — In the year 1847, Dr. Carr, now deceased, placed in my hands an original Manuscript Document, datecT in 1766, which ap- pears to me so interesting in the Colonial History of Virginia, that I venture to transmit it to you. for such disposition a,s the Histori- cal Society may think proper to make of it. It was signed by the patriots of that day, soon after the i)assage of the British Stamp
44 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, MRGlNfl
Act of 1765 was known in 'the Colony — and it asserts in bold lan- guage, the rights, essential to Civil Liberty, which were subse- quently maintained by the American Eevolutlon. I have the honor to be
Very respectfully your ob't serv't,
J. Y. Mason.
To the President of the Historical Society of Va.
The document referred to in the foregoing letter, is now lodged in the archives of the Society, and is enclosed in a paper which has an indorsement upon it in these words :
This remarkable document, illusfrative of the early patriotism of "Virginia gentlemen, Avas found among the papers of the late Henry Lee, Esq., Consul Gen'l to Algiers.
In view to its better preservation for the honor of Virginia and the numerous descendants of the illustrious men who signed it, it is now conifided to the care of the Hon. John Y. Mason, an eminent son of Virginia, whose appreciation ot its importance will secure it perpetual safety, by
Sam'l Jno. Carr,
<; Of So. Carolina, now residing in Maryland.
Baltimore, 1847,
(Now inscribed on taldet at Montross, Va.. and in Circnit Court
Order Book.)
"Roused by danger, and alarmed at attempts, foreign and domestic, to reduce the people of this country to a state of abject and detestable slavery, by destroying that free and happy constitu- tion of govermnent, under which they have hitherto lived. — We, who subscribe this paper, have associated, and do bind ourselves to each other, to God. and to our country, by the firmest ties that religion and virtue can frame, most sacredly and punctually to stand by, and with our lives and fortunes, to support, maintain, and defend each other in the observance and execution of these following articles :
First. We declare all due allegiance and o])edience to our law- ful Sovereign, George the third. King of Great Britain. And we determine to the utmost of our power to preserve the laws, the peace and good order of this Colony, as far as is consistent with the preservation of our Constitutional rigTrts and liberty.
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WESTMORELAND VOWNTY, MRGl.^lA 45
Secondly. As we know it to be the Birthright privilege of every British subject (and of tbe people of Virginia as being such), founded on Eeason, Law, and Compact; that he cannot be legally tried, but by his peers ; and that he cannot be taxed, but by consent of a Parliament, in which he is represented by persons chosen by the people, and who themselves pay a part of the tax they impose on others. If therefore, any person or persons shall attempt, by any action or proceeding, to deprive this Colony of those funda- mental rights, we will immediately regard him or them, as the most dangerous enemy of the community; and we will go to any extremity, not only to prevent the success of such attempts, but to stigmatize and punish the offender.
Thirdly. As the Stamp Act doas absolutely direct the property of the people to be taken from them without their consent ex- pressed by their representatives, and" as in many cases it deprives the British American Subject of his right to trial by jury; we do determine, af every hazard, and, paying no regard to danger or to death, we wiL exert every faculty, to prevent the execution of the said Stamp Act in any instance whatsoever within this Colony. And every abandoned wretch, who shall be so lost to virtue and public good, as wickedly to contribute to the introduction or fix- ture of the Stamp Act in this Colony, by using stampt paper, or by any other means, we will, with the utmost expedition, convince all such profligates that immediate danger and disgrace shall at- tend their prostitute purposes. ,
Fourtldy. That the last article may most surely and effectu- ally be executed, we engage to each other, that whenever it shall be known to any of this association, that any person is so conducting himself as to favor the introduction of the Stamp Act, that imme- diate notice shall be given to as many of the association as possible; and that every individual so informed, shall, with expedition, re- pair to a place of meeting to be appointed as near the scene of action as may be.
Fifthly. Each associator shall do his true endeavor to obtain as many signers to this association, as he possibly can.
Sixthly. If any attempt shall be made on the liberty or pro- perty of any associator for any a'ction or thing to be done in con- sequence of this agreement, we do most solemnly bind ourselves by the sacred engagements above entered into, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, to restore such associate to his liberty, and to protect him in the enjoyment of his property.
In testimony of the good faith with which we resolve to execute this association we have this 27th day of February. 1766, in Vir- ginia, put our hands and seals hereto.
-iU
WEST.]J01{HLAND COUyTY, VIRGINIA
Kichard Henry T.oe — AVill. Eobinson Lewis Willis Thos. Lud. Lee Samuel Washington Charles Washington Moore Fauntlero}- Francis Lightfoot Lee Thomas Jones Rodham Kenner Spencer M. Ball Richard Mitchell Joseph Murdoek Richd. Parker Sponce ]\[onroe John Watts Robt. Lovell John Blagge Charles Weeks Willm. Booth Geo. Turberville . Alvin Moxley Wm. Flood John Ballatinc. jiinr. William Lee Thos. Chilton Richard Bnckner Jos. Pierce Will. Chilton Jolm Williams William Sydnor John Monroe William Cocke Wiilm. Grayson Wm. Brockenbrough Saml. Selden Richd. I>e Daniel Tibbs Francis Thornton, jimr. Peter Rust John Lee jr. Francis Waring John Upshaw
John S. Woodcock
Robt. Wormeley Carter
John Blackwell
Winder S. Kenner
Wm. Bronaugh
Wm. Peirce
John Berryman
John Dickson
John Broone
Edwd. Sanford
Charles Chilton
Edward Sanford
Daniel McCarty
Jer. Rush
Edwd. ]iansdell
Townshend Dade
John Ash ton
W. Brent
Francis Foushee
John Smith jour.
Wm. Ball
Thos. Barnes
Jos. Blackwell
Reuben Meriwether
Edw. Mountjoy
Wm. J. Mountjoy
Thos. Mountjoy
John Mountjoy
Gilbt. Campbell
Jos. Lane
John Beale junr.
John Newton
Will. Beale juni'.
Clis. Mortimer
John Edmondson jr.
Charles Beale
Peter Grant
Thompson Mason
Jon a. Beckwith
Jas. Sanford
John Belfield
W. Smith
John Augt. Washington
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VUidlNIA
47
Meriwether Smith Thos. Roane Jas. Edmondson Jas. Webb junr John Edmondson Jas. Banks Smith Young Laur. Washington W. Eoane Eieh. Hodges Jas. Upshaw Jas. Booker A. Montague Rich'd. Jeffries John Suggett
Thos. Belfield Edgcomb Suggett Henry Francks John Bland junr. Jas. Emerson Thos. Logan Jo. Milliken Ebenezer Fisher Hancock Eustace John Richards Tiros. Jett Thos. Douglas Max Robinson John Orr."
The Virginia Jlistorical Register and Literan/ Advertiser, edited by WiUiam Maxwell. Vol.' II (1849), pages 14-18.
Carefully compared and corrected by
Lawrence Washington.
In 1764, when the liberties of the American people were men- aced by a .Stamp Tax, Virginia was among the first of the colonies to memorialize the King in opposition, and the only one to address to the House of Commons a remonstrance against the right of that body to enact such legislation. — History of the United States, Bancroft, Vol. III., page 93.
The Stamp Act caused great opposition throughout America. '•'But,'' • says John Ffske, "formal defiance came first from Vir- ginia."— TJie American Revolution, Fiske, Vol. I., page 18.
'"The Assembly of Virginia," says J. R. Green, "was the first to formally deny tlic right of the British Parliament to meddle with internal taxation and to demand the repeal of the Act.'' — A Short History of the English People, J. R. Green. 1883, page 735.
"Thus," 'Says Mr. Bancroft, "Virginia rang the alarm bell for the continent."
III.
Famous Resolutions Passed by the Patriots of
Westmoreland,
At the Courthouse, June 22, 1774, Claiming as a Eight to be Taxed Solely in Our Provincial Assembly by Rep- resentatives Freely Chosen by the People.
When the Port of Boston ivas Shut up hy Act of Parliament and hy a Hostile English Fleet, the Munificence and Bounty of One People to Another — Virginia to Massachusettes. The Famous Resolutions of the Westmoreland County Commit- tee of Safety at the Courthouse, May 23, 1775, Denouncing Lord Dunmore, Governor, for Seizing the Poivder in the Magazine at Williamsburg, Va., and Lodging it on Board a Man-of-War.
Beautiful tribute of Senator George F. Hoar, of Massachusetts, to Virginia — the two oldest American States :
"Seldom, divided in opinion — never in affection."
Westmoreland County (Virginia) Eesolutions.
At a respectable Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the County of Westmoreland, assembled, on due notice, at the Court House of the said Countv on Wednesday, the 22d of June, 1774.
The Reverend Mr. Thomas Smith, Moderator.
Several papers, containing the Proceedings of the late House of Burgesses of this Colony, and the subsequent determinations of the lat-e Repxesentatives after the House was dissolved, together with extracts of several Resolves of the Provinces of Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, &c., being read, the meeting proceeded seriously to consider the present dangerous and truly alarming crisis, when ruin is threatened to the ancient constitutional rights of North America, and came to the following resolves:
1st. That to be taxed solely in our Provincial Assemblies, by Representatives freely chosen by the people, is a right that British subjects in America are entitled to, from natural justice, from the English Constitution, from Charters, and from a confirmation of these by usage, since the first establishment of these Colonies.
2nd. That an endeavor to force submission from one Colony to
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRmNTA 49
the payment of taxes not so imposed, is a dangerous attack on the liberty and property of British America, and renders it indispen- sably necessary that all should firmly unite to resist the common danoer.
3d. It is the opinion of this meeting, that the town of Boston, in our sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, is now suffering in the common cause of North America, by having its harbour locked up, its commerce destroyed, and the property of many of its inhabi- tants violently taken from them, until they submit to taxes not imposed by their consent, and therefore this meeting resolve :
4th. That the inhabitants of this county will most cordially and firmly join with the other counties in this Colony, and the other Colonies on this Continent, or the majority of them, after a short day, hereafter to be agreed on, to stop all exports to Great Britain and the West Indies, and all imports from thence, until, as well the Act of Parliament, entitled "An Act to discontinue, in such manner and for such time as are therein mentioned, the landing and discharging, lading, and shipping of goods, wares, and merchandise, at the town and within the harbour of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in North America" as the several Acts laying duties on America for the purpose of raising a revenue, and all the acts of the British Legislature made against our brothers of Massachusetts Bay, in consequence of their just op- position to the said Eevenue Acts, are repealed; and it is the opinion of this meeting, that such a non-importing and non-ex- porting plan should be quickly entered upon, as well on the evident principle of self-preservation, as to relieve our suffering country- men and fellow-subjects in Boston, and to restore between Great Britain and America that harmony so beneficial to the whole Em- pire, and so ardently desired by all America.
5th. It IS the opinion of this meeting that the gentlemen of the law should not (as long as the non-exportation agreement sub- sists) bring any Avrit for the recovery of debt, or to push to a conclusion any 'such suit already brought, it being utterly incon- sistent with a non-exportation plan that judgment should be given against those who are dep.rived. of means of paying.
6th. That so soon as the non-exportation agreement begins, we will, every man of us, keep our produce, whether tobacco, corn, wheat, or anything else, unsold, on our own respective plantations, and not carry, or suffer them to be carried, to any public ware- house or landing place, except of grain; where the same be so done, an oath being first made that such grain is for the use of, or consumption of. this or any other Colony in North America, and
50 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
not for exportation from the Continent whilst the said agreement subsists. And this is the more necessary to prevent a few design- ing persons from engrossing and buying up our tobacco, grain, &c., when they are low in value, in order to avail themselves of the very high price that those articles must bear when the ports are open, and foreign markets empty.
7th. This meeting do heartily concur with the late Eepresenta- tive body of this country to disuse tea, and not purchase any other commodity of the East Indies, except saltpetre, until the grievances of America are redressed.
8th. We do most heartily concur in these preceding Kesolves, and will, to the utmost of our power, lake care that, they arc car- ried into execution; and that we will regard every man as in- famous who now agree to, and shall hereafter make a breach of, all or any of them, subject, however to such future alterations as shall be judged expedient, at a general meeting of Deputies from the several parts of this Colony, or a general Congress of all the Colonies.
9th. We do appoint Eichard Henry Lee, and Eichard Lee, esquires, the late representatives of this county, to attend the gen- eral meeting of Deputies from all the icounties ; and we desire that they do exert their best abilities to get these our earnest desires, for the security of public liberty, assented to.
10th. And as it may happen that tlie Assembly now called to meet on the 11th of August, may be porogued to a future day, and many of the Deputies appointed to meet on the 1st of August, trusting to the certainty of meeting in Assembly on the 11th, may fail to attend on the 1st, by which means decisive injury may arise to the common cause of liberty, by the general sense of the country not being early known at this dangerous crisis of American free- dom, we do, therefore, direct that our Deputies now chosen fail not to attend at Williamsburg, on the said 1st of August; and it is our earnest wish that the Deputies from other counties be directed to do the same, for the reasons above assigned.
11th. That the clerk do forthwith transmit the proceedings of this day to the press, and request the Printers to publish them without delay.
By order of the meeting,
James Davenport, ClerJc.
The above is a true copy of what is printed in American Archives, Fourth Series, Vol. I., page 438.
H. E. McIlwaine,
Librarian Virginia State Lihrary. July 16, 1910.
^'.T"-^'--^-l^- . ,„. ,^_ ,^^ ■ ■ "i^l
« i»'
WESTMORELAND CQUNTY.VIRGINIA.
^^ This Tablet is erected as a tribute. ^^
JTLRSr. l^lic patriot* of "Westinorcland who ^i^isembled at the Conrtliou*? tliereof on Wcdncsday.the 22nd,day of June 177*< ReverendThomas Smith. Modcratorl'seriousl-y to consider the present danferous and truly alarming crisis. where ruin is threatened to the ancient Constiixitional rights of 'North America, ajid came to THE FOLLOWING RESOLVES: ' '
/»^."That to be tajed solely jn owr Provincial Aisemblies by Representatives freely chosen by the people, i« a ri jht that British, subjects in America arc entitled to.from natura.1 justice. from the English Coajstitution. from Chaxters . aud from a confirmation, of these by usa^e, since the first establisbnaent of these Colonics."
Zn^.'Thai an endeavor to forcp submission fFom oike Colony to the payment of taxe« not so imposed, is a dangerous attack on the liberty and property of British America. and remders it indispensably necessary that all should firmly un.ite tore gist the Cooimon danger."
3rit'ltia the opinion ofthismeetin^.that the townof Bii>ston.ii> our sister Colony of "Massachusetts Bay.is now suffeTin«[ in the Comtuon cause of^orth America, by having its harbour locked up.its Conmxiaerce destroyed, and the property of many of its inliabitaats violently taken from them, until they submit to taxes not imposed by their consent. "IJIlLortke rtsetutiens {these being fiari) found in 'American. ^rc/iiues "4t/i. series Vol. i. PASS recorded itt Or-der Book Circuii Courl orWtsitnortland i9i0 Jfo. SP i30^
S£COiVi?.Tothe Westmorela.nd County Coimmiltec of Safety at a meeting in the Court-house thereof.on Tuesday, tbe 3l8t,day of Ja.nvia.ry i775,wljo after Richard Henry Lee, and Richard lee, Estjuires, -were uua.ilimously Chosen Delegates to ill e Colony Convention in the town of Richmond on the SOtb, of Marcb zke:«.tj instruiotcd the sameVthat it is ourfirm determination, to stand or fall with the liberties of our Country."'.^// of the Resolxiiions (these being jtari) found in'AmerimnJlTchivti '4th, Series fitl.i P.1203 Trecorded. in the Order Book Circuit Court of YHitmoreland i9i0 Jfo.i.P. /33 .
THIRD-To tha Westmoreland County Committee of Safety at a meeting at tbeCoHrt-l)oasi>thoreof on the 23rd. day of May 1773(Revereajdl Thomas Smi th, Chairman) -who declared ','The seixin^ the pawder. confessedly placed in th« Ma.|aiine for the defence and prtrtection of this Colony, h% order of his E\cellency<Lord Dvininor e i the Covemour.was a step hy no means to be justified, even upon the supposition of its being lodged there from on board a Man-of-War.ashis Lordship has in his proclamation asserted. althow^h in bis verbal auswer .to tbe Address oftbe Citiiens of Williaulsbnr«;h,hc has tacitly acknovfledrfed the powder to bclon^ to tbe Cosmt'ry by aoreeino to deliver it up: that is, the samepov»der thpy cleruanded as the*^ Country*; and webavebeeu informed that tb«! Country bad poTwder in tne Magazine. which cannot nowb^ found there; We therefore consider the renaoviii<5 tbe pov»der privately. *ud vfhen that part of the Country wa&.as his LorclshipCoufesses, ii» a very critical situation. to be apart of that cruel and detpr mined plan of wricked administration io enslave the Colonies by fir.«tdpprivinf them of tbe means of resistance .'l/T/t o/'^^f TusolutiorLsfilxese hting }turt I f>a^tTnd in"jlnierican Jlrrhii.Ff. "• 4tb.5er.«,.Vo(.2.P. €82 r<.coi-rf»rf «x Or<<,r Boo/k We,im«rr««>,,t Circuit Court i9i0 Ab.S.i*. idai
|fi|aDonMted to Westmoreland County thi-ou^h the^MV Circuit Court. bv Dr. AHeriiou S'.G«rij.eH . ^W~ Hot Springs. ArUwiisas . erratum: •mtt'>tet"n>fri-rin.a ««"ollBeR BOOK"
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 51
^Vl^sT:\IORELA^'D CouxTY (A'irginia) Committee.
At a ^Meeting of the Freeholder.-, after due notice, at Westmore- land Court llou'se, on Tuesday, the 31st day of January, 1775, Richard Henry Lee and Richard Lee, Esquires, were unanimously chosen Delegates to represent this County in Colony Convention, at the Town of Richmond, in Henrico County, on the 20th of Marcli next.
After they were chosen, the following Instructions were pub- lickly read to them by the desire of the people :
To Richard Henry Lee and Richard Lee, Esquires:
The Freeholders of Westmoreland County having often experi- enced your fidelity, abilities, and firm attachment to the cause of liberty, have now appointed you to represent them in a Colony Convention proposed to be held at the Town of Richmond, on the 20th of March next; and as we are convinlced, from the maturest deliberation, that the safety and happiness of JSTorth America de- pend on the united wisdom of its Councils, we have no doubt you will comply, on your parts, with the recommendation of the late Continental Congress, to appoint Deputies from this Colony to meet in Philadelphia on the 10th day of May next, unless the re- dress of American Grievances be obtained before that time; and as it is our 'firm determination to stand or fall with the liberties of our country, we desire that you may consider the people of West- moreland as ready and willing to join witli their countrymen in the execution of 'sucli measures as may appear to the majority of their Deputies assembled at Richmond, wise and neleessary to secure and perpetuate the ancient,- just, and legal rights of this Colony and of British America.
At the same time and place the following gentlemen were chosen a committee to 'see the Association faithfully observed in . this County, according to the direction of the Continental Con- gress: the Beverend Mr. Thomas Smith, Philip Smith, Richard Henry Lee, John Augustin Washington, John Turberville, Daniel McCarty, William Pierce, Joseph Pierce, Thomas Chilton, William Bernard. Richard Parker, Beckwith Butler, Fleet Cox, Daniel Tebbs, C4eorge Steptoe, John Ashton, William ISTelson, Richard Buckner, Burdett Ashton, Benedict Middleton, George Turberville, John Middleton, William Bankhead, John Martin, Joseph Fox, John Ashton, Jr., Samuel Rust. William_E£XJquiiaai. James Daven- port, Woffendel Kendel, Daniel Fitzhugh, Benjamin Weeks, Rich- ard Lee, Thomas Fisher, and Edward Sandford.
James Davenport, Clerk.
52 WESTMOREL'AND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
The above is a true copy of what is printed on page 1203 of American Archives, Fourth Series, Vol. I.
H. R. McIlwaine, Librarian Virginia State Library. July 16, 1910.
Westmoreland County (Virginia) Committee,
At a Meeting held for Westmoreland County, February 8, 1775, Ordered, That every itinerant or casual Vender of Goods, who shall be found selling Goods in the County, be obliged to produce proof to the Committee, that the said Goods were imported into North America before the first day of February, 1775, according to the directions of the Continental Congress.
James Davenport^ ClerJi.
The above is a true copy of what is printed on page 1222 of American Archives, Fourth Series, Vol. 1.
H. R. McIlwaine^ Librarian Virginia State Library. July 16. 1910.
Westmoreland County (Virginia) Committee.
At a meeting of the Committee of Westmoreland County, held at the Court-House the 23d of May, 1775, present the Rev. Thomas Smith, Chairman, and fifteen other members of said Committee.
This Committee having taken into consideration the Address of the citizens of Williamsburgh, presented to his Excellency the Gov- ernour, on the 21st of Apiril last, and his Excellency's verbal an- swer thereto, as also his Lordship's Speech to the Council, the 2d of May, and the Proclamation issued the next day, in consequence of the advice given him by a majority of the said Council, look upon themselves as indespensably bound to declare their sentiments thereon, as well to expose the inimical measures of men in high otficc. for a long time steadily pursued against the just rights of ? loyal people, as to take ofE the odium they have endeavoured by some late proceedings to fix upon this Colony.
The seizing the powder, confessedly placed in the Magazine for the defense and protection of this Colony, by order of his Excel- lency the Govcrnour, was a step by no means to be justified, even upon the supposition of its being lodged there from on board a man-of-war, as his Lordship has in his Proclamation asserted, althouffli in his verbal answer to the Address of the citizens of
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 53
Williamsburgli, he has tacitly aeknowledged the powder to belong to the Country, by agreeing to deliver it np : that is, the same powder they demanded as the country's ; and we have been in- formed that the Country had powder in the Magazine, which can- not now^ be found there : We therefore consider the removing the powder privately, and when that part of the Country was, as his Lordship confesses, in a very critical situation, to be a part of that cruel and determined plan of wicked administration to enslave the Colonies, by first depriving them of the means of resistance, and do Eesolve,
1st. That the dissatisfaction discovered by the people of this Country, and late commotions raised in some parts thereof, pro- ceeded, not as his Lordship in his Proclamation has injuriously and inimically charged, from a disaffection to His Majesty's Gov- ernment, or to a design of changing the form thereof, but from a well-grounded alarm, occasioned altogether by the Governour's late conduct, which clearly evinced his steady pursuit of the above mentioned ministerial plan to enslave us.
2d. That so much of His Excellency's Proclamation which de- clares "the real grievances of the Colony can be only obtained by loyal and constitutional application," is an insult to the under- standing of mankind, inasmuch as it is notorious that this and the other Colonies upon the Continent have repeatedly heretofore made those applications, which have ever been treated with contumely, and as his Lordship, since the late unhappy differences between Great Britain and the Colonies have subsisted, hath deprived us of the constitutional mode of application, by refusing to have an Assembly.
3d. That so far from endeavouring or desiring to subvert our ancient, and to erect a new form of Government, we will, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, support and defend it, as it existed and v^as exercised until the year 1763, and that his Lordship, by misrepresenting the good people of this Colony, as well in his let- ter to the British Minister as in his late Proclamation, has justly forfeited their confidence.
4th. That His Majesty's Council, who advised the Proclamation before-mentioned have not acted as they were bound to do from their station in Government, which ought to have led them to be mediators between the first Majestrate and the people, rather than to join in fixing an unjust and cruel stigma on their fellow-sub- jects.
34 \\JJSTM()h'i:j.AXD COUXTY, VIROIXIA
5th. That the thanks of this Committee are justly due to the Delegates of the late Continental Congress, and to the Delegates from this Colony particularly, for their prudent, wise, and active conduct, in asserting the liberties of America; and that design of Government which, in some instances, we are informed, has already been carried into execution, to deprive them of all offices, civil and military, tends manifestly to disturb the minds of the people in general ; and that we consider every person advising such a measure, or wlio shall accept of any office or preferment, of which any of the noble asserters of American liberty have been deprived, as an enemy to this Country.
Ordered, That the Clerk transmit a copy of the foregoing Reso- lutions to the Printer as soon as conveniently may be. in order that the same may be published in the Gazette.
James Davenport, Clerk Com'tee.
At a committee held for Westmoreland County, May 33, 1775, Resolved, That every Merchant or Factor who shall import European Goods into this County from any other Colony or Dis- trict shall, before he be permitted to sell such Goods, produce to the Cliairraau, or any one of the Committee, a certificate from the Committee of the Colony, County, or District from whence such Goods were purchased, of their having been imported agreeable to the terms of the Association of the Continental Congress.
James Davenport, Clerk.
The above is a true copy of what appears in American Archives. Fourth Series, Vol. II., p." 682.
H. R. McIlwaine,
Librarian of the Virginia State Library. July 16, 1910.
1910, October IStli, Received and truly entered.
M. L. lliiTT, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Westmoreland Co.. Va.
We give the text of the brilliant address of Senator George F. Hoar, of Massachusetts, before the Virginia Bar Association at Old Point, July, 1898:
T am not va^i (Miouyh lo take this invitation from the famous H;ir of your fniiious Conimoinvealth as a inoro personal compliment.
WE,STl\[ORELAND COUNTY, \ IRGIXIA 55
I like better to think of it as a token of the willingness of Vir- ginia to renew the old relations of esteem and honor which bound your people to those of Massachusetts when the two were the leaders in the struggle for independence, when John Adams and Sam Adams sat in Council with Jefferson and Henry and Lee; when the voice of Massachusetts summoned Washington to the head of the armies, and Marshall to the judgment seat; when Morgan's riflemen marched from Winchester to Cambridge in twenty-one days to help drive the invader from the Bay State, and when these two great States were seldom divided in opinion — never in affec- tion.
These two States, so like in their difference, so friendly even in their encounters, so fast bound even when they seem most asun- der, are, as I think, destined by God for leadership soraevhere. I thank Him — we can all thank Him — that He permits us to believe that that leadership is hereafter to be exercised on a scale worthy of their origin and worthy of the training He has given them. Nothing smaller than a continent will hold the people who follow where they lead. When the Massachusetts boy reads the history of Virginia. It will be with the property of a countryman in her fame. Wlien the Virginian hears the anthem of Niagara, he will Icnow the music as his own. When he comes to Boston, the mighty spirits that haunt Faneuil Hall will hear, well pleaded, a footstep which sounds like that of the companions and comrade-; with which, in danger and in tr'uinph, they were so familiar of old.
As is natural for communities of high spirit, independent in thought, of varying employment and interest, they have had their differences. But if you take a broad survey of human history, it will be hard for you to find tw^o peoples more alike. They are the two oldest American States. It was but four years from the land- ing at Jamestown to the landing at Plymouth. Each has been, in its own way, a leader. Each has been the mother of great States. Each is without a rival in history, except the other, in the genius for framing Constitutions and the great statutes which, like Consti- tutions, lie at the foundation of all government. When Virginia framed the 'first written Constitution, unless we except the compact on board the Mcn/fozver, ever known among men, her leaders studied the history and delighted to consult the statesmen of Massachusetts. "Would to God." writes Patrick Henry to John Adams from Wil- liamsburg, where tlie Constitutional Convention of Virginia was sit- ting, ''would to God you and your Sam Adams were here. We should think we had attained perfection if we had your approval." \Vhen a Virginian pen drafted the Declaration of Independence, Massa-
^Q WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
chusetts furnished its great advocate on the floor. When Virginia produced Washington, Massachusetts called him to the head of the arjny. When A^irginia gave Marshall to jurisprudence, it was John Adams, of Massachusetts, who summoned him to his exalted seat. The men who have moulded the history of each sprung from the same great race from which they inherited the sense of duty and the instinct of honor. Both have always delighted in the discus- sion of the profoundest principles in government, in theology, and in morals. Eich as have been their annals in names illustrious in civil life, the history of each has been largely a military history.
There is no more touching story of the munifieence and bounty of one people to another than that of Virginia to Massachusetts M'hen the port of Boston was shut up by act of Parliament and by a hostile English fleet. I dare say generous Virginia has disdained to remember the transaction. Massachusetts never will forget it. Little had happened which bore hardly upon Virginia. You were an agricultural people. The great grievance of New England after all was not taxation, but the suppression of her manufacture. There was no personal suffering here. It was only the love of lib- eity that inspired the generous people of the Old Dominion to stand by Massachusetts.
The statute of 14 George III., known as the Boston Port Bill, entitled, "An Act to Discontinue in Such Manner and for Such Time as are Therein Mentioned, the Landing and Discharging, the Lading or Shipping of Goods, Wares, Merchandise at the Town and Within the Harbor of Boston in the Province of Massachusetts Bay," was enacted by the British Parliament in March, 1774. It was meant to punish the people of Boston for their unlawful re- sistance to the tea tax and to compel the province to submission. "If you pass this act with tolerable unanimity," said Lord Mans- field, "Boston will submit, and all will end in victory without carn- age." The act took effect at 12 o'clock on the 1st of June, 1774. Boston depended almost wholly on her commerce. In a few weeks business was paralyzed, and the whole town was suffering. But George III. and his councillors had Virginia as well as Massachu- setts to reckon with. Her generous people rose as one man. Not only letters of sympathy came pouring in to the selectmen of Bos- ton, but there came substantial contributions of money and food, which, considering the poverty of the time and the difficulty of communication and transport, are almost without a parallel in his- tory. The House of Burgesses appointed a day of fasting and prayer, and ordered "that the members do attend in their places to proceed with the Speaker and the Mace to Church for the purposes aforesaid."
WESTBIORELAND COUSTY, VIRGINIA 57
But they did not leave Boston to fast. Meetings were held all over the Old Dominion. In Fairfax county George Washington was chairman and headed the subscription with £50. The Conven- tion over u'hich he presided recommended subscriptions in every county in Virginia. Mason ordered his children to keep the day strictly and to attend church clad in mourning. In Westmoreland county John Augustine Washington was chairman. He enclosed in his letter a bill of lading for 1,092 bushels of grain. The gen- erous flame spread among the backwoodsmen. Not only from tide- M^ater, but from over the mountains, where the roads were little better than Indian trails, the farmers denied themselves to make their generous gifts. Their wagons thronged all the roads, as they brought their gifts of corn and grain to tidewater. Among the committees by which they were forwarded are the renowned Vir- ginia names — some of them renowned in every generation — Upshaw and Beverley and Eitchie and Lee and Randolph and Watkins and Carey and Archer. But for this relief, in which Virginia was the leader and example to the other Colonies, Boston, as Sam Adams declared, must have been starved and have submitted to degrading conditions.
The Norfolk committee say in their letter: "It is with pleasure we can inform you of the cheerful accession of the trading in- terest of this Colony to the association of the Continental Congress. We wish you perseverance, moderation, firmness, and success in this grand contest, which we view as our own in every respect."
Virginia and Massachusetts have moved across the continent in parallel lines. Each has learned much from the other. What each has learned and what each has originated have been taught to many new commonwealths as to docile pupils. I will not under- take to discuss to which, in this lofty ancl generous rivalry, should be awarded the pre-eminence. Indeed, it would be hard to settle that question unless we could settle the question, impossible of solution, which owes most to the other. But I am frank to confess that, whatever natural partiality may lead her sons to claim for Massachusetts, the world will be very slow to admit that among the men who have been founders of States in Christian liberty and law, there will be found anywhere the equals to the four names of Jefferson, Marshall, Madison, and Henry, to say nothing of the supreme name of Washington. As the old monk said of King Arthur: ''The old world knows not his peer; nor will the future show us his equal; he alone towers over other kings, better than the past ones and greater than those that are to be."
No man, when he utters his admiration for the excellence of
58 ^VEHrMORELA^'D COUXTY, VIROIXIA
woman, brings his own mother into the comparison. It would be singularly nnbeeoming for any son of Massachusetts to be speak- ing or thinking of the rank w^hich belongs to her in history on an occasion like this. But saving, therefore, my allegiance to her, I affirm without hesitation that the history of no other civilized com- munity on earth of like numbers, since Athens, for a like period, can be compared with that of Virginia from 1765 or 1770 down to 1825. ^Vhat her gallant soldier, Henry Lee, said of her most illustrious son may well be said of her: First in war, first in peace. What a constellation then rose upon the sky ! The list of her great names of that wonderful period is like a catalogue of the fixed stars. For all time the American youth who would learn the principles of liberty protected by law ; who would learn how to frame constitutions and statutes: who would seek models of the character of the patriot, of the statesman, of the gentleman, of the soldier, may seek instruction from her — may study her history as in a great university.
One thing is remarkable in the history of Virginia. It is true, I think, of no other American State. jSTotwithstanding the splendid constellation of burning and blazing names which she gave to the country in the period of the devolution and of framing and in- augurating the Constitution, if by some miracle they had been gathered together in one room, we will say in the year 1770, or in 1780, and had perished in one calamity, Virginia could have sup- plied their places and have maintained almost entirely the same pre-eminence. I do not know that she could have furnished a second Marshall or a second Washington, but the substance of what she accomplished for America and for mankind in those great days she would have accomplished still. She was like a country made up of rolling hills, where, if those which bound the horizon were levelled, other ranges would still appear beyond and beyond.
The mouth of the James river is the gateway through which civilization and freedom entered this continent. The Spaniard and the Frenchman, and perhap- the Norseman had been in America before. But when Jamestown was planted the English- man came. It is no matter what was his political creed or his reli- gious creed — wliether Cavalier or Roundhead, Puritan or Church- man— ^the emigrant was an Englishman, and every Englisljinan then and since held the faith that liberty was his of right, and when liberty is put on the ground of right it implies the assertion that government must be founded on right, and that liberty belongs to other men also; and that implies government by law. Nullum jus sine officio: Nullum oMcium sine jure.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 59
Other races have furnished great law givers, great writers on jurisprudence and a few great judges. But the sense of the obli- gation of law as that upon which depends individual right, the feeling that life, liberty, property are not privileges but rights whose security to the individual depends upon his own respect for them as of right belonging to other men also, a sense pervading all classes in the State, is peculiar to the Englishman and the American alone. It is this which is the security of our mighty mother and of her mighty daughter against the decay which has attended alike the empires and the republics of the past. It is for this that England will be remembered if she shall perish.
Whatever harmonies of law
The growing world assume, Thy work is thine; the single note Of that deep chord which Hampton smote
Shall vibrate to the doom.
The people of Virginia have ever been renowned for two qual- ities— marks of a great and noble nature — hospitality and courage. Now, this virtue of hospitality, and this virtue of courage as pro- duced by men of generous nature, mean something more than a provision for physical wants or than a readiness for physical en- counter with an antagonist. The true hospitality to a man is a hospitality to his thought; and the highest courage is a readiness for an encounter of thoughts." — The Reports Virginia State Bar Association, Vol. XL, 1898, pp. 247—.
The writer of this little booklet, in reading the above address of Senator Hoar, cannot help feeling and believing that the comity and alfection between these ancient commonwealths have been kept up and beautifully recognized in the brilliant speech of Senator Lodge of Massachusetts in February, 1911, in the United States Senate on the death of Senator Daniel of Virginia :
He loved his country and he loved her history. He cherished with reverence her institutions and her traditions. It could not be otherwise, for he was a Virginian, and the history and traditions of his own State outran all the rest. Others may disregard the past or speak lightly of it, but no Virginian ever can, and Senator Daniel was a Virginian of Virginians.
He believed, as I am sure most thoughtful men believe, that the nation or the people who cared naught for their past would themselves leave nothing for their posterity to emulate or to re-
CO WESTMORELAISD COUyi'Y, VIRGINIA
member. He had a great tradition to sustain. He represented the State where the first permanent English settlement was founded. He represented tlie State of George Washington.
I will repeat here what I have said elsewhere, that, except in the golden age of Athens, I do not think that any community of equal size, only a few thousands in reality, lias produced in an equall}' brief time as much ability as was produced by the Vir- ginian planters at the period of the American Revolution. Wash- ington and Marshall, Jefferson and Madison, Patrick Henry, the Lees and the Randolphs, Masons and Wythe- — what a list it is of soldiers and statesmen, of orators and lawyers. The responsibility of representing such a past and such a tradition is as great as the honor. Senator Daniel never forgot either the honor or the re- sponsibility. Can more be said in his praise than' that he worthily guarded the one and sustained the other ?
The Civil War brouglit many tragedies to North and South alike. None greater, certainly, than the division of Virginia. To a State with such a history, with such memories and such tradi- tions, there was a peculiar cruelty in such a fate. Virginia alone among the States has so suffered. Other wounds have healed. The land that -was rent in twain is one again. The old enmities have grown cold; the old friendships and affections are once more warm and strong as they were at the beginning. But the wound which the war dealt to Virginia can never be healed. There and there alone the past can not be restored. One bows to the inevitable, but as a lover of my country and my country's past I have felt a deep pride in the history of Virginia, in which I, as an American, had a right to share, and I have always sorrowed that an inexorable destiny had severed that land where so many brave and shining memories were garnered up. That tliought was often in my mind as I looked at Senator Daniel in this Chamber. Not only did he fitly and highly represent the great past, with all its memories and traditions, but he also represented the tragedy, as great as the his- tory, which had fallen upon Virginia to the cause in which she believed and to which in her devotion she had given her all, even a part of herself. The maimed soldier with scars which com- manded the admiration of the world finely typified his great State in her sorrows and her losses as in her glories and her pride. — Con- gressional Fecord, Gist Congress, 3rd Session, p. 3111.
IV.
Tribute to Washington by Lord Brougham and Lord Byron.
Some of the Sayings of Wasliington — His Anti-Slavery Senti- ments— Some Witticisms Concerning Him — }Yashi7igton and Lee, the Castor and Pollux, the Tivo Twin Stars.
In this little booklet of res disjecta membra we have not the space, if we so desired, to give the names of the great .men of Westmoreland, much less their biographical sketches, who have embellished her history. In the words of Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts : "What a constellation then arose upon the sky ! The list of her great names of that wonderful period is like a catalogue of fixed stars.'^ We can not even give full sketches of Washington and Lee, two of the greatest fig- ures in American history, and two of the greatest soldiers in the history of the English speaking people. The reader is familiar with the events of their lives. We shall only insert extracts from the most distinguished sources. Washington and lee — the Castor and Pollux of the gallery — the two twin stars that brilliantly shine in the firmament, and the most exalted figures of the world's his- tory.
Safe comes the ship to haven,
Through billows and through gales,
If once the Great Twin Brethren, Sit shining on the sails.
Macaulay's Lays of Ancient Tiome.
Washington.
The grandest tributes ever paid to mortal man have been ren- dered by England's most illustrious representatives to Washington and echoed by the most eminent men in every other civilized land.
First read the grand tributes of ISTapoleon Bonaparte, of Talley- rand as Minister of Foreign Affairs for France, of Gladstone, M. Guizot, and others. Even China called him "peerless"
But the proudest tribute is that of Americans who cherish the splendid character and immortal Heeds of "The Father of His
Q2 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, YIRGIMA
Country." How exquisite and toncliingly eloquent Governor Henry Lee on the death of Washington, Eufus Choate on the birthday of Washington, George Wm. Curtis on the value of Washington, and Chauncey M. Depew on the majestic eminence of Washington. Then the opinions of Albert Barnes, D. D., William E. Channing, and George W. P. Custis. Then the histories by Chief Justice Marshall, Jared Sparks, the Fords, and still later the histories of Henry Cabot Lodge, the present brilliant Senator from Massa- chusetts, and Woodrow Wilson, late of Princeton, and now Governor of New Jersey, the rising star of American statesmanship, bringing us in closer touch with the true Washington.
We insert the tribute paid fo the character of Washington by Lord Brougham, Lord Chancellor of England, where he contrasts him with Napoleon:
How grateful the relief which the friend of mankind, the lover of virtue experiences when, turning from the contemplation of such a character, his eye rests upon the greatest man of our own or any other age. ... In Washington we truly behold a mar- vellous contrast to almost every one of the endowments and the vices which we have been contemplating; and which are so well fitted to excite a mingled admiration, and sorrow, and abhorrence. With none of that brilliant genius which dazzles ordinary minds; with not even any remarkable quickness of apprehension; with knowledge less than almost all persons in the middle ranks, and many well educated of the humbler class possess, this eminent person is presented to our observation clothed with attributes as modest, as unpretending, as little calculated to strike, or astonish, as if he had passed through some secluded region of private life. But he had a judgment sure and sound; a steadiness of mind which never suffered any passion, or even any Reeling to ruffle its calm; a strength of understanding worked, rather than forced its way through all obstacles — removing or avoiding rather than overleap- ing them. His courage, whether in battle or in council, was as perfect as might be expected from this pure and steady temper of soul. A ]3erfectly just man, with a thoroughly firm resolution never to be misled by others, any more than by others to be over- awed ; never to be seduced, or betrayed, or hurried away by his own weakness, or self-delusions, any more than by other men's arts; nor even to be disheartened by the most complicated difficulties, any more than be spoilt on the giddy heights of fortune — such was this great man — whether we regarS him alone sustaining the whole weight of campaigns all but desperate, or gloriously terminating a
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WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 63
just warfare by his resources arfd his courage ; presiding over the jarring elements of his political council, alike deaf to the storms of all extremes — or directing the formation of a new government for a great people, the first time so vast an experiment had been tried by man; or finally retiring from the supreme power to which his virtue had raised him over the nation he had created and whose destinies he had guided as long as his aid was required — retired with the veneration of all parties, of all nations, of all mankind, in order that the rights of men might be preserved, and that his example might never be appealed to by vulgar tyrants.
This is the consummate glory of the great American; a trium- phant warrior, where the most sanguine had a right to despair; a successful ruler in all the difficulties of a course wholly untried; but a warrior whose sword only left its sheath when the first law of our nature commanded it to be drawn; and a ruler who, having tasted of supreme power, gently and unostentatiously desired that the cup might pass from him, nor would suffer more to wet his lips than the most solemn and sacred duty to his country and his God required !
To his latest breath did this great patriot maintain the noble character of a captain, the patron of peace; and a statesman, the friend of justice. Dying, he bequeathed to his heirs the sword he had worn in the war for liberty, charging them "never to take it from the scabbard but in self defence, or in defence of their coun- try and her freedom," and commanding them that when it should thus be drawn, they should never sheath it, nor ever give it up, but prefer falling with it in their hands to the relinquishment thereof — words the majesty and simple eloquence of which are not surpassed in the oratory of Athens and Eome.
It will be the duty of the historian and the sage in all ages to omit no occasion of commemorating this illustrious man, and until time shall be no more, will be a test of the progress which our race has made in wisdom and in virtue, to be derived from the venera- tion paid to the immortal name of Washington !
Byron pays homage to Washington repeatedly in his poems, and wrote of him that, "To be the first man (not the Dictator) , not the Seylla, but the Washington, or Aristides, the leader in talent and truth, is to be next to the Divinity." We have not space to quote from the fourth canto of "Childe Harold," "The Age of Bronze," ''Don Juan," Canto VIII., 5, nor Canto IX. of "Don Juan," but we give the last stanza in his "Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte" :
(34 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
*'Where may the wearied eye repose When gazing on the great, Where neither guilty glory glows,
ISTor despicable state? Yes, one — the first — the last — the best — The Cincinnatus of the West,
Whom envy dare not hate. Bequeath the name of Washington, To make man blush there was but one !"
The Anti-Slavery Sentiments of George Washington.
George Washington, writing in 1786, to Eobert Morris, of Phil- adelphia, after alluding to an Anti-Slavery Society of Quakers in that city and suggesting that unless their practices were discon- tinued, "None of those whose misfortune it is to have slaves as attendants will visit the city if they can possibly avoid it," con- tinues :
"I hope it will not be conceived from these observations that it is my wish to hold the unhappy people, who are the subjects of this letter in slavery. I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it. But there is only one proper and effectual mode by which it can be accomplished, and that is by legislative authority; and this, as far as my suffrage will go shall never be wanting."
Writing in the same year to John F. Mercer, he said :
"I never mean, unless some particular circumstance shall com- pel me to it, to possess another slave by purchase, it being among my first wishes to see some plan adopted by which slavery in this country may be abolished by law." — Virginm's Attitude Toward Slavery and Secession. Munford, p. 83. The Writings of Wash- ington, Marshall. Vol. IX., p. 159.
Extract from the will of George Washington, dated July 9, 1799, recorded in the clerk's office of Fairfax county:
"Upon the decease of my wife, it is my will and desire that all the slaves whom I hold in my own right shall receive their freedom. To emancipate them during her lifetime would, though earnestly wished by me, be attended with such msuperable difficulties on ac- count of their intermixture by marriage with the dower negroes as to excite the most painful sensations, if not disagreeable eonse-
WESTMORELAND COIXTY, TIROIXfA 65
quences to tlic latter, while both descriptions are in the occupancy of the same pi-oprietor ; it not being in iliv power under the tenure by which the dower ne.groes are held to manumit them."
The will further provides that all the slaves who at the time of their emancipation are unable by reason of old age, bodily infirmi- ties, or youth, to supjAort themselves shall be cared for out of his estate, the testator declaring:
"I do moreover most pointedly and most solemnly enjoin it upon my executors hereafter named, or the survivors of them, to see that this clause respecting slaves and every part thereof be re- ligiously fulfilled at the epoch at which it is directed to take place without evasion, neglect, or delay, after the crops which may then be in the ground are harvested, particularly as it respects the aged and infirm : seeing that a regular and permanent fund be estab- lished for their support as long as there are subjects requiring it." — Virginia's AUiiude Toward Slavery and Secession, Mimford. p. lOS". lAfe of Washington, Irving, Vol. \ ., p. 439.
Here are some of the sayings of Washington. They still float around as other local traditions, Like most tommy-rot, and old chestnuts, they are frequently told with great gusto. For a long time the popular conception of the man was based upon the story of his life as portrayed by Eev. C. L. Weems, 1838, whose book passed through some fifty editions. From him wei g'ot the myth about the cherry tree, and numerous others, equally without foundation. Weems claimed to have been the rector of Mount Vernon parish, and to have lived on terms of intimacy with Washington. Major- Oeneral Henry Lee. United States Army, on title page, commend* the book. But his pretensions Avere Avholly void of truth, as claimed by subsequent writers. Senator Lodge describes him as "a preacher by profession and an adventurer by nature." A writer of popular books, peddling them himself as he traveled about the country. Historians now hold him up as a man whose mendacity is now quite well understood, and the unreliability of his book thoroughly recog- nized.
We give these sayings simply to relieve the grotesque, dreary and sombre style and character of this booklet, and to light up and brighten these pages. Please spare us the mendacity and unre- liability of these sayings.
The planting the flag upon the mountains of West Augusta has been and is a resourceful theme for oratory. The writer of this, lieard a distinguished Virginia orator, Hon. Caperton Braxton, at the great banquet hall of the Homestead. Hot Springs, Va., before
(5(5 WEt^TMORELAKD COUNTY, MROINIA
the joint meeting of the American Bar Association and the Vir- jrinia Bar Association, use this flag incident and saying of Wash- ington, and it actually made the assemhly go wild.
At the time Tarleton drove the Leg-islature from Charlottesville to Staunton, the stillness of the Sabbath eve was broken in the latter town by the beat of the drum and volunteers were called for to prevent the passage of the British through the mountains. Mr.~. Colonel William Lewis, with the firmness of a Eoman matron, gave lip to her country all her boys of tender years to keep back the foot of the invader from the soil of Augusta. When this incident was related to Washington shortly after its occurrence, he enthusias- tically exclaimed: "Leave me but a banner to plant upon the mountains of Augusta, and I w^ill rally around me the men who will raise our bleeding country from the dust and set her free." — Howe's History, page 183.
Hon. Benson J. Lossing, author of "Life of Washington" and "Pictorial Field Book of the Eevolution," and other historians have given their version, but the better and most correct version (if to-day is taken from one of the addresses of Dr. Denny, presi- dent of Washinglon and Lee University: "Give me but a banner to plant upon the mountains of West Augusta, and I will rally about it the men who will lift our bleeding country from the dust, ;>nd set her free."
Another version is that in the darkest hour of the struggle for American Independence, the "Father of his Country," when the outlook for success staggered the hopes of the strongest patriot, said : "Give mo but a flag and the means to plant it upon the mountains of West Augusta, and I will draw about it an army which will never yield."
^n tlie Annals of Augusta County, Virginia, by Joseph A. Wad- doll ( I'irginia Hisiorical Society, page 251), is stated: "We may •state that the rhetorical declaration about West Augusta, attributed to Washington at a dark day during the war, is a sheer fiction. What Washington said, in the simplest! terms, was. that if driven to extremity, he would retreat to Augusta county, in Virginia, and there make a stand."
Whether this is a "rhetorical declaration." or "sheer fiction." we think there is a sentiment and charm about it that is apt to live, and we venture to say. will live in the ages.
Below are some of the witticisms on Washington: Washington would not tell a lie. All have heard of Washing- ton and the little hatchet and the cherry tree from Parson Weems, which we will not repeat.
WEf^TMORKLWD COl'STY. TIRGIXIA 67
At a banquet in Philadelphia, General Fitzhugh Lee, Governor of Virginia, is reported to have said : "It is a tradition in Fred- ericksburg that the mother of Washington once had her servant women in her back yard in Fredericksburg making soap. The women reported that the soap would not come, when, upon exami- nation she found that they were trying to make soap with the ashes of the cherry tree^ and there was no lye in it."
When the Taft party visited the Philippines they went into a Japanese shop to make some purchases, and a Japanese merchant offered them the image of an idol, or some trinket which he said was five hundred years old. The American said: '"Why don't you make it one thousand." and the Jap replied, ''me have hearn of your George Washington, and me never tell a lie.''
A passenger on one of the Eapjpahannock steamers was pointing out to an Englishman the place where George Wasnington is said to have thrown a silver dollar across the river (Chatham, opposite Fredericksburg), and the Englishman .replied that a dollar went much further in those days than it does now. The Englishman still continued to doubt the proposition, when the American quickly replied, "Why, sii, that was easy for Washington to do, because he had thrown a crown across the Atlantic Ocean." This last is a tradition told of Oliver Wendell Holmes, who visited his son in the Union Army at Fredericksburg during the Civil War, now on United States Supreme Bench.
"This was fine sport for George, Avhose passion for active exer- cise was so strong that at play time no weather could keep' him within doors. His fair cousins, who visited at his mother's, used to complain that 'George was not fond of their company like other boys : but soon as he had got his task would run out to play.' But such trifling play as marbles and tops he could never endure. They did not afford him exercise enough. His delight was in that of the manliest sort, which, by stringing the limbs and swelling the muscles, promotes the kindliest flow of blood and spirits. At jump- ing with a long pole, or heaving heavy weights, for his years, he hardly had an equal. And as to running, the swift-footed Achilles could scarcely have matched his speed.
'"Egad! he ran wonderfully,' said my amiable and aged friend. John Fitzhugh. Esq., who knew him well. 'We had no boy herr- abouts that could come near him.' There was a young Langhorn Dade, of Westmoreland, a confounded clean made, tight young fel- low, and a mighty swift runner, too. But. then, he was no match for George. Langv, indeed, did not like to give up, and would brag that he had some times brought George to a tie. But I be-
68 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
lieve he was mistaken, for I have seen them run together many a time, and George always beat him easy enough/'
Colonel Lewis Willis, his playmate and kinsman, has been heard to say, that he has often seen him throw a stone across Rappahannock at the lower ferry of Fredericksburg. It would be no easy matter to find a man now-a-days who could do it. — Weems' Life of Washington, page 23.
We do not think that the german was in vogue at that period — certainly none of the bijou and vaudeville pranks. It may be that the old Virginia reel and chum, chum-a-loo, and clapping-in and clapping-out, which date back, were extant then. We hear noth- ing from old John Fitzhugh and Parson Weems as to this, nor of Washington's accomplishments in this direction. But there is still floating around in Tidewater the tradition that when Wash- ington's "fair cousins" and the other girls in the neighborhood used to assemble, that Washington and this same long Langhorn Dade and the other boys had a championship for kissing the pret- tiest girl by jumping the farthest, and that Wasliington jumped twenty-two feet. Of course, he won the prize.
Surrender of Lord Cornwallis
Anti-Slavery Sentiment of Robert E. Lee.
Owned No Slaves at Time of the Wai\ — Declares Disunion an Aggravation of the Ills of the South. — Denies Constitution- ality of Secession. — Denies Ethical Right of Coercion. — His Sorrow at Disunion. — Anti-Slavery Sentiments of Ricliard Henry Lee, James Monroe, James Madison, Robert Carter of Nomony, and Bushrod Washington.
Eobert .E. Lee, writing in December, 1856, said :
"In this enlightened age there are few, I believe, but will acknowledge that as an institution, slavery is a moral and political evil in any country. It is useless to expatiate on its disadvantages. I think, it, however, a greater evil to the white than to the black race, and while my feelings are strongly enlisted in behalf of the latter, my sympathies are strongly for the former.
'"While we see the icourse of the final abolition of slavery is onward, and we give it the aid of our prayers and all justiiiablc means in our power, we must leave the pirogress as well as the result in His hands, who sees the end and chooses to work by slow influences." — Virginia's Atiitvde Toward Slavery and Secession, Munford, p. 101 ; Life of R. E. Lee, Fitzhugh Lee, p. 64.
Eobert E. Lee never owned a slave except the few he inherited from his mother — all of whom he emancipated many years prior to the war. — Virginia's Attitude Toward Slavery and Secession, Munford, p. 156. Letter from his eldest son. Gen. G. W. Ctistis Lee, to the author, dated February 4. 1907, on file in Virginia Historical Society.
Egbert E. Lee Declares Disunion an Aggravation of the Ills of the South.
Eobert E. Lee, referring to the same subject, wrote : "The South, in my opinion, has been aggrieved by the acts of the North, as you say. I feci the aggression and am willin? to take every proper step for redress . . . But I can anticipate no greater calamity than a dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything, but honor, for its preservation." — Idem, p. 227. Memoirs of Robert E. Lee by Long, p. 88.
;0 MEfiTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Robert E. Lee Denies Constitutionality of Secession, and Denies Ethical Right of Coercion.
Robert E. Lee, writing on 23rd of January, 1861, said : "Secession is nothing l)ut revohition. The framers of oQr Constitution never exhausted so much labor, wisdom and forbear- anlce in its formation and surrounded it with so many guards and securities if it was intended t(^ Itc l)rokon l)y every menilier of tlie Confederacy at will. . . . •
''Still a Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets, and in which strife and civil war are to take the phue of brotherly love and kindness, has no charm for me. If the Union is dissolved and the Government disrupted, I shall return to my native State and share the miseries of my people — and save in defense will draw my sword on none."" — Idem, p. 293. Memoirs of Robert E. Lee by Long, p. 88.
His Sorrow at Disunion.
Ro})ert E. Lee, anticipating the event, in January, 1861, wrote: "I shall mourn for my country and for the welfare and pro- gress of mankind. If the Union is dissolved and the Government disrupted, I shall return to my native State and share the miseries of my people, and, save in defense, will draw my sword on none.'" — Idem., p. 302. Memoirs of Robert E. Lee, Long, p. 88.
Richard Henry Lee, speaking in the Virginia House of Bur- gesses, 1772, in support of a bill prohibiting the slave trade, said :
"Nor, sir, are these the only reasons to be urged against the importation. In my opinion not the cruelties practised in the con- quest of South America, not the savage barbarity of a Saracen, can be more big with atrocity than our cruel trade to Africa. There wo encourage those poor, ignorant people to wage eternal war against each other; . . . that by war, stealth or sur- prise, we Christians may be furnished with our fellow creatures, who are no longer to be considered as created in the image of God as well as ourselves and equally entitled to liberty and free- dom by the great law of Nature, but they are to be deprived for- ever of all the comforts of life and to be made the most wretched of the human kind." — Virginia's Attitude Toward Slavery and Secession. ]\runford, p. 82. Lif/i of R. U. Lee, Lee, Vol. L, p. 18.
James Monroe, speaking in the Virginia Constitutional Con- vention on the 2nd of Novemher, 1829, said :
"What has been the leading spirit of this State ever since our independence was obtained? She has always declared herself in
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VHtillNlA 71
favor of the equal rights of man. The Revolution was conducted on that principle. Yet there was at that time a slavish population in Virginia. We hold it in the condition in which the Revolution found it, and what can he done with this population? . . . As to the practicahility of emancipating them, it can never hi' done by the State itself, nor without the aid of the Union. . . . ''Sir, what brought us together in the Revolutionary War? It was the doctrine of equal rights. Each part of the country en- couraged and supported every other part. None took advantage of the other's distresses. And if we find that this evil has preyed upon the vitals of the Union and has been prejudicial to all the States where it existed, and is likewise repugnant to their several State Constitutions and Bills of Rights, why may we not expect that they will unite with us in accomplishing its removal." — Vir- gitiia's Attitude Toward Slavery and Secession, Munford. De- bates of Virginia Convention, 1829-'30, page 149.
James Madison, in 1831, wrote concerning slavery and the American Colonization Society:
''Many circumstances of the present moment seem to concur in brightening the prospects of the Society and cherishing the hope that the time will come when the dreadful calamity which has so long afflicted our country and filled so many with despair, will be gradually removed, and by means consistent with justice, peace and general satisfaction ; tFus giving to our country the full enjoyment of the blessings of liberty, and to the world the fuH benefit of its great example." — Idem,, p. 90. Life of James Madi- son, Hunt, p. 369.
Extracts from deeds of Robert Carter, of Westmoreland county each dated the 1st day of January, 1793:
"Whereas the General Assembly of the Commonwealtli of Vir- ginia did in the year seventeen hundred and eighty-two enact a law entitled, "An Act to Authorise the Manumission of Slaves,"' know all men by these presents that T, Robert Carter of Nomony Hall, in the county of Westmoreland, do under the said act for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, emancipate, and forever setfree from slavery the following slaves." (Here follow the names of the slaves, twenty-seven in number.) — Idem,, p. 106. JJced and Will Boole, No. 18, p. 213, in the Clerk's Office, West- moreland county, Virginia.
On the 1st of January. 1817, Mr. Justice Bush rod W^ishing- ton was made 'first President of the American Colonization So- eietv. — Virginia's Attitude Torvard Slavery and Secession, Mun- ford, p. 62.
Beautiful Tributes to General Robert E. Lee. Sparkling Gems From Every Part of the World.
Egbert E. Lee.
The name of Eobert E. Lee symbolizes and embodies not only the military genius, but the best personal characteristics and private virtues of the men of the South. His was the culmina- tion of the South's growth and civilization,
Georgia's gifted orator, Senator Benjamin H. Hill, has epitom- ized his virtues and greatness-. "He was a foe without hate, a friend without treachery, a soldier without cruelty, and a victim without murmuring. He was a public officer without vice, a private citizen without wrong, a neighbor without reproach, a Christian without hypocrisy, a man without guile. He was a Ca}sar without his ambition, Frederick without his tyranny, Napo- leon without his selfishness, and Washington without his reward. He was as obedient to authority as a servant, as regal in authority as a king. He was as gentle as a woman in life, pure and modest as a virgin in thought, watchful as a Eoman vestal, submissive to law as Socrates, and grand in battle as Achilles,'"
The ablest military critic in the British army in this genera- tion has placed Lee and Stonewall Jackson in the same group M'ith Washington and Wellington and Marlborough, the five great- est generals, in his opinion of the English-speaking race.
Lord Wolseley, speaking of him not only as the ''greatest soldier of his age," but also "the most perfect man I ever met," says in his personal memoirs: "A close student of war all my (his^ life, and especially of this Confederate War, and with a full knowledge of the battles fought during its progress," repeating his judgment that General Lee was "the greatest of all modern leaders," compares his campaign of 1863 with that of Napoleon's of 170n, Speaking of his visit to General Lee, he says: "I have taken no special trouble to remember all h(> said to me then (1862) and during subsequent conversations, and yet it is still fresh in my recollection. But it is natural that it should be so, for he was the ablest General, and to me seemed tbe greatest man I ever con- versed with ; and yet I have had the privilege of meeting Von Moltke and Prince Bismarck, and at least on one occasion had a very long and inten-(>ly interesting conversation with the latter.
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General Lee was one of the few men who ever seriously iiiij)rcssefl me, and awed me, with their natural and inherent greatness. Forty years have come and gone since our meeting, and yet the majesty of his manly bearing, the genial, winning grace, the sweetness of his smile, and the impressive dignity of his old fashioned style of address, 'Come back to me amongst the most cherished of my recollections. His greatness made me humble, and T never felt my own individual insignificance more keenly than I did in his presence. His was indeed a beautiful character, and of him it might truthfully be written : 'In righteousness he did judge and make war.' "
Says Lord Wolseley again: "I desire to make known to the readers not only the renowned soldier, whom I believe to have been the greatest of his age, but to give some insight into the char- acter of one whom I have always considered the most perfect man I ever met."
His judgment is that of such military writers and critics as Chesney, Lawler, and of the higher press, Northern as well as foreign.
Colonel Lawler, an English soldier, said :
"But, after all, the one name, which in connection with thn great American Civil War j)oxtcris narraUnii atqiie Iraddum super, stes erit, is the name of Robert Edward Lee."
And Colonel Chesney, another English soldier :
"The day will come . . . History will speak with a clear voice . . . and place above all others the name of the great chief of whom we have written (Lee). In strategy, mighty; in battle, terrible; in adversity and in prosperity, a hero indeed; with the simple devotion to duty and rare purity of the ideal Christian knight, he joined all the kingly qualities oF a leader of men."
Von Moltke places General Lee above Wellington.
Dr. Hunter McGuire, Jackson's staff, says :
"Therefore, it is with swelling heart and deep thankfulness that I recently heard some of the first soldiers and military stu- dents of England declare, that within the past two hundred years the English-speaking race has produced but five soldiers of 'first rank — Marlborough. Wasliington, Wellington. Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. . . . ^'ou will not be surprised to hear of my telling them tliat of tliese 'five, thus overtopping all the rest, three were born in the State of Yirjrinia; nor wonder that I reverently remember that two of them lie side by side in Lex-
74 WKHTMORELAyD VO( STY, VIRGINIA
ington, while one is sleeping by the great river, there to sleep till time shall be no more — the three consecrating in 3eath the soil of Virginia, as in life they stamped their mother State as the native home of men who living a? they lived, shall be fit to go on quest for the Holy Grail."
And two of these were born on the consecrated soil of West- moreland.
Dr. Eandolph Harrison McKim, at the Reunion United Con- federate Veterans at Nashville, said :
"Comrades, it is my conviction that the muse of History will write the names of some of our Southern heroes as high on her great Roll of Honor as those of any leaders of men in any era. Fame herself will rise from her throne to place the laurel with her own hands upon the immortal brows of Robert E. Lee and Albert Sidney Johnston and Stonewall Jackson. I grant, indeed, that it is not for us who were their companions and fellow soldiers to ask the world to accept our estimate of their rightful place in history. We are partial, we are biased in our judgments, men will say. Be it so. We are content to await the calm verdict of the future historian, when, with philosophic impartiality, the char- acters and achievements and motives of our illustrious leaders shall have been weighed in the balances of Truth.
"What that verdict will be is foreshadowed, we believe, by the judgment expressed by General Lord Wolseley. who said, 'I be- lieve General Lee will be regarded not only as the most prominent figure of the Confederacy, but as the great American of the nine- teenth century, whose statue is well worthy to stand on an equal pedestal with that of Washington, and whose memory is equally worthy to be enshrined in the hearts of all his countrymen.' What that verdict will be was in fact declared by Freeman himself when he said that our Lee was worthy to stand with Washington beside Alfred the Great in the world's Temple of Fame."
The late President of the United States, Mr. Roosevelt, has said in his Life of Thomas H. Benton:
"The world has never seen better soldiers than those who fol- lowed Lee; and their leader will undoubtedly rank, as without any exception, the very greatest of all the great captains that the English-speaking peoples have brought fortli ; and this, although the last and chief of his antagonists may claim to stand as the full equal of Wellington and Marlborough."
As to rank and file, General Hooker, of the Union army, has said that "for steadiness and efTiciencv," Lee's armv was unsur-
WEi^T.MORELAXD COUNTY. VIR<.iMA 75
passed in ancient or modern times, — "we have not been able to rival it."' And General Chas. A. Wliittier, of Massachusetts, has said, "The army of Northern Virginia will deservedly rank as the best army which has existed on this continent, suffering priva- tions unknown to ils opponent. The jSTorth sent no sucli arniv to the field."
Colonel Charles Francis Adams, of Massachusetts, President Historical Society of Massachusetts, at Lee Centennial, Washing- ion and Lee University, 1907, said:
"Robert E. Lee was the embodiment of those conditions, the creature of that environment,— a A'irginian of Virginians. His father was 'Light Horse Harry' Lee, a devoted follower of Wash- ington; but in January, 1792, 'Light Horse Harry' wrote to Mr. Madison: 'No consideration on earth could induce me to act a part, however gratifying to me, which could be construed into dis- regard of, or faithlessness to, this commonwealth'; and later, when in 1798 the A^irginia and Kentucky resolutions were under dis- cussion, 'Light Horse Harry' exclaimed in debate, 'Virginia is my country; her will I obey, however lamentable the fate to which it may subject me.' Born in this environment, nurtured in these traditions, to ask Lee to raise his hand against Virginia was like asking Montrose, or the MacCallum More to head a force designed for the subjection of the Highland? and the destruction of the clans."'
"Virginia had been drawn "into the struggle; and, though he recognized no necessity for the state of affairs, 'in my own per- son,' he wrote, 'I had to meet the question whether I should take part against my native State; I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home.' It may have been treason to take this position ; the man who took it, uttering these words and sacrificing as he sacrificed, may have been technically a renegade to his flag, if you please, false to his allegiance; but he stands awaiting sentence at the bar of history in very respectable company. Associated with him are, for instance. William of Orange, known as the Silent : John Hampden, the original Pater Patriae: Oliver Cromwell, the Pro- tector of the English Commonwealth ; Sir Harry Vane, once a Governor of Massachusetts, and George Washington, a Virginian of note. In the throng of other offenders I am also gratified to observe certain of those from whom I not unproudly claim de- scent. They were one and all, in the sense referred to. false to their oaths — forsworn. As to Robert E. Lee. individually, I can onlv repeat what I have already said, — if in nil respects similarly
76 we8tmori-:land voiiyTY, Virginia
circumstanced, I hope I should have been filial and unselfish
enough to have done as Lee did. Such an utterance on my part
may be 'traitorous,' but I here render that homage.
"In Massachusetts, however, I could not even in 1861 have
been so placed: for be it because of better or worse. Massacliusetts
was not Virginia: — no more Virginia than England once was
Scotland, or the Lowlands the Highlands. The environment, the
ideals, were in no respect the same. In Virginia, Lee was Mac-
gregor; and, where Macgregor sat, there was the head of the
table."
*******
"That he impressed himself on those about him in bis profes- siona] and public life to an uncommon extent; that the soldiers of the Army of Northern Virginia as well as those of his staff and in high command felt not only implicit and unquestioning con- fidence in him, but to him a strong personal afifection, is estab- lished by their conlcurrent testimony. He, too, might well have said with Brutus :
"My heart doth joy that yet in all my life I found no man but he was true to me I shall have glory by this losing day."
"Finally, one who knew him well has written of him : 'He had the quiet bearing of a powerful yet harmonious nature. An unruffled cahn upon liis countenance betokened the concentration and control of the whole being within. He was a kingly man whom all men who came into his presence expected to obey.' That he was gifted in a prominent degree with the mens aequa in arduis of the Roman poet, none deny
Anotber has said :
"Let our thoughts now turn to our dead, and first in our afTec- tions should be President Davis. The Confederacy, looking for a man to lead it, chose him — why? Because he was the first amongst us. To us and to our 'cause he devoted his great ability. For us he lived, fought, and suffered, and dying, has bequeathed to us an example of pure patriotism, consistent statesmanship, forti- tude in suffering and absolute devotion to Truth and Duty. To us his memory is touchingly sacred and history will rank hiiu among the good and great of the earth.
"Next comes Robert E. Lee. The glory and pathos of hi< life are like the sun as it rises and sets. The liistorian and writer
WE8TM0RELAXD COU^'TY, \1R<1[\IA 77
have tried to describe him. and have found that he is beyond de- scription.
"After him anotlier: Stonewall Jackson, the genius of the war, the exemplar of all the principles of true religion in its highest development, unique in manner, pure in thought, word and deed, gentle of heart, but terrible in battle.
"A hero came amongst us as we slept; At first he lowly knelt — then rose and wept;
Then gathering up a thousand spears He swept across the field of Mars, Then bowed farewell, and walked beyond the stars —
In the land where we were dreaming."
Rev. E. C. De LaMoriniere, at Confederate Reunion, Mobile, Ala., 1910, said:
"We offer our homage next to him whose story and memory are linked with all the hopes and triumphs, the exultation and despair which of those four bitter, bloody, torturing years made an endless century.
"He was to us the incarnation of his cause, of what in it was noblest and knightliest, the Christian Chevalier whose white plume waves before us wherever we cast our eyes. No tongue, however gifted, can picture the lofty soul of the man who drew his sword, never in wrath, but for the principle ingrained in the core and fiber of his loyal nature, that his supreme allegiance was due to his mother State. He loved the flag he had borne with an ecstasy of devotion, and yet with absolute recognition of the hardships to be undergone, and the likelihood of defeat in the undertaking to be begun, with speechless grief for the evil days on which his country had fallen, he wended his way across the bridge of the land that gave him birth, looked with sadness on the beautiful home on the hanks of the river that had sheltered his young manhood, and came to Richmond to offer his sword to the new born Confederacy.
"Upon the point of that sword he bore for four years the hopes of his people, baffling the chosen leaders of the enemy, beating back their hosts from" field to field and securing the safety of the Capital which sat shaking under their guns."
"I speak of the man who, when the contest closed, and the curtains fell, was still the Christian knight, whose plume did not go down ; the peerless citizen from whose lips no word of murmur ever came, whose pen never wrote a line in self-defence ; who, when b.e had offered his sword to the conqueror too noble to accept it.
78 WEt^TMORl^LAXD COiXTY, \ IliGINfA
called about him his war-worn veterans, his old guard, the com- panions of his toils, his feelings and his fame, delivered to them his 'final order, confided them to the keeping of his God and theirs, and turning from those fatal fields forever, went to the poverty and obscurity of the coming years, 'content if he might light with the splendid sunset of his heroic life the minds of Virginian boys and inspire their young hearts with the love of a reunited country. I speak of him who (in the words of Theodore Koosevelt) ranks the very greatest of all the great captains that the English speak- ing peoples have brought forth, the full equal of Marlborough and Wellington ; of him than whom Cicero in the Roman Forum plead- ing for virtue and patriotism, Plato in the Academic Groves teach- ing the young Athenians lessons of wisdom, hold no higher place.
"I speak of him whose dying words were : 'Let the tent be struck : Forward !' and passed to the front above. I speak of him whose body rests among the hills of Virginia he loved so well, but whose grave is your hearts and mine, and whose fame is sounded louder and louder every year from the trumpet of the Avise and good throughout the wide world.
"A country which has given birth to that man and those who followed him, may look the chivalry of Europe in the face without shame; for the fatherlands of Sidney and Bayard never produced a nobler soldier, gentleman, and Christian than Robert Edward Loe." ' '
The great scholar, George Long, Professor of Latin in the Uni- versity of London, and the first Professor of Ancient Languages in the T~^niversity of Virginia, has the following note in his '■Transla- tion of the Thoughts of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoiiiinis."
''I have never dedicated a l)Ook to any man, and if I dedicated this. T sliould choose the man whose name seems to me to be most worthy to be joined to that of the Roman soldier and philosopher. I might dedicate this book to the successful general, who is now President of the Fnited States [Grant], with the hope that his in- tegrity and justice will restore peace and happiness, so far as he can, to those unhappy vStates that have suffered so much from war iind the unrelenting hostility of wicked men. But as the Roman poet said. Vlciri.r cmisa deis placiiit, sed victa Catoni; and it' I dedicated this little book to any man, I would dedicate it to him who led the Confederate armies against the powerful invader, and retired from an unequal contest defeated, ])ut not dishonored ; lo the noble Virginian soldier whose talents and virtues place him by the side of the best and wisest man who sat on the throne of fbe imperial Caesars."
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Philip Stanhope Worsley, a brilliant scholar of Corpus Christ! College, Oxford, who died young, translated the Iliad into Spen- serian stanza, and sent a copy to General Eohert E. lice, with the following inscription :
"To General E. E. Lee, the most stainless of living coin- iiianders, and, except in fortune, the greatest, this volume is pre- sented with the writer's earnest sympathy and respectful admir- tion,
— /had vi, /oj.
1. '"The grand old bard that never dies,
Receive him in our English tongue ! I senir thee, but with weeping eyes, The story that he sung.
2. "Thy Truy is fallen, thy dear laud
Is marred beneath the spoiler's heel, T cannot trust my trembling hand To write tlie things I feel.
;>. ••All. realm of tombs! but let her bear 'J'his blazon to the last of times; Xo nation rose so white and fair, Or fell so pure of crimes.
4. '"'The widow's moan, the orphan's wail.
C'Ome round thee; yet in truth be strong! Eternal right, though all else fail. Can never be made wrong.
5. "An angel's heart, an angel's mouth,
Not Homer's, could alone for me Hymn well the great Confederate South — Yircjinia first. — and Lee.''
Memoriae Sacrum. When the effigy of Washington
In its bronze was reared on high 'Twas mine, with others, now long gone,
Beneath a stormy sky, To utter to the multitude
His name that cannot die.
30 MKHTMORELX^D COUNTY, VIRGINIA
And here to-day, my countrymen,
I tell you Lee shall ride With that great "rebel" down the years —
Twin "rebels'^ side by side — And confronting such a vision
All our orief gives place to pride.
These two shall ride immortal
And shall ride abreast of time, Shall light up stately history
And blaze in Epic Rhyme I P>oth patriots, both Virginians true,
I^oth "rebels," both sublime.
Oiii' pn<t is full of glory,
Tt is a shut-in sea. Tile [lilhirs overlooking it
Are Washington and Lee; — And a future spreads before us
N"ot unworthy of the free.
And here and now, my countrymen.
Upon this sacred sod. Let us feel : It was "our Father"
"Wlio above us held the rod. And from hills to sea. Like Eobert Lee
Eow reverently to God.
— Capt. James Barron Hope.
Washington ^Monument at Wakefield, His Birth Place.
VII.
Speeches That Have Made Two Virginians Famous. The Sword of Lee by Father Ryan.
The Great Oration of Senator Daniel on General Lee at Washing- ton and Lee University — "The Stvord of Lee'' hy Father Ryan — Judge Critcher in United States Congress in Replay to Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts, on Westmoreland's Illus- trious Men.
Below we give an extract from the great oration of Senator John W. Daniel on General E. E. Lee at Washington and Lee Uni- versity, June 28, 1883, at the unveiling of the recumbent figure.
"Under Which Flag."
"On the other hand stands the foremost and most powerful Republic of the earth, rich in all that handiwork can fashion or that gold can buy." * * * *
"A messenger comes from its President and from General Scott, Commander-in-Chief of its Army, to tender him supreme command of its forces. Did he accept it, and did he succeed, the conqueror's crown awaits him, and win or lose, he will remain the foremost man of a great established nation, with all honor and glory that riches and office and power and public applause can supply.
"Since the Son of Man stood upon the Mount, and saw 'all the kingdoms of the earth and the glory thereof stretched before Him, and turned away from them to the agony and bloody sweat of Geth- semane, and to the cross of Calvary beyond, no follower of the meek and lowly Saviour can have undergone more trying ordeal, or met it with higher spirit of heroic sacriifice.
"There was naught on earth that could swerve Robert E. Lee from the path where, to his clear comprehension, honor and duty lay. To the statesman, Mr. Francis Preston Blair, who brought him the tender of supreme command, he answered : 'Mr. Blair, I look upon secession as anarchy. If I owned the four millions of slaves in the South, I would sacrifice them all to the Union. But how can I draw my sword against Virginia?'
"Draw his sword against Virginia ? Perish the thought ! Over all the voices that called him he heard the still small voice that ever whispers to the soul of the spot that gave it birth, and of her who gave it suck; and over every ambitious dream there rose the face of the anffel that saiards the door of home.'
82 WESTMORELAND VOUNTY, VIRGINIA
"Lee Devotes His Sword to His ^Tative State."
"General Lee thus answered : '"Mr. Pi'esident and Gentlemen of the Convention:
"Profoundly inipressed with the solemnity of the occasion, for wliich I must say I was not prepared, I accept the position assigned me by your partiality. I would have preferred had your choice fallen upon an abler man. Trusting in Almighty God, an approv- ing conscience, and the aid of my fellow 'Citizens, I devote myself to the service of my native State, in whose behalf alone will I ever again draw my sword."
"Thus came Eobert E. Lee to the State of his birth and to the people of his blood in their hour of need ! Thus, with as chaste a }ieart as ever plighted its faith until death, for better or for worse, iie came to do, to suffer, and to die for us, who to-day are gathered in awful reverence, and in sorrow unspeakable, to weep our bless- ings upon his tomb."
"The Relations Between Lee and His Men."
"When Jackson fell, Lee wrote to him : ' You are better off than 1 am, for while you have lost your left arm, I have lost my right arm.' And Jackson said of him: 'Lee is a phenomenon. He is the only man I would follow blindfold.' "
"Meditations of Duty."
"And now when an English nobleman presented him as a re- treat a splendid country seat in England, with a handsome annuity to correspond, he answered: 'I am deeply grateful, but I cannot consent to desert my native State in tbe hour of her adversity. I must abide her fortunes and share her fate.' "
The Fate of War.
"When he crossed the Pennsylvania line, he liad announced in general orders, from the headquarters of the Army of Northern Virginia, that he did not come to 'take vengeance;' that 'we make war only upon armed men,' and he therefore 'earnestly exhorted the troops to abstain with most scrupulous care from unnecessary or wanton injury of private property,' and 'enjoined upon all officers to arrest and bring to summary punishment all who should in any way offend against the orders on the subject.' No charred ruins, no devastated fields, no plundered homes marked the line of his
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 83
march. On one occasion, to set a good example, he was seen to dismount from his horse and put up a farmer's fence. In the city of York, General Early had in general orders prohibited the burn- ing of buildings containing stores of war, lest fire might be com- municated to neighboring homes; and General Gordon, in his public address, had declared : 'If a torch is applied to a single dwelling, or an insult offered to a female of your town by a soldier of this command, point me out the man, and you shall have his life."
"President of Washington College."
"On the eve of acceptance, two propositions were made to Gen- eral Lee : one to become president of a large corporation, with a salary of $10,000 per annum; another to take the like office in an- other corporation, with a salary of $50,000. But he made up his mind to come here, and this is what he said to a friend who brought him the last munificent offer :
" 'I have a self-imposed task which I must accomplish. I have lead the young men of the South in battle; I have seen many of them fall under my standard. I shall devote my life now to train- ing young men to do their duty in life.' "
"The Last Days of General Lee."
"He was borne to his chamber, and skilled physicians and lov- ing hands did all that man could do for nearly a fortnight.
" 'Twixt night and morn upon the horizon verge. Between two worlds life hovered like a star.'
And thus on the morning of October 12th, the star of the morning sank into the sunrise of immortality, and Eobert Lee passed hence to 'where beyond these voices there is peace.'
" 'Tell A. P. Hill to prepare for action,' was amongst the last words of Stonewall Jackson. 'Tell Hill he must come up,' were the last words of Lee. Their brave Lieutenant, who rests under the green turf of Hollywood, seems to have been latest in the minds of his great commanders, while their spirits yet in martial fancy, roamed again the 'fields of confiict, and ere they passed to where the soldier dreams of battlefields no more."
" Did He Save His Country from Conquest."
"No. He saw his every forebodin-g of evil verified. He came to t^^hare the miseries of his people. He shared them, drinking every drop of sorrow's cup. His cause was lost, and the land for which he fought lives not amongst the nations. But the voice of history echoes the poet's song :
84 WESTMORELAND COlNTY, VIRGINTA
" *Ah ! realm of tombs ! but let it bear This blazon to the last of times; No nation rose so white and fair, Or fell so pure from crimes.'
And he, its type, lived and died, teaching life's greatest lesson, 'to suffer and be strong,' and that "misfortune nobly borne is good for- tune.' "
There is a rare exotic that blooms but once in a century, and then it fills the light with beauty and the air with fragrance. In each of the two centuries of Virginia's Statehood, there has sprung from the loins of her heroic race a son whose name and deeds will bloom throughout the ages. Each fought for Liberty and Inde- pendence; each against a people of his own race; each against the forms of established power. George Washington won against a kingdom whose seat was three thousand miles away, whose soldiers had to sail in ships across the deep, and he found in the boundless areas of his own land its strongest fortifications. August, beyond the reach of detraction, is the glory of his name. Eobert Edward Lee made fiercer and bloodier fight against greater odds, and at greater sacrifice, and lo^t — against the greatest nation of modern history, armed with steam and electricity, and all the appliances of modern science ; a nation which mustered its hosts at the very threshold of his door. But his life teaches the grandest lesson how manhood can rise transcendent over Adversity, and is in itself alone, under God, pre-eminent — the .grander lesson, because as sorrow and misfortune are sooner or later the common lot — even that of him who is to-day the conqueror — he who bears them best is made of sterner stuff, and is the most useful and universal, and he is the greatest and noblest exemplar.
And now he has vanished from us forever. And is this all that is left of him — this handful of dust beneath the marble stone? No, the Ages answer as they rise from the gulfs of time, where lay the wrecks of kingdoms and estates, holding up in their hands as their only trophies, the names of those who have wrought for man in the love and fear of God, and in love unfearing for their fellowmen.
No ! the present answers, bending by his tomb.
No ! the future answers, as the breath of the morning fans its rndiant brow, and its soul drinks in sweet inspirations from the lovely life of Lee.
No, methinks the very heavens echo, as melt into their depths the words of reverent love that voice the hearts of men to the tingling stars.
WESTMORELAND COUAT'i, riRGINfA 85
Conclusion.
Come we then to-day in loyal love to sanctify our memories, to purify our hopes, to make strong all good intent by communion with spirit of him who, being dead, yet speaketh. Come, child, in thy spotless innocence; come, woman, in thy purity; come, youth, in thy prime; come, manhood, in thy strength; come, age, in thy ripe wisdom; €ome citizen, come soldier, let us strew the roses and lilies of June around liis tomb, for he, like them, ex- haled in his life Nature's beneficence, and the grave has conse- crated that life, and given it to us all ; let us crown his tomb with the oak, the emblem of his strength, and with the laurel, the emblem of his glory, and let these guns, whose voices he knew of old, awake the echoes of the mountains that Nature herself may join in his solemn requiem.
Come, for here he rests, and —
"On this green bank, by this fair stream. We set to-day a native stone, That memory may his deeds redeem.
When, like our sires, our sons are gone."
Come, for here the genius of loftiest poesy in the artist's dream, and through the sculptor's touch, has restored his form and features — a Valentine has lifted "the marble veil and disclosed him to us as we would love to look upon him — lying, the flower of knighthood in "Joyous Card." His sword beside him is sheathed forever. But honors seal is on his brow, and valor's star is on his breast, and the peace that passeth all understanding descends upon him. Here, not in the hour of his ,2rrandest triumph of earth, as when mid the battle roar, shouting battalions followed his trenchant sword, and bleeding veterans forgot their wounds to leap between him and his enemies — but here in victory, supreme over earth it- self, and over death, its conqueror, he rests, his warfare done.
And as we seem to gaze once more on him we loved and hailed as chief, in his sweet, dreamless sleep, the tranquil face is clothed with heaven's light, and the mute lips seem eloquent with the message that in life he spoke :
"There is a true glory and a true honor; the glory op duty done, the honor of the integrity of principle."
86 WESTMORELAND C0VNT7, VIRGINIA
After the conclusion of Major Daniel's oration, Father Ryan, at the request of General Early, recited his celebrated poem
The Sword of Lee.
Forth from its scabbard, pure and bright,
Flashed the sword of Lee ! Far in the front of the deadly fight, High o'er the brave in the cause of right, Its stainless sheen, like a beacon-light,
Led us to victory.
Out of its scabbard, where full long.
It slumbered peacefully — Roused from its rest by the battle-song. Shielding the feeble, smiting the strong. Guarding the right, and avenging the wrong —
Gleamed the sword of Lee !
Forth from its scabbard, high in air,
Beneath Virginia's sky — And they who saw it gleaming there, And knew who bore it, knelt to swear That where that sword led they would dare
To follow and to die..
Out of its scabbard ! Never hand
Waved sword from stain as free, Nor purer sword led braver band, Nor braver bled for a brighter land. Nor brighter land had a cause as grand.
Nor cause, a chief like Lee !
Forth from its scabbard ! how we prayed
That sword might victor be ! And when our triumph was delayed, And many a heart grew sore afraid. We still hoped on, while gleamed the blade
Of noble Robert Lee !
Forth from its scabbard ! all in vain !
Forth flashed the sword of Lee! It sleeps the sleep of our noble slain. Defeated, yet without a stain.
Proudly and peacefully. "Tis shrouded now in its sheath again,
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 87
From the Rappahannock Times, April 17, 189G.
Portrait Unveiling.
There will be an unveiling of portraits of distinguished men in the courthouse at Tappahannock, on next ^londay, County Court day, at 1 :30 P. M. All of the people are cordially invited, and the ladies will be honored with reserved seats, and are expected to attend.
The portraits will be unveiled by little Misses, who will be selected, and the ceremony will draw all the best talent of the Bar, and of the other leaders of thought in this section. The portraits already here, are as follows : One of James Eoy Micou, the noble type of Virginia's history and civilization, and Clerk for fifty-seven years ; presented by Prof. James Roy Micou, of Washington College, Chestertown, Md. Judge Blakey, the brilliant Commonwealth's Attorney, and ex-Member House of Delegates Harrison South- worth, the present efficient Clerk, and nowhere excelled. Thomas Ritchie, known as "Father Ritchie," the great Napoleon of the Press; presented by his honored kinsmen of Essex.
California has sent her golden nugget in a splendid oil, life- sized painting of Judge Selden S. Wright, who adorned the Bench in Mississippi and San Francisco; presented by his widow of said city.
John Critcher, Member of Congress and Circuit Judge. The splendid life-sized oil painting, presented by Judge Critcher's youngest daughter. Miss Critcher is an artist of the first magni- tude. She Avas awarded two medals at the Cooper Institute, New York, and the gold medal at the Corcoran Art School, Washington. D. C, and has recently received the compliment of a round-trip ticket to Europe during the summer on the Cunard line of steamers.
We clip from the Alexadria Gazette, of March 17, 1896, the following letter just received by Miss Catharine Critcher:
"225 Delaware Ave., Washington^ D. C.
"■Dear Miss Critcher:
"I take pleasure in notifying you that at the meeting on Marcli 10th, you were unanimously elected a member of the Society of Washington Artists.
"Very truly yours,
W. B. CtTtlton. Secretary."
88
wi:stmori:l\M) roT a'//. i //,v;/.y/a
]\riss Critehcr, of Alexandria, Miss Tliompson and Miss Terrie, of Washington, are the only ladies who have ever been elected members of this society.
Beside the honor to be done him as a distingnished Jndge, the following incident fires the heart of every Virginian and Southern man, and thrills us with admiration and pride. When a member of the Forty-second Congress, he uttered the following words, that made him famous.
An aj^propriation, in proportion to illiteracy, being the subject under consideration, Mr. Ploar, from Massachusetts in the course of his remarks said : ''The iniluence of slavery was not so observ- able in the degradation of the slave as in the depravity of the master."
Mr. Critcher, from Virginia, in reply, begged leave to illustrate the depravity of the master by reminding the House that every e^igner of the Declaration of Independence was a slave holder, ex- cept those from Massachussetts, and perhaps one or two others. It might be deemed extravagant, but he would venture a bold assertion. He would venture to say, that he could name more eminent men from the Parish of his residence than the gentleman could name from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He would proceed to name them, and then yield the floor, that the gentleman might match them, if he could.
On one side of his estate is Wakefield, the birthplace of Wash- ington. On the other side is Stratford, the residence of Light Horse Harry Lee, of glorious revolutionary memory. xAdjoining Stratford is Chantilly, the residence of Richard Henry Lee, the mover of the Declaration of Independence, and the Cicero of the American Revolution. There, too, lived Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; Charles Lee, at one time Attorney-General, and Arthur Lee, one of the accomplished negotiators of the treaty of commerce and alliance between these Colonies and France in 1777. Returning you come, as said Iiefore, first to the birthplace of W^asliiiii'ton. Another hour's drive will bring you to the birthplace of Monroe. Another hour's drive to the birthplace of Madison. And. if the gentleman supposes that the present generation is unworthy of their illustrious ancestors, he lias but to stand on the same estate to see the massive chimneys of the baronial mansion that witnessed the birth of Robert F. Lee.
WESTMORELAND COUNT), VIRGINIA 89
These are some of the eminent men from the Parish of his resi- dence, and he now yielded the floor to the gentleman to match them if he could from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
At the time of this incident there was the most intense feeling between the sections, and the remarks were copied from the Sus- quehannah to the Gulf. The ichallenge somewhat startled the House. James G. Blaine was in the Speaker's chair, and he leaned over his desk to hear every word. Hon. Dan Voorliees was sitting by Judge Critcher, and told him afterwards that when lie made the assertion, sweat came out upon his forehead, fearing that he would name some local celebrities and be covered with confusion by so dexterous a debater as Hoar. He said, too, it was the only speech he ever heard and afterwards i^ead, for he could not believe his own ears.
Mr. Hoar's reply was too indelicate for publication, but Judge Critcher instantly stopped him, saying, "I yielded the floor that you might name the eminent men of your Commonwealth, not to give you an opportunity to indulge in the more congenial task of defaming other people."
[Extract from speech of Hon. John Critcher, Forty-second Con- gress United States, in debate with Mr. Hoar (afterwards Senator), of Massachusetts (see Congressional Globe, pp. 800, 801:]
From the decks of the steamer as we sail up the beautiful Yeo- eomico River to Kinsale, on the left on an elevated plateau or hill, we see a picturesque grove where Midshipman Sigourney was buried. From this point the view of the landscape and the expanse of the v/aters as they flow towards the Potomac are exquisite.
"I send herewith the superscription on the slab over the grave of Sigourney.
After the enemy had left, his body was prepared for ])urial and interred in the Bailey family burying ground by the ancestors of the family now occupying the premises, entirely at their expense.
When I first saw this spot of ground the grave with the slab was entirely covered with briers and undergrowth. Since then these have been removed, and at this time the visitor beholds a spot kept in loving remembrance. This transformation was wrought by Miss Fannie Bailey, who still keeps careful watch over one of this nation's heroes, forgotten by all but her.
Yours sincerely.
S. B. Hardwick.
90 WESTMOIiELAXD COUM'Y, VIRGINIA
Sacred to the ^Iemory
OF
MIDSHIPMAN JAMES B. SIGOUENEY,
OF THE United States Navy,
a Native of Boston, Mass.,
Aged 23 Years;
Who fell in gallantly defending his Country's Flag
on board of the United States Schooner Asp,
under his command in an action with five
British barges of very superior force,
on the 14th day of July, 1813.
Go gallant youth, obey the call of heaven, Your sins were few, we trust they are forgiven; But then, oh what can paint the parent's woe, Your Country will punish the hand that gave the blow.
We now insert notices drawn from various public sources, of some of the other distinguished men of Westmoreland :
Richard Henry Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born at Stratford, January 20, 1732. He spent several years in an academy in England, from which he returned to his native country in his nineteenth year. His fortune being ample, he de- voted his time principally to the elegant pursuits of literature. In 1755 he offered his services as a captain of provincials to Brad- dock; but he refused to accept any more assistance from the pro- vincials than he was obliged to. In his twenty-fifth year, Lee was appointed a justice of the peace, and was shortly after first chosen a delegate to the House of Burgesses, Avhere he soon acquired distinc- tion in debate, and his voice was always raised in support of repub- lican principles. In all the questions of controversy that came up between the mother country and her colonies, Mr. Lee took an active part. He was appointed on the most important committees of the House of Burgesses, and drew up some of the most important papers, which '^contained the genuine principles of the revolution, and abounded in the firm and eloquent sentiments of freemen."
It is stated tbat the celebrated plan of corresponding committees
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 91
between the different colonies, adopted in 1773 by the House of Burgesses, originated with Mr. Lee. The same idea had, about the same time, been conceived by Mr. Samuel Adams of Massachusetts, which circumstance has occasioned much dispute. Mr. Lee doubt- less followed the suggestions of his own mind, as he had, five years previously, requested ^Ir. Dickinson of Pennsylvania, in a letter, to bestow his consideration upon the advantage of plans which he communicated to him of the same purport.
Wirt, in describing him at this time, says: "Eichard Henry Lee was the Cicero of the house. His face itself was on the Roman model; his nose Cesarean; the port and carriage of his head, lean- ing persuasively and gracefully forward; and the whole contour noble and fine. Mr. Lee was by far the most elegant scholar in the house. He had studied the classics in the true spirit of criticism. His taste had that delicate touch which seized with intuitive cer- tainty every beauty of an author, and his genius that native affinity which combined them without an effort. Into every walk of litera- ture and science he had carried this mind of exquisite selection, and brought it back to the business of life, crowned with every light of learning, and decked with every wreath that all the Muses and all the Graces could entwine. Xor did those light decorations consti- tute the whole value of his freight. He possessed a rich store of his- torical and political knowledge, with an activity of observation, and a certainty of judgment that turned that knowledge to the very best account. He was not a lawyer by profession, but he under- stood thoroughly the constitution both of the mother country and of her colonies, and the elements also, of the civil and municipal law. Thus, while his eloquence was free from those stiff and tech- nical restraints which the habits of forensic speaking are so apt to generate, he had all the legal learning which is necessary to a states- man. He reasoned well, and declaimed freely and splendidly. The note of his voice was deeper and more melodious than that of Mr. Pendleton. It was the canorous voice of Cicero. He had lost the use of one of his hands, which he kept constantly covered with a black silk bandage neatly fitted to the palm of his hand, but leaving liis thumb free ; yet, notwithstanding this disadvantage, his gestur was so graceful and so highly finished, that it was said he had ac- quired it by practising before a mirror. Such was his promptitude that he required no preparation for debate. He was ready for any subject as soon as it was announced ; and his speech was so copious, so rich, so mellifluous, set off with such bewitching cadence of voice, and such captivating grace of action, that while you listened to him you desired to hear nothing superior, and indeed thought him per-
92 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
feet. He had a quick sensibility and a fervid imagination, which Mr. Pendleton wanted. Hence his orations were warmer and mora delightfully interesting; yet still, to him those keys were not con- signed, which could unlock the sources either of the strong or ten- der passions. His defect was. that he was too smooth and too sweet. His style bore a striking resemblance to that of Herodotus, as de- scribed by the Eoman orator: 'he flowed on. like a quiet and placid liver, without a ripple.' He flowed, too, through banks covered with all the fresh verdue and variegated bloom of the spring; but hi? course was too subdued, and too beautifully regular. A cata- ract, like that of Niagara, crowned with overhanging rocks and mountains, in all the rude and awful grandeur of nature, would have brought him nearer to the standard of Homer and of Henry."
In 1774, he was a member of the first general Congress, wliere he at once took a prominent stand, and was on all the leading com- mittees. From his pen proceeded the memorial of Congress to the pcoj)ic of British America. In the succeeding Congress, Washing- ton was appointed commander-in-chief of the army, and his com- mission and instructions were furnished by Mr. Lee, as chairman of the committee appointed for that purpose. The second address of Congress to the people of Great Britain — a composition unsur- passed by any of the state papers of that time — was written by him this session. But the most important of his services in this term was his motion, June 7, 1776, to declare independence. His speech on introducing this bold and glorious measure was, one of the most brilliant displays of eloquence ever heard on the floor. After a protracted debate, it was determined. June 10th, to postpone the consideration of this resolution until the first Monday of the July following; but a committee was appointed to prepare a declaration of independence. Of this committee he would have been chairman, according to parliamentary rules, had not the illness of some of his family called him home. Mr. Jefferson was substituted for him, and drew up the declaration. He shortly resumed his seat, in which he continued until June, 1777, when he solicited leave of absence on account of ill liealth, and to clear up some stains which malice or overheated zeal had thrown upon his reputation in Virginia. He demanded an investigation from the Assembly, which resulted in a most triumpRant and flattering acquittal, by a vote of thanks for his patriotic services.
In consequence of Mr. Lee's great and persevering exertions to procure the independence of his country, and to promote the cause of liberty, the enemy made great exertions to secure his person. Twice he narrowly escaped being taken. Once his preservation was
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA (J3
owing to the fidelity of his slaves, and on the other occasion his safety was owing to his own dexterity and presence of mind.
In August, 1778, he was again elected to Congress, but declining health forced him to withdraw, in a great degree, from the arduous labors to which he had hitherto devoted himself. In 1780 he re- tired from his seat, and declined returning to it until 1784. In the interval he served in the Assembly of Virginia, and, at the head of the militia of his county, protected it from the incursions of the enemy. In 1784, he was unanimously chosen president of Congress, but retired at the end of the year, and in 1786 was again a member of the Virginia Assembly. He was a member of the convention which adopted the federal constitution, and although personally hostile to it, he joined in the vote to submit it to the people. He was subsequently, with Mr. Grayson, chosen the first senators from Virginia under it, and in that capacity moved and carried through several amendments. In 1793, he was forced by ill health to retire from public life, when he was again honored by a vote of public thanks from the legislature of Virginia. He died June 19, 1794.
Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independ- ence, was born October 10, 1734. His education was directed by a private tutor, and he inherited a fortune. In 1765 he became a member of the House of Burgesses, and continued in that body until 1775, when the convention of Virginia chose him a member of the Continental Congress, in which he remained until 1779, when he entered the legislature of Virginia. He died in Eichmond in 1797.
Henry Lee, a Governor of Virginia and a distinguished officer of the Revolution, was born January 29, 1756. His family was one of high respectability and distinction. At eighteen years of age he graduated at Princeton College. In 1776, when but twenty years of age, he was appointed captain of one of the six companies of cavalry composing the regiment of Colonel Theodoriek Bland. In September, 1777, Captain Lee, with his company, joined the main army. He introduced excellent discipline into his corps, and ren- dered most effectual .service, in attacking light parties of the enemy, in procuring information, and in foraging.
As Captain Lee, in general, lay near the British lines, a plan was formed in the latter part of January, 1778, to cut off both him and his troop. A body of two hundred cavalry made an extensive
1)4 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
circuit, and seizing four of his patrols, came unexpectedly upon him in his quarters, a stone house. He had then with him only ten men ; yet with these he made so desperate a defence, that the enemy were beaten off with a loss of four killed, and an officer and three privates wounded. His heroism in this affair drew forth from Washington a complimentary letter, and he was soon after raised to the rank of a major, with the command of an independent partisan corps of two companies of horse, which afterwards was enlarged to three, and a body or infantry. On the 19th of July, 1779, Major Lee, at the head of about three hundred men, completely surprised the British garrison at Powles' Hook — now Jersey City — and after taking one hundred and sixty prisoners, retreated with the loss of but two men killed, and three wounded. For his "prudence, ad- dress, and bravery," in this affair. Congress voted him a gold medal. In the commencement of the year 1780, he joined, with his legion, the army of the south, having been previously promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In the celebrated retreat of Greene before Cornwallis, Lee's legion formed the rear guard of the army. So hot w^as the pursuit, that Colonel Lee at one time came in con- tact with Tarleton's corps, and, in a successful charge, killed eigh- teen of them, and made a captain and several privates prisoners. Shortly after, Lee with his legion, and Colonel Pickens with some militia, attacked a party of four hundred loyalist militia under Colonel Pyle, killed ninety, and wounded many others. At the bat- tle of Guilford, Lee's legion distinguished itself; previous to the action, it drove back Tarleton's dragoons with loss, and afterwards maintained a sharp and separate conflict until the retreat of the main army. After this, Greene, in pursuance of the advice of Lee, determined to advance at once into South Carolina, and endeavor to reannex to the Union that and its sister state of Georgia, instead of watching the motions of Cornwallis. The results were as for- tunate as the design was bold and judicious. In pursuance of this plan, Greene advanced southward, having previously detached Lee, with the legion, to join the militia under Marion, and, in co-opera- tion with him, to attempt the minor posts of the enemy. By a series of bold and vigorous operations, Forts Watson, Motte. and Granby, speedily surrendered; after which, the legion was ordered to join General Pickens, and attempt to gain possession of Augusta. On the way, Lee surprised and took fort Galphin. The defences of Augusta consisted in two forts — Fort Cornwallis and Fort Grier- son; the latter was taken by assault, the former after a siege of six- teen days. In the unfortunate assault upon Ninety-Six, Lee was completely successful in the part of the attack intrusted to his care.
WEST3I0RELAXD COUNTY, VIRGINIA 95
In the battle of Eutaw Springs, his exertions contributed much to the successful issue of the day. After the surrender of Yorktown, Lee retired from the army, carrying with him, however, the esteem and affection of Greene, and the acknowledgment that his services had been greater than those of any one man attached to the southern army.
Soon after his return to Virginia, he married a daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee, and settled at Stratford in this county. In 1786, he was a delegate to Congress; in 1788, a member of the Vir- ginia convention to ratify the constitution, in defence of which he greatly distinguished himself. From 1793 to 1795, he was Gov- ernor of Virginia. On the breaking out of the ^Vhiskey Insurrec- tion, in 1755, he was appointed by Washington to the command of the forces ordered against the insurgents, and received great credit for his conduct. In 1799 he was again a delegate in Congress, and upon the death of Washington, he was appointed to pronounce his eulogium. It was upon this occasion he originated the celebrated sentence : '"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." On the election of Jefferson he retired to private life.
His last years were clouded by pecuniary troubles. The hos- pitable and profuse style of living so common in Virginia, ruined his estate, and even abridged his personal liberty. It was in 1809, while confined for debt, that he composed his elegantly written Memoirs of the Southern Campaign.
General Lee was in Baltimore in 1812, at tbe time of the riot occasioned by the publication of some strictures on the war in the Federal Bepublican, an anti-war paper. After the destruction of the printing office, an attack on the dwelling of the editor was ap- prehended. Lee, from motives of personal friendship to the editor, with a number of others, assembled for the purpose of protecting it. On being attacked, two of the assailants were killed, and a number wounded. The military arriving soon after, effected a compromise with the mob, and conveyed the inmates of the house to the city jail for their greater safety. In the night the mob reassembled in greater force, broke open the jail, killed, and man- gled its inmates in a shocking manner. From injuries then re- ceived, Lee never recovered. He went to the West Indies for his health. His hopes proved futile. He returned in 1818 to Georgia, where he died.
General Lee was about five feet nine inches, well-proportioned, of an open, pleasant countenance, and a dark complexion. His manners were frank and engaging; his disposition generous and
96 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
hospitable. By his first wife, he had a son and a daughter; by his second (a daughter of Charles Carter, of Shirley), he had three sons and two daughters.
Arthur Lee, M. D., minister of the United States to the court of Versailles, was a native of Virginia, and the brother of Eichard Henry Lee. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh, Vv'here he also pursued for some time the study of medicine. On his return to this country, he practised physic four or five years in Wil- liamsburg. He then went to London, and commenced the study of the law in the Temple. During his residence in England he kept Ins eye on the measures of government, and rendered the most im- portant services to his country, by sending to America the earliest intelligence of the plans of the ministry. When the instructions to Governor Bernard were sent over, he at the same time communi- cated information to the town of Boston respecting the nature of them. He returned, it is believed, before 1769, for in that year he published the Monitor's Letters, in vindication of the colonial rights. In 1775 he was in London, as the agent of Virginia; and ho presented, in August, the second petition of Congress to the king. All his exertions were now directed to the good of Jiis coun- try. When Mr. Jeiferson declined the appointment of a minister to France, Dr. Lee was appointed to his place, and he joined his colleagues. Dr. Franklin and Mr. Deane, at Paris, in December, 1776. He assisted in negotiating the treaty with France. In the year 1779, he and Mr. Adams, who had taken the place of Deane, were recalled, and Dr. Franklin was appointed sole minister to France. His return had been rendered necessary by the malicious accusations with which Deane had assailed his public conduct.
In the preceding year Deane had left Paris, agreeably to an order of Congress, and came to this country in the same ship with the French minister Gerard. On his arrival, as many suspicions hovered around him, he thought it necessary to repel them by at- tacking the character of his colleague. Dr. Lee. In an inflammatory address to the public he vilified him in the grossest terms, charg- ing liim with obstructing the alliance with France, and disclosing the secrets of Congress to British noblemen. He at the same time impeached the conduct of his brother, William Lee. Esq., agent for Congress at the courts of Vienna and Berlin. Dr. Lee, also, was not on very good terms with Dr. Franklin, whom he believed to be too much under the influence of the French court. Firm in his attachment to the interest of his country, honest, zealous, he was inclined to question the correctness of all the commercial transac-
WESTMORELAND COVl<iTY, VIRGINIA 97
tions ill which tlie philosopher had heen engaged. These dissensions among the ministers produced corj'csponding divisions in Congress; and Monsienr Gerard had so little respect for the dignity of an ambassador, as to become a zealons partisan of Deane. Dr. Lee had many friends in Congress, bnt Dr. Franklin more. When the former returned to America in the year 1780, such was his integrity, that he did not find it difficult to reinstate himself fully in the good opinion of the public. In 1784 he was appointed one of the com- missioners for holding a treaty with the Indians of the Six Nations. He accordingly went to Fort Schuyler, and executed this trust in a manner which did him much honor. In February, 1790, he was admitted a counsellor of the supreme court of the United States, by a special order. After a short illness, he died, December 14, 1792, at Urbanna, in Middlesex county, Virginia. He was a man of uniform patriotism, of a sound understanding, of great probity, of plain manners, and strong passions.
During his residence for a number of years in England, he was indefatigable in his exertions to promote the interests of his coun- try. To the abilities of a satesman he united the acquisitions of a scholar. He was a member of the American Philosophical Society. Besides the Monitors Letters, written in the year 1769, which have been mentioned, he published "Extracts from a Letter to Con- gress, in answer to a Libel by Silas Deane," 1780; and "Ob- servations on Certain Commercial Transactions in France," laid before Congress 1780.
Bushrod Washington was born in this county, and educated at William and Mary. He studied law in Philadelphia, and com- menced its practice with great success in this county. He was a member of the House of Delegates in 1781. He afterwards re- moved to Alexandria, and thence to Eichmond, where he published two volumes of the decisions of the supreme court of Virginia. He was appointed, in 1798, an associate-justice of the supreme court of the United States, and continued to hold this situation until his death, in November, 1829. He was the favorite nephew of General Washington, and was the devisee of Mount Vernon. He was noted for sound judgment, rigid integrity^ and unpretending manners. — Howe's History of Virginia, pp. 510-513.
LiiE Famii,^-
1. R. E. Lee
2. Richard Lee
3. Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee
4. Chas. Lee
5. Smith Lee
Richard Henry Lee Thomas Lee Francis Lightfoot Lhe Wm. Lee Arthlr Lee
PART II.
VIII.
Westmoreland, the Plant-bed of an Ancient Civil- ization is Still the Cradle of the New — Her Efficient Board of Supervisors — The Sand- Clay System of Good Roads.
Westmoreland County of To-day (1912). The New Westmoreland, Her Present Conditions, Her Progress, Her Climate and Soil. Her Agricultural, Indmtrial, and Commercial Re- sources and Assets. Her Efficient Board of Supervisors Standing for the "Economy of Good Roads" — the Slogan of Common Sense.
The future historian will write the glorious history of West- moreland. This is no history — only a brief chapter, Job said: "Behold my desire is that mine adversary had written a book." This, in former days, passed for as sore an evil as a good man could think of wishing to his worst enemy.
Whether any of my enemies (I hope I have none) ever wished me so great an evil, I know not. But certain it is, I never dreamed of writing a book. The humble writer, with the burden of other duties, assumes no such task, and aspires to accomplish no such purpose.
The original scope and purpose of this short chapter was to have no Part I., and no Part II., but it was intended only to refer to the historical features of Westmoreland and her magnificent memo- rials, and to print the eloquent tributes to her name and fame — her great men and the richer trophies of their brilliant deeds; and not to present even in brief review her present conditions, her pro- gress, her climate and rsoil, and her agricultural, industrial and commercial resources and assets. But we have been bep-uiled into speaking of these present conditions so attractive to the home- seeker and so inviting for agricultural development, remunerative investment, grand enterprise and splendid opportunity, and have adopted Part I. and Part II — the old and the new Westmoreland.
When Bishop Meade, after exclaiming "Fuit Uiuni I't ingens gloria Dardanidum ," uttered the following prophetic words, "We trust there awaits for Westmoreland a greater glory than the former,'^ no one realized that in a few decades that Dr. McKim, standing upon its sacred soil, could, and would utter the fulfil- ment of the prophecy, and would proclaim — Dr. Beale voicing the
102 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
universal sentiment — that ''to-day a greater glory does indeed be- long to Westmoreland than when the noble Bishop contemplated her fallen grandeur."
Westmoreland county of to-day, with all her proud tradition of the past, not unlike her mother, the Old Dominion, "has yet to reach her zenith. The years that have been put behind her are the years of a formative period ; the decades that are to come will mark the fruition of her hopes. Henceforth, industry, as exemplified in a hundred forms, will be her gracious helpmeet. ISTor must the Virginian of future years walk in a narrow path, for he has many 'fields of usefulness in which he may expand. Never did any coun- try under the sun offer more diversity of opportunity, or finer chances for founding of fortunes than does this State."
"The time-honored Commonwealth, indeed, now walks with quickened step, despite the lapse of nearly three centuries. Her (-lasticity is the child of prosperity."
Westmoreland, the birthplace and plant bed of an ancient civ- ilization, is still the cradle of a new. While her landscape is glori- ous with the sheen of golden harvests, she, too, is gathering tbe ripe fruitage of her rich vintage. Her waste places are being re- stored, and blossoming as the rose. Her soil is supporting an en- terprising people, and still invites the stran-ger, honest and bona fide, by "benevolent assimilation" to swell a still more teeming population. Her churches are being restored and rebuilt. Her people are animated by a spirit worthy of her great past. Her young men are fired with a noble ambition to emulate the patriot- ism and virtues of her heroes of former days. Her men of intel- lectual and moral stature worthy of Westmoreland's splendid his- tory, are at hand to represent her in the councils of the State and nation. Her women are lovely, gentle, and queenly. When Alexis de Tocqueville, whom Mr. Gladstone termed "the Burke of his age," visited America in the last century and wrote his '^Democracy in America," he said: "If I were asked to what I attributed the greatness and peace of America, I should say to the sanctity of home and to the purity of the women." And the Hon. James Bryce, Ministoi' Plenipotentiary to this country representing the Court of St. James, says in "The American Commonwealth": "I have heard keen American observers predict that these Southern States will be the chief nursery ground of statesmen in the future, and will thus assert an ascendency which they can not yet obtain by their votes, because population grows more slowly in the South than in Eastern cities, or in Western prairies."
Mr. Gladstone, in his "Kin Beyond the Sea," page 204, said of America : "She will probably become what we are now. the head
Board of Supervisors, Westmokicland Colntv, \ .\.
David Hungerford Griffith Hun. Wm. Mavo, Chairman, Kx-State Senator
\Vm. H. Sanfokd
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 10;}
servant in the great household of the woi-ld, the employer ol" all employed, because her service will l)e most and ablest." lie also said : "No hardier republicanism was generated in New England than in the slave States of the South, which produced so many of the great statesmen of America," — Life of Gladstone^ by Dr. J. L. M. Curry, page 214.
What has Westmoreland done since the war, and what is she doing to-day in the march of progress and civilization, in energy and the activities of life?
The efficient Board of Supervisors of Westmoreland stand for the economy of good roads. They advocate the economical aspect of good roads reform. They have adopted, with the State's aid and the State Highway Commission, the sand-clay system, and are actively projecting the same. Good roads are the cheapest. This is the slogan of common sense. We clip from a contemporary on the "Economy of Good Roads." It says :
"The plea that good roads are 'too costly' belongs only to the cheap statesman, the mossback, and old-fashioned publications. It has no place in the consideration of the problem of modern road building.
"The primary purpose in securing good roads is to eliminate the enormous and everlasting cost of bad roads. Modern country roads bear the same relation to the rural districts as paved streets bear to the cities. Paved streets for municipalities are first of all, a business proposition. The comfort and convenience afforded by them is a matter of secondary consideration. No city could be l)uilt on mud streets. Neither can agricultural communities be de- veloped on mud roads. And any condition that retards the fullest development of country life is an expense that spells ruin and bank- ruptcy in the end.
"The old wooden plow could be purchased for less than the modern implements used to break the soil. But no farmer could maintain his farm with a wooden plow. It would prove too costly an experiment. The ox team could be purchased for less money than the draft horses cost, but the ox team has been abandoned as an expense that no modern farmer could stand.
"Mud roads retain the same relation to modern progress as the wooden plow and the ox team. Virginia wastes $1,000,000 every year on mud roads. It is a system of 'throwing good money after bad money' in an attempt to 'improve' roads that need to be rebuilt, and after millions have been wasted in this manner the same old mud roads exist. Nothing is left to show for all the expense.
"The $10,000,000 Virginia has lost in the mud holes of its
104 WESTMOh'ELAiXD COVNl'V, VIRGIMA
country roads in the past ten years would have given the State an excellent system of permanent highways. It would have meant an investment that would now be paying big dividends to the farm owners of that State."
"That is the common sense of the case. The failure to construct good roads is equivalent to a tremendous waste of money. Good roads, we say again, are the cheapest roads."
The Times-Dispatch says :
■|
The Great Eeform.
Interest in good roads does not abate, either in Virginia or the other States of the South. A casual perusal of the press of this part of the nation proves that all interesting good roads articles and good roads editorial expressions are copied in full in a major- ity of the papers, and there are the most impressive signs of the fact that this mighty reform has a tightening grasp upon the dif- ferent States in which the movement has once been started.
In making sentiment for improved highways, we hope that none of our contemporaries will let up a minute in the fight. Wliat has already been done in Virginia in the good roads reform has been excellent, but in order to keep step with other Southern States we must continue ceaselessly the campaign for better highways.
Is the good roads question a live one? Are other States taking an interest in it?
The other day a great convention met at Birmingham and dele- gates from almost every community in Alabama were there, eager to learn more about good roads. To this meeting in the cause of better roads not only came an army of interested delegates, but also two-thirds of the Legislature of the State. The people out there are intensely worked up al)out good roads, and they are not going to rest until they have them.
Calling this convention one of 'Vast significance" — and rightly so — the Birmingham News said editorially :
'There is no subject before the people of Alabama to-day that has a more vital bearing upon the progress of the State than this matter of good roads. It is a physical impossil)i]ity for any people to advance rapidly either intellectually or materially without the means of intercommunication, and the better the means the more rapid the advance. If the children of the State are to be educated and are to reap the benefits that come by reason of contact with the forces and influences that make for advancement, this end must be accomplished througli the construction of good roads. If the
WESTMORELAXD COUNTY, TIRGlMA 105
farmers of Alabama are to prosper, are to get the fullest returns upon the labor they expend upon the soil, they must l)e brought into close touch with the consumers, an end impossible without good roads. If the people as a whole are to advance in proportion to their opportunties it must inevitably be through the construction of improved highways."
The name being changed, this applies with equal force to Vir- ginia. The issue is live. It vitally concerns the welfare of the people, their comfort, their happiness, their prosperity. It is a great reform, and too much cannot be said in its favor.
Another contemporary on the ''Value of Good Koads," says:
For a part of this week the Alabama Good Eoads Association has been in session at Birmingham, and powerful interest has been manifested in this far-reaching reform. President John Craft had some very good things to say in his opening address, and one of them was :
"The vigor of the State lies in its industrial vitality and the great arteries through which the life blood of the Commonwealth must course are its highways. Therefore, I believe it to be our bounden duty to labor toward having the great thoroughfares of the people built in the healthiest manner possible. By having a permanent and thorough construction of roads, distance will be shortened, time will no longer be measured by hours. The time of travel will be lessened so much that the farmer who lives twenty- five miles or more from the steamboat landing, railroad station, or the city, will be enabled to bring his products to llie place of ship- ment and return between sunrise and nightfall.
"The farmer deserves better highways. It is ho who digs from the soil precious gold represented by the products of his labor. He cannot be prosperous if the hauling cost is twenty-five cents per ton per mile, when it should be eight or ten cents."
There is the gist of this matter. It is in the cost of transpor- tation that the farmer sustains his greatest loss. That loss is equivalent to a most extravagant waste.
IX.
Besides What Nature Has Done, Westmoreland Stands for Civic Improvement and Educa- tional Advancement, and the Better- ment of all Conditions.
Her People Industrious, and Progressive. — Civic Improvement and Educational Advancement. — New and Handsome Homes, and Erection of High School Buildings, and the Establish- ment of Public High Schools. — Two Practical Ecomonic Problems Confronting the People:. More Population of Energetic, Robust and Frugal Men, and Quicker Travel and Transportation.
Besides what Nature has done, and its natural potentialities; besides men of muscular energy and brains, men of lofty ideals and high standards, men of human endeavor, men who teach with pure lives the tenets of our holy religion, there is a progressive spirit abroad. The people are industrious and progressive. Be- sides her commercial activity, Westmoreland shows civic improve- ment, and educational advancement. She can point to a large number of high schools and high school buildings second to none in the rural districts; to teachers in these schools who are special- ists in their line and the best instruction given. New and hand- some homes are going up, and charm us as we pass by. Altogether. a spirit of public improvement. The tide of population must and will turn from the over-crowded cities, and the natural gravitation to these attractive homes is inevitable. There has been a marked progress in the improved system of good roads, and for the better- ment of all conditions along educational, industrial and agricul- tural lines. Here, speaking of this, it is no longer a postulate, but an axiom; not an experiment, but a demonstration, that edu- cation is the hope of a Republic, and a menace and death itself to a monarchy. Popular education in our country is the idol of the people, and its pride. We are beguiled into giving an extract from Lord Brougham, whose beautiful tribute to the immortal Washington is published elsewhere in this booklet. We publisli the extract because they are the famous words of one of the famous men of the world. We do not publish it to minimize the soldier, but to exalt the schoolmaster. These burning words are perhaps one of the first and greatest tributes to Iho public education of the masses, and has done as much for public schools as anything ever said. In his speech in the House of Coitunons on January 28, 1828. on the address from the Crown, Brougham severely re-
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 107
ferred to the Commander-in-Cli.ief of the Arniy, the Duke of Wellington, who was also the Prime Minister and the head of the government. While he seemed to consider the presence of the conqueror of Napoleon at Waterloo in the chief councils of the King a harmless state of affairs, Brougham nevertheless argued against the practice of putting military men in the high civic places in the government. This objection, in substance, was the theme of the speech and the quoted paragraph below, which a current report said was received with cheers and laughter, was a very ifitting climax to Brougham's notable effort :
"The country sometimes heard with dismay that the soldier was abroad. JSTow there is another person abroad — a less important person — in the eyes of some insignificant person — whose labors had tended to produce this state of things. The schoolmaster is abroad ! And I trust more to the schoolmaster, armed with his primer, than to the soldier in full military array, for upholding and extending the liberties of my country."
Two practical economic problems still seem to confront our people :
1. Nature has lavished her treasures on them in magnificent waterways, estuaries and arms of the sea. They desire, however, quicker transit and travel by rail, and transportation of their pro- ducts. Like Rasselas, King of Abyssinia, who yearned to see be- yond his lovely mountain home and environment, they arc restless to reach beyond their sea-girt horizon.
2. They need a larger population — say 50,000 more of robust, energetic, frugal men — to cut up and divide the large landed estates and holdings, and to develop the latent natural resources, food supplies and materials for industry. Give them 50,000 more of population, and the problems are solved. Eoads — steam and <,'lectric — and good roads for automobiles and every appliance for travel and transportation will be assured and complete. Which will come first? Which will be the one to bring the other? The people desire both, and both will come. The people of Westmore- land are unlike good old Doctor Johnson, author of "Rasselas," who took a gloomy view of life, and wrote "of an age that melts in unperceived decay.'' They are optimists and not idle dreamers. We wish for an Irving to picture tlte peace of the people.
Just as this booklet goes to press the re-turn survey of the now railroad from Doswell to the deep waters of the great Wicomico is nearly completed. Channing M. Ward, recently of Richmond county, Va., is the promoter. What a feeder from the rich granary of the great Rappahannock River valley and the Northern Neck for the great metropolitan city of Richmond this will be. We wish it a God speed. Because it will be a mighty revelation and a con- necting link Ix^fwcen these grand people.
Westmoreland, With Her Diversified Farm Pro- ducts, Thriving Industries and Plants, Points to Her Excellent Financial Condition and Low Rate of Taxation.
What Westmoreland of To-day is Doing. — Her Excellent Financial Conditions, Progress in Improved Buildings and Low Rate of Taxation. — Her Diver^ijied Farm Products, Thriving Industries and Plants. — Beautiful Monuments to Her Sol- diers.— W estjnoreland Camp C. V., Pension Board, and Washington and Lee Chapter U. D. C.
Westmoreland county can point with pride to her excellent financial condition, progress in improved buildings, and low rate of taxation. Its diversified farm products, fruit culture and can- neries— climate and soil for vegetable and trucking industries — rich products of its tidal waters; its sheep industry of the finest imported breeds; Eappahannock and Potomac Eivers, inlets and tributaries, furnishing water power for finest manufacturies and plants and transportation facilities; churches, public schools, banks: Bank of Westmoreland at Colonial Beach, Bank of Kinsale at Kin- sale, and Bank of Montross at Montross, with deposits, resources, and financial earnings of the people generally — figures that speak volumes for soundness of local business conditions. Westmoreland Enquirer and Colonial Beach Becord, newspaper, at Colonial Beach ; good telephone communication; accessible to the markets of Bal- timore, Washington. Alexandria, and Fredericksburg. Health superb; artesian wells numerous, fine flow and delightful water. Lands enhancing in value and more and more in demand with rising prices; riparian privileges; splendid opportunities for the home seeker and investor.
The most casual observer does not fail to see tbe progress, energy and activities of the people.
A beautiful marble shaft, erected by the United States Govern- ment, now marks Wakefield, the birthplace of Washington ; and the name and fame of the great chieftain. General E. E. Lee, shed a brighter luster around Stratford, his birthplace.
A costly and beautiful monument, erected to the Confederate dead, stands in front of tbe handsome, new courthouse at Montross,
WESTMORELAND CUVNTY, VIRGINIA 109
the county seat. The Westmoreland Camp of Confederate Vete- rans is one of the most active in the State, and has its glorious annual reunions to rekindle and keep bright ly burning its camp fires, to revive sweet memories and to renew loyal fraternal greet- ings.
The company rolls and rosters of every honorable soldier in the service of the Confederate States are being filed and recorded amongst the archives by order of the Circuit Court in pursuance of the act of the General Assembly of Virginia. It should be re- corded as a great historical fact that even President Eoosevelt in 1905, in Richmond, Va., the late capital of the Confederacy, said : "On the honor roll of those American worthies, whose greatness is not only for the age, but for all time; not only for the nation, but for all the world — on this honor roll Virginia's name stands above others." And no man knew better than he the story of the great country of which he was the head.
As has been so often said, and should be thoroughly emphasized, the names of all the Confederate soldiers will never be perpetu- ated and rescued from oblivion except by these muster rolls and rosters. Granite and bronze may crumble and perish, but copies of the battle rolls printed and preserved in our own archives and distributed through the great libraries of the world would be as secure of immortality as anything human can be.
The plea of Westmoreland is for the private soldiers, and they are as dear to them as the epaulettes of Washington in his buff and blue, and the stars of Lee in his glorious gray won by their blood and valor.
On her monument are inscribed the names of her private sol- diers, and on her memorial tablet in her court room the names of her cadet heroes, Joseph Christopher Wheelwright and Samuel Francis Atwill, who fell at the battle of New Market, May 15, 1864, together with the beaufiful verses of Virginia's brilliant poet, Armistead C. Gordon, immortalizing the deeds and memory of these men and these cadet heroes of the Virginia Military Institute in that battle.
Let us rejoice that this proud old county is saved from a similar everlasting reproach such as Thackeray administered to the Eng- lish Parliament and people, when, upon visiting Waterloo and reading the memorial tablets to the British officers who fell on that famous field and found that the name of not a single private appeared on them, he dipped his pen in gall and wrote these blast- ing words: "Here, indeed, they lie sure enough; the Honorable Col- onel This of the Guards, Captain That of the Hussars, Major So and So of the Dragoons, brave men and good, who did their duty by
no WESTMORELAl^^D COUNTY, VIRGINIA
their country and fell in the performance of it. Amen, But 1 confess fairly that in looking at these I felt very much disappointed at not seeing the names of the men as well as the officers. Are they to be counted for naught ? A few more inches of marble to each monument would have given space for all the names of the men, and the men of that day were the winners of the battle. We have right to be as grateful individually to any given private as to any given officer; their duties were very much the same. Wliy should the country reserve its gratitude for the genteel occupiers of the Army-list and forget the gallant fellows whose humble names were written in the Eegimental books? English glory is too genteel to meddle with those humble fellows. She does not con- descend to ask the names of the poor devils whom she kills in her service. Why was not every private man's name written upon the otones in Waterloo Church as well as every officer? Five hundred pounds to the stone cutters would have served to carve the whole catalogue and paid the poor compliment of recognition to men who died in doing their duty. If the officers deserved the stone, the men did."
The efficient Pension Board, with the co-operation of the Camp, through the Circuit Court in pursuance of the act of the General Assembly, is aiding all the citizens of the county who were disabled by wounds received during the War Between the States while serving as soldiers, sailors, or marines, and such as served during said war ais soldiers, sailors, or marines who are now disabled by disease contracted during the war, or by the infirmities of age, and the widows of soldiers, sailors, or marines who lost their lives in said service, or whose death resulted from wounds received, or disease contracted in said service.
The Washington and Lee Chapter U. D. C, at Kinsale, Va., is bestowing crosses of honor, and making more sacred the cause for which our heroes fought, and rendering it more imperative that the children of the rising generation be taught that their forefathers were heroes, and not rebels, "lest we forget."
All these benign and powerful agencies and instrumentalities spring from, and are the result of the reverence for our Confederate heroes. All are vicing with each other to strew flowers along their pathway, to make soft their pillows, and to pour from their ala- baster boxes on their heads the very precious ointment of spikenard, of love and charity, kind deeds and sweet benefactions.
OONFIOEnATE MONUMINT MONTNOt* VA.
XL
Stratford to Be Dedicated to Virginia as a Memorial of the Lees — Old Yecomico Church to Be Re- habilitated Under Control of the Diocesan Board of Trustees.
The Lee Birthplace Memorial Committee of the Virginia State Camp, Patriotic Order of America^ has an Option on Strat- ford as a Memorial to the Lees, to he Dedicated to Vir- ginia.
The Lee Birthplace Memorial Committee of the Virginia State Camp, Patriotic Order Sons of America, passed a resolution taking up the patriotic work of purchasing Stratford, September 10, 1907 ; endorsed by the National Camp of the order, September 25, 1907 ; the State Camp of Maryland, August 12, 1908 ; New Jersey, Au- gust 19, 1908; Delaware, August 25, 1908, and Pennsylvania, Au- gust 27, 1908.
Stratford will be a memorial to the Lees, and a room dedicated to each one.. After the work is done, it is proposed to present the property to the State of Virginia, to be perpetual for all time as a memorial to the great men born under its roof or connected with its history. The committee at present holds an option on the pro- perty.
Extract from Eesolutions.
Resolved, That it is the purpose of this committee to have Stratford purchased by the people, and remain forever the prop- erty of the people, to refurnish it in the style of the period when these great men were horn, to build a wharf and make it a place where patriotic citizens may gather and refresh their memory with the great deeds performed by these heroes of the past.
On July 15, 1906, a movement was inaugurated by Rev. John Poyntz Tyler, Archdeacon of Virginia, an honored son of West- moreland and an accomplished preacher, by a bi-centennial cele- bration to raise a memorial fund" for the preservation of old Yeo- comico Church, in Cople Parish, Westmoreland county. Right
113 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGIN FA
Rev. Eobert A. Gibson, Bishop of Virginia, commended the work of endowing this colonial church, bnilt in 1706 (the first one be- fore 1655). In his striking appeal he calls it "a historic land- mark of the very highest interest," and says "it has a romantic story and one which is in many of its aspects pattietic."
The present members of the congregation of Cople Parish earn- estly went to Avork to see that this sacred edifice, once the worship- ping place of so many whose names are indelibly associated with the leading events of Virginia's history, should be preserved from. decay. The faithful committee, composed of Wat Tyler Ma}'©, S. sA Downing Cox, and Walter R. Crabbe, appointed by them and aided kindly by Eev. George Wni. Beale, D. I)., with his historical data, prepared and published an attractive and charming sketch of the church and the people who have worshipped within its walls. Kind and generous friends have responded to the call to contribute, among whom notably is P. H. Mayo. Esq., Richmond, Va. ; and Hon. Wm. P. Hubbard, member of Congress from the Wlieeling District, W. Va. Russell Hubbard and Mrs. Joseph Brady have generously contributed to erect a memorial to their sister, Mrs. Julia Hubbard Tyler, wife of Wat H. Tyler. Westmoreland county, Va. The fund is placed under control of the Diocesan Board of Trustees, to be permanently invested, and the proceeds used to keep the old building and enclosure in repair. Among those who wor- shipped at Yeocomico were Colonel George Eskrid-ge, an eminent lawyer, after whom George Washington was named, and to whom was committed the care and tutelage of Mary Ball, the mother of General Washington, when she was about thirteen years of age — a sacred duty by the young girl's mother in her last will and testa- ment, and one which Colonel Eskridge sacredly kept; John Bush- rod, one of the Burgesses of Westmoreland, whose family name be- came distinguished by his grandson, the Hon, Bushrod Washington of the Supreme Court of the United States, born at Bush field, in Westmoreland, and a favorite nephew of General Washington; and John Rochester, who was a vestryman of Yeocomico in 1785. who subsequently removed to and settled in New York. Colonel Na- thaniel Rochester, after whom the great city of Rochester, N. Y,, was named, was born in 1752 on a plantation in Cople Parish, West- moreland county, on which his father, grandfather and great-grand- father had lived.
Rev. Thomas Smith was minister here 1773-1776. He was a very picturesque character, and a man of force and patriotism. We see him presiding over the Committee of Safety at Westmoreland Courthouse, with its famous resolutions on June 22, 1774, and
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA W%
May 23, 1775 — tlie first time wlien tlie Boston Harbor was blocked up, and the second time when Lord Dunmore seized the powder in the magazine at Williamsburg, Va. How many more names could the writer record if the limits and space of this little chapter would permit ! When the pilgrim and stranger treads this sacred spot so full of sadness, yet of the sweetest memories and associations, and sees the graves — many neglected — thai contain the ashes of a grand people and noble race, he feels around him tlie spirit oi Westminster Abbey.
But we must add the name of Bishop John Brockenbrough Newton, son of Hon. Willoughby Newton, member of Congress, and grandson of Judge William Brockenbrough, Supreme Court of Appeals of Mrginia, who worshipped here. He was a Bishojj that the clergy loved, and one whom in the Diocesan Council <~ Virginia that appointed him, tlie laity clamored for, claimed and elected as their favorite. He had all that birth, blood and heredity could give. Mature had given him, besides mental endowment and a luminous intellect, robust common sense; but the best thing that can be said about him is that he made the world brighter as he passed through it, and it has been told that the man who sheds a little sunshine on his course, is himself lighted into the great Unknown.
Bishop Payne, late Bishop of Africa, is claimed by Westmore- land, too. He lived and died near by in Washington Parish. After spending all in Africa, with failing health he came back to West- moreland to die. He named his home Cavalla, and there died with harness on him. When I think of grand old Bishop Payne and his coming home to die, the thrilling words of Goldsmith's ''De- serted Village" fill me with pathos:
"In all my w^anderings round this world of care, In all my griefs — and God has given my share — I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown, Amidst these humble bowers to lay me down ; To husband out life's taper at the close. And keep the flame from wasting by repose : I still had hopes, for pride attends us still, Amidst the swains to show my book-learned skill, Around my fire an evening group to draw, And tell of all I felt, and all I saw ; And as a hare, whom hounds and horns pursue, Pants to the place from whence at first he flew, I still had hopes, my long vexations past. Here to return — and die at home at last."
114 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
There is something more than a romance and a tradition still in Westmoreland that is treasured by its votaries like the perfume of sweet incense, and throws a halo around its people. It is this : that there is an unseen crimson thread of blood and kinship be- tween the Campbells, Patrick Henry and Lord Brougham
Bishop Meade and other cultured writers state that Parson Campbell (Eev. Archibald Campbell, minister of Washington Par- ish,) was from Scotland; was related to the Stuart and Argyle families of that country, and an uncle of Thomas Campbell, the poet. That lawyer Campbell, a most eloquent man, a brother of the poet, married a daughter of Patrick Henry, and that Patrick Henry, on his mother's side, from the stock of Eobertson the his- torian, was in that way a relative of Lord Brougham, so that his descendants are connected with the poet Campbell, thus showing a connection between our great orator and one of the greatest poli- ticians and one of the sweetest poets of the age.
Lastly, the Mayos worshipped at the old Yeocomico Church, and the graveyard contains the ashes of some of them. Judge Rob- ert Mayo married Miss Campbell of this distinguished family. He was erudite and strong. His two sons. Colonel Robert M., mem- ber of Congress, and Colonel Joseph, distinguished in journalism and literature, both came to the Bar splendidly equipped by edu- cation, and both full of honors and distinction as officers in the War Between the States. At the Bar they attained distinction, earning for themselves the appellation applied by the holy evan- gelist to Joseph of Arimathea. "an honorable counsellor." A sweet fiagrance lingers around their names. Wm. Mayo, another son, ex-State Senator, and at present chairman Board of Supervisors, of fine character and mental endowment, is one of the most pro- gressive and leading citizens of this county.
The question may be asked by some hypercritical and super- sensitive person why reference has not been made in this booklet to other churches. The answer is ready : because it is not a volume of churches, families and biographies, and is limited in space. There is no class, caste, degree, nor denomination, church, nor family to be served in this booklet. The manuscript has been with- held from the publisher by the writer to take in conference and confidence the representatives of all the churches to get their wis- dom and judgment on this very point and question. Yeocomico has been treated because of the early and historic character of the church alone. The sweetest and most hallowed memories cluster around the other churches, its graves and cemeteries as well as Yeocomico. The greatest and grandest men of Westmoreland were
WESTMORELAND C0( \1)\ ^IN<;^MA US
not all buried within the hallowed precincts of Yeocoinico. In these latter years General E. L. T. Beale, as statesman and soldier, mem- ber of Congress and Brigadier-General of Cavalry, C. S. A., leads, and his name will live brighter and brighter as the years pass by. Thomas Brown, late Governor of Florida, Hon. John P. Hunger- ford, Hon. Willoughby ISTewton, Judge John Critcher, Col. Richard Claybrook, the Bakers, the Lewises (Judge George W., as high as his soul was pure) ; the Walkers (W. W., the brilliant orator) ; Robert J. Washington, dashing and gifted, and Lloyd Washington, progressive and successful, his brother; Murphy; the Garnetts; (Gen. Thomas Stuart of Chancellorsville fame, and John, major C. S. A., and Dr. Algernon S., surgeon C. S. A., his bro'thers) ; the Beales (Rev. Geo. Wni. Beale, D. D., the accomplished scholar and divine; Robert, the sturdy and faithful judge, and Rev. Frank B. Beale, D. D., the earnest, faithful preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ) ; Cox, Tayloe, Capt. Wm. Newton of the Hanover Troop, the Davis preachers, evangelical and scholarly; Joseph Christopher Wheelwright and Samuel Francis Atwill, the hero cadets of New Market; J. H. Wheelwright, president of the Consolidated Coal Company, West Virginia and Baltimore ; Wm. Hutt and J. Warren Hutt, clerks, and others — some still living — and others whose names are carved on the Confederate Monument as immortal, share in the glory of Westmoreland. Some shed lustre on the Confederate arms; some on her distinguished Bar and the holy ministry, and some in the other departments of life and progress. I wish I had t^pace to exalt and pay tribute to them.
XII.
What the Most Distinguished and Highest Authorities Say of Westmoreland.
But we must abbreviate this short chapter, and write finis. We must, however, give a few extracts from the highest authority as to the piesent condition of this great county — its material pro- gress— what the Hand-Booh of Virginia, The Manufacturer's Record, Baltimore, Md., and Governor Mann of Virginia say of progressive Virginia.
Westmoreland County.
Westmoreland was formed in 1653 from Northumberland, and is situated in the northeast portion of the State on the lower Poto- mac Eiver, fifty-ifive miles northeast from Richmond. Its average length is thirty miles, width ten miles. It contains an area of 245 square miles, and a population by last census of 9,243, a gain of 844 since 1890.
The surface is generally level, l)ut hilly in some portions. Soil light loam on river bottoms, stiffer clay soil on uplands and easy of cultivation.
Farm products are corn, wheat, millet, rye. clover, and f)oas for hay. Potatoes, sweet and Irish, do well, and the raising of clover seed for market is a considerable industry. Orchard grass and timothy are successfully grown. Average yield per acre of corn twenty-five bushels, of wheat ten bushels, and of hay one and a half to two tons. Fruits of the various varieties, such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, etc., grow well, and several canneries are located in the county. The climate and soil is especially adapted to the raising of vegetables, and trucking is becoming quite an important industry. The numerous creeks and inlets along the Potomac boundary abound in the finest fish, oysters and wild fowl. There are large natural oyster beds on these tidal waters, and tli(> species of fish obtained embrace trout, rock herring, shad, and perch, which are caught by nets, traps and seines.
Grazing facilities are fairly good, and stock does well, especially sheep, which are receiving increased attention and proving quite remunerative. That class of stock is being improved by the im- portation of better breeds. There are no railroads in the county, but excellent transportation facilities are afforded by steamboats on
WESTMORELAND CODXTY, VIRGINn. . 117
the Rappahannock and Potomac to Fri'dericksbur<r, Washington, Baltimore, and Alexandria markets. Marl is abundant, also marsh mnd and oyster shell lime. There is some asli, po])lar, et«';., but the timber consists chiefly of pine, of which a large amount of cord Avood and lumber are annually cut and shipped.
Water and drainage are furnished by the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers; and the numerous tributaries of the latter pene- trating inland about ten or twelve miles, with good water power, are utilized. Besides numerous saw and grain mills, the manu- factories of the county consist of a number of fruit-canning fac- tories, two plant? for blasting and crushing marl, and one for dig- ging and grinding infusorial earths.
The climate is temperate. Health generally good. Water good and abundant in the uplands; not so good on water courses, except where artesian is used. Churches numerous — principally Baptist, Methodist and Episcopal. There are also a large number of public schools. Telephone service from Fredericksburg to every important point in county. Financial conditions excellent, and considerable progress shown in improved buildings.
This is one of the oldest settled counties in the State and in colonial days was the home of wealth and influence, the immigrants to the county from England comprising many of the rich and aris- tocratic families of the old country. There are many valuable and highly important estates in the county, and by the more modern and improved system of agriculture which has been adopted i^he past few years, the waste lands are being reclaimed and the farm- ing interests generally improved. This county enjoys the proud distinction of having been the birthplace o,f two of the Presidents of the United States — George Washington and James Monroe — be- sides another no less honored and distinguished Virginian, General R. E. Lee. Montross, the county seat, with a population of about 150, is an ancient town of some importance, located near the south- ern border, six miles distant from landings on both Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, with which there is daily mail communica- tion. There has recently been erected a handsome new court house and clerk's office.
Town of Colonial Beach has sprung into existence, and has nearly reached tHe population of a city, and real estate has doubled in value, and with a prospective railroad in the near future. With the advantages we have for trucking, etc., with men of muscular tnorgy and brains, I see no reason why this county should not occupy her former position, i. e.. not only the "Athens," but the "Garden spot of America." — TTnnd-Boolx of Virginin, 1910. p. 241. Department of Agriculture and Immigration, George W. Koiner, Commissioner.
Ug WESTMORELAND COUSTY, VIRniyfA
Colonial Beach.
Since the above was published Colonial Beach looms np in the limelight as "the Atlantic City of Washington." "Historically marked, and an ideal resort for rest and recreation" — "the Mecca of the people of Washington."
Its attractive little Hand-Book, just out, beautifully illustrated, has a prospectus of its progress, and represents the population dur- ing the summer months about 15,000.
"The Potomac Eiver is one of the most historic and beautiful in the world. It has not the grandeur of the Hudson or the St. Lawrence, but its forest-crowned hills, mirrored in the placid bosom of the water, nature has painted a picture that is not soon forgotten. It is restful."
Its bright outlook still brightens as we read "the ozone-laden air is unsurpassed" — "the salt water bathing is superb-^as heavily laden with saline matter as the very ocean." It all reads like a fairyland. With its town council and mayor, its municipal man- agement, and its progress under the auspices of Colonial Beach Company and Colonial Real Estate Co., Incorporated^ with its "Classic Shore," it looks like ideal homes are there, and invites the "new comer with a hearty welcome and cordial hand shake." With its new lines across the Potomac to Pope's Creek, connecting with trains to Washington and Baltimore in little over one hour — the one under management of Evan Owen, Esq., and the other more lately chartered as the Colonial Beach and Pope's Creek Steamboat Company (Hon. George Mason, president), it is a town of progress and growth.
Alfalfa, Fruit Growing and Commercial Orcharding.
The Farmers' Bulletin, Department of Agriculture and Immi- gration, Virginia, No. 8, 1910, designates alfalfa growing as the "irreat money crop," and in it Capt. J. F. Jack writes : "I am thoroughly convinced that alfalfa can be successfully grown in Virginia for commercial purposes in quantities large enough to make it a profitable investment. This is not a theory, but a fact which has been demonstrated on Belle Grove and Walsingham estates (Port Conway, Va.)," just across the county line.
Farmers' Bulletin, No. 3, 1904, is enthusiastic on fruit grow- ing, commercial orcharding, high flavor and keeping quality of ap- ples, also peaches, pears and cherries.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA U9
Virginia As She Was and As She Is.
Virginia, "the land of sunshine" — ''the gem of the Sunny South" — has been called the Arcadia of America. Some three hundred years ago, when the quaint little ships, Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed, sailed up James River one sunny April day in the year 1607, from the terrors of the raging seas in this unexplored country, and founded on its banks Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on the American continent, it is said this Arcadian land sent its perfumed breath far out to the ocean long before these pioneers in Anglo-Saxon civilization reached the borders of the Old Dominion. Then they looked upon the shores carpeted with grass and flowers, and cool groves of stately trees.
The grand old Commonwealtli has been called the "Mother of Presidents, States, and Statesmen.*' She has been called the "Athens of America" for her culture and learning. She has been called the "Flanders of the South" by reason of her border posi- tion, and because more than six hundred battles were fought within her borders. Within those borders, too, was the capital of the Southern Confederacy, the storm cradled nation which fell, but which made the name of America respected by all the peoples of the world. Virginia has been called the "Netherlands of America" because the seat of one of the foremost commonwealths of modern times. She has been called the "Switzerland of America" for pic- turesque landscape, mountains and sky. And to-day she is called the "Venice of America" because this part has such majestic rivers, beautiful arms of the sea, and waterways. Washington called it the "Garden of America."
Basking in the sunshine of God's mercy and in the plenitude of His forgiveness, as a Virginian I utter the beautiful lines of Dr. Henry Van Dyke :
"These are the things I prize
* And hold of dearest worth : Light of the sapphire skies,
Peace of the silent hills. Shelter of forests, comfort of grass,
Music of birds, murnuir of little rills. Shadows of clouds that swiftly pass,
And after showers,
The smell of flowers. And, best of all, along the way, friendship mirth."
120 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
General Description of Virginia.
No State in the Union offers more attractive inducements and extends a more inviting hand to the homeseeker than Virginia. In climate, diversity of soils, fruits, forests, water supply, mineral deposits and variety of landscape, including mountain and valley, hill and dale, she offers advantages that are unsurpassed. Truly did Captain John Smith, the adventurous and dauntless father of Virginia, suggest that "Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation." — Iland-Boolc of Virginia, 1910, page 15.
Progressive Virginia.
What Virginia is to be is, perhaps, indicated by what Virginia has become in one generation.
4c :jc ^ 4: :|c 4< iji
Between 1900 and 1904: the capital invested in Virginia factories increased from $92,299,000 to $147,989,000. and "the value of factory products from $108,044,000 to $148,856,000. It is fair to estimate the capital at present invested in all manufacturing enterprises in the State at $175,000,000, and the value of their products at $180,000,000.
The aggregate annual output of Virginia's farms, factories, mines and fisheries is at least $320,000,000. an increase of nearly $100,000,000 since the turn of the century.
And yet Virginia has hardly begun to realize upon its natural potentialities. Its 40,000 square miles support a population of only 2,050,000, or about fifty persons to the square mile, while there are nearly 400 persons to each of the 8.000 square miles of that other American commonwealth, Massachusetts. Its popul;; tion of 3,200,000, have practically nothing of the advantage that Viririnia possesses, either as to latent natural resources within it- self, or as to closeness to food supplies and materials for industry. With the density of population equal to that of Massachusetts, Vir- ginia would have 12.000.000 inhabitants. It is capable of making that number of people happy as citizens. — Bichard TT. Edmonds, Editor Manufacturers' Record. Baltimore, Md., in IJaud-liool- of Virginia, 1910.
January 27, 1911.
What Governor Mann says. It was handed direct to the writer for this booklet:
Virginia is steadily and rapidly progressing along all lines. Her manufacturing, commercial, industrial, and mining interests are
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 121
yearly growing in the eflicioncy with wliich they are pressed and the products which they yield. Her transportation facilities extend to almost every section, and those not now reached are heing looked after, and will shortly have all of the advantages of the most favored localities.
I am writing my real views when I say that the apple lairfls of this State cannot he surpassed in any other state or country. We produce fruit excelling in beauty and flavor, and improved methods have demonstrated that we can produce it at a wonderful profit. I can show single trees which have yielded as much as thirty barrels of the finest fruit.
Few, if any. States produce more or better potatoes, round or sweet, and we are raising in our mountains the seed for our crops in the eastern part of the State.
Our waters are full of the finest oysters, fish, crab, and clams, and abound in wild fowl.
Our climate is deliglitful, our people intelligent, law abiding, and hospitable, and in every section springs and streams are plenti- ful, and their waters pure and delightful.
In many of our counties blue grass is natural to the soil and comes without seeding as soon as opportunity and conditions are afforded, and as fine cattle, many of them for export, as can be raised anywhere, are the product of the blue, grass section.
Virginia embraces twenty-five millions of acres of land, of Avhich less than four millions are under cultivation, and making due allowance for mountains, swamps, and waste land of every de- scription, it is safe to say we have ten millions of acres of arable land lying idle. Immediately after my inauguration as Governor, I, with others interested, took steps to secure the co-ordination of all the agricultural agencies o'f the State with the United States Department of Agriculture for the purpose of encouraging and pro- moting the adoption of scientific methods of agriculture, and these efforts, I am glad to say, have produced the most satisfactory re- sults.
To demonstrate the value and results of scientific methods of agriculture. Boys' Corn Clubs, in connection with our public schools, have been organized in many counties of the State, and each hoy required to cultivate an acre of land and keep a complete record of his method and time of cultivation, kind, quantity and cost of all fertilizers used, kind of seed, and, indeed, a complete history of the crop. All done under the direction of the United Agricultural Board of Virginia and the United States Department of Agricul- ture. The interest, enthusiasm and results have been simply won- derful and have stirred up the farmers all over the State.
122 WEi^TMORELAND COUNTS', VIRGIMA
One boy in Dinwiddle county, sixteen years old, on land under usual methods not producing over twenty-five or thirty bushels of corn to the acre, made 167 7/9 bushels of shelled corn on one acre, netting him over fifty-nine dollars, after paying rent for the land and not crediting its improved value, from which tliree crops can be made with very little expense.
On land which, ten or fifteen years ago was thought to be unfit for grass, as much as six tons of hay to the acre has been made, and one of our farmers on one hundred and fifty acres made thirty- five thousand dollars worth of alfalfa.
To sum up, in 1900 the total value of our agricultural products was $129,000,000; in 1910 they amounted to $336,000,000.
In the eastern part of the State where the climate is tempered by the water, trucks and small fruits of all kinds and in great variety are bountifully and profitably produced.
We have constructed under State control since 1907, five hun- dred and eighty miles of 'permanent highways, and since 1906 have built three hundred and eight high schools, elevated our standard and increased the value of school property $3,513,000.
We are using the stored energy of generations to push old Vir- ginia forward. We revere the memories and traditions of the past, and remembering what has been done by her sons, we are deter- mined that our State, of history and tradition, shall be in the front rank of moral, educational and material progress.
Wm. Hodges Mann, Governor.
XIII.
What Poets Sing and Pilgrims and Shriners Say of Westmoreland.
We give below the tributes of those who have recently made pil- grimages to her historic and holy shrines — some from strangers — others from natives of her consecrated soil. When we read them we always feel that there is a charm and halo around Westmore- land, and when we tread its soil we feel that we are treading upon holy ground :
Visit to Wakefield
And Other Historic Places by a Paiiy from Tappahawwck — A Glimpse at the Various Places of Interest.
Dear Mr. Editor^ — Not numbering you in our party as we had hoped on the excursion to Wakefield and Stratford last Thursday, I think perhaps you will be glad to hear something of this very pleasant and interesting trip.
Our party, which consisted of Misses Dora Mason, Lewisburg, W. Va.; Beulah Gresham, Galveston, Texas; Genevieve Gresham, Jeannette and Charlotte Wright, and Mrs. T. R. B. Wright, boarded the steamer Caroline at Tappahannock. At Layton's our numbers were augmented by Mr. Ritchie Sale. At Leedstown we left the steamer and took vehicles to Wakefield monument — a drive of fourteen miles, but with fine horses we made the distance in less than two hours.
One feels impressed as the shaft erected by the United States Government to mark the birthplace of George Washington comes in sight, rising tall and white in the green fields surrounding it; and I fancy even the gay young people felt the thrill of association of ideas.
We were soon alighting, and looking — not at the monument — but for water. The drive had been horribly dusty, and our throats were parched and dry. Pope's Creek flowing at our feet and the bright waters of the Potomac flashing in the near distance — veritable Tantalus cups — "Water, water, everywhere and not a drop for me," quoted dolorously by more than one of our thirsty party. However, tea from our lunch basket washed some of the dust from our throats.
The monument is a four-sided, severely plain marble shaft, I suppose between sixty and seventy feet high, with no carving, no inscription, simply : "The Birthplace of George Washington.
124 WESTMORELAND COVJSTY, VIRGINIA
Erected by the U. S. Government." It is enclosed by a ten-foot, black, iron railing. The turf is beautifully kept.
After lunch under a tree (cherry) ? and stroll along Pope's Creek, and little time spent in gathering leaves and grasses for pressing, we drove to Mr. John Wilson's, who owns the Wakefield property, where we were most gracioiisly received and delightfully entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and their daughter, Miss Etta, Miss Egerton, Miss Boyden, Miss Janet Latane and her two broth- ers, grandchildren of the house.
Here were shown us portraits of William Augustine Washing- ton and Sarah Tayloe, his wife, grandparents of Mrs. Wilson. ' Wil- liam Augustine was son of Augustine Washington, George Wash- ington's half brother. A table from the old Wakefield house, which was burned during the Revolution; an old English Bible, and other interesting Washington relics.
I can think of no more ideal home for grandchildren to assem- ble and be happy : a wide, shady lawn ; rustic seats, swings, ham- mocks and chairs, under the fine old trees and flowers — flowers everywhere. And the charm of the master and mistress of the house to give the last needed touch to a picture it is pleasant to recall. Delicious refreshments were served us — and water ice cold — the whole party wondered if water was ever so good before. From Wakefield we drove eleven miles to Stratford, where we were most cordially received by Dr. Stuart and his handsome wife; his brother and niece; Mr. and Mrs. Stuart of Alexandria and their friend, Mr. Bayne, and Mr. Stuart, a son of the house. Soon the young people were scattered through halls and rooms of the quaint, delightful old house — into the room where Lighthorse Harry and Robert Edward Lee were born — into the parlor with a quaint little }>iano which came from Leipsic, and which, of course, the merry youn(o- people Avoke into life to the tune of merry two-steps ; into the handsome wainscoted hall, where lips were drawn into puckers to whistle a waltz that ea'ch might say in years to come, "I have danced in Stratford Hall." Then out to the brick stables, with stalls for hundred horses ; then, as the evening shadows fell, across the 'fine garden, down a narrow path through the twilight of the woods to the Lee vaults. These unfortunately have sunken, only one remaining, into which one adventurous spirit stepped.
Of the kindly hospitality and courtesy of Dr. Stuart, his wife and friends, we v/ill long retain most delightful recollections.
Another drive of fourteen miles brought us back to Leedstown, where the good steamer Lancaster lay. We were soon aboard, se- cured staterooms, and slept sweetly after a day of unalloyed pleasure.
When we go again, go with us. l\rr. Editor. — Correspondent Tidewater Democrat.
I
WEfi'niOREL.W'D COUXTt. VIR(U\IA 125
SOME VERSES FROM OUR HOME POETS.
Lee in Bronze. Unveiling of the Lee Monument in Richmond May 21), 1892.
There he stood in bronze, our hero,
'Neath the blue Virginian sky, Gazing o'er the many thousands,
With a calm and tranquil eye. On his war horse, proud and stately,
God-like, in his kingly pose. Sat he, calmly and unshaken,
As a mighty sound uprose.
Hark ! that sound was like the roarings
Of some fast approaching storm : Cheer on cheer came fast outpouring,
Ninety thousand hearts were warm. Ah ! it seemed the very heaven
Had been rent in that wild roar ; That the grave, our Lee had given.
To review his troops once more.
War-scarred veterans, old and hoary.
Wept like babes, that form to see ; While they told anew the story
Of the deathless fame of Lee : How he turned him in the hour,
When by putting forth his hand. He could grasp all wealth or power,
Or ambition could command.
When he heard his people call him,
How he turned to share their woes, And through weary years of sorrow,
Kept at bay their miglity foes. And he bore defeat so nobly,
That some day, the world will see. That the grandest name in story.
Is the name of Robert Lee.
There he'll stand, in bronze, our leader,
'Neath the blue Virginian sky ; And his fame will still grow greater.
As the years glide swiftly by.
12G WESTMORELAXD COVXTY, VIRGINIA
On his war horse, proud and stately,
He will watch through coming time,
O'er the hopes that sadly perished — In his majesty sublime.
— C. Conway Baker_, of Westmoreland Co., Va., in Baltimore Sun.
Hail ! Westmoreland.
Oh, a fertile land and fair
Is Old Westmoreland, Hallowed ground and balmy air Has Old AVestmoreland. And the pleasant times I've had Are but memories sweetly glad With an under-tone half sad In Old Westmoreland.
There are fields of waving grain In Old Westmoreland,
And many a fern-lined lane In Old Westmoreland.
And the Pearly-pink wild rose
In tangled beauty blows.
Where the fragrant wood-bine grows In Old Westmoreland.
There are tinkling springs and rills
In Old Westmoreland, And balmy pine-clad hills
In Old Westmoreland. There are noble water-ways And golden dreamy days That fade in silvery haze,
In Old Westmoreland.
'Tis a land where great men trod In Old Westmoreland,
'Tis a memory-hallowed sod In Old Westmoreland.
And the gentle shade of Lee,
It always seems to me.
The Patron Saint to be,
Of Old Westmoreland.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, i IKGlNIA 137
There's a canny fireside cheer,
In Old Westmoreland, Which nowhere doth appear
But in Westmoreland. The shrine there is the home, And, I fancy, though they roam, Her sons must long to come
Back to Westmoreland.
Heaven's canopy of blue
Shines on Westmoreland, And the guardian stars peep through
At Old Westmoreland. Oh, keep the loved ones there. Their loyal hearts from care, Is mine, an alien's prayer
For Old Westmoreland.
— Alys B. Baines, in Times-Dispatch.
A Message from Westmoreland. By Alys B. Baines^ Cliarleston, W. Va.
There's a tart and winey flavor
In the morning breeze these days, And the gold and reddening forests
Mark the parting of the ways. 'Twixt the summer-time and winter,
And the Harvest-time, the Fall, I seem to catch the 'Vander-lust"
And hear the Home-land's call.
There are tangled wild-rose hedges there.
Where honey-suckles twine, And shake their crystal chalices
With fragrance near divine. Their incense wafts a message
To the lonely, hungry heart Which says, "Come back among us.
And in our life take part."
128 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
The zepli3Ts from the South Land
Caress the pine-crowned knolls, And wake sweet ferny odors
From deep-hid woodland holes. And freighted with the fragrance
Of herb, and balm, and flowers, They breathe, "Come back amon-g us,
Cast in your lot with ours."
There's a tinkling invitation
In the message of the bell. Saying, "Come to Old Westmoreland,
Your journey shall be well. Come hear our rustic ministers;
And loiter 'mongst the stones, That mark the sacred resting place
Of many a great man's bones."
In the silence of blue distances
That stretch away to sea There's a restful, peaceful message
In their vast immensity. I think of our forefathers
Who trod that hallowed sod, Who've long since settled up in full
Their final bill with God.
Where the radiant day is dying
And the sun sets like a flame. There's an aftermath of stillness.
Solemn stillness, none can name. Night drops her splendid curtain,
Diamond-sprinkled, roval blue, But still I hear that "Far Cry,"
That says, "I'm calling you."
Oh, is it any wonder!,
Tbat I long to go each year, To that fair land that lies so far.
Yet to my heart, so near. That there may I, near Nature's heart,
In solitude sublime. Catch the whi.-pers of eternity,
Across the sea of Time.
— Greenbrier Independent,
westmoreland covml, virginia 129
Davis.
Secretary Proctor being asked what course the Department would pursue in regard to Mr. Davis' death, said:
"I see no occasion for any action whatever . . . It is better to let the matter rest in ohlivious sleep, if it will, and relegate it to the past."
Can'st hold in thine hand the great restless ocean !
When winds shriek loudest, can'st still its commotion ?
Can'st grasp the fork'd lightning or bind it with chain,
Can'st thou the hoarse roar of the thunder restrain?
As well migh'st thou try, as to render the name
Of Davis, our hero, oblivious to fame.
One heart sways a nation — this fair Southern land —
To honor, to reverence, the heroic band :
Jeff Davis, brave Jackson, and Eobert E. Lee,
Our glorious chieftains, famed eternally.
— Eleanor Griffith Fairfax, Hague, Va.
Lee to the Eear.
Dawn of a pleasant morning in May Broke thro' the Wilderness, cool and gray. While, perched in the tallest tree-tops, the birds Were carolling Mendelssohn's "songs without words."
Far from the haunts of men remote The brook brawled on with a liquid note, And nature, all tranquil and lovely, wore The smile of spring, as in Eden of yore.
Little by little, as daylight increased. And deepened the roseate flush in the East — Little by little did morning reveal Two long, glittering lines of steel!
Where two hundred thousand bayonets gleam, Tipped with the light of the earliest beam ; And faces are sullen and grim to see In the hostile armies of Grant and Lee.
All of a sudden, ere rose the sun. Pealed on the silence the opening gun — A little white puff of smoke there came. And anon the vallev was wreathed in flame.
130 WESTMORELAND CuONTY, VIRGINIA
Down on the left of the rebel lines,
Wliere a breastwork stands in a copse of pines,
Before the rebels their ranks can form,
The Yankees have carried the place by storm.
Stars and stripes o'er the salient wave.
Where many a hero has found a grave,
And the gallant Confederates strive in vain
The ground they have drenched with their blood to regain.
Yet louder the thunder of battle roared — Yet a deadlier fire on their columns poured — Slaughter, infernal, rode with Despair, Furies twain, through the smoky air.
Not far off in the saddle there sat A grey-bearded man with black slouch hat; Not much moved by the fire was he — Calm and resolute Eobert Lee.
Quick and watchful, he kept his eye On two bold rebel brigades close by — Eeserves that were standing (and dying) at ease Where the tempest of wrath toppled over the trees.
For still with their loud, bull dog bay The Yankee batteries blazed away. And with every murderous second that sped A dozen brave fellows, alas ! fell dead.
The grand old beard rode to the space
Where Death and his victims stood face to face.
And silently waves his old slouch hat —
A world of meaning there was in that!
"Follow me ! Steady ! We'll save the day ! This was what he seemed to say; And to the light of his glorious eye The bold brigades thus made the reply :
"We'll go forward, but you must go back," And they moved not an inch in the perilous track. "Go to the rear, and we'll give them a rout," Then the sound of the battle was lost in their shout.
Turning his bridle, Eobert Lee Eode to the rear. Like the waves of the sea Bursting the dykes in their overflow, Madly his veterans dashed on the foe;
Oi,
-I
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 131
And biU'kwaid in terror that foe was driven, Their banners rent and their eoliunns riven Wherever the tide of battle rolled, Over the Wilderness, wood, and wold.
Sunset out of a crimson sky, Streamed o'er a field of a ruddier dye. And the brook ran on with a purple stain From the blood of ten thousand foemen slain.
Seasons have passed since that day and year, Again o'er the pebbles the brook runs clear, And the field in a richer green is drest Where the dead of the terrible conflict rest.
Hushed is the roll of the rebel drum;
The sabres are sheathed, and the cannon are dumb;
And Fate, with pitiless hand, has furled
The flag that once challenged the gaze of the world.
But the fame of the Wilderness fight abides, And down into the history grandly rides. Calm and unmoved, as in battle he sat, The grey-bearded man in the black slouch hat.
— John R. Thompson.
XIV.
Westmoreland Is a Classic Spot, and Nature Has Lavished Her Gifts.
Her People Must Feel That After All "Honest Blood is Loyal Blood, and Manhood is the Only Patent of Nobility." \V estmorcland and Virginia Cannot he the Greatest Unless Their Men and Women are Good and Honest and the Men Manly.
This short, imperfect story, has been told and is now ended of Westmoreland as the most classic spot on the face of the earth ; yes, a **good land," too — "a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive trees and honey; a land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness." Virginia in her civilization — the old and the new — stands for the best traditions in the Union of the States of this great Republic because her past and present are glorious — a blessed heritage. She, too, is "a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills — a land where stones are iron and out of whose hills thou mayest dig copper — where 'the oceans send their mists into the mountains, and the streams descend into the valleys' — a land that reacheth ajar, a place of broad rivers and streams — the Paradise through which these rivers flow, and the harvest field is ready." But all this does not after all, dear friends, make the people of Westmoreland and Virginia the greatest, unless their men and women are good ancl honest, and the men manly.
"Beware lest when thou hast eaten and art full, thou forget the Lord thy God.*'
At the Conference of Governors and their advisors in the White House, Washington, D. C, May 13-15, 1908, the President, Vice- President, Cabinet, Supreme Court, Congress, organizations and their representatives. Inland Waterways Commission and general guests, perhaps the most notable and distinguished body ever as- sembled on the continent, Governor Folk of Missouri, said :
"The people of the United States, whether from North, East, South, or West, are alike. The good men and women are the same everywhere, and the bad people are alike wherever they may be found. In all of the American States honest blood is loyal blood, and manhood is the only patent of nobility. (Applause.)
'^'It does not matter so much where a man is from and what that man is. In the language of Kipling:
WESTMORELAND COUNTY. VIRGINIA 133
"'There is neither East nor West — Border, nor breed, nor birth — When two strong men stand face to face,
Thongh they come from the ends of the earth."
May all of us be able to say forever, "So they helped every one his neighbor and every one said to his brother, "Be of good cour- age." So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smoteth with the hammer him that smote the anvil. "Bear ye one another's burdens."
At the opening of the session of the Conference Dr. Edward Everett Hale, chaplain of the United States Senate, being called on, invoked the benediction in these words :
"The Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive trees and honey; a land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness. Thou shalt not lack any- thing in it — a land where stones are iron and out of whose hills thou mayest dig copper.
"Beware lest when thou hast eaten and art full, thou forget the Lord thy God,
"Thine eyes shall behold a land that reacheth ajar, a place of broad rivers and streams. Yea, thy children shall possess the nations and make the desolate spots to be inhabited.
"So they helped every one his neighbor and every one said to his brother, 'Be of good courage.' So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smoteth with the hammer him that smote the anvil. 'Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
"Let us pray.
"Father, for this we have come together. Thou hast made for us the Paradise through which these rivers flow. Now give us the strength of Thy Holy Spirit that we may go into this garden of Thine and bring forth fruit in Thy service. Thou hast revealed these to us to use under Thy guidance. We are children of the living God, alive with Thy life, inspired with Thy Holy Spirit. The harvest field is ready, and Thou art pleased to send us into the harvest. Be with us now in our assemblage. Thy servants have come from the North and from the South, from the East and from the West. It is our God's land. Thy oceans send their mists into our mountains. Thy streams descend into our valleys, and Thou hast chosen us that we may be now the ministers of Thy will and enter into that harvest field.
134 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGIMA
"Bless us now in to-day's service and those that are to follow, and may Thy servants return to their homes alive in that light, clad in the Holy Spirit, willing to enter into Thy work, and go about our Father's business.
"Join me audibly in the Lord's Prayer.
''Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into tempta- tion but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen."
APPENDIX.
CopLE. — This should correctly be written Copple. The word is common in Cornwall and in the mining counties of England, and means a vessel used in refining metals. It was common three hun- dred years ago to name taverns after instruments, as, the "Mortar and Pestle," the "Bell," etc. But I know of no place in England so called. If there were any mines in Westmoreland, the title would be appropriate enough.
Westmoreland. — This county was created between the years 1648 and 1653, near a century before any of its Kevolutionary men were born; so the Northern writer cannot say properly that it was so called from its having produced so many great men in Virginia. The true meaning of Moreland is "greater land," from the com- parative "more," which is used in the sense of great by Gower, Chaucer, and even as late as Shakespeare, who says in "King John," Act II, 5th scene, "a more requital." But, if moreland is derived from the Celtic word "more," then moreland signifies great land, or high land; as, Maccullum More is the Great Maccullum. "Gil- more" means the henchman of the more or great man. The name of Westmoreland was given originally without doubt to a scene of high land or a great stretch of land of some kind, and never had allusion to the men who were born or died in any place so called.
Hugh Blair Grigsby.
Cople Parish derived its name from Cople in Bedfordshire, England, the residence of the Spencer family, a distinguished member of which, Colonel Nicholas Spencer, resided in Westmorc land at the era of its settlement. He became Secretary of Vir- ginia, and acting Governor in 1683.
George Wm. Beale.
There is a Virginia of the past resplendent with the heroic achievements of a great and glorious people; there is a Virginia of the present crowned with possibilities that can surpass the splen- dors of the proud past and make all that has gone before in her history, but the prelude to a greater destiny. No State in this
136 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Union has richer or more varied resources than Virginia. — Inau- gural Address of Governor Claude A. Swanson before the Legisla- ture, Februay 1, 1906.
"Sirs, in conclusion, while we survey with pride Virginia's superb past, let us face the future with hope and confidence. Never were the skies of Virginia illumined with brighter prospects. Every section of the State is thrilling with a marvellous industrial development blessed with an amazing increase of wealth. In every direction, Virginia is making a rapid and permanent advance. The future beckons her to a higher, nobler destiny. Chastened by mis- fortune, made patient by long suffering, brave by burdens borne and overcome, stirred by the possibilities of an industrial develop- ment and wealth almost unspeakable, cheering to a passion the teachings of her illustrious dead from Washington to Lee, Vir- ginia presents a combination of strength and sentiment destined to make her again the wise leader in this nation of political thought and national achievement. Young men of Virginia, the clock of opportunity strikes our hour of work and responsibility. Let us, animated by a patriotism that is national, stirred by the possibili- ties of our State, which point to a greater future, resolve to an- swer all demands made upon us by our beloved State and common country, and to aid this glorious Commonwealth and this mighty Eepublic to advance along the pathway of justice, liberty and pro- gress."— Address of Governor Stvanson, "Virginia Day" at James- town Exposition, June 12, 1907.
LEEDST0V7N.
By Miss M. E. Hungerford (nom de plume, "Shirley".)
Although Leedstown of to-day occupies the smallest area, and perhaps has the least population of all the villages of Westmore- land county, it can boast of an interesting and historic past. Westmoreland has been called the "Athens of Virginia." Some of the most renowned men of the country have been born within her borders. It is one of the oldest settled counties in the State, and in colonial days it was the home of wealth and influence, the immi- grants to the county from England comprising many of the rich and aristocratic families of the Old Country.
In 1667, or thereabouts, John Washington (the grandfather
WESTMORELAND COUN'fY, VIRGINIA 137
of the illustrious George) and others made locations on the lands assigned to the EappahannO'cks and to their allies and brothers. the Nanzaticoes, along the Rappahannock River.
We can imagine the effect the appearance of the white settlers had upon them, for they had roamed and hunted the forest at will, paddled their birch-bark canoes on the "Rapid" river, catching fish of all kinds, or winding in and out of the openings of the acres of "Marsh," extending from within a stone's throw of where Leedstown now stands, to the shore on the Essex side, trapping amphibious animals, with which it teemed, using their flesh and fur for food and clothing. How picturesque their wigwams must have appeared, grouped together against the background of the primeval forest, decorated with the trophies of the chase; while the squaws sat around in Indian fashion, after securing their papooses to the wigAvams above the "danger line," and amused themselves with bead and basket work ! Beads, arrow heads, stone axes, etc., are all still thrown up by the plough within a few yards of Leedstown. I have a handfnl of various kinds of beads before me, picked up near the village in 1909. One of the axes, a fine specimen, is now serving as a door-guard in one of the homes near by.
Not many years after the English settlers came to this part of Virginia, vessels and packets sailed down the Rappahannock, through a portion of the Chesapeake Bay and crossed the broad Atlantic, direct to Liverpool, laden with tobacco; and after many weeks, sometimes month's, returned wiith necessaries, and even luxuries, for the English in their new homes.
This traffic was kept up for years, and resumed after the War of 1812-14, as following extract from an old letter shows: "Re- ceived advices from Fredericksburg saying, 'At this time, there is not a corn purchaser in town — packets are expected from Europe shortly which would decide the probable price of grain, when ship- ment would be made and of course, purchasers would then be in the market.' "
Leedstown was laid out on the same day as Philadelphia, in the year 1683, and on a large and definite "plan". The dwellings were commodious and comfortable — built of the best timber from the primeval forest. English brick, bought as ballast, were used for chimneys and foundations. The yards and gardens contained acres and. as time wore on, rare and beautiful exotics were the pride of the owners. A tavern, or ordinary, was built of brick, a portion of the walls were standing as late as 1861. A short dis- tance to the west an Episcopal church was erected. As Pope's
138 WESTM0REL2ND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Creek was called the "Central Parish Church," we may suppose that it was so called because it was equi-distant between Leedstown and Church Point, on the Potomac. The outline of a brick foun- dation at the latter place may still be traced, though now under water. Those who drove to the church at Leedstown in carriages or gigs, or who rode on horseback, were followed by their servants carrying their Prayer Book (of which I have a copy) measuring 18x10 inches, at least two inches thick, and containing the service of the Episcopal Church for all occasions, and the Book of Psalms. We have no record of the rector or rectors, though it is not im- probable "Parson Campbell" officiated here also. The following names are given as member- of the vestry after 1780 :
Francis Thornton, Lawrence Washington,
John Washington, Robert Washingion,
Thomas Pratt, John T. Washington,
Samuel Washington, Henry T. Washington.
There is no trace of the church above ground, but by digging a foot or two below the surface, portions of the brick foundation may be found. When tlife structure became a mass of ruins, iwenty-iiive flag-stones, 16x16 inches were removed from the floor of the vestibule, and are now guarding the entrance to one of the hospitable homes on the "Eidge". It is rumored arrangements are being made to have them incorporated in the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul at Mt. St. Albans, Washington, D. C.
"As Boston was the Northern, so Leedstown was the Southern Cradle of American Independence," "for ten years previous to the Declaration of Independence Thomas L. Lee, of Stafford, re- quested his brother, R. H. Lee, of Chantilly," to meet him, and a number of others, at Leedstown, to a conference to protest against the Stamp Act. One hundred and fifteen fearless men subscribed to a paper which said: "We bind ourselves to each other, to God, and to our country by the firmest ties that religion and virtue can frame, most sacredly and punctually to stand by and, with our lives, and our fortunes, to support, maintain and defend each other in the observance and execution of several articles," among which in part is this : "At every hazard, and paying no regard to danger or to death, we will exert every faculty to prevent the execution of said Stamp Act in any instance whatsoever in this Colony." This meeting took place on the 27th of February, 1766, and was one of the first public meetings, in behalf of American rights, as en- dangered by the famous Stamp Act, within the thirteen ancient Colonies, and the agreement and protest which were then adopted,
WESTMORELAND COUNT!, VIRGINIA 139
dearly set forth the great issue involved in the dispute with the "Mother Country."
"This issue was never afterwards more plainly or boldly de- clared than in this instrument."
"This action, taken ten years before the Eevolution began, seems to have been a signal gun of warning and preparation whose clear, reverberating echoes heralded the Declaration of Independ- ence and was a prelude to all the patriotic guns from Lexington to Yorktown."
The colonists living at Leedstown and vicinity rallied to a man to fight the invading foe; many of those who were children when the war began were from sixteen to twenty before it closed. I know of two instances where youths entered at sixteen — one be- came a lieutenant and the other a captain at twenty. One was wounded at Morris' Heights, ten miles above ISTew York City, but returned safely and lived at Leedstown until May, 1803; the other marched from Leedstown to the "Siege of York" ; was present at the surrender, after which he and his command were formally discharged and returned to their respective homes at Leedstown. He immediately raised a company of grenadiers, which was at- tached to the Westmoreland militia. This brave man took an active part in the War of 1812-14; represented his county several sessions in the Virginia Legislature, after which he w^as a member of Congress until 1817.
After the War of the Eevolution and the War of 1812-14 wilh Great Britain were over, many of those who went from Leedstown and were fortunate enough to return to their homes, enlarged their borders by extending their estates up to. and in many cases, over the "Ridge" towards the Potomac Eiver, as extract from a letter written January 15, 1837. will show: "Having been unusu- ally late in securing my crop of corn this winter, my whole time, when able to ride, has been devoted to that business; one day on the Eappahannock 'flats,' and the next on the Potomac." Others came in and bought houses (many of which were becoming dilapi- dated) and lands along the banks of the Rappahannock, about Leedstown, razing the houses and extending their fields towards the river, until there is little more than a roadway and a few small dwellings above high water mark.
It is hard to believe the quiet little village w^as ever the ren- dezvous for huntsmen, with their packs of hounds, and others who engaged in games, bets, etc., etc. I copy the following found in an ofd book, dated 1749:
"At leedstown in Virginia on Wednesday 17th day of Sep-
140 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
tember, a race to be run for a purse of £35. and on the 18th, a plate for one of a £100 value."
"Leedstown, April 3rd 1820, Icicles 18 in. long, south side of the house at 12 o'clock and snow three inches deep on the even- ing of the 2nd." Signed by four prominent men.
Extract from a letter written from Leedstown in March, 1813 :
"Drove to your farm yesterday found the servants well — the crops well housed — but am sorry to inform you that the wolves are playing havoc with your sheep."
Also the following on a more exciting subject :
"Tine Farm,' near Leedstown, February 21st, 1814. We are hourly expecting to hear that our friends ( ?) the British, are in the river. We calculate on warm work when warm weather sets in. I hope, meet them when we may, that our arms may be reno- vated and our hearts steeled — to give them 'Old Virginia Play.' "
In addition to the social gatherings in their own homes, din- ners, card parties, etc., they enjoyed political meetings, barbacues (the old sycamores are still standing under which they were held) and military drills. In a letter dated July 13, 1844, the writer says:
"We had on the fourth quite a gala day at old Leeds. The Declaration of Independence was read by J. Tayloe Washington and a very appropriate oration was delivered by Major Henry T. Gamett. The feast was given by the 'Eifle Blues,' Thos. Garnett captain, Jno. W. Hungerford, Lieutenant, a Volunteer Company of the neighborhood, handsomely uniformed and well-drilled ; Har- vey's Co. the 'Washington Guards,' from the Court House was in- vited to participate. The two made one very respectable Com- pany and present quite an interesting spectacle. After going through many Military evolutions in fine style, a National Salute of 13 guns was fired from a six-pounder — then the dinner and after that, the wine and the toasts, the songs and the anecdotes, closed the ceremonies of the day."
Steamboats have been plying between Baltimore and Fred- ericksburg for more than seventy-five years. The first to make the trip was the Mary Washington, a very comfortable boat in her time, but nothing to compare in size and appointments to those of the Weems Line of to-day. The Cambridge, later on the line, was burned to the water's edge below Tappahannock. With the steam- ers to Baltimore and to Fredericksburg and a direct line to Eich- mond, by carriage, over the corduroy road across the "Marsh," the citizens of Leedstown felt themselves in close touch with at least three cities of the outside world.
Let us go back to the "Ridge," overlooking Leedstown at a dis-
WESTMORELAND COVN'l y, VIRGINIA 141
tance of two miles, and name the former owners of the hospitable homes that crown the highest point between the Eappahannock and Potomac Eivers. There were the Garnetts, the Jetts, the Hungerfords, the Mastins, the Taylors, and the Turners. Of all of these, there is now but one occupied by descendants. Many have died and their representatives are scattered to the four quar- ters of the globe.
Within a mile of Leedstown we shall pause a moment by a graveyard with a substantial enclosure, on the lock of which is engraved the name of the family whose members are interred within. From having been the possessors of broad acres for miles around this historic spot, "God's Acre'' alone is theirs. The in- scriptions on two of the slabs are dated 1691. Besides these we find lying here two officers of the Continental line, Army of the Eevolution, designated by D. A, R. markers placed by a grand- daughter; four officers of the War of 1812-14, and one gallant cavalry otlicer, who was killed leading a charge in the War of 1861-'5. In addition there is an alumnus of the University of Vir- ginia, who, had he lived, would have added lustre to the family name, for the inscription says of him: "He was a devoted son and brother, a firm friend, loyal to Virginia and a Champion of States' Eights." "Prolcge et grege." These are some of the men de- scended from the patriotic citizens of Leedstown, and with an extract from a letter from one brother to another, now lying with- in the enclosure, you will agree with me that Leedstown not only produced public-spirited men, but prophets: ,
^''TwiFORD/ March 5th, 1838.
"I perceive the Sub. Treasury Bill still lingers in the Senate and I sincerely hope that there it may linger until it falls to rise no more. I wish its annihilation to be perfect and complete from the bottom of my soul. I wish it first, for the good of my country, and next, as a means of sustaining that party in power to which I belong. Paradoxical as it may seem, it is never-the-less true, that on its defeat, depends the issue of the continuance or non-continuance of the Eepublican party in power. I hesitate not a moment to say, that in my very humble opinion, if the administration is indulged in its visionary and Utopian scheme so far as to obtain the enactment of that law, that its fate is sealed; it will in the next Congress be without support in either House and impotent to do good in every respect. As a warm friend of Mr. Van Buren, I hope for his own good, as well as that of our common country, he may fail — yes, signally fail in this his weak — 3'ea, detestable policy.
142 WJ-JfiTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
"If by the rash experiment sought to be made on the settled policy of the countr}', a change in rulers -shall take place, Mr. Clay no doubt will be at the head. Then look for high tariffs, in- ternal improvements without limit, the resurrection of the odious U. S. Bank and last, though not least, the triumph of the abolition- ists; and lastly, in the back ground, I behold a dark — a growing shadow stalking abroad — anon, assuming the form and shape of substance — and advocating a policy in regard to abolition which can only be dispelled by opposing battlements and bristling bayo- nets— "The shrill trumpet and the cannons roar" and "all the cir- cumstance of glorious war" — State against State, brother against brother. All this and more me thinks I see in the far distance. May heaven deign to avert such a calamity from our beloved Coun- try ! I know you differ with me, and I regret it much, but time, the discloser of the wisdom or folly of human actions, will test the correctness of our judgments.'*'
Your affectionate brother,
J. W. H.
The First Mention of Westmoreland in Its History.
It is ordered by this present Grand Assembly that the bounds of the County of Westmoreland be as followeth (vizt) ifrom Ma- choactoke river where Mr. Cole lives ; And so vpwards to the ffalls of the great river of Pawtomake above the Necostins towne. — (Eand. MS.) Henning's Statutes at Large, Vol. I., p. 381. July, 1653, 4th of the Commonwealth.
Note by same : This is the first time the County of Westmore- land has been mentioned.
Who Was Governor at That Time.
Sir William Berkley, after that, continued Governor till the spring of 1652, and then Eichard Bennett, Esq., was Governor. Richard Bennett continued till 1655, and then Edward Digges, Esq., was made Governor. — Idem, p. 5.
What Thackeray Said of Washington.
In The Virginians, by Thackeray, the narrative and plot of the preparations for blood and the duel between the Warrington twin brothers and George Washington, a supposed lover of Lady Eachel Warrington of Castlewood, their mother and a step father
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, \ riidlNIA 143
in prospect, which duel was averted, is thrilling. And the tribute and apostrophe to Washington is one of the most brilliant pas- sages ever paid him by any author:
"It was strange that in a savage forest of Pennsylvania, a young Virginian officer should fire a shot, and waken up a war which was to last for sixty years; which was to cover his own country, and pass into Europe, to cost France her American colo- nies, to sever ours from us, and create the great Western republic; to wage over the old world when extinguished in the new; and, of all the myriads engaged in the vast contest to leave the prize of the greatest fame with him who struck the first blow."
From Neiv York Sun, August 31, 1911:
The Prosperous South.
Its Remarkable Industrial and Agricultural Development. To the Editor of The Sun:
Sir, — Though much has been published about the material de- velopment of the Southern States, there are yet many who do noi fully understand how great has been the industrial and agricul- tural progress of that section in the last ten years.
At the present time the sixteen Southern States, Missouri and Oklahoma included, have $3,000,000,000 capital invested in manu- facturing, compared with a total of $2,790,000,000 for the entire country in 1880.
The value of the agricultural output of these States was last year $2,975,000,000, against a total value of the farm crops of the United States of $2,460,000,000 in 1890.
In 1900 the total value of the farm property in these States was $3,233,000,000, whereas the census figures recently issued show that in 1909 the value of farm property in these States was $7,293,000,000, a gain of over $4:,000,000;000 in that decade. This is four times as great as the aggregate national banking capi- tal of the United States.
'These fi,^res indicate something of the marvelous change which has come about in the agricultural interests of the South, This gain of $4,000,000,000 or 125 per cent., showed an increase in the rate of agricultural wealth seven times as great as the rate of increase in population.
To a considerable extent this wonderful change is due to the higher prices of cotton in the last ten years, but this is not by any means the only reason. Notwithstanding the better prices of cot-
144 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
ton of late years, Southern farmers are giving more and more at- tention to diversified agriculture, and in this respect are return- ing to the system that prevailed before 1860, when the production of grain and live stock was relatively far greater in proportion to population than it is to-day even after all the advance of the last ten years.
The cotton crop of 1898-99 of 11,274,000 bales was worth, seed included, about $330,000,000. The crop of 1909-10 of about 11,500,000 bales was worth to Southern farmers $963,000,000. The difference strikingly illustrates the importance to the South of good prices for cotton as compared with the starvation 'figures of the low price period from 1893 to 1901.
The Southern farmer is no longer compelled to concentrate on cotton growing; he finds in diversified agriculture, due to the development in part of the home market through the growth of itianufacturing interests and cities and to the enormous increase in the demand from the North and West for early fruits and vege- tables, such profitable opportunities that it may safely be said this section will not for many years, if ever, except perhaps in an occa- sional year of unusually favorable crop conditions, increase its pro- duction of cotton to such an extent as to injure its agricultural prosperity by bringing an era of low prices.
Indicative of the increasing prosperity of the farmers of the South during this ten year period was the advance in the. value of farm buildings from $885,000,000 to $1,672,000,000, a' gain of nearly $800,000,000.
Notwithstanding the great increase in the value of the South's agricultural output, the development of its industrial and mining interests has been so great that the value of the output of its mines and its factories now largely exceeds the value of the output of its farms.
In the last fiscal year 47 per cent, of the total exports of the United States originated in the South, and 36.4 per cent, passed through Southern ports. In that year the value of the foreign exports from Galveston was twice as great as the total value of the combined exports from all the ports of the Pacific coast of the United States. The value of the foreign exports from Galveston exceeded by $38,389,552 the combined foreign exports trade of San Francisco, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Facts such as these could be given without end as illustrations of the substantial development in manufactures, in agriculture and in foreign commerce which is seen throughout the whole South. And yet these facts do not tell the whole story. This increasing
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 145
wealth of the South is finding an expression in every line of human activity. It is seen in the building of towns and cities, in the con- struction of good roads, in municipal improvements, in the build- ing of schools, churches and more costly dwellings.
Last year the South expended upon the maintenance of public schools considerably over $50,000,000, or more than twice as much as the United States expended upon public education in 1860.
These facts, however, are more interesting as suggestive of what is yet to be accomplished in the upbuilding of the South than of what has already been achieved. This section, now begin- ning to accumulate capital and to be recognized by the investors of other sections as the coming center of American development, should make far greater progress in the next ten years than it has made in the last twenty. Its railroads will unquestionably be taxed to their utmost capacity to keep up with the increasing trade of the South. Its shipping facilities must be greatly expanded in order to take care of the rapid growth of its commerce, foreign and domestic.
The development of its iron and steel interests will be on a far larger scale in the future than in the past. The recent Congres- bional investigation, which is bringing conspicuously to the front the fact that- the Steel Corporation owns only about 20 per cent, of the available ores of the South instead of a monopoly as some had supposed, will result in turning capital into the utilization of the vast ore resources of this section. With the proximity of coking coal and iron ores which cannot be duplicated anywhere else in America, it is absolutely certain that the iron and steel in- terests of this section will grow with great rapidity as the increas- ing requirements of the South and of foreign countries, which can be reached from the South furnish an ever widening market for the steel products of this section.
With manufacturing 'capital (exceeding that of the United States in 1880, with an agricultural output exceeding in value by half a billion dollars the value of the crops of the United States in 1890, with an increase in ten years in agricultural wealth four times as great as the present national banking capital of the United States, surely the South is now in a position to begin its real up- building. What it has accomplished is merely the getting of its tools together to make ready for the activities upon which it is now preparing to enter.
EiCHARD H. Edmonds, Editor Manufacturers' Record.
Baltimore. Md., Augu-H 30th.
14:Q }VESTMORELAND VOUXTY, \ IRUINIA
A Wreath on Lee's Monument.
A splendid and graceful tribute was paid 5^esterday to genius and virtue as embodied in the greatest of all A^irginians, when the famed Fifth Eegiment, of Maryland, formed about the statue af Lee and presented arms, while its colonel, with head uncovered, laid a wreath at the base of the monument.
Virginia has manv titles to glory; but one of the most endur- ing will be the fact that she gave birth to this illustrious soldier whose genius and courage combined with his lofty character as a man to make him the very fruit and flower of his race.
His fame grows greater as the years pass by, and will not be dimmed by the centuries to come.
Throughout future ages brave men and strong men and great men will continue to pay tributes of respect to this man who was brave, strong and great. — Edmund Pendleton, Editor, in News- Leader, October 13, 1911.
Woman — Then and Now.
Then. — Not so much on the field of battle wer& the victories of the Revolution, but rather at the fireside where the mother trained her sons for deeds of valor and patriotism.
It has been said of the work of the women aiding the Conti- nental Army : "The women of Massachusetts have made us a nation of coffee drinkers because they would not serve English tea to American soldiers." This was the origin of that distinctive class of "Tea party" in our vernacular dialect.
Now. — In the great work of reconciliation and peace between the sections; in the union of the Blue and Gray in perpetuation of the era of good feeling and fellowship in the great work of general amnesty to rehabilitate a common country under a common flag and a common destiny, recently it has been the custom of the Camps and Army Posts of Northern veterans to invite the South- ern Camps and Confederate Associations North to the banci.uet table of a common hospitality and God-given patriotism.
Eecently one of these reunions took place at the North, and a sour, censorious, bitter old New England spinster became offended and inflamed, and sent in a vicious protest to the chairman of the Committee of Invitation — who was Commander of the Camp — against this mixing up and meeting of Southern veterans. The Commander read it. and was stung and stirred by the tone and
'^/-'^u.n {7J^.
WJA
WESTMORELAND COUXTY, V/ROIMA 147
language used. He turned to his wife and said: "Wife, how shall I answer this ?" The wife replied : "Husband, I reckon you know how to reply to it." So the next morning the Commander sent this reply: "Dear Miss, there are Confederate soldiers in Heaven, If you do not wish to meet them and to avoid them go to hell." These last words are not profane, and if the most fastidious think so, it can be truly said it is the least profane way in which they were ever used, and oh ! the genuine satisfaction in uttering them. The true New England woman — gentlewoman — docs not feel like this old bitter spinster.
Whether I am in a banquet hall or at a Confederate Keunion, I never forget the women, and I never fail to refer to the artless little Alabama girl. It is a part of my religion to do so. The artless little Alabama girl who was guiding General Forrest along a dangerous path, when the enemy fired a volley upon him, and who instinctively spread her skirts and cried : "Get behind me !" had a spirit as high as that which filled the bosom of Joan of Arc or Charlotte Corday. God bless her — the queen of a Southern home.
Major Daniel, in his oration on General Lee said : "Amongst the quiet, nameless workers of the world — in the stubble field and by the forge, bending over a sick child's bed or smoothing an out- cast's pillow, is many a hero and heroine truer, nobler than those over whose brows han^ plumes and laurels."
"At the bottom of all true heroism is unselfishness. Its crown- ing expression is sacrifice. The world is suspicious of vaunted heroes. They are so easily manufactured. So many feet are cut and trimmed to fit Cinderilla's slippers that we hesitate long be- fore we hail the Princess. But when the true hero has come, and we know that here he is, in verity. Ah! how the hearts of men leap forth to greet him — how worshipfully we welcome God's noblest work — the strong, honest, fearless, upright man." Such was E. E. Lee.
It is told that a banquet was given in Tidewater Virginia to President Tyler, one of the most eloquent after-dinner speakers that the world has known. The President responded in a brilliant way — thrilling, but as the time came for the last impromptu toast, old Dr. Shultice from the south side of the Eappahannock, State Senator, arose and asked to offer the toast: "To the women — God bless them, we can not get along with them, and we can not get along without them." It captured the assembly as the sprightliest gem of the evening. Now the conclusion of the whole matter, told in plain, rugged Anglo-Saxon, is, that we are left to but one
148 WESTMORBZlND (MUNTY, VIRGINIA
alternative after all, and that one alternative is that we can not get along without them. If it was not for woman we would have no country to protect us, no church to comfort and save us, and no home to shelter us. We would have nothing and be lost.
God bless the women of Virginia and the women of Westmore- land.
THE PASSING OF OLD HOMES INTO NEW HANDS. Some Will Eival Their Ancient Colonial Grandeur.
All of us must believe that the progressive men of to-day, rep- resentative of the progress and development of the age in which we live — men the acknowledged leaders of life and thought of to- day— are in truth the founders, makers, and builders of our great Eepublic along all lines of human endeavor in the social, indus- trial, commercial, and agricultural development of our Common- v/ealth.
We welcome those who come amongst us with their energy and capital to Virginia. We welcome them to Westmoreland. We iill rejoice to see them buy and build up the old historic places of Westmoreland so they may rival the ancient grandeur of these colonial homes of colonial days. I wish I had space to refer to all the old colonial homes of Westmoreland with traditions and memories, and to the noble race of gentle folks who owned them. I feel like I am guilty of sacrilege to leave any unnoticed, but I can only refer to those that have passed into new hands, and to new comers, who have brought their wealth, energy, culture and social refinement with them to live amongst us. The following is intended distinctly for the class of new comers and the homes they have purchased :
Hon. John E. Dos Passos, a distinguished and brilliant mem- ber of the New York Bar, bought "Sandy Point," the colonial plantation and home of Colonel George Eskridge, guardian of Mary Ball, the mother of Washington; more recently the home of the late Colonel Gordon F. Forbes. He bought also "Hominy Hall." the birthplace of Hon. Eichard Henry Lee's first wife. Here, about the middle of the last century, lived Colonel James Steptoe, whose eldest daughter, by his first marriage, became the wife of Philip Ludwell Lee, pf Stratford, and mother of his daughters — Matilda and Flora — the noted belles of that famous home of the era of the Eevolution; also "Water View," home of the Temple family of the last century, and the birthplace of Hon. John Critcher, who made
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 149
himself famous in his debate with Hon. George F. Hoar, of Mas- sachusetts, in the Congress of the United States when the latter charged the depravity of the Southern slave holder; also "Pecka- tone," the early home of the Corbins, Turbervilles, Taliaferros, Browns, and Murphys; also "Bonums" and "Springfield," the latter formerly the home of General Alexander Parker, a brave Revolutionary soldier and important ally of General Wayne in his Indian campaign. Under the shores of this estate the naval com- bat took place in 1813, in which Midshipman Sigourney, of Boston, Mass., lost his life while bravely defending his vessel, the United States schooner Asp, against the British. A slab in the Bailey burial ground, near Kinsale, marks his grave and commemorates this event. All these colonial homes were once owned by people of a noble race.
These lands of Mr. Dos Passos now amount to between 5,000 and 10,000 acres, covering a water front of some twelve miles on the majestic Potomac. He has not only made large investments in the purchases of these estates, but has beautified the same by roadways, buildings, and cultivation. His investment has added a large contribution to labor, taxes, and material wealth, and has increased the volume of the same in Westmoreland. They are very valuable.
Robert B. Cason, Esq., a progressive citizen of Cleveland. Ohio, has bought "Bushfield," home of John A. Washington, brother of General Washington. It is the birthplace of Judge Bushrod Wash- ington, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He is now building in colonial style, and adding the old colonial pillars so stately and majestic. It is said that he is much interested in the oyster industrv. too. More recentl\ he has pur- chased '^Beale's Wliarf" and the '"Walnut Farm" and "Wood Yard," in all, making him the owner of much of the most valuable pro- perty on Nomini River.
C. Boyd, Esq., of St. Louis, Mo., another progressive citizen, has bought "Wilton." built before the Revolution and still beau- tiful and in thorough repair, once illuminated with charm and lavish hospitality by Dr. Wat H. Tyler, then James D. Arnest, and lastly by the late George F. Brown, and more recently by Mrs. Brown, his wife. Mrs. Brown has bought "Spring Grove." the old Murphy home, near Mt. Holly, and will reside there. A contem- porary says : "Mr. Boyd is a retired business man, and brings with him a fnmilv whose refinement and culture make them a distinct acquisition to our community."
Ira Cortright Wetherill, Esq., of Philadelphia. h;is I)ought the
150 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA
"Old Glebe." He belongs to a wealthy and prominent family, and resides there. He has spent thousands in rehabilitating the house and surroundings, and has made it a beautiful and attractive home. On the shore of the Lower Machodoc Creek is the "Glebe," long the residence of the rectors of Cople Parish during the colonial period. Here lived the Roses, Smiths, and Elliotts in this com- fortable brick mansion in fine and appropriate keeping with the homes of the wealthy parishioners of the community. Of these rectors the Eev. Thomas Smith comes down to us in history as a remarkable man of those days — a man of great force of character, and an ardent and most pronounced patriot. He presided over the meeting as Moderator at Westmoreland Courthouse, 22nd June, 1774; also over the meeting of the Westmoreland Committee of Safety, May 23, 1775, at the same place, when the fiery resolu- tions, already published in this pamphlet, were passed. Surely he was not one of the King's anointed, and no Tory.
Dr. John Augustine Smith, while his father was rector of Nomini and Yeocomico Chur'ehes, was born here. Dr. Smith married Lettice, daughter of "Squire" Lee of "Lee Hall," and be- came President of William and Mary College in 1815, and subse- quently professor in the University of New York.
Here, too, was the home of that prominent family of Chandler, whose members in Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, and Texas, point with pride to the traditions and happy memories of the old home.
How we wish we had space to give graphic sketches and remi- niscences of these homesteads and historic homes and famous fam- ilies of Westmoreland. The truth is that we have not the space.
We Avould like to dwell on "Cabin Point" now owned by W. H. Calhoun, late of South Carolina, more recently a broker in New York — a cultured and refined family — once the property of the late Colonel Eobert J. Washington, ex-State Senator from West- moreland, a bright and strong man. Sweet memories cluster around his name. It was once the residence, too, of Right Rev. John B. Newton, Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Virginia. He em- bellished, as peer of any, the line of the noble Bishops of Virginia.
We would like to speak of "King Copsico," once the property of the Bernard family, valuable for and rich in agricultural pro- ducts; also the residence of Major Albert G. Dade, the efficient commissariat of General W. H. F. Lee's cavalry division — an open home, kind, hospitable and the prince of caterers in turtle soup.
Next comes Coles Point — now owned by Hon. William Mayo — home of Richard Cole, one of the earliest settlers in Westmoreland, who obtained his patent near the mouth of Machodoc Creek in
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA Jgi
1650. Once the residence of the estimable Bowie family, a son of whom, Edwin Bowie, still lives in the vicinity — a gallant Con- federate soldier, a man of granite character, and fine type of citi- zen.
Next comes Fauntleroys (properly it belongs to Northumber- land), now owned by A. M. Byers, president Farmer's Bank, Aledo, Illinois; a fine estate lately owned by the late Rev. W. W. Walker, the silver-tongued orator of Virginia; formerly the home of George Fairfax Lee, who represented the eldest line of the dis- tinguished family, having been the son of George F. Lee, Burgess of Westmoreland. George F. L^e was son of Hannah, daughter of William Fairfax, and sister to Mrs. Lawrence Washington, the first matron of Mount Vernon.
One more must be mentioned — probably the finest in colonial days in all this section. It is Nomony Hall, the home of Coun- cillor Carter. The colonial buildings were destroyed by fire more ihan a half century ago. A modern building stands near the spot of the old mansion. The stately poplars are still there, lining the avenue for two centuries. It is the historic home of Thomas M. Arnest, Esq., a progressive, strenuous, successful, up-to-date farmer, and son of Westmoreland county — a man of great en- deavor, who farms and manages intelligently, and husbands well his resources. He is one of the builders of his country, and leader of life and thought of to-day along agricultural and commercial development of his community and State.
May the prophecy of our venerable Bishop Meade be speedily fulfilled. I believe it will be. ,
"Airfield," once the home of Mr. Ballantine. the old Scotch merchant, and more recently of the late George W. Murphy, de- serves mention, and is full of historic interest. Also "Lee Hall," the home of "Squire" Henry Lee, now^ owned by Dr. Walter N. Chinn, and "Chantilly," the home of Richard Henry Lee, and ''Stratford," the birth place of General Robert Edward Lee. As to the last three, their history and owners, let the reader consult the fine and complete volume. "Lee of Virginia," by Edmund Jen- nings Lee, M. D., an accomplished writer, now of Philadelphia, a member of the Historical Societies of Pennsylvania and Virginia, who has illuminated the Lee family and Westmoreland. "Strat- ford" is now the home of Dr. R. H. Stuart, the popular Treasurer of Westmoreland caunty and President of the Bank of Montross, who always extends a cordial welcome to visitors and shrine seekers.
In upper Westmoreland is "Chatham." where the old Courthouse stood. "The Cottage," the old home of the Maryes. "Claymont"
152 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA ,
(Judge George W. Lewis). ''Campbcllton" (Mr. Lawrence Wash- ington, Sr., and more recently Colonel E. J. Washington). "Aud- ley" (Judge John Critcher), now owned by Charles lusoo Wil- liams, an accomplished artist. "Paynes Point" (the Bartons). "Exeter" (Dr. F. D. Wheelwright). '"Walnut Hill" (Charles C. Jett). "Cedar Hill" (John T. Mastin). "Bunker Hill," "Mont- rose," and "Kiverside" (the Taylors). "Blenheim" (Philip Contee Hungerford). "New Blenheim" (Lawrence Washington, Jr.). "Wakefield," the birthplace of Washington (John E. Wilson). -The birthplace of President Monroe overlooks Monroe Creek, and the Potomac River. On this site no house now stands, and is marked only by one solitary tree^ There is another old home we wish we could locate. It is the Pickett home. The emigrant, George Pickett, of France, settled in Westmoreland county. Va., and resided there in 1680. He was the father of the William Pickett from whom General George E. Pickett was descended. William Pickett's daughter, Mary Ann Pickett, married, in 1766, Eev. William Marshall (a Baptist preacher), of Westmoreland county, uncle of Chief Justice Marshall, and moved to Kentucky. (See "Colonial Families of the Southern States of America" by Stella Pickett Hardy, published in New York in 1911.) When we contemplate the fact tliat General George E. Pickett graduated in the United States Military Academy in 1846 in the same class with George B. McClellan, Stonewall Jackson, and other famous men, and that his name is associated with the most superb feat of arms at Gettysburg, and the fame of the great drama, there is a thrill of sentiment and pride that the birthplace of the immortal Pobert Edward Lee is also the home of the first Pickett as well as Marshall. "Roxbury" (Dabney Carr Wirt), now F. W. Alexander, attorney-at-law and editor of the Westmoreland Enquirer and Colonial Beach Becord. "Ingleside" (formerly Washington Acad- emy) (Colonel Henry T. Garnett), now the home of John A. Flemer, an accomplished citizen, recently in IT. S. Survey and Government employ in Alaska.
"Twiford" (Colonel John W. Hungerford), now the home of David H. Griffith, a model and progressive farmer and citizen ; an efficient member of the Board of Supervisors, and president of the Potomac and Rappahannock Telephone Company.
"Wirtland" (Dr. William Wirt), now William D.'Wirt, grand- son of William Wirt. Attorney-General United States. A beantiful and ideal home, with a charm of the master and mistress who pre- side, and one of the finest home schools for girls in the countrv.
All these, and others, I wish I could mention, have made West- moreland famous for hospitality, culture, and social charms.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA 153
John L. Beale (whose nom de plume is "Seldom'^), in the Northern Nech News; Dr. George C. Mann, the Montross corre- spondent of the same paper; Hon. Thomas Brown (whose nom de plume is "Cople"), in the Westmoreland Enquirer and Colonial Beach Record; J. C. Ninde, local editor of the same paper, F. W. Alexander, its editor ; and Charles Insco Williams, secretary "West- moreland Historical Association," "Audley," Oak Grove, West- moreland county, Va., lately incorporated, can better write these up with interest and a charm. The trenchant pen of Dr. George Wm. Beale is always interesting.
We welcome all who will come among us to restore and rehabili- tate these old homes and help make them rival their ancient grandeur.
I.
The roses nowhere bloom so white
As in Virginia; The sunshine nowhere shines so bright
As in Virginia. The birds nowhere sing quite so sweet, And nowhere hearts so lightly beat, For heaven and earth both seem to meet
Down in Virginia.
II.
The days are nowhere quite so long
As in Virginia; Nor quite so filled with happy song,
As in Virginia. And when my time has come to die, Just take me back and let me lie Close where the James goes rolling by,
Down in Virginia.
III.
There i? nowhere a land so fair.
As in Virginia; So full of sons"; so free of care,
As in Virginia. And I believe that Happy Land The Lord's prepared for mortal man, Is built exactly on the plan
Of Old Virginia.
INDEX.
"Athens (The) of Virginia,' 9, 119.
Atwill, Mrs. B. B., Sec'y, 10.
Atwill, Misses, 10,
Andrews, E. F., artist, 11.
American Eagle, 13.
Atwill, fe^amuel Francis, at New Market, 13, 109, 115.
Alamance (North Carolina), 15.
American Revolution, 15, 60,
America, 17.
Adams, President, 23, 31, 55, 5C,
American Colonization Society, 26, 27, 28, 71,
Aeneas, 38.
Anchises, 38,
Achilles, 38, 67, 72,
Alexanaer, F, \V., 43. 152. 153,
Ashton, John, 46, 51,
American Archives, 50, 51, 52, 54.
Ashton, Burdette, 51.
Ashton, John, Jr., 51,
Adams, John, 55, 56,
Adams, Samuel, 55, 91,
Asp, U. S'. Schooiier, 90, 149.
Archer, 57.
Arthur, King, 57.
Aristides, 63,
Athens, Golden Age of, 60,
Age (The) of Bronze, 64,
Anti-Slavery Society of Quakers, 64.
Annals of Augusta County, 66.
Augusta County, 66.
Augusta West, 66,
Alfred the Great, 74.
Antoninus. Marcus Aiirelius, 78,
Adams, Col, Chas. Francis, Presi- dent Historical Society of Massa- chusetts (Address on General Lee), 75.
Athenians, 78.
Alexandria Gazette. 87.
Argrle, 114.
Alfalfa, 18.
Atlantic City of Washington, 118.
Arcadia of America, 119.
Athrns of America, 119.
Appendix'. 135.
Arnest. .Tames D.. 149.
.Mahama Girl. 147.
Arnest, Thomas M., 151. Airfield, 151. Audley, 152, 153.
B.
Burnett, RichartI, 142.
Ball, Mary, 112, 148,
Berkley, Sir William, 142,
Browns, 149,
Bonums, 149.
Bailey, 149.
Beales, 149.
Boyd, C, 149.
Brown, Geo, F„ 149.
Brown, Mrs. Geo. F., 149.
Beale's Wharf, 149.
Bernard, 150,
Bowie, Edwin, 151.
Byers, A. M., 151.
Ballantine, Mr,, 151.
Bartons, 152.
Bunker's Hill, 152.
Blenheim, 152.
Blenheim, New, 152.
Beale, John L., 153.
Brown. Hon. Thos., 153.
Bassett, Geo. W. (owner of Wash- ington's Bible) , 9,
Beale, Rev. Dr. G. W., 10, 14, 35; (address), 18, 101. 112, 114, 115. 135, 153,
Bonebrake, Mrs, John S,, 11.
Bryan, Joseph. iS.
Baker, Miss Lizzie, 13.
Haker, Hon. C. Conway, 10, 14, 18, 125.
Baxter. John S.. 14.
Brent. Prof. Frank P.. 17, 18 (His- torical Address).
British America. 18, 32,
Baltimore Sun (editorial), 19, 20. 125.
Board of Supervisors, 10, 14, 16, 101. 103. 152.
Bushfield. the Birthplace of Judge Bushrod Washington, 20, 149.
Binney. Judtre. 20. 24.
Bushrod. Col. John, 21, 112.
Blackburn. Col. Thomas. 22.
Blackburn. Miss Anne. 22,
11
Index
Brougham, Lord (61, Tribute to Washington, 14, 32, 61, 62, 106, 107, 112, 114.
Brent, Captain, 40.
jjacon's Rebellion, 40.
British Parliament, 11, 19, 41, 109.
Bray's Church, 42.
Beaie, Gen. R. L. T., 11, 36, 114.
Bacon, Nathaniel, 15.
Boston Harbor, 15, 18, 42, 49, 57, 112, 138.
Boston Athenaeum, 16.
Boston Tea Party, 20.
Brown, David Paul, 23.
Ball, Spencer, 46.
uiagge, John, 46.
Booth. William, 46.
Ballantine, John, Jr., 46.
Buokiier, Richard, 46, 51.
tirockenbrough. Judge William, 46, 113.
Blackwell, John, 46.
Bronaugh, William, 46.
Berryman, John. 46.
Broone, John, 46.
Brent, W., 46.
Ball. William, 46.
Barnes, Thomas, 46.
Blackwell, Joseph, 46.
Beale, John, Jr., 46.
Beale, Will, Jr., 46.
Beale, Charles, 46.
Beckwith, Jona.. 46.
Belfield, John, 46.
Banks, James, 47.
Bancroft (historian), 47.
Booker, James, 47.
Belfield, Thomas, 47.
Bland. .John, Jr., 47.
Bernard, Wm.. 51.
Butler, Beckwith. 51.
P>ankhead, Wm., 51.
Berryman, Vvm.. 51.
Boston Port Bill, 56.
Beverley, 57.
Bar Association (Va.), 58.
Byron, Lord, 61, 63, 64 (Tribute to Washington) .
Bonaparte, Napoleon, 61, 62. 64. 72.
Barnes, Albert, 62.
Braxton. Hon. Caperton, 65.
Bismarck, Prince, 72.
Benton, Hon. Thomas H. (by Roose- velt), 74. Bayard, 78.
Blair, Francis Preston, 81.
Blakey, Judge, 87.
Blaine, James G., 89.
Bailey, Miss Fannie, 89.
Braddock. 90.
Bland, Col. Theodorick, 93.
Bernard, Governor, 96.
Boyden, Miss, 124.
P.avne, Mr., 124.
Bedfordshire, 135.
Bennett, Richard, Governor, 142.
Bryce, Hon. James, 102.
Birmingham News, 105.
Bank of Westmoreland, 108.
Bank of Kinsale, 108.
Bank of Montross, 108, 151.
Brady, Mrs. Joseph, 112.
Burgesses of Westmoreland, 112.
Brown, Goveror Thomas, 114.
Bakers, 115.
Beale, Judge Robert, 115.
Beale, Rev. Dr. Frank B.. 115, 135.
Baines, Alys B., 127, 128.
Ball, Marv, 112.
f'liantilly, residence of Richard Henry Lee, 9, 33, 41, 88, 151.
Crutehfield. Mrs. Lee, 10.
Critcher, Judge John, 12, 36, 87; (Address in Congress), 88, 89, 115, 148, 152.
Colonial Heroes Honored, 17.
Critcher, Miss Catherine Carter, 12, 87.
Clinedinst, B. West, 12.
Commodore Maury, Flagship of the Virginia Oyster Navy, 16.
Caproni, P. P. & Bro., 13, 16.
Carr, Dr. John Samuel, 18, 44.
Cleveland, President, 28.
Caroline, Queen, 32.
Cromwell, 31, 75.
Camillas, 38.
Continental Congress (Resolution, "That these united Colonies are, and ought to be. free and inde- pendent States." introduced by R. H. Lee), 35, 42, 51, 93.
Colchester, 42.
Continental Army, 42.
Colonial Beach Record, 43.
Chilton, Thomas, 46, 51.
Chilton, Wm.. 46.
Index
Cocke, Wm., 46.
Carter, Eobert Wormeley, 46.
Chilton, Charles, 46.
Campbell, Gilbert, 46.
Cox, Fleet, 51.
Cambridge, 54.
Carey, 57.
Cavalier, 58.
Churchman, 58.
Congressional Record, 60.
Castor and Pdllux, 61.
China, 61.
Choate, Rufus, 62.
Curtis, Geo. Wm., 62.
Channing, Wm, E.. 62.
Custis, Geo. W. P., 62.
Childe Harold, 63.
Cincinnatus of the West, 64.
Carter, Robert (Westmoreland Co.)
Nomony, 71. Caesar, 72, 78. Cicero, 78, 88, 91.
Chesney, Col., 73.
Congressional Globe, 87.
Chilton, W. B., 88.
Cornwallis, 94.
Carter, Chas. (Shirley), 96.
Cavalia. 113.
Cople, 135.
Cornwall, 135, 150, 153.
Curry, Dr. J. L. M., 103.
Craft, President John, 106.
Company Rolls and Rosters. 108.
Cox, S'. Downing, 112.
Crahhe, Walter R., 112.
Committee of Safety, 42, 112.
Campbell, Rev. Archibald, 114.
Campbell, Thomas, 114.
Campbell, Miss, 114.
Claybrook, Col. Richard, 115
Cox, 115.
Colonial Beach, 118.
Colonial Beach Company, 118.
Colonial Beach Real Estate Com- pany (Incorporated), 118.
Classic STiore, 118.
Colonial Beach and Pope's Creek Steamboat Company, ITS.
Steamboat Company, 118.
Chaucer, 135.
Clay, Henry. 142.
Cole, Mr., 142.
Charlotte Corday, 147.
Cinderella's Slipper, ny.
Corbins, 149. Cason, Robert B., 149. Cabin Point, 150. Calhoun, W. H., 150. Cole's Point, 150. Cole, Richard, 150. uhandler, 150. Carter, Councillor, 151. Chinn, Dr. Walter N., 151. Chatham, 151. The Cottage, 151. Claymont, 151. Campbellton, 152. Cedar Hill, 152.
"Colonial Families of the Southern States of America," 152.
D.
Dunmore, Lord, 15, 17, 18, 41, 112. Declaration of Independence, 15, 17,
32, 33, 19, 41, 88, 90, 93, 138. Dido, 38.
Dumfries, 42.
Dade Townshend, 46.
Dickson, John, 46.
Douglas, Thomas, 47.
Davenport, James, 51, 54.
Daniel, Senator John W., 59, 60, 147.
Daniel, Senator John W., Oration on Lee, 81, 82.
Depew, Chauncey M., 62.
Don Juan, 64.
Denny, Dr., 66.
Dade, Langhorn, 67, 68.
Debates in Virginia Convention (29- 30), 71.
Deed and Will Book (Westmore- land), 71.
Davis, President JefTerson, 76, 129.
Do LaMorinicre, Rev. E. C. (Ad- dress at Mobile), 77.
Dan Voorhees, 89.
Dickinson, 91.
Deane, Mr., 90.
De Tocqueville, Alexis, 102.
"Deserted Village" (Goldsmith), 113.
Davises, 115.
Discovery, 119.
Diggps, Ed., 142.
Dos Passos, Hon. John R.. 148, 149.
Dade, Major Albert G., 150.
Index
E.
Ellyson, J. Taylor, Lieutenant-Gov- ernor, 16, 17.
Ellyson, Mrs. J. Taylor, President of Association for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, 16, 17.
Edraondson, John Jr., 46.
Edmondson, James, 47.
Edniondson, John, 47.
Emerson, James, 47.
Eustice, Hancock, 47.
Early, General, 83, 86.
Eskridge, Colonel Geo., 112, 148.
Edmonds, Richard H., Editor Man- ufactrer's Record, 120, 145.
Egerton, Miss, 124.
Elliotts, 149.
Exeter, 152.
F.
Forbes, Chas S., 12.
Flood, Wm., 46.
fiairiaxes, 42.
Francks Henry, 47.
Fiske, John (Historian), 47.
Freeman, John (Historian), 32, 71 74 .
Frenchman, 58.
Frederick, 72.
Forbes, Gordon F., 148.
Fauntleroys, 151.
Fairfax, Wm., 151.
Fairfax, Eleanor Griffith, 129.
Fisher, Mrs. Emily Steelman, 15,
18. Featherstone, Richard, 40.
Fauntleroy, Moore, 46. Foushee, Francis, 46. Fisher, Ebenezer, 47. Fox, Joseph, 51. Fitzhugh, Daniel. 51. Fitzhugh, John, 67,. 68. Fisher, Thomas, 51. Faneuil Hall, 55. Fairfax County, 57, 64. j^orus, 62.
federal Republican, 95. Franklin, Dr., 96.
Farmer's Bulletin (Virginia Agri- cultural Department). 118. Flanders of the South, 119. Folk, Governor, 132.
Fifth Maryland Regiment (wreath
on Lee's Monument), 146. Forrest, General, 147. Flemer, John A., 152.
G.
Grand Assembly, Act July, 1653, creating Westmoreland Co., 9, 142.
General Assembly, 11.
Garnett, Gen. Thomas Stuart, 11, 16, 19, 115.
Garnett, Dr. Algernon S., 15, 19, 115.
Garnett, Coi. Henry T., 11, 140, 141, 152.
Garnett, Major John, 115.
Gross, Estella, 11.
Gatewood, Mrs. Nannie C, 12.
Gaddess Bros. Company, 12.
General Lafayette Chapter D. A. R., 15, 18.
Grasmere, 31.
Grayson, Wm., 46.
Grant, Peter, 46.
Green, J. R.. 47.
Gladstone, 61, 102 (Life of, by Dr.
J. L. M. curry), 103. Guizot. M.. 61. Grant, Gen., 78, 129. Gordon, General, 83. Grayson, Mr., 93. Green, Gen. 94. (4('rard, Monsieur, 97. Guihord, 94.
Gordon, Armistead C. (poet), 109. Gibson, Bishop Robert A., 111. Godspeed, 119. Garden of .America, 119. Gresham, Miss Beulah, 123. Gresham, Miss Genevieve, 123. Greenbrier Independent, 128. Grigsby. Hugh Blair, 135. Gower.' 135. Gilmore, 135. God's Acre, 141. Grand Association, 142. Glebe (om), 150. Griffith, David H., 152.
H.
Harris, Mrs. C. W., 10. Harding, 11.
Index
Hunter, Maj. R. W., 11. Hunter, Taliaferro, 13. Historical Events Commemorated
(Historical Address), IG. Hathaway, Walter E. (Historical
Address) 17, 18. Hopkinson, Judge, 20, 25. Holt, Justice, 23, 25, 32. Homer, 16, 33, 37, 38, 79, 92. Hungerford, John P., 36, 114. Hector, 38. Hodges, Richard, 47. Hoar, Senator George F. (Address
at uid Point), 48, 54, 55, 58, 59,
88, 89, 149. Hutt, M. L., Clerk, 54. Henry, Patrick, 55, 60, 92, 114. Hampton, 58. Homestead, Hot Springs, Va.
(American Bar and Virginia Bar
Associations), 65. Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 67. Hill, Senator Benjamin H., 72. Holy Grail, 74. Hooker, General, 74. Hampden, John, 75. Hope, Capt. James Barron (Memo- riae Sacium ) , 80. Hill, Gen. A. P., 83. Harowiek, S. B., 89, iiouse of Burgesses, 56, 90, 91, 93. ilerodotus, 92. Howe's History of Virginia, 14, 66,
90, 97. Highway Commission, 103. Homes, Handsome and High Schools,
106. House of Commons, 106. Hubbard, Hon. Wm. P., 112. Hubbard. Russell, 112. Hutt, William, 115. Hutt. J. Warren. 115. Hand Book of Virginia, 116, 117.
120. "Hail! Westmoreland'' (poem),
127. Hale, Rev. Edward Everett, 133. Hungerford. Miss M. E., 136, 137,
138, 140, 141, 142. Hungerford, John W., 140, 152. Henning's Statutes, 142. Harvey^ 140. Hungerfords, 141. Hominy Hall, 148
Hungerford, Philip Contee, 152. Hardy, Stella Pickett, 152.
Irving, 65, 107.
Ingleside (Washington Academy), 152.
J.
Jennings, Edmond, London, Eng land, 11.
-lellriis, xi. chard, 47.
Jett, Thomas, 47.
JcliVrson, President Thos., 29, 55. 60, 92, 95, 96.
Jamestown, 55, 58, 119.
Japanese Merchant, 67.
Jackson, Stonewall, 72, 73, 74, 76. 82. 83, 152.
Johnston, Albert Sidney, 74.
"Joyous Guard," 85.
Johnson, Dr., 107.
Jack, Capt, J. F., 118.
Jetts, 141.
Joan of Arc, 147.
Jones, Thomas. 46. ■ ' Charles C, 152.
Judge of the Court — Report of Por- traits and Tablets, 11, 12.
K.
Keene, James R., 12. Kenner, Rodham, 46. Kenner, Winder S., 46. Kendel, Woffendel, 51. King Arthur, 57. Koiner, *jreo. W., 117. Kipling, Rudyard, 132. King Copsico, 150. King John, 135, Ki: sale. 149.
Logan, Thomas, 47.
Lee, Richard Henry, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 42, 46, 48, 51, 55, 60; (against the slave trade), 70, 88; (sketch of), 90, 91, 96, 138, 148, 151, 11, 19; (who dared to propose the resolu- tion, "That these colonies are and by right ougrht to be free and in- dependent States"), 32.
Tl
Index
Lee, Life of, 70.
Lee, Gen. Henry, 9, 12, 32, 33, 36,
61. 62, 75, 88; (sketch of), 93,
124. Lee, Col. R. E., Jr., 11. Lee, Thomas Ludwell, 19, 41, 46,
138. Lee, Thomas, Gov., 9, 32, 35. Lee, Wm., 12, 35, 36, 46, 96. Lee, Francis., 9. Lee, Artnur, 9, 12, 19, 32, 36, 88;
(sketch of), 96. Lee, Wm. H., 12. Lee, Blair, 13. Lee, John F., 13. Lee, Chas., 36, 88. Lee, Capt. John, 40. Lee, Francis Lightfoot, 12, 19, 32,
36, 46; (sketch of), 93. Lee, Matilda, of Stratford, 43. Lee, Richard, 19, 46, 50, 51. Lee, John, Jr., 46. Lee, Governor Fitzhugh, 67. Lee, Philip Ludwell, 95, 148. Lee, Gen. R. E., 11, 12, 16, 19, 29, 32, 33, 36.
Life of, by Fitzhugh Lee, 69.
Memoirs by Long, 69, 70.
Anti-Slavery sentiments of, 69.
Disunion an aggravation, 69.
Denies Constitutionality of Seces- sion, 70.
Denies ethical right of coercion, 70.
His sorrow at disunion, 70.
Beautiful tributes to, 72, 73, 75, 79, 80, 109, 116, 124, 147, 151.
Devotes his sword to bis native State, 82.
Under which flag, 81.
Relations between him and his men, 82.
Meditations of duty, 82.
The fate of war, 82.
President Washington College, 83.
Did he save his country? 83. Lee Birthplace Memorial Committee of the Va. State Camp, Patri- otic Order Sons of America, 111.
Resolutions to buy Stratford, 111, 147. Ijee in bronze, 125.
The last days of, 83.
Lee to the rear, 129, 130, 131.
i^ee, Philip Ludwell, 148.
Lee, Matilda, 148.
Lee, Flora, 148.
Lee, "Squire" Henry, 150, 151.
l^ee Hall, 150, 151.
Lee, Gen. W. H. F., 150.
Lee, George Fairfax, 151.
Lee, George, 151.
Lee, Dr. Edmond Jennings, 151.
Lee, Gen. G. W. Custis, 12, 69.
Lee, Major Henry, Consul to Al- giers, 18, 43.
Ajcxington, 15.
Lovell, Robert, 46.
Lane, Joseph, 46.
Lodge, Senator Henry Cabot (Ad- dress in U. S. Congress on Sena- tor Daniel), 59, 60, 62.
Lewis, Col. Wm., 66.
Lewis, Mrs. Wm., 66.
Lpwi«, Judge Geo. W., 115, 152.
Lancaster (steamer), 124.
Latan^ Miss Janet, 124.
l^eedstown, 14, 15, 19, 33, 124, 138, 139, 140.
Southern Cradle of American Inde- pendence, 18, 33, 40, 41, 42.
Leeds Church, 33, 40, 42.
Lafayette, 9.
Lane, Jo., 4o.
jjawler, Col., i'S.
Long, Prof. George (Tribute to Gen. T^e), 78.
Lossing, Hon. Benson J. (Life of Washington and Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution), 66.
M.
Monroe, President, 9, 11, 19, 31, 36;
(opposed to slavery), 71, 88, 117,
152, 153. Monroe's Creek, his birthplace, 9,
152. Montross County Seat, 10, 14, 16.
Tablets unveiled commemorating Historical events at, 10, 16.
Tablets unveiled honoring Colo- nial Herot-s, 10, 11, 17. McKim, Rev. Dr. R. H., 10, 13, 14.
29; (Historical Address), 35, 74,
101. Mayo, Hon. Wm., 10. 13, 14, 16, 114,
150.
Index
Vll
Murphy, Airs. G. W., President. U.
D. C, 10. Morris. Mrs. Roberta Garnett, 11. Mayo, P. H., 11, 12. Montague, Mrs. Harreotte, 12. Marylanu. Delaware & Va. Railway
Co., 13. Mecklenburg Resolutions (N. C),
15, 17, 33. Massachusetts Bay, 15. .viarshall. Chief Justice, 16, 23, 2G,
31, 5G, GO, G2, G4, 152. Maryland, 20; (f'ifth Regiment),
146. Marshall, Col. Thomas, 16, 31. Mason, John Y., Secretary Navy, 18,
43, 44. Madison, President, 19, 31; (anti- slavery sentiments), 60, 71, 75,
88; (Life of, by Hunt), 71. 11. "Mother of Presidents," 20, 60, 119. Mansfield, Lord, 23, 25. Mt. Vernon, 2G, 27, 28, 97. Meade, Bishop, 34, 42, 101, 114, 151. Mason, Capt. Geo., 40. Maxwell, Wm., 43, 47. Mitchell, Richard, 46. Murdock, Joseph, 46. Monroe, Spence, 46. Moxley, Alvin, 46. Monroe, John, 46. McCarty, Daniel, 46, 51. Meriwether, Reuben, 46. Mountjoy, Edw., 46. Mountjoy, Thomas, 46. Mountjoy, John, 46. Mountjoy, Wm. J., 46. Mortimer, Chas., 46. Mason, Thompson, 46. ^viontague, A., 47. Miiliken, Jo., 47. Mcllwaine, Dr. H. R. (Librarian Va.
State), 50, 51, 52, 54. Middleton, Benedict, 51. Middleton, John, 51. Martin. John, 51. Morgan's Riflemen, 55. Massachusetts, 15, 51, 55, 56, 61, 88. Mayflower, 55. Mason, George, 57, 60, 63. Macaulay's Lays, 61. Morris, Robert, 64. Mercer, John F., "64. ,xary, the mother of Washington,
67^.
Manoorough, 72, 73^ 74, 78. ■ ' '
McGuire, Dr. Hunter, 73.
Montrose, 75, 152.
Alore (The), MacCallum, 75, 135.
^»iacgregor, 76.
Mars, The Field of, 77. •■'
Micou, James Roy, 87. -
Micou, Prof. James Roy, Jr., 87.
Marion, General, 94.
Memoirs of a Southern Campaign by
General H. Lee, 95. Monuments at Wakefield (U. S.)-
and at Montross (C. S.), 108, 123. Mayo, Wat Tyler, ^12. Mayo, Judge Robert, 114. Mayo, Col. Joseph, 114. Mayo, Col. Robert M., 114. Manufacturer's Record, 116, 120,
145. Murpliy, 115.
Mann, liovernor, 116, 121, 122. Mason, Hon. George (Prest.), 118. Mason, Miss Dora, 123. "Message from Westmoreland"
(poem), 127, 128. Mann, Dr. George C, 153. Moreland, 135.
iviastins, 141. ■ ., .
Machoactoke (Machodoc), 142,; 150'..' Murphys, 149. .i};'. ■
Murphy, Geo. W., 151. ^:r-..
Maryes, 151. ,.; :
Mastin, John T., 152. Mars^hall, Rev. Wm., 152. McClellan, Gen. Geo. B., 152.
N.
Northumberland, the older colony,
9, 116. Northern Neck News, newspaper at
Warsaw, Va., 9, 10, 15, 153. Niles Register, 26. Newton, Hon. Willoughby, 36, 113,
115, 150. Norseman, 58.
Newton, Bishop John B., 113, 150. Newton, Capt. Wm., 115. Newton, John, 46. Nelson, William, 51. •? .:.■-,.
Niagara, 55. ..'•.■
Nomini Hall, 33. , ',<. ■:
Napoleon, 62, 63; (ode to), 72;- (kit
Waterloo), 107. New Market, 109.
Index
via
Netherlands of America, 119. isanzaticoea, 137. i\ecostin's Towne, 142. A'eio York Sun, 143. News-Leader, 146. Nomony Hall, 151. Ninde, J. C, 153.
O.
Owen, Evan, 118. Old Mortality, 29. Orr, John, 47. CM a Glebe, 150.
Potomac, 9.
Pope's Creek, 9.
. atriotic Sons of America, 10.
1-itt, Wm., Lord Chatham, 11.
I'eale, 12.
Parker, Judge Richard (Circuit Court), 12, 15,33, 36,46.
Polk, President, 18.
Pickering, Mr., 23.
Parker, Judge Richard E. (Supreme ( va.) Court), 36.
Pepoon, Willis, 11, 12.
Portraits unveiled, 17.
Pericles, 33.
Patterson, Robert, the old Scotch- man who spent his lite restoring the grave stones of the Covenan- ters, 29.
Pope's Creek, 33, 38, 138.
Pallas, 38.
Passassack (King Rappahannocks) ,
40. Pierce, Joseph, 46, 51. fierce, William, 46, 51. Plymouth, 55. Puritan, 58. Plato, 78. Perrie, Miss, 88. Pendleton. 91, 92. Pickens, Col., 94. Pyle, Col., 94. lension Board, 110. Patriotic Order Sons of America,
111. Payne, Bishop, 113. Proctor, Secretary, 129. Pratt, Thomas, 138. Pawtomake (Potomac), 142.
Pendleton, Edmund (News-Leaderq,
146. Peckatone, 149. Parker. Gen. Alexander, 149. Payne's Point, 152. PicKett, George, 152. nokett. Wm., 152. PicKett, Mary Ann, 152. Pickett, Gen. Geo. E., 152. r-otomac & Rappahannock Telephone
Company, 152. Pomeroy. Bushrod Washington, 16,
R.
Rives, Wm. Cabell (Prest. Va. His- torical Society), 18, 43. Round Hill, 33. Kobinson, Will, 46. Rush, Jeremiah, 46. Rust, Peter, 46. Roane, W., 47. ' Kansdell, Edward, 46. Richards, John, 47. Roane, Thomas, 47.^ Robinson, Max, 47. Rust, Samuel, 51. Ritchie, 57. Randolph, 57, 60. Roundhead, 58.
Roosevelt. President, 74, 78, 109. Roman Vestal, 72. Ryan, Father (Sword of Lee), 86. Rappahannock Times, 87. Rasselas, King of Abvssinia, 107. Roads, Good, 101, 104"^, 105. Roads, Sand Clay System, 103. Rochester, Col. Nathaniel, 112. Rochester, John, 112. Robertson, 114. Rappahannocks, 137. Roses, 149. Riverside, 152. Koxbury, 152. Ritchie! Thomas (Father), 87.
S.
Stratford, Family Seat of the Lees, 9, 11, 14. 17, 30. 31, 32, 34, 41, 88, 90. 108, 148.
Stuart, 11.
Stuart, Dr. R. H., 12, 14, 124, 151.
Stuart, Mrs. R. H., 14, 124.
Index
S't. John's, Tappahannock, 14. Stamp Act (1705), 15, 18, 33, 40,
41, 43. Stamp Act — Virginia first of the Colonies to memorialize King in opposition, 47. "The only one to address to the House of Commons a remon- strance (Bancroft), 47.
Stamp Act — formal defiance came first from Va. (John Fiske), 47.
Stamp Act — the Assembly of Vir- ginia first to demand repeal (J. R. Green), 18, 19, 47. Virginia rang the alarm bell for the continent (Bancroft), 47.
Society of Virginia Antiquities, 19.
Story, Judge, 20, 23, 31.
Scott, Sir Walter, 29.
Smith, Capt. John, 40.
Sydnor, William, 46.
Selden, Sam, 46.
fcanford, Edward, 46, 51.
Smith, John, Jr., 46.
Sanford, James, 46.
Smith, W., 46.
Smith, Meriwether, 47.
Suggett, John, 47.
S'uggett, Edgcomb, 47.
Smith, Rev. Thomas (Moderator), 48, 51, 52, 112, 150.
Smith, Philip, 51.
Steptoe, George, 51.
Sparks, Jared, 62.
Spaniard, 58.
Scylla, 63.
Socrates, 72.
Sidney, 78.
ucott. General, 81.
S'outhworth, Harrison, 87.
Sigourney, Midsliipman, 89, 90, 149.
Stuart, 114.
Susan Constant, 119.
Switzerland of America, 119.
Smith. Capt. John, 120.
Sale. Ritchie, 123.
Steamer Caroline, 123.
Shakespeare, 135.
Spencer, Col. Nicholas. 135. ,
Swanson, Governor, 136.
Shultice, Dr., 147.
Sandy Point, 148.
Steptoe. Col. James, 148.
Springfield, 149.
Spring <jrrove, 149.
Smiths, 149.
State Highway Commission, 103.
Sand Clay System, 103.
Smith, Dr. John Augustine, 150.
Trumbull, Col. John (Washington's
portrait), 9. Tablets unveiled, 17, 19. Times-Dispatch, Richmond, Va., 17,
104; Roads (the great reform),
127. Taylor, C. H. J., Minister to Liberia,
28. The Virffinia Historical Register and
Literary Advertiser, 43, 47. Turberville, George, 46, 51. Tibbs, Daniel, 46, 51. Thornton, Francis, Jr., 46. Town of Richmond, 51. Turberville, John, 51. a.roy, 79. Thompson, 88. Talleyrand, 61.
The Writings of Washington (Mar- shall), 64. Xarlton 66, 94.
I aft party in the Philippines, 67. Tappahannock, 87, 141. Taxation — low rate, 127. Thackeray, 109, 142. Tyler, Rev. John Poyntz (Arch
Deacon of Virginia), 111, Tyler, Wat. H., 112. lyler, Mrs. Julia Hubbard, 112. Tayloe, 115.
Tidewater Democrat, 124. Thompson, John R., 131. Thornton, Francis, 138, Taylors, 141, 152. Turners, 141. Tvler, Presiuent, 147. Temple, 148. Turbervilles, 149. Taliaferros, 149. Tyler, Dr. Wat. H., 149. Twiford, 152.
U.
bis water. 31. ITpshaw, John, 46, 57.
Index
Upshaw, Jamea, 47, 57. University of Virginia, 29. Uibanna, 97.
■: ^. ■ V.
Vanderlyn, 11.
"Virginia first and Lee" (Woraley,
Philip Stanhope), 16, 79. Virginia, Mother of Presidents, 119. Virgil, 38.
Virginia Historical Society, 43, 66. Virgmia Historical Register, 147. Virginia's Attitude Towards Slavery
and Secession (Munford), 64, 65, ■ 69, 70, 71.
Virginia Bar Association, 59, 66. Von Moltke, 72, 73. A irginia and Kentucky Resolutions,
75. Vane, Sir Harry. 7^. Voorhees, Senator Daniel, 89. Venice of America, 119. Van Dyke, Dr. Henry, 119. Valentine (sculptor), 85. Van Buren, President, 141. The Virginians (Thackeray), 142. Virginia — "The roses nowhere so
white as in Virginia," 153. "Virginia as she was and as she is,"
119.
W.
Westmoreland, "The Athens of Vir- ginia," 9, 13, 33.
From the older colony of North- ' • umberland (1653), 9.
The plant bed of an ancient civili- zation is still the cradle of a 'nefw,T02.
Her efficient Board of Supervisors, 102.
The sand clay system of good roads, 102.
With what nature has done, she stands for civic improvement and educational advancement and the betterment of all condi- tions, 106.
With diversified farm products; thriving' iridustries and plants, she points to her excellent finan- cial conditions and low rate of taxation, 108.
The passing of old homes into new hands, 148.
Stratford to be dedicated to Vir-
ginia as a memorial of the Lees ; old Yeocomico Church to be re- nabilitated under control of the Diocesan Board of Trustees, 111.
What the moat distinguished and higher authorities say of West- moreland, 116.
What pilgrims and shriners and poets say of Westmoreland, 123.
STie is a classic spot, and nature has lavished her gifts, yet her people must feel after all that "honest blood is loyal blood, and manhood is the only patent of nobility." Westmoreland and Virginia cannot be greatest un- less their men and women are good and honest, and the men manly," 132. Westmoreland Camp, C. V., 10, 108. Westmoreland Association, 15, 18,
43. Westmoreland Besolutions, 15, 17, 18, 42, 43: (full text), 44, 48. Westmoreland Committee of Safety, 15, 17, 18; (fiery resolutions, 1775), 18, 51; (fiery resolu- tions, 1774), 18, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54; (fiery resolutions, 1775), Lord Dunmore seizing powder at Williamsburg, Va. Westmoreland Enquirer and Colonial Beach Record (newspaper), 108, 152, 153. Westmoreland Historical Associa- tion, 153. Washington, General George, 9, 11, 12, 16, 19. 22, 31, 32. 33, 36, 39, 42, 56, 60, 109, 112, 116. 117, 124, 142,
Houdon statue of, 13.
Family Bible of, 9.
Fac simile of the record of his birth, 9.
The writings of (Marshall), 64.
Anti-slaverv sentiments of, 64, 72, 73, 74, 75, 79, 84.
The Life of (Irving), 64. Washington, Lawrence, 9, 13, 20;
(Historical Address), 47. Washington, Bushrod, 9, 11, 13, 19, 20, 23, 31, 36.
First President Anierican Coloni- zation Society, 71.
(Sketch), 97, 112, 149.
Index
XI
Washington and Lee Chapter U. D.
C, 10, 110. Washington, Miss Lila, 11. Washington, Lloyd, 13, 115. Washington, Richard B., 13. Washington, Col. John Augustine,
20, 21. 46, 51, 57, 150. Washington, Capt. John, 40. Washington, Samuel, 46. Washington, Charles, 46 Washington, Laur., 47. Washington and Lee (The Castor and Pollux — the two twin stars), 61. Washington and Lee — '"These two shall ride immortal" (James Bar- ron Hope, Capt.), 80. Washington, Col. R. J., 115, 150,
152. Washington, Wm. Augustine, 124. Washington, Augustine, 124. \^ashington, John. 136, 138. Washington. Samuel, 138. Washington, Lawrence, 138. Washington, Mrs. Lawrence (first
matrc^ of Mt. Vernon). 151. Washington, Robert. 138. Washington, John T.. 138. Washington. Henry T., 138. Washington, J. Ta'yloe. 140. Washington, Mary. 140. Washington, John A., 149. Washington, Law., Sr., 152. Washington, Law.. Jr.. 152. Wheelwright. Joseph Christopher,
13. 100. 115. Wheelwright. J. H.. 13. 113. Wheelwright, Dr., F. D., 152. Wakefield, birthplace of Washing- ton, 0, 14. 30. 33, 34, 88, 108, 123. 124, 152. Warsaw. 14.
Wilson, John E.. 124, 152. Wilson. Mrs. John E.. 14. 124. Wilson. Miss Etta. 14, 124. Wilkins. Bush. 16. Writrht. T. R. B.. 16. 17, 29. Wright. Mrs. T. R. B., 17, 123. X^'riffht, Miss Jeannette, 123. Wrieht, Miss Charlotte, 123. Williamsburg, powder in magazine
nt. 17. 18.' Wilson, James, 21. 23. William and Mary College. 21. Windermere, 31.
Wirt. William, Attorney General I'. S., 32. 152.
Wirt, Dabney Carr, 152.
Wirtland, 152,
Wirt, Dr. William, 152.
Wirt, William D.. 152.
Wolseley, Viscount Lord, 32, 72, 73, 74.
Warren, 42.
Warminster, 42.
Willis, Lewis, 46.
Watts, John, 46.
Weeks, Charles, 46.
Williams, John, 46.
Waring, Francis, 46.
Woodcock, John S., 46.
Webb, James, Jr., 47.
Weeks, Benjamin, 51.
Winchester, 55.
Watkins. 57.
Wythe, 60.
We?ins, Rev. C. L., 65, 66, 63.
West Augusta. 65, 66.
Waddill. Joseph' A., 66.
Wilson, Woodrow (son of Virginia), Governor New Jersey, 62.
Willis, Col. Lewis, 68!
Weems' Life of Washington, 68.
Wellington. 72, 73, 74, 78, 106.
Whittier. Gen. Chas. A., 75.
William of Orange, 75.
Worseley. Philip Stanhope (poem to General Lee — "Virginia first and Lee"), 78. Wright, Judge Selden S., 87. Whiskey Insurrection, 95. West Indies, 95. Ward, Channing M., 107. Wreath on Lee's Monument, 146. Waterview, 148.
Williams. Chas.. Ins. Co., 152, 153. Walnut Hill, 152. Warrington, Rachel, 142. \\ Oman — -then and now, 146, 147, V.'ayne, General, 149. Walnut Farm. 149. Woodyard. 149. Wilton, 149.
Wctheiill. Ira Co.-triffht. 149. Waterloo Church, 110. Westminster Abbev, 113. Walker. W. W. 115, 151.
Y.
YorKtown, 15, 95.
Young, Smith, 47.
Yeocomico River. 89.
Yeocomico Church, 111, 112. 114.
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