975.501
K58b
1136052
OENEAl-bGY COLLECTION
3 1833 02372 7891
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
m^Ea
m
RKV. AI^FRED BAGBY, D. D.
Columbian Collejje, Washington, D. C. (now George Washingtor
University). 1847: Princeton Theological Seminary, 1850-51.
FRONTlSPIlcg
KING AND QUEEN
COUNTY, VIRGINIA
By
Rev. Alfred Bagby, A.B., D.D.
ILLUSTRATED
NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON
THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1908
Copyright, 1908, by
ALFRED BAGBY
1136052
To the gentle woman who for thirty-four years sat by
my side, shared my joys and my sorrows, and nurtured
my children; who for all these years has been an inspira-
tion in mind and heart and life —
SARAH JANE ( POLLARD) BAGBY
this book is affectionately dedicated by the author.
FOREWORD
The planting and growth of a group of people in a
new country is always an interesting story. It is re-
grettable, however, that great difficulties usually em-
barrass such a narrative; for a people in the process
of rapid development oftener than otherwise permit the
most essential facts in their history to drift into the
limbo of the lost. And in addition to this common neg-
lect, there has come upon the people of this county a
civil war, destroying her most valuable public and pri-
vate records.
But the author has made great compensation for the
loss of so much original information by the diligence
of his research and the faithful arrangement of his
findings. His pages unfold before our eyes the pioneer
settlement of this territory; its subsequent formation
into the political division known as a county; the orderly
development of this people under the law, customs,
religion, and social life of a real English community;
the names of many individuals and families who have
added substance, culture, dignity, and luster to a brave
and refined people; the arrest and almost overthrow of
this civilization by a disastrous war; and the subse-
quent resumption of communal life under radically
changed social and economic conditions.
This narrative will be of grateful and affectionate
interest to the sons and daughters of this noble old'
county, and to Virginians everywhere; and, in after
years, to those seeking information for a larger history
of our race on these new shores.
A. J. MONTAGNE.
Richmond, April 13, 1908.
PREFACE
The author has long since ceased to look for perfec-
tion in any production that is merely human, — much less
can he make such claim for himself. The most anyone
can claim is to approximate his own ideals. Our attempt
has been to tell the truth, the whole attainable truth, and
nothing but the truth ; but we are mindful that the truth
is not always the easiest thing to find, nor, when found, is
it very easy to state it in a manner at once clear and
attractive.
We are not conscious of any sinister thought, cer-
tainly not of any commercial thought, in the preparation
of this volume. It has cost no little of time, expense,
and labor, but it has been a labor of love. Himself a
native of King and Queen, it has been his aim to set
forth what he has seen and known of the nobility of the
men and women it has sent forth as a legacy to the world.
Omissions often and mistakes many will be observed,
unavoidable from the inception, and for reasons but too
obvious. Three times have the county records been
swept away by fire, once during the Civil War. This
is so disastrous that consecutive and detailed history of
courts, transfers of real estate, and even county officers,
is impossible. Hence much of our story is scrappy and
fragmentary. I imagine that a parallel can hardly be
found in the State.
The county is among the smaller ones, with no great
fertihty of soil; moreover, we are an isolated people
with no great facilities for trading. The most that we
can boast is in the character of our men and women,
their culture, refinement, virtue, and devotion to reli-
gious ideals.
It has been my desire and ambition to do ample jus-
tice to every section of our county. I could have no mo-
tive possible to my discernment to do otherwise. As
my own life has been in the middle section, things there
have come more readily to my mind.
8 PREFACE
From my boyhood the Baptists have been predomi-
nant here. Every effort has been made to override all
partiality to them. If some find their family names left
out, it is surely not by design. Good men are not always
responsive to appeals for family history and genealogy.
An author is quite helpless in such matters. Even an
honest man cannot write a history without data, nor
ought he. The larger space given to the Clarks, the
Civil War, etc., is not unfair, for they naturally and
reasonably deserve a larger place in the public eye.
Anent the Colonial church, — the Church of England,
every possible effort has been made to get a represen-
tation worthy and satisfactory for our volume, but in
vain The author is greatly indebted to Hon. H. R.
Pollard, Col. A. F. Fleet, Judges J. G. Dew, T. R. B.
Wright, Charles T. Bagbyj Esq., B. H. Walker, M. D.,
John Pollard, D. D., and notably also to W. H. Whit-
sitt, LL. D., for words of cheer and valued aid in
various directions.
A. Bagby.
INTRODUCTION
One of the happiest signs of the times is the awaken-
ing of the historic sense among our people. Much of the
material of history goes to waste in every country; but
in our Southern country a larger amount of it has been
lost than in some others. We have been more solicitous
to make history than to record and preserve it when
made. Possibly that is true of every community at cer-
tain stages of its progress and development. In recent
years a marked degree of interest has been aroused.
The indifference of former years has passed away. That
is one of the best features of the new day that has
dawned upon us. Men are glad to cultivate a knowl-
edge of families, municipalities, counties. States, and the
whole country.
The county of King and Queen is truly ancient and
honorable, and it is a concern to many people in many
sections that its history should be collected and set in
order. But there are certain obstacles in the way of
such a consummation. The public records of the county
have been destroyed by fire on more than one occasion.
This is an incalculable loss. There are other sources of
information, but none of these are so extensive and
reliable as those once to be found in the clerk's office at
the courthouse.
My honored friend, the Rev. Dr. Bagby, has devoted
his attention for many years to the annals of King and
Queen. He is sensible of the disadvantages under which
he must labor, but he possesses a laudable ambition to
preserve the things that remain, and to transmit an ac-
count of them to posterity. He is a diligent and careful
student, and his interest in the subject has been earnest
and continued for many years. I have enjoyed an op-
portunity to read over a portion of his work, and I
consider it a very valuable and important contribution.
I rejoice that he has decided to commit it to the press.
10 INTRODUCTION
He will thereby render an excellent public service, and
besides will perpetuate his own name for generations
to come, by linking it with the history and fortunes of
one of the most venerable and noble communities in our
country. ^^ ^^^
William H. Whitsitt.
Richmond College,
September 12, 1907.
CONTENTS
PART I
THE people: their homes, ways, works, worships
CHAPTER PAGE
I: Geographical Location — Antecedents — James-
town Settlement 17
II: Progress and Expansion from Jamestown — Ori-
gin of King and Queen's County ... 21
III: Resources, Climate, etc 26
IV: George Rogers Clark: his Nativity and his
Exploits 35
V: Legislative Action Concerning the Formation,
and Intended to Advance the Interest, of the
County of King and Queen — Henning's
" Statutes at Large " 42
VI: Church Houses and Old Homes .... 56
VII: Religious Denominations 92
PART II
CIVIL WAR ANNALS
VIII : The War Starts— The Home Guard . .
IX : Rosters of King and Queen County in the Civil
War
X: War Records, Letters, and Diaries .
XI: From Richmond to Appomattox
XII: Historical Address by J. Ryland, Sr. . .
129
139
149
192
223
Ig CONTENTS
PART III
DOMESTIC AND SOCIAL
CHAFTER ' PAGE
XII : Selections from the Poems of King and Queen . 241
XIII : Two Men Deserving to be Remembered, and a
Boy sent on an Errand 254
XIV: Life on the Old Plantation 260
XV: Colored People of King and Queen County . 277
PART IV
MISCELLANIES
XVI: Family and Individual Records .... 289
XVII: Genealogies 322
XVIII: Fragments 364
ILLUSTRATIONS
Rev. Alfred Bagby, D.D Frontispiece
FACING PAGE
Map of King and Queen County i8
Col. John Pollard 42
Lower Church of St. Stevens Parish ... 62
Col. J. C. CouNciLL 86
Hon. J. H. C. Jones 116
Sketch Showing Location Where Home Guards
OF King and Queen County Attacked Col.
Dahlgren's Command 134
Capt. Edward Campbell Fox 140
Dahlgren's Corner . .* 150
Miss Sarah Jane Pollard (Mrs. Alfred Bagby) 242
Mr. John Bagby 260
Thomas Roane Dew 300
Col. Samuel F. Harwood 316
Bell Air 354
PART I
THE PEOPLE: THEIR HOMES, WAYS,
WORKS, WORSHIPS
CHAPTER I
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION ANTECEDENTS JAMES-
TOWN SETTLEMENT
King and Queen is one of the tide-water counties of
Virginia, lying at its southeastern extremity, only some
forty miles from Chesapeake Bay. It adjoins the coun-
ties of Caroline, Essex, Middlesex, Gloucester, and
King William, being separated from the latter by the
Mattapony River. It lies on the northeastern shore of
the York and Mattapony Rivers. No student of this
portion of Virginia will fail to observe that all the east-
ern portion of the State is cut up into several narrow
strips — here called " necks " — by certain great rivers.
The dividing rivers are these: The Blackwater (a
branch of the Meherrin), James, York, Rappahannock,
and Potomac. The intervening necks are four, to wit :
beginning on the south, that of which Norfolk, Ports-
mouth, and Suffolk are central points; (2) that of
Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg; (3) the neck
of Gloucester, King and Queen, etc.; (4) that which is
universally known as the " northern neck." To be yet
more distinct : we have the neck between the Blackwater
and the James; that between the James and the York;
that between the York and the Rappahannock; and
lastly, that between the Rappahannock and the Potomac.
Some future historian may disport himself in re-
counting the glories of each of these, and find a most
useful and enjoyable field.
I. Norfolk and Portsmouth will deserve superlative
praise. 2. Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg
speak for themselves, as being the cradle of the infant
colony and the home of Pocahontas, the white man's
only friend; and as furnishing, in the main, the scenes of
the exploits of that remarkable man. Captain John
Smith, who in the space of barely two years and five
18 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
months, almost by his single hand, saved the uncertain
colony time and again from starvation and from the
deadly tomahawk, and brought order out of chaos.
That wonderful little section of our State called
" Northern Neck," is known the world over as the an-
cestral home of Washington, Madison, Monroe, and
last, but not least, of the Lees, — among them that peer-
less citizen and soldier, Robert E. Lee.
This scant justice to our sisters of the other " necks "
must suffice; our task is humbler. "Neck" No. 3, as
above indicated, is subdivided longitudinally by a small
stream, known near the Bay as Piankitank, while higher
up it is nicknamed, with ,no regard to fitness, the
" Dragon." This stream rises at a point some seventy
miles from the Bay and flows down, first between Essex
and King and Queen, and lower down between Middle-
sex and the latter county. The sluggish, fever-breeding
stream might give ingress to steamers, and its banks
might feed a large population if properly opened up.
We thus locate the county of King and Queen as lying
between the York and Mattapony on the south, and the
Dragon (Piankitank) on the north.
The county, taking the Courthouse as its central
point, is approximately in the same latitude, to the east-
ward, with Accomac across the Bay, Gibraltar, the re-
nowned fortress at the entrance of the Mediterranean,
and Athens, the venerable city of Greece; and with San
Francisco and Yokohama to the west. The 77th de-
gree of longitude west of Greenwich, passes through
Ottawa (Canada), Washington city, and central King
and Queen; it then passes southward through eastern
North Carolina into the ocean, and crossing the Carib-
bean Sea, strikes the eastern end of the Isthmus of
Panama, where is soon to be opened up the gateway
between the two oceans. The county is one hundred
miles south of Washington, thirty-six miles east-north-
east from Richmond, forty miles northwest from James-
town site, and fifty miles from the Bay.
The following names represented at Jamestown in
1608-9, are given on page 131 of Smith's History:
Smith, Behethland, Powell, Russell, Chashaw, Sickel-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 19
more, Worlie, Todklll, Lone, Bentley, Shortridge,
Pising, Ward, Persle, West, Phetlplace, Profit, Ford,
Abbott, Tankard, Yarrington, Bourne, Burton, Colonel
Dods, Brinton, Peacocke, Powell, Ellis, Gipson, Prat,
Acrigyl, Read, Hancock, Wotton, Brooke, Nelson, Tyn-
dall, Colson, Watkins, Fitch, Poole, Markham, Crad-
dock. Brown, Janoway, Clarke, Skinner, Deale,
Anthony, Baggly (Sergeant), Lambert, Pising (Ser-
geant) , and others.
From Vol. II of the same history, at page 549, we
obtain the following list of Jamestown settlers in 1620:
Aston, Ashley, Archer, Anthony, Allen (4), An-
drews, Abbot, Askew, Bowles, Button, Banks, Barber,
Bonham, Brewster, Brooke, Bond, Beadle, Boone,
Barnes, Badger, Britton, Bishop, Baron, Baker, Burley,
Bromley, Barker, Bennett, Brewster, Bullock, Bayly,
Butler, Burton, Baker, Beak, Bell, Blount, Cary, Cal-
vert, Cecil, Corr, Chamberlaine, Cox, Cooper, Collins,
Church, Camp, Cambel, Cooke, Conway, Cage, Cave,
Crow, Chester, Cromwell, Drewry, Diggs, Dale,
Denton, Dunn, Davis, Dobson, Dye, Drake, Dyke,
Evans, Elkton, Finche, Farmer, Fox, Forrest, Far-
rar, Field, Francis, Fuller, Fleet (William), Gray,
Gates, Gardner, Gilbert, Grave, Greene, Gore, Har-
ris, Hicks, Hart, Hanson, Hill, Hinton, Hancock,
Holt, Huntley, Harwood, Howell, Henshaw, Hooker,
Hicks, Jones, Johnson, Toby, Jackson, Leigh, Lay-
son, Martin, Moore, Miller, Oliver, Pit, Row, Rob-
inson, Roy, Robins, Rolfe, Roberts, Smith, Spencer,
Shelton, Scott, Shelley, Stone, Shipley, Shepherd, Ste-
vens, Tracy, Turner, Tucker, Taylor, Thornton, Watts,
Watson, Wilson, West, Webb, White, Westwood,
Wright, Walker, Winne, Wilmer, Wood, Wells,
Wheeler, Ward, Waller, Sir George Yeardley (Gov-
ernor) , etc.
The following names are taken from the old land
books as those of settlers at Jamestown, from 1625 to
1670: Lasy, Spencer, Gather, Matheman, Cooke,
Nelson, Hill, Powell, Woodyard, Yeardley, Combes,
Hitchcock, Arundell, Grimes, Lyon, Younge, David-
son, Sharpless, Davies, Sands, Pierce, Hedges, Wlllard,
20 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Moulston, Farmer, LIghtfoot, Smith, Reuse, Gill, Cart-
right, Austin, Bricke, Rabenet, Andrews, Alder, Evere,
Negar, Pott, Townsend, Leister, Kalloway, Hewlett,
Dickinson, Taylor, Sutton, Maericke, Rolfe, Lawson,
Fouler, Waller, Boothe, Hamor, Clement, Langley,
Greene, Addums, Ratcliffe, Gibson, Fremason, Pontes,
Clarke, Raynolds, Hichmore, Riddall, Goldsmith, Gaill,
Howell, Ashly, Blaney, Hudson, Hartley, Shelley, Bew,
Ward, Mentis, Whitemore, Chauntree, Sheppard, Saw-
ier, Danfort, Loyd, Orthway, Crouch, Starkey, Perry,
Chapman, Granco, Snow, Isgraw, Ascomb, Buck, Por-
ter, Jackson, Barrows, Scritten, Pasmore, Jeffreys,
Hibbs, Duke, Hinton, Stephens, Rayner, Price, Spilman,
Cawt, Manify, Holmes, Caleker, Sherwood, West, Bar-
ker, Scott, Carn, Hartl, Spalding, Hellin, Gray, Oc-
bourn. Pope, Constable, Jones, Johnson, Hall, Cooksey,
Kean, Fitts, Reddish, Smallwood, Gicen, Southey,
Painter, Webb, Gravett, Glover, Adams, Spence,
Tooke, Roberts, Harlow, Sharke, Lect, Bennett.
Conjectural numbers of Indians in 1607 within sixty
miles of Jamestown, 8,000.
Jamestown census: 1607, 100 to 120; 1608, 70 to
130; 1610, 200; 1617, 400; 1622, 3800; 1628, 3000.
CHAPTER II
PROGRESS AND EXPA.NSION FROM JAMESTOWN —
ORIGIN OF KING AND QUEEN COUNTY
It is easy to see how, by and by, there came a move-
ment out from Jamestown to form settlements at various
points around, the Indians, of course, receding before
the whites. Under the impulse of their Saxon blood,
men moved out and made new homes for themselves up
the James, along Hampton Roads, across the Bay, and
on the various rivers emptying into the Bay. It must be
remembered that locomotion in that day was much easier
and safer by water than by land.
Back, northward and westward from Jamestown, lay
a vast wilderness trodden only by savages and wild
beasts, while not infrequently the former awaited with
his tomahawk or arrow any roaming white man. Thus
it came about that even to pass through this boundless
waste was perilous. On the other hand, it was easy to
take a boat and row down the river, and through the
adjacent waters. Indeed, Captain Smith, within the
short space of less than two and a half years had largely
explored the waters of the James, the York, the Rap-
pahannock,* and the Potomac, and Chickahominy and
* John Smith, the colonist, was born in Lincolnshire, England, 1579;
captured on Chickahominy, December, 1607; president of Council,
1608; saved the colony again and again from starvation by getting
food from natives. He was painfully hurt by the sting of a stingray
at the mouth of the Rappahannock, and soon after seriously wounded
by an explosion of powder in a boat on James River, and sailed for
England in October, 1609. He had just settled West's Colony at Pow-
hatan, which he bought from that chief. Died 1631. Powhatan's do-
main extended from the Potomac south to the North Carolina line, and
as high as the falls of rivers. This territory of Powhatan com-
prehended about 8,000 square miles, 30 tribes, and 2,400 warriors. Capt.
Smith tells us there were 5,000 Indians within 60 miles of Jamestown,
of whom 1,500 were fighting men. At first Powhatan held to Falls of
river; subdivided (p. 387). James River to Patuxent was a patri-
archial confederacy, each chief having his own council and council
house. Beyond Powhatan's were the Matoacans and Manakins con-
federacies — all east of the Alleghenies. (Jefferson's Notes, pp. 143, 387.)
21
22 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
the Bay up to its northern extremity. These several
waters gave welcome admittance to the new settlers, and
thus the river shores were first preempted, and now be-
gan to be settled.
The York River was less than ten miles north from
Jamestown in a direct line, and this naturally was
among the first after the banks of the James, to be
settled. About the year 1628 there was an under-
standing between the whites and the red men that
York River was to be a dividing line between the
two; the Indians holding the north bank, and the whites
the south, and this line was reestablished in 1646.
About this time, that crafty, uncompromising enemy
of the whites, Opecancanough, chief of the Chickahom-
inies, second in succession from Powhatan, moved his
headquarters across the river to a point only some five
miles obliquely across from the present West Point, and
stationed himself on the soil of King and Queen, at a
point called Matoax, or Mascot. The arrangement thus
entered into could not stand against the Saxon blood,
and the whites soon overran the line. Then the north
bank of the York was occupied and held.
EARLY SETTLERS
We give the following names of settlers in that region,
on the soil of the present King and Queen County,
drawn from the antiquated books now in the land office
in Richmond, counting from the year 1625 onward:
Major William Nash, Major William Lewis, Dr.
Giles Mode, Anthony Haynes, Wyatt, Hodson, Loane,
Chapman, Pigge, Colonel Nathaniel Bacon (Arioceo
Swamp), Lockey, Austin, Peck, Diggs, Richard Harri-
son, Mozey, Birch (Hartquake Creek), Morris, Biggs,
Hugh Roye, Jennings, James, Brund, Sexton, Wood-
ward, Fuzey, Michel, Robert Pollard (near L. Creek),
Clayborne, William Anderson (Poropotank Creek),
Butler (Hartquake Swamp), Captain Thomas Byne-
ton. Holmes, Williams (on Bestland, a branch of
Piankitank), Robert Bagbie (1672), (joined Skipwith
and Chapman), Robert Bagby (above tide, joined
(
I
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 23
PIgge and Hall, 1673), Henden, Key, Captain Law-
rence Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel John Smith, Lightfoot,
Roystin, Lewis, Hall (on Mattapony) , Captain Robert
Beverly, Garratt (Hartquake Creek), Mich, Robin-
son, Style, Story, Jones, Robert Spencer (joined Ed.
Diggs), Captain Jacob Lumpkin (1682), Leigh, Madi-
son (joined to Robert Bagbie, Miles, and Chamberlaine,
near " Mantapike Path"), Colonel Richard Johnson,
Echols, Bowden, Thomas Todd, Eastham, Taylor,
Neal, Muire, Lane, Key, McKenney, Ed. Gresham (on
Exall Swamp), Story.
1664, John Fleet, 1662, William and John Clarke,
1682, Thomas Harwood, John Clarke, Williams,
Rogers, and Shackelford; 1693, William Todd, Robert
Bird, Captain Joshua Story, Zackery Lewis; 1695, Ed.
Gutharie, Alexander Campbell, Colonel Ed. Hill,
Colonel Richard Johnson, Jennings, Carlton, Fox, Bay-
lor, Watkins, Ware, Didlake, Pynes, Gardaner, Dun-
bar, Lyne, Thompson, Truman, William Bird, Gardner
(Exall Swamp), Kemp, Temple, Roane, Crain, Cap-
tain William Fleet, Rowe, Dunn, Temple, Reuben
Garrett, Charles Hill, Bayler, Temple.
Campbell's " History of Virginia " gives the follow-
ing estimated population of Virginia for the various
years, and other information of interest relating to King
and Queen County:
1609 — 60 (reduced by disease and casualties).
1625 — 1500 (after massacre of March, 1622).
These scattered over seventeen or eighteen places on
James River. They had cattle, hogs, horses, and fowls
now. Houses palisaded (p. 181).
When James I. died in 1625 there were only a few
cabins in Richmond and nearly the whole colony was on
James River and in Accomac.
1632 — Williamsburg was settled, being at first the
home of only one family.
1642 — Berkeley came to Virginia.
1646 — York River the boundary (p. 205).
1648 — 15,000, and 300 slaves (p. 205).
1 70 1 — 40,000; (Connecticut, 30,000; Maryland,
24 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
25,000; Massachusetts, 70,000; New York, 30,000)
(p. 362).
16 19 — Women imported, and husband to pay 120
pounds of tobacco; negroes also imported. Taxation
by consent (p. 146) .
1634 — Captain Henry Fleet (pp. 185, 190).
1663 — John and Theodore Bland (p. 264).
1664 — Captain Dudley Diggs (p. 460).
1646 — Rev. Steth, author of "Virginia History,"
lived at Varina, where Rolfe and Pocahontas had lived.
1664 — John Robinson, Speaker and Treasurer for
twenty-five years; "Of cultivated mind and polished
manners." Christopher Robinson on the Rappahan-
nock, his grandfather was nephew of an English Bishop.
The Speaker's father, John M. Beverly (pp. 535, 547)-
1733 — A horse worth $50.00, cow and calf $3.60
1775 — Governor Dunmore's Council — Rev. P. Nel-
son, Page, Byrd, G. Corbin, Sr. and Jr. Richard Cor-
bin was Deputy Receiver-General.
1782 — Population, 567,614,
ORIGIN OF THE COUNTY
In the year 1634 ^^e territory held by the Colony
was divided into nine shires — James City, Charles City,
Elizabeth City, York, Warwick, Henrico, Accomac,
Nansemond, and Isle of Wight. In 1654 a county was
formed from York, extending west to the headwaters of
Mattapony and Pamunky Rivers, to be called New Kent.
In 1 69 1 another county was formed from the shire of
New Kent, including what is now King William, King
and Queen, and perhaps the whole of Caroline and
Spottsylvania, to be called King and Queen. The ori-
gin of the name is told In the following narrative:
In the beginning of the year 1688, James II., a son
of the Charles who was beheaded by Cromwell and the
Parliament, was reigning monarch in England. To
him the Virginia Colony was loyal — It was always loyal.
In November of that same year, William and Mary —
the latter the King's own daughter — came over from
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 25
Holland to England to claim the Crown against James,
who had grown selfish and despotic. On July i (o. s.) ,
1690, a great battle was fought beside the River Boyne,
in eastern Ireland, between the forces of James and
those led by his son-in-law. It resulted in a victory for
the latter, and William and Mary became joint sover-
eigns of the realm. The new county, being organized
in the following year, was named for these illustrious
personages. King and Queen.
It must be borne in mind that at this early date the
population on the upper waters was quite sparse, and
the Courthouse of the new county was located where
it now stands.
CHAPTER III
RESOURCES, CLIMATE, ETC.
The following statistics of the agricultural and horti-
cultural advantages of the county are compiled from
memoranda prepared by the author in 1888, by request
of Committee of the Agricultural Society of Virginia.
They were designated to accompany an exhibit of county
resources at the Virginia State Fair at the City of Rich-
mond, in October of that year.
RELATIVE POSITION AND POPULATION
The county is part of the neck of land between the
York and Rappahannock rivers, fifty miles from Chesa-
peake Bay, thirty-five north of east from the city of
Richmond, and one hundred and fifty south from Balti-
more, with both of which it communicates by steamers
and railroad. It Is fifty miles long by ten in width, with
a population, in 1880, of 10,502, mostly homogeneous,
being descendants of the original settlers.
MORALS AND CHURCHES
Taking It as a whole. Its people are among the most
refined, cultured and moral in the State. Very little
whisky Is sold. No liquor has been sold at the county
seat for fifteen or twenty years, and but one case of dis-
order has been known to occur there within that time,
and that between two belligerent colored citizens. In
morals, our people will compare with those of any land.
Churches are numerous. It is not too much to say
that this Is a religious people. The Sabbath is held
sacred, and Sabbath schools are largely patronized.
There are Baptist, Methodist, Disciples, Christadel-
phlan, and Episcopal churches. Indeed, most of the
people are communicants In some church.
26
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 27
SCHOOLS
The system of public schools, supported by the State,
is in full play here, and they are growing in utility.
For the session of 1887 and 1888, there were forty-four
schools, some graded, and 2000 scholars. The county
is noted for its educational advantages, and for the gen-
eral attention paid to the subject. Private schools and
academies of excellent character and for both sexes
abound. For higher education, facilities are at hand
equal to any demand. Teachers and systems of teach-
ing are of high grade. One or two high schools are
in prospect.
HEALTH
This, to the immigrant, is a matter of prime con-
sideration. The robust person, blooming cheek and in-
cident cheerfulness, and in many cases advanced age of
our people, refute the idea that this country is unfav-
orable to health. Indeed, our immigrants themselves
contradict it. All tide-water sections have malaria,
but it is by no means confined to tide-water. Timely
precautions and watchfulness will almost uniformly pre-
vent any trouble. It is also very much in our favor that
typhoid fever, so common and fatal In higher climates,
very seldom occurs here. Statistics show that the aver-
age of life in eastern Virginia Is higher than anywhere
else in the country.
CLIMATE
While subject to changes Incident to countries near
the sea, though by no means limited to them, our climate
is exempt from the extremes of heat and cold occurring
elsewhere. The needful supply of ice for summer sel-
dom fails, but the thermometer rarely touches zero In
winter, or rises above 95 Fahrenheit In summer. Floods
and cyclones, which distress and overwhelm other sec-
tions, are almost unknown here. Occasional snows oc-
cur in winter, giving sport to the young with sleds and
sleighs.
28 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
FIVE YEARS' AVERAGE OF KING AND QUEEN CLIMATE
Rainfall, in. Temperature.
January .
February
March . .
April
May
June ....
July
August . .
September
October . .
November
December
3.192
38 to 44
2.049
41 to 47
3-95
48 to 54
3-68
56 to 62
2.83
63 to 70
3-75
71 to 78
449
77 to 82
9.15
76 to 81
4.76
69 to 74
4-63
62 to 66
2.6l
47 to 53
2.87
43 to 48
SURFACE AND SOIL
Lying along the Mattapony and the Dragon, and
stretching out to the distance of from several hundred
yards to three-fourths of a mile, are extensive tracts of
level land, mostly light and easily cultivated. Away
from these waters the surface is undulating, sometimes
hilly, with large fields and forests of level lands inter-
vening. The character and constituents of the soil vary
locally, and it is not uncommon to see one part of a farm
heavy and stiff, and another light; grayish clay lands
preponderate on the ridge. A clay subsoil generally
prevails.
MINERALS
Gray and blue marls abound. These have been used
upon the lands with marked results. The deposit fre-
quently crops out from the surface, and is dug from the
pit and applied at small cost. These marls are rich in
carbonate of lime, and analyze 40 to 90 per cent, pure
lime. The beds occur often, and are seemingly inex-
haustible. Animal bones, shells, and Indian relics, in all
stages of decomposition, are disinterred. Large beds of
fine white sand are also common.
STAPLE CROPS
Corn, wheat, oats, rye, tobacco, potatoes (Irish and
sweet), peas, beans, and occasionally buckwheat, are the
staples. Peanuts and other truck are growing in favor;
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 29
sorghum and broom-corn are grown successfully. To-
bacco raised here will compare well in quality with that
grown elsewhere.
LANDS PRICES AND CAPACITIES
Owners are beginning to realize the folly of attempt-
ing to cultivate so large an area as was in vogue here.
Hence much land is on the market, at from $4 to $8,
unimproved; and $8 to $20, improved; sometimes with
a good dwelling and outhouses included. While con-
siderable portions of these have been under cultivation,
others lie in original forests.
The highlands, as well as alluvial and other bottom
lands, respond easily and well to the hand of improve-
ment; which is the great desideratum. There are many
cases where lands which, under the wasting process of
years of unskilled and neglected cultivation had grown
thin, have been made to " rejoice and blossom as the
rose." It may seem to some incredible, but is neverthe-
less true, that some of our lands which have been culti-
vated one hundred years or more with almost no return
and no rest, are yet under the plow, and yield from ten
to twenty bushels of com to the acre. One large farm,
which has been worked one hundred and fifty years, with
only one moderate application of lime, and the respective
fields grazed alternate years, still brings some fifteen
bushels good corn. This shows well for the subsoil and
the general constituents of the soil, and we challenge
comparison with other sections. It is hardly a question
what such lands would do in the hand of the skilled and
active agriculturist. A large body of land skirting the
Dragon and its tributaries, would well-nigh fill the gran-
aries of Egypt, and only awaits the capital and energy
needed to drain it ! A company is already opening the
stream below.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
An intelligent resident was asked, " Do you know of
any good vegetable which cannot be successfully grown
here? " The answer, after a moment's reflection, was,
30 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
" No! " The answer would be very much the same as
to fruits, excepting those of the Torrid Zone only. Of
course, certain varieties of each are better suited to our
soil and climate, and in the selection regard must be
had to this. We have apples — summer, fall and winter
varieties — peaches, pears, cherries, apricots, quinces,
damsons, plums; blackberries, growing wild in inex-
haustible quantities, and very salable; strawberries, rasp-
berries, melons, and last, not least, grapes. Soil and cli-
mate here seem specially favorable to the grape, though
but little attention has hitherto been given to it. Yet
it is growing in favor.
V^^ATER
The abundant supply of pure, wholesome water,
gurgling forth from almost every hillside, and readily
accessible by wells to those who prefer it, is some-
thing marvelous. Strangers wonder at it, and admire.
Scarcely a farm that has not enough and to spare for
man and beast. In some cases artesian wells have been
bored, at a cost of from $40 to $60, and to depths
of 150 to 400 feet, with the result that a magnificent
stream pours clear, sparkling waters into house and kit-
chen. The hamlet of Walkerton, alone, has eight of
these in constant use.
TRANSPORTATION
Mattapony River, flowing into the York at West
Point, is navigable for nearly the entire length of the
county. A new steamer and sail vessels are constantly
plying to and fro, giving ready access to Richmond,
Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and to foreign ports.
From many parts of the county the Rappahannock is
also easy of access, giving ready passage to Baltimore,
etc. The Richmond and Chesapeake Railroad is pro-
jected, passing through the county to a point near the
mouth of the Potomac, and thence to points North.
TIMBER
Assorted specimens of some of the best growths were
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 31
exhibited. Cypress is plentiful, affording the best shin-
gles and weather-boarding in the world; chestnut yields
the most durable fence-timber; black walnut is much in
demand; oak, for railroad ties; pine, for fuel and gen-
eral building purposes; poplar can be cut largely for the
manufacture of paper; hickory, beech, ash, cedar, holly,
dogwood, etc., abound. Immense quantities of these
are annually exported, and in some cases purchasers have
paid for their lands from this source alone.
FACTORIES FACILITIES FOR
A number of steam mills are engaged in cutting
shingles, laths, and other lumber, and there is room for
more. Grist and flour mills give us meal and flour.
Only one iron foundry exists in the county, but there are
a number of shops for the work of the blacksmith. Fac-
tories for pickles and fruits are being established.
POULTRY AND EGGS
The demand for these increases annually, and is often
above the supply, though this is enormous. One mer-
chant sold $1,500 worth of eggs in a season. Poultry
can be made very profitable. Brahmas, Plymouth Rock,
and other improved breeds are now being introduced,
and will pay even better.
STOCK
Our horses are mostly natives of the small breeds
common to tide-water, though the demand is increasing
for the higher grades. Of cattle, the Jersey cow is
highly approved. One citizen reports three and a half
pounds of butter daily from two cows, on pasturage
alone. Much, it is thought, is to be made in the raising
of colts, and with improved grades we see no reason
to doubt its success. Of hogs, large numbers are
slaughtered annually, and our bacon is equal in juiciness
and sweetness to the best.
GRASSES
Our native growth, in many instances, gives good
32 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
grazing. Extensive tracts of marsh feed herds of cows
and hogs, and on York River one gentleman gives no
other feed to his cattle, even in winter, his herd subsist-
ing and doing well on this alone. Clover, orchard
grass, timothy, red-top and millet, succeed with neces-
sary attention. During the present season large crops
have been saved. One farmer, not far below us, housed
one hundred and fifty tons, worth $12 to $15 per ton.
This can be made a source of large revenue.
FISHERIES
Shad, herring, trout, pike, chub, sturgeon, and other
varieties of fish are taken yearly, and give food and
money to the people. From the York, on our eastern
border, and from the Rappahannock, on the north,
comes the succulent oyster, among the best, to our tables;
while vast quantities are being shipped to market, and
profitably.
TRADE
Our merchants buy in Baltimore and Richmond, and
from the number of stores the trade must be heavy in the
aggregate. Transportation being easier and cheaper,
a very large proportion of our produce goes to the first-
named city. When the new railroad comes much of
this will be diverted to Richmond, or northward to
Philadelphia and New York. From the port of West
Point we have communication direct or indirect with
all parts of the world.
LABOR
Labor is cheap as can be found elsewhere in the coun-
try. Native colored hands, by many considered the
best in the world, can be had for eight dollars per
month and board. To those who prefer it, white labor
is obtainable.
SHEEP AND V^^OOL
This is a profitable industry. The yield for fleece
may be set down at three to fourteen pounds. The
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 33
Cotswold, Shropshire, and other improved breeds, are
coming in, and the yield increases. Lambs are always
in demand in early spring and fall, and pay well. One
gentleman reports a lamb dropped in March and weigh-
ing lOO pounds in July.
BEES AND HONEY
Bee-keeping can be made to pay. There were to be
seen in our exhibit specimens from the hive of an enter-
prising lady of the county, surpassed by none, equaled
by very few, in any section of the country.
GAME
From its comparatively isolated location, the county
is well supplied with game. The deer, fox, rabbit, the
wild turkey, goose and duck, quail, snipe, etc., are plenti-
ful; while last, not least, the sora, that most delicious
of all birds, gives life to our marshes and food to our
palates in the fall. Try a specimen, fresh from the
marsh and the spit, and be convinced.
ROADS
Our roads are good, except when affected by the rains
and freezes of winter and spring.
FINANCES
The county's finances are in a healthy condition, the
revenue meeting the annual expenses without trouble,
and making a handsome return for State expenses. The
tax rate is only eighty cents on the hundred dollars to
both county and State. The county owes nothing.
MAIL FACILITIES
Mails pass and re-pass regularly and daily to and
from Richmond, the morning papers from that city
reaching parts of the county by or before lo A. m.
34 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
POPULATION
Census Year
Total
White
Free Colored
Slave
9377
9879
10988
1 1 798
1 1644
10862
10319
10328
9709
10502
9669
9265
4159
4335
4718
5460
4714
4426
4094
3801
4221
4424
4006
75
164
267
297
416
461
388
5488
6078
5430
5259
5143
5380
6003
6041
6514
5937
5764
6139
1800
1810
1820
184.0
1850
i860 . . .
1870 .
1880 .
i8qo
TQOO
CHAPTER IV
GEORGE ROGERS CLARK : HIS NATIVITY AND HIS
EXPLOITS , „
1136052
The author distinctly remembers that in the days
of his boyhood, there stood a dilapidated but still
tenantable house on a red-clay hill about midway be-
tween Stevensville and Cumnor, five miles above the
Courthouse. It was on land which was occupied for
years by Hon. H. R. Pollard, now City Attorney of
Richmond; but is at present occupied (1903) by Dr.
Thomas Latane. The place was known in 1830 all
around by the name of " Clark's."
This place is associated with two names which reflect
as much credit on the county in things material, as
Shackelford and Semple did in things spiritual. His-
torians and biographers agree in proclaiming that
George Rogers Clark was a native of Albemarle
County. This author ventures a decided opinion that
this is a mistake. Colonel John Pollard came to King
and Queen in 18 18, from Goochland, the very year
of General Clark's death. Being an observing and
thoughtful man, and knowing something of the careers
of George Rogers Clark and his brother William, who
was only second to him, both being generals in the mili-
tary service — he (Colonel Pollard) looked closely into
the question of their family lineage, birth, etc. From
his statement, oft repeated, it was agreed by the people
of the county that George Rogers was bom at the place
indicated above, and was consequently a native of King
and Queen. Some of them knew the Clarks well.
While he was yet an infant his father removed to Albe-
marle, and it is easy to understand how historians have
made the pardonable mistake. The tradition at the
time of the death of George Rogers, near Louisville,
Ky., in 18 18, as given by those acquainted with the
35
36 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Clark family in King and Queen, was unanimous. This
would seem decisive. The old house where he first saw
the light of day disappeared many years since, and the
site is now under cultivation.
We give below something of a family tree, compiled
from the " Conquest of the Northwest " :
Before 1725 there settled in King and Queen an
English immigrant named John C. Clark. He was
unmarried. By and by, learning that a shipload of
marriageable girls was to land at Yorktown — then a
port of some importance — he went down to take a
survey. It was easy then to go by boat from the Matta-
pony down the York River. The ship had just arrived.
JMr. Clark was attracted by a red-haired maiden and
married her.
We propose here to give a sketch of the Clark family,
drawn in part from the " Conquest of the Northwest,"
and in part from William Kyle Anderson's sketches.
1. John Clark, Englishman, married red-headed
Scotch girl, located in King and Queen after 1700 A. d.
2. Jonathan, his son, married Elizabeth Wilson,
died 1734. In his will Jonathan Clark uses this lan-
guage, in which it will be noted there is a recognition
of the great God over all, and as well, of His Son, our
Savior — the Lord Jesus Christ:
" Through the mercy and merits of Christ, our Savior."
3. John, oldest son of Jonathan, born 1724, married
in 1749, Ann Rogers, daughter of Giles Rogers * and
sister of Mrs. Donald Robertson.
4. George Rogers Clark, their second child, was
bom Nov. 19, 1752. The names of the brothers and
sisters are, in order of ages, as follows: Jonathan,
George Rogers, John, Richard, Edmund, Lucy, Eliza-
beth, William, and Frances.
Giles Rogers, Sr., was the grandfather, on the ma-
ternal side, of Ann (Rogers) Clark. Among the chil-
• Giles Rogers was an Englishman who settled on the Mattapony
River in King and Queen in i686.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 37
dren of John, Sr., George Rogers and William were
men of national reputation, and deservedly so. George
Rogers, second son of John, Sr., emigrated to Kentucky
when yet a mere youth. Kentucky in that day was a
howling wilderness, inhabited largely by Indians hostile
to the whites, and by murderous beasts of the forest.
Immigrants were few and scattered. Roving bands of
wild Indians often came across the Ohio, and these did
not hesitate to murder any unlucky immigrants who
happened to obstruct their way, nor even to attack their
settlements or hinder their hunting. George Rogers
Clark soon saw the condition, and finding the settlers at
Harrodsburg — then a mere hamlet — practically de-
fenseless, through the almost total lack of powder and
ball, he determined to return to Virginia to procure
arms and ammunition for the settlement. This was
just after the Revolutionary War had set in. The
pathway was long and tedious, but he found his family
and visited the Governor and Council at Williamsburg,
then the capital of the State, where, fortunately, he
found that great and far-seeing man, Patrick Henry, at
the head of affairs as Governor. After a delay, to
him doubtless very tedious, he procured an order from
the Governor requiring the military commandant at
Wheeling to deliver to Clark ammunition — notably
powder — to be transported down the river, for the pur-
pose indicated, and to detail a certain number of sol-
diers to go with him as guard.
With a sagacity and vigor worthy of a man twice as
old Clark took the powder down the river to a point
some forty miles from Harrodsburg, and delivered it
safely into the hands of the whites. The Indians laid
an ambuscade on the road from the landing to Har-
rodsburg, and a number of his men were slain, but the
object of the expedition was accomplished.
This put the colony in shape to meet the Indians on
their raids, and a number of their lurking parties were
broken up and scattered. And yet the raids grew more
frequent and aggressive. It developed that a power,
greater than the Indians, was behind them. It will be
remembered that the war of the Revolution was being
38 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
waged in the East at this period. The British had
pushed out their forces to several points on the Lakes,
and had built forts, notably one near Detroit, in Mich-
igan. From Detroit they extended their lines to and
down the Mississippi, erecting three forts on that river
— the southernmost at the town of Kaskaskia — and a
fort had also been erected at the town of Vincennes on
the Wabash.
The object had in view by the Governor-general of
Canada was manifestly to cut us off from acquisition of
territory north of the Ohio River and west of the Mis-
sissippi. Canadian authorities incited the Indians, and
in some cases sent British soldiers along to direct their
raids upon the defenseless settlers in Kentucky.
With the keen eye of a strategist Clark saw that the
most effective means to stop these raids was to raise a
force, and, if possible, take and hold these forts. With
this view he returned to Virginia and laid the case before
Governor Henry and his council, from whom he soon
received a commission as captain in the Virginia army,
with authority to raise a regiment and proceed to the
accomplishment of his object.
Let us pause a moment to fix in our minds the dates
of the events here recounted. December 7, 1776, was
the date of the order for the powder; in October, 1777,
Clark returned to Virginia; January 2, 1778, he re-
ceived orders and instructions from the Governor at
Williamsburg. June 24, 1778, Clark leaves Louisville
in boats — an eclipse of the sun occurring just as he em-
barked — to go down the Ohio, aiming for Kaskaskia,
He has a force of only 175 men! July 4, 1778, at mid-
night, he captures the fort at Kaskaskia, taking the com-
mandant, Rocheblave, with all the garrison. Next
morning he starts a subordinate with a small troop of
men, and in due time all three of the forts on the Mis-
sissippi were in the hands of the Virginians.
Clark next moves eastward across Illinois to the Wa-
bash, some 160 miles, and captures the fort at Vin-
cennes. Then he returns to Kaskaskia, leaving a small
force at Vincennes. But the British were not to be
foiled so easily. The Vice-governor-general, whose
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 39
name was Hamilton, marched down from Detroit and
recaptured Vincennes. Clark foresaw that unless Ham-
ilton was checkmated he himself would be attacked in
the spring at Kaskaskia. He determined to anticipate
Governor Hamilton, and so in the freezing month of
February, 1779, he leads a force back to Vincennes, in
some places through waters up to their shoulders, out-
wits Governor Hamilton, and recaptures the fort with
all its garrison. This was an amazing achievement —
perhaps the equal of anything of its character accom-
plished during the Revolution. It added five great
States, and a part of a sixth, to our Union — Ohio, Indi-
ana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and a part of
Minnesota.
George Rogers Clark displayed a military instinct
which was most remarkable, and that, too, without any
previous training whatever. In our judgment, he ranks
second only to Washington himself in the results he
achieved.
William Clark was also a general, U, S. A. He was
younger by some eighteen years than his brother, George
Rogers. He was the Clark of " Lewis and Clark's Ex-
pedition " westward along the Missouri and by way of
Columbia River to the Pacific. He was afterwards
made Governor of the Louisiana Territory, with head-
quarters at St. Louis, and was highly honored by Presi-
dent Jefferson.*
The father and mother of these two men, as also the
grandfather and grandmother, were King and Queen
people.
* We are fortunate in having the following from the pen of our dis-
tinguished countryman, Col. A. R. F. Fleet: " I have pictures of George
Rogers Clark and his brother William, which I shall probably present
to King and Queen County as soon as I have time to prepare a paper
on the two men. William, as you know, was the first Governor of
Missouri, and stands in high repute in that State. Donald Robertson,
whose life can be found in the Virginia Historical Library, taught
James Madison and George Rogers Clark at his classical school in King
and Queen. Thomas Walker, the ancestor of the distinguished Dr.
Thomas Walker of Albemarle, and also of the Riveses and of Gov.
Thomas Walker Gilmer, was also from King and Queen."
40 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
NOTES FROM ENGLISH'S "CONQUEST
OF THE NORTHWEST."
Captain Edmund Clark.
Bom September 25th, 1762, died 18 17.
General Jonathan Clark.
Born August i, 1750, died November 25, 181 1.
Family. — Vol. I., pp. 29-31, 404. Pension, 785, etc.
Surveyor, p. 59. Dunmore War, 64. Visits Kentucky,
65. Returned to Virginia and to Kentucky. Virginia
Legislator. Sent by Patrick Henry with powder. Per-
sonal appearance, 165. Plans for conquest of N. W.
Corn Island.
General George Rogers Clark.
Born November 19th, 1752, son of John Clark and
Ann Rogers, born February 13th, 17 18. Grandson of
Jonathan Clark and his wife, nee Bird.
Tributes to Gen. G. R. Clark.
In center of Indianapolis a bronze monument, a sol-
dier of Revolution, dedicated 1895, 113th anniversary
of Sackville. Vincennes 160 miles from Kaskaskia.
" For this great empire indebted to Clark alone." —
Voorhees, U. S. S.
II Second only to Washington." — Turpie, U. S. S.
" A great Virginian — among the great and illustrious
names of that magnificent State." — Sherman, U. S. S.
" Hannibal of the West."— John Randolph, U. S. S.
" Hard to find an officer achieving such results with
a force so small." — Professor Hinsdale.
" Tall, commanding, full of resources, confidence and
aff. of men." — Lyman C. Draper.
" Knew when to be mild, and when to stem and un-
compromising." — Collins' History of Kentucky.
" Theater of exploits distant and unknown region."
— Samuel Merrill.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 41
*' No hero of the Revolution a cleaner or better piece
of work."— J. W. Daniel.
" Not twenty-six years old when Henry sent on great
mission." — James Parton.
" The great territory of the Northwest due to one
man." — President Garfield.
" Much credit due to the men, most to Clark him-
self." — President Roosevelt.
" One of the most daring and gallant exploits in our
history." — Hoar, U. S. S.
" Our boundaries not Alleghanies, nor the Ohio, but
Mississippi." — Judge Pickle.
" Majestic person, strong features, dignified deport-
ment." — Judge Burnett (1779).
Both Jefferson and Henry his staunch friends and
admirers.
Great feat accomplished in a wild country, without
roads, in the midst of savage and British enemies, and
in spite of depreciating currency.
Hamilton with strong force besieging Sackville fort,
Helm and a private defending with a loaded cannon,
demanding honorable terms, and gaining their point
before surrender.
CHAPTER V
LEGISLATIVE ACTION CO.NCERNING THE FORMATION,
AND INTENDED TO ADVANCE THE INTEREST, OF
THE COUNTY OF KING AND QUEEN HENNING's
" STATUTES AT LARGE "
1. In 1634 the Colony of Virginia was divided into
eight shires, " which are to be governed as the shires of
England. The names of the shires are, James City,
Henrico, Charles City, Elizabeth City, Warwick River,
Warrosquyoake, Charles River, and Accawmack."
(Extract from the Judicial Proceedings of the Governor
and Council in Virginia. I. Henning's Statutes at
Large, p. 224.)
2. By an act of March, 1643, " Achommack " was
thenceforth to be known as " North'ton." It was like-
wise enacted and confirmed that " Charles River
County " should be called " the County of York," and
that " Warwick River County " should be called " the
County of Warwick." (I. Hen. St. at Large, p. 249.)
3. It appears from a recital in the preamble of an
act passed at a session of the " Grand Assembly," begin-
ning on the 1 2th of October, 1648, that there had been
another act (which I am unable to find) making it a
felony " To go to the north side of Charles [York]
River and make a settlement." It was then enacted that
on and after the ist of September, 1649, ^1^ the lands
lying on the north side of Charles (York) River and
Rappahannock River were to be open and free to set-
tlement, and the said act making it a felony there to
settle, was repealed. (I. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 353,
354.)
4. On the list of " the names of the Burgeses for
each respective county," " New Kent " first appeared
November 20th, 1654, as represented at an assembly
held at James City on November 20, 1654, and Capt.
Robert Abrell appears to have been its Burgess; and
4,2
COI<. JOHN POULARD
11S03-1877)
Lieutenant-Colonel Virginia Militia, Coniniissioner of Revenue,
I^awyer and Commissioner in Chancery.
FACING 42
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 43
under the " Publique Orders of Assembly " the follow-
ing appears :
" It is ordered that the upper part of Yorke County
shall be a distinct county called New Kent, from the
west side of Scimino Creek to the heads of Pomunkey
and Mattaponie River, and downe to the west side of
Poropotanke Creeke." (I. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 387,
388.)
5. Among the " Public Orders of Assembly " at the
session commenced March 24, 1655, is the following:
" ORDERED, That from Poropotank to Mattapony
upward (vizt) on the north side of Yorke River be a
distinct parish by the name of Stratton Major." (I.
Hen. St. at Large, p. 404.)
6. By an act of the " Grand Assembly," held at
James City in March, 1661, the date of the holding of
the County Court of New Kent County was fixed for the
28th day of each month. (I. Hen. St. at Large, p. 70.)
7. The County of King and Queen was formed
from New Kent County by an act of the " General As-
sembly begun at James Citty," on the i6th day of April
A. D. 1 69 1. The preamble of the act recites that:
" WHEREAS sundry and divers inconveniences attend
the inhabitants of New Kent County and all others who
have occation to prosecute suites there, by reason of the
difficulty in passing the river "; and it was enacted that
" New Kent be divided into two distinct counties, so
that Pomunkey River shall divide the same, and so down
York River to the extent of the county, and that the
part which is now on the south side of Yorke and Po-
munkey River be called New Kent, and that the north
side with Pomunkey Neck be called and known by the
name of King and Queen County." It was further
enacted, " That a court for the said King and Queen
County be constantly held by the justices thereof upon
the 1 2th day of the month in such manner as by the laws
of this county is provided." (III. Hen. St. at Large,
PP-94, 95-)
8. By an act of the " General Assembly begun at
His Majestyes Royall Colledge of William & Mary
Adjoyning to the City of Williamsburgh, the 5th Day
44 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
of December, 1700," it was recited as follows:
" WHEREAS sundry and divers inconveniencies attend
the inhabitants of that part of King and Queen County
which lies within Pamunkey Neck when they have occa-
sion to prosecute law suits at the , or to go to
any other publick meeting by reason of the difficulty in
passing Matapiny River "; and it was enacted that after
the nth day of April, 1702, " the said county of King
and Queen be divided into two distinct countyes so that
Matapiny River divide the same, and that that part of
the said county which is and lyes on the north side the
said Matapiny River and York River remaine and shall
for ever hereafter be called and knowne by the name of
King and Queen County, and that that part of the said
county which is and lyes on the south side of the said
river within Pamunkey Neck shall be called and knowne
by the name of King William County. And for the due
administration of justice,
" Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
and it is hereby enacted, That after the time aforesaid
a court for the said King William County be constantly
held by the justices thereof upon the 20th day of every
month in such manner as by the laws of this county is
provided and shall be by their commission directed.
And whereas the towne land lying at West Point in Pa-
munkey Neck was purchased by the entire county of
King and Queen as then it was, all the charges about the
same being equally levied upon the whole number of
tythables of the said county,
" Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, and it Is
hereby enacted, That two thirds of the tobacco ariseing
from the sailes of the said towne lands to the severall
takers up thereof be repaid to the inhabitants that shall
be for the time being on the north side of the said Mata-
pany and York Rivers in King and Queen County upon
the takeing up of the said towne land." (III. Hen. St.
at Large, pp. 211, 212.)
9. By the " General Assembly Summoned to Meet
at Her Majesty's Roial College of William & Mary
adjoinmg to the City of Williamsburgh," begun on the
19th day of March, 1702, an act was passed entitled:
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 45
" An Act impowering the Court of King and Queen
County, to purchase land for a Town." Unfortunately
the text of this act has never been found or published.
(III. Hen. St. at Large, p. 227.)
10. Among the acts passed during the session of the
General Assembly held in 1705 is one entitled: " An act
for Establishing ports and towns " ; but this act does not
provide for the establishment of any port or town within
the county of King and Queen. West Point was estab-
lished as such a port by said act, which provided as fol-
lows: " That at West Point to be called Delaware, and
to have Tuesdays and Satturdays in each week for mar-
ket days, and the second Tuesday in September and
four following days annually their fair." (III. Hen. St.
at Large, pp. 415, 416.)
11. By an act passed at the same session, entitled,
"An act tor the regulation and settlement of Ferries;
and for the dispatch of public expresses," a ferry was
established across York River from the Brick House to
Graves's, " the price for a man one shilling, for a man
and horse two and twenty pence halfpenny," and from
West Point to Graves's, " the price for a man six pence,
for a man and horse one shilling." (III. Hen. St. at
Large, pp. 471, 472.)
12. By another act passed during the same session
the day of holding the County Court of King and Queen
County was fixed for the fourth Monday in every month.
(III. Hen. St. at Large, p. 507.)
13. "At a General Assembly begun and holden at
the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg, on the second
day of November, 1720," an act on the subject of fer-
ries was passed, by which the following ferries were es-
tablished over the Mattapony River: " From Samuel
Norment's, over the said river, the price for a man,
three pence, and for a horse, three pence, and for each
hogshead of tobacco, six pence. From William White's
over the said river, the price for a man, three pence, and
for a horse, three pence, and for each hogshead of to-
bacco, six pence." (IV. Hen. St. at Large, p. 93.) The
title of another appears as follows : " An Act for the
vesting the fee simple estate of certain Lands in William
46 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Beverley, of the county of King and Queen, gent., upon
certain considerations therein mentioned." (IV. Hen.
St. at Large, p. ii6.)
14. By a session of the General Assembly begun and
held on the 9th day of May, 1723, an act was passed
entitled, " An act for dividing Saint Stephen's Parish, in
the county of King and Queen." (IV. Hen. St. at
Large, p. 141.)
15. At a session of the General Assembly begun on
the first day of February, 1727, an act was passed enti-
tled, " An act for erecting a new county, on the heads of
Essex, King and Queen, and King William Counties;
and for calling the same Caroline County." (IV. Hen.
St. at Large, p. 240.)
16. By another act of the General Assembly begun
and held on the 3d day of May, 1730, an act was passed
in relation to the inspection of tobacco and the establish-
ment of certain warehouses. The following public
warehouses were established in King and Queen County:
At Todd's, at Mantapike, and at Shepherd's in King
and Queen County. (IV. Hen. St. at Large, p. 267.)
By a subsequent act the compensation of the inspec-
tors at the public warehouses was fixed, and the com-
pensation at the King and Queen warehouses was fixed
as follows: At Todd's fifty pounds of tobacco per
annum; at Mantapike forty pounds per annum; at Shep-
herd's fifty pounds per annum. (IV. Hen. St. at Large,
P- 335-) By a subsequent act passed at the same ses-
sion the rents of the public warehouses were fixed as
follows: At Shepherd's twelve pounds of tobacco per
annum; at Mantapike ten pounds per annum; at Todd's
twenty pounds per annum; and the compensation to the
inspectors at the said warehouses was charged and fixed
as follows: At Shepherd's thirty-five pounds of tobacco
per annum; at Mantapike thirty-five pounds per annum,
and at Todd's forty pounds per annum. (IV. Hen. St.
atLarge, pp. 383,385.)
17. By an act passed at the same session it was re-
cited as follows: " And whereas the vestry of the par-
ish of St. Stephen, in the county of King and Queen,
have also lately purchased a good and convenient glebe,
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 47
for the parson of that parish, and his successors; and are
desirous to sell the old glebe, which is inconvenient, and
to apply the purchase money to other parochial uses " ;
and it was enacted that " The said old glebe, of the said
parish of St. Stephen, containing, by estimation, near
two hundred acres, with the appurtenances, be, and is
hereby, vested in the present vestry of the said parish,
and the vestry of the said parish for the time being, in
trust," for the purpose of enabling the vestry to sell the
same and convey a good title to the purchaser, " the pur-
chase money " to be laid out and applied by them " in
the purchasing of slaves, to be placed upon the new
glebe, and such slaves, and their increase, so long as any
of them shall be living, shall remain upon the said glebe,
for the use and benefit of the present parson, and the
parson of the said parish for the time being, for ever."
(IV. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 441, 442.)
18. At the General Assembly held on the 5th day
of August, 1736, the date of the County Court of King
and Queen County was fixed for the second Tuesday in
every month. (IV. Hen. St. at Large, p. 533.)
19. By an act passed by the General Assembly in
November, 1738, it was enacted that Sir John Randolph,
knight, treasurer of the revenues arising by two sev-
eral acts, having departed this life, John Robinson, the
younger, esquire, " be appointed " treasurer of the rev-
enues arising from the duty upon liquors and slaves
" to hold the said office so long as he shall
continue to be Speaker of the House of Burgesses, and
from the time of his being out of that office, until the
end of the next session of Assembly." His salary was
fixed at " four pounds in the hundred, and so propor-
tionably for a greater or less sum, . . . out of all
and every the sum and sums of money by him received
and accounted for to the General Assembly." (V. Hen.
St. at Large, pp. 64, 65.)
20. Under section 35 of an act of the General As-
sembly, passed May, 1742, public warehouses for the
inspection of tobacco pursuant to this said act were re-
quired to be kept " in the County of King and Queen
at Shepherd's and Thomas Turner's, under one inspec-
48 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
tion; at Mantapike and Walker Town, on the lot of
Mr. John Walker, under another inspection; and at
Todd's." The salary of the inspector at Shepherd's and
Thomas Turner's land was fixed at thirty-five pounds
of tobacco, at Mantapike and Walker Town at thirty-
five pounds, and at Todd's at forty pounds. (V. Hen.
St. at Large, pp. 142, 144.)
21. In May, 1742, an act was passed entitled, " An
act for dividing the county of King and Queen, and
adding the upper part thereof to the county of Caro-
line." By this act it was provided that after the first
of December, next ensuing, " the said county of King
and Queen be divided by a line to be run from the
upper part of the land of William Wood, on the edge
of Essex County, to the upper part of Captain Rich-
ard Tunstal's land, on Morocosick Creek; and that all
that part of the said county of King and Queen, below
the said creek, be one distinct county and retain the
name of King and Queen County, and that all the other
part thereof, above the said line, be thereafter annexed
and made part of the county of Caroline." (V. Hen.
St. at Large, p. 185.)
22. In May, 1742, an act was passed entitled, " An
act to vest certain entailed lands, parcel of a greater
tract therein mentioned, in George Braxton, the younger,
in fee simple, and for settling other lands of greater
value, to the same uses." (V. Hen. St. at Large, p.
214.)
23. In September, 1744, an act was passed, entitled
" An act to empower the vestry of the parish of Stratton
Major, in the county of King and Queen, to sell the
glebe of the said parish, and to purchase a more con-
venient glebe in lieu thereof." (V. Hen. St. at Large,
p. 251.)
24. By an act passed February, 1741;, "John Rob-
inson, John Blair, and William Nelson, Esquires, mem-
bers of His Majesty's honorable council; John Robin-
son, Esquire, Mr. Secretary Nelson, Richard Randolph,
William Beverley, Beverley Whiting, and Benjamin
Waller, gentlemen, members of the House of Burgesses,
or any six of them, whereof two to be of the council
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 49
and four of the House of Burgesses," were appointed
a committee for the revisal of the whole body of the
laws of His Majesty's colony and dominion. (V. Hen.
St. at Large, p. 321.)
25. In October, 1748, an act was passed entitled
" An act for establishing county courts, and for regu-
lating and settling the proceedings therein," and the
county court of the county of King and Queen was re-
quired to be held on the second Tuesday in every month.
(V. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 489, 490.)
26. In November, 1753, an act was passed entitled,
" An act for clearing Mattapony River," by which act
Richard Corbin, Esquire, John Robinson, Esquire,
Lunsford Lomax, Edmund Pendleton, ThomasTurner,
Henry Robinson, John Baylor, and Thomas Johnson,
gentlemen, were appointed trustees and authorized and
empowered to receive subscriptions and to contract with
any person or persons for clearing the Mattapony River,
by removing all stops which in anywise obstructed the
navigation of the same, as far upstream as Burke's
bridge, in the county of Caroline. (VI. Hen. St. at
Large, p. 394.)
27. In March, 1762, the following act was passed
by the General Assembly: "An act to empower the
vestries of the parishes of Drysdale, in the counties of
Caroline and King and Queen, and of St. Stephen, in
the said county of King and Queen, to sell their glebes,
and lay out the money in purchasing more convenient
glebes." (VII. Hen. St. at Large, p. 513.)
28. By an act passed November, 1762, entitled,
" An act for raising a Publick Levy," it is recited that,
whereas a balance is due to the public from the county
of King and Queen of $6,985.00, assessed on tobacco,
the sheriff shall sell the said tobacco levied on for public
purposes, to the highest bidder, etc. Presumably this
tobacco was in the public warehouses of the county.
(VII. Hen. St. at Large, p. 544.)
29. An act was passed November, 1762, establish-
ing a public pilotage and regulating fees therefor, by
which it was provided that from West Point to Shep-
herd's the pilot fee should be six pence, and from West
50 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Point to Meredith's, Moore's or the highest landing up
the Mattapony River, one shilling. (VII. Hen. St. at
Large, pp. 580, 583.)
30. In November, 1762, an act was passed entitled,
" An act for adding part of the county of King and
Queen to the county of Caroline, and for altering^ the
Court day of the said county of King and Queen," by
which it was provided that after the lOth day of Feb-
ruary, next ensuing, the said county should be " divided
by a line to be run from Morocosick Creek, at the mouth
of Beverley Run, thence up the said run and the South
Fork which Beverley's mill stands on to the head thereof,
and from thence by a straight line to be run east to the
line between the said county and the county of Essex;
and that all that part of the said county which lies above
the said bounds shall be united to, and made part of, the
said county of Caroline." It was also provided by the
said act that after the said lOth day of February, next
ensuing, that the County Court of the said county of
King and Queen was to be held on the second Monday
in every month. (VII. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 620,
621.)
31. An act was passed October, 1764, entitled,
" An act for establishing the landing place from Fraser's
Ferry to the causeway opposite thereto." It was recited
in said act that the guardian of the infant children of
George Braxton, esquire, deceased, who were seized of
the reversion of the lands adjoining the said causeway,
had consented thereto. (VIII. Hen. St. at Large, p.
49-)
32. By an act passed October, 1765, the public ware-
houses at Shepherd's and Thomas Turner's were placed
under one inspection; at Mantapike, at Walker Town,
on the land of Mr. Baylor Walker, and at Waller's
Ferry in the county of King William, under one inspec-
tion; and at Todd's, under one inspection. (VIII. Hen.
St. at Large, p. 78.)
33. By an act passed November, 1766, the Speaker
of the House of Burgesses was given a salary of 500
pounds sterling per annum, and it was provided that
thereafter the offices of Treasurer and of Speaker of
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 51
the House of Burgesses should be separate and distinct.
(VIII. Hen. St. at Large, p. 210.)
34. By an act passed November, 1766, it was recited
that John Robinson having departed this hfe since the
previous session of Assembly, the Lieutenant-Governor
of the Colony had appointed Robert Carter Nicholas
Treasurer in his place, and thereupon by said act he was
appointed to hold the office during the continuance of
the present General Assembly and afterward to the end
of the next session of General Assembly. (VIII. Hen.
St. at Large, p. 211.)
35. By the recital of an act passed in November,
1766, It appears that Robert Beverley, Esquire, then
deceased, was, in his lifetime, seized of a valuable estate
in lands, known by the name of Beverley Park, situate
in the parish of Drysdale, in the counties of Caroline
and of King and Queen, and containing 7,600 acres.
(VIII. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 227, 228.)
36. In November, 1766, an act was passed entitled,
" An act to empower the administrators of the estate of
John Robinson, Esquire, deceased, to sell such parts of
his real or personal estate as to them shall seem most
convenient for the payment of his debts; " by which it
was recited that John Robinson was greatly indebted for
the balance of the public money in his hands, as well
as to many private persons. By said act Peyton Ran-
dolph, Esquire, Edmund Pendleton, and Peter Lyons,
gentlemen, administrators of the estate of the said John
Robinson, were empowered to sell such portion of the
said lands as they deemed most advantageous, etc.
(VIII. Hen. St. at Large, p. 272.)
37. An act was passed November, 1769, entitled,
" An act for the more speedy and effectual recovery of
the debt due to the public from the estate of the late
treasurer." (VIII. Hen. St. at Large, p. 349.)
38. By an act passed in 1769 it was recited that
George Brooke was seized in fee simple of a tract of
land called Mantapike, containing about seven hundred
and eighty acres, lying on said (Mattapony) river, in
the county of King and Queen, and by him purchased of
Tunstall Banks; and by said act the fee-simple title was
52 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
vested in said George Brooks in lieu of an estate tail.
(VIII. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 474, 475.)
39. In February, 1772, an act was passed entitled,
" An act to amend an act entitled an act for clearing
Mattapony River." By this act Richard Corbin and
John Page, esquires, and Edmund Pendleton, Walker
Paliaferro, George Brooke, William Aylett, Anthony
Thornton, John Armistead, William Nelson, Jr., John
Baylor, Jr., and John Jones, gentlemen, were appointed
trustees to carry out the intent of the act, that is, to
clear the river to Burk's bridge, etc. (VIII. Hen. St.
at Large, p. 579-) , • , ^
40. In February, 1772, an act was passed entitled,
" An act to vest certain intailed lands, whereof Philip
Ludwell Grymes, gentleman, is seized, in WiUiam
Roane, gentleman, in fee simple." (VIII. Hen. St.
at Large, 630.)
41. By an act passed February, 1772, entitled "An
act to dock the intail of certain lands whereof William
Todd, gentleman, is seised, and for other purposes
therein mentioned," it was recited that Thomas Todd,
formerly of the county of Gloucester, gentleman, was,
in his lifetime, seised of a considerable estate in lands,
and among others of a large and valuable tract of land
lying on the Mattapony River, in the county of King and
Queen, and of another tract containing about one thou-
sand acres lying on the Dragon Swamp in the parish of
St. Stephen in said county of King and Queen, etc.
(VIII. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 631, 632.)
42. In May, 1777, an act was passed entitled " An
act for dissolving the vestries of several parishes." It
is recited in the preamble of this act that " there are
such divisions in the parish of Stratton Major in the
county of King and Queen that the affairs of the said
parish have been for some time neglected," and by this
act it was enacted, on that account, that the freeholders
and housekeepers of the said parish should meet at some
convenient time and place, to be appointed and pub-
licly advertised by the sheriff of the county, at least one
month before the 15th day of July, next ensuing, and
" then and there elect twelve of the most able and dis-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 5S
creet persons, being freeholders and resident in the par-
ish, for vestrymen, who should thereafter, being so
elected, take and subscribe the oaths required by law."
It was further recited In said act as follows: "And
whereas the levies of the said parish of Stratton Major,
for some time last passed, have not been laid by the
vestry thereof, whereby the creditors of the said
parish remain unpaid: Be it therefore enacted. That
the vestry of the said parish, to be elected by virtue of
this act, shall levy and assess upon the tithable persons
of the said parish all such sums of money and quantities
of tobacco, as ought to have been levied and assessed by
the said vestry." (XI. Hen. St. at Large, pp. 317, 318.)
43. In October, 1779, an act was passed entitled,
" An act for dividing the parish of Drysdale, in the
counties of Caroline and King and Queen." By this di-
vision that part of the parish lying east of the line " to
begin at the lower corner of the land of John Page,
Esq., upon Mattapony River, and run along his lower
line and those of Christopher Smith, Anthony Scale,
and Frederick Phillips, to the corner of the lands of
Edmund Pendleton, the elder, Esq., and Edmund Jones;
thence along the lines between them to Morocosick
Creek; thence up the creek to the mouth of Phillips'
Run; thence up the said Run to Digge's upper line;
thence along that line and the course thereof continued
to the line of Essex County," was separated from the
part lying west of the line described and was to retain
the name of Drysdale. By the same act Edmund Pen-
dleton, the elder, William Lyne, Anthony Thornton,
Jun., Thomas Coleman, Mungo Roy, and James Up-
shaw, gentlemen, were appointed commissioners to sell
and convey " the present glebe and buildings " belong-
ing to the parish " for ready money or on credit, as
to them shall appear most advisable," and " that the
money arising from the sale thereof shall be equally
divided between the said parishes of Drysdale and
Saint Asaph " (the new parish formed) , except that they
were to appoint one or more disinterested persons to
value the two churches then in the said parish of Drys-
dale and they were to deduct from the money any excess
54 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
of value of one church over the other. (X. Hen. St. at
Large, p. 209.)
44. In October, 1784, an act was passed entitled,
" An act to amend the act for clearing Mattapony
River." By this act it was provided, " That as soon as
the trustees under the said former acts shall have re-
moved all obstructions to the navigation thereof in the
manner therein directed, so that a boat carrying eight
hogsheads of tobacco can freely and safely pass as high
as Burk's bridge, from thenceforth the proprietors of
the land on both sides of the said river below the said
bridge, having notice thereof, shall be obliged to take
up, remove and destroy all artificial obstructions which
may be placed therein contiguous to or opposite his or
her land, under the penalty of forfeiting and paying
the sum of five pounds for every twelve hours the same
shall be or remain therein." By the same act the trus-
tees were authorized to open the navigation of the river
above Burk's bridge, under certain conditions. (XI.
Hen. St. at Large, p. 530.)
45. In October, 1785, an act was passed, entitled,
" An act to repeal the act of Assembly for establishing
the Town of Walkerton." This act is in the following
language :
" BE it enacted by the General Assembly, That the
act of Assembly for establishing the town of Walkerton,
in the County of King and Queen, shall be, and the same
is hereby repealed. That forty acres of land, which
were by deed bearing date the thirteenth day of June,
one thousand seven hundred and nine, given and granted
by John Walker, deceased, for the use of the inhabitants
of the said town, as a common, shall be, and the same
are hereby revested in the legal representatives of the
said John Walker in fee : Provided always. That noth-
ing herein contained shall be construed to affect the right
of any person to a lot or part of a lot in the said place,
or to discontinue the public road to, or ferry across,
Mattapony River from the said town." (Although
diligent search has been made I have been unable to find
the act establishing the town of Walkerton, referred to
in the above act. (XII. Hen. St. at Large, p. 207.)
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 55
46. An act was passed October, 1788, entitled, " An
act for opening and improving the navigation of Matta-
pony River," By this act Edmund Pendleton, William
Nelson, John Baylor, Edmund Pendleton, Jr., John
Hoomes, John Page, Mungo Roy, John Taylor, Fran-
cis Corbin, Benjamin Temple, Larkin Smith, Anderson
Scott, Anthony New, and Lawrence Battalle were ap-
pointed trustees " for clearing, improving, and extending
the navigation of the said river, from Todd's bridge,
in the counties of King William and King and Queen,
as far up the same as they may judge it practicable, so
as to have a sufficient depth and width of water to navi-
gate boats, batteaus, or canoes, capable of carrying four
hogsheads of tobacco," and they were authorized to take
and receive subscriptions for that purpose. They were
authorized also to demand and receive, " for all com-
modities transported up or down the same, tolls not
exceeding those imposed by the act entitled, ' An act
for opening and extending the navigation of Potow-
mack River.' " The trustees were declared to be
incorporated by the name and title of the Mattapony
Trustees, and might sue and be sued as such. (XII.
Hen. St. at Large, pp. 698-701.)
47. There was an act passed in October, 1791, en-
titled, " An act to amend the act for opening and im-
proving the navigation of Mattapony River," whereby
the board of trustees was reduced to eleven, who were
named, as follows: " Edmund Pendleton, Francis Cor-
bin, John Baylor, Edmund Pendleton, junior, John
Hoomes, Mungo Roy, John Taylor, Nathaniel Burwell,
Joseph Hilliard, junior, James Pendleton, and Thomas
Martin," any five of whom could act. (XIII. Hen.
St. at Large, pp. 286-287.)
CHAPTER VI
CHURCH HOUSES AND OLD HOMES
The fathers of the Colony had high ideals regarding
their homes, and notably their church homes for the
worship of God. Think of Greenway Court, Westover,
Shirley, Brandon, and many others on the James.
Settlers in King and Queen brought this high standard
with them and lived up to it when their means allowed.
It will be borne in mind that the Colony was started
under English auspices. It came naturally from this,
forasmuch as the parent state and the church, which was
the Church of England, were indissolubly joined in one,
that the worship and forms of that church were para-
mount and that it stood without a rival in the Colony.
Citizens were taxed without discrimination, for the
support of the one church, and the poor fellow who came
short in paying was heavily fined. By and by, when
Presbyterians, Quakers, Methodists, and Baptists be-
gan to show their faces and to assert what they regarded
as their God-given rights, in the public proclamation of
their doctrines, they were repressed with an iron heel.
And so the Church of England had its own way in the
Colony, and used in large part governmental aid in the
support of its ministers, and in the erection of church
houses. These last were built, truly, with a wise fore-
cast looking to the future. Beginning at a point near
the coast, there appears to have been a cordon of church
houses erected about ten miles apart, houses of massive
brick walls, not infrequently in the shape of a cross,
with family pews raised to the height of four or five
feet, a splendid pulpit at one angle, overlooking the en-
tire floor, and a reading desk below, while the Creed,
Lord's Prayer, and Ten Commandments were engraved
in gilt letters on the wall at the east end.
Time, natural decay, and neglect have destroyed many
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 57
of these splendid edifices, but a few of them have been
preserved, notably Christ Church and Abingdon, in
Gloucester; and Mattapony, four miles above the Court-
house in King and Queen, the latter having been taken
up and restored by the Baptists in after years. Some ac-
count of the last named, presenting it as it stood a hun-
dred years ago, and as the writer saw it in his childhood,
may be of interest. The walls were nearly three feet
thick from the foundation to a point about three feet
above the ground. It was constructed of bricks, most
of them apparently moulded at the place. The walls,
reduced somewhat in thickness as they ascended, rose to
about twenty feet, where the roof was set on, a roof
composed of timbers so massive as to excite wonder in
the minds of beholders. The longer end of the cross
in which the house was builded looked toward the west,
and there apparently was the principal entrance, though
there were doors also in the walls, looking to the north
and south. The eastern walls were without any open-
ing from the ground up. The floor was almost on a
level with the ground. The walls and the roof were
plastered in lime, the wainscoting reaching some four
feet above the floor, and the walls rising thence to the
curve in which they joined the roof. The plastering has
long since decayed, and within the roof has been re-
placed by pine painted in oil; but the great walls seem
built as for eternity. Here the Lumpkins, the Braxtons,
the Corbins, the Harwoods, and many other honorable
families worshiped — all of them now sleeping their last
sleep.
The writer well remembers the high family pews, —
with seats running round them on three sides, for patri-
arch, wife and children, and the stout door to shut them
in, — the splendid pulpit, ascended by means of a balus-
trade and steps, the great sounding-board overhead,
and the chancel, too, ornamented in gilt and gold, with
table of the Law and Creed; and a reading desk
on the floor under the pulpit. The scene which caught
one's eye on entering the house impressed the mind of
childhood with solemn awe and reverence, and could
never be forgotten. Some of the aisles were paved with
58 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
marble slabs. This house, we think we can say with
confidence, was built as early as 1690. A marble slab,
just outside the north door, covers the remains of
Colonel Jacob Lumpkin, with this inscription :
Jacob Lumpkin.
Obit 14 die September, 1708, ^tatis 64.
Dux Militum, Victor Hostium,
Morte Victus, Pax Adsit, Fives Requies,
Eterna Sepultis.
Near the south door, are two memorials of George
and Mary Braxton, of Newington, parents of Carter
Braxton, who signed the Declaration of Independence;
while without in the capacious grounds lie the remains
of a host of unknown dead. Monuments also are
erected here to many who have died in later years, and
the graves are often surmounted by structures more or
less elegant.
It seems impossible for one to visit this spot without
being reminded of verses from Gray's Elegy:
" Beneath those rugged elms, that yew tree's shade,
Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap,
Each in his narrow cell forever laid,
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep."
" Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid
Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire;
Hands that the rod of empire might have swayed,
Or waked to ecstasy the living lyre."
" Some village Hampden, that with dauntless breast
The little tyrant of his fields withstood ;
Some mute, inglorious Milton here may rest;
Some Cromwell, guiltless of his country's blood."
As was suggested above, this house is now held by
the Baptists as a place of worship. The question is
natural. How has this come about? It should be re-
membered that during the Revolution of 1776 the estab-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 59
lished Church of England, along with kingly authority,
went down under the leadership of Jefferson and Madi-
son. It followed from this that church houses of the
Establishment were dishabilitated.
This house was for many years unoccupied and neg-
lected. Tradition said that birds of the air built their
nests, and beasts of the field had resort within Its con-
secrated walls.
In the year 1803, Major Thomas Jeffries, Captain
Robert Courtney, who afterwards served in the War of
18 12, and other citizens, being at the time identi-
fied with no church, but feeling the need of the stated
worship of God, came hither, and at some expense to
themselves, cleansed the house, and invited the people to
meet together in it, and worship the Lord God of Hosts.
Rev. William Todd, then a young man of the Baptist
faith, and deputy clerk, under his chief, Robert Pollard,
Sr., was invited to lead in the worship. He was then
a member of Bruington Church. By and by he was
regularly ordained by a Presbytery of his brethren, and
was privileged to baptize a few into the fellowship of
this faith. Among these were Colonel John Pollard,
Mrs. Mary Hall, and others.
From adjacent churches also, accessions were made,
among the rest. Captain Courtney, John Redd, Captain
Hall, Miss Priscilla Pollard, and some others.
In 1828, Colonel Pollard, with the encouragement
and aid of other citizens, secured from the Governor of
the State a warrant authorizing the Baptists to use and
occupy the house with adjacent grounds, and a deed was
given them to that effect. It should be remembered
that glebe, and other property in the Commonwealth be-
longing to the Church of England, had long since been
confiscated by formal act of the Legislature of Virginia.
The old so-called " Apple Tree Church," where
doubtless the Robertsons, the Wilsons, and many about
Dunkirk and Ayletts, attended worship, stood on the
river road, some four miles above Walkerton, and on
lands now held by John N. Ryland, Sr., Esq. It has
long since become a mouldering ruin, and nothing re-
mains but a few scattering bricks to tell of its ancient
60 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
glory. The so-called " Old Church " still stands some
two miles below Little Plymouth, and is used by the
Methodists.
There was also a church house of the Establishment
on the land of Lieutenant Robert Roy, some miles still
lower down, which has also gone into decay. There
were three parishes, each covering a part of King and
Queen, Stratton Major below, and Drysdale above, St.
Stephens intervening.
In more modern times, it is scarcely necessary to add,
church houses creditable to the citizens, have been
erected throughout the length of the county, by the
Methodists, Shackelford's, (below Centreville) , Provi-
dence (northward from Stevensville) , Shepherd's, and
Walkerton; by the Baptists, Poroporone, Olivet, lower
King and Queen, Exol, Bruington, St. Stephens, and up-
per King and Queen; and Smyrna, by the Disciples. The
Protestant Episcopalians have erected a neat chapel at
King and Queen Courthouse, with ample grounds
about it. These houses are statedly filled with large
congregations of devout worshipers. As a rule, a
devout religious sentiment, coupled with the spirit of
worship fulness, is a characteristic mark of the people,
and has been for many years.
LOWER ST. Stephen's parish church — .now
MATTAPONY
By Rev. John Moncure, D. D.
There is a section of Virginia where the Church once
flourished; where, in Colonial days, our people from the
motherland came to make their new homes, bringing
with them the religious teachings handed down through
the ages by their forefathers, and building houses of
worship in the land of their adoption. Time has
wrought many changes, and among them the elimina-
tion alike of name and memory of many of these houses.
In the northern part of the county of Middlesex and
throughout the counties of King William and King and
Queen there is not one Colonial church where the serv-
ices of the Book of Common Prayer are read to-day.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 61
Yet time was when it was the book of worship of the
country. In this section there are no less than six, and
probably more, Colonial churches which are now occu-
pied by other religious bodies, they having been aban-
doned by their original occupants more than a hundred
years ago.
Among these venerable buildings is the Old Brick
or Lower Church of St. Stephen's Parish, King and
Queen County. It stands in the southern section of the
county, near the King William line, about three miles
from the Mattapony River, in a body of woods in which
are many of the fine old trees that, like the church, have
been identified with the lives of those who worshiped in
the latter and now sleep their dreamless slumber under
their branches and its walls. Could the whisperings of
the winds through the branches of these giants of the
forest be translated into words and become the story of
long-gone days, many indeed would be the interesting
lives which would be brought to light.
The building is of brick; whether brought from Eng-
land in accordance with the prevalent tradition or not,
is not known. For solidity of construction and archi-
tectural beauty it has not its superior, and probably not
its equal, among the churches of Old Virginia. The
walls are three feet in thickness. The brickwork is as
nearly perfect as is known in the mason's art, the mor-
tar being of adamantine hardness and looking as fresh
as if it had been spread but a few months, showing the
marks of the trowel with peculiar clearness. The bricks
are alternately glazed and plain, this arrangement con-
tributing greatly to the quaintness and beauty. The
joists and the great timbers under the roof are of oak
and poplar, some being so large that one's arms can
scarcely more than span them. They are as firm and
sound throughout as when first put in place: this after
a duration of two hundred years.
The church is cruciform, of lofty proportions, and
was built to seat about seven hundred people. Origi-
nally the aisles were laid with flagstones, but these have
long since been removed. The ceilings are vaulted, in
designs that are churchly and very attractive.
62 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
At the north angle of the cross once stood the old
" three-decker " pulpit with the great sounding-board,
without which no Colonial church was complete. These
two have passed away. In the east end of the cross was
the chancel, with its reredos, on which in gilt letters are
painted the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, and
the Ten Commandments, with the name of God in He-
brew above them. It is Gothic in form, being sur-
rounded and adorned at the apex and comers by repre-
sentations of lighted tapers. The coloring is still rich
and beautiful, and a retouch would make this reredos
one of the most beautiful of its kind in Virginia.
The churchyard is not less interesting than the church
itself. Here are the tombs of some, and the unidenti-
fied graves of very many, who were doubtless of the
leading people of the State. At the southeastern corner
of the church are the graves of George Braxton, Esq.,
and his wife, the parents of Carter Braxton, a signer of
the Declaration of Independence. Over each is a mar-
ble slab, in which the inscriptions are scarcely decipher-
able, but with some difficulty one may read that of Mr.
Braxton, as follows: "Here lies the body of George
Braxton, Esq., who departed this life the first day of
July, 17 1 8, in the -ist year of his age, leaving issue a
son and two daughters. He died much lamented; a
good Christian, tender parent, kind master, a friendly,
charitable neighbor."
Before the door leading into the north transept is a
marble slab. One must almost step on it in entering the
church. The inscription, thanks to interested friends of
Virginia antiquities, has been rechiseled. It reads as
follows: "Jacob Lumpkin, Obit 14 die September,
1708. ^tatis 64. Dux Militum, Victor Hostium,
Morte Victus. Pax adsit, vives requies, Eterna
Sepultis."
So many are the unmarked and entirely defaced
graves that, to avoid digging into them, those who use
the churchyard now must bury their dead quite a dis-
tance from the building.
There is very little to learn from the church in refer-
ence to its history, — only a fragment here and there.
CH OF St. Steven's Parish, now Mattaponv Church
d tomb of Captain Jacob Lumpkin,
place of father and mother of Carter Braxton
obit. 1708.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 63
On a brick over the southern or front door Is the name
" David MInltree," and on another brick the letters
" W. L." The name, Thomas Hogg, is over one of the
windows. As to who these were, there Is, as with the
sleepers in the churchyard, the great silence.
The Bible of the old church has been rescued from
the ravages of the past. It gives Its testimony as to the
name and antiquity of the church, which might other-
wise not be known. It is a well-preserved book, bound
In undressed calf. On the back is the name " Brick
Church." On a fly-leaf. In a very legible hand, the ink
being remarkably well preserved, are the words: " The
Lower Church of St. Stephen's Parish, in King and
Queen. Anno 1733, June."
The font is also among the articles preserved. It Is
of attractive design, the bowl large enough to contain
about ten gallons of water. It was, many years ago,
presented to the Old Fork Church, In Hanover, where
It now Is In use.
Little Is known positively of the rectors and people
who worshiped In the old church. Bishop Meade men-
tions the parish and some interesting facts concerning
It, but his statements are based upon merely fragmentary
testimony. Among other things he says: "This par-
ish was probably established In 1691, there being no
account certain of It." In a footnote he states that In
1724 the Rev. John Goodwin was minister. The parish
was thirty miles long, and had three hundred families
and sixty communicants. The first minister of whom
there is record was the Rev. John Skalfe, who was In
charge In 171 1. He is mentioned in Dr. Dashlel's
work on the " Councils In Virginia." Others were the
Revs. H. Dunbar, 1753, and Thomas Andrews, 1793.
There Is a part of the county, called Dunbar, which can
trace Its name to the clergyman. A remarkably fine
apple has been produced on this place, and Is called the
" Dunbar." His name lives in a good fruit, typical, let
It be hoped, of a life fruitful In good works.
The names of Anderson Scott and Henry Young ap-
pear as lay delegates In 1785, and those of Thomas Hill
and William Fleet in 1796. The building was not used
64 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
much after the Revolution, and finally was entirely de-
serted, and remained so for fifty years. In 1824 the
Baptists began using It, occupying It for twelve years
before, by a grant from the Governor of Virginia, they
became Its owners. They have been in possession ever
since, and some of the most aggressive and useful works
of that denomination in Virginia have emanated from
those who worshiped In the old church.
Many Baptist ministers in this and foreign lands have
received their religious training here. The first minis-
ter of the body here was the Rev. William Todd, a man
of great usefulness and consecration. His influence was
so great that in the old Bible Is written " Todd's Meet-
ing House," as the name of the church when he was
minister. It is now known as the Old Mattapony
Church. One of the most useful laymen under Mr.
Todd was Mr. Pollard, who, with his wife, was among
the first members and most earnest worshipers. It was
through his Interest that his people became owners of
the building after Its abandonment, and it Is through the
kindness and courtesy of a descendant of his, Mr. Rob-
ert Pollard, who lives near by, and who is a deacon of
the church, that much of the foregoing account has been
obtained.
The interior of the church has been remodeled, the
old floor being covered by one of plank raised two feet
above the original foundation. The chancel is parti-
tioned off, but behind it is the old reredos. In exca-
vating beneath the chancel to arrange a baptistry, In
1855, human remains were found, supposedly those of
the first rector. These were reverently relnterred be-
neath the church.
MATTAPONY CHURCH RECORDS
1842 Jan. 8th. — The term of Bro. Evans, who occu-
pied our pulpit every 4th Sunday, having expired, Bro.
R. H. Bagby, who had been licensed to preach, was
called to supply his place and the call accepted.
1842 July 9th. — Bro. R. H. Bagby regularly or-
dained to the ministery.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 65
Bro. Collins, of Pittsburg, Penn., a noted revivalist,
being providentially with us, at his instance a protracted
meeting was commenced. Preaching and prayer was
held at the church during the day and from house to
house at night. The religious feeling produced by the
preaching of Bro. Collins and others was so great that
nearly every family was brought under its influence, not
only in this community, but throughout the whole sur-
rounding country, and the interest continued to extend,
until it became the greatest revival of religion ever
known in this section of the country. Hundreds were
added to the churches; to this church alone, on the 17th
of July, 1842, were baptized 45 white and 37 colored,
and on August 14th, 28 white and 25 colored, — total
135. The interest continued and many more were
brought into the church.
1842 Dec. loth. — Bro. R. H. Bagby dismissed to
join Bruington Church, being called to the pastorate of
that church. It seems that he continued to preach at
Mattapony till Aug., 1843.
When Mr. John Bagby died he had over 50 grand-
children, many great-grandchildren, and one great-
great-grandchild. This would be interesting to many.
By B. H. W.
I propose to write some account of the people, old
colonial seats, and incidents connected with the people
of long ago, on and near the Mattapony River.
'^THE mount''
If my information is correct, the home of the Todd
family near Dunkirk, called " The Mount," is the old-
est colonial residence on the upper waters of the Mat-
tapony.
When the Todds first came to this country they set-
tled in Gloucester County, at Toddsbury. One of the
family accompanied Gov. Spottswood on his expedition
over the Blue Ridge Mountains, and was one of the
Knights of the Horse Shoe. One branch of the family
moved to King and Queen and made a home near Dun-
66 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
kirk, which place at first was called Todds. There they
acquired large possessions in lands and built on a very
commanding bluff overlooking the Mattapony flats and
river. The original owner was William Todd, who
married a Miss Waring and died leaving a large fam-
ily. The oldest son, also called William, inherited,
under the law of primogeniture, all the landed estate,
and Mrs. Todd was left comparatively poor with a
number of sons. Being a woman of energy and judg-
ment, she opened a hotel at Dunkirk, and, being suc-
cessful, was enabled to educate her children, sending one
son to Edinburgh, Scotland, to be educated as a
physician.
There is a tradition that this place, now known as
the " Mount," was the residence of Henry Edmond
Washington (see Thackeray's "The Virginians"),
and called by him " Fanny's Mount," after his wife,
who was Fanny Mountain.
William Todd, 2d, left two daughters, one of whom
married Samuel G. Fauntleroy, Sr., and the other Mr.
Macon of Hanover. Mr. Fauntleroy was the last man
in the county to use the coach and four. He continued
to take his family to Brulngton Church In his
coach and four long after other families had discontin-
ued the custom.
So this large landed estate passed from the Todds to
the Fauntleroys, and some of It Is still held by them.
MONTVILLE'
On the King William side of the river Is the village
of Ayletts, founded by the family of that name. Philip
Aylett did not build " Montville " on the river, but on
the hills near the village of Ayletts. (It was not a
colonial residence.) He married a daughter of Patrick-.
Henry. His son. General William Aylett, inherited
the old home, and after him, his son. Colonel W^. R.
Aylett.
On the hills overlooking Ayletts lived Robert (called
Robin) Pollard, who for many years was clerk of King
William. He was noted as a fox hunter, and for many
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 67
years chased Reynard successfully. He wore on his
hunting suit large silver buttons, which were objects of
admiration to me in my early childhood.
""^^ '-■- u cjjATHAM HILL."
Just below Ayletts on the King and Queen side was
the residence of Joseph Temple, called " Chatham
Hill," after the residence of Sir William Temple of
England. His estate was a small one, but he raised a
large family of children. Across on the King William
side lived his brother, William Temple, in a large, com-
modious house, without children.
" PRESKILE "
Near by on the King William side is Preskile (or
Presquile). I am unable to learn much of this old
country seat. (Since writing the above I have become
satisfied that Preskile was the residence of William Tem-
ple, brother of Joseph Temple of " Chatham Hill.")
Early in the nineteenth century it was owned by Dr.
Barrett, but I do not know that his family built the
original home.
" NORTH BANK "
Opposite to this place is " North Bank," another old
colonial building. The early history of this place is
not known to me. Some seventy-five or one hundred
years ago it was owned by Mr. Benjamin Pollard,
brother of Robin Pollard of King William. He lost
his wife in early life, and always after lived a widower
with one daughter. He kept open house, and the sport-
ing gentlemen of the surrounding country frequently
resorted there for hunting, card-playing, etc. Among
those who would come there for the good dinners and
liquors was a man named Gatewood, who, though a
member of the church, was fond of his dram. His con-
science was not altogether easy on the subject, and he
was accustomed to say, when taking his liquor, " What
little I drink don't hurt me." Among others who fre-
68 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
quented Mr. Pollard's house was Tom Redd, a wit and
boon companion, who was too fond of his cups, but,
taking the cue from Mr, Gatewood, would say, " What
little I drink don't hurt me." He would repeat that in
Mr. Gatewood's presence until it had become very ob-
noxious to him, and he had come to dislike Tom Redd
very much. Upon one occasion, when a party of gen-
tlemen were at Mr. Pollard's, Mr. Gatewood rode up.
Mr. Pollard invited him in. He inquired if Mr. Redd
was there, and the gentleman, in fun, assured him that
he was not, while in fact he was, but had hid himself in
a closet near the sideboard on which the liquors were
placed. Being satisfied that Tom Redd was not there,
Mr. Gatewood came in, and as he raised his glass to
his mouth, Tom Redd poked his head out and said,
" What little I drink don't hurt me." Mr. Gatewood
instantly put down his glass without drinking his toddy,
and mounted his horse and rode away.
" BEUDLEY " (the RESIDENCE OF THE LATE BISHOP
latane)
Near by on the King and Queen side is Beudley, built,
I suppose, by Captain Mariott, a Scotch gentleman.
He used to say that the place was called Beudley in
" grandeur." He married the widow of John Walker,
who was born a Baylor and left by her first husband
three children, Baylor, Susannah, and Elizabeth. By
her second marriage there were no children, and as her
children were all in affluent circumstances, she left a
part of her landed estate, called Smithfield, consist-
ing of a thousand acres, to St. Stephen's parish, the in-
come from it to be applied to the education of the poor
children in that parish. Since the Civil War this land
has been diverted from its original purpose and sold
to individual parties.
Across the river lived the Roanes, an old and influ-
ential family, but they, as far as I know, had no colo-
nial seat.
John Roane, Sr., represented his district In Congress
for many years, and was succeeded by his son, John
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 69
Roane, Jr. The life of the latter was a very dissolute
one, and, being exposed unrelentingly by John Gwath-
mey, was the cause of his defeat. I do not now remem-
ber the gentleman who succeeded him. His brother,
Newman Roane, married the daughter of William
Gregory. When they were standing before the parson
he was asked for the license. He put his hand in his
vest pocket and then said, " Total neglect." Though
there was no license, the fathers of the bride and groom
consenting, the ceremony was performed. The mar-
riage was an unhappy one, and was dissolved by the
legislature (the courts not having jurisdiction over di-
vorce at that time) on the ground of cruelty. One son
resulted from that marriage, Colonel Junius B. Roane.
Another portion of the family lived at Goshen in King
and Queen. Judge Spencer Roane, at one time one of
the judges of the Supreme Court of Virginia, was a
member of that branch of the family.
" CANTERBURY "
Situated near Beudley is Canterbury, the home of the
Gwathmeys. That family has held it in possession for
perhaps one hundred and fifty years, and still owns the
old home, though much of the original farm has passed
into other hands. Early in the history of the place it
was owned by Owen Gwathmey. Between him and
William Temple, who lived at Rose Mount, there was
a bitter feud, and one night, as William Temple sat by
his open window, he was severely wounded in his head
and shoulder from a shotgun held by a negro. The
negro was arrested and confessed that he was instigated
to commit the crime by Mr. Gwathmey. At that day
the testimony of a slave could not be taken against a
white man, nor could a slave be hung, and so he was
transported.
" WHITE HALL "
The next colonial house is White Hall, the seat of the
Garlick family. It passed out of their hands some
seventy-five or one hundred years ago. When I first
knew the place it was owned by Mr. James Govan,
70 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
called at that time in some unaccountable way, " Giv-
ings." Mr. Govan married a daughter of Samuel G.
Fauntleroy, and was a man of considerable fortune and
very aristocratic in his feelings. His wife went to church
in her two-horse carriage, his children in a barouche,
and he in his sulky with fine horse and trappings. I
remember that my interest and admiration was excited
by his silver saddle stirrups. This fine old place is now
in the hands of foreigners, who have no regard for its
history and the honored dead who lie in its cemetery.
"locust grove" (formerly "rye field")
After this old seat comes " Rye Field," now called
Locust Grove, the seat of the Walker family.
Late in the seventeenth century. Colonel Thomas
Walker, the third of that name, obtained from King
James II. of England a grant of land fronting for ten
miles on the Mattapony. Soon after settling there they
founded Walkerton, built a large stone house and gran-
ary, a large flour mill, cooper shops, cotton gin and com-
press, etc. Colonel Walker built his home on the sec-
ond rise from the river, as in that early day there was
great danger of a surprise by the Indians to those living
immediately on the bank of the river. As there was
constant danger of an uprising of the Indians, he built
a fort or blockhouse near his residence for protection,
not only for his own family, but also for the neighbors,
who would flee to it when danger threatened. This
house was burned and then rebuilt on the banks of the
river a half-mile below the village of Walkerton.
While Colonel Walker was a member of the House
of Burgesses, his daughter, Mary Peachy, was married
to Dr. Gilmer of Williamsburg. He gave her a dowry
of £5000 sterling, and they moved to Albemarle county.
Her marriage was celebrated in St. Clemen's Church of
St. Stephen's parish. This church was allowed to go to
decay, and now even the brickbats have been carted
away. In some unaccountable way this church after-
wards became known as " Apple Tree Church."
Colonel Walker left three children, Mary Peachy,
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 71
John, and Dr. Thomas Walker. The latter also moved
to Albemarle, and married, first, Mildred, widow of
Meriwether, and after her death, Elizabeth
Thornton, first cousin to his first wife and sister of Mil-
dred Thornton, who was the second of the five wives of
Colonel Samuel Washington, brother of General George
Washington. The family seat, Locust Grove, has up
to the present time remained in the Walker family.
Near Locust Grove was the home of the Tunstall
family. The original building has long since gone to
decay. The usual style of the colonial buildings of that
period was a square house with a large hall running
through, two stories high, and with four chimneys. But
the Tunstall house was in the shape of the letter U
with the ends next the river, and a court between the
wings. This place was sold by the Tunstalls to Robert
Temple, son of Joseph Temple of Chatham Hill.
The Tunstalls were prominent in the county and con-
nected with the Brookes of Mantapike, Baylors, Walk-
ers, etc. Some of the family were clerks of the county
for many years. The Mr. Tunstall who was the last
of the family to be clerk of the county, moved across
the county on the Dragon Swamp, and built him a home.
He died about 1790, and his family moved to Norfolk,
where his descendants still reside and have kept the
good family name untarnished. Mr. R. Brooke Tun-
stall, a prominent lawyer of Norfolk, some years ago
came up to King and Queen and visited the old Tun-
stall home on the Mattapony and the home of his grand-
father on the Dragon. While there he met some ne-
groes who told him that they worked the farm, but did
not remain there at night, and when he asked them why
they did not live there, replied that they were afraid
to do so because many years ago some old Tunstalls
lived there, and they were a frolicsome people, and still
came there at night and danced in the parlor. It is a
tradition that Mr. Tunstall was fond of the gayeties and
dissipations that prevailed at that day, and in building
his home made his parlor unusually large, so that there
would be room enough for persons to sit around, while
the dancers occupied the center of the room, and enjoy
72 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
watching the cotillon and the old Virginia reel. That
was before the day of the round and hugging dances.
" ENDFIELD "
I failed to mention the large farm, Endfield, oppo-
site Walkerton, owned in the early history of the county
by the Berkeley family. The family never lived there,
but it was kept for a " quarter," as such places were then
designated. Some eighty or one hundred years ago a
widow Berkeley married a Mr. Cooke, an Episcopal
parson. An anecdote is current in regard to him, that
he was a poor man, and even the horse which he rode
was a borrowed one, and during the marriage ceremony,
when he had to repeat the words, " And with all my
worldly goods I thee endow," some one in the company
said, " There goes the parson's saddlebags."
This farm is still owned by Parson Cooke's descend-
ants.
" HILLSBOROUGH "
Next to the Tunstalls came Hillsborough, built by
Colonel Humphrey Hill. He was a man of large means
and carried on a large mercantile business, buying his
goods in England and sending back cargoes of tobacco.
Up to some twenty years ago the old tobacco warehouse
was still standing. The foundation of this warehouse
was laid on large solid rocks, brought from England as
ballast. This house was well and substantially built.
It has a handsome black-walnut stairway. In this house,
as well as other colonial houses, the chimneys in the
basement have an arched fireplace, but there is no flue
passing upward from the arch. No one has ever ex-
plained to me why such places should be left in the
chimney. They certainly did not strengthen the chim-
ney, and very few bricks were saved by leaving the
opening.
There was an arrangement on this house which I
never saw on any other. Under the second-story win-
dows there were earthenware martin nests in the shape
of flower pots fastened to the house by wooden pegs.
When visiting there, my early morning naps were often
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 73
disturbed by the chattering of the martins. This place
was sold by Mr. Charles Hill, the grandson of Colonel
Humphrey Hill, to William Temple, who made a
present of it to his sister, Mrs. Betsey Henley, the wife
of T. M. Henley; and a member of that family still
owns it.
" RICKAHOC "
The next colonial residence is Rickahoc (pronounced
Rick-a-hoc, with an accent on the " hoc "). The build-
ing was destroyed by fire some thirty years ago. It was
the seat of the Smith family more than one hundred
years ago. Francis Smith represented that district in
Congress prior to the time that the Roanes did so. An
old gentleman, Charles Chilton, told me when I was a
boy, that when he was a boy he visited Rickahoc during
Mr. Smith's life, and that it was then the most elegant
country residence he ever saw. The grounds were well
laid out and ornamented, and the approach to the river,
though steep, was graded and well kept. The interior
of the house was painted in imitation of the President's
house in Washington. The Smith family left the county
perhaps one hundred years ago, and the place has passed
through many hands since.
The Rickahoc building was a one-storied building,
with four rooms and a wide hall on the first floor. The
roof was very steep, and the upper rooms were large
and comfortable.
" MANTUA "
Next to Rickahoc was Mantua. I cannot learn the
early history of this estate. Carter Braxton, the signer
of the Declaration of Independence, owned it once, and
his grandson. Carter M. Braxton, at a later date owned
it and lived there, but before that it was owned by
Charles Hill.
Attached to the Mantua estate is a large marsh. Mr.
Hill conceived the idea that it could be diked and made
arable. He threw up a heavy dike around it and planted
corn on it. The ditching, diking, etc., cost him $5000.
The man who was his manager told me that the corn
74 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
crop was by far the heaviest that he ever saw, and Mr.
Hill realized $5000 from the sale of the corn. Next
year he attempted to raise another corn crop, but the
ground had sunk a foot or more and the muskrats cut
his dike in so many places, letting the water in, that the
crop failed entirely. Then he tried rice, but did not suc-
ceed in that, and so the attempt to make it arable failed;
but since the marsh has returned to its natural condition,
it is one of the finest grounds for sora on the Matta-
pony. I have sometimes fancied that as so much shot
has been used over it, it might ultimately be used as a
lead mine.
" EGGLESTON "
Across the river from Mantua is Eggleston, the colo-
nial home of the Chamberlain family. It passed out
of their hands many years ago, and the many acres of
open land are now mostly overgrown in scrub oak and
briars. One of the Chamberlain family became a sailor
and vessel-owner. He loaded three vessels with grain
and started one evening in March down the river with
all three vessels, but neither he nor his vessels were ever
heard of again. What became of them has been an
entire mystery.
Adjoining the farm Mantua was many years ago a
large manufacturing mill, built in colonial times, from
which large quantities of flour were shipped to the West
Indies.
" HOCKLEY NECK "
Just below this mill is the large farm Hockley Neck,
owned many years ago by Mr. William Gregory, who
at the time lived across the river at Sandy Point. This
farm was always kept as a " quarter " and managed by
an overseer.
" SANDY POINT "
Across the river from Hockley Neck was Sandy
Point, at one time the residence of William Gregory.
The colonial house there was built in 1758 by George
Braxton, the father of Carter Braxton, as a home for
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 75
his son. It soon passed out of the latter's possession,
and Mr. William Gregory purchased it in 1820 from
Mr. William Burnett Brown. This house was burned
in 1830 and rebuilt by Mr. Gregory. There is an old
tradition that while the house was burning Mr. Greg-
ory was very solicitous to get his barrel (?) of silver
out of the burning building. For that, however, I do
not vouch. This information, except that about the
barrel of silver, was given me by my friend, Judge
Roger Gregory. Another tradition in regard to Mr.
William Gregory is that he liked to go to King Wil-
liam Court, which occurred on the fourth Monday in
March, and brag that he had finished planting corn. I
know the fact that it was done at a very early day at his
farm, Hockley Neck.
" MANTAPIKE "
Adjoining Hockley Neck is Mantapike, the home of
the Brooke family for many generations. Colonel
Richard Brooke, the last of the name who lived there,
was a man of distinction and wealth. The building, of
the usual colonial style of that day, stood on the banks
of the Mattapony. Some fifty years ago it was pulled
down and the timbers used in the construction of a more
modern house away from the river. At this place was
a large fishery, at which as many as a thousand shad
were sometimes caught in a day. In the early history of
the country there was a ferry and a road leading to
Williamsburg. On the opposite side of the river, even
now, can be seen the evidence of a wide roadbed
through a long stretch of marsh or lowlands. The tra-
dition is that it was a " national " road leading to Wil-
liamsburg. Mantapike was at one time a place of some
commercial importance, and a shipping point for to-
bacco, having a large tobacco warehouse.
" NEWINGTON "
Adjoining Mantapike was Newington, established
very early in the history of the county by the Lumpkin
family. Very little is known of the family history. At
76 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
the Mattapony Church there Is a marble slab over the
remains of Jacob Lumpkin, with the date 1708. On
the same estate there still exists the foundation of a
large building. The foundation walls are very thick,
but nothing is known of its history.
The place came into the possession of George Brax-
ton early in the eighteenth century, and he commenced
many improvements on it which he never completed.
Becoming involved in debt, he sold it to John Roane,
who raised a family of twelve children; being a man
of large wealth, he left each of the twelve a consider-
able estate. Newington he devised to his son, John
Roane, Jr., who was addicted to drink. He had mar-
ried a Miss Frazier, a lovely girl, but socially beneath
him. This fact preyed on his mind, and one day, in a
drunken condition, he cut her throat and then the throat
of his butler and attempted that of his underbutler, but
the latter hid himself in a barrel and so saved his life.
Mr. Roane was promptly arrested, tried, and con-
demned to death, but the night before the day on which
he was to be hung some friend supplied him with laud-
anum, and he died from the effects of it.
Across the river from Newington was the colonial
home of another family of Hills. Colonel John Hill
was perhaps the last of the family that lived there. My
father, Temple Walker, and his brother, Baylor
Walker, married two of Colonel Hill's daughters. At
that day much of the journeying to visit among the old
families living on the river was done in rowboats. One
spring, when my father was going from his home to
Colonel Hill's, a large sturgeon jumped in his boat, and
when he arrived he told Colonel Hill if he would send
to the landing he could have sturgeon steak for break-
fast. This splendid old mansion was dismantled and
the timbers used to build a modern house at Frazier's
Ferry for Mr. Phil. Gibson.
" MELROSE "
Melrose is the next place in King and Queen on which
was situated a colonial building. I cannot ascertain the
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 77
early history of this place. It was occupied some
seventy-five years ago by the Rowe family, but I do not
know that they were the original owners. This place
was bought since the Civil War by Mr. Jacob Turner,
and he dismantled the house and sold enough bricks
from the walls to pay the purchase money for the place.
HUNTINGDON
Across the river in King William is Huntingdon, the
seat of the Southerland family. It came into the pos-
session of the Gregory family by bequest of Mrs. Fen-
dal Southerland to her granddaughter, who was the
granddaughter of William Gregory and wife of Mr.
Thomas W. S. Gregory. Huntingdon has for many
years been abandoned as a dwelling.
" PLEASANT HILL "
The next colonial residence in King and Queen is
Pleasant Hill, built and for many years occupied by the
Robinson family. It was burned since the Civil War.
Here lived Henry Robinson, for many years Speaker
of the House of Burgesses. Upon one occasion, when
Colonel George Washington was addressing the House,
giving in a modest and hesitating manner an account
of his military operations, Mr. Robinson from the chair
said to him, "Sit down. Colonel Washington; your
modesty equals your courage."
" CHELSEA "
Across the river from Pleasant Hill is Chelsea, the
colonial home of the Moores, a family of considerable
distinction in the early days of the colony. There lived
Bernard Moore, who married a daughter of Governor
Spottswood, and accompanied the latter in his trans-
montane expedition. Chelsea was a splendid old coun-
try seat. It is now in the hands of strangers, and, I
hear, marred by late additions. Up to the time of the
Civil War it remained in the family, being owned by
Mr. Benjamin Robinson, who married a Miss Moore.
78 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
" LANEVILLE "
The next of the colonial seats, as far as I am Informed,
is Laneville, the home for many generations of the Cor-
bin family. I do not know at what time it was built,
but it must have been very early in the history of the
country. At the beginning of the Revolution it is
stated that Governor Dunmore sent many of the
archives of the colony over to Laneville, where they
were deposited in a subterranean cellar connected with
the building. I do not know this, but it is probable if
it be a fact (as it is said to be) that the Corbin who
was then the owner of Laneville was a royalist. I
spent a night at this old place some sixty-five years ago.
It was then still owned by James Park Corbin, but oc-
cupied by Mr. Benjamin Robins. I was impressed with
the length of the building. The middle portion was of
two stories, square built, with four large rooms and a
spacious hall passing through it, and flanked by two
wings in which were pantries, storerooms, servants'
quarters, bedrooms, etc. A tradition is that Colonel
Corbin had his reception and sleeping rooms in one
end of the building, while Mrs. Corbin occupied the
other end, and that when he paid her a visit he ordered
his coach and four and drove in formal style the length
of the house to her reception room. Whether the roy-
alist partisanship of the Corbin family in the days of
the Revolution was a fact or not. Colonel Richard Cor-
bin was a true man at the time of the War of 1812 with
England, and presented the county of King and Queen
with two brass cannon, which, during the Civil War,
were sent to Richmond for the Confederate government.
The Corbin family possessed great wealth, as wealth
was counted in that day, and it was a common saying
years ago, when speaking of a rich man, to say, " He
was as rich as Corbin." Colonel Richard Corbin owned
considerable property at King and Queen Courthouse;
he or his father built the old tavern there, which was
quite an imposing building at the time. It, along with
every other building, both public and private, was
burned by the Yankees during the Civil War.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 79
On the Laneville estate, near the public road, there
was a church building which long ago went to decay,
and the bricks and tiles which floored its aisles were
carried away. Some of the tiles were used as floors in
the basements of private houses. This church was the
parish church of Stratton Major parish, the register of
which is still in the Georgetown Episcopal School, and
a copy in the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond.
Mr. James Park Corbin was the last of the name who
owned Laneville. It then came into the possession of
Colonel Robert Bland, and is still held by some of his
descendants. The original house has long since disap-
peared. I do not know whether the building at Dud-
ley's Ferry, opposite West Point, was a colonial resi-
dence, but think it was not.
West Point and the farm back of it deserve some no-
tice. If tradition is true, the farm was owned by
Captain West. It was originally a very large one, con-
taining some two or three thousand acres, and extend-
ing from river to river; yet it had only one house.
Early in the nineteenth century there was a consider-
able town of West Point, but it gradually decayed owing
to the unhealthfulness of the location. When the rail-
road was built to the point there was only one house
standing, and that unoccupied and dilapidated. I saw
it when the land now occupied by the town was in culti-
vation. It was then owned by Hon. William P. Tay-
lor, who sold a part of his farm to the West Point Land
Company, at the time that the railroad came to West
Point. It is likely that he was mainly instrumental in
building the West Point Colonial Church, which stands,
though in a dilapidated condition, with but few altera-
tions from its original construction. It ought by all
means to be repaired and restored to its original state.
It is a shame on the State to allow such splendid build-
ings to fall to decay and become the home of moles and
bats.
REMINISCENCES
It is well for us to ask now and then what others
think and say of us; and Burns's couplet is still in force :
80 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
"Oh, wad some power the giftie gie us,
To see oorsels, as ithers see us ! "
The writer, not long since, came across a book by Wil-
liam Kyle Anderson, of Detroit, Mich., which relates
to the Robertson, Taylor, and Anderson families, for-
merly of King and Queen. In 1897, desirous of gain-
ing information regarding these families, of one of
which he was a member, he made a trip from Detroit
to Virginia. Beginning on page 27 of his book, we
read as follows:
" Three years ago we made a journey to the Old Dominion with
the intention of running down to King and Queen and of having a
look at the old stamping grounds, and locating the very spot where
our ancestors lived and died. How best to reach there was a ques-
tion, for means of locomotion are still in a primitive condition down
that way, and very much as they were a century ago. There is no
railroad in the County. The Mattapony River extends along the
southern border, and occasional boats from Norfolk and the Chesa-
peake ascend it, but that was too roundabout to our Mecca. The way
we had to take was across country and the means of locomotion such
as we might find. By the aid of friends in Richmond, the way was
mapped out. Taking a train on the York River Railroad, we alighted
at a station, or rather a siding, known as Sweet Hall, which we
found absolutely devoid of humanity either white or black. After
some search, we found a pickaninny who for a slight subsidy went
in search of a neighboring farmer, who owned a good buggy and
team and consented to drive us to Frazier's Ferry on the Mattapony,
a distance of some seven miles. There we were ferried in a skiff
across the river, and some two miles down stream to what is known
as King and Queen Court-House landing. A warehouse once stood
there, but now there is only a dilapidated shanty and a broken-down
dock. No human being greeted our arrival. It was a broiling hot day,
and we looked in vain for any means of transportation to the Court-
House, three-quarters of a mile. [Would it have hurt him to walk?]
" Seeing the dilemma in which we were placed, the ferryman offered,
for a small fee, to take our bag and guide our steps to the Court House,
by a shady path and through piny woods. In this primitive fashion we
journeyed to our destination.
"We found the village to consist of the following buildings: Court
House and Clerk's office — both substantial brick buildings of one story —
a diminutive ten- or twenty-foot jail in which one lone prisoner lan-
guished, a general country store, and a farmhouse of moderate size.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 81
dignified as " the Hotel. " No hospitable landlord greeted us as we
crossed the threshold. It looked like Goldsmith's ' Deserted Village '.
An ancient, rheumatic dog wagged us a welcome, and soon a colored
woman, bearing a pitcher of fresh water, informed us that ' de white
folks soon be here, and glad to take care of yo '.
" The aged county clerk, who had held the office more than fifty
years, had gone fishing, but we invaded his office, impatient to have
a look at the records. Greatly to our dismay we could find none earlier
than 1864. In that year, a raid from Norfolk (Gloucester Point) made
by the Union force, burned the old Court House and clerk's office with
all the old records. It was a sore disappointment, for we had hoped
to find deeds of the Rogers, Robertson and Semple families. Also
wills, marriages, etc.
" Balked in our expectations thus far, we determined, nevertheless,
to prosecute our journey, and get some information. We were not al-
together disappointed.
" Rosemount, the old Semple home, was easily found. It was a
beautiful and extensive farm on a high plateau one mile back from
the Mattapony River, but overlooking it, and much of King William
on the opposite shore. It is about three miles northwest of Walkerton
Village, and is now owned and occupied by Mr. William Dew, a gen-
tleman who welcomed us with true Virginia hospitality. He pointed
out the spot where the Semples were buried, but if there were any
stones to mark the graves, none now remain.
" The residence stood in part on the foundation of a storehouse, and
an immense spreading oak overshadowed the house. An old man of
80 years pointed out the site of the old Robertson place on the
Mattapony River, four miles above Dunkirk. Nothing is now left
to recall the very ancient homes of the Rogerses in the immediate neigh-
borhood. The old Park Church is a pile of ruins, but we visited St.
David's and (Old Cat Tail?) beyond the river; it must look back
many years." (Pp. 27-31.)
So writes William Kyle Anderson, Esq., himself a
descendant of Mr. Robertson. This is an unvarnished
statement, and it is true, as he saw it. Our people and
their fathers before them were poor, being aloof from
marts and markets; but they bred what is better than
gold — intelligence, virtue, and contentment.
Copy of an old paper saved from fires, furnished
by Col. S. F. Harwood, June, 1905 :
"The land at King and Queen C.-H. granted to Richard Tunstall
82 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
1667 was bounded by Mattapony river to the south, east by Apastocock
branch, and on the west by Quintanoco creek. Edmund Tunstall and
wife conveyed one acre for the use of the county where the C. H.
now stands. In 1707 the land was divided, Richard Wyatt, in right
of his wife who was the widow of the said Edmund, took the land
next the river. Mary, the oldest daughter, took the land on the creek;
Catharine, who was Mrs. Matthews, took the middle part; Barbary
took two acres adjoining the C. H. land, and the residence on Apas-
tocock swamp. 1713 Barbary conveyed to R. D. Wyatt all her right
except the two acres above. Thos. Fox and Mary his wife conveyed
to John Wyatt 134 acres, her part except the dower. 1720 John
Baylor bought two acres at C.-H., and 404 acres from R. D. Wyatt.
1722 John Wyatt sold to Thos. Courtney 134 acres, also 66 acres,
one-third of the widow's dower. 1728 John Matthews conveyed to
Thos. Harwood 200 acres. 1739 Thos. Harwood willed (?) to his
son John. 1739 John Baylor sold to Christopher Harwood two acres
bought of John Wyatt. 1744 Christopher Harwood devised to his
son William the same."
Attached to this paper is a cut showing the lands ad-
joining the Courthouse.
Smithfield was one thousand acres of land given to
the county by Mrs. Marlott, She was a Miss Baylor
of King and Queen or Essex County, and first mar-
ried John Walker, who left two sons, John and Baylor,
and two daughters, Elizabeth and Susannah, one of
whom married Semple of Rose Mount, and was the
mother of Bishop Robert Baylor Semple; the other
daughter married Fleet, the father of Captain William
Fleet, who was the father of Dr. C. B., Colonel Alex.,
and James R. Fleet. After the death of her first hus-
band, Mrs. Walker married Captain Mariott, a Scotch-
man, who lived at upper Beudley on the Mattapony
River, They had no children. She donated one thou-
sand acres of land to St. Stephen's parish, the income
from said land to be applied to the education of the
poor children in the said parish.
Governor Lumpkin of Georgia was originally from
King and Queen.
Also Hon. Alex H. Stephens was originally from
Kmg and Queen, and Stevensville was named for his
family.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 85
Colonel Robert M. Spencer, who lived at Clifton,
was a prominent and highly esteemed man. Captain
Robert H. Spencer, one of the best of men, served in
the Confederate army. Alexander Dudley, a talented
lawyer, was the founder of the Richmond and Y. R.
R. R., and its president when he died.
There were many other worthy and valuable old citi-
zens in the neighborhood — among them J. W. Court-
ney, Samuel Tunstall, Dr. and Thomas W. Garrett,
Joel E. Bray, W. B, Bird, Samuel F. Harwood.
The Old Church, a half-mile below Plymouth, was
built in colonial times. This house is about nine miles
below the Courthouse.
Speaker Robinson built a magnificent home at Pleas-
ant Hill, near Little Plymouth. Tradition tells us that
as one approached from the highway, a noble colonnade
with pilasters aloft, greeted him; and as he entered the
colonnade, a tesselated floor, and doors and windows
wrought in splendid mahogany delighted his taste and
excited his wonder.
Richard Corbin, Esq., at one time Treasurer of the
Colony, erected a commodious house, 150 feet in length,
some miles above Pleasant Hill, at Laneville. They
tell us that his wine cellar was kept filled with choice
Madeira, and there seems reason to believe that a sub-
way led out to the sloping bank near the river. This
was his home in 1775, when Patrick Henry compelled a
return of the value of powder removed by Governor
Dunmore from the magazine in Williamsburg. Fine
dwellings graced the river bank at Clifton, Melrose,
Mantua, Newington, and various other places.
The following is from dictation by Captain R. H.
Spencer : " Miss Polly Robinson, a daughter of Speaker
Robinson, owned and lived at Clifton. Colonel Boyd
married her. Dr. James T. Boyd owned and lived at
Gainesboro, while Colonel R. H. Spencer lived at Clif-
ton, in after times.
" Pleasant Hill was about four miles below Clifton,
one mile back from the river. In Speaker Robinson's
day Pleasant Hill was a place of great splendor. I
think Governor Spotswood married a Miss Moore,
84 KING AKD QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
sister to Mrs. Robinson. The house was magnificent.
Tall, huge columns to greet the coming guests, porch
floors wrought in mosaic, doors and windows of im-
ported mahogany. Chelsea, Melrose, and Rural Fe-
licity were old homes of the Rowes. The last named
was sold afterwards to Colonel Spencer. Boardly was
the old home of James Govan and Richard Raines. By
the waste of time and of its adjutants, natural decay and
destructive fires, many of our old homes have disap-
peared, and only the sites remain to tell their story.
Pleasant Hill, Clifton, Melrose, Boardly, Mantapike,
Newington, Mantua, Rickahock, Bunker's Hill (the
old Bagby home), Locust Cottage, Spring Farm, have
all suffered from one or all of these causes, though in
some cases new buildings have taken the place of the
old, notably at Clifton, Mantua, Melrose, Newington,
Rickahock, and Locust Cottage."
The following interesting letter was written by James
Southgate, Esq. :
In looking over some old papers a few days ago I came across
some notes that I made in 1900 when I went through King and Queen
in a visit to eastern Virginia, and among them I find the following
in regard to Newington, about which we were talking when I saw
you in Richmond and about which you had been unable to get any
information from Mr. Harwood who lives there. If it will be of
any use to you in getting up your book on King and Queen you are
welcome to it. I don't know how how I secured this information, but
probably from Robt. Spencer.
I never was there but once, and when a boy I went home with one
of the Harwood boys on Friday afternoon to spend Saturday and
Sunday, and the inducement held out for my going was that the
water was to be drawn off from a fish pond in the neighborhood
and we could get a good lot of fish. We went and rode a mule
and arrived too late to get any of the best fish and had to take cat-
fish, and you know they have terrible fins. We put a good string
of them on the pommel of the saddle and both of us got up on this
mule but we found the fish were too near so we moved them over
on the neck of the beast, and, as the fish were fluttering still, the said
shoulders got the benefit of these terrible fins, which so irritated the
animal that he relieved himself of the fish and also the boys that
were on his back. But as we fell in deep sand there were no bones
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 85
broken, and we got the fish home and had to cook them for a late
dinner, and I remember it was the most delicious dinner I ever par-
took of, but I have always thought that the keenness of the appetite
was the reason. Newington was the original seat of the Lumpkin
family. It was then owned by George Braxton, the father of the
Carter Braxton who signed the Declaration of Independence. He died
in 1736. It passed from the Braxtons to the Roanes, a family which
were aristocratic and proud of their English descent. A son, John,
married a Miss Frazier, a beautiful woman (from whose family
Frazier's ferry is now called), but beneath him in point of family
connections and standing in society. He so grieved over the mistake
he made, that in a fit of desperation he killed his wife and the house
servant, who tried to save the wife from the brutal attack of the
husband. He was tried, convicted of murder, and sentenced to be
hung, but before the time arrived he committed suicide in prison by
drinking laudanum. This fine estate, of nearly one thousand acres,
was afterwards purchased by the Harwoods, about i8io or 1820, and
is still in the hands of this family.
SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES
The people of King and Queen were among the first
In the State to give attention to the very important mat-
ter of the mental culture of their children.
Thomas Jefferson, after retiring from the office of
President of the United States, set the pace for our
people by starting a great university at Charlottesville.
The Presbyterians had previously founded Washington
College, now known as Washington and Lee Univer-
sity. In 1834 Richmond College was inaugurated by
the Baptists. Up to that time the schools of King and
Queen were few and, in the main, of low grade. But
the people of the county in general (some exceptions, of
course) have always shown great interest in the literary
training of their children. Many of the youths of both
sexes have had collegiate education, some of the boys
going to William and Mary, some to Columbian Uni-
versity at Washington, to Randolph-Macon, and to
Richmond College; and the girls to Hollins, Staunton,
Charlottesville, etc. These and other high-grade
schools, as the University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins,
etc., have rendered us good service. We know of one
resident of the county — we use the incident simply as an
86 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Illustration — who, having five sons and eight daughters,
educated all his boys at Columbian University, and the
girls at schools of corresponding grade. We do not
mention the name — modesty forbids — but it must be
recorded to his everlasting honor.
A number of private schools were kept in different
sections of the county, whose teachers in several cases
made high reputations.
In the year 1753, Donald Robertson, a Scotchman
quite thoroughly equipped, came over and began to
teach, first as a private tutor. By and by, having bought
land on the Mattapony River ten miles above Dun-
kirk, he there opened an academy for young men, and
soon secured a patronage honorable to himself, drawing
students from all quarters. He taught literature, math-
ematics, rhetoric, Latin, and perhaps Greek. It is likely
that no teacher of his day deserved better of Virginians
than did Donald Robertson. He taught the youth,
James Madison, who said, after a distinguished and
beneficent career, " All that I have been in life I owe
largely to that man." It seems probable, also, that he
taught General George Rogers Clark, whose aunt he
married; as also other noted men.
About the year 1839, a Scotchman of culture and
wise forecast, Mr. OHver White, came to us and estab-
lished an academy at Fleetwood, some six miles above
jBruington Church. Mr. White deserves the everlast-
ing gratitude of our people, within and beyond the bor-
ders of the county. He erected a standard which is
telling to-day upon a number of pupils who do him
honor, while he sleeps in his quiet grave, some four miles
from Bruington and the same distance from Fleetwood.
About the same year (1839), Mr. John Bagby and
Colonel John Pollard started an academy at Stevens-
ville, near the center of the county, for the teaching of
English and the classics and mathematics, and Major
James G. White was employed as headmaster, followed
by Rev. R. H. Bagby, D. D., W. J. Berryman, and
others. These schools were largely efficacious in the
preparation of the youth of the county for college train-
ing and business life.
^'^►~
col,. J. C. COINCII,!,
Twenty-sixth \'irginia Regiment. Anii.\- Northern Virginia.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 8l
At Bruington, Captain Thomas Haynes opened an
academy, of which Judge J. H. C. Jones was principal.
Mr. Jones was a Marylander by birth, and came to us
first from Columbian College. He did a good work in
the schoolroom, afterwards studying law under James
Smith, Esq., and by and by coming to be one of our
most valuable and noted citizens. His invaluable wife
— a daughter of Mr. James Smith — survives him, being
now (1904) venerable in age and in honors. Judge
Jones will long live In the memory of his pupils and his
fellow-citizens, whose courts he presided over with so
much of grace and skill, holding the scales of justice
always evenly balanced.
About 1850 a very successful school was conducted
at Newtown by Mr. Lewis Kidd, and in 1857 by Spen-
cer Coleman. It was closed at the breaking out of the
Civil War.
About 1856, an academy was established at Centre-
ville, conducted by Prof. Gogerty, who was afterwards
slain by a brother of a pupil he had disciplined in the
school. Rev. A. F. Scott succeeded him in years after
the war, and rendered a service highly efficient.
The training of our girls, also, was not forgotten.
Miss Fannie Hughes, who taught a school in Glouces-
ter, was largely patronized by our citizens. About the
year 1837, Miss Myra A. Muse taught a school at
Plainview, near the Dragon, for the Gaines family.
She afterwards married Mr. James Southgate, and re-
sided at Locust Cottage near Stevensville. Here she
opened a school, which secured a large patronage and
was highly approved. Rev. Robert Stubbs taught a
school for girls some twelve miles below the Court-
house. A female school was kept at Newtown by E.
Payson Walton. Also a private school, one of " Old
Field " type. There was also a school for girls at
Buena Vista, some miles below Centreville.
LOCUST COTTAGE
A female seminary was established at this place, situ-
ated about one mile east of Stevensville, in the late thir-
88 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
ties, say 1836 or 1837, by Mrs. Mira Ann Southgate,
wife of James S. Southgate, who moved her school from
Little Plymouth. They were married in Gloucester
County in December, 1828, and when they came to
Locust Cottage had three children, Mary Anna, James,
and Llewellyn, the two former having been born at
Edge Hill, near Upton, now called New Upton, in
Gloucester County, about ten miles north of the Court-
house, and the latter at Little Plymouth, in King and
Queen. After locating at Locust Cottage, Thomas
Muse and Cordelia Hunter were born, mailing in all live
children. Mrs. Southgate was educated at a high school
for young ladies in Richmond, Virginia, where she grad-
uated with the highest honors. She at once chose teach-
ing for a support, and in this way aided in the education
of her brothers and sisters, who were left in dependent
circumstances by their father. Colonel Thomas Muse,
who for many years was clerk of the court in the county
of Middlesex, Of her children, two only are now liv-
ing, viz. James and Thomas Muse. Mary Anna mar-
ried Richard Inge Wynne of North Carolina in 1861,
and died in the town of Louisburg, N. C, April 27th,
1867, leaving one daughter, who grew to womanhood,
married, removed to Texas, and died. Her four chil-
dren soon followed.
James Southgate married Delia Haywood Wynne,
sister of Richard Inge Wynne of North Carolina, in
1858, and six children were born of this marriage.
Two boys died in infancy; one daughter, Annie, died
in Durham, N. C, aged twenty-five and unmarried.
James Haywood Southgate, the oldest child, is living
(1904) in Durham, N. C. He married Kate, daughter
of Bartholomew Fuller of Fayetteville, N. C, and four
children were born to them, two dying in infancy and
a daughter at the age of thirteen of appendicitis; the
one left being a son, Thomas Fuller, aged eleven years.
Lessie, the third child of James and Delia, married
Prof. Simmons of North Carolina, and with her hus-
band, the president, is teaching at Shorter College in
Rome, Georgia. There are no children by this mar-
riage. Mattie, the youngest daughter, married Thomas
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 89
D. Jones, a native of Virginia, though he was a citizen
of North Carolina when he married; he hved In Dur-
ham and died there In 1889. There were three boys by
this marriage, viz. Decatur, Southgate, and Lile. The
first died suddenly at the age of six years; the others are
living, their ages in 1904 being eleven and thirteen
years.
Llewellyn Southgate married Miss Elvlna Courtney,
who died of pulmonary consumption shortly after her
marriage; her husband soon followed her to the grave,
by consumption of the bowels. He died at Boardly, a
farm on the Mattapony near Gainesborough, May 23d,
1 87 1, aged thirty-six years. He was a great sufferer,
but met death bravely and with hope of a blessed im-
mortality. There were no children by this marriage.
Thomas Muse Southgate married Miss Mary Port-
lock of Norfolk, Virginia, and has lived in that city ever
since. By this marriage there were born four boys and
four girls. The oldest two (sons) died in childhood.
Mira, the oldest daughter, is married to Hiram H.
Grandin, and they live on Staten Island, the family con-
sisting of father, mother, and three children, one son
(the oldest) and two daughters. A son, Thomas S.,
lives in Norfolk, and is a prosperous merchant. He
married Miss Nettie Norsworthy, and there have been
born to them four children, two now (1904) living, a
daughter and a son, aged five and two years respectively.
The second daughter married recently Mr. H. H. Brad-
ley of Stateburg, S. C; they now reside in Savannah,
Ga. The two younger daughters, Frances Baylor and
Helen Hunter, are unmarried, while Hugh, the
youngest child, is a youth of eighteen years, living with
his parents in Norfolk.
Cordelia Hunter Southgate, the youngest, who was
the pet of the household at Locust Cottage, grew to be
a woman of great worth, was proficient in music, and
chose that for a support. She never married, but de-
voted her life to the good of others, and especially to
work for the church. She died at the home of her
brother James, in North Carolina, November i8th,
1894; at her request her remains were taken to Norfolk
90 KING AND QUJEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
and laid by the side of her father and mother, to both
of whom she was devoted, and by whose bedside she
watched when they died.
We have been thus expHcit in giving a history of this
estimable family, because they were so well known and
loved by hundreds of girls who went to this excellent
school during the years previous to 1852, when they
removed to Norfolk, Virginia.
Locust Cottage wielded a powerful influence for good
in eastern Virginia, and there are scores of families now
living whose mothers have sat at the feet of Mrs. South-
gate to learn lessons of wisdom which have served them
a good purpose in their lives. She was a teacher who
taught because she loved to teach, and her thorough in-
struction and firm, though mild, discipline, endeared
her to her pupils and made a telling influence upon their
characters and lives. James S. Southgate, or, as he
was familiarly called by the girls, " Marse Jeems," ex-
ercised on this great school a moral influence which was
beautiful and healthful. W^hile his estimable wife
stored the minds of her pupils with useful knowledge,
he looked after the commissariat, and his table was
known far and near as " par excellence " for a boarding
school. His influence for good was felt in King and
Queen all the years he lived among this people. His
walk was that of the true Christian, a " living epistle
known and read of all men." His great desire was to
preach the Gospel, but the school took so much of his
time and attention that he had to be content with the
license to exhort. He was powerfully gifted in prayer
and most effective as an exhorter. Old Providence, in
King and Queen, was the scene of his abundant labors
in his Master's cause, and doubtless many are now liv-
ing in that vicinity who can testify to the great work he
accomplished among that people as superintendent of
their Sabbath school and general director in all things
pertaining to their spiritual welfare.
In 1852 Locust Cottage was sold to John N. Gres-
ham, who lived there for several years, until fire de-
stroyed all the original buildings. A small two-story
cottage is all that now stands by the beautiful grove
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 91
which in the old days sheltered beneath its grateful
shade so many girls who, in after years, looked back
with pleasure at the joyous times spent there. Desola-
tion supreme marks this once lovely seat of learning,
and naught remains to tell of its former greatness and
beauty. Time has wrought many changes in this neigh-
borhood, one of the happiest and most refined in the
county for the happy years of which we write. After
removing to Norfolk, Mrs. Southgate's health failed,
and she ceased to teach. She died peacefully and calmly
near Norfolk, on August 20th, 1862, and her remains
now lie buried in Norfolk, by the side of those of James
S. Southgate; who died, as he had lived, with a heavenly
smile upon his face, at the home of his son James, in
Durham, N. C, September 19th, 1877, nearly seventy-
three years of age. Though dead, these two yet speak
in the lives of thousands who have come under their
influence. " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord
from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may
rest from their labours; and their works do follow
them."
A seminary for young ladies was conducted by Mrs.
M. L. Fleet at Green Mount near Dunkirk. It was
well patronized and did excellent work. She was largely
aided by her accomplished daughters. Misses Lou, Flor-
ence, and Bessie. Mrs. Fleet is lovingly remembered by
her numerous pupils.
HIGH SCHOOL AT STEVENSVILLE
In October, 1907, a high school for higher students
was opened at Stevensville. This was done largely by
the enterprise and earnest interest of Robt. N. Pollard
and A. C. Eubank, trustees, and a band of earnest
women cooperating with them. It is considered to be a
very great success.
CHAPTER VII
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS
There are two native qualities which have charac-
terized our people perhaps more than any others; one
the conservative spirit, the other the religious. The
established church of the mother country had the right
of way here as elsewhere ; but already before the Revo-
lution Methodists and Baptists began to appear, and in
some cases were fined and imprisoned, or bonded. In
order to have a fair and authentic representation, 1
have engaged one gentleman from each of the denomi-
nations to represent his own people in the county. Dr
B. H. Walker writes for the Disciples of Christ, Rev
J. W. Shackford for the Methodist Episcopal Church
and Rev. G. W. Beale, D. D., for the Baptist. Presby
terlans have been represented here only by a few scat
tered members; Congregationalism and Lutheranism
never had a footing In the county. A small number of
persons near Little Plymouth identify themselves as
" Christadelphians," under their leader. Dr. John
Thomas.
The influence of certain ministers of the Gospel has
been and Is pronounced in the lives of the people. We
name a few of these, but they are not exceptional cases.
Revs. Shackelford, " Parson MItchel " Shackford, R.
Y. Henley, R. B. Semple, Andrew Broaddus, Sr. and Jr.,
R. H. Bagby, Thomas B. Evans, William and William
B. Todd. These men have left a profound Impres-
sion upon their respective communities — Indeed their
influence for good Is still recognized, both within the
limits of the county and beyond Its borders. Eternity
alone will disclose the splendid work which these men
of God have accomplished. They are not dead, but
only sleep, " and their works do follow them."
92
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 93
THE BAPTISTS
By Rev. G. W. Beale, D. D.
The frail barks which were wont to bear over the
ocean our forefathers to these Western shores were
wafted by winds of which it might be said none knew
whence they came or whither they went. Often, per-
haps, currents of air having separate and remote origins,
and moving for long distances along different lines,
united, and filling the sails of the adventurous craft, im-
pelled them the more swiftly and surely to their desti-
nation. In like manner the agencies which brought at
first the faith as held by the Baptists into King and
Queen County, may not in every case be distinctly trace-
able. Different instrumentalities, starting in separate
and remote quarters and entering the county from dif-
ferent directions, combined, it is believed, in sowing here
the seeds of this faith and reaping fruits of its first
harvest.
William Mullen, a native of Middlesex, who had
made a temporary home in that part of Amelia that is
now Nottoway County, — where, under the preaching of
" Father " Samuel Harress and Jeremiah Walker, he
had become a convert to their beliefs and a preacher of
the same, — on a visit in 1769 to his kindred on the
lower Rappahannock, passed through King and Queen,
where he tarried for some days with his relatives. Here,
in conversation with his brother, John Mullen, and
James Greenwood, his brother-in-law, he satisfied them
of the Scriptural warrant for his belief in regeneration.
They soon afterwards professed their faith in Christ,
and were immersed in witness that they had died to sin
and risen to newness of life in Him. Both of them be-
came Baptist ministers, and began to hold meetings,
warmly exhorting their hearers to repent, believe, and
be baptized.
In 1 77 1, John Waller of Spottsylvania, accompanied
by John Burrus, visited the county and preached the doc-
trine of the " New Lights," as the Baptist ministers
were then derisively called. Under a sermon on the
" New Birth," Ivison Lewis, who soon afterwards also
94 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
became a preacher, was converted, with numerous others.
Waller's preaching was powerful in demonstration of
the Spirit, and many flocked to hear him. On February
II, 1773, a church was constituted, containing seven-
teen members, and called Lower King and Queen
Church. This was the earliest Baptist church formed
in the county.
The coming of Waller and the success of his preach-
ing, particularly in the adjoining county of Middlesex,
became the signal for a violent outbreak of persecution,
which led, during the years 1771, '72, and '73, to the
imprisonment in jail of a number of ministers for pro-
claiming the Gospel without having a license from the
General Court. These severities were practiced more
in several contiguous counties than in King and Queen;
but here, in August, 1772, James Greenwood and John
Lovall, while conducting a meeting (under a tree, prob-
ably) near where Bruington meetinghouse now stands,
were arrested and confined within prison bounds for
sixteen days. These indignities and hardships endured
by the early preachers intensified their zeal, drew to
them much popular sympathy, and greatly increased the
effectiveness of their ministry.
An active colaborer with John Waller in these days
of persecution was Lewis Craig, also of Spottsylvania.
His Itinerant labors were greatly blessed In that part of
this county which lies nearest to Caroline, and there, In
1774, Upper King and Queen Church was organized
with twenty-five members. The year following, at a
place popularly known as " The Axle," a church called
by that name was constituted with thirty members. This
body has since been styled Exol.
These ^ three churches — Lower King and Queen,
Upper King and Queen, and Exol — had respectively as
their first pastors, Robert Ware, Younger Pitts, and
Ivison Lewis, Elder Pitts was, in 1780, succeeded In
Upper King and Queen Church by Theodrick Noel,
who served It as pastor for forty years, or until death
released him from his charge. Ware and Lewis also
retained their charges until dismissed by death, both of
them having served for full thirty years.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 95
Two of these persevering and faithful pastors lived
to see two other Baptist churches organized in the
county, Bruington in 1790, and Poroporone in 1807,
the former with one hundred and fifty members and the
latter with one hundred. Robert B. Semple began his
useful and distinguished ministerial career by becoming
the first pastor of Bruington at the time of its constitu-
tion, and he served in this capacity for forty-one years.
Elder James Healy was chosen an under-shepherd
to the Poroporone flock, and continued as such until his
decease in 1820. The Lower King and Queen Church,
having been called to mourn the departure of their first
pastor, Robert Ware, chose Elder William Todd as his
successor in 1804 or 1805. His pastoral care of this
body — the longest in the annals of King and Queen —
covered a period of over forty-five years, continuing
until interrupted by the infirmities of age which fore-
shadowed his death, bringing it to pass in 1855. The
popular and eloquent ministry of the Elder Andrew
Broaddus began in this county in 1827, when he suc-
ceeded Dr. Semple in the care of Upper King and Queen
Church, and here his labors were enjoyed for full twenty
years, or until his death in 1848.
The long terms of pastoral service which have been
thus particularly mentioned, betokening as they do the
harmonious and loving relations that subsisted between
the churches and their pastors, exerted a powerful in-
fluence in inculcating Baptist beliefs and practices in the
minds and hearts of at least two generations in this
county. Beginning in 1772 with seventeen members, in
less than sixty years, or at the time of Semple's death
in 1 83 1, they had increased to 1,314.
The fifth church among the Baptists formed in King
and Queen was named from the river which flows near
to It — Mattapony. It was gathered through the labors
of Elder William Todd, who at its constitution in 1828
became its pastor, and so continued for twenty-seven
years. The church soon after its constitution repaired
and remodeled the " Old Brick Church," a substantial
colonial edifice of St. Stevens parish, built and used
under the Establishment. This structure, it has been
96 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
said, was probably at the date of Its erection " the largest
and best-built church in Virginia." Reared by Henry
Gaines, the architect, at the contract cost of £1300, its
dimensions were thirty by eighty feet, the walls being
twenty-seven feet high and of " the thickness of five
bricks at the foundation and four at the top." The
building remains a commodious and comfortable house
of worship.
St. Stephen's and Olivet, both constituted in 1842,
organized the same year, complete the list of Baptist
churches in King and Queen.
The year which witnessed the formation of these two
churches was that also in which Richard Hugh Bagby,
who had been ordained at the call of Mattapony, en-
tered upon his labors as the successor of Elder Richard
Claybrook in the pastoral care of Bruington. Early in
his ministry the substantial brick meetinghouse of this
church was erected, and here, under his consecrated
and earnest labors, remarkable no less for his power to
win souls to Christ than for his skill to train them for
service after they were won, the church attained a de-
gree of efficiency, influence, and prominence second to
none other in the rural parts of Virginia.
Elder Bagby's labors on this field extended through
twenty-eight years, and terminated only a few months
before his death, which occurred October 29, 1870.
His life, which had been eminently marked by holy zeal
and consecration, rendered his dying hour almost
seraphic. Among his last thoughts he reverted to the
scene of his long labors, and said : " I would like to be
buried at Bruington." Again he said: "Oh, in a few
hours what indescribable brightness and glory shall I
behold — never, never to leave it any more." A little
later he exclaimed: "Give me one more draught of
that cool water before I begin to taste the cool and
pearly water of life, proceeding out of the throne of
God and of the Lamb in the New Jerusalem.
Tell the brethren that I never realized as I do now the
glories of the heavenly world. . . . I am happier,
ten thousand times happier, than I ever was before in
my life. My trust Is In God." Summoning his fast-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 97
falling strength, he said to his dear companion, " Kiss
me, my wife, kiss me"; and then his spirit gently de-
parted to be with Christ and to behold the pearly foun-
tain which he had already seen in beatific vision.
His dying wish as to the place of his burial met with
loving and reverent compliance; his remains rest in the
Bruington cemetery, not far from those of the sainted
Semple, and, like Semple's, are fittingly commemorated
with a marble gravestone.
In the lower part of the county. Elder John Spencer,
who had the pastoral care of Poroporone Church, ended
his career about the time that Richard Hugh Bagby's
began. His labors in that field left an abiding impres-
sion for good. Elder Thomas B. Evans, at one time
pastor of Exol Church, and for thirty-three years in a
like relation to Olivet, rendered faithful and efficient
service, of inestimable value, in lower King and Queen.
Elder Alfred Bagby, for nearly thirty-five years the
prudent and efficient pastor of Mattapony Church, was
a recognized and potent factor in the support and prog-
ress of Baptist interests in this county.
If space allowed, it would adorn the annals of King
and Queen to recount here the labors of the men who
have in later years occupied in the ministry the fields
where those earlier pastors, the pioneers, toiled so long,
so patiently, and so successfully. Their record would
embrace such names as W. B. Todd, Isaac Diggs, An-
drew Broaddus, Jr., Southwood, Garlick, Land, S. C.
Boston, J. W. Ryland, Moncure, Henning, W. A.
Street, Fleet, Long, O. D. Loving, Crews, and F. B.
Beale — all redolent of pious devotion and godly and
useful service. The ministry of Andrew Broaddus, Jr.,
in connection with Upper King and Queen Church,
where he labored for over forty years, was — when
viewed in all its important aspects — one of the most
successful and useful ever rendered by a pastor in Vir-
ginia. The large and well-constructed brick meeting-
house of this church was reared in i860, under Elder
Broaddus' ministry, and it has sheltered as large, effi-
cient, and cultivated a spiritual body as can probably be
found in any hamlet in the State.
98 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Any sketch of the Baptists of King and Queen would
be too imperfect and inadequate that failed to notice
the godly men and devout women among the private
members of its churches, who have in their lives illus-
trated the doctrine of godliness and proved themselves
influential in promoting the cause of truth and right-
eousness. Of such useful and honored members every
church has had its quota. Benjamin Faulkner, Thomas
Spencer, Robert Garrett, Thomas Jeffries have been
among the names loved and cherished in Exol. The
Eubanks, Webbs, Courtneys, Rylands, Bagbys, Fleets,
Latanes, Joneses, Hayneses, and others have, by their
zeal and piety, spread the name of Bruington afar.
The Boulwares, Gametts, Dews, Broadduses, and
others, have borne the burdens and ennobled the annals
of Upper King and Queen. Alexander Fleet, J. C. Coun-
cil, and other colaborers have been pillars of moral and
religious strength in St. Stephen's. The Pollards,
Walkers, Greshams, Hundleys, and a list besides too
long to enumerate here, have been prominent among the
religious forces of this county at large in the Baptist
ranks.
The list of men added to the Baptist ministry of this
and other States from King and Queen has been both
large and weighty. It includes, amongst those born and
reared in the county, or else ordained at the call of one
of its churches, such names as these : James Green-
wood, Ivison Lewis, Henry Toler, John Courtney, Wil-
liam Hickman, William Todd, Robert B. Semple, An-
drew Broaddus, John W. Hillyard, Robert Ryland,
I. Lewis, John Bird, John Spencer, Edward S.
Amory, William B. Todd, William Pollard, Thomas
W. Sydnor, R. H. Bagby, Alfred Bagby, George
F. Bagby, T. B. Evans, John Clark, George
Schools, E. P. Walton, William Hill, R. F.
Stubbs, Richard H. Griflfith, Edward Gresham,
James A. Haynes, John W. Hundley, Charles H.
Ryland, William S. Ryland, John W. Ryland, Rob-
ert S. Jones, H. H. Jones, John Pollard, T. R. Boston,
W. T. Hundley, George T. Gresham, R. R. Acree,
Alexander Fleet, John R. Powers, and J. R. Murdock.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 99
If regard be had to the long list here named and the
high positions many of them have attained in de-
nominational councils and service, it may well be ques-
tioned if any county in Virginia has made a larger or
more influential contribution to our Baptist ministry.
The Baptists of King and Queen were among the
foremost in the State in availing themselves of the ad-
vantages of organized efforts in the churches in behalf
of reformatory, educational, and missionary aims.
Temperance, tract, and missionary societies were early
in existence. Female missionary societies were started
as early as 1843, perhaps earlier, and are in active
operation in all the churches to this day; their
annual missionary days, observed with appropriate
services and instructive and inspiring addresses, have
enlisted a great degree of public interest, and accom-
plished an untold amount of good. These vigorous
and aggressive factors of church life have not only fos-
tered missionary and benevolent zeal, but also contrib-
uted largely to the excellent associational reports which
have so long and so signally characterized the churches
of this county.
A commendable zeal in the matter of education has
all along been shown by the Baptists of King and Queen.
Dr. Semple conducted an academy in early manhood,
and later, in his relations to Columbian College, proved
himself one of the truest and staunchest friends to col-
legiate training Virginia has ever had. Robert Ryland,
as president of the Virginia Baptist Seminary, and later
— for thirty-two years — of Richmond College, rendered
inestimable service to the cause of sound learning. Al-
fred Bagby, as principal for three years of Stevensville
Academy; James A. Haynes, as twice principal of Fe-
male Seminaries; Col. J. C. Councill, in his lifelong
work at Fleetwood and Aberdeen Academies; Dr. John
Pollard, as professor of English in Richmond College;
Dr. Charles H. Ryland, as financial secretary of the
same institution; Dr. Joseph R. Garlick, as principal of
Bruington Seminary; Col. A. F. Fleet, as superintend-
ent of large military institutes in both Missouri and
Indiana; Garnett Ryland, as professor of Greek in
100 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Georgetown College, Kentucky; Alexander Fleet, whose
entire manhood, so far, has been devoted to the care of
schools, while also laboring efficiently in the ministry; —
these all have exerted a salutary and helpful influence
on the Baptist households of King and Queen in behalf
of the liberal training of their sons and daughters; and
that for more than three-quarters of a century.
As a result of their influence, along with cooperating
causes, the families of the county have, to an extent quite
unusual, long exhibited a singularly beautiful refinement
of manners, elevation of thought, progressiveness of
spirit, and charm of mental and moral culture. Civic
virtue and private worth have seldom, if ever, found
truer exemplifications than in the men of this county;
and its daughters, whether viewed as adorning their
stations with their accomplishments and graces in the
domestic, the social, or the religious fabric, well fulfill
the poetic, but none the less practical, ideal of the Psalm-
ist, " As corner stones polished after the similitude of a
palace."
A few scattered incidents which may be mentioned
strongly attest the high character and influence of the
Baptist denomination in King and Queen. In Cath-
cart's Baptist Encyclopaedia sketches are given of twelve
or more of her sons, — more than find admission from
any other Virginia county. During the eighty-one
years the General Association has been in existence,
eight of the sons of this county have been chosen to fill
the president's chair in this body, and have done so for
eleven years. The annual sermon before this distin-
guished assemblage has also been preached ten times
by resident ministers or sons of this county. The Rap-
pahannock Association in their annual meetings have
been entertained sixteen times in King and Queen, of-
tener by four times than in any other county within their
bounds; and during the sixty-one years of the associa-
tion's existence (down to 1903) there has never been
a year in which some worthy and efficient brother of
King and Queen has not been chosen to fill one or more
of their three offices.
The tide of prosperity has not flowed evenly for the
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 101
Baptist churches in this county during the past half-cen-
tury. St. Stephen's has, during this time, increased
fivefold; Exol has doubled its membership; Upper King
and Queen has become one-third more numerous than
it was, and Lower King and Queen has made consider-
able gains in numerical strength. Bruington has re-
mained nearly stationary as regards numbers, whilst
Mattapony, Olivet, and Poroporone have each fallen
off in their membership.
The losses and want of growth thus indicated, how-
ever, are in no small measure due to the annual removal
of members to the cities and other fields of service.
The impoverishment of these churches has been the en-
richment of others in Brooklyn, New York, Baltimore,
Washington, Norfolk, Petersburg, Richmond, Dan-
ville, Lynchburg, Buchanan, Pine Bluff (Ark,), At-
lanta (Ga.), and other places, to which the sons and
daughters of this county have carried a rich inheritance
of moral virtue and high attainments in religious train-
ing, and where, like hardy plants planted in new soil,
they have taken root and flourished. These unforced
exiles from the communities hallowed by the memories
of Semple, Todd, Broaddus, Bagby, and other revered
names, look back from their distant homes to the hearth-
stones and altars of this county with emotions as fond
and loyal as ever the devout Moslem knew as he turned
his face towards " The White Mountain " at Mecca,
and with a pride and joy as humble and pure as ever
the captive of Israel felt when in Babylon he opened
his window towards the temple of his fathers and sang:
" If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let ray right hand forget her cunning;
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of ray
mouth: if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy."
THE DISCIPLES, OR CHRISTIANS
By B. H. Walker.
It is natural and right that anyone commencing to
read the history of any people or county or religious
body should wish to know what brought them into ex-
102 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
istence, and the reasons for their existence, and what
claims they have to the notice of the reading public.
Appreciating the reasonableness of such inquiry, I pro-
ceed to give the causes which brought the people known
as Disciples of Christ, or Christians, into existence.
Some time between the years 1825 and 1828 The
Christian Baptist, published by A. Campbell, by some
means found its way to eastern Virginia, and some per-
sons, who had been dissatisfied with certain prevalent
doctrines of the churches, — such as special election, final
perseverance of the saints, and special operation of the
spirit of conversion independent of the Word of God, —
were attracted by the sentiments expressed in that paper,
began to talk and canvass them, and soon to question
the scripturality of such doctrines, thus starting a warm
discussion. Dr. John Duval became an ardent advo-
cate of the views which Mr. Campbell insisted on; on
one occasion he preached a sermon in Bruington Baptist
Church, proving from the Scriptures that the Holy
Spirit operates only through the Word of God, and
was promised as an indweller and comforter only to
those who believed and obeyed the Gospel. When he
concluded his discourse, he asked Mr. Josiah Ryland,
Sr., to offer prayer, and the latter prayed that the
Church might be delivered from the false doctrine
which had been preached them on that occasion. Soon
some of the members insisted that there was no scrip-
tural authority for the so-called Christian experience
which those offering to come into the Church were re-
quired to tell, nor for the practice of members sitting
in judgment on the spiritual condition of the candidate,
and whether or not they were ready to be received into
the Church. Another principle they insisted on was
that only obedient believers could claim the promise of
the forgiveness of sins, or, in other words, only those
who, professing faith in Jesus, had repented of their
sins and turned from them and been baptized, had
the answer of a good conscience, the assurance of the
pardon of their sins. They also insisted that such
churches only were scripturally organized as had a plu-
rality of elders and deacons and celebrated the Lord's
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 103
Supper every Lord's day. Many of these positions,
being new to the Baptists, were very strongly opposed
and denounced, and because we as a sect denied that the
Holy Spirit operated independently and apart from the
Word of God, the charge was made (and with some is
still insisted on) that we deny the influence of the Holy
Spirit in conversion.
The discussion on these questions, especially the last,
grew very warm. By a decree of the Dover Associa-
tion in 1 83 1 the new views were unscriptural and de-
moralizing, and the persons who advocated them were
promoters of damnable errors; and the decree recom-
mended the churches to withdraw from every one who
still insisted upon these sentiments, which were con-
trary to the then prevailing doctrines held by the Bap-
tists. Along with other Baptist churches, Bruington
acted upon the advice of the Association, and withdrew
from thirty-two members; who then, being without a
place to meet in for religious worship, organized as a
church, with R. B. Pendleton and Temple Walker as
elders and John Draper and J. W. Watkins and others
as deacons. As they had no house in which to worship,
they erected a stage, as it was then called, across the
road from Henry C. Nunn's residence, now owned by
Mr. G. Tuck. There were only rude seats for the ac-
commodation of the people. There were some splen-
did old oaks and hickories which gave abundant shade,
and there the members and others met every Lord's day
to sing and pray and to remember their Lord and Savior
in the Supper. When the chilly days in the fall came
on, they repaired to a vacant house, called the Cottage,
on the land of P. B. Pendleton, now owned by Dr.
Thomas Latane.
Next year, 1832, a church building was erected and
dedicated. Soon Thomas M. Henley moved to the
county, and he became the pastor and an elder, along
with those first chosen; then James C. Roy, who had
been a deacon, was chosen an elder after the death
of P. B. Pendleton. Dr. John Duval preached for a
long time for the Smyrna church, and also for the one
at Rappahannock, but held his membership at Jerusa-
104 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
km in King William, where he also preached and acted
as elder. Smyrna church, like all religious bodies, has
had its days of prosperity and adversity, its days of joy
and sorrow, but has steadily pursued its course, meeting
regularly every Lord's day, keeping the ordinances as
they were ordained by the Apostles, and standing for
the truth, both in precept and example, as they under-
stood it, and as they verily believe it taught in the Holy
Scriptures,
Smyrna church, however, has not been as aggressive
as the demands of the cause have required; has been too
well satisfied to proclaim the Gospel and keep the ordi-
nances as required by the divine standard, and has not
reached out as it should to the regions beyond; still, the
membership has been large for a country church, reach-
ing as high as two hundred and fifty, and larger than
any other church in the county.
Some time between 1845 ^^^ 1850 a church claim-
ing to hold the truth as given by the Apostles was or-
ganized in the upper portion of the county, and called
Horeb ; sustained by Dr. William Dew, John Lumpkin,
Roy Boulware, Richard Pollard, and others, it held
regular meetings until during the war, when the Yan-
kees destroyed it, and all the leading members dying or
moving away, the organization was broken up and has
never been revived.
METHODISM IN KLNG AND QUEEN
By Reverend Joseph W. Shackford. *
(Much of the information contained in this paper was gleaned from
the diary of Mr. John W^alker of Chatham Hill.)
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at
the " Christmas Conference " held in the city of Balti-
more, Md., in 1784; and Francis Asbury was chosen by
Bedford City, Va., June 9, 1902.
*Rev. Alfred Bagby,
Richmond, Va.
My dear Brother:
Enclosed I send you the paper on " Methodism in King and Queen."
Owing to lack of data for the lower part of the County, my account
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 105
that body as the " Itinerant General Superintendent,"
or Bishop. For about twenty years prior to that time,
itinerant Methodist preachers had been at work along
the Atlantic slope from New England to the Carolinas.
At first these men were few in number, irregularly dis-
tributed, and greatly handicapped by their distance
from Mr, John Wesley in England, by whose authority
they were generally directed. Now, however, with a
regular organization of their own, and with a resident
Bishop of fervent piety and indomitable energy, they
" greatly multiplied."
King and Queen County, like many others, early be-
came the traveling ground of these Methodist " circuit
riders." Without houses of worship at first, they
preached at private residences, under brush arbors, at
camp meetings, or in any place where they could get a
congregation to hear the Word of the Lord.
The early " circuits " were not defined by any nat-
ural or political boundary lines; but were composed of
an irregular number of " appointments," or preaching
places, including often the whole, or large portions, of
several counties. In this way King and Queen, for some
time prior to 1829, was in the "Gloucester circuit";
from that time to 1 834 it was in the " Caroline circuit " ;
It was then put in the " Essex circuit " ; and, a few years
later, was called by Its own name, the " King and Queen
circuit." Under these fluctuating conditions it is diffi-
cult to trace the growth of Methodism here separately
in that direction had to be brief and only of a general character. It
may seem that undue prominence is given to Mr. John Walker and my
father. It is true I had more material at hand respecting them than
respecting others, but I think the facts will support the position given
them.
I have not signed my name to the paper, because I do not know your
wish as to that. You can do as you wish about that. Of course there
are many other features, such as the relations of Methodism to other
denominations in the County, etc., which are not to be mentioned in so
brief a sketch. I trust the paper may be serviceable to your work; and
wishing you much success therein, I remain,
Yours fraternally,
Jos. W. Shackford.
106 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
and apart from the contiguous regions with which it has
been so intimately associated.
About 1790 Stephen Roswell preached in King and
Queen. The first Methodist preaching in the upper
part of the county was at the home of Mr. WilHam
Shepherd, Sr., the great-grandfather of Mr. Melville
Walker of Walkerton. Among the first Methodist
members in that neighborhood was old Mrs. Clayton.
The first Methodist church there was originally built
about three miles east of Clarkston Postoffice by Mr.
William Shepherd, Jr., in 1800, for a schoolhouse. In
1802 this was turned into a Methodist "meeting-
house " and called " Shepherd's," after the name of its
builder. This small wooden structure was replaced by
a brick building (33x39 feet), completed on the 23d
of October, 1838, and dedicated by Rev. Harry B.
Cowles on the 25th of the following December.
It cost $468.36, the most of which was paid by Mr.
John Walker of " Chatham Hill," son-in-law to Mr.
William Shepherd, Jr. This house, it seems, was badly
constructed, and in 1859 it was pulled down and the
present large brick edifice was built just across the road,
opposite the old site; the new house was dedicated to
the worship of Almighty God May 27th, i860, by Rev.
Henry B. Cowles.
About 1835 "Providence" meetinghouse was built,
a plain wooden structure, which was succeeded in 1890
by a large brick church. " Paces " was a preaching
place very early in the nineteenth century, and the brick
church now standing was built about 1836.
Still lower In the county the " Old Church," " New
Hope," "St. Andrew's," and "Shackelford's" very
early became rallying points of Methodism. In 1885
a Methodist church, called " Mizpah," was built in the
village of Walkerton and added to the King and Queen
circuit. Many other places from time to time have
been used by the Methodists for assembling the people
to hear the Gospel ; but the above churches, or meeting-
houses, as they were originally called, mark the princi-
pal spots In the county where they have established
strongholds for the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 107
Among the active ministers of the first half-century
of Methodism in this field were the following: Stephen
Roswell, Samuel Gerrard, Lewis Skidmore, Hezekiah
McLelland, John Hersey, Rufus Ledbetter, Samuel T.
Moorman, William H. Starr, Thomas S. Campbell,
Moses Brock, George W. Nolley, Edward Cannon,
Richard Corbin, David Fisher, Thomas Crowder, Rich'
ard Bennett, Richard Mitchell, Thomas Durham, Wil-
liam Davis, John W. White, John P. Gregory, James
McDonald, James W. Lewis, Henry B. Cowles, Robert
Michaels, William E. Grant, Richard Hope, Isaac M.
Arnold, James E. Joyner, Gervis M. Keesee, and Abram
Penn.
Within the last fifty-five years, the following preach-
ers, in the order given, have labored in that part of the
county lying above Little Plymouth, and now known as
King and Queen circuit:
Joseph H. Davis, Joseph Lear, Stephen W. Jones,
Thomas H. Briggs, John Bayly, John B. Laurens, B. H.
Johnson, Charles H. Boggs, Joseph R. Grifl^th, Wil-
liam H. Starr, Lloyd, Moore, John G. Rowe, Hezekiah
P. Mitchell, Thomas M. Beckham, George M. Wright,
Josiah D. Hank, Charles E. Watts, John W. Shack-
ford, William E. Evans, Benjamin C. Spiller, William
W. Lear, William A. Crocker, John T. Payne, Joseph
W. Shackford, Robert E. Barrett, John P. Woodward,
Robert E. Bentley, and Frederick G. Davis. In addi-
tion to these, the presiding elders of this period did a
great deal of effective work in the county; among them
were William B. Rowzie, E. P. Wilson, Thomas A.
Ware, Jacob Manning, Leonidas Rosser, James D.
Coulling, Joseph H. Davis, J. Powell Garland, Fran-
cis J. Boggs, George H. Ray, William E. Payne, Charles
E. Watts, and Joseph H. Amiss. Of all these preachers
named, only two, Hezekiah McLelland and John W.
Shackford, settled in King and Queen; the others were
nearly all transient itinerant pastors.
Mr. McLelland, having served in the Virginia Con-
ference for many years, located after his marriage with
Miss Mary Temple, daughter of Mr. Humphrey Tem-
ple, near Walkerton, where he lived until his death,
108 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
November 9th, 1832. His funeral eulogy was preached
November 27th, 1832, by Rev. Lewis Skidmore, from
the text II. Corinthians, vil. 2.
While living In the county he labored earnestly, and
so long as his strength lasted, for the salvation of souls
and the cause of Methodism. He was survived by his
wife, three sons, — Thomas Cole, Benjamin Whatcoat,
Enoch George, — and two daughters, Susanna Benson
and Martha Cole. The last named. Miss Martha Cole
McLelland, on February loth, 1846, was married to
Rev. John William Shackford, while he was on the King
William circuit. In 1847 Mr. Shackford traveled the
Westmoreland circuit, and in November of the same
year he retired from the Virginia Conference, of which
he had now been a member for five years, and located
on his farm near Walkerton, to which he gave the name
Orange Grove.
At that time he was only 28 years of age, and was
ardently devoted to the cause of Methodism. Thence-
forth for more than thirty-five years he labored " In sea-
son, out of season," throughout King and Queen, and
often in King William and Essex Counties, for the
cause of Christ. He preached often at " Shepherd's,"
" Providence," " Paces," and the " Old Church," and
many souls were converted under his ministry. He never
lost his devotion for his itinerant brethren; his house
was their home, they sought his counsel, loved him cor-
dially, and he labored with them In their meetings, and
for their support in all the practical work of the church.
Acting under the authority of the Quarterly Conference
in 1873, he raised the money to buy the first parsonage
for King and Queen circuit. He was class-leader, super-
intendent of Sunday school, and preacher, all in one.
He loved God's people of every name; and no minister
ever labored in King and Queen who did more to estab-
lish Methodism in the county. For the last fifteen years
of his life he was too feeble in body to preach much;
but he did what he could to help on the little church
which had now been built at Walkerton, and to which
he gave the name of MIzpah. He died in his eighty-
first year, on July loth, 1900, and was laid to rest in
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 109
the family burying ground, lamented by a great number
of neighbors, relatives, brethren, and friends. Very
tender and impressive memorial services, at which lov-
ing tributes were spoken by ministers and laymen of his
own and other denominations, were held at Mizpah on
July 22d, 1900.
The total number of Methodists in King and Queen
probably never exceeded a thousand at any one time.
They number now (1902) seven hundred and ninety.
Among this people there have been many, both men and
women, who were faithful and devoted followers of
Christ, shining as lights before the world. There may
be mentioned Mr. William Shepherd, Jr., the founder
of " Shepherd's Church," where he was the leading
member for more than forty years. He died April 5,
1842. Mr. John DeShazo, a member of the same class
with Mr. Shepherd for twenty-eight years, died No-
vember 5, 1834. Mr. John Walker, of "Chatham
Hill " for nearly fifty years, first joined the Methodist
Church in 181 8 in Nashville, Tenn., where he was then
engaged in business; but he returned to Virginia and
united with the " Shepherd's class " at a meeting held
by Rev. Samuel Gerrard at the house of Mr. William
Shepherd, Jr., in December, 18 19. From that time
until his death in February, 1867, he was a faithful and
devoted Christian. No member of the denomination
in King and Queen ever exerted a more positive and
abiding influence for Methodism than did this godly
layman. Truly he was " diligent in business, fervent
in spirit, serving the Lord." The Bible was his guide-
book. He daily held prayers with his family and serv-
ants, for whose spiritual welfare he showed the deepest
concern. He was kind to the poor, generous to the
weak and erring; but he had no toleration for duplicity
or meanness of any sort. Cato the Censor was not more
strict in his ideas of rectitude; nor was John, the be-
loved disciple, more afi^ectionate and tender towards his
Christian brethren. On June 19th, 1826, returning
from a camp meeting, held at " Old Church," in the
lower end of the county, he wrote these words: " I feel
thankful to my Maker I am yet striving for the King-
110 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
dom of Glory. Lord [grant] that I may hold out till
death and be crowned with life eternal in Heaven ! "
When the end came, more than forty years afterwards,
his loved and intimate friend. Rev. John W. Shack-
ford, inquired of him : " Brother Walker, what are
your prospects now ? " As his spirit was passing through
the gates he answered back: " O, Eternal life ! Eternal
life! " So lived and died one of the pillars of early
Methodism in King and Queen. His wife, Margaret
W. Walker, a faithful, godly woman, survived him,
with her two sons, Watson and Melville — she for
nearly twenty years. Watson died in 1900; Melville
in 1904.
There were many others who faithfully served God
and went to their reward. Space is left to mention only
a few. At Shepherd's, besides those already given, were
William Dix, Sr., Dr. Moore Fauntleroy and family,
William J. Clarkson, Charles R. Evans, Charles Bur-
gess, Peter Toombs, Philip Hodges, Joseph T. Brown-
ley, Franklin Simpkins, Mrs. Elizabeth Carlton, Mrs.
Elizabeth Hundley, with her sons, John and George
K., Mrs. Mary McLelland, Miss Martha Wilson, Miss
Mildred Perryman, Miss Susan Crowe, and many others
who have fallen asleep. In more recent years Watson
Walker, Melville Walker, Thomas Sterling, William
Trice, John F. Trice, Lewis P. Fryer, Willie Cook, and
others, have served the church there officially. Of
these, Watson and Melville Walker, sons of Mr. John
Walker named above, deserve special mention. For
fifteen years after their father's death they were the
strength and support of Shepherd's. When Mizpah
was established at Walkerton, they, together with Lewis
P. Fryer, Mrs. William H. Walker, and the Shackford
family, transferred their membership to that place, and
there wrought for Methodism with such faithful co-
workers as Captain George P. Hudson and wife. Cap-
tain B. F. Eaton and wife, Mrs. J. W. Caldwell, and
others.
Among the laymen at " Providence " in the long-ago
were : James Southgate, Robert S. Nunn, Henry Nunn,
Thomas DeShazo, John DeShazo, Low Brown, Quarles
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 111
Nunn, and Richard Williams; more recently, William
C. Anderson, Richard B. Nunn, Joseph G. Nunn,
Thomas J- Crouch, William Brown, Samuel P. Latane,
John C. DeShazo, and Charles W. Porter, Some of
these are still living, but most of them have fallen asleep.
Of the last two named it ought to be said that for more
than thirty years thev have toiled with unceasinof fidelity
for their church. Mr. DeShazo, merchant and farmer,
and Mr. Porter, treasurer of King and Queen County
for the last thirty-four years consecutively, are truly
such material as men arc made of, reflecting credit not
only on themselves but on the church they have served
so well, earninff thereby the confidence and love of the
whole community.
But the time would fail me to speak of many more
" whose names are in the book of life."
At Paces there were William Watts, Lambeth Hund-
lev. Thomas W. Garrett, Dr. James B. Garrett, Jimmie
Gibson, Alfred Carlton. Isaac Carlton, and others.
At Old Church and Shackelford's manv of the large
family of Blands, — including Colonel Robert Bland,
Dr. William Bland, Dr. James Bland, Major Bland, —
Mr. Beverly Anderson and his son. Dr. Garrett Ander-
son, with a large number of Roanes, Shackelfords, and
others, followed the Methodist faith.
The increase in membership has usually come through
special revival meetings in the churches, or through
camp meetings, so frequent in the earlier days. At a
camp meeting in 1827 in Gloucester there were more
than a hundred conversions; June 20-24, 1834, at Shep-
herd's there were about thirty conversions; August 23,
1838, under preaching of Rev. Robert Michaels, there
were ninety-four conversions at Providence; July 20-
28, 1850, there were sixty conversions at Shepherd's,
and likewise at other places multitudes of souls were
turned unto the Lord. Thus it will appear without the
least disparagement of other Christian denominations
that Methodism has contributed liberally to the number
of godly men and women in the good old county of
King and Queen, the noble lives and conduct of whose
people prompted the public statement made by Bishop
112 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
James A. Latane at Antioch in 1880: "I have trav-
eled," said he, "in many parts of the country; but I
have never been in any other place where the people
have so much of the fear of God as they have in this
community."
BRULNGTON CHURCH
We give here some extracts from an interesting sketch
of Bruington Church, written by Judge J. H. C, Jones;
Bruington being one of the oldest of the churches in
our county:
" The earliest account we have of Baptist preaching
in the neighborhood of Bruington is that in August,
1772, James Greenwood and William Stovall were
preaching not far from the place, when they were seized
by virtue of a warrant,* and immediately taken to prison
in the common jail of the county, where they remained
sixteen days, at the end of which period they were re-
leased upon giving bond for good behavior.
" It seems probable, however, that previously in
1772, and even in 1771, John Waller and other Baptists
from one of the upper counties had already preached in
this neighborhood. After them. Greenwood and Ivison
Lewis held meetings here. But while there were Bap-
tists living around Bruington as early as 1772, they were
not organized until 1774, when they formed some con-
nection with Piscataway Church in Essex.
"About 1780 a church was constituted at Bruington
under the care of William Jones, but in consequence of
some charges against him it was thought advisable to
dissolve, and the members returned to Piscataway and
were regarded as a branch of that church until 1790,
when, having been favored with a revival in which sev-
eral influential persons were baptized, they formed a
church of their own. At its organization on the fourth
Saturday and Sunday in September, 1790, it was com-
* James Greenwood was seized while preaching near Bruington
Church and imprisoned in the County jail. There, the historian says,
"he preached, and prayed, and wept".
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 113
posed of 150 members. Robert Semple,* being then in
his 2 1 St year and having been previously baptized, was
unanimously chosen pastor, and accepted the call. It is
said that on the 24th of the same month in which he was
baptized, he and the late Andrew Broaddus, Sr., both
made their first attempt at preaching at the house of
Mrs. Lowrie in Caroline. He was publicly ordained to
the Gospel ministry on the 26th of September, 17QO,
by Elders Ware, Noel, and Lewis. On the same day
Lewis Smith, Thomas Nunn, and William Whavne
were ordained deacons. In 1791 they built their first
house of worship, which stood on the opposite side of
the road to the present building. It was a wooden
structure, plain, unplastered, and uncomfortable, with
no heating appliance, and no glass lights save one nar-
row window at the pulpit.
" Under Semple's ministry the church soon began to
grow in influence, and took high rank for eflSciency.
Some were added by baptism every year, and then at
the close of 1799 a work of grace was manifested which
continued through many years, and was so remarkable
that it was the subject of special notice in the Dover
Association for the year 1800. It is said that the re-
vival was due, not to preaching, but to singing, prayer,
and exhortation by private members, and to the ordi-
nance of baptism as most effectual; it was administered
nearly every Lord's Day, and some of nearly all ages
and ranks and both sexes were baptized. About one
hundred and thirty were brought into the church, among
them the late Elder William Todd, who soon afterward
began to preach. On the third Sunday in March, 1804,
* Robert Baylor Semple was of Scotch descent, born 1769, educated
by Mr. Taylor and Rev. P. Nelson. He was teacher, lawyer, and
preacher; was baptized in 1784 by Rev. Theodoric Noel. Semple had
a keen knowledge of human nature and was well instructed in right-
eousness; he "aimed his darts at the conscience, not at the head".
In 1820 he was president of the old Baptist Triennial Convention. He
was made D. D. by Brown University and William and Mary College.
The last year of his life there was a great revival at Bruington and
over a hundred persons were baptized. His last sermon was upon
Exodus XV. IX.
114 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
he was dismissed, with about one hundred others, who
resided in the lower vicinity of the church, to join Lower
King and Queen Church. On the first Sunday in Au-
gust, 1804, Josiah Ryland, William Fleet, William
Holt and Thomas Courtney were ordained deacons.
In 1809 a membership of three hundred was re-
ported to the Dover Association, and between
this date and 18 16 Moses Nunn, Justin Beadles,
William Hill, Lewis Howerton, and Robert S.
Jones are mentioned as deacons; later the names
of Joel Willis, Thomas Garnett, and Hugh Camp-
bell appear. William Fleet was Clerk in 18 12,
and Thomas Nunn was Treasurer. In 18 16 a day of
fasting and prayer was appointed on account of the low
spiritual condition of the church, and also on account of
a prevailing drought. On the Wednesday following
fast day one of the best rains of the year came, in answer
to prayer. At a church meeting in February, 18 17, a
sister was cited before the church to answer the charge
of leaving her father's house and marrying against his
consent, she being under age. She appeared and apolo-
gized, and a committee was appointed to intercede with
her father for a reconciliation.
" On November 27, 18 17, James Webb, a deacon of
Piscataway, had been received by letter and recognized
as a deacon of this church. As early as 18 16 it was pro-
posed to build another house for worship ; the work was
discussed and laid over until July 4, 181 8. The first
service was held in the new house on the fourth Sunday
in June, 1820. It was a brick structure, 70x33 feet, and
stood upon the site of the present building. It had a
gallery, a door at each end, and another door on the
south side of the house, opposite to which on the north
side stood the pulpit. About this time two things caused
some trouble; one, the failure of members to attend
service, and especially business meetings; the other, the
failure of members to contribute to the support of the
church. Measures more or less stringent were adopted
to remedy these evils.
" On the 29th of May, 1825, Robert Courtney, John
Bagby, and John C. Richards were ordained deacons;
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 115
27th of May, 1826, Hugh Campbell resigned as clerk
and John Bagby was elected in his stead. On the 26th
of April, 1827, Robert Ryland was publicly ordained
to the Gospel ministry. In 1828 John Duval was elected
as associate pastor and accepted (the pastor. Dr. Semple,
had changed his residence to Fredericksburg, and Dr.
Duval filled the pulpit on the third Sunday in his place) .
"Dr. Semple died December 25th, 1831, having
served the church from the time of its constitution to
the day of his death. This eminent servant of God de-
serves our highest testimonial of gratitude and thanks-
giving. Under his ministry the church was uniformly
happy and prosperous. A few years before his death
he was called to a high and important position; but re-
mained pastor here until he died. His annual salary
probably did not exceed $100. In 18 14 the member-
ship was three hundred; in 1824, three hundred and
fifty. In 18 18, fifty baptisms were reported, and in
1 83 1, one hundred and two. In December, 1818, a
plan was devised for increasing interest in, and securing
contributions for, missions. Revs. John Clark and Rob-
ert S. Jones belonged here. The Dover Association met
with the church in 1792, 1805, and 1820.
" Elder Richard Claybrook * was chosen as Dr. Sem-
ple's successor April 14th, 1832. He was a most worthy
man, and seems to have been greatly loved by the church.
He died December 4th, 1834, having had a most suc-
cessful pastorate. In 1832 the membership was four
hundred and sixty-five ; in 1 834, four hundred and eighty-
three. Rev. Robert Ryland preached at the church
one Sunday in each month for a period of fourteen
months. About this time a fund was established for the
maintenance of the poor.
" Claybrook was succeeded by Rev. Eli Ball, who was
chosen December 27, 1834, to preach two Sundays in
each month and on Saturday before the first Sunday.
July 4, 1840, Elder Ball resigned, having been called to
an important work for the denomination. This pas-
torate seems also to have been remarkably successful,
* Richard Claybrook, b. 1785, in King William.
116 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
the church reaching a membership of five hundred and
eighty-six. The church during this period was active,
too, in works of practical benevolence. A Sunday
school was begun; as also temperance agitation, tract
distribution, and an educational society. Regular weekly
prayer meetings also were established; these were held
mostly at private houses. It was in this pastorate, also,
that regular collections were first taken for missionary
purposes. It is notable that Mr. Charles Hill, a gen-
tleman in the neighborhood of exemplary character,
though not a professor of religion, gave his cordial help
in the Sunday school. In 1836 brethren Thomas
Haynes and Samuel P. Ryland were appointed superin-
tendents of the Sunday school ; brother Haynes acted in
that capacity for the most part until 1846, when he re-
moved to Washington city, brother Ryland succeeding
him. Meetings were also arranged for the benefit of
the colored people, and a committee appointed to super-
vise these meetings. In 1837 Thomas Haynes, S. P.
Ryland, and Alexander Fleet were elected deacons.
" The church being now again without a pastor, a
day of fasting and prayer was observed, looking to the
election of some one as under-shepherd. Elder Wilham
Southwood * agreed to supply the pulpit for one year
from August ist, 1840. August 29th Elder T. W.
Sydnor was elected pastor and accepted for one year.
He began work in January, 1841. The treasurer re-
ported for this year (1841) $755.82 collected for be-
nevolent objects. Twelve baptisms are reported. Elder
Sydnor declined to serve a second year. By arrange-
ment made in January, 1842, Elder William Southwood
was to fill the pulpit on the first and fourth Sundays,
R. H. Bagby on the second, and John O. Turpin on the
third. June nth, 1842, R. H. Bagby was elected pas-
tor. By many he was regarded as an answer to the
prayers of the church. December, 1852, the church en-
gaged with its pastor for preaching every Sunday, and
* William Southwood, pastor in the latter part of 1840, was b. in
England, October, 1783; d. October, 1850, and was buried under the
church at St. Stevens.
3 _^.^s ^E^ m
HON. J. H. C. JONES
Judsre of the County Court of King atid Queen, President of the
Baptist General Association of Virginia.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 117
fixed his salary at $500. On the first Sunday in Jan-
uary, 1853, Alfred Bagby was publicly ordained to the
ministry; July 28th of the same year William S. Ryland
was ordained. In 1856 the church resolved not to retain
in fellowship a member retailing ardent spirits.
" In January, 1858, Joseph Ryland, James R. Fleet,
and Leland Cosby were elected deacons, and on Sunday
George F. Bagby was ordained to the ministry. During
1858 $900.77 was collected for benevolent objects.
May 31, 1863, Charles H. Ryland was ordained to the
ministry; December 3 ist John W. Ryland was ordained.
A Sabbath school for the colored children of the neigh-
borhood was organized in 1863, with John Bagby, Jr.,
as Superintendent, and Alexander Fleet, Jr., as assistant.
The school was conducted under an arbor in the church-
yard. The Rappahannock Association met with the
church in 1858 and 1866.
" Elder Bagby's pastorate was counted a great suc-
cess, and when he resigned, in 18 — , to enter upon work
as field secretary of the State Mission Board, it was a
matter of universal regret. His death on October 29th,
1870, was a sad blow to the cause. His body and that
of his wife, as also those of Dr. and Mrs. Semple, re-
pose in the church cemetery near by."
THE WINNING OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.
The following sketch appeared in the Richmond
Times-Dispatch, November 11, 1906, under the head-
ing:
" Virginia's fight for free religion."
With a few verbal corrections it is inserted here as
a valuable contribution to the ecclesiastical history of
Virginia, and thus, by its subject matter, of broad in-
terest to the history of King and Queen County.
" A collection of specially interesting and important
manuscripts will be put on exhibition in the portrait gal-
lery of the State Library this week by the Department
of Archives and History. This collection is that of
* religious petitions,' which were presented to the Gen-
118 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
eral Assembly during the momentous years of the Revo-
lution and the years succeeding. These documents will
be so arranged, with accompanying cards, that the
progress of the struggle which ended in complete re-
ligious freedom may be studied from beginning to end.
A number of these religious petitions will be included
among the State Library's exhibit at the Jamestown
Exposition.
" Interesting as the history of the overthrow of estab-
lished religion in Virginia is, the majority of people are
ignorant of it. The story of the struggle is told in
these petitions with a fullness seldom found, and conse-
quently the collection will have a more than usual interest
for those who love the history of the State. In fact,
the religious petitions are the only source for certain
phases of the religious conflict in Virginia, and this is
the first time that they have been exhibited.
" Origin of Petitions. — For a proper understanding
of their value, it is necessary to know something of the
conditions which produced them and the grievances that
they endeavored to remedy. It is difficult for us, with
our acquaintance with the present condition of things
in Virginia, spiritual and temporal, to appreciate the
conditions existing in the State at the beginning of the
Revolution.
" There was an established church in Virginia, the
Church of England. The people were required to at-
tend its services, and were taxed for its support. In
return the people received the services of a somewhat
inferior clergy, which was criticised as being unlearned,
unenthusiastic and generally acquainted with the world,
the flesh, and the devil. The criticism was probably
overdrawn, but there can be no doubt that the clergy
exercised little influence upon their parishioners. The
burning zeal of the dissenting preachers, their rivals,
may have thrown the clergy of the Established Church
into a different relief from that in which they would
stand to-day.
"At all events, things religious were out of joint in
Virginia for some years prior to the Revolution. The
spirit of rebellion against authority was on foot through-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 119
out the Colony, and applied to religion as well as to
politics. The Established Church, the Church of Eng-
land in Virginia, became unpopular with many people be-
cause of its connection with royal authority, the character
of its clergymen, and, not the least, because of the taxes
extorted for its maintenance. The local tyranny exer-
cised by many vestries in church matters did not enhance
the popularity of the Establishment. Indeed, some
writers attribute the deficiencies of the Established
Church to its lack of ecclesiastical control and the cor-
responding power of the vestries. The church, they
say, was not episcopal.
" Wonderful Awakening. — Popular discontent with
the church found expression in the celebrated ' Parsons'
Cause,' in 1763, when the youthful Patrick Henry be-
gan his fine agitating career. The clergy of some par-
ishes attempted to collect their tithes of tobacco, as
fixed by the law at so many pounds, at a time when
tobacco was high. The law was appealed to; the par-
sons were legally right, but Henry's tongue confounded
them.
" Conditions were ripe in Virginia for the growth of
active dissent. The means of growth were supplied by
one of those religious movements which have so often
convulsed the British people. This was the great re-
vival of the Wesleys, Whitefield, and Edwards. The
conception of religion as a conscious and intimate rela-
tionship between the soul and God was preached as
never before, and awoke the slumbering religious in-
stincts of the English-speaking people.
" The Presbyterians were the first dissenting sect to
enter Virginia as a sect. They were chiefly Scotch-Irish,
of the West, and they did not all at once affect eastern
Virginia. But some years before the Revolution the
Presbyterians began to make headway in Hanover and
the adjoining counties, and presently Baptists, Quakers,
Methodists and others entered the Colony and propa-
gated their doctrines. The Baptists, especially, grew
rapidly, and disturbed the conventional and unemotional
Virginia of the eighteenth century to its depths.
" Indeed, the effects of a burning evangelical Chris-
1^0 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
tianlty, preached crudely, but with utmost sincerity, were
marvelous. The old Virginia of that day was used to
dull and sleepy lectures upon morality, delivered un-
enthusiastically to high-backed pews and powdered dig-
nity. Into this drowsy land the itinerant exhorters
flocked and vividly painted heaven and hell, disturbing
the peace of mind of the whole community,
" Persecution Followed. — The first case of imprison-
ment seems to have taken place in Fredericksburg in
1768. John Waller, Lewis Craig, James Childs, and
others, were hauled up before three magistrates, who
offered to release them if they would promise to spare
the county their sermons for a year and a day. They
refused, and were marched to jail, singing as they went
through the streets : ' Broad is the way that leads to
death.' Some of the natives beHeve that the curse of
this persecution stopped the growth of the town for a
hundred years.
" A number of similar cases of imprisonment fol-
lowed, and legal persecution was sometimes accompanied
by mob outrage, as the powerful emotions awakened by
the religious revival antagonized those whom it did not
attract. Persecution, as is sometimes the case, but not
always, aided the growth of the persecuted sect.
" The Baptists increased in numbers, as did the Pres-
byterians, while many Quakers and other sectarians came
into the State from the North.
" It was now the beginning of the Revolution. The
chief questions that strained the relations between King
and Colonies were political, and religious matters might
not necessarily have entered into the conflict to a great
extent. This was certainly the preference of a majority
of the leading patriots, who were churchmen, while they
were rebels. But revolutions sometimes accomplish
more than they aim at. The dissenters, now largely
outnumbering the churchmen, were determined that re-
ligious as well as political liberty should be secured, and
the dissenters had the sympathy of some of the strongest
men of the day.
" A political motive for assisting the dissenters lay in
the fact that the State would need their warm support
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 121
in the coming struggle. To men as broad as Jefferson,
Madison, and Mason, the occasion called for the general
assertion of liberal principles. When the Convention
of 1775 met as a convention, and no longer as the House
of Burgesses, the dissenters began to send In petitions,
and it was by petitions attacking or defending the Estab-
lished Church that the struggle was chiefly waged.
" The Baptists, in a petition dated August 14, 1775,
expressed sympathy for the patriot cause and asked that
their ministers might have the liberty of preaching to
the Virginia troops. The Convention could not well re-
fuse this request, and passed a resolution permitting dis-
senting clergymen to preach to the soldiers " for the
ease of such scrupulous consciences as may not choose
to attend divine services as celebrated by the chaplain."
" The dissenters had not yet begun to attack the
church In their petitions. The first move for complete
religious freedom came from the convention of 1776, In
the Bill of Rights. In this notable body sat Archibald
Cary, Robert Carter Nicholas, Patrick Henry, Richard
Bland, Thomas Ludwell Lee, John Blair, Meriwether
Smith, James Mercer, Edmund Pendleton, Edmund
Randolph, Henry Tazewell, James Madison, George
Mason, and other men of mark. Some of them were
strong defenders of the Establishment, but the genuine
love of liberty which animated Mason, Madison, and
their followers, as well as the necessities of the moment,
prevailed, and the famous sixteenth article of the Bill of
Rights was passed. It reads: 'That religion, or the
duty we owe to our Creator, and the manner of dis-
charging it, can be directed only by reason and convic-
tion, and not by force or violence; and, therefore, all
men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion
according to the dictates of conscience; and that It is the
mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance,
love and charity towards each other.'
'' Baptist and Presbyterian Onslaught. — This article
was adopted June 12, 1776, and on June 20 the Bap-
tists attacked the Establishment In a petition asking that
they be allowed to maintain their ministers and enjoy
the ministrations of these without the necessity of sup-
122 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
porting the clergy of ' other denominations ' — mean-
ing, of course, the clergy of the Establishment.
" The first General Assembly of Virginia met in Octo-
ber, 1776. The attack on the Establishment then
became general, and many petitions, chiefly from the
Presbyterians, poured in upon the legislature. The
Presbytery of Hanover asked for the repeal of laws
countenancing religious denominations and enforcing
taxation for their benefit. One immense petition, signed
by 10,000 names, and many yards in length, attested
to the number and unanimity of the dissenters.
" The Assembly bowed before the public will, and
passed a law on December 9th, 1776, exempting dis-
senters from the support of the church. This bill was
carried only after a severe struggle, in which Pendleton
and Nicholas led the conservatives.
" Dissenters were relieved of the burden of supporting
the Establishment with their taxes, but the question of
State interference in religious matters was not yet settled.
It was still a debated question whether there should be
taxation for ecclesiastical purposes. Meanwhile, the
opponents of the Establishment secured a postponement
of the payment to it of any taxes at all. This condition
of abeyance lasted through the years 1776-1779, in
which time a number of petitions were presented, asking
for the overthrow of the Establishment, or opposing the
system of church taxation, which was called assessment.
"Jefferson's Act Held Up. — In the session of 1779
the opponents of the Established Church made a deter-
mined assault upon It, and succeeded in crippling It seri-
ously, although they were not able to secure their full
demands. Taxation for the benefit of the clergy of the
Establishment had been suspended for three years. Five
suspending acts were passed, and In 1779 the laws for
the support of the clergy were repealed. It now became
Impossible for the old Establishment to hope for an ex-
clusive benefit from taxation, although the question of
taxation Itself still remained undecided.
" The settlement of the latter could have been accom-
plished by the passage of Jefferson's ' Act for Estab-
lishing Religious Freedom in Virginia.' The bill for
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 123
religious freedom was reported in the House of Dele-
gates in June, 1779. It was held up, the enemy being
too strong. The act, as finally passed, reads : ' Be it en-
acted by the General Assembly, that no man shall be
compelled to frequent or support any religious worship,
place or ministry whatsoever, nor shall he be enforced,
restrained, molested or burthened in his body or goods,
nor shall he otherwise suffer on account of his religious
opinions or belief, but that all men shall be free to pro-
fess and by argument to maintain their opinions in
matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise
diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities.'
" The bill was not passed, however, at this session,
and for a number of sessions to come. The bill failed to
pass for several reasons. In i78o-'8i the State was
deeply involved in the progress of the war. After the
establishment of peace in 1783, the old church, which
had been paralyzed by the war, began to show signs of
reviving. A plan was brought forward to secure the
property still held loosely by the church, by means of
an act of incorporation, and to provide for the support
of the clergy by a system of general taxation of all the
citizens of the State for the benefit of the various
churches.
** This law would give each person the right to
choose the church which should receive his tax. In this
way the Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists — if they
considered themselves separate — and other sects, would
be established, as well as the Protestant Episcopal
Church, which was the successor and heir of the old
Establishment.
" Several Makeshifts. — The plan was formidable
through its leading advocate, who was none other
than Patrick Henry. Time and responsibility had
cooled the once ardent radical and he had become the
maintainer instead of the upsetter of systems. A num-
ber of Presbyterians, and perhaps some other dissenters,
seem to have favored this plan, which would have had
the merit of making preaching a somewhat less pre-
carious profession than it was.
" A large part of the Assembly was Episcopalian. It
124 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
was accordingly possible to do something for the bat-
tered old church. As a result, a law was passed in
1784 providing for the incorporation of the Episcopal
Church.
" By this law vestries were empowered to acquire
property of a certain income; they might indulge in
lawsuits or be sued, and (principally) they might hold
the glebes and other church property formerly belong-
ing to the Establishment, and now claimed by the Epis-
copal Church as heir. This act was followed in
December, 1784, by ' A bill establishing a provision for
the teachers of the Christian religion.' The bill em-
bodied the plan for the general support of religion and
religious sects by means of taxation.
" It was true that this bill gave the same right to all
sects which called themselves Christians, a term that in
those days was largely inclusive. It was not, however,
in the line of religious freedom, and small consolation
would the irreligious taxpayer have found in the privi-
lege of choosing a destination for his unwillingly paid
taxes. Immediately the war of petitions was renewed
as never before, and from almost every county of the
State came denunciations of the plan, or fervent appeals
for its support.
" Madison to the Rescue. — James Madison was the
leader in the fight against incorporations and assessment.
He put forth his famous ' Remonstrance,' which at
once had great effect throughout Virginia. The balance
went decidedly against the taxation plan. The Presby-
terians, who had in some instances favored assessment,
now closed up solidly against it, and the Baptists, who
had been solidly against it all along, refreshed their
zeal. Madison seized the opportunity to bring forward
once more Jefferson's bill for religious freedom.
" Modest James had proved to be a trusty guardian
of the bill which his great and good friend, Jefferson,
had fathered, and had stood by it through many disap-
pointments. The bill passed the House on December
17th, 1785, and put an end to all church establishment,
general or particular.
" But the Episcopal Church was still incorporated,
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 125
and the other religious sects sent in petition after peti-
tion opposing it, signed apparently by nearly all the in-
habitants of the State. As long as the church continued
incorporated, its title to the old glebes and other prop-
erty handed down to it remained good. The Legislature
bowed again before what was mainly the popular will,
and in 1786 repealed the incorporating act. The glebes
continued to remain in the hands of the vestries, where
there were any vestries, but they were held by a very
uncertain tenure.
" It was the object of the Baptists to change this un-
certain possession into certain dispossession. The
principle of republican equality was on their side. From
1786 until the end of the century the Baptists, and pos-
sibly other dissenters, continually put in petitions for the
sale of the glebes and the appropriation of the proceeds
for other purposes than the support of religious denomi-
nations, — delenda est Carthago!
*' The Episcopalians struggled pathetically against
the loss of this last privilege, which appeared to them as
an absolute right. ' That conceiving their society hath
under laws passed more than a century previous to the
Revolution,' said one of their petitions, dated in 1797,
' the same right to their glebe and church as each indi-
vidual has to his property legally vested during the royal
government, they have continued to hold and use them
for their appropriate purposes: in all other respects con-
sidering themselves in a state of perfect equality with
their brethren of other societies, — ardently wishing to
live in peace and harmony, and the intercourse of benev-
olence and charity, with all.' This was a strong plea,
but the opponents of the Episcopal glebes were able to
put forth the argument that the glebes in many cases
represented the taxation of all the inhabitants, dissenters
as well as churchmen, for the benefit of the old Estab-
lishment alone, and, therefore, that no single church had
the right to property so gotten; consequently that the
State should use the property for purposes which would
benefit all.
" The unfailing supply of petitions at last produced
their effect. In January, 1802, the Assembly passed an
126 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
act directing the sale of the glebes, and the proceeds
were 'devoted chiefly to the poor. The last scene of the
religious drama in Virginia was thus played, and the
Establishment totally passed away."
The supporters of ecclesiastical establishment and tax-
ation had argued that the withdrawal of all State sup-
port from religion would mean the overthrow of reli-
gion; that religion in this world of evil cannot stand
alone. Dissenters retorted with a reminder of the friend-
less but healthy condition of the primeval church. In
the early years of the nineteenth century the former
seemed to have the best of the argument, for religion
was in a sad state of decline. This came about, how-
ever, from other causes than disestablishment. It was
chiefly due to the license bred by war and upheaval, and
to the propagation of " French principles " in the State.
Virginia became full of skepticism and atheism. Curi-
ously enough, skepticism and atheism flourished as a
green bay-tree, — and yet withered, for before many years
had passed there was a great and general revival of reli-
gion in the old commonwealth, and the French influence
lingered as only a memory.
PART II
CIVIL WAR ANNALS
CHAPTER VIII
THE WAR STARTS — THE HOME GUARD
It is easy to understand that the great events of this
period constituted a crisis in our county as well as in
all the Southland. Our people — at least an overwhelm-
ing majority of them — were for the Union so long as
there was hope left. Our representative in the Virginia
Convention was a Union man until President Lincoln
called for troops to overrun our sister Southern States;
then everything underwent a change, and with few ex-
ceptions the county voted to oppose Mr. Lincoln's meas-
ures and voted for secession. With great unanimity
and cordiality our people assumed the gigantic respon-
sibility which fell upon them. Could General McClel-
lan's views have been carried out, his great army would
have landed at Urbanna and passed through the county
with Richmond as the objective point. This, I believe,
is undisputed history. Mr. Lincoln overruled him, and
Fortress Monroe became his base. Up to late in the
spring of 1862 we had not suffered any material hard-
ships from the war. We were separated from the great
armies by the York River below, and the Mattapony
higher up. This circumstance saved us from untold
trouble which afflicted other people more remote from
Richmond than ourselves.
So soon as Mr. Lincoln's election was announced,
we witnessed a great upstir; the militia had more fre-
quent drills, under Colonel J. R. Bagby, Lieutenant
Colonel T. R. Gresham, Major Roderick Dew, etc.
Lincoln was inaugurated, Sumter was taken, and the
government called for 70,000 soldiers to retake forts.
The State Convention at once passed a vote of seces-
sion. General Lee was made commander-in-chief, and
soon Virginia joined her sisters in the South.
129
130 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
When the tocsin of war was sounded our people
showed their metal in the sending of five infantry com-
panies to the war, besides several cavalry companies.
King and Queen County from first to last sent five
infantry companies Into the field. We give those com-
panies in order: June 24, 1861, Twenty-sixth Virginia
Regiment; regular officers, Colonel Powell Page, Lieu-
tenant Colonel J. C. Councill, Major J. S. Garrett.
Company H, Captain R. A. Sutton (died since war),
First Lieutenant J. D. Taylor, Second Lieutenant W. C.
Gayle. Company C, Twenty-sixth Regiment, Wise
Brigade (see paper by Lieutenant J. W. Hundley).
Company I, Twenty-sixth Virginia Regiment, Captain
Spencer (see paper by Captain James Pollard). Com-
pany K, Thirty-fourth Virginia Regiment, Colonel
Goode, Lieutenant Colonel Harrison, Major J. R.
Bagby, Captain A. F. Bagby, etc. (see paper by Orderly
Sergeant Dr. John Bagby) .
Many from the county joined various companies re-
cruited in other sections, and we feel it to be a duty to
mention among these last the following names which
appear to us to shine resplendent In the ranks of Lee
and Stuart. There are other names worthy of mention
had we space for them :
Captain Thomas W. Haynes (Company H, Ninth
Virginia), son of Captain Thomas Haynes of Bruing-
ton, joined the Lee Rangers. He was as gallant a sol-
dier as ever drew sword. Dashing and fearless, he
received a desperate wound from which he never recov-
ered, though he lived to be treasurer of King William
County. He married a Miss Hawes, and died many
years ago. William Campbell, now an honored resi-
dent of Dunsvllle, Essex County, and once representa-
tive in the legislature of Virginia, was a native of King
and Queen. He married Miss Janett Latane. When
the war came on he was in the far Northwest, and on
his way back to King and Queen visited an uncle in
Illinois, who made every effort to detain him, but
failed. He then joined the cavalry, and proved him-
self among the bravest of the brave. An Incident is
told of him In Stewart's Raid In rear of McClellan,
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA l?il
May, 1862. Near Old Church he came face to face
with an accomplished Northern cavalryman, trained at
West Point in all the arts of sword practice. The con-
flict was severe and ended in the complete disarming
and capture of the Federal soldier. Presently the cap-
tive said to Campbell: " I can't understand how you
succeeded in disarming me." Campbell answered, " I
am left-handed." " Now I understand," said the cap-
tive. That left hand was, and still is, dangerous.
Colonel Thomas Smith was a son of Hon. James
Smith of Smithfield, King and Queen, and a brother of
the late Captain James W. Smith of the Twenty-second
Virginia Battery, and was noted for soldiery conduct.
P. E. Lipscomb, at present doorkeeper of the House of
Delegates (he married Miss Imogen Hawes of Poplar
Grove), fought well and lost a leg in battle.
A CITIZEN S DIARY
The extracts below are from a diary kept by one
of the most venerated citizens of the county during the
war, and present a vivid picture of the status here dur-
ing the whole of this eventful period. So far as we
know, this is the only diary extant of that period in the
county. The author begs pardon in advance if these
extracts should seem to relate to one section of the
county, and largely to the soldiers in that immediate
vicinity. What is said here in commemoration of the
soldier boys from Stevensville may be understood to
apply with equal force to every company from King and
Queen. It would be a pleasure to give details from
each company in turn, but that is not practicable, for
want of necessary data.
It must be borne in mind that our county is separated
from Richmond by the two branches of the York River,
Pamunkey and Mattapony. This fact doubtless saved
our people from numberless and nameless worries. We
were by no means, however, exempted from the com-
mon perils and conflicts incident to the situation. The
people were in full sympathy with the Confederate
Government, and did what they could for the common
132 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
cause. In addition a home guard was organized by
and by, composed of men and youths who for one
cause and another were exempted from service in the
army. Rev. R. H. Bagby, D. D., was made captain
of one company, and the rank and file was made
up of some of the first citizens of the county, —
Joseph Ryland, James R. Fleet, B. T. Taylor, W. P.
Courtney, Sylvanus Gresham, Robert Pollard, Jr., Hal-
bach, Porter, and others, — making in all a company of
a hundred cool, daring men, ready to pursue, to stand
on defense, and, if need be, to suffer for their people.
This company never failed to strike at the public enemy
when he came our way, and it is reported that a distin-
guished Federal general remarked that he had met no
such spirited opposition in any other county in the State
as in King and Queen. It will be seen in the sequel how
these old men distinguished themselves in encounters
with Union forces.
Kilpatrick's Raid. — General Kilpatrick, commanding
a body of horse, came into the county May ^-6, 1863,
and camped in a field opposite Locust Cottage (Ste-
vensville). That night our people had a new experi-
ence, and there occurred at Locust Cottage, the home
of Mr. and Mrs. John N. Gresham, a scene which,
withal, was highly amusing. The General sent word to
Mrs. G. that he and his aids would take tea with her.
She made ready, and the company sat down. As the
lady of the house poured out the tea, she boldly re-
marked, " Did I ever think it would come to this, that
I should be pouring out tea for Yankee soldiers, come
to waste and destroy?" The General, not at all dis-
concerted, coolly remarked: "Never mind, madam, we
have only come to seek and to save that which was lost."
The cavalry did no special harm, save that numerous
horses were taken, and next morning went on its way.
Stragglers from the ranks, however, not under the eye
of the General, were very offensive. Old citizens, nota-
bly Samuel P. Ryland and James Robert Fleet, were
unhorsed, robbed, and beaten.
The Spears Raid, so-called. — On July 8th, 1862, a
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 133
squad of cavalry came up from Gloucester Point and
camped at King and Queen Courthouse, the object
being to break up boats and prevent crossing the river
on the road to Richmond. We give here an interesting
account by Dr. B. H. Walker of an encounter next day
between them and the home guard at Walkerton. The
account in Dr. Walker's diary runs :
" So soon as we learned that the Yankees were coming up the road
towards Walkerton, Major Bagby [at home on furlough], and I ar-
ranged a plan to capture them. I was to go the Ridge road by Butler's
Tavern, gather all the men I could, and make for Walkerton. When
I reached that village, I found several of the home guard, and others,
including Mordecai Cook, a youth, eight in all. In half an hour a
Yankee lieutenant, with five men rode up, inquired for the ferryboat;
but the ferryboat had been hastily taken down the river. Presently
the lieutenant walked into the store. My gun was lying on the counter.
He and I scuffled over the gun. William Turner shot him with a
pistol, but he ran out into the yard, and Alfred Gwathmey shot him
with buckshot. A fusilade began between us and the remaining four
men. One man was shot from his horse and another from behind a
tree by Mordecai and killed. The rest were scattered. I then agreed
to go up to Richmond and post the authorities about conditions in our
county. Colonel Goode at White House was ordered by General Lee,
through myself, to send soldiers to our aid. Before he could do so,
the enemy had retired to Gloucester Point."
Major Bagby and Holder Hudgins. — Pending all
this, Major Bagby had come into the river road near
Mantua Ferry, where a citizen from Mathews named
Holder Hudgins, with a wagonload of provisions on the
way to Richmond, had been halted by a squad of Union
cavalry. The major, without disclosing his identity,
remonstrated against the arrest of private citizens, and
the soldiers were evidently intimidated. The major
withdrew, and taking a position just below, awaited
developments. Presently two soldiers came down at a
rapid pace, and refusing to halt when summoned, the
major fired, killing one of them. The rest of the squad
were captured by the home guard. Thus ended the
first raid into King and Queen County.
Dahlgren Raid, March 2-3, 1864. — Lieutenant Col-
134 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
onel Ulric Dahlgren, a son of Admiral D., U. S. N.,
was young, dashing, and chivalrous. We here subjoin
a succinct account of this notable raid from a painstak-
ing statement of the facts compiled by Prof. John
Pollard, D. D. :
"In the winter of 1863-4 the Army of North Virginia lay near
Orange Courthouse, the Army of the Potomac (General Meade) in
Culpepper County, the Rapidan separating them. In February an ex-
pedition, supposed to be planned by government in Washington. Gen-
eral Kilpatrick, with four thousand cavalry, to pass General Lee's right
flank, destroy railways, and dash into Richmond. February 28th, 7
P. M., Kilpatrick left Stevensburg, crossed at the lower ford (Ely's)
to Spottsylvania. Here Dahlgren with four hundred picked men was
detached to go by Frederick Hall (C. & O. R. R.), capture a park of
artillery there, cross James River to south side, release prisoners at
Belle Isle, arm them, set city on fire, etc. The colonel picked up a
negro guide to lead him to a ford over the James, and was carried
to Dover Mills. He reached Dover Mills at 8 A. M., March 1st — two
nights and one day on road — say ninety miles. Thus far, all well,
though tired. But at Dover the poor negro could not point out a ford,
and was hung for his pains. When Dahlgren, turning then down the
river to rejoin General Kilpatrick, reached neighborhood of city,
Kilpatrick had been driven off and moved down Peninsula. Dahl-
gren came within three miles of city, lost forty men, and was com-
pelled to retire and escape as best he could. He moved around to Hun-
gary station (R. F. & P.), came to Brooke Turnpike, and moved north-
east. Meantime his force separated — some moving after Kilpatrick, and
one hundred or one hundred and fifty under Dahlgren to cross Pamun-
key and Mattapony and so retire to Gloucester Point. Entered King
William at Hanover Town, King and Queen at Ayletts. This county
is sixty-five miles long, running along the Mattapony, with not a single
settlement larger than a village. Average of virtue and intelligence far
above usual, [the people] ardently devoted to Confederate cause and
ready to assert their devotion. Young men were at the front; old men
organized a regular company (officers commissioned regularly), as home
guard for local defense. R. H. Bagby, D. D., captain, — one of the
ablest ministers in Virginia. In addition to home guard there were
fifty or seventy-five troopers from army in the county recruiting. So
soon as it was known that Colonel Dahlgren was crossing the river
above, the defense began to gather in squads. It was now March 3,
1864. Half mile above Bruington his rear attacked by twenty-five men,
and one man killed, — a corporal, — just at Bethlehem, a colored church.
"The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church," said a Confed-
hi
o
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 135
erate. Below Bruington the road branches, one fork passing down
toward and along the river, the other by Stevensville, rejoining the
first a mile below that point. At point of junction is the " Dahlgren
corner." The home guard and some sixty soldiers having moved ahead,
stationed themselves in a wooded thicket here, about nightfall, and
awaited Dahlgren's approach.
"Captain Fox was in supreme command (Major Pollard sick at Mr.
Bagby's), his men posted on northeast angle of the two roads. Night
without moon, but not all dark.
" Just about midnight Dahlgren moved slowly down upon corner.
Discovering his enemy, there was a recoil, but Dahlgren drew his pistol,
called to his men, and moved up, resolutely demanding surrender. The
flash of arms broke upon midnight shadows, and Colonel Dahlgren,
young, ardent, brave, enthusiastic, fell over into a ditch, pierced by five
bullets. The column then withdrew into a neighboring field. Chris-
topher B. Fleet and A. C. Acree scouted around and located them. Next
morning all surrendered save officers, who escaped but were captured
afterwards by Captain R. H. B. The captures amounted to one hun-
dred and thirty-five soldiers, forty negroes, besides horses and arms.
Major Cook, second in command, left with four or five others during
night, but was taken as aforesaid. ^ Colonel Dahlgren's watch, memo-
randum-book, and ring were taken ; and there was some mutilation,
which was afterwards regretted. A lock of his hair - was preserved
by Mrs. Juliet Pollard, and afterwards sent to his father. [He was
signally avenged by General Kilpatrick in the burning of the county
courthouse, clerk's office, etc.] The morning following, a rude coffin was
made, and by and by a grave dug. A few gentle friends were in the
act of lowering the body into grave, when orders came to send body
to Richmond. This was done and he was buried at Oakwood. Thence
it was secretly removed, through Miss Van Lew, a Union sympathizer,
to the neighborhood of Laurel, whence again it went north into the
hands of his family after the surrender. The admiral wrote to the
government immediately after the surrender, inclosing one hundred
dollars in gold and asking for the body. As it had been moved from
^This is interesting: Thirty years after this a young man entered a
hotel in a western city and recorded the name Bagby. The eye of a
stranger fell upon the lettering. He asked the young man if he was
from King and Queen County, Virginia. On receiving an affirmative
answer he proved to be the identical Major Cook, and the young man
before him a son of his old captor. They had a kindly chat together.
' This was taken from his head by Moore B. Wright, a member of
the home guard, and was left in the keeping of Mrs. John Pollard, Sr. ;
after Appomattox the hair was left in charge of the provost at Stevens-
ville, to be transmitted to Admiral Dahlgren.
136 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Oakwood by secret Federal sympathizers, the government was greatly
perplexed. Evacuation solved the difficulty. Thus the colonel was
buried four times.
After Colonel Dahlgren was killed the officers of his command, six
in number, with Major Cook in the lead, escaped. Next day, March
4th, they came, well-nigh starved, to the overseer's house on farm of
Captain R. H. Bagby, some two hundred yards from the dwelling. The
preacher-captain at once seized his pistol and followed by his son.
Dr. J. B., and a colored servant, Jim Boler, rushed into the house where
the officers were seated waiting for supper, no guard as yet being
stationed, and the officers at once surrendered to his summons. The
whole party were sent prisoners to Richmond.
Confederate force at Dahlgren Corner on night of March 3, 1864:
Cavalry, Pollard, twenty-five men ; Captain Fox, fifteen men ; Captain
Todd, nine men ; Captain Magruder, seventy men. Captain Bagby's
home guard, thirty-four men; Captain Halbach (schoolboys), fourteen. —
one hundred and sixty-seven men in all. Only about one hundred of
Dahlgren's men were captured, some were killed enroute, and probably
some escaped. After the capture large quantities of silverware, rings,
and watches, with other valuables, which had been taken from wealthy
families, were retaken from the persons of the prisoners."
Second Kilpatrick Raid, March lo, 1864. — Gen-
eral Kilpatrlck, at the head of a large cavalry force,
came up from Gloucester Point March 10, 1864, to
avenge the loss of Dahlgren and his force. The Court-
house, clerk's office, tavern, and private property were
burned. Kilpatrick was opposed by General Beal with
the Ninth Confederate Cavalry, and lost some of his
men, but soon returned, leaving smouldering ruins in
his track.
Sheridan's Raid. — Part of Burnside's corps passed
through the upper portion of the county May, 1864,
but made no tarrying. Later, General Sheridan, re-
turning from his engagement with Hampton at Trevil-
lians, came into the county and camped at the Court-
house, but returned the next day and rejoined General
Grant on the Chickahominy. Our people suffered more
from this raid than perhaps from any other during the
war. Our people were greatly overwhelmed, in com-
mon with their fellows, when tidings came of the sur-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 137
render at Appomattox. Sheridan camped, both going
and coming, at Farmington, five miles above Walkerton,
He burned Walkerton Mill and otherwise inflicted great
damage.
(By Spottswood Bird.)
A Major Wilson of the Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Cavalry, U. S. A., was in command of the first Federal
force which came up the county in 1862. On June — ,
1862, he captured three Confederate soldiers at Fra-
zier's Ferry (on King and Queen side), and brought
them to the Courthouse, where he kept them until the
afternoon of that day. He sent a party of about twelve
men with a lieutenant to Walkerton, where they en-
countered some youths and citizens who had hastily
gathered there for defense. The encounter resulted in
the death and wounding of several of the enemy and
the capture of all the rest, except one man, who escaped
and reached the Courthouse that afternoon, on whose
arrival and report of the disaster to them. Major Wil-
son hastened his force back to Gloucester Point as rap-
idly as possible. He took a wagon and pair of mules
from Mrs. Martin in which to carry the three captured
Confederates, promising her to return the wagon and
mules, which, to the surprise of us all, he did in about a
week or ten days later, sending them by a citizen of
Gloucester County, who at his request took a receipt
from Mrs. Martin for the return of the wagon and
team. The demeanor and gentlemanly conduct of this
Major Wilson and his men while at the Courthouse
were in the highest degree commendable, and in lumi-
nous contrast to the vandalism which ever afterwards
characterized the raids under officers of a far different
type, who spread terror and destruction in their path.
Colonel Spears of the Eleventh Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Cavalry, burned all the buildings, public and pri-
vate, at King and Queen Courthouse on the morning of
March loth, 1864.
The following were members of Company F, Twenty-
fourth Virginia Cavalry, organized at King and Queen
138 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Courthouse in spring of 1863: L. W. Allen, captain;
Preston Bird, Spottswood Bird, T. N. Jones, and James
E. Hooper. There were two other companies of cav-
alry organized at the same time and place, one com-
manded by Captain Richard Hord of Gloucester
County, and the other by Captain , afterwards
by Captain James Jeffries.
CHAPTER IX
ROSTERS OF KING AND QUEEN COUNTY IN THE
CIVIL WAR
Officers of Twenty-sixth Virginia Regiment: Colonel, Powell Page;
Lieutenant-Colonel, J. C. Councill; Majors, Joseph Garrett and N. B.
Street.
COMPANY C, TWENTY-SIXTH VIRGINIA INFANTRY.
(Wise's Brigade).
[Supplied by Rev. John W. H. Hundley].
Captain,
First Lieutenant,
Second Lieutenant,
Second Lieutenant,
First Sergeant,
Second Sergeant,
Third Sergeant,
Fourth Sergeant,
N. B. Street
James R. Houser
John W. Hundley
James R. Hart
Andrew B. Cauthorn
Benjamin F. Eubank
Lemuel S. Roane
Joseph Tucker
Corporals :
Lumpkin.
Robert Bland, William Didlake, Thomas Dike, Robert
(At the reorganization in 1862 Lieutenant Hart was succeeded by
Andrew B. Cauthorn; James Thurston was made First Sergeant.)
Company C was mustered into service at Gloucester Point, June 12th
(I think), 1861.
Privates :
Adkins, John Burbank, Jacob - Collier, Robert
Ainsley, William Burton, Cornelius ^ Collins, John
Allen, William Carlton, John Corr, D. F.
Bland, James Polk Carlton, Richard ist Creswell, John ^
Booton, Benjamin 1 Carlton, Richard 2d Davis,
Booton, Henry Carlton, Robert Davis, Benjamin
Booton, William Carlton, Wm. Henry Eubank, John ~
1 Killed at Nottaway Bridge, 1864.
2 Killed, , June 15, 1864.
^ Taken prisoner, June 15, 1864.
139
140 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Evans, Cyrus
Fleet, James
Flemming, Dennis
Fletcher, Robert
Garrett, Joseph
Garrett, Lemuel
Garrett, Montgomery
Gibson, George
Good, John
Hart, Jos. W. (Rev.)
Hilliard, Quint 3
Hoskins, John B.
Hurt, Buck
Jesse, Richard
Kerr, Harvey
Kidd, W. H.
Lucas, Thomas
Lucas, William
Lumpkin, Quint
Moody, W. H.
Muirc, James
Muire, Samuel
Newbill, George T.
Newbill, William T.
Oliver, Frank ^
Oliver, Leslie
Parron, Henry
Pendleton, George
Prince, James
Purcell, R. B.
Redd, George
Redd, John
Richerson, Andrew *
Richerson, Elias
W. J.
William
(i)
(2)
Richerson
Smither, -
Smither,
Shelton, -
Shelton, -
Taylor, "^
Taylor, Philip
Taylor, Richard
Trice, Edward *
Tyler, Benjamin R.
Tyler, Lewis A.
Watkins, Corbin
Watlington, James
Williams, Calhoun
Williams, Charles ( ?)
Williams, Junius B.
Wilson, 6
COMPANY G, TWENTY-SIXTH VIRGINIA INFANTRY.
[By W. S. Courtney.]
Captain, R. H. Spencer (captured, Petersburg, June 15, '64)
First Lieutenant, R. B. Roy (captured. Hatcher's Run, April 7, '65)
Second Lieutenant, M. B. Davis (wounded and captured, Petersburg,
June 15, 1864; killed. Hatcher's Run)
Third Lieutenant, A. P. Bird (wounded, died at home)
First Sergeant, J. W. Turner; Second Sergeant, William H. Jackson
(captured) ;Third Sergeant, William J. Eubank; Fourth Sergeant,
F. A. Morsball (killed) ; Fifth Sergeant, J. M. Bew (wounded,
Hewlett House, May 20, 1864)
Corporals: G. F. Hart, G. W. Hayes (killed, June 15, 1864), G. W.
Turner (killed), James H. Turner.
^ Taken prisoner, June 15, 1864.
4 Killed, July, 1864.
^ Mortally wounded, June 17, 1864.
e Died near Chaffin's Bluff, 1863.
CAPT. KDWAkl) CAM1M!K,I,I^ FOX
Fifth Virginia Cavalry, Army Northern Virginia, in command at
Dahlgren's Corner ; killed in battle at Yellow Tavern.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 141
PRIVATES:
Acree, Horace
Acree, W. N.
Bew, Hezekiah
Bew, Jno.
Bland, Dr. J. E.
Bray, W. T.
Brooks, William G.
Brown, George
Brown, J. L.
Burton, R. C.
Burton, R. E.
Burton, Robert B.
Callis, Charles
Cardwell, George W.^
Cardwell, J. N.2
Carlton, Ira
Carlton, Levi
Carlton, W. B.3
Carter, Frank
Carter, Robert
Cauthorn, G. W.
Colly, James
Colly, Jno.4
Courtney, W. S.* *
Crittenden, S. S.
Davis, Albert
Davis, James A.
Davis, Joseph A.
Diggs, R. D.
Donovan, Jno.
Edwards, Alfred »
Edwards, Dunbar
Egar, J. H.
Estis, F. B.*
Estis, J. S.
Eubank, A. W.
Gaines, Jno.
Garrett, Augustin
Garrett, Richard *
Garrett, Thomas C.-*
Gibson, Adolphus
Gibson, George ^
Gibson, Jno. C.
Groom, Benjamin
Guthrie, B. E.
Milliard, Allen
Hogg, William
Huckstep, Charles H
Hurt, W. H.*
Knapp, Joseph N.
Landrum, Joseph *
Marshall, Jno.*
Mirick, Newton *
Murphy, W. A.
Norman, J. G.
Norman, James J.
Oglesby, George *
Oglesby, Richard*
Oglesby, William
Parker, Albert
Parker, S. P.
Rives, James
Seward, Ed.
Seward, John ^
Seward, R. B.*
Smith, Lewis W.
Spencer, Gideon L.
Spencer, James R.
Spencer, T. B.
Thurston, F. A.3
Thurston, William
Tuttle, Edw. D.
Tuttle, Jerome
Walton, L. R.
Walton, Reuben ^
Wheeler, Baylor
Wyatt, Andrew
Wyatt, Jno. R.
Wyatt, Levi
Wyatt, Robert S.
Wyatt, Thomas W.
Wyatt, W. N.3
Yarrington, Andrew
Yarrington, James ^
Yarrington, R. H.
COMPANY H, TWENTY-SIXTH VIRGINIA INFANTRY.
[By Lieutenant J. D. Taylor.]
(Wise's Brigade).
Mustered in June 24, 1861, Gloucester Point, Va.
Captain, R. A. Sutton (died since war)
* I never missed a day's duty in four years, two months, ten days.
Never had furlough, except captured June 15, 1864. — W. S. C.
1 Wounded. * Captured, June 15, 1864.
2 Killed. 5 Killed, June 15, 1864.
8 Captured. s Killed, 1864.
142 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
First Lieutenant, J. D. Taylor
Second Lieutenant, W. C. Gayle (died since war)
Third Lieutenant, G. P. Lively (died since war)
First Sergeant,
Second Sergeant,
Third Sergeant,
Fourth Sergeant,
First Corporal,
Second Corporal,
Third Corporal,
Fourth Corporal,
J. W. Bland
M. C. Meredith ^
Thomas Bowden 2
Rodney Bland ^
J. M. Sheltons
A. T. Bland*
Thomas Fary
Joseph Williams ^
Anderson, L. E.^
Anderson, R. H.^
Booker, B. T.^
Bowden, R. E.
Bowden, Thomas
Bristow, A.
Broach, Benjamin
Brown, George ^
Brushwood, L. C*
Cook, J. R.3
Cook, Paskal
Corr, M. W.
Didlake, John ^
Didlake, Joshua '^
Didlake, Nathan
Edwards, Alfred s
Edwards, D.
Elliott, Alexander
Elliott, Paskal 3
Elliott, Powell 3
Fary, G. T.
Fary, W. E.
PRIVATES:
Fleming, Henry^
Gains, B. T.
Gains, J. A.3
Gains, R. H.3
Garrett, Alf red »
Garrett, Gustavus ^
Groom, Beverley ^
Groom, L.
Groom, Richard ^
Hall, Robert
Hall, William
Johnson, John
Jones, William
Kemp, Thomas ^
Kilingham, Thomas
Likins, Joseph
Mason, Thomas
Mason, Windon 2
Massey, William
Milby, C.
Milby, H.8
Milby, J. T.6
Milby, L.
Milby, Malachi
Morris, A. S.
Moss, George
Pierce, Phw.^
Riley, G. D.3
Riley, J. L.e
Riley, J. T.6
Roane, E. N.
Roane, L. M.3
Roane, Richard
Russell, W. H.
Shelton, James
Skates, A."
Walcott, A. J.3
Ware, Gustave 3
Ware, J. T.
Ware, James 1
Williams, R.
Wood, T.
Yarrington, E.^^
Yarrington, T.
[864.
^ Killed at Petersburg, June 17,
2 Killed at Osborne Turnpike.
3 Died since the war.
4 Died at Chaffin's Farm, 1862.
5 Killed June 15, 1864.
^ Died in prison.
'^ Killed at Petersburg, on picket.
^ Died at home during war.
^ Killed near Five Forks.
10 Killed, battle of the Crater, July 30, 1864.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 143
COMPANY I, TWENTY-SIXTH VIRGINIA INFANTRY
[By Captain Josephus Pollard.]
Captain,
First Lieutenant,
Second Lieutenant,
Third Lieutenant,
First Sergeant,
Second Sergeant,
Third Sergeant,
Fourth Sergeant,
Fifth Sergeant,
J. W. Smith
S. P. Latane
A. C. Walker
A. F. Fleet
Josephus L. Pollard
George L. Owens
Richard Jeffries
Griffin Longest
Bernard Eubank
PRIVATES :
Alexander, Harvey
Allen, Joseph
Atkins, Thomas
Baldwin, W. B.
Ball, G. W.
Ball, Harry
Ball, James
Bradley, George
Chilton, C. D.
Clark, Howard
Cooke, Carr
Cooke, Claiborne
Cooke, Henry
Cooke, Joseph
Cooke, Thomas
Elliott, W. L
Gatewood, W. H.
Graves, D. T.
Harper, Mac
Harper, W.
Hutchison, Thomas
Longest, Howard
Longest, I. T.
Longest, John
Longest, Younger
Loven, W. L.
Lumpkin, W. H.
Martin,
Martin, C. D.
Martin, C. H.
Martin, Howard
Minor, Philip
Minor, Robert
Mitchell, William
Montague, W. V.
Mundy, L. G.
Mundy, William
Owens, B. H.
Owens, R. D.
Owens, W. G.
Parker, Elijah
Prince, Baylor
Prince, James
Reed, Edmund
Reed, I. W.
Reed, Richard
Rouse, T. B.
Rouse, Tazwell A.
Rowe, E.
Sale, A. J.
Schools, R. B.
Schools, T. A.
Schools, Thomas
Schools, W. G.
Simpkins, I. F.
Simpkins, Lawrence
Skelton, Granville
Skelton, L H.
Skelton, James
Skelton, W.
Smither, L. R.
Stouse, Richard
Trice, George H.
Trice, James W.
Trice, Jno. F.
Trice, P. P.
Verlander, Jno. L.
Verlander, Mordecai
Watkins, Edward
Watkins, Hugh
Wilson, C. L.
Wilson, Calvin
Wilson, Seymour
Wilson, Thomas H.
Officers Thirty-fourth Virginia Regiment: Colonel, T. F. Goode;
Lieutenant-Colonel, Harrison; Major, J. R. Bagby.
144 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
COMPANY K, THIRTY-FOURTH VIRGINIA INFANTRY.
[By Dr. John Bagby, O. S.]
Captain, A. F. Bagby (wounded on retreat from Petersburg)
First Lieutenant, J. Ryland (wounded, June 17, 1864, at Petersburg;
captured, October 28, 1864)
Second Lieutenant, William T. Haynes (discharged, March 13, 1865, to
join Mosby)
Third Lieutenant, B. H. Walker (killed, December 18, 1864)
First Sergeant, Jno. Bagby (wounded, March 31, 1865, near Five Forks)
Second Sergeant, Jno. W. Ryland (wounded at Seven Pines, May 31,
1862)
Third Sergeant, E. F. Acree (promoted to Color Sergeant)
Fourth Sergeant, T. C. Segar (killed, June 17, 1864)
Fifth Sergeant, J. L. Cosby (wounded, December 7, 1864)
Corporals: B. F. Cooke, A. V. Daniel (wounded), George W. Did-
lake (wounded, October 13, 1864), H. T. Lumpkin (died Sep-
tember 13, 1865)
PRIVATES:
Ashley, C. B.
Bagby E. (killed, July 30, 1864)
Bagby, Richard
Bagby, T. (wounded. May 18, 1864; retired, December 8, 1864)
Berkeley, N. (wounded and died. May 30, 1864)
Booker, I. D. (wounded, Nov. 2, 1864)
Booker, J. W. (retired for six months)
Broocke, W. R.
Brushwood, I.
Carlton, Benj. (wounded. May 31, 1862 [at Seven Pines], and May 18,
1864)
Carlton, Fountain (died of typhoid fever, 1862)
Casey, William (wounded, July 24; died, July 25, 1864)
Cashen, M.
Chaplin, P. B.
Coleman, R. L. (captured)
Cook, G. W.
Cooke, I. M. (wounded, June 26; died, August 14, 1864)
Corr, George T. (died of pneumonia, March 12, 1865)
Crossfield, J. A. (wounded. May 18; died. May 21, 1864)
Crouch, G. W. (wounded, June 16, 1864)
Crouch, T. J.
Davis, J. S. (wounded, March 28, 1865, and died)
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 145
Deshazo, J. M.
Didlake, Charles (wounded October i6, 1864 and died)
Didlake, J. H.
Didlake, R. S. (wounded, March 28, 1865, and died)
Drudge, Joseph
Easley, M. (wounded, Dec. 7; died, Dec. 15, 1864)
Eubank, J. H. (wounded, March 31, 1865)
Flournoy, D. (retired, Feb. 21, 1864)
Fogg, J. U. (wounded, Nov. 26, 1864)
Gleason, R. H.
Gleason, W. W. (died, Sept. 8, 1864)
Graham, S. L. (wounded, Aug. 26, 1864)
Gresham, J. A. (wounded, July 9, 1864)
Gresham, J. H. (wounded at Seven Pines; promoted to Sergeant)
Gresham, R. H. (wounded, July 8, 1864)
Harper, C.
Harris, J. (killed, August 13, 1864)
Harrison, J. B. (discharged)
Howell, J. C. (captured, June 15, 1864, and died in prison)
Hundley, J. T. C. (captured, June 15, 1864)
Hurt, G. H. (captured, June 15, 1864)
Jones, S. V. (wounded, March 31, 1865)
Kelley, T. C.
Kemp, J.
Kemp, J. B. (killed, July 6, 1864)
Lumpkin, T. F. (captured, June 15, 1864)
Lyne, R. A.
McLelland, B. W. (captured, June 15, 1864)
Moore, J. S.
Moore, L. (deserted, December i, 1864)
Myrick, J. T. (wounded at Seven Pines, May 31, 1862, and retired)
Nunn, C. R.
Nunn, J. G. (captured on retreat)
Nunn, S. S. (captured)
Parks, J. W. (wounded, July 29; died, December, 31, 1864)
Patterson, George A. (wounded, November 27, 1864)
Pendleton, H. C. (wounded. May 18, 1864)
Perkins, M. C. (wounded, December 13, 1864)
Phillips, George (wounded, March 31, 1864)
Porter, C. W.
Powers, J. F. (killed, September 11, 1864)
Pynes, J. A.
Pynes, W. M. (wounded. May 18, 1864)
Reed, J. R. (wounded)
Ryland, N. (wounded, May 20, 1864)
146 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Ryland, S. (wounded, July, 1864; was in the last of fight at Appomat-
tox, April 9, 1865)
Sale, B. P.
Sale, J. C.
Sanford, H. (wounded)
Scott, B. S. (wounded, May 18, 1864)
Scott, T. W. (wounded, June 16, 1864)
Segar, F. V. (received seven wounds at Seven Pines, May 31, 1862)
Segar, H. G. (wounded, May 18, 1864)
Silverthornes, I. C. (wounded)
Smith, L. R.
Smith, W. R. (died, August 20, 1864)
Spencer, W. M. (died, August 2, 1864)
Temple, W. (made corporal September 16, 1864, and captured)
Terry, J. H.
Terry, S.
Thornton, F. (wounded, July 30, 1864)
Thweatt, W. G. (wounded. May 18, 1864)
Tillage, W. J. (deserted)
Turner, E. (died of pneumonia)
Turner, L. (transferred, August 8, 1864)
Vaughan, W. H. (wounded, August 3, 1864)
Walker, J. W.
Walker, T. N. (made corporal, September 16, 1864)
Walker, W. H.
Walton, J. W.
Walton, Z. (wounded. May 18; died, June 7, 1864)
Wessels, J. T.
Willroy, J. W. (transferred, December 15, 1864, to Mosby's Battery)
Wiltshire, J. M.
Wise, J. H.
Wright, J. F.
Young, H. H.
Young, J. M.
In addition to these we have to report a number of cavalry companies,
as follows:
ROSTER OF COMPANY E, FIFTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
CAPTAINS :
Marius P. Todd, Campbell Fox, Richard Hoard, William C. Nunn
LIEUTENANTS:
W. C. Nunn, W. S. Dicks, William Hoskins, William P. Bohanan,
Robert B. Hart
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 147
SERGEANTS :
Campbell Fox, Robert B. Hart, H. K. Evans
Acree, Alexander
Albright, Mathias
Blake, Cisero
Blake, Llewelyn
Bland, B. F.
Bland, Joel
Bray, Joel
Bray, James ^
Bristow, Andrew
Brooks, William G.
Bourno, Theo.
Bourno, Thomas
Butler, Flemming
Buckner, John
Bulsman, Leroy
Burch, William R.
Burton, Robert
Brown, Hyte (Hite)
Callis, James
Cardwell, William
Carlton, Granvil
Carlton, Isaac
Carlton, Leroy
Catlet, Bradly
Cauthorn, Ira B.
Clark, Temple
Clayton, Enoch ^
Cloudis, E. C.
Collins, George A.
Cook, Fountain ^
Cook, Monroe ^
Cook, William
Crittendon, George D.
Daniel, George
Daniel, Robert
Davis, Robert ^
PRIVATES :
Davis, Stage
Dew, Benjamin
Dew, William
Dudley, Thomas i
Eastwood, A. W.
Eubank, J. C.
Fauntleroy, Garnet ^
Fleet, Jno. A.
FoUiard, Jno. P.
Garret, Adolphus
Garret, James W.
Garret, Robert
Gibson, James
Gibson, Philip
Gregory, Fendal
Gresham, Charles
Gwathmey, Alfred
Gwathmey, Archie
Gwathmey, Charles
Gwathmey, Llewelyn
Harwood, Archie
Hobday, Charles E.
Howlet, John
Hutchinson, Paine
Johnson, James
Kemp, Thomas
Lane, Oscar
Lane, Rucker
Lipscomb, E. P.
Machen, Thomas
Machen, William
Marchant, " Wash "
Martin, George
Martin, William ^
Minter, J. W.
Mitchell, John
Monghaw, James
Muire, Marcus A.
Muso, W. S.— " Buck '
Oliver, Frank ^
Purcell, J. H.
Revere, Peter
Revere, Thomas
Richardson, J. —
"Pungy"
Richardson, Jas. H.*
Richardson, Thos.
Richardson, W. T.
Roane, William E.
Rowe, James
Rowe, Laurence
Rowe, Thomas
Saunders, L. A.
Savage, Thomas K.
Skelton, Philip
Smith, Lewis A.
Smith, Richard
Sorrel, Hiraus
South, Robert
Stone, Andrew
Turpin, Archie
Turpin, " Jack "
Tyler, Thomas
Walden, Frank
Walker, Melvin
Walker, Watson
Watkins, Charles
Watkins, "Clayborn" ^
Watkins, J. Polk
Watkins, Townley
Wayn, Joseph i
White, William H.
1 Killed. 2 Disabled. 3 Deserted. * Died in prison.
5 I think that was his name. He was an up-county man, with light
hair and florid complexion.
148 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
We are unable to give Rosters of two other cavalry companies made
up largely from King and Queen, to wit, Capt. Allen's and Capt.
Magruder's.
COUNTERSIGNS
Some persons will be interested in the following daily
countersigns given out by officer of day on dates men-
tioned :
At Gloucester Point, 1862: January 4th, Davis;
8th, McLaws; loth, Richmond; 20th, Chericoke; 23d,
Selma; 26th, Yorktown; 29th, Hampton; February 8th,
Sumter; i6th, Charleston; 24th, Maryland; March
6th, Davis; May ist, Asia; 15th, Portsmouth; 25th,
Fairfax; June 5th, Ceylon; 15th, Morgan; 25th, Glou-
cester; 28th, Damascus; August 22d, Areola; Septem-
ber 2d, Forest; 12th, London; 24th, Vandome; 28th,
Leesburg; October 4th, Natchez; 5th, Egypt; 8th, Lee;
nth, Rhodes; 13th, Leesburg; 23d, Cadiz; 29th, Page;
November 4th, Kinston; 12th, Fayette; 19th, Tyler;
25th, Centreville; 30th, New Orleans; December 3d,
Virginia; 8th, Phillippi; 12th, Abingdon; i6th, Mis-
souri; 20th, Shelby; 25th, Mobile; 28th, Charlotte;
1863, January 2d, Augusta; 6th, Raleigh; 12th, Macon;
1 8th, Monroe; 23d, Vandome; 28th, Johnston; Febru-
ary 2d, Kinston; 8th, Keokuk; 15th, Grafton; i8th,
Pekin; 24th, Paris; March 2d, Preston; 8th, Charles-
ton; 15th, Augusta; 2 1 St, Vance; 27th, Bragg; April 2d,
France; 13th, Quincy.
At Diascon Bridge, 1863: April 20th, Wise; 30th,
Virginia; May 5 th, Heath; 7th, Acoquan; 13th,
England; 20th, Pekin; 25th, Egypt; 30th, China;
June 5th, Ney; loth, Merida; 15th, Nestor;
2 1 St, Eipley; 25th, Pocotaligo; July 2d, Cairo; 7th,
Dover; 13th, Hagerstown; 20th, Generic; 27th, Ra-
leigh; August 3d, Goshen; nth, Winton; i6th, Nash-
ville; 20th, Braxton; 24th, Bedford; 28th, Gauley;
September 7th, South; i6th, Vicksburg; 29th, Mur-
freesboro; October 8th, Mississippi; 15th, Johnston,
etc., etc.
CHAPTER X
WAR RECORDS, LETTERS, AND DIARIES
(Edited by Senator John W. Daniel.)
Captain A. F. Bagby's brief memoir of his cousin.
Major John R. Bagby, and his account of the company
in command of which he succeeded his cousin, is the
first historical sketch I have seen of this gallant major
and his gallant command; and I hope that Captain
Bagby's example will be followed by others in bringing
to notice the services of other organizations which have
not been duly noticed in our histories and essays.
KING AND QUEEN ARTILLERY COMPANY
Captain Bagby's Account of Its Work at Battle of Seven Pines —
Marched in Mud and Water — Official Records Show the Good
Work of Men of King and Queen.
" The King and Queen Artillery " is not named as
such in the general orders of the war records. We find,
however, Bagby's Company, Fourth Artillery, men-
tioned, and there are several official recognitions of its
valiant and efficient service. There is no doubt what-
ever that " The King and Queen Artillery " company is
the organization referred to.
" Bagby's Company, Virginia Volunteers, serving
as heavy artillery," is designated as part of the com-
mand of Colonel C. A. Crump, under Major General
John B. Magruder, at Gloucester Point. — War Rec-
ords, Series I., Vol, IX., p. 37.
The report of Captain John R. Bagby, Fourth Vir-
ginia Battalion, of the operations of that organization
at Seven Pines, May 31st and June ist, 1862, appears
in Series I., Vol. II. (first part) of the War Records,
at page 968, where Captain Bagby recites that " the
battalion, without any regular organization, having
been together but a few days before they were ordered
into battle, and having no opportunity to acquaint them-
149
150 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
selves with infantry drill, with the exception of Captain
White's company, a temporary organization was ef-
fected, without authority, by the election of Captain
C. C. Otey as lieutenant colonel and Captain John R.
Bagby as major."
In the battle of Seven Pines the Fourth Battalion
lost in killed and wounded six (6) commissioned offi-
cers and eighty (80) enlisted men; and played a worthy
part in the action, serving alternately as infantry, artil-
lery, and infantry again. Captain Bagby says in his
report:
"On the morning of May 31st, 1862, after a fa-
tiguing march through mud and water of several miles,
we were formed in line of battle on the right of the Wil-
liamsburg Road. From thence we passed through the
woods to an opening in front of the enemy's intrench-
ments on Barker's farm. We were then ordered to
charge the enemy through some felled trees, which we
did without encountering any serious resistance, and
reached the enemy's intrenchments in good order, some
four or five of the battalion being wounded. At this
juncture one of the companies (Captain Bagby's) was
ordered to take charge of three pieces of artillery left
by the retreating foe. This duty was discharged, firing
into two regiments of Yankees forming to attack us,
with considerable effect. Also a portion of Captain
Montague's company was detailed to assist in Captain
Carter's battery, many of his cannoneers having been
disabled. The battalion was then ordered forward,
Captain Bagby's company again taking its position in
the battalion, and ordered to charge the enemy in am-
bush among felled trees on the right of Barker's house.
We passed through the enemy's tents, wheeled to the
right, and upon reaching the edge of the felled trees
threw ourselves on the ground and fired upon the enemy
whenever they showed themselves. After being in this
position some fifteen or twenty minutes, some officer in
our front ordered his regiment to retire, and when they
reached our position Captain Otey (acting lieutenant-
colonel) gave a similar order; when we retired through
DAHI/iREN'S CORNER
At which Colonel Dahlgren fell.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 151
the enemy's tents, and about half of the battalion
stopped at the intrenchments ; the balance retreated far-
ther. The portion of the command that stopped at the
intrenchments remained there until after dark, when
they were ordered to the rear and bivouacked for the
night. They remained in this position during the next
day." — War Records, Series I., Vol. II., Part I., pp.
968-9.
Brigadier General R. E. Rhodes, in his report of the
battle of Seven Pines, speaks of Captain C. C. Otey of
the heavy-artillery battalion, as one of those who had
been conspicuous for their gallantry and efficiency, and
who fell while pushing forward with their men in the
thickest of the fight. And he mentions also " the gal-
lantry and coolness " of Captains Bagby and White
and Lieutenant Yeatman of the heavy-artillery battal-
ion. General Rhodes also notices the conduct of the
King William Artillery, which was commanded by Cap-
tain (afterwards Colonel) T. H. Carter, as " equaled
by no one in the history of the war for daring, coolness,
and efficiency." With General Rhodes's report is a
statement showing that three officers and thirteen men
were killed and three officers and sixty-four men
wounded in the heavy-artillery battalion, of which the
King and Queen Artillery was a part. (See War Rec-
ords, Series I., Vol. II., Part I., pp. 975-6.) Colonel
C. C. Pegues's Fifth Alabama Regiment speaks highly
of the artillery " under the management of Captain
Bagby," and of the Fourth Virginia Battalion, which
did severe execution upon the retiring enemy.
We find a reference to Captain A. F. Bagby and his
company, which had become Company K of the Thirty-
fourth Virginia Regiment, in the report of Major Gen-
eral Bushrod R. Johnson (War Records, Series I., Vol.
XL., Part I., p. 792). This report recites the events
of the action of Saturday, the 30th of July, 1864. On
that day the mine was exploded under the Confederate
works near Petersburg, the enemy rushed into the breach,
and there was a heavy engagement, known as the battle
of the Crater, in which the losses of Johnson's division.
isa KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
— killed, wounded, and missing, — were 922. And it
appears that some of the companies of the Thirty-
fourth Virginia Infantry, under Colonel J. Thomas
Goode, proved very handy in taking charge of artillery
pieces, which otherwise would have been unmanned.
General Johnson refers to one of these companies, under
Captain Samuel D. Preston, and then says: "It Is
proper here to state that Captain Preston was wounded
and Edward Bagby, aid-de-camp to Colonel Goode,
commanding the brigade, was killed whilst serving Its
gun (a gun of Davidson's Battery), and that then Cap-
tain A. F. Bagby, of Company K, Thirty-fourth Vir-
ginia Regiment, took charge of it, and served It with
fine effect until near the close of the action."
The Virginia Heavy Artillery has had but scant at-
tention, and any communication of facts respecting it
would be acceptable.
MAJOR JOHN R. BAGBY
Captain of King and Queen Artillery
Major John Robert Bagby was born November 13th,
1826, near Stevensvllle Post Office, King and Queen
County, Virginia, His father was John Bagby, of
Scotch descent, and a soldier in the War of 18 12. He
was a graduate of the Columbian College at Washing-
ton, D. C, taking a high stand in his class. For many
years he very successfully conducted a mercantile busi-
ness at his native place. He was for several terms
elected magistrate in his county, and was made colonel
of militia previous to the Civil War.
At the breaking-out of the war he raised a volunteer
company known as the King and Queen Artillery, and
afterwards as Company K, Thirty-fourth Virginia In-
fantry, which company he commanded until 1862, when
he was made major of the above-mentioned regiment.
He was conspicuous In the battle of Seven Pines, hav-
ing his horse killed under him, and in several fights was
known to kill one of his foes with his own pistol or gun.
He was wounded around Petersburg In the spring of
1865 ; from which he did not recover for many months.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 153
Major Bagby died March 26th, 1890, highly es-
teemed by all who knew him. In fact, no man ever lived
in his county more loved and honored than he was, as
was evidenced at the unveiling of his portrait, which
now adorns the walls of the Courthouse of his native
county.
THE KING AND QUEEN ARTILLERY
This company was organized at King and Queen
Courthouse about the ist of May, 1861, by the election
of John R. Bagby, captain; Josiah Ryland, Jr., first
lieutenant; A. F. Bagby, second lieutenant; and Josiah
Ryland, Sr., third lieutenant; and was mustered into the
Confederate service at West Point, Virginia, May 29th,
1 86 1. The company was called King and Queen Ar-
tillery, and expected to be supplied with light guns, but
being unable to procure them, was placed in charge of
the heavy battery at West Point. It remained there
four weeks, when ordered to Gloucester Point and put
in charge of a heavy battery at that place. It was here
that the company was subjected to its first fire from the
enemy, and had the honor and distinction of sinking the
first and only Yankee boat ever sunk in York River, so
far as the writer knows. The company remained at
Gloucester Point until the evacuation of Yorktown,
when it was divided into two sections, one in command
of J. R. Bagby, with two small cannon, and the other
with muskets, under Lieutenant Bagby. The company
met General Johnson's army below Richmond, and was
hastily organized, with other companies of heavy artil-
lery, into what was known as the Fourth Virginia Heavy
Artillery, with Captain C. C. Otey as lieutenant-colonel,
and J. R. Bagby as major. With this organization the
company went into the battle of Seven Pines, carrying
sixty-five men and leaving twenty-six. The battalion did
effective work in this battle, capturing a battery from
the enemy, which Bagby's company soon turned on
them with telling effect. (See Official Records of Union
and Confederate Armies, Vol. XL, pp. 968, 972, 973,
975, 978.) After this fight the company was placed in
charge of heavy guns below Chaffin's Bluff. A. F.
154 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Bagby was made captain, First Lieutenant Josiah Ry-
land having joined Mosby's command. Josiah Ryland,
Sr., was made first lieutenant, and Benjamin H. Walker,
third lieutenant. The company remained at Chaffin's
Bluff until the spring of 1863, when it was attached to
the Thirty-fourth Virginia Infantry, Wise's Brigade,
and designated as Company K of that regiment, and
sent to South Carolina, near Charleston. It remained
there until Petersburg was threatened In 1864, around
which place the brigade was ordered, and where it re-
mained until the evacuation.
The company was under almost constant fire from
the time It reached the vicinity of Petersburg until the
surrender at Appomattox, gaining special distinction at
the battle of the Crater. (See Official Records, Vol.
XL., p. 792.) It was called on to take charge of one
of our own batteries near the Crater, where at least four
detachments of men had been killed or driven away,
owing to the exposed position. The guns were so suc-
cessfully worked that much damage was done the enemy
by the incessant rain of shot and shell.
The company surrendered eighteen men at Appo-
mattox, in command of Sergeant John W. Ryland, all
the commissioned officers having been previously
killed, captured, or wounded. Captain Bagby was
wounded at Sailor's Creek, and taken prisoner. Lieu-
tenant Josiah Ryland, Sr., was captured near Peters-
burg; Lieutenant W. F. Haynes resigned his commis-
sion the March previous on account of ill-health, and
Lieutenant B. H. Walker was killed near Petersburg,
The company was composed of unusually good ma-
terial, having in it some of the best men in the county,
and numbered from first to last one hundred and sixty-
five men, about one-half of whom were killed or
wounded.
A. F. BAGBY
Late Captain of Company K, Thirty-fourth Virginia Infantry
(From a Soldier's Diary.)
The author is fortunate in being able to give here
extracts from a diary kept in excellent form by an old
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 155
and prominent gentleman, who was an almost life-long
resident of the county. It is entirely reliable :
"May 24, i860. — Election to-day of county officers,
with the result following: Justices, Thos. Haynes,
J, R. Bagby, Thos. Latane, E. S. Acree. State Atty.
J. M. Jeffries [afterwards Judge].
"July ^th, Court day. — An address by Major B, B.
Douglass. Capt. Haynes fell on the Courthouse green
with apoplexy and died. He was much loved, having
begun life as a school-teacher. Heard to-night of death
of Wm. F. Pendleton, of King and Queen, in Wash-
ington City. He had lived an eventful life, belonged
to the army and to the State Council; a vain man, as-
suming great influence in affairs of State and nation,
claimed to know all the celebrities, and could entertain
one by the hour. Clay and Webster frequently con-
sulted him.
"Sat., May 4, 1861. — Col. J. R. Bagby, who re-
turned to Baltimore last Tuesday to look after his goods,
got back yesterday. He went from Richmond to Bal-
timore on steamer Geo. Peahody. She was stopped at
Old Point by an officer from Cumberland, but finally
allowed to proceed. Returned on steamer Adelaide, but
she was compelled to drop her passengers at Pt. He
managed to get to Norfolk, thence to Richmond, and
home. His goods were shipped by a Baltimore steamer,
and got there safely.
'' May 7, Regimental Muster. — Large attendance, 2
Co.'s organized and officers elected. May 10, the old
men organized a Home Guard. Col, John Pollard,
Capt., T. N. Fogg and J. N. Gresham, Lts. [Col. P.
afterwards declined; Rev. R. H. Bagby, D, D., was
made Capt. and served through war.]
"May 23, 1 86 1. — Vote taken on ratifying ordinance
of Secession. Not a negative vote in the county.
" May 24. — Home Guard met and fully organized.
I am in the squad of J. N. Gresham, R. H. and A.
Bagby, etc. Troops rapidly coming into Richmond.
" May 25. — Union troops occupied Alexandria. Our
army at Manassas, 15 miles away. Col. Ellsworth
killed by Jackson.
156 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
"May 26. — Dr. Sampson of Washington came down
to help ordain J. Pollard, but as certain parties objected
to his acting, he passed on to Richmond.
"May 27. — A Military Company organized and
drilled. Many present.
"May 29. — Everyone in the neighborhood helping
to fix up soldiers for the war, and everyone present to
say good-bye. Refreshments served at the School
House, Stevensville, also religious services by Revs.
Land and Diggs.
"May 30. — Company marched to Mantapike to take
ship, the writer with them. Band struck up Dixie as
the schooner moved off. Capt., J. R. Bagby; ist.
Lieut., Josiah Ryland, Jr.; 2d Lieut., A. F. Bagby; 3d,
J. Ryland, Sr.; 4th, Benj. Walker; ist Sergt., W. T.
Haynes, etc." [A roster of this company will be found
in its place.] " They numbered 84 in all. Reached
West Point, and it was amusing to see the boys make
first attempt to cook supper. We found at West Point
the Taylor Grays, New Kent artillery and infantry;
Bagby's company changed to infantry.
^^ June 5. — Went down to Pt. and found Co. on
parade. Quite a number of men have been sick, caused,
I think, by water.
^^ June 10. — ^Went to C. H. to witness departure of
the Carlton Store Rifle Co.— Capt. N. B. Street, J. R.
Howser, J. W. Hundley, and Jas. Hart, Lts.
''''June 12. — Hear that a battle has been fought at
Bethel Ch., York Co., some 150 Yankees killed. Our
loss, one killed, five or six wounded.
^'' July 23. — Papers bring particulars of a great and
glorious battle near Manassas — Federals completely
routed by Genls. Beauregard & Johnston.
^^ Oct. 23. — Prices: Coffee 30c, sugar 15 and 20c,
powder $4 per lb., sole leather 75 and 80c.
" Oct. 24, — Housewives getting yarn for carpets and
dresses for servants and children.
" Nov. 20. — Richmond City crowded. Men from
every Southern State.
"Dec. 25. — Mrs. T. W. L. Fauntleroy and Wm.
H. Courtney died. No gaieties this Christmas.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 157
^^ March 7, 1862. — Forts Henry and Donelson in
Tenn. have been captured by the Yankees.
'^ March 11. — News of naval fight in Hampton
Roads, between ironclad Virginia and a fleet of U. S.
Ships. The ironclad acquitted herself with great
credit.
"March 21. — In Richmond. Salt $10 per bushel,
Bacon 25c, brown sugar 25 c, sole leather 90c to $1.
Visited Confederate Senate but was not favorably im-
pressed. They did not seem to be sensible of their
responsibilities, disputing about their pay. Stonewall
Jackson on the scene.
" April 3. — A meeting of our people at the Court
House, and it was unanimously resolved under no cir-
cumstances to take the oath to the U. S. Government.
^^ April 8. — At Gloucester Point, spent night at
Hickory Fork.
^^ April 10. — Went over to Yorktown. Visited Fort
Magruder. While leaning over parapet, heard the
whistle of the first Yankee bullet. Presently they were
coming too fast to be pleasant. A soldier said: ' Gentle-
men, you had better not expose yourselves; a man has
just been killed down the line.' Witnessed for the
first time the firing of a cannon, a 12-lb. rifled gun fired
by Capt. T. J. Page; directed at a battery being erected
by Yankees some two miles away. Shell did not reach
battery. In a short time, walking down the line we
saw the dead soldier, shot in the neck; struck the carotid
artery, — a sad, solemn sight. Enemy had occupied a
peach orchard some five or six hundred yards from our
line — a heavy chestnut railed fence in front. I could
distinctly see them run under cover and presently fire
at our men.
^^ Apr. II. — Returned to Yorktown with Josiah and
Chas. Ryland and C. Brown of Mathews. Capt. Car-
ter's Art Co. had arrived from King Wm. Met Lieut.
Robt. Ryland and others. Enemy's sharpshooters con-
cealed in peach orchard annoying, two regiments drove
them out, and the trees were cut down and defences
burned.
"Apr. 13. — Dined with Capt. Councill's mess to-day.
158 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Particulars of battle of Shiloh. In evening attended a
very pleasant prayer meeting in Capt. Bagby's tent.
''Apr. 14.— Visited K. & Q. Cav. Met Mrs. Dix,
Archy Harwood, Tom. Tyler, Watson, Walker, T. R.
Gresham, and Capt. Todd. Steamers and gunboats be-
low throwing shells. Presently came in range of our
battery; Capt. Page gave them a shot from a rifle gun.
One of their shells fell in parade field and I got a piece
of it.
" Jpr. 15. — Heard the boom of a cannon and whis-
tling of shell, another and then another, — continued all
day.
" Jpr. 16. — Yankees still shelling all night last night.
Returned home.
^^ May 3. — Orders to evacuate Yorktown and
Gloucester Pt.
^^ May 5. — Mr. John Bagby and I sent wagon to
help troops along with provisions — found them camped
this side Mill at C. H. The soldiers seemed very grate-
ful. They left G. P. Sat. night.
" May 6.- — Met advance of column at Mantapike
swamp- — some came by Mattapony, some on River
road, — met them again at St. Stephen's.
" May 7. — Alarm that Yankee gunboats were at
C. H. and Mantapike. Went down the road towards
M. and saw steamer with flag as she turned down river.
If a Yankee soldier should reach my house sick, I should
feel bound to give him shelter and relieve his wants.
" June 5. — News of battle Seven Pines.
^^ June 7. — On Sat., 31st May, our Stevensville Co.,
being part of a battalion, — Col. Otey, J. R. Bagby,
Maj., — Genl. Rhodes's brigade, were marched out, as
they supposed, to do picket duty. Marching two miles,
they were ordered to strip and prepare for battle.
About 12 o'clock came upon Yankee outpost and drove
it in. Emerging into a field of nearly one mile, they
faced an intrenchment with a triangular redoubt, a
deep ditch in front and 6 field pieces mounted. Our
company, commanded by 2d Lt. Jos. Ryland (Alex-
ander Bagby sick), charged in splendid style, waded the
ditch waist-deep in water, drove the enemy from his
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 159
guns, and turned them upon him. Soon they charged
the enemy a second time in a thick wood. They re-
tired presently to intrenchments and held them. The
Co. acted most nobly. Capt. B. (now Major) mounted
the breastworks, and taking off his hat waved his men
on. He lost five men killed on the field and two dead
since; Saml. Hoomes, Jas. Courtney, Bacon, Cornelius
Pines, Jas. Butter, John Chilton, R. C. Hart, Kelly,
Tom. Myrick, Valvin Legar, B. P. Sale, Benoni Carl-
ton (severely wounded), Wm. H. Meyer (died after),
Bolivar Lumpkin, J. W. Ryland, McLellan, G. Prince,
Shallen Sale, J. W. Walton, John Wilroy, John H.
Gresham, Sam Dollins, John Crossfield, and J. L.
Cosby, wounded.
Col. Otey was killed. Capt. Bagby's horse killed
under him. They captured a large amount of stores,
two hundred tents, wagons, small arms, 28 or 30 can-
nons, 800 prisoners, among them a wagon loaded with
lemons. Yankees afterwards claimed a glorious vic-
tory.
"June II. — Very cool and cloudy — reinforcements
going up constantly to McClellan.
" June 18. — Hear of a cavalry reconnoissance in rear
of McClellan by Genl. Stuart; came round Hanover C.
H., encountered enemy near Old Church, killed a num-
ber, destroyed great deal of stores, captured 175 prison-
ers and lost only one man killed, the gallant Capt.
Wm. Latane. Returning they swam the Chickahominy
and constructed a rude bridge for heavy guns. News
comes too of splendid victories by Jackson in Valley.
A few negroes escaped to the enemy. Prices: Sugar
65c, coffee $2, gaiter shoes $12, boots $30, chickens $1
to $1.50, eggs $1. Cabbage 75c, salt 25 to 50c lb.
We used parched corn, wheat, rye, and sweet potatoes
for coffee.
" June 30. — Jackson is certainly in rear of Mc-
Clellan, while Genl. Lee presses him back. Jackson has
been at White House.
" /«/y I. — Tuesday. About 10 o'clock heavy firing
to about 9. It was awful, even to listen to.
""July 3. — Crossed at Walkerton. Went to Mrs.
160 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Sutton's and crossed Pamunkey en route to Richmond. —
Dr. G. W. Pollard's at night near Hanover Town.
Sam Roane has been killed, Friday evening. He was
a very fine man."
We subjoin extracts from diary of private W. S.
Courtney of Company G, 26th Regt., and from let-
ters written by him during the war:
" I again head my letter in old Virginia, having
been in the State one week to-morrow. When I got to
Hick's Ford, Greenville County, the Yankees took pos-
session of the railroad between us and Petersburg so
that the train could go no further. We had to guard
the bridge there and sent Captain Street's and nine
other companies of the 59th Virginia to guard the
bridge over Nottoway. The Yankees attacked them
with a great force, and a fierce engagement succeeded,
leaving us in possession of the field. Our loss was one
killed, six wounded and five taken prisoners. Ben
Boughton was killed and Wm. Smither wounded. At
this writing I am about four miles from Petersburg. T
am tolerably well clad for a soldier. There is no chance
of my getting home before the Yankees are cleaned
up. As I do not desire to say anything about our move-
ments, I must close."
The next is dated Elmira, N, Y. : " Dear mother,
I received your letter of 24th Aug. I am a prisoner
of war. I am very well. We have lost two of our boys
since we came here — James Cardwell and Bob Seward.
Frank Marshall was killed and so was John Seward.
Wm. Jackson is here, and Wm. Carlton. Tell Mrs.
Guthrie Ben is here. I have gotten a suit of clothes
since I came here. Would like very much to hear from
the Co., and hope I shall be with them again. — W.
S. C."
Extracts from a diary by the same soldier, beginning
September 14, 1863, and running to July i<j, 1865:
" We left Burton's Farm near Petersburg for Charles-
ton, S. C, Sept. 14th. Got to Petersburg same day,
left 15th for Weldon, and that evening left for Wil-
mington. Reached Wilmington on i6th; on guard that
day. 17th passed Florence, S. C, and reached Charles-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 161
ton 1 8th, camped two miles from the city. There we
stayed until Feb. 9th, 1864, when we left camp for
John's Island. Had a brush with the enemy there on
the nth, in which Lieut. A. P. Bird and Geo. W.
Cardwell were wounded. I was covered up by the ex-
plosion of a shell. Left Johnson's Island 13th. 23d
Feby. left camp for Florida and reached Savannah 24th.
Visited Forts Brown and Bartow. Left Savannah 27th,
passed through Valdosta, and camped on the Withla-
cochy River. Got to Madison, Florida, March ist.
Passed by Lake City on the 2d, Baldwin the 3d, and
got to Camp Milton same day. Left the 2d of March
and got to Waldo the 4th; left on the 5th and came
back to Camp Milton on the same day. April 17th left
for Charleston, S. C, reached Quitman 21st, passed
Valdosta and got to Savannah 2 2d, passed Camp
Wapoo and got to James Island on the 23d. May
4th left for Virginia, got to Wilmington 5th, passed
through Goldsboro and got to Hicksford the 7th, left
the loth and reached Petersburg nth, spending the
night in the city. Camped there 12th until the 15th,
and reached Ware Bottom Church, fighting with the
enemy, on the 17th. Adolphus Gibson was killed on
1 6th. Brushes with the enemy on i8th, 19th & 20th
of May, and on the 2d of June Ed. Tuttle wounded.
Left Ware Bottom on nth and got to Petersburg same
day; camped on Jordan's Farm, two miles from town,
where we had a great fight on 15th June, in which I
was captured. I was taken to General B. Smith's head-
quarters, and from there to General Butler's head-
quarters, and on the i6th was put on a boat, reaching
Old Point the i8th, and got to Point Lookout on the
19th. 27th July left on a boat and reached New York
28th. Reached Elmira, N. Y., June 29th [1864].
Left Elmira for home July i ith, 1865, passed through
Baltimore and got home 15th July, 1865."
In a letter to the author, dated Little Plymouth,
April 14, 1903, Mr. Courtney says: "Find enclosed
the two old army letters. I had promised them to the
Confederate Museum. I have just read them again,
and I could not keep back the tears. My heart goes
162 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
out yet to the Lost Cause, and swells with emotions I
cannot utter. I feel like I was parting with a dear
friend. They bring back before me so vividly the days
that tried my soul."
An amusing incident under circumstances solemn and
impressive: In May, 1861, Company K, Capt, Bagby,
34th Virginia, was drawn up in line, about to start to
the front — some of them never to see home again. As
they stood in line on the schoolhouse lot at Stevensville,
a crowd of friends and relatives were present to say
good-bye. Among others, a most estimable Christian
woman passed down the line shaking hands, with a word
of cheer for each one, while the sternest faces were
moved and eyes suffused with tears. Presently she
grasped the hand of a half-witted fellow named B. C,
and said, " If God be for us, who can be against us? "
" Nobody but the Yankees, madam," answered the
soldier.
DIARY OF CIVIL WAR, BY DR. B. H. W.
1862
July 5-6. — After an early breakfast visit Camp of
26th Va., and from there to the forts of Chaffin's
Bluff, — seemingly very strong, made of heavy beams
10x12 inches, and on them nailed oak planks 4 inches
thick, and then come plates of iron 2 inches thick, and
the same reversed; shots strike at an acute angle and
glance over. Also earthworks and rifle pits. Sent for
to see John H. Gresham, — wounded by a ball in the calf
of the leg.
7th. — Visit camp of 55th Va., thence to Mechanics-
ville, and Ellerson's Mill. Yankee fortifications very
strong. Our men advanced to attack across a field
swept by artillery, then down a hill and across a boggy
meadow in which trees had been felled, then had to
ascend a hill two hundred yards before reaching in-
trenchments. This was the scene of the fights of Thurs-
day and Friday, June 26th and 27th.
8th. — Met Major Bagby in the road, he being at
home on furlough, who told me that eleven Yankee
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 163
cavalry had passed Stevensville going to Walkerton.
We arranged at once to capture them — I to go by
Dickie's Bridge and Butler's Tavern, he to follow after
them to Garnett's mill. I reached Walkerton and found
several men already there, Including Mordecal Cooke,
eight In all. In half an hour a Yankee lieutenant rode
up with five men, Inquiring for the ferryboat (they
had come up for the purpose of destroying boats on
the river) ; but the ferryboat had been taken down the
river and hid. The Yankees had reported a regiment
coming on behind them. All at once the lieutenant
entered at the front door, we being In the counting-room
In rear. My gun was lying on the counter between us.
I caught It up and demanded his surrender; he stooped
under the counter, and suddenly springing up caught
hold of the gun and we scuffled over it. William
Turner then came up behind and shot him with a pistol;
he ran out at the front door and just then Alfred Gwath-
mey shot him with a load of buckshot. He ran up the
road towards the mill; we called upon the four Yankees
remaining to surrender, but they began firing upon us;
several of them were wounded and one killed, all the
rest mounted horses and fled.
Meantime Major Bagby had encountered a squad of
the enemy at Mantua Gate, killing one; one escaped,
and the rest were captured. I started to Richmond
at once to secure help. General Lee gave me an order
for Colonel Goode to go down with a regiment of
cavalry.
14th. — Entering Richmond I had an Interview with
General Lee. I never met a man who more completely
won my heart, — unaffected and simple, no stiffness or
bluntness. He said that as soon as he could arrange
matters he would send us help; that it was the duty of
every man to be in the army If possible, for we had
everything to lose. The enemy conducted the war upon
barbarous principles. In their retreat from Richmond
they had destroyed everything In their reach, even
things necessary to their own sick and wounded. So
much General Lee.
28th. — Mistress Mary E. Gresham died this morn-
164 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
ing, leaving three children, one an infant. Her sister,
Mistress John N. Gresham, took the baby. Mistress B.
Carlton the oldest, and R. H. Bagby the middle one
(Andrew) .
Sept. 4th. — Hear to-day that Jackson has got in
the rear of Pope's army causing immense destruction;
and when Longstreet came forward and rejoined him
they inflicted tremendous losses on the Union army.
13th. — Prices: Coffee $2.00, Salt 35 to 50 cents,
Boots $35.00 to $40.00, Ladies' Gaiters $12.00 to
$20.00, Spun Cotton $69.00 per bale. Pine $1.50 to
$2.00, Calico $1.25 to $1.50, Sugar 75 cents to $1.00,
Tobacco $1.00 to $2.00, Bacon 50 to 60 cents.
1 6th. — Twelve soldiers came here this evening to
stay all night. All belonged to " Holcombe Legion "
of South Carolina. They are named in honor of Mrs.
Governor Pickens, who was Lucy Holcombe. I met
her some years ago at Old Point.
26th. — Christopher Brown with a drove of cattle and
sheep stopped here to-day. He is carrying them to
Ayletts for the Governor.
27th. — Hear of the death of Dr. Geo. William Pol-
lard of Ayletts, a most valuable and estimable citizen;
also James Christian, and Thos, Bagby, a son of Mr.
Travis Bagby.
Oct. 3d. — Dr. J. M. Evans arrived here from
Richmond bringing the body of Mr. Pratt Smith, a
son of Mr. Frank Smith, of Covington, Ky. He came
to Virginia at the beginning of the war and joined
William Christian's company. Mr. Smith was wounded
in the right side in the battle of Manassas; was removed
to Warrenton, where he had camp fever. Mason at
his urgent request went up to Warrenton and brought
him down to Richmond, hoping to be able to get him
to Middlesex. He died, however, between Richmond
and this place. We buried him at Hamstead, the old
family home in Middlesex.
8th.— Dick B. and his wife came down from Peters-
burg bringing us a barrel of sugar worth about $200.00.
nth. — Some wagons from the lower part of
Gloucester, belonging to Dick Hoard and loaded with
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 165
wheat, passed going up to Richmond. Wheat is worth
there from $3.00 to $4.00 per bushel.
14th. — Am hauling my sugar cane (sorghum) to
Tom Henley's to be made into molasses. He charges
one-half for making. He invented a mill with which
he can make fifteen gallons a day, and if he had more
boilers could make much more. An ox-cart load makes
about six gallons, and it is selling at the mill for $3.00
per gallon,
15th. — Last night two men from Gloucester brought
a negro man named Coleman belonging to Mr. John
Bagby, and a man and his wife belonging to R. H.
Land. They were trying to get to Yorktown.
30th. — Mr. William Beckwith, formerly of
Gloucester, but lately of Florence, Ala., dined here.
He once belonged to the Fourth Alabama regiment, but
was discharged on account of ill health; has been to
Gloucester to visit old friends. Was in the first battle
of Manassas, in the seven days' fight around Richmond,
and in second Manassas; his clothes were pierced again
and again, but he has not received a scratch other-
wise.
31st. — Heard of the death of cousin Mary Peachy
Pollard, wife of Dr. George William Pollard. She
was a woman of rare accomplishments and great beauty.
Her health, however, was delicate. Her heart and soul
and hands have all been engaged in allaying the
troubles and pains of soldiers. The Yankees have been
often in her house, but she always maintained her dig-
nity and independence, demanded protection, and omit-
ted no occasion to express her devotion to the South.
She thus greatly helped her husband in saving his prop-
erty.
Nov. 4th. — To-day elections are held in New York
and some eight other States north. Between the Demo-
crats and Abolitionists at the North is as between the
Devil and the deep blue sea — that is, one is about as
bad as the other; for the Democrats even wish to force
us back into the Union. An effort was made to-day in a
public meeting to raise money to buy shoes and other
comforts for our suffering soldiers. Mr. Jos. Ryland
166 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
led in the effort, and proposed to be one of twenty to
raise $1000.00 each. There were seven pledges.
6th. — Last night a gunboat came up to Mantapike
and lashed to the wharf. Some one going to Rich-
mond had been stalled on a hill near by, and hearing
the noise, the captain of the boat thought it prudent
to take to his heels. They made a most precipitate
retreat down the river, apparently thinking the enemy
was upon them.
loth. — A very heavy frost and considerable ice. Mr.
Oliver White dines with us to-morrow.
2 1 St. — Up to Richmond with R. H. B. While here
I learned that Misses Nancy and Baldwin Hill, daugh-
ters of the late Baylor Hill, together with Miss Lizzie
Haynes of this county, daughter of the late Captain
Haynes, have given themselves most nobly to the work
of helping sick and wounded soldiers. They deserve a
monument. Visit camp, return home to-morrow. The
President calls for men between the age of thirty-five
and forty to join the army. There are very few left
in the county. Congress has exempted magistrates,
wheelwrights, millers, doctors of five years' practice,
also clerks, sheriffs, commissioners, and those who have
charge of twenty negroes.
2 2d. — My wife has had woven three hundred and
sixty yards of cloth of all kinds during the year to
clothe ourselves and the negroes. I had no idea that
so much was required. It becomes now quite a burden.
Dec. I St. — (Monday.) Yesterday and to-day peo-
ple with their families were passing on their way to
Richmond, among them Doctor Walker Jones and
Richard Hoard. Sold my wheat to Ryland & Carlton
for $2.00 per bushel.
2d. — Encountered in the road to-day a drove of
sixty-three hogs being brought from Mathews County
and taken to Richmond. This drove will probably
bring from three thousand to four thousand dollars.
It is rumored in the papers that France has proposed
to England and Russia jointly to offer mediation to
the U. S. and the Confederate States, but England and
Russia decline to act.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 167
4th, Thursday. — Salt is a scarce article, and much of
what we have is indifferent'. The salt made from
water in the Chesapeake Bay down in Mathews has
been tried and keeps meat very well.
5th. — Confederate bonds bearing 8% int. are in de-
mand, and bring a small premium.
6th. — Called to see my old friend, G. W. Quarles,
and found him very ill with pneumonia. Poor fellow !
he passed away during the night; unfortunately he died
as he had lived, without preparation.
7th. — Thermometer down to twenty degrees.
9th. — Some people getting out.
loth. — For eighteen months or more now we have
been holding interdenominational prayer-meetings at
the various churches around. We had to-day a faith-
ful and touching exhortation from R. H. B. on the
great importance of uniting effort with our prayers.
These meetings are sometimes very interesting and im-
pressive.
nth. — Attended to-day the sale of Samuel H.
Roane's property, which sold at high figures. A yoke
of oxen brought one hundred and two dollars, spinning
wheel seven dollars, old ox-cart fifty dollars.
1 2th. — P. E. B. has lost three children with diph-
theria. This disease has been common of late. Papers
say that the enemy are throwing bridges across the
Rappahannock at Fredericksburg.
13th. — Rapid firing has been heard to-day northward
towards Fredericksburg — especially in the afternoon
and towards night. The distance is perhaps sixty miles.
The town has suffered very severely, some of the citi-
zens killed and very many houses struck by balls. We
anxiously await the result.
14th. — Reports reach us that the Yankees are ad-
vancing in large force from Gloucester Point. They
came as far as Barnes Lawson's, burning his dwelling,
and then retired. There has been a most remarkable
appearance of the sky to-night. About nine o'clock a
light appearance towards the north, and in a short time
there shot up therefrom white pillars similar to the tail
of a comet. Each successive one shot up higher and
168 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
higher until a few reached the meridian. Nearly all
these appearances were in the north, and continued un-
til nine o'clock, then disappeared.
15th. — We thank the Lord for his mercy in giving
us the victory at Fredericksburg. Oh ! that our people
might feel a proper degree of humility and thankfulness
to our Heavenly Father.
1 6th. — Intended to go up with R. H. B. to General
Lee's army to carry two hundred and forty pairs of
socks, one hundred and sixty flannel shirts, thirty com-
forts and blankets, gloves, etc., contributed by our la-
dies for the poor fellows in arms. I was too unwell
to go. Sorry to hear that Generals Cobb and Gregg
were both killed in the battle.
19th. — A deserter from the Union army reports that
Burnslde ordered the attack to be renewed Sunday
morning, but his leading generals protested and It was
not done.
2 1 St. — Thermometer at sunrise was twelve. Two
soldiers, Lieut. Lee and Mr. Sinclair, of Gloucester
cavalry, stayed with us last night.
24th. — Capt. A. B. and my sister Fanny were mar-
ried at my house to-night. The company was small,
but pleasant; eight couples of waiters. Company broke
up at a late hour.
28th. — My neighbor, Mrs. B. , taking dinner
with us to-day, reported that some one had broken Into
her house and robbed her to a considerable amount. It
is probable that there are one or more gangs of negroes
depredating around.
29th. — Went with a company last night to Mrs. M.
A. Hart's. While there a negro ran out of her kitchen,
and refusing to halt when ordered, C. D. shot him
twice, but not fatally. A party also broke into Major
B.'s house Saturday night, but did little damage.
1863
January ist (Thursday). — At the sale of W. F. P.'s
estate negroes brought high prices. One valuable man
(T. H.) was bought by J. M. J. for eight hundred and
forty dollars. He Is fifty-six years old. Heard yester-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 169
day that a lady in Essex gave fifty barrels of corn for
one sack of salt. I myself have just paid forty dollars
for a sow and nine pigs.
3d. — Papers report to-day that a very large mass
meeting was held in New York in which resolutions
were passed calling on the government to propose an
armistice looking to peace. It came to nothing.
6th. — Reports of successes in Kentucky, but General
Bragg has retired from Murfreesboro saving captured
property and prisoners. A monitor was sunk off Hat-
teras, and other gunboats had to throw their guns over-
board.
7th. — Major Bagby at home.
8th. — A case of smallpox in our neighborhood, and
patient in a terrible condition, both blind and delirious.
9th. — Yankees made a raid into King William yes-
terday and captured some wagons at White House.
nth. — Collection for Fredericksburg sufferers.
1 2th. — The Harriet Lane^ a Yankee steamer, cap-
tured in Galveston Bay.
13th. — Papers report that Democrats at the North
wish to know on what terms the South will return into
the Union. The answer was returned. On no terms
whatever.
Order in which the States seceded :
Dec. 20th, i860, South Carolina;
Jan. 9th, 1 86 1, Mississippi;
Jan. nth, 1861, Alabama and Florida;
Jan. 19th, 1 86 1, Georgia;
Jan. 26th, 1 861, Louisiana;
Feb. ist, 1 861, Texas;
April 17th, 1 86 1, Virginia;
May 6th, 1861, Arkansas;
May 20th, 1 86 1, North Carolina;
June 8th, 1861, Tennessee.
15th. — Heard of the death of Colonel Bartlett Todd,
of Petersburg, from cancer, aged seventy-five; a man of
high sense of honor.
17th. — Board of Examination of conscripts for the
county met here to-day; quite a number of friends dined
with us. Thermometer down to eighteen degrees.
170 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
27th. — Mr. Jno. N. Brown, belonging to the Sussex
cavalry, has come down to select camping grounds
for General W. H. F, Lee's brigade; he spends night
with us. I have subscribed for the Semi-Weekly En-
quirer, for which I pay eight dollars.
29th. — Quite a number of other cases of smallpox
in the neighborhood.
30th. — Prices in Richmond: Turkeys $10, Sheep
$15, Coffee $5 per lb., Sugar $1, Meal $4 per bushel,
Apples $35 to $45 per bbl., Butter $1.25 to $1.50 per
lb., Eggs $1 per doz.
Feb. ist. — At meeting to-day I enjoyed especially
the singing of the old hymn " Whilst Thee I seek, pro-
tecting power."
2d. — Weather fine, wind N. N. E.
4th. — General W. H. F. Lee's cavalry brigade is
stationed near Bestland.
5th. — I sold a beef in Richmond for two hundred
and seventy dollars.
7th. — Heavy frost, ground frozen, and much ice in
the road. Persons sick with smallpox are said to be
in fearful condition; two have already died. One of
the soldiers who was with us in 1861 was killed in
the battles around Richmond. While here he com-
mended himself to us very much. His name was
E. E. Knight.
13th. — Paid a visit to-day to General Lee's camp and
found them located on the road between Miller's and
Bestland. The roads were in a horrible condition.
14th. — Six Marylanders belonging to our army spent
the night with us; names: Forbes, Roby, German, Rid-
dle, Gorman, Decatur; they were from St. Mary's and
Charles counties and Baltimore.
1 6th. — G. P. bought a horse from a soldier for sixty
dollars, and sold him liquor for forty dollars per gallon.
The horse is said to be worth one hundred and fifty
dollars. The Marylanders who were with us are in
pursuit of forage, especially fodder; they got some in
Middlesex.
17th. — Rumors of French mediation, and dissatis-
faction reported in Northwestern States.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 171
19th. — A poor. negro belonging to Mr. Boughton
near Miller's, having a bad case of smallpox, ran out
the other night and went two miles up the road before
he could be caught. He is delirious.
20th. — The French minister has recommended a
conference between commissioners from the North and
South, with a view to settle trouble, but Mr. Seward
rejected it.
2 2d. — Snow six or eight inches deep; wind north,
thermometer twenty-two degrees.
27th. — Hear of several handsome affairs, among
them the capture of the Queen of the PVest and another
steamer called Indianola.
March ist, Sunday. — Meetings to-day in accordance
with President Davis' proclamation, appointing to-day
for fasting, humiliation, and prayer.
March 5th, Court day. — A number of persons at
court; not much business. At least half a dozen wagons
appeared with blockade goods, and it is reported that
almost as many pass by every day.
6th. — Several sales have taken place of household
goods at high prices. A man told me to-day that he
had sold a barrel of apple brandy for thirteen hundred
and fifty dollars.
8th. — R. S. Ryland and Mr. Golden, of Lee's Ran-
gers, with us to-night. They are returning from Glou-
cester Point, hoping to surprise the place, but were dis-
appointed. There were several gunboats there.
loth. — An old lady (Mrs. Gresham) told me that
a bride some years back spun and wove her own wed-
ding dress. After it was warped it was so fine that she
passed it through a gold finger-ring.
13th. — Have had frequent snows of late.
17th. — Hear of a handsome affair between Yankee
and Confederate Cavalry near Kelly's Ford; the former
were finally routed. Major Puller, of Gloucester, and
the noted Major Pelham, of Alabama, were killed.
2 2d. — Our people took a collection to help the sick in
General W. H. F. Lee's brigade. I find that the horses
in his brigade are in a very bad condition.
26th. — A case of scarlet fever at P. E. Brooks's.
172 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
30th. — A negro man named Jacob, belonging to
J. R. B., who had run off to the Yankees, but had come
back to the county, was caught last night.
April 5th. — I have forebodings; articles of life are
very scarce, and the poor are sadly straitened. Army
wagons carried off nearly all of the corn in the coun-
try. Twenty-five dollars per barrel has been offered
for it; indeed you can get almost any price. Bacon,
too, commands $1.50 per lb., shad $3.00 to $5.00 each,
eggs $1.50 to $2.00 per doz. There is distress, too in
Richmond. Wearing apparel and things edible are
higher and higher. A barrel of fish sold when I was in
town a day or two ago for $100.00.
I ith. — On a visit to Petersburg I find soldiers, mainly
cavalry, occupying log huts along the roads. Visit
Chafiin's Bluff also, crossing the James on a pontoon
bridge.
13th. — Rode to town on horseback with a pair of
saddlebags across the saddle, in each end of which was
stuffed a bale of cotton, and a tin bucket tied behind. I
carried also a carpetbag and an umbrella. It was in-
deed ludicrous.
14th. — Went down on York River Railroad and
learned of the illness of Mrs. L. F. H. She subse-
quently died, — but the most triumphant death I ever
witnessed.
1 6th. — Called to see Tomlin, who was wounded in
the attempt made last Friday at Gloucester Point.
20th. — Sent for to see Captain Tomlin, and found
that mortification had occurred in foot and ankle. Dr.
F. Taylor, Dr. Vaughan, and I consulting, determined
to take off the leg; which was done, but without suitable
instruments.
29th. — Tomlin, poor fellow, died last night.
May I St. — Papers bring intelligence that General
Hooker has crossed the river above and below Freder-
icksburg.
2d. — Firing was heard yesterday and again to-day.
A man from Newtown says it was distinct there, con-
tinuing all day. Another case of scarlet fever, — one of
my own daughters.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 173
4th. — Heard on the road to-day that a force of Yan-
kee cavalry was crossing at Piping Tree early yesterday
morning; thought lightly of the report.
5th. — Yankees in large force crossing at Walkerton.
I deemed it best to leave home; started up the road
about ten o'clock towards the Mill Gate, and spent the
night with my old friend N. D. A note from R. H. B.
informed me that fifty cavalry passed Stevensville, stat-
ing that they had been whipped at Fredericksburg.
After breakfast, passed through the Smyrna neighbor-
hood and came home. On the way I met a member of
the Gloucester cavalry, H. R. P., and C. B. F., with
two Yankee prisoners (one Lieut. Mitchell), belong-
ing to 1 2th Illinois Cavalry, whom they had captured.
I passed on, in company with R. H. B., G. F. B.
C. W. P., and P. E. L, to Carlton's store. Three pris-
oners had been captured in that neighborhood, but on
the other hand Yankees had captured two Confederate
wagon trains. Returning homeward, I found the Yan-
kees were still passing down the road in squads. I
thought it best to get out of the way, and started up from
my house toward the Mill Gate. Reaching a point
about a hundred yards of the latter, I found myself face
to face with a squad of Yankees. They were coming
down on the Providence road towards Stevensville. I
turned my horse immediately upon seeing them, and fled
back towards the store. Was fired at quite a number of
times, but fortunately escaped, and reaching the store,
turned up the road towards Bruington. Some five or
six Yankees pursued me, and one followed me a quarter
of a mile. Perhaps it is very well for both of us that
I did not know it. Made my way through the woods
to the cottage on the road to Mr. George Pendletons,
but did not enter the house. Spent the entire night in
the woods.
6th. — The Yankees are scattered about in various
directions, stealing horses and negroes. They have
taken two of my horses, one worth four hundred, the
other two hundred dollars. R. H. B. lost three, J. B.
two, I. D. one. Col. P. two. Col. Wm. B. Davis seven.
Col. Fleet three, J. R. Fleet five. The Yankees camped
174 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
on the land of J. N. Gresham, ate at his table, and drank
his liquor.
7th. — Learn that the Yankees were a part of General
Stoneman's command, which had passed Louisa and
Hanover and Ashland, and having been attacked near
there, crossed and came over into our county. They
destroyed considerable stores and treated some of our
citizens very rudely, — notably Mr. S. P. Ryland and
J, R. Fleet, — because they would not readily surrender
their personal property, like watches, horses, etc.
loth. — By special request, Dr. S. S. H. read at
Smyrna to-day a dying exhortation of Mrs. Margaret
Campbell (the first wife of Alex. Campbell), a most
admirable production.
nth. — Very warm, thermoneter 85. Mr. A. W. R.
of Gloucester dined with us to-day, reporting that he
has been a great sufferer by depredations of the enemy.
1 2th. — Replanting corn. Heard with great regret
of the death of Stonewall Jackson.
13th. — Shad are beginning to run in Mattapony.
We got fifty to-day.
19th. — Took my wife to see Col. Charles H. Carl-
ton, a son of B. C. He is an old acquaintance and full
colonel in the Confederate army.
20th. — Herrings are being gotten from the river, and
are very helpful.
23d. — Called to see A. B., whose fractured arm has
failed to unite. Other cases of scarlet fever, — at Elder
I. D.'s this time.
27th. — Reported at Stevensville that the Yankees are
at King and Queen Courthouse and advancing.
28th. — Election day, but very many persons deterred
from going to the polls.
June I St. — Exceedingly harassed and perplexed by
unpleasant reports and prospects; am anxious to get
something out of the way of the vandals, but do not
know where to put it, or whom of my servants to trust.
I think I have some that are faithful, but am not sure.
2d. — Heard late last night the Yankees are retiring.
They came into Middlesex and Essex from Gloucester
Point.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 175
3d. — R. H. B. started with a wagon of hospital
stores to Richmond; the people brought more than he
could carry. Dr. J. M. E. came up from Middlesex;
he reports that the Yankees boarded transports at Ur-
banna and crossed at Carter's Creek.
4th. — Yankees carried off very large number of ne-
groes, notably Dr. Roy's, Thos. W. Garrett's, Lotty
Moore's, Mrs. Col. Spencer's, etc.
5th. — Report comes this morning that the Yankees
are in force at Walkerton, setting fire to houses, mills,
etc.; could see smoke ascending from three or four dif-
ferent points. About two o'clock heard the booming of
cannon, evidently from gunboats returning down the
river. About four o'clock Halback, Tommy Ryland,
and I started toward Walkerton, passing through by
Mrs. Cook's, McLelland's, and Dr. Henley's. Near
Dr. Henley's a shell passed near us and exploded. We
turned towards Hillsborough, and pretty soon saw three
boats, all shelling the bluffs on King William side; as
they passed Hillsborough, they fired a volley of small
arms at Mr. H. and the children standing in the yard.
Several balls struck the end of the brick dwelling, and
one passed through a window and struck a door. Shells
were thrown at citizens at various points, one at Mrs.
R. Douglass, sitting in the porch at Frazier's Ferry
with a child in her arms.
6th. — Yankees reached Walkerton Thursday night
about one o'clock; landed four hundred infantry, seiz-
ing horses as they advanced by land towards Ayletts.
At this place they burned foundry, store, dwelling, and
granaries. An immense deal of property was destroyed,
negroes taken away, horses stolen.
9th. — Learn to my regret that Harriet, a daughter
of Rev. I. D., was dying. He has been sadly afflicted, —
diphtheria.
1 2th. — A party of gentlemen assembled at Stevens-
ville, notably Col. Wm. B. Davis, Elders R. H. Bagby,
and R. H. Land, Capt. M. P. Todd, Rodney Dew,
J. M. Jeffries, to devise measures to protect ourselves.
Our enemies are adopting a barbarous warfare; we
must defend ourselves. Hear of several cavalry fights
176 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
near Brandy Station, — enemy finally driven across the
river.
15th. — Very warm and dry. Lucy Fleet left with
Tom. Henley to go to Middlesex.
1 6th. — Another meeting of citizens at Providence to
confer about defense. The enemy in some cases force
women and children to take the oath or leave their home.
Col. A. Fleet called to order and Elder R. H. Land
prayed. There has been a large peace-meeting in New
York city, — thirty thousand people present. They ac-
knowledge that they have been whipped.
17th. — General Ewell has captured Winchester,
storming the works, capturing cannon, stores, and pris-
oners.
2 1 St. — Reported to-day that Yankee cavalry was ad-
vancing from Gloucester Point; our company assem-
bled, thirty strong, and took a position to attack them
in case of an advance. They turned off, however, pass-
ing up by Carlton's store, and then took the direction
of Ware's Church. We have now three companies of
home guards; one at Newtown, one at Stevensville, and
one at the Courthouse, commanded by Captains Lump-
kin, Bagby, and Todd.
2 2d. — All three companies of home guards met at
the Courthouse, also one company from King William.
It has been rumored for a day or so that the Yankees
were again advancing, and we feel very well prepared
to receive them, for we have one or two companies from
the regular army now in the county.
24th. — Several gunboats at West Point creating some
alarm in the county.
26th. — Yankees making a raid by Old Church, Han-
over Courthouse, and enter King William at Nelson's
Bridge.
27th. — Company in camp at Dunkirk, slept on blan-
ket and oilcloth, with saddle for pillow. Twice during
the night ordered to saddle up, but a heavy rain led us
to desist. About day we started across the river, march-
ing in the direction of Hebron Church, where we joined
Douglass' and Croxton's companies, all under Col.
Douglass. At Hebron entered the church, built up a
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 177
good fire in the stove. Just as we began to get comfort-
able, in dashed pickets reporting that the enemy were
almost upon us. The report proved deceptive, for the
enemy had turned off on another road towards Brandy-
wine. Col. Douglass moved in that direction on another
road. I, with Albert Hill, Bennie Fleet, Boone Dew,
and Wm. Samuel, left as a picket near the chapel. After
a while we rejoined Col. D., striking the Brandywine
road, but the Yankees had passed down ahead of us.
Our battalion subsequently ran into the enemy near
Sharon Church, but as it was found the enemy were too
strong, we fell back before them. That night my com-
pany recrossed into King and Queen. (We ascertained
later that there was a considerable force of infantry
with the cavalry which we had encountered; it was for-
tunate we were not seriously engaged with them.) On
Saturday night (27th) I reached Walkerton, together
with T. McLelland, W. C. Anderson, Jos. Griffith,
Henry R. Pollard, Chas. Didlake, John Thurston,
Moore Wright, Robt. Woodward, E. S. and Alexander
Acree. Nothing occurred during the night.
30th (Tuesday). — We have been cut off from Rich-
mond and have no mails. Yankees are certainly land-
ing a heavy force at White House.
July ist (Wednesday). — Rumored that the Yankees
are advancing in heavy force through King William.
Attend prayer-meeting at Bruington; exhortations from
R. H. B., J. R. G., Col. Fleet, and Arthur Temple.
3d. — Sultry. The Yankees are in considerable force
in King William, camped on Jas. Roane's land, and can
be distinctly seen from this side. Heavy and rapid firing
heard from 6 130 to 7 yesterday evening. Our com-
pany go into camp at Rosemont, and picket river from
Walkerton to Dunkirk.
5th. — Yankees at Walkerton in gunboats.
8th. — A boy born to Mrs. L. T., weighing nine
pounds. Delightful rain to-day, first since May 8th.
9th. — Capt. Bagby's company (home guards) had
weekly meeting to-day. We find that there are two de-
serters, who had hid themselves in a cave; caught one;
the other escaped.
178 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
loth. — Hear depressing news of the fall of Vicks-
burg.
nth. — Weather of most remarkable character — air
humid and thick like Indian Summer, — sun hardly to be
seen at all; has the appearance this P. M. of sun in
eclipse. Wind south.
1 2th. — Same appearance of the atmosphere and of
the sun to-day. Basement of dwelling very damp.
(This weather continued through next day, — yet no
rain, though heavy dew.)
14th. — Capt. B. [R. H. Bagby] returned from Rich-
mond, reporting that his company was accepted by De-
partment, and he got all the ammunition he asked for.
Heavy rain.
20th. — Port Hudson on the Mississippi capitulated
on the ninth, after garrison had eaten their last mule.
Tremendous riot in New York, but Lincoln suspended
the draft.
22d. — Appropriate and excellent exhortation from
Dr. Robert Ryland of Richmond.
23d. — Three Baltimoreans spent night, — Berryman,
McGee, and Adams. The first was wounded in first
Manassas.
27th. — Little Mary D. is very ill. She subsequently
dies, leaving a mother greatly afflicted.
31st. — Dined at A. B.'s with wife, Mr. Jeff., Sue,
and Mollie, Mrs. Col. P. and Mrs. Dr. and P. Wood-
ward.
August 4th. — Up early to go to Richmond with Dr.
J. M. E., who wishes to consult a physician. Saw Dr.
Pettacolas.
Prices: Calf skins sixty to sixty-five dollars. Brown
Sugar two. Loaf four. Bacon $1.75, Boots sixty to
seventy-five, Salt five. Calico three to four, Corn ten
per bushel. Meal twelve. Flour thirty. Bale Cotton No.
6 twelve per bale.
5th. — Spend the night at Old Church, and reach
home by nine o'clock.
8th. — Mercury ninety degrees.
nth. — Diphtheria and scarlet fever still raging. In-
tense heat modified by a splendid rain.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 179
13th (Thursday). — Company met and drilled.
Peaches very fine.
2ist. — Fast day. Had notice that the Fifth Virginia
Cavalry would be along, and Col. Rosser wished break-
fast for himself and officers.
24th. — Part of the Fifth Regiment came by, return-
ing from lower Middlesex, and bringing fifty-odd Yan-
kees captured from two gunboats Saturday night by
marines under Lieut. Wood. The boats were lying in
the river below Urbanna. We had one man wounded.
The Yankees one or two killed and several wounded.
Marines took possession of the boats and moved down
the river in quest of other boats. People of the neigh-
borhood furnished dinner to Capt. Fox's company and
the prisoners, under the large oaks near Mr. John B.'s
ice house.
27th. — Fifth Regiment returned and encamped near
McLelland's. Walter Burke, only seventeen, took sup-
per with us, — a Baltimorean.
Sept. 7th. — Heard to-day of the death of D. L, — he
was about seventy. Poor old man, he died without any
hope in Christ. I have known him all my life, and
never heard him speak in praise of any man. He scoffed
at religion and watched for failings of professors.
15th. — Put down sorghum machine, ground fowr bar-
rels of juice to be converted into molasses.
1 8th. — Was aroused during the night by G. R. F.,
who announced that the Yankees were encamped just
below Carlton's store in large numbers. He reported
that he, Drs. W. and H., W. R. C, and J. P., had
scouted below the store, and that W. R. C, being in
advance, had been fired upon and perhaps killed; that
he, also, had been fired upon, but had escaped, with
difficulty. (This afterwards turned out to be all a hoax
gotten up on F.)
25th. — News of Bragg's victory at Chickamauga.
28th. — At a sale an ordinary pair of oxen sold for
more than four hundred dollars, and common cows
brought one hundred and fifty dollars.
Oct, loth. — Received of Mr. B. seventeen gallons of
very nice molasses made from three loads of cane.
180 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
23d. — No mails to-day, stage did not leave Rich-
mond.
25th. — Cold wind, north. Heard of the death of
old Mr. T. M. He was eighty-three years old, a most
remarkable man in personal appearance, in disposition,
and habits. From an accident in his early youth, in-
juring his spine, his body was remarkably curved, —
breast-bone almost, if not quite, down to the pelvis: the
shortest body and the longest legs I ever saw. Owing,
I think, to his disease, he was exceedingly peevish and
quarrelsome, and had during his life more disagree-
ments and lawsuits than any man I ever knew. I sup-
pose that for thirty or forty years there was no time
that he did not have one or more suits on hand. He
contested the lines with each one of his neighbors, spent
thousands of dollars, visited no one, and no one visited
him. Indeed, he rarely spoke to any neighbor, and
kept the neighborhood in constant turmoil. In early
life he wrote in the Clerk's office, and afterwards
preached. Strange as it may seem, he married three
times. One son is married, an amiable and highly re-
spected and esteemed citizen.
28th. — Heard a week ago to-day that Capt. T. W.
H. had been severely, perhaps mortally, wounded.
Great sympathy is felt for him. Apprehensions, how-
ever, were not verified, for Capt. H. lived for years,
and became treasurer of King William County after
the war. I knew him very well; he was kind, generous,
amiable, full of fun, sprightly; never studied much, but
always stood well in class; a favorite in school and out.
When war broke out he joined a company made up by
W. H. F. Lee, and was made O. S., was promoted to
Lieutenant, and afterwards Captain; one of the bravest
of the brave, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem
of all.
31st. — Dined at Mrs. R. P.'s with Thomas Wood
of Kentucky. He had to leave his home at Lexington
in consequence of sympathy with and aid to Confed-
erate army.
Nov. 5th. — Paid State and County tax, which, to-
gether with one-tenth of my crops, in money, would
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 181
amount to upwards of six hundred dollars. Bought a
mare at public auction, very poor and worn down, with
sore back, and paid three hundred and eighty-five dol-
lars, — worth thirty.
6th. — Attended drill of home guard, with court-
martial.
8th. — Bishop Johns preached at St. Paul's, confirm-
ing thirty- four, among them M. J.
14th. — Yesterday evening Logan G., a granddaugh-
ter of Mrs. P. B., on horseback with E. B. : the former
cutting the horse, it sprang off and both the girls fell
backward to the ground. Miss G. sprang up quickly;
when, seeing that she was pale, the girls came to her
help, but in a few moments she died. It was indeed a
distressing affair.
19th. — Dr. T. L. came to court to-day wearing a
pair of shoes with wooden soles. They attracted much
attention; leather is very scarce.
2 2d. — Mordecai C. reached home from Charleston
to-day, sick. Company K of 34th Virginia has been
South now for some weeks.
27th. — Thomas has defeated Bragg at Chattanooga,
— thus come the lights and the shades.
Dec. 4th. — Yankees are reported retiring before our
army in the West, and so is Meade before Lee.
7th. — Salt has been bought by the county for the
people.
nth. — Got my share of salt to-day — 198 lbs.
17th. — Last night at 7:40 we heard a rumbling
sound, which shook the house severely; in two or three
seconds this was repeated. Presently other persons from
outside the house came in, asking what was the cause.
This was repeated again about 4 A. m. (Probably ex-
plosions of magazines at Yorktown.)
25th. — A very dull Christmas, no gaiety or joyous-
ness apparent.
30th. — Men hired to-day for $400, women for $100
to $150. At present rates this would make the total
cost of a man about $1000.
182 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
1864.
Jan. I (Friday). — Pleasant to-day, but colder
towards night.
2d. — Mercury 1 1 degrees.
3d. — Getting ice.
4th. — Mr. J. N. G.'s house burned. Very little
saved from the fire, some of the girls losing everything.
7th. — Three Marylanders, Johnson, Childs, and
Lithicum, with us.
13th. — R. H. B. was thrown from his sulky yester-
day, and again to-day as he rode with Mary R. He was
quite badly hurt.
19th. — Left home for Richmond.
Prices: Sugar $5.00, Coffee $18 and $20, Bacon
$3.50 to $4.00, Turkeys $2 lb., Eggs $3 doz.. Flour
$200 bbl.. Meal $18 bu.. Calico $6 to $8, Domestic
$5 and $6. Medicines are enormously high.
2 2d. — Saw General John H. Morgan and members
of his staff. He is a quiet, gentlemanly-looking person,
would not strike one as a dashing officer. Charges at the
hotel $20.00 per day (Ballard House). Meeting to-
night to raise funds for soldiers losing limbs. (Bought
a horse about this time, near fourteen years old, for
$450-)
27th. — Organized a society, auxihary to the one in
Richmond mentioned on 2 2d.
31st. — Government prices for Com $20, Wheat $5.
In Richmond, Corn $20 per bu., and wheat $30. The
times appear to me to be very much out of joint, and I
fear the people demoralized. I hear of some dancing
in this neighborhood, and more in other neighborhoods.
Feb. 4th, Court day. — Heard a speech from R. L.
Montague on the momentous questions before the peo-
ple. He exhorted the people to sell everything at gov-
ernment prices, and to use and wear only such things as
could be made at home; his words were with power.
Appropriations were ordered to-day for soldiers' fami-
lies, $15,000 in county bonds were sold. A colored
man in the woods to-day saw two hawks fighting at top
of a tree; in a short time they clinched and fell to the
ground. He found they could not extricate themselves
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 18S
and killed them both; he pulled them apart with
difficulty.
6th. — Mrs. P. Brooke died this morning. She was
calm in the prospect of death, and sang with earnest-
ness and feeling " 'Tis Religion that Can Give."
7th. — Heard from a picket at Mantua Ferry that the
Yankees were in King William in large force ; sent mes-
sage to Captain B. (This turned out to be a hoax.)
15th. — Snowing. One of Yankee officers, named
Driscoll, escaped from Richmond; was captured by
J. B. and others.
17th. — Intensely cold with high winds.
1 8th. — Thermometer 6 degrees above at sunrise.
2 1 St. — Sent for to see Dr. J. Lewis of King William.
River has been frozen for some days, but is open to-day.
24th. — In Richmond. Paid $10 for dinner at Bal-
lard House.
25th (Thursday). — Merchants ask $180 bu. for Clo-
ver seed. Saw bacons sold for $8 lb.
March 2d.* — Yankees reported crossing Pamunkey
at Dabney's Ferry and coming this way. Capt. Bagby
ordered his company to meet at Bruington at 5 o'clock.
Capt. Magruder's and Capt. Blake's companies, of reg-
ular army, with us. Passing up the road over Dickie's
Bridge I met a man at the fork, one mile this side of
Bruington (Capt. Charles G.), who reported the Yan-
kees at Bruington. We laughed at the report, but in a
few minutes heard firing and saw members of the Home
Guard fleeing toward us, and Yankees pursuing. The
latter halted, and soon began firing at a squad of our
men near Butler's old tavern. The interval was a half-
mile or more, but one of our men was struck, though
not seriously hurt. (Have heard since that Col. Dahl-
gren fired the shot.)
Retiring before the Yankees, most of the Home
Guard, with Capt. Magruder's command, took the di-
rect road towards Dickie's Bridge and Stevensville. As
we came down it was suggested to send a scout in the
direction of the River road. Capt. Harrison of Ma-
* This and the next following entry give an account of the famous
Dahlgren Raid.
184 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
gruder's company volunteered to move across the fields
and count them as they passed down the other road.
Passed through B.'s & T. M.'s and Philip Bird's into
the Cow Trap woods below Belmont. In about five
minutes after we reached our point of observation, the
Yankees came along and I counted them, — one hun-
dred and seventy men, mounted. We gave them a shot
apiece, which they returned. Presently they stopped
and seemed to be feeding in Gaines' old field, but we
have since learned that It was at Hocklineck. We
moved back from the woods into the road, and passing
by Stevensvllle, we joined Magruder, augmented by
some of the King and Queen cavalry under Capt.
Fox, the Home Guard, etc. Capt. Bagby had already
drawn up his men at the forks of the road above Man-
taplke. Capt. Fox was requested to take charge of the
entire force, and arrangements were made to fight them
should they attempt to pass. About 10:30 P. M. the
enemy were reported moving. Some of our men at the
same moment were moving down towards the fork on
the Stevensvllle road, and came In contact with the en-
emy just as they reached that point. Col. Ulric Dahl-
gren, seeing the men in the road, rode up and demanded
a surrender, snapping his pistol. The man, or men, im-
mediately fired return shots, and then a fusillade began
from the northeast corner of the woody slope upon the
head of the Yankee column ; the enemy hastily retreated.
Then our boys gave a tremendous shout and rushed into
the road. I noticed a horse struggling in the agonies
of death and a man under him, and In a short time
another man lying in the ditch with his feet up against
the fence and tree ; this last was Col. Dahlgren. Mean-
time the Yankees were In considerable commotion, — we
on our part expecting another attack, — but as they did
not advance, we feared an effort would be made to flank
us, and so get by. So Lieuts. Nunn and Acree, Cris.
Fleet and I moved out to learn about their Intentions.
We soon became satisfied they were still in the field.
We moved down to where the Mantapike road crosses
the River road and raised a barricade, awaiting the
enemy the rest of the night. Next morning the whole
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 185
force surrendered, — it produced a thrill of joy. The
field presented a disorderly sight, — horses running loose,
arms, saddles, haversacks, canteens, silverware, blan-
kets, etc., scattered in confusion. Most of the arms and
many of the horses were appropriated by our soldiers.
I got a broken-down horse marked " U. S.," Spencer
rifle, saddle, etc. My little boy brought in another
horse. During the day many prisoners were brought in.
5th (Saturday) . — Last night Capt, Bagby sent for me
to come to his house to help guard six prisoners captured
by him. Maj. E. F. Cooke, Lieut. Merritt, Lieut.
Bartley, Privates Hogan, Williams, and Litchen, came
to the house of his overseer (McFarland), and asked
Mrs. M. to prepare them some supper. She immedi-
ately began preparations, but privately dispatched a ne-
gro girl to acquaint Capt. B. of their presence. The
overseer's house is about one hundred and fifty yards
from the dwelling. Capt. B. and his son John, at home
on furlough, seized their pistols, ran down to the over-
seer's and rushed into the room, presenting their pistols
and demanding a surrender. Maj. Cooke hesitated,
when Capt. Bagby said, " Surrender, or I will kill you,"
at the same time presenting his pistol at the major's
head. It was indeed a trying moment, — two men
against six, and all heavily armed. The major, with
great reluctance, threw down his arms, and the rest fol-
lowed his example.
As I could not get up last night I hurried to go this
morning, and found the prisoners snugly in bed in Capt.
B.'s parlor. Soon after reaching there, news came that
two more Yankees were in Capt. B.'s woods not far
away.
I hurried off, along with McF., J. N. Gresham,
Jr., and John Lawson, to look after the two. Taking a
position which commanded a view of the meadow just
below, I awaited their appearance. In about fifteen
minutes they came in sight, and coming up to a small
stream of water, stooped to drink. I drew up, halted
them, and demanded a surrender, with which they com-
plied. I carried them to Capt. B.'s, where we all got
breakfast, and marched the eight prisoners to Stevens-
186 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
ville, there awaiting the arrival of the other prisoners,
who had been carried to Camp Exol. In the evening
they were taken forward toward Richmond, number-
ing ninety-one. Three were unable to travel, one on
account of a wound through the knee, and two from
being hurt by horses. These three were Daniel Denis,
from Lafayette (or Marshall), Indiana; a second was
Michael Madden; the other John H. Remsen. Rem-
sen was the man whom we found lying under the horse
when Dahlgren was found lying in the road at the
corner.
7th. — Rumors of the advance of the enemy, and
Home Guard ordered out.
8th. — Home Guard assembled at Stevensville about
sunrise, but learning that the enemy had retired, we
disbanded. Two of the men wounded came to my house
and were cared for, and one of them was lodged with
Rev. I. Diggs.
9th. — Yankees were certainly at Centreville yester-
day.
loth. — Home Guard met again at sunrise, and very
soon we could see smoke arising from houses burning at
the Courthouse. Our scouts came in and reported that
the Yankees were advancing. Scouts further reported
that they had burned the Courthouse, jail, clerk's office,
tavern, storehouses, barns, stables, and mill, and the pri-
vate residences of Wm. Martin and Robt. Pollard.
After perpetrating this vandalism, they moved to Carl-
ton's store, where they did other mischief, then went to
Camp Exol and burned that. Soon after. Col. Beale
came up with the Ninth Regiment and skirmished with
them, but the Yankees retreated so rapidly towards Lit-
tle Plymouth that Col. Beale failed to do them any
serious damage.
nth. — Ground saturated from the rain of yesterday.
Everything in disorder, horses in the woods, cows and
hogs loose in the field, and negroes indisposed to do
anything. Got dispatches that Col. Beale wanted all
the information he could get, as the Yankees were lin-
gering below. Capt. Bagby went to Richmond with
prisoners and has just returned.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 187
1 2th. — Company out and under arms all day. Bought
fifteen bushels of oats at $io per bushel.
1 8th. — Winds south, high and warm.
2 2d. — Very cold, windy, and unpleasant. Com-
menced snowing about one o'clock, and continued for
some hours. Wind blowing a severe gale from N. E.
It is now positively certain that Gen. U. S. Grant has
been made lieut.-general, and has succeeded Gen. Hal-
leck as commander-in-chief of the Yankee armies ; that
for the present he will be in command of the Army of
the Potomac. Indeed, there seems to be a general
change of commanders of Yankee armies all around,
and, among others, Sherman is to succeed Thomas at
Chattanooga. General Forest has just defeated Grier-
son and Smith with their cavalry forces, they having
seven thousand against his twenty-four hundred.
23d. Snowing all night, but about nine o'clock this
morning sun came out and it grew pleasant. In some
places it was from three to five feet deep. Shad are just
beginning to run.
26th (Easter). — A very blustering day. Almost all
the snow melted.
27th. — Called to see Mr. P. Bird, who is sick.
28th. — John W. Deshazo died yesterday.
31st. — Home Guard are to meet second and fourth
Thursdays at 10 A. M., Pyne's old shop. Dined at
T. H.'s with Maj. John Henley and his wife and sister
(Mrs. Susan Copeland), refugees from Williamsburg,
who have suffered very much by the Yankees.
April 5th. — Miss Kate M. is ill at W. D. G.'s, and
P. Bird at his own home. Wind very high.
nth. — Had the pleasure to-day of meeting Alex-
ander C. Jones, formerly of this county, now of Arkan-
sas; he is just from the army of Gen. Longstreet.
1 2th. — Mr, Philemon Bird died this morning about
day. His physician worked hard on him, but failed to
arrest the disease.
20th. — Sent a hog to Richmond weighing 273^ lbs.,
which brought me $1094.
22d. — Hear to-day that Maj. J. R. B. is in Peters-
burg, suffering seriously with dyspepsia. News that
188 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Gen. Hoke has captured Plymouth, N. C, with twenty-
five hundred prisoners, thirty-five cannon, one hundred
thousand pounds of bacon, etc.
26th. — Dentis, a Yankee prisoner at my house, left
for Richmond. He seemed reluctant to go, and we
were sorry to part with him, though he was an enemy.
His education is limited, but he has considerable natural
shrewdness. — A few shad.
May 4th. — The horses, saddles, guns, etc., captured
from the Yankees were appraised to-day, so as to make
an equal distribution among the men engaged. The
men who held the horses should be allowed to retain
the minor articles.
5th. — Sent to Mr. B. Carlton 199 lbs. bacon for
families of the soldiers.
8th. — Mercury 89 degrees.
9th. — Great anxiety to learn issue of battle between
Lee and Grant.
loth. — Hear that Yankee army landed at Bermuda
Hundred, advanced towards Petersburg Railroad, and
were driven back with some loss. [About this time the
Yankees had constructed a high tower at a point some
ten miles from Petersburg, from which to spy over into
the city. One morning General Butler, who was in com-
mand, had gone up to the top of the tower to see what
he could see. While he was up there a cannon ball from
a Confederate battery two miles away came over and
struck the tower. The people around said, " The old
general came down quicker than he went up."] Medi-
cal Board assembled here yesterday.
1 2th. — Attended drill, and Home Guard was ordered
to rendezvous at St. Stephens.
13th. — Most of the company from St. Stephens were
ordered out on picket at Walkerton, Ayletts, and Dun-
kirk. Spent the night in the church.
14th. — ^Went to Ayletts to picket the ferry, along
with H. Cox, J. McF., A. C. Coleman, and Z.
Carlton.
15th. — Spent last night in the ferry house and was
relieved this morning. Mr. T. W. L. Fauntleroy, John
and Joseph Ryland, Mrs. P. Smith, Edwin Watkins,
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 189
W. H. Berkeley, etc., were very kind and liberal in send-
ing provisions.
1 6th. — Got home tired and sleepy. Heard yester-
day, to my deep regret, of the death of Capt. E. C.
Fox, Polk Watkins, Jos. Wayne, and Robt. Davis, all
of the King and Queen cavalry, in a battle with Sheri-
dan at Yellow Tavern. Alex. Acree is very badly
wounded, — and others.
17th. — Gen. Beauregard had a heavy fight with the
Yankees below Drewry's Bluff yesterday, and drove
them back, taking a large number of prisoners (Gen.
Hickman, etc.). It is said also that Gen. Breckenridge
has whipped them at New Market in the Valley, and
Gen. Joe Johnston driven them back from an attempt
on the fortifications at Dalton.
1 8th. — Put up herring and a few shad at Mantapike
this morning.
About this time there were strong indications that
the enemy would cut us off from Richmond, and per-
haps overrun all this part of the State. Grant was com-
ing down from Spottsylvania Courthouse in the direc-
tion of Cold Harbor, and already a cavalry force of
some 3000 men had appeared in upper King William.
A very large infantry force passed through the upper
part of the county, together with, as it would seem, the
entire wagon train of Grant's army. They crossed over
at Dunkirk and other points above. The Home Guard
was called out, and moved up towards Clarkston, but
finding the enemy in very strong force, they were smart
enough not to attack, yet, as far as was in their power,
to prevent straggling. We camped at Shuter's Hill, be-
longing to John Ryland, Saturday night, and Sunday
night on Joseph Ryland's land. Saturday John A. Fleet
and myself were sent on a scout, and reaching a certain
position, saw a large number of wagons, some on each
side of the river, with cavalry and infantry. They had
camped on John Fauntleroy's field beyond the ferry.
Some two hundred or three hundred cavalry had before
this crossed to our side of the river; having built a good
bridge, we supposed the whole body intended crossing,
but next morning the two hundred recrossed, the bridge
190 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
was taken up, and they went on their way. There is no
doubt that Burnside's corps passed down by Newtown
and crossed the Mattapony below. The Home Guard
watched them, and there were but few stragglers.
Here, with May, 1864, this interesting journal closes,
with the exception of a few items that would not interest.
Events ripened so fast from this time on that the jour-
nalist suspended his writing and seems to have turned
his attention more in other directions. It was during
the month of July that Sheridan, with a cavalry force of
some ten or twelve thousand, moved out from General
Grant's lines, flanking Richmond first northward, and
then westward along the line of the Chesapeake &
Ohio Railroad. His objective was to join General
Hunter, who was moving southward towards Lynch-
burg, with a view to capturing that city. Each of them
failed of his object. Early was sent to Lynchburg to
head off Hunter, and General Hampton intercepted
Sheridan some ten miles above Louisa Courthouse, the
latter making haste to get out of his way. In retiring,
Sheridan came down into our county, bringing with him
the largest force (save Burnside, who simply passed
through) that ever set foot on our soil. He came down
as far as King and Queen Courthouse, where he camped.
Naturally there were a great many stragglers, and im-
mense mischief was done by parties along the line of
their march. Fortunately for us, it was of brief dura-
tion, for next day being Sunday, they passed back up
the county and retired across the Mattapony and Pa-
munkey, rejoining General Grant. These fellows vis-
ited well-nigh every house of note on all the roads within
five miles of the Mattapony River. They got pretty
much all they wanted at each place, and in some in-
stances behaved very rudely towards women and chil-
dren. Many of them were foreigners, as one could
easily detect from their speech. We were certainly as
glad to be rid of them as they were to quit us. This
was the last raid into our county, but we shared to the
full in the distresses about Petersburg, doing what we
could to alleviate the sufferings of the poor fellows in
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 191
the trenches; and when Richmond was evacuated — es-
pecially when Appomattox came a week later — we were
as much distressed as any of our unfortunate people.
One Monday afternoon (it was, I think, the third day
of April, 1865) the author had walked across the road
to visit his wife's father. As he came back, entering
the road to recross, he saw a negro man coming down
the road, dressed In a fantastic costume, and reporting
as he passed down, " Richmond has gone up." It was
to very many hearts like a wail from the lower regions.
Still, we were not without hope that the matchless man
who was leading our armies would find some way to
save our declining cause. Appomattox, of course, set-
tled the matter, and left us struggling in the waves of
Reconstruction. Our county people had acted their part
wonderfully well. We had surrendered husbands,
brothers, sons, and treasure to sustain the banner of
General Lee, and when Reconstruction came It just
happened in the good providence of God that we
suffered less than very many of our fellow-citizens of
less fortunate communities.
Such incidents as that of the Dahlgren lock of hair —
given on a previous page — are an index of the feeling
and motive of our people In their part of the great con-
flict. They were not actuated In their defensive meas-
ures by feelings of malice, or jealousy, or a vindictive
spirit, but they stood manfully for the defense of their
rights as they saw these, under the Constitution of the
United States.
CHAPTER XI
FROM RICHMOND TO APPOMATTOX
A Narrative of the Operations of the Twenty-fourth Regiment of Vir-
ginia Cavalry, — Gary's Brigade, Array of Northern Virginia, —
April 3-7, 1865.
By S. Bird.
After the stirring campaign of the summer and fall
of 1864, the cavalry brigade of General M. W. Gary,
A. N. v., — composed of the Hampton Legion, tlTe
Seventh South Carolina, Seventh Georgia, and Twenty-
fourth Virginia regiments of cavalry, and Harkerson's
Battery of artillery, — found itself in the month of Jan-
uary, 1865, at " Camp Gary," about four miles below
or east of Richmond City, near Fair Oaks station on
the York River Railroad.
This cavalry brigade was at that time about the only
Confederate force of consequence to offer resistance to
any advance which might be made by General Ord's
corps of the Federal army, which occupied Fort Harri-
son on the north side of James River, several miles be-
low our camp.
In February, I think it was, a part of General G. W.
C. Lee's division of infantry moved to that side of the
river. Fortunately for us, the enemy seemed content
to remain quiet for a time, at least during this severe
winter, and we improved the time left us from the vig-
orous and trying picket duty along the White Oak
Swamp, in making rude tents with pine poles, splitting
the poles as best we could for roofs, which we supple-
mented with strips of any and all kinds of cloth or old
blankets that we could gather to protect us from the
freezing and almost incessant rains of that trying
winter.
Rations for the men, as well as food for our horses,
grew sadly and feelingly less with each succeeding week,
until about the middle of February, I think It was, we
192
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 193
learned that our regiment, the Twenty-fourth Virginia
Cavalry, would probably be allowed, as a matter of
necessity, to move by companies to localities nearest the
homes of the men, from which points the men would go
to their respective homes to recruit both themselves and
horses, for a week or two at least, so as to return in
good shape for the spring campaign, which we all knew
would be desperate and decisive. The sequel proved
that it was more than that; It was "short, sharp, de-
cisive," and ended in despair.
In pursuance of this plan, our company (F), com-
manded by the venerable and chivalrous Captain L. W.
Allen (who at the age of sixty years and more shared
all the hardships and dangers of camp and march and
battle with a degree of cheerful endurance surpassed by
none of his men in the ranks), received orders late in
the evening of one of the coldest days in February we
ever felt, to move the company to Taylorsville, in Han-
over County, a distance of probably twenty miles.
Just about sunset we were ordered to " saddle up,"
and in thirty minutes or less we were on the march.
Who of our number could ever forget that night? Our
line of march was directly over the ground nearly every
foot of which had been cut and worked up by the two
armies during the preceding summer, in the campaign
from the Wilderness to the James River, followed dur-
ing the fall and winter by our wagons in quest of sup-
plies for our army, until the surface was now a frozen
mass of mud, spikes, and gullies. I have never been
able to determine which suffered the most that night,
the men from the piercing, freezing cold, — poorly clad
as they were, — or the horses literally treading on spikes
at every step, until many of them could go no further;
when their riders would stop, kindle a fire in the woods,
and wait for daylight to enable them to choose the way,
if indeed there was any choice even then.
My brother and myself, whose horses had never
failed us, were among the few who continued the march
to the end that night; keeping our feet from freezing,
and aiding our horses at the same time, by dismounting
and leading them for hours. About daybreak we
194 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
reached Taylorsvllle, found good log tents which some
Infantry had lately vacated, and which were like pal-
aces to us, — roomy, with log chimneys, and plenty of
clean straw for our beds. We lost no time in kindling
fires and thawing ourselves out, not forgetting to un-
saddle quickly our poor suffering horses, and cover them
with all our blankets, while the fire and straw sufficed
for us indoors.
In such luxurious quarters, we did not then envy the
poor fellows who had dropped out by the wayside that
night, and who were straggling in until late that day,
their horses footsore and limping, themselves half-
frozen and famished.
We remained there three or four days, for our horses
to rest their lacerated and swollen feet; when in groups
of four or five we were ordered to our respective homes
in the adjacent counties, to remain and recuperate man
and beast for about two weeks, and then return to the
vicinity of Taylorsville, or such other place as the com-
mand might assemble at; meantime keeping ourselves
in readiness to obey any orders for special duty which
might reach us, or to return promptly to our command.
When we consider the suffering which had to be en-
dured that winter, when there was no place we could
call winter quarters, shelterless when moving from place
to place, poorly clad, and withal reduced almost to a
state of starvation with only about four ounces of
bacon and a pound of com meal or flour for a twenty-
four hours' ration, — it might be well to reflect a mo-
ment and ask the question, " Who but Confederate
soldiers could have been trusted to go to their homes,
and return to their commands, only to be better pre-
pared to meet the * overwhelming numbers ' which we
all knew the enemy were losing no time nor resources
to marshal against us?" Some of the boys said we
were only going home to fatten up and return in good
"killing order," and there was really more truth than
wit in the expression.
The men were simply placed on their honor, and
right loyally did they honor the confidence reposed
in them. Not only did they, with scarcely an exception.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 195
return in a few weeks, but many who (for what they
considered good reasons) were already absent without
leave (for no furloughs were permitted under any cir-
cumstances) returned also.
Sergeant C. H. Carlton (noble Christian soldier),
my brother Preston and myself were instructed to pro-
ceed to our homes in King and Queen County; and
after resting our horses a few days my brother and my-
self were to scout the Rappahannock and Piankitank
Rivers down the south sides, and returning home con-
tinue the scout up to the vicinity of Fredericksburg and
Richmond, — unless in the meantime some movement
of the enemy should render it in our judgment important
to report promptly to Richmond.
We executed the first part of the programme, discov-
ering no movement of the enemy, except some activity
of the Federal gunboats in the lower Rappahannock and
Piankitank, — nothing to indicate the landing of any
considerable force. We found, however, many of our
men who were absent without leave, and told them we
were authorized to inform them all that if they would
return voluntarily to the regiment within a week or
ten days, the army regulations would be suspended and
" play quits " as to them. They readily consented to
this, as they said it was their intention to do anyhow,
and carried out their promise, while our guarantee as
to regulations was sacredly kept by the officials.
On our return to our home, where we expected to rest
our horses a week or more, we learned that orders had
been sent through Sergeant Carlton for us to return as
promptly as possible to our regiment, which would ren-
dezvous somewhere in the vicinity of Hanover Court-
house. Remaining at home about two days for neces-
sary rest, because nearly all of our time since leaving
Taylorsville had been occupied in the scouting duty as-
signed to us, we started to rejoin our command.
Reaching the Pamunkey River we found it swollen
over its banks, with a rushing current caused by recent
heavy rains. It was perilous to venture swimming our
horses, which we would have done under ordinary cir-
cumstances, when there were no boats, although the
196 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
stream Is usually narrow and high up the river. We
also learned that a column of the enemy had been seen
on the opposite side that day, which for the time would
likely cut us off from reaching our command, if indeed
we should be able to escape capture. We therefore de-
termined to wait a day or two in hopes that both the
river and the enemy would resume their proper places.
Accordingly we ventured to our home, about twenty
miles distant, which we reached that night.
How little did I dream of the impending blow about
to fall on me with the first crushing sorrow of my then
vigorous and buoyant youth. With the exception of
some fatigue from our recent scout and exposure, my
brother and myself were in perfect health.
The following morning my brother rode over to spend
an hour or two with one of our nearest neighbors, whom
he had not seen during the few days he had spent at
home. To our surprise he did not return that evening
or night, as we knew was his intention. On the fol-
lowing morning a messenger rode up and informed us
that he was quite sick. My father, not thinking he
could be seriously ill in so short a time, immediately
went over to this neighbor's and brought him home in a
carriage. Never shall I forget my horror and amaze-
ment, and the indescribable feeling of despair which
seized and almost paralyzed me, when I went up to
the carriage to assist him out and looked into his pale
face, the expression of which told me in silent but un-
mistakable tones that he was already in a dying con-
dition.
The nearest physician was hastily summoned and
every effort made to revive him, — without avail. He
had made his last scout and by some strange destiny
had been turned back from reaching his command,
where he could be brought home to die that night.
He had suddenly fallen into a stupor the day before
while sitting with his friends around their hospitable
fireside. Thinking it was simply the result of fatigue
and exposure, or a chill, they had put him to bed ex-
pecting that he would awake refreshed from sleep and
well in the morning. It proved, however, that the
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 197
sudden stupor was delirium, from which he did not
rally or regain consciousness. This is the short pathetic
story of his sudden death, the disease or immediate
cause of which has always been and will continue to be
a mystery. No language could express my crushing
grief and deep despair.
After more than thirty-five years have intervened,
my heart almost sinks within me now and bleeds afresh
at every pore as memory reverts to that dark, dismal,
desolate hour when relentless death claimed the only
brother of my soul. He had been all that a devoted
brother could be to me. From earliest childhood we
had been inseparable, slept together, started to school
together the same day, pursued the same studies, in the
same classes, — until the school was broken up by the
call to arms in the spring of 1861, when the teachers
enlisted the larger boys into the company of which
they were elected officers, and turned our playground
into a drill ground.
We were both too young then for military or serv-
ice duty, nor were we separated until the summer of
1863, when my brother, at the age of eighteen, joined
the army around Richmond. The following year I
joined his company. He was a veteran then and watched
over me with the tender solicitude of a mother; nor
were we ever separated again until his death. — Two
days later, on a bleak, dreary evening in March, — the
earth wrapped in snow and ice, — we laid him in the
quiet graveyard by the side of our precious mother,
with her to await the resurrection morn. Among the
thousands of heroes who offered and yielded their lives
for our Southland there were none more heroic and
chivalrous than he.
Could he have chosen the manner of his death it
would have been in his accustomed place in the fore-
front of the battle, his gleaming saber flashing inspira-
tion to his comrades and defiance to the foe; in obeying
his last order and performing faithfully his last
duty; not like the galley slave, scourged to his dungeon
at night, but as one who " wraps the drapery of his couch
about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." Alas,
198 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
brother of my soul, that my pen falters and words fail
me to pay the tribute due to your noble life ! I cannot
pen this narrative for my children without this humble
and inadequate tribute to your memory, commending
to them your noble life as an inspiration and example
for them to obey the call of duty.
On the morning after his burial I set out, disconsolate
and desolate, to join my regiment, which, on the second
day of my journey, about March 25 I think it was, I
found at " Old Gary," where it had just camped after
some slight skirmishing with the enemy several days
before, they having retired to the vicinity of Fort Har-
rison without offering battle.
I should be recreant to my duty if I failed now to
mention the tender and sincere sympathy with which
the members of my company, as well, indeed, as the
whole regiment, greeted me. Especially as brigade
scout, my brother Preston was well known and esteemed
by all; his modest bearing, quiet disposition, kind and
sympathetic heart, were no less admired than his dash-
ing, intrepid bravery in battle or whenever cool courage
and discretion were demanded.
As I rode into camp with my unspeakable grief re-
flected in my countenance, the greeting which came from
everyone was " Where is Preston? " I made a supreme
effort to answer dead, for I knew at that moment I
could only give utterance to that one word. I could not
speak, but chokingly leaned over on my horse and
sobbed for utterance; they knew too well the answer
I was trying to utter and with eyes filled with tears
gathered around me, took me from my horse, assisted
me to a rude tent, mingling their tears with mine,
striving as best they could to comfort and calm my
bursting heart, until I could find utterance and relate
the sad, simple story of my brother's sudden death.
Noble fellows, your sympathy for me was sincere and
heartfelt, but your tears and grief were your best and
spontaneous tribute to the noble young soldier, whom
you so much loved and who would now return no
more. It was unusual for those veterans to give such
visible expressions of sorrow at the death of one of
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 199
their number. They had often seen their comrades fall
so thick and fast that they would become discouraged,
and lose their spirit for the grewsome work which duty
demanded of them in active warfare.
General Gary sent me a message of sympathy, and
expressive of the loss he had sustained in the death of
his trusted and chivalrous young scout. In the fall of
1863, when Preston first received his " baptism of fire,"
General Gary had been impressed with his dashing
bravery and gallant bearing in battle, and selected him
for some important duty requiring the highest order of
courage and discretion. This speedily resulted in his
appointment as independent scout, with credentials to
go and report at will; he knew the peril and responsibil-
ity of his mission, which he promptly accepted, pro-
ceeding at once to spend most of his time in the enemy's
line and around their outposts.
He frequently captured the enemy's couriers with
their dispatches, which of course he promptly reported.
At other times, eluding the hostile pickets (generally at
night) , he went into the enemy's camp, thus keeping
informed as to their movements, strength, etc. It may
be interesting and instructive to my children to mention
one or two of his experiences as illustrative of the perils
of a scout.
On one occasion in the fall of 1864 he, with two other
scouts, crept between the enemy's pickets at night,
after first hiding their own horses in a convenient thicket,
and cautiously crept into the enemy's camp. Their
purpose, as well as I remember, was, if possible, to
capture a certain Federal officer in his tent.
They approached close to the coveted tent (which
they had previously located) without being detected,
but found to their disappointment that it was surrounded
by a strong cordon of guards (something unknown with
us), which it would have been supreme folly to attack
in the midst of their camp with any hope of making the
coveted capture, even if they succeeded in capturing the
guards, as it would have aroused the camp and resulted
in their own capture or death.
The next thing to do was to withdraw and escape
200 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
as quickly as possible. Although everything had been
quiet up to that moment, they suddenly discovered some
movement from a part of the camp, which made their
position perilous, if not for the moment hopeless. As
they stealthily approached the main road leading
through the camp, watching for a favorable moment
to dart across it unobserved, a loaded wagon drawn by
four large mules approached. Detection seemed cer-
tain then, for they could not retrace their steps and
they only had a few moments to determine what to do,
but it was enough; their only hope was to pass out with
this wagon, which they (in a whisper) decided to do.
Crouching close by the roadside, as the wagon came up
with their revolvers in hand they sprang up, one on
each side of the driver, who, before he could realize
the situation, was warned in a whisper, emphasized with
two pistols at his head, that if he spoke or moved it
meant death. Of course he was " struck dumb." He
was then ordered to let his team proceed, and in this
way they passed the camp sentinels, who did not hail
them, thinking doubtless that the wagons were moving
under orders.
A short distance beyond the guards, and before any
other wagon or troops came up, they ordered the driver
to turn his team into an opening in the woods; pro-
ceeding in the woods a short distance, until out of
view from the road in the darkness, they quickly and
quietly unhitched the mules, threw some of the contents
of the wagon (they did not know then what) across
their backs, and led the mules with their prisoner
through the woods to the track by which they had
entered the camp and which they now followed back
to the spot where they had left their horses. By this
time it was day, and, hurrying to elude pursuit, they
reached camp in due time, hungry and sleepy, but with
four large sleek fat mules and a Yankee sutler prisoner,
who for the first time fully realized " where he was at."
The capture proved to be a sutler with his stores,
which he said he was moving to another location; of
course without the faintest idea of locating his wagon
and wares at a secluded spot in the woods, his mules in
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 201
the hands of the " rebel " scouts, and himself In Libby
prison.
On another occasion, after having satisfied himself
of the route which the couriers of the enemy were in
the habit of taking, my brother crept into their lines
and selected a favorable spot near the roadside, where
he secreted himself at night and awaited the passing
of the first fellow whom he might take to be the bearer
of dispatches. He said experience had taught him that
couriers usually rode alone, and at greater speed than
the ordinary soldier, especially at night; thus enabling
him to spot them. On this occasion everything was so
quiet as the night wore on, and he became so benumbed
with cold, that he was about to leave his hiding place,
and retrace his steps through the pickets, when he heard
the footsteps of a horse rapidly crossing the pontoon
bridge which the enemy had made across the James
River for communication between their forces on the
north and south sides of the river. He was confident
that the rider was the dispatch-bearer for whom he had
so long been shivering in the cold, and that he would
take the route past the spot where he was secreted.
He accordingly left his hiding place and crouched close
on the roadside. The rider approached, lowly humming
a tune, and increasing his speed after crossing the
bridge. As he was passing the spot Preston sprang in
front of him, and seizing the bridle stopped the horse,
while with the other hand he covered the rider with his
pistol, and ordered him to throw up his hands, and
dismount quickly and quietly. The horseman obeyed
without the least controversy, and the next moment
was marching from the road, a prisoner with his hands
up In front of his captor, who led the horse a short
distance, then halted a moment to disarm the prisoner,
and proceeded to a place of safety, where he could be
searched for the coveted dispatch. Imagine the scout's
chagrin and disgust when instead of the dispatch he
found the prisoner's pockets full of chips, or devices
used by gamblers. The prisoner had been over the
river indulging in a game of cards with some of his
chums on that side until the " wee small hours " and
202 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
was returning in happy mood when captured. The
captor, in relating the incident to me, said he felt so
thoroughly chagrined and disgusted at his " water
haul," that his first impulse was to release the poor
fellow, whose repining at fate had excited his sympathy,
and content himself with keeping the fine horse, arms
and accouterments, as a reward for the night's work;
but this would never do, as the prisoner, if released,
would of course reveal to the enemy the story and
location of his capture and thus enable them to guard
this road, so as to defeat future attempts on that line;
whereas if held as a prisoner his fate would be as pro-
found a mystery as the identity of the fellow who " hit
Billy Patterson." The horse, however, was a fine ani-
mal, with splendid saddle, bridle, etc.; the arms of the
best, — patent repeating carbine, revolver, etc. The
prisoner's uniform and splendid equipment indicated
clearly that he was more of a " sport " than a soldier.
After being kindly treated, he agreed, as he was being
taken to prison, to exchange his magnificent long cavalry
boots with his captor, as he would have little use for
them in prison.
These two incidents, of many, are related simply to
give some idea of the life and perils of a scout, whom
the enemy made every effort to capture, and who knew
from their threats which reached his ears that if cap-
tured he would receive no quarter.
THE EVACUATION
Sunday, the second day of April, 1865, dawned
bright and clear; which was welcomed and appreciated
by the men after the protracted cold and wet of the
winter and early spring, as they were but scantily
protected by the improvised tents, so-called, at old
" Camp Gary," to which they had returned less than
two weeks before, as already related.
About midday it was so warm and bright that
Apollas Luck, who in the tenderness of his brave soldier
heart had striven in every way to comfort me by his
constant presence and companionship since the death of
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 203
my brother, proposed that we take our horses out under
the hills about a mile distant in the direction of Rich-
mond to nip any grass which they might find.
While our horses were strolling along in search of
anything they could find to eat, we were lounging on
the hillsides. Richmond was in view, and everything
as calm and quiet as a zephyr. We were Impressed
with the serenity of the surroundings, and talked about
the absence of everything resembling war or the des-
perate struggle which for four years had continued
around the environments of the devoted city. Truly
it was the ominous calm preceding the storm.
Late in the evening we bridled our horses and re-
turned to camp, where we gave them their scant feed
of corn, and blanketed them as we thought for the
night. I gathered up about half a dozen canteens and
proceeded to the spring, a few hundred yards distant,
for the water supply of our mess for the night and for
picket duty at daylight the following morning, as was
our custom, while Uncle John Flippo, as we called him,
started the fire to cook our morsel of bread; which,
however, was never cooked. On my way to the spring,
just about sunset, a horseman dashed by at headlong
speed in the direction of brigade headquarters; I took
no special notice of him at the moment, thinking it was
some fellow who had spent the day In the city and was
returning with a full stomach and lighter heart than
the rest of us. In about fifteen minutes I was returning
with the canteens filled, and as I reached the top of
the hill was amazed to see everything in confusion,
the Improvised tents pulled to pieces, men mounted
and rapidly forming by companies. I hastened for-
ward, saddled up as quickly as possible, and in a few
minutes was in line, just as the order to move forward
was given, with no time to Inquire the meaning of It
all. Nor did anyone know that we were ordered to
move.
We marched two or three hours east In the direction
of Fort Harrison, and crossing the nine-mile road. If
I remember correctly, halted about 9 p. M., dis-
mounted and formed Into line of battle, with orders
204 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
to make no noise. About midnight we were permitted
to lie down in our tracks, keeping in line with hands
on our carbines. Thus we remained on the wet ground,
shivering as the night grew cold, until about the first
streak of dawn, when we mounted noiselessly and pro-
ceeded in nearly a direct line towards Richmond.
While in line that night we whispered our respective
opinions of the meaning of the movement, the prevail-
ing opinion being that the enemy was advancing in our
front and that about dawn we would rush forward to
attack and surprise them.
No one thought for a moment, or ventured the sug-
gestion, of the evacuation of Richmond. The one and
only thought we permitted ourselves to entertain in this
connection was that it was our business to defend the
beloved city, around which still clustered the hopes and
destiny of the Confederacy. Just as the sun rose clear
and bright we reached the outer earthworks below the
city, when to our horror and surprise we saw a white
flag on the top of the parapet by the roadside, two
persons in citizens' dress standing by it, and a carriage
near by. At the same moment a glance westward
brought the city in full view except as it was enveloped
by the dense smoke, which seemed to be rising from
its every section; it needed no words to reveal to us
that the hour of its doom had come.
The white flag, the citizens, the carriage, meant that
Mayor Mayo was only awaiting the advance of the
enemy to surrender the city, if indeed, — from the ap-
pearance of the conflagration and desolation, — anything
of the devoted city would be left to surrender. For the
first time during four years did the hearts of its heroic
defenders sicken and sink in despair, at the desolate,
hope-wrecking sight.
Our column halted a moment, then passed by the
mayor and the white flag, turned into the road, and at
quickened gait headed straight for the doomed city.
As the regiment passed on to the city, Jack Yar-
brough, Gatewood Burnett and myself were ordered to
proceed down the road in the opposite direction, with
orders to keep in view of the regiment, which we were
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 205
to signal, and retreat as the enemy advanced, keeping
a sharp lookout to avoid capture by a flanking force.
As we proceeded cautiously in the direction of the ad-
vancing enemy, three Confederate infantrymen came
walking rapidly to meet us with their muskets at
shoulder. When about fifty yards from us they halted,
dropped their guns, and holding up their hands shouted
their surrender to us. Riding up to them and asking
what they meant, they answered that we were Yankees,
and that they might as well surrender without ceremony,
as they were hopelessly cut off; at the same time point-
ing to the enemy on their right and rear, from whom
they were vainly attempting to escape. We assured
them that we were friends, and bade them hurry for-
ward and follow the track of our regiment.
This they did, remarking, however, that it was use-
less as they would be captured before reaching the city,
and warning us that we would share the same fate if
we did not retrace our steps immediately, — pointing to
a force of the enemy on our right, which had not be-
fore been seen by us.
We retired slowly at first, and as the enemy advanced
we rapidly passed these poor fellows, whom we were
reluctantly compelled to leave to their fate. We sig-
naled the enemy's advance and hurried on to avoid be-
ing cut off, reaching the rear of our regiment just as the
head of the column was stopped for the time by the
mob which had massed in the streets, a way through
which was forced only with the use of the sabers.
Just at this juncture Burnett, whose family lived near
my home, turned to me and with tremulous voice asked,
" What in God's name must I do, you know how help-
less my wife and children are; what will become of them
if I continue with our army; they will be in the enemy's
lines and I will never see them again; I cannot desert,
but for God's sake tell me what to do?" I knew of
the wife and several small children, for whose comfort
and protectioH the Relief Committee of our county had
to provide when necessary, and I could see the tumult
of his soul, struggling to decide which in this tremendous
crisis was the path of duty, — to follow our army or
206 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
return to the wife and children, who would need his
protection as never before. The enemy were pressing
rapidly on us, the mob filled the streets and obstructed
our passage to the bridge, while the flames on either
side were nearly if not actually lapping over our heads.
There was no time for hesitation or reflection. I an-
swered Burnett, " I cannot advise you, as I h^ve no
wife or children as you have. My duty is plain; I
shall follow General Lee, while he leads, or until I fall.
You must decide this matter." A moment later, as
our column moved slowly through the mob, Burnett,
turning his horse to the right, said, " I have done the
best I could, but I cannot forsake my family; good-by,"
and waving us farewell, rode off and proceeded home,
where I frequently met him on my return from Appo-
mattox. He was a good soldier, nor could we ever
reproach him. When it was " all over," in referring
to it he said he felt that he only did his duty.
As our column moved slowly through the mob, using
sabers to clear the way, this mass of every age, sex, and
color, wild with excitement, and many laden with
plunder, would block our way at every turn. The
streets and sidewalks were filled with boxes, barrels,
timbers, and goods of every kind and description. As
barrels, boxes, etc., were rolled from the stores, the
mob would burst them open and scramble wildly for
the contents, apparently regardless of whether they be-
came victims of the flames, were trampled beneath our
horses' feet, or fell under the blows of our sabers, in
their wild greed for loot.
In one of the warehouses they found a quantity of
whisky stored, and as the barrels were rolled into the
street they were met by those outside, promptly burst
open with clubs, the contents literally filling the gutters
as from a shower of rain. Numbers of them grabbed
up tubs and buckets, dipped to the brim the fiery liquid,
which the more generous of them freely dispensed
to our men with the tin cans, cups, etc., lying around.
This served as the only breakfast we had; it was better
than none, and in keeping with the surroundings.
As W. H. Farinholt, of Company C (who was at
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 207
the time acting as courier for General Ewell), was
riding down Main Street hurrying towards the bridge
he happened to see a man coming out of Mitchell &
Tyler's jewelry store, with his hands full of watches and
jewelry. Ordering him to stop and return his plunder,
which the fellow showed no disposition to do, as he
started off with it, Farinholt, not wishing to kill him,
rode up on the sidewalk, and standing in his stirrups,
dealt him a fearful blow on the head with his heavy army
revolver, which sent him stunned and sprawling to the
pavement, the jewelry falling and scattering around
him. Farinholt jumped from his horse, quickly gath-
ered up the jewelry, and opening the door dropped it in
a heap on the floor, where he had to leave it, and hur-
ried to the bridge, which he reached and crossed while
it was in flames. This is only one of the almost
numberless incidents of the kind which might be men-
tioned.
After the head of our column had reached and were
crossing the bridge, Yarbrough and myself saw that
from our position in the rear, as the mob passed in our
front and the enemy pressed upon us behind, we were
in imminent danger of being cut off from the bridge
by the flames and the mob combined, and falling into
the enemy's hands. We were expecting to see the bridge
burst in flames every moment, which would seal our
fate; nor were we mistaken. As our only hope to reach
it in time, we determined to risk a short cut to the
bridge out and off the main body of the mob; accord-
ingly we turned towards the basin, and soon found our
way blocked at a slip. The only way to cross the span
of about twenty feet was over a plank walk about two
feet wide. It was perilous, but it was too late to re-
trace our steps, and I determined to risk it. My horse
rebelled at first, but spurring him forward I forced him
on the narrow walk, which he cleared with a plunge.
Yarbrough followed and we both dashed to the bridge
and rushed over it as the flames were bursting from it.
Our regiment had halted on the Manchester side
with the brigade, and while the bridge was burning we
quietly gazed on the devoted city, which seemed doomed
208 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
to destruction, the furious flames leaping from side to
side as at every moment they burst qut afresh. The
mob was in undisputed possession now, unless checked
by the enemy as they moved in, which, to their credit,
I believe they did as promptly as possible, and which
alone probably saved the city from total destruction.
In the river below the bridge several vessels and
some small boats, along with the two ironclad gunboats
which had only recently been completed, and from which
we had hoped for great things, were moored about mid-
stream with smoke rising from them, which told us
that they too were to share in the conflagration. As
we watched the smoke slowly rising from them, sud-
denly we felt the earth quiver and quake simultaneously
with a deafening roar, as a column of water, fire, smoke,
and debris shot skyward. As the magazines exploded
the destruction of the gunboats was complete, while
with the roaring flames, leaping higher and higher in
their mad fury as they swept onward in their wild, un-
checked career, was mingled the deafening thunder of
the exploding magazines in the city.
Stunned and bewildered at the sickening sight, we
felt at the moment as though the end of the world had
come, while the river itself seemed to furnish fuel to
the flames. The bridge, the city, the river, enveloped
in fire and smoke, while at intervals the shouts of the
wild-surging and now unrestrained mob reached our
ears, presented a scene, and awakened emotions, which
live in memory but which language is powerless to de-
scribe.
None who witnessed will ever forget or fitly describe
it, while it will remain vividly engraved on memory's
tablet. Beloved Richmond was lost, but would not the
God of battles spare it and its heroic people from de-
struction? How our hearts sank within us! For four
years the hostile hosts had surged around its environ-
ments, only to be hurled back in confusion and dismay
by the heroic band who said, " Hitherto shalt thou come
but no farther."
The flower of the world's chivalry had poured out
their life-blood as a willing libation upon your altars,
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 209
when your hilltops were a sheet of defiant flame and
your valleys turned to rivulets of blood.
Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears,
Our faith triumphant o'er our fears, —
Were all with thee, were all with thee!
We love best that for which we have sacrificed most;
and so we loved Richmond more than all the cities of
our Southland. For four years It had been the coveted
prize of our foes, and the storm-center of the contending
hosts. Our fathers and elder brothers rushed to her
rescue, and as through these years of sorrow and blood
they had fallen as fall only the brave, their younger
sons and brothers had taken their places in the cause
rendered doubly dear to them, and with deathless de-
termination to continue to the last extremity.
For Freedom's battle, once begun,
Bequeath'd from bleeding sire to son.
More blood, I believe, had been shed in defense of
this capital city of the Confederacy than in all the wars
previously waged on this American continent since Its
discovery by Columbus. Every battle fought by the
Army of Northern Virginia, from Manassas in 1861,
Including Sharpsburg and bloody Gettysburg, to the fall
of the city on April 3, 1865, had been in Its defense.
General Lee had said that " Richmond was never so
safe as when her defenders were farthest away." Our
children can never fully appreciate our love for Rich-
mond, sealed as it was with so much priceless blood.
Her hearts, her homes, her arms were ever open to us,
feeding us when famished, cheering us when homesick
and weary, opening her homes to receive while her
matrons and maidens became ministering angels to
our wounded and dying. May the bonds of sympathy
which so tenderly bound together her heroic people and
her defenders be transmitted and cherished as a sacred
heritage to their children.
When the destruction of the bridge was accom-
210 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
plished, with emotions awakened by such memories well-
ing up in our bosoms we turned our backs upon Rich-
mond and left it to its doom.
It was all so sudden we could scarcely realize that
Richmond had fallen, and as the men discussed the
situation and the prospect before us, we took consola-
tion in the hope that as the enemy would now necessarily
be drawn into the interior and away from his fleet and
base of supplies, in some way, through the matchless
genius of Lee, we would eventually triumph over our
foes, and the Army of Northern Virginia would yet
return victorious and redeem our capital city; when
Virginia would ever be the brightest star in the constel-
lation of the Confederacy and Richmond the richest
jewel in her crown.
THE MARCH
Knowing that the destruction of the bridge would
prevent any rapid pursuit of the enemy, about ten
o'clock on Monday morning, April 3, 1865, we pro-
ceeded on the march to join the main body of the army,
which had moved up from Petersburg the previous day.
Passing through a part of Chesterfield county we camped
about midnight, weary and hungry, in Powhatan county.
None of us (except perhaps the few who happened to
have a few crusts of bread in their haversacks when we
hastily left Camp Gary the previous Sunday even-
ing) had tasted food for thirty-six hours. We camped
in a pine wood, kindled fires, and hastened to search for
water to mix what little flour or corn meal we may have
been fortunate enough to have in our haversacks when
we left camp.
After a long search in the darkness, we found a little
muddy water in a small ditch. We mixed the last
morsel of meal we had in a small frying pan, which I
had been fortunate enough to take with me, but which
I did not take the precaution to wash first, owing to
the scarcity of water. Holding the pan over the fire
long enough to parch a few half-cooked cakes of bread,
we divided among our mess and proceeded hastily to
devour. Imagine our horror when we found that in
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 211
the darkness and our haste we had mixed about equal
quantities of meal and horsehair (the result of failing
to wash the pan, which had been hanging from my
saddle since the previous day, our horses shedding
their hair at the time).
Half-starved and desperate, we taxed our ingenuity
to eat that bread, while the hair stuck in our teeth and
throats, but our stomachs rebelled and refused to re-
ceive it. Disgusted, desperate, and anything but ami-
able, we cast away our last morsel and dropped on the
ground to relieve in sleep the few remaining hours of the
night. The language used by some in expressing their
opinions of the " cause and effect " of that supper was
not such as they had been taught at Sunday school.
Early in the morning of Tuesday, April 4th, we
saddled up and proceeded on our march. Harkerson's
Battery, which was attached to our brigade, had, before
leaving its camp in the woods, thrown out a lot of
shells to lighten the caissons, which the half-starved
horses could scarcely pull through the mud even when
empty. This battery moved on in front of our regi-
ment and soon got stuck in the mud as usual. As many
men as could be of assistance dismounted, and helped
to pull the guns out of the mud, while our company, in
the rear of the regiment at the time, waited impatiently
for the guns to be extricated. Our venerable old Cap-
tain Allen in his impatience dismounted, and leaving
his horse in the road, where we were grouped in rather
careless fashion, started to walk forward to the guns in
the mire.
He had proceeded but a short distance when sud-
denly from the woods about a quarter of a mile in
our rear, which we had left a half-hour before, came
the " bang, bang, bang " of bursting shells. Thinking
at the moment that the enemy had come upon us and
opened their guns on us, every man of us instinctively
spurred his horse forward, almost riding over Capt.
Allen, who stopped in the road and ordered a halt, his
own horse, though riderless, following us until coming
up to his rider. I shall never forget with what disgust
and indignation Capt. Allen rebuked us for our thought-
^12 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
lessness and disorder, as he asked us if it were possible
that we could rush off with his horse following us, and
leave him to his fate in the road.
Of course such a thought never entered the minds
of any of us. We were simply acting from thoughtless
momentary impulse, as we expected every moment the
enemy's well directed shells to be tearing through our
column. It was a false alarm, however: the woods
had taken fire at the spot where our battery had thrown
out the shells, which exploded as the fire reached them.
But even in our humiliation we could not help chuckling
at the ludicrous and embarrassing position of Capt.
Allen, as supreme disgust usurped the place of his pro-
verbial amiability. For a few moments it came very
near causing a temporary stampede, as the most trivial
things sometimes do under exciting circumstances.
This horse of his had made a remarkable record.
His first rider had fallen dead from his saddle at
Sharpsburg, the horse escaping unhurt and keeping his
place in column after the fall of his gallant young mas-
ter. Capt. Allen, becoming his owner, had himself
been subsequently unhorsed and captured in a charge
on the enemy, while the horse wheeled and escaped, and
was kept ready for his rider when he was exchanged.
Again, three days after this incident, if I remember cor-
rectly, one of our ofliicers had lost his horse in an en-
gagement and in some way at the moment borrowed
and mounted this horse, when he fell from his saddle
severely wounded, the horse coming out of the fight un-
scathed as usual, and bearing Capt. Allen safely through
to Appomattox, and thence home. It seemed certain,
therefore, that if his rider could keep in his saddle on
this horse he was safe from capture, at least, though not
from death.
Proceeding on our way as fast as we could keep the
battery moving, which was continually stuck in the mud
up to the hubs, we reached the Appomattox River about
dark.
Shortly before reaching the river a detail of eighteen
men, myself among them, in charge of a sergeant from
another company, were ordered to remain behind and
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 213
follow about a mile in rear of the column and arrest
any of the men whom we met returning to their homes
before crossing the river, as many were inclined to do
from sheer hopelessness and hunger. Luther Broaddus
and myself from our company were together, and soon
noticed that the others were disposed to widen the
breach between our detachment and our main column.
Finally we urged the sergeant to move forward and
keep nearer our column; then, halting, he informed us
they had determined to return home, and if we were
not disposed to join them we could report their move-
ments after crossing the river. We were under his
orders, and coqld but obey; we were powerless to do
otherwise. Waving us their adieus and best wishes
the sergeant and fifteen went homeward, but Luther
Broaddus and myself returned hastily and reported the
situation as our column halted at the bridge.
I then learned for the first time how the gnawing
pangs of hunger would cause the bravest men to be-
come hopeless and desperate. Crossing the river into
Amelia County after nightfall, we soon joined the main
army of General Lee and camped for the remainder of
the night. Our horses had had no food since Sunday
evening — forty-eight hours — and we knew could not
hold out without food much longer. Therefore, before
lying down to rest many of us went out in the dark-
ness foraging, and soon found a barn well filled with
corn and fodder. Against the threats and protest of
the owner, who refused to open the doors, we pried off
the weather boarding and loaded all we could carry
across our saddles, returned to camp, and gave our
starving horses all they could devour.
That forage was opportune, sustaining them through
the succeeding five days, during which time neither
horses nor men ever had half a feed. Our mess had
exhausted our scant rations the previous night in the
woeful experiment with the horsehair mixture, and had
to rely upon sleep alone to relieve our hunger. Before
lying down we noticed rockets shooting high into the
air in quick succession, apparently a few miles ahead.
We were unused to fireworks of that description, and
£14 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
could but be attracted by the beauty of the display;
but we felt that they were more ominous than beautiful,
because we knew it was the enemy's signal in our front,
a foreboding which only awaited the morrow to con-
firm.
For two days we had not come in contact with the
enemy, who did not pursue us on the march from
Richmond, but we well knew from the direction of the
rockets that the coming morn would open with bloody
work for us, as he blocked the way.
About sunrise on Wednesday morning, April 5th, we
were in the saddle and ready to move. As we formed
into column we noticed a line of smoke rising about a
mile to our left. The enemy's cavalry had swooped
down, captured and fired our wagon train. General
Gary, with his proverbial dash and celerity, led the bri-
gade straight for them at a gallop. In about ten min-
utes we were upon and in the midst of them. Our
prompt and sudden arrival was a surprise, certainly, to
many of them who had dismounted and were pillaging
and setting fire to the wagons. As they hustled out
many fell in the road before our pistol fire at close range,
or were captured, the others retiring hastily to their
main body, which had formed in a body of woods on
a hill about a half-mile distant. We pursued, following
the road, and were met with a galling fire from the
woods as we ascended the hill. After reaching the
level the other regiments of our brigade dismounted,
formed hastily, advanced through the woods and in a
few minutes met the full force and fire of the enemy.
Our regiment remained mounted and exposed to the
fire of a part of the enemy's line, which we were unable
to return effectively, while they were concealed in the
woods. For about half an hour the fire was hot and
furious, both sides tenaciously holding their respective
positions.
The enemy's fire developed their largely superior
force. We ascertained from the prisoners that our
small brigade was engaging Gregg's Division of cavalry.
As they gradually discovered our position, mounted in
the road, which we had concealed as much as possible
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 215
by leaning low on our horses and not returning their
fire, they poured volleys more and more upon us.
At this juncture our regiment withdrew and, forming
under the hill, broke down a fence on the roadside and
charged across the open field with a yell, striking them
on their flank, while simultaneously our line on foot
charged them in full front in the woods.
We forced them from their position, and followed
them closely as they suddenly withdrew, leaving many
of their dead where they fell in the woods. Retiring
about half a mile they formed again, and again our line
advanced on foot, repeating the first attack with the
same result. This continued through the day, the enemy
forming at every half-mile or mile, stubbornly resisting
our advance at every turn and yielding his position only
when we forced him to close quarters. Thus we fought
our way mile after mile until evening, when our men
were becoming exhausted from fatigue and hunger, and
our cartridge boxes were getting empty.
Without reinforcements our position was becoming
dangerous, if the enemy should summon his courage, re-
verse conditions, and press us back. But late in the
evening, when our ammunition was about exhausted as
well as ourselves, a part of Fitzhugh Lee's Division
came to our assistance. As our line, worn out with
fatigue and hunger from the incessant fighting since
early morning, dropped back about a quarter of a mile
to replenish our exhausted cartridge boxes, our friends,
whose arrival was so timely, took our place and pre-
pared to continue the advance on the enemy. The
changing of positions occupied about half an hour, dur-
ing which time the firing ceased.
The enemy, instead of advancing on us, quickly took
advantage of the situation and withdrew from our front
about a mile, where our advance column soon discovered
them occupying a strong position on a range of hills
across from Amelia Springs, and apparently placing a
battery of artillery in position. As our dismounted
skirmish line advanced, led by the gallant Capt. W. C.
Nunn of the King and Queen troop, Fifth Virginia
Cavalry, it was met with a withering fire, and one of
216 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
our officers fell from his horse dead. His lifeless body
was quickly placed across his saddle and borne to the
rear; as it passed us we were told, if I remember cor-
rectly, that it was Capt. Cunningham (I do not remem-
ber his regiment) . About this time General Rosser
rode up, and pressing to the front in full view of the
enemy, joined a group of officers who seemed to be
scanning the formidable force and position on the hills
opposite.
At this juncture the gallant General James Bearing
came up at the head of his " Laurel Brigade " of
Rosser's Division, pressed to the front, and if I remem-
ber correctly, exchanged a few words with his chief,
who seemed to us to point him to the enemy on the
hills. Quick as a flash Bearing ordered his front col-
umn to form, and, ringing out the " charges," dashed
forward, himself leading, as he always did when the foe
was in front. A cavalry charge on such a position
seemed desperate, but nothing daunted Bearing, and it
would be a craven indeed who would not follow when
he led. Bashing with a yell up the road and through
a narrow cut where it pierces a hill, and swinging out
on the summit, his column swept upon their flank and
into their midst. The enemy broke in confusion with but
slight resistance, so sudden and unexpected was the
shock. In their confusion they suffered heavily as they
were shot and cut down at close quarters by Bearing's
men. This charge was superb and characteristic of
Bearing, who was always superb. We had heard much
of his splendid genius and dash, but it was the first time
I had ever seen him in action, nor will I ever forget
the inspiration with which we were thrilled.
Following up this charge our regiment was ordered
forward to press the enemy. As we were hurrying
along the narrow cut in the road between the hills we
found it strewn with the enemy's dead and wounded.
I shall never forget the appearance of one poor young
fellow lying in the narrowest part of the road, who
seemed to have literally caught a shower of bullets and
was unable to move any part of his body. Pale, help-
less, and apparently too weak to speak, his appealing
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 217
look pleaded with us louder than words could do, not
to ride over him. Instantly two of our men leaped from
their saddles and tried to move him from the narrow
cut to the roadside, but found both his arms and legs so
broken and shattered that it was cruel to take hold of
them ; two more quickly went to their assistance, and
jerking a blanket from one of their saddles, placed their
hands under his body and slipped the blanket under
him as gently as possible; then taking it by the corners
the four men bore him down the hill to the roadside,
where they tenderly laid him, while one of them sought
a surgeon. I do not think he spoke a word, as he was
doubtless too weak from loss of blood, but his pale,
pleading face and appealing look was enough to stop,
by common consent and without orders for the time,
our pursuit of the enemy, until he could be borne to the
roadside and cared for. We knew that every moment
lost at such a crisis was fatal to our successful pursuit,
and would give the enemy time to rally and re-form
their shattered lines under cover of the neighboring
woods which the delay enabled them to reach, but the
enemy had better escape than brave men ride over and
crush out the lingering sparks of life in a mangled
and helpless foe. After removing the wounded from
the narrow cut, we proceeded until checked by the
enemy's fire from the woods in which they had formed,
when nightfall brought an end to the hard and bloody
day's work. I have never known whether or not this
poor fellow's tide of life ebbed quickly out, as I imagine
it did, but his memory recalls this and numerous other
similar incidents on both sides. I have thought that
England's poet must have caught a prophetic vision
of this great struggle between American soldiers when
he wrote :
The soldier braves death for a fanciful wreath
In glory's romantic career;
But he raises the foe, when in battle laid low,
And bathes every wound with a tear.
Seldom, I think, were the friendly shades of night
^18 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
more welcomed by weary, thirsty mortals, famished
almost to desperation.
For two days scarcely any of us had eaten a morsel
of food, and since early morning we had been without
a drop of water. The day had been spent in one con-
tinuous series of attacks and advances, always forcing
the enemy from his position, but, unaided as our small
brigade was, we had not sufficient force at any time to
rout the heavy columns which the enemy always had in
reserve to mass against us and block our way. Our
reinforcements came too late ; and then the incident just
related and the gathering darkness prevented us from
reaping the full results of Bearing's splendid charge at
the close of the day.
We halted and remained by our horses about an hour,
ready to meet the enemy if he should advance in the
darkness. During this time some of the men started
fires to cook what little rations a few had left, or had
been able to secure. I had none, nor had I tasted food
since Monday night in the woeful effort to masticate
the mixture of horsehair and com meal. One of the
men gave me a slice of pork which he had cut from a
hog he had shot on the roadside that day. While I
was warming this over the fire on the end of a stick,
the pickets exchanged a few shots in our front, and we
were ordered to mount. I devoured the slice of raw
pork without salt or bread, and in an hour was sick.
My eyes had become sore and inflamed the preceding
day, and the pain was now so intensified by the dust,
powder, and smoke of the day that I was in agony, with
fever and without water.
After an hour or two (there being no further move-
ment of the enemy) we ventured to unsaddle our horses,
as the only relief for them without food, keeping sad-
dles and trappings ready to buckle on at a moment's
notice. Sick, suffering, thirsty from fever, and ex-
hausted, I dropped on the damp ground about mid-
night, almost in a state of despair. A few feet from
me I noticed a man still and apparently asleep, with
a large blanket spread over him and room to share it
with me. Thinking it was one of our company, I
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 219
quietly moved up by his side under the blanket. Just
as I was about ready for dreamland I found I was lying
on one of his hands, which, as I removed, I dis-
covered was cold to the touch and stiff. Taking
the blanket from his face, I found that my companion
was a dead Yankee who had been covered with a blan-
ket, as was customary when there was no time for burial.
He had evidently been left there where he fell, as was
the case during that day with numbers of their dead.
I replaced the blanket, and moved a few feet to my
former position, where I remained, — whether in sleep or
delirium from fever, or both, I never knew, — until
aroused about dawn on Thursday, April 6th, when,
after pulling open my eyes, which were sealed from sore-
ness, I moved forward with my company on another
day's work. I think it was about noon when, as we
approached the " high bridge " near Farmville, the
enemy was reported in force below the bridge. We
were ordered forward at a gallop, and were soon upon
them. General Bearing, with his usual dash, had just
led a charge into their midst, the enemy making desper-
ate resistance at close quarters. As the fight waxed
furious. General Bearing met General Read, who was
in command of the Federal force, and the two engaged
in a duel with pistols at close range, resulting in the
death of the latter. When General Read fell from his
horse and the reins from his grasp, the animal rushed
wildly forward and was seized by Captain W. C. Nunn
of the King and Queen troop. Fifth Cavalry, who was
near the spot (as he always was in the thickest of the
fight). It was a fine animal with splendid equipment,
including saddle, pistols, holsters, field glasses, etc., be-
coming the rank of a general, and in splendid condition
to bear his new rider safely through to Appomattox
and thence home. In less than half an hour, I think,
the enemy, after having suffered heavily in killed and
wounded, surrendered, except a few who galloped off
and escaped.
Our triumph was complete but dearly bought. Our
loss, though much less than the enemy's in numbers,
was severe, and included the gallant, chivalrous, and in-
220 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
trepid Dearing, who fell mortally wounded after hav-
ing killed his antagonist, General Read. Also the gal-
lant Colonel Boston of the Fifth Regiment, Virginia
Cavalry, who fell with a bullet through his brain, and
whose dead body was promptly placed across his saddle
and borne from the field. The number of prominent
officers killed on both sides before the enemy yielded
testifies to the desperate character of this short and
bloody hand-to-hand encounter at High Bridge. From
the observations of a private, which in such a conflict
as this are limited, it seemed to me to be a desperate
struggle between Confederate cavalry and Federal
infantry.
When the din and confusion of the shock of battle
subsided, someone remarked to Captain Allen that our
victory was complete, when in tones of sadness unusual
for him on such an occasion, he replied: "Yes, com-
plete, but dearly bought. Any victory is dearly bought
that costs the life of Bearing." "What! is Dearing
dead? " " Mortally wounded," he replied; " they have
just taken him to yonder grove to die." This announce-
ment chilled us as for the moment we bowed our heads
in sorrow, and the men murmured, " What a loss, what
a shame ! " The loss of Dearing would have been a
calamity at any time, but most of all now, when we
needed most such dauntless spirits; for it was at just
such a crisis as we had now reached that
" One blast from his bugle horn
Were worth a thousand men."
Truly knighthood lost a flower, chivalry a type, when
noble, gallant, dashing Dearing fell and was borne by
loving hands to the grateful shades of a friendly grove,
to breathe out the only life he had to give to the cause
dearer to him than life. He lingered a few days, and
was borne to Lynchburg, where he died. Space forbids
a recital here of the splendid and brilliant career of the
young officer, which is written in lines of light and
beauty on almost every page of the history of the Army
of Northern Virginia, and of the Newbern expedition
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 221
In North Carolina, He fell in one of the last hours of
victory, before the star of the Confederacy went down
to rise no more. His native county of Campbell, Vir-
ginia, would honor itself to erect a monument to this
noble and brilliant son.
The battle over, the enemy In our hands, no time was
lost in forming the prisoners (who I suppose were of
General Read's brigade) Into columns In such order as
was most convenient to proceed without delay. They
were necessarily a burden and source of weakness to
us at this stage of our retreat, but there was nothing
else to do. During this time Captain Nunn hurriedly
sought a resting place for the bodies of both Colonel
Boston (his late chief) and General Read, which were
placed under the same tree, each wrapped In a blanket
for his winding sheet, and burled in separate graves;
General Read's horse meanwhile standing with empty
saddle by his late master. An hour before they were
mortal enemies, in deadly conflict; both had fallen at
their posts, as brave men fall, life's bars and stripes
with them were over now, and they sleep together in
death.
Within little more than an hour, perhaps, from the
time we met the enemy we proceeded on our way (I
knew not In what direction). As we were passing by
the prisoners, who were massed In the road, we were
ordered to halt, and I noticed one of the prisoners
wiping the perspiration from his face with one hand,
while with the other he was still bearing a very large
and beautiful and, apparently, perfectly new regimental
flag, of pale-blue silk, with the coat of arms of a State
In the center, surrounded by a motto in gold. Attracted
by its cleanliness and beauty, I was trying to make out
the motto, when a chaplain asked Captain Nunn If he
might venture to offer prayer. Permission was promptly
granted to proceed. Removing his hat, he raised his
arm for attention, and we bowed our heads in rever-
ence. He had scarcely reached the end of his first sen-
tence when one of our men, more alert and less reverent
perhaps than the others, Interrupted by yelling to Cap-
tain Nunn : " Look, Captain, look ! " We all looked —
222 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
to see a body of the enemy's cavalry approaching as
they rounded a turn In the road about a hundred yards
off. "Hold on, Chaplain; no time for praying! By
zounds ! charge 'em, men ! " yelled Captain Nunn, as he
drew his saber, and without further orders or ceremony
headed straight for the enemy, followed by the men
nearest him at full speed in pellmell fashion, there being
no time for regular formation.
The effect on the enemy was instantaneous, — they
changed front promptly and galloped off to avoid
another collision. They had evidently not forgotten
their experience at close quarters an hour before. It
was doubtless a reconnoitering party who were satisfied
with having " located the enemy." We on our part
were satisfied to abandon pursuit and press on with the
prisoners, as the enemy were uncomfortably close
on us.
Passing by the prisoners we proceeded at a gallop in
the direction of a heavy musketry firing a mile or two
distant, which now suddenly reached our ears. As we
neared the scene of the engagement we halted, dis-
mounted quickly, and leaving our horses In the main
road in charge of the leaders (every fourth man was
a " leader," whose duties were to take charge of the
horses and hold or lead them as occasion required when
we were fighting on foot) , we formed line and proceeded
at double-quick about a quarter of a mile in an open
field, and took position behind a rail fence. In a few
minutes the heavy firing from the woods in our front,
from which we were expecting the enemy, suddenly
ceased, and we were ordered to rush back to our horses
as rapidly as possible. These we reached just in time
to escape capture, for the enemy seemed to be all around
us as we dashed out In the only direction open to us.
We then discovered that we were at or near Sailor's
Creek, and that nearly all of Ewell's Corps had been
surrounded and captured when the firing ceased so
suddenly in the woods. We had arrived too late to
succor Ewell In the struggle to extricate his corps from
Its desperate position, and barely escaped the same fate
ourselves.
CHAPTER XII
HISTORICAL ADDRESS BY J. RYLAND, SR.
The following address, historic of Company K,
Thirty-fourth Virginia Volunteers, was prepared by
Josiah Ryland, an officer of the company, and read at
the reunion at Bruington, King and Queen County, Va.,
on the Fourth of July, 1884. It was published in The
Baltimore Baptist, in order that it might be preserved
by the members and friends of the old company:
The spring of 1861 saw the conservative, and hith-
erto quiet. State of Virginia converted into a military
camp. From the mountains to the sea there was uni-
versal preparation for war. It would be needless now
to give in detail the reasons that forced the conviction
upon the Southern mind that the election of Abraham
Lincoln to the presidency was virtually a dissolution of
the Union. South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Ala-
bama, Georgia, and Louisiana seceded in rapid succes-
sion. A provisional government was formed in Mont-
gomery on the 4th of February, with Jefferson Davis
as President, and Alex. H. Stephens as Vice-President.
All efforts at pacification had failed, and nothing seemed
to be left but an appeal to arms. If the seceded States
were to be brought back by coercion, Virginians could
not look on with calmness and indifference while armies
from the North marched through their borders for this
purpose.
Between the 20th of April and the 7th of May the
company began to be organized which was first known
as the King and Queen Artillery, but afterwards as
Company K, 34th Virginia Infantry. On the 30th of
April we had forty-six men enrolled, and the first squad
drill was conducted in the yard at Stevensville Academy,
under Josiah ("Pat") Ryland and Alexander F.
Bagby, both of whom had been trained at the Virginia
Military Institute. There were twenty men in ranks,
223
224 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
and for nearly an hour that morning, and another that
evening, we took our first lessons in the art of war.
Colonel (afterwards Captain) John R. Bagby, who
was the leading spirit in getting up the company, was
at this time in Baltimore on business; and as the fight
had just taken place there on the streets between some
of the citizens and a regiment of Federal troops, ap-
prehensions were entertained that he might be forcibly
detained.
May the 7th. — There was an immense gathering at
the Courthouse for the purpose of drilling the militia
of the county. Colonel Bagby had returned, and in the
afternoon a meeting of our company was called in the
Courthouse. We were now sixty-eight strong. Colonel
Bagby was called to the chair, and John W. Ryland
appointed secretary. A committee consisting of Colonel
Bagby, Josiah ("Pat") Ryland, Dr. William T.
Fleet, Edward Bagby, A. F. Bagby, and the writer, was
appointed to draft rules for the organization of the
company. This committee met that night at the resi-
dence of Colonel Bagby and discharged this duty.
May the 8th, at 3 p. m. — The company met in the
Academy, and the constitution was adopted. Where-
upon John R. Bagby, upon motion of the writer, was
elected captain by acclamation; Josiah (" Pat ") Ryland
I St lieutenant; A. F. Bagby, 2d; Josiah Ryland, 3d;
Benjamin Walker, 4th; Edward Bagby was chosen sec-
retary; George Didlake, treasurer; Dr. William T.
Fleet, surgeon; and Rev. R. H. Land, chaplain. W. T.
Haynes, Douglas Muire, John Bagby, Jr., and William
Myer were appointed sergeants, and John W. Ryland,
E. F. Acree, Boliver Lumpkin, and Joseph Cosby, cor-
porals. The company was then divided into squads and
drilled for an hour. The first and second lieutenants
were sent over to Richmond to procure uniforms, and
returned with a supply of gray cloth and military caps.
The work of drilling was now pushed with vigor.
Tuesday, May 21st. — The company met, sixty
strong, all in uniform. Under the direction of Colonel
Robert Gresham, the election of ofl'icers was confirmed,
the company inspected, and certificates duly sent to
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 225
Governor Letcher. The uniforms had been made al-
most entirely by the young ladies of the community.
Thursday, May 23d. — Virginia cast her vote for the
ordinance of secession. At our precinct, Stevensville,
there was not a vote against it. The same day, the
writer and Sergeant W. T. Haynes left for Richmond,
at the request of the company, to endeavor to secure a
light battery of four guns.
On this trip the writer met for the first time Major
General R. E. Lee, who was soon to become the central
figure of our struggle. The General said it would be
impossible to supply the demand for guns, and urged
that the company should equip itself with muskets, or
even with shotguns, if necessary. With much disap-
pointment, and some hesitation, the writer suggested
that shotguns would avail but little against the long-
range weapons of the enemy. Looking around for a
moment with a benignant smile playing over his fea-
tures, he replied: "Sir, your people had better write
to Mr. Lincoln and ask him to postpone this thing for a
few months, until you can get ready for him." The
answer was promptly made: "General, we will use
the shotguns," and the modest lieutenant retired in good
order. A few days after this the captain left for Rich-
mond, and the first lieutenant for Gloucester Point, to
arrange for our departure for the field.
Wednesday, May 29th. — We met at Stevensville at
3 o'clock, eighty-three men in ranks, and had a general
drill. The whole community turned out to see us for
the last time. Tears and ice cream flowed freely. This
was our first night in barracks. Religious services were
conducted at 8 o'clock by Rev. Messrs. R. H. Land and
Isaac Diggs. The excitement of the occasion was not
promotive of sleep.
Thursday, May 30th. — At 4:30 A. M. the roll was
called; all were present and in good trim. We marched
to Mantapike, and there embarked on the schooner
Way. Loud cheers were raised as we drifted out into
the channel, and then a solemn prayer was offered by
Dr. S. S. Henley. At 12 we were transferred to the
steamer Logan, and at 2 P. M. reached West Point,
226 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
where we had quite a military reception given us by
the two companies already there. We were duly mus-
tered into service by Colonel H. B. Tomlin, and went
into our barracks.
Saturday, June ist. — The men were sworn into the
service by William A. Spiller.
The next day, our first Sabbath in camp, we met in a
sort of Sunday school and prayer-meeting, which closed
with a sermon by R. H. Land.
Our time was now devoted to drilling. The King
William troop arrived fifty-four strong, commanded by
Captain Douglas ; and on the 6th General Lee paid us
a visit, and left us under the impression that we would
be sent to Yorktown in a few days. News came on the
loth of the battle of Bethel. This caused quite a stir
in camp.
Wednesday, June 12th. — We took the steamer
Logan for Yorktown, but finding no accommodations
for us there, we were ordered back. The next day was
observed throughout the Confederate States as a day of
fasting and prayer.
Friday, June 14th. — Lieutenant Whittle gave us our
first drill at the heavy battery, and the next day we took
charge of it.
Thursday, June 20th. — We again took passage to
Gloucester Point, reaching there at midnight. Fifty of
us slept that night in one small room, lying like sardines
in a box. The next day we met Colonel Thomas J.
Page, with whom we were to be closely associated for
many months; Colonel Crump, commandant of the
post; Lieutenant-colonel Page, Major Wheelwright,
Lieutenant Bradford, our first drill master, and others.
Sunday, June 23d. — Captain Councill's company ar-
rived, and on the 26th Captain Spencer's and Captain
Sutton's.
Monday, July ist. — Captain Page gave us our first
drill In the heavy battery. The month was spent chiefly
in this uninteresting employment, together with unload-
ing lumber vessels, building a shell house, improving our
battery, and preparing more permanent quarters for
ourselves. We were now one hundred strong. The first
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 227
thrilling news of the battle of Manassas reached us.
We at once fired a salute of eleven guns.
The months of August and September were very try-
ing ones to our troops. Yorktown was a perfect hos-
pital, and Gloucester Point was not much better. We
had only fifty men for duty.
September 15th. — Captain Otey's and Captain Jor-
dan's companies arrived, and for the first time these
robust men from the base of the peaks of Otter wit-
nessed a process which, in their simplicity, they called
" hulling oysters."
October 13th. — Rev. William E. Wyatt preached his
first sermon as chaplain of the post. On the 31st we
had a general inspection and review. The companies
from the battery were marched up to the field and took
their place in line. Of course Captain Page was indig-
nant. He considered his command " on board ship,"
and recognized no man's right to rule over them.
November found us hard at work on our winter quar-
ters, under the general direction of Privates Wright,
Crouch, and Kemp.
November 13th. — Huckstep was reported dead in
Richmond. Some of us feared he had been foully dealt
with. About the middle of the month our whole bat-
tery force, strengthened by the infantry, hauled a large
rifle gun to its position on the hill.
November 20th. — The Accomac refugees came pour-
ing into our camp, and several joined our company.
Saturday, December 7th. — There was an alarm in
camp. Our guard boat was fired upon, and our whole
command was at once turned out. Three days after-
ward. Captain Joe Drudge's sloop was fired upon by the
Federal gunboats. This we considered a first-class
insult.
Saturday, December 21st. — The King and Queen
militia reported for duty. We were now veterans and
heroes, and the appearance of the militia excited no
little amusement in our ranks.
Saturday, the 28th. — William Hugh Courtney died
at home, after seven weeks' illness. The company was
called out, and suitable action taken.
S28 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Captain Jarvis came down with Christmas supplies,
causing great joy among us. The officers gave Captain
Page a famous dinner, and at night we had a general
reception, in which the whole company participated.
Our head cook, Osborne, told us the next morning, with
quite a sorrowful countenance, that he cut and served
one hundred slices of cake.
So closed the year 1861. We were all in comfort-
able quarters. We had our drills, and inspections, and
guard duties, and Sunday schools, and prayer meetings,
and regular preaching on Sunday, along with the pleas-
ures of camp life.
January 20th, 1862. — Captain Page was ordered to
West Point to superintend the erection of gunboats, —
a personal affliction to everyone in our command. On
the 22d, our first lieutenant, Ryland, weary of the dull-
ness of camp life, and panting for home, left for the pur-
pose of seeking a position under General Thomas J.
Jackson. It turned out, however, that the arrangement
could not be made. If it had been, it is hardly prob-
able that he would have been here to-day to take part in
this reunion.
On the 25th of January our command was called out,
and a parting letter was read to us from Captain Page.
Friday, February 7th. — Our men were mustered In
for another term of service by Lieutenant-Colonel Page.
Some changes occurred at this time. The news from
Fort Donelson and Roanoke Island cast a gloom over
our camp.
Thursday, the 20th. — Addison Phillips died, after
three weeks' illness. The company escorted his remains
to the steamer.
Saturday, the 2 2d, President Davis was duly Inau-
gurated in Richmond.
Tuesday, March the 4th. — Lieutenant-Colonel Car-
ter arrived and took command of the battery forces,
and on Monday, the loth, the company was reorgan-
ized, Captain Bagby being reelected; A. F. Bagby, first
lieutenant; the writer, second; and W. T. Haynes, third.
The next sensation in camp was the naval victory in
Hampton Roads. March 23d we hauled our heavy
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 229
guns up to the bastion fort on the hill. On the 28th
everything was astir. We moved our quarters outside
the lines, dug wells, and waded in mud and sleet and
darkness. The enemy was reported in heavy force at
Newport News. General Lee was now in command of
all the forces in Virginia.
Friday, April 4th. — Great excitement in Yorktown;
our infantry were ordered over. Saturday the enemy
appeared in front of the lines there, and a balloon was
sent up. Firing was kept up all day, and six ships came
in sight. Captain Page arrived, greatly to our relief,
and took command. Colonel Carter having been relieved.
News reached us of the battle of Shiloh, and the death
of General Albert Sidney Johnston. Our troops re-
turned from Yorktown, and the first shell thrown over
into our lines was quickly dug up and inspected. The
duel between the lines at Yorktown was kept up during
the balance of the month.
Thursday, May ist. — Orders came from General
Johnson to evacuate Gloucester Point at dark to-night.
The whole camp is filled with bustle and excitement.
The artillerymen are equipped with muskets; three
days' rations are cooked; the ammunition is moved to
the vessels, and the whole command is under arms with
but little time to rest, until the evening of May 4th,
when Anderson goes around and spikes all the heavy
guns, and we move off at 8 o'clock, the Twenty-sixth
Regiment in the lead; then the militia; then an artillery
battalion; and last, the Forty-sixth Regiment. We
reached Gloucester Courthouse at dawn, and rested a
few hours. Passing through Centreville we were met
by our friends at King and Queen Courthouse, with
supplies. Many of the men gave out on this heavy
march. The road was strewn with knapsacks, over-
coats, and camp utensils. The next night we camped at
St. Stephen's Church, and the following at Mangohick.
We spent the night near Old Church, and on the loth
of May moved down into New Kent and began to real-
ize for the first time that we were a part of a large
army seeking its position around Richmond. Men,
tents, wagons, batteries, quartermasters, commissaries,
230 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
all in inextricable confusion, and everybody in every-
body's way.
Thursday, the 15th. — We crossed the Chickahominy
at midnight, and had a hard time of it, making two
miles in about five hours. Alas for the vexations and
unaccountable delays, the marchings and countermarch-
ings of an army. Nobody knew anything. Men went
to sleep standing in the ranks. The very mules nodded
between the beatings given them by inexperienced
drivers for refusing to pull through bottomless roads.
Everybody was mad and hungry, and worn out and un-
patriotic. At last we turned into fields about six miles
from Richmond, and broke into wagonloads of hard-
tack. The next day we moved nearer the city, and on
Sunday, the i8th, our eyes were greeted with the sight
of its spires. And now the doom of being finally con-
verted into infantry seemed to settle upon us, to our
bitter regret and utter disgust. Even the old battery
that some of us had nursed all the way from Gloucester
Point was taken away. We were quietly assigned to
Rhodes's Brigade, and the addition of Captain White's
company constituted us a battalion. Our former first
lieutenant, Ryland, left us to try his fortune in another
command.
And now we were in for it. Roll call at 4:30; squad
drill at 5 ; company drill at 8 ; and battalion and bri-
gade drill at 5 P. M., in the field near Roper's mill. For
several days we were kept in constant commotion,
marching and countermarching, up the road and down
again, none of us knew why.
On the night of May 30th there was a heavy fall of
rain. It was a fitting prelude to the storm of battle, the
rain of shot and shell through which our boys were
about to pass. It was evident that serious work was
ahead.
Saturday morn, May 31st. — ^We were under arms at
an early hour, little knowing what was before us. Large
bodies of infantry moved with us down the road.
The command was given to halt and load; and then
we made a hurried march through field and wood,
double-quicking until officers and men were out of
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 231
breath. We formed in line of battle, and Captain Otey,
acting as field officer, in connection with Captain Bagby,
addressed the command in a few words, exhorting every
man to keep cool and do his duty. We then marched to
the front through a pine thicket, charged through acres
of felled trees, raised our first Confederate yell, and in
a few minutes found ourselves in a strong horseshoe
fort, from which the enemy had fled at our approach.
We turned their splendid twelve-pound napoleons upon
them with telling effect, and charged on through their
deserted camp, under a galling fire. Five of our boys
fell in a few moments, — Bacon, Butler, Courtney,
Holmes, and Pynes. Sergeants John W. Ryland and
William Meyer, Corporal Boliver Lumpkin, and Pri-
vates Ben Carlton, Tom Segar, John Gresham, Benja-
min McLelland, H. C. Pendleton, John Willroy,
George Hurt, Jim Kelly, Hurt, Benjamin
Sale, Tom Myrick, and others, were wounded. Falling
back after a while to the redoubt, we were relieved by
other troops. President Davis and General Lee ap-
peared on the scene and were vigorously cheered by our
men. Dear Otey had fallen, and the field was covered
with our dead and wounded. Night closed the scene.
We slept on the field, ministering to the wants of the
wounded and dying. Never can the writer forget the
last words of that brave boy, Jimmy Bacon. He was
mortally wounded and slowly dying, and on being asked
if anything could be done for his comfort, he replied:
" Just leave your canteen with me, to relieve my thirst,
and please take a lock of my hair and my watch for my
mother, and tell her I was not afraid to die, and cheer-
fully gave my life for our cause." If Bacon's grave
could now be found, we would erect a shaft to his mem-
ory and engrave these brave words upon it. Sunday
the battle was renewed; but we were too much cut up
to take part in it. The roads were filled with ambu-
lances and wagons conveying the wounded to Richmond.
We buried our dead on the field, and after lying down
that night to rest for a few hours, were called up, made
a forced march through mud and mire, and wagons and
ambulances, to a field where we at last found some rest.
232 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
and began to collect our scattered forces. General
Johnson had been wounded, and General Lee assumed
command in a general order. [The battle of Seven
Pines.]
Monday, June 9th. — Our company. Captain Otey's,
and Captain Jordan's, were ordered to report at once to
Goode's Regiment, Wise's Brigade, below Chaffin's
Bluff, on James River. We had now only thirty men
for duty, and having pitched our tents near the Childrey
house, began again the dull round of daily drill.
Wednesday, the 25th. — Jackson swooped down upon
the enemy's right, and day after day we heard in the dis-
tance the seven days' battle that culminated at Malvern
Hill, July I St, and sent McClellan's forces reeling to
their gunboats. We did picket duty on the river, and
watched the result with intense solicitude. Great was
the relief and joy in Richmond.
The month of July was without incident. Drill and
guard duty, chills and mosquitoes, were the order of
the day. We rarely had more than thirty-five men for
duty. The captain was sick at Coyner's Spring, and
the first lieutenant in Richmond. The exchange of
prisoners now began, and they were constantly passing
our camp on the way to Varina. McClellan " changed
his base," and Lincoln called for 300,000 men. August
brought its daily drills and chills, and courts-martial.
September gave us great joy over the victory at Ma-
nassas, and the march into Maryland. On the 7th of
this month our company was again detailed for battery
service under Captain Page, and John Willroy dryly
remarked that " once more we had retired to the quiet
of domestic life." Thursday, the i8th, was a day of
thanksgiving and prayer.
Until the middle of October we were engaged in
hauling logs and building quarters for the winter, and
on through November we drilled daily at our two rifle
guns, two mortars, and one eight-inch columbiad, com-
manding the river below Chaffin's Bluff. Regular reli-
gious services were held on Sunday and during the
week.
Thursday, November 20th. — Our captain returned
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 233
from Richmond with the rank of major. Lieutenant
A. F. Bagby became captain; the writer, first Heutenant;
Lieutenant Hayes, second lieutenant; and at an election
held on the 24th Benjamin Walker was made third lieu-
tenant. Early in December there was a deep religious
awakening in the company, and Albert Gresham and
John Parks made a profession of religion. The serv-
ices were conducted by Elders George F. Bagby, John
Pollard, and William E. Wyatt.
Monday, December 2 2d. — Our young captain left
under somewhat suspicious circumstances. It was given
out that he was on recruiting service. We soon learned
that he had captured a fair damsel near Walkerton, and
mustered her into the Confederate service on Christmas
day. On the 30th she was Introduced at the officers'
quarters as the first female recruit.
January, 1863, was a dull month in camp; rains were
incessant, and we had nothing to do, nowhere to go, and
nothing to eat. The excitement each day was Norvell
Ryland's return from Richmond with papers and letters
for the command.
February was no better. Snows and rains suspended
all military operations.
March 7th. — Captain Page was ordered to Charles-
ton, greatly to our regret. The question of supplies
was now becoming a serious one. The men drew as a
day's rations, one quarter-pound of meat, one quarter-
pound of sugar, one and a half pounds of flour, and a
little rice and salt.
April was without special incident.
Saturday night. May 2d. — Jackson was wounded at
Fredericksburg, and Sunday Richmond was wild with
excitement over the enemy's raid around the city. The
relief was great when the news came of Hooker's de-
feat, but the immortal " Stonewall " Jackson died on
the evening of the loth; on the iith his remains were
brought to Richmond, and on the 12th lay In state In the
Capitol, where thousands called to look upon the dead
hero.
May was spent by us in camp, turfing magazines and
discussing Vicksburg, now the center of military Interest.
234 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
We again began our infantry drill, and this gave us
more to do. Purkins took a two-horse plow from
a neighbor, " just to keep his hand in," he said,
and with Jim Eubank as driver, was preparing for
a crop of vegetables. June was another dull month
with us. Lee was in Maryland, filling the North with
terror. Hooker was relieved, and Meade put in his
place. Gettysburg was fought July ist, and Vicksburg
fell on the 4th. On the i6th President Davis called out
all men from eighteen to forty-five.
The month of August witnessed a great revival in
the Twenty-sixth Regiment, under the preaching of
Rev. A. Broaddus of Kentucky. About one hundred
and eighty-five professed religion, of whom Chaplain
Wyatt baptized nearly one hundred. Towards the last
of the month there was much sickness in camp, thirty-
three being with chills at one time. The writer was
separated from his command until November.
September 4th. — Wise's Brigade was ordered to
Charleston, our company and Captain Montague's
being included. The command passed through Peters-
burg, Weldon, Wilmington, and Florence, and reach-
ing South Carolina, went into camp early in October
on Wapper Creek, near Charleston.
The months of October and November gave us but
little employment. An occasional change of camp, the
constant shelling of Fort Sumter by the enemy, and fur-
loughs to Virginia, were the staple of conversation.
November 28th. — Rev. R. H. Bagby arrived from
King and Queen with 1200 pounds' weight of supplies
for our company. We regarded him as an angel of
mercy. He had followed us up through the fortunes
of war, ministering to our temporal and spiritual wants.
In December we were doing picket duty on Little Brit-
ain Island. Rations were small; lean beef, rice, and po-
tatoes constituted our bill of fare. Flour was $125 per
barrel, corn $60 per bushel, and neither love nor money
could purchase coffee and butter.
January 15th, 1864. — Colonel Goode was assigned to
the command of the second subdistrict, with headquar-
ters at Adam's Run, the Fourth and Forty-sixth Regl-
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 235
merits, Whilden's Cavalry, and Kemper's Battery, con-
stituting his command. He extemporized a staff, select-
ing an officer and several men for duty from our com-
pany.
February 9th. — The enemy landed on John's Island,
capturing our pickets. A part of our brigade went
down at once, but they had left as suddenly as they
came.
Wednesday, March 2d. — The writer was at home on
furlough, and had the pleasure of taking part in the cap-
ture of Dahlgren's raiding party, near Stevensville.
Papers found on his person were said to contain direc-
tions to capture and sack Richmond, release all pris-
oners there, hang Jefferson Davis and his Cabinet, and
then make for the Rappahannock River.
The last of this month witnessed another religious
awakening in our company.
News now reached us from Virginia that General
Grant had been placed in command, and immense prep-
arations were going on there to overwhelm us in the
spring campaign. A day was set apart for fasting and
prayer. Chaplain Robert gave us an excellent sermon.
April 15th. — Major Bagby left us to recruit his
shattered health in Virginia. General Wise tells us he
is constantly expecting marching orders; but he is busy
making combs, spoons, and pipes, and working in his
garden.
Tuesday, May 3d. — Our marching orders came at
last from General Samuel Jones, commanding our de-
partment. All was bustle and excitement. On the 5th
our regiment took its departure, filling two trains. We
heard as we passed through Charleston that the enemy
were moving against General Lee on the Rapidan, up
the Peninsula, and on the south side. We reached Flor-
ence on the 6th, all in high spirits, cheering everyone
we met, and making the woods ring with our songs.
We reached Wilmington Saturday, hungry as wolves,
and found peanuts $2.00 a quart, and short measure at
that. Sunday we passed through Weldon, and reached
Jarratt's Station at 8 that night. A raiding party of the
enemy, in command of Cutts and Spears — ominous
236 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
names — had just destroyed all the railroad property
there.
We marched all day, to Stony Creek. Tuesday, the
loth, we passed through Petersburg, and out to the
Dunlap House, where we were in arms all day. We
heard that there was some reluctance on the part of
General Wise to serve under General Bushrod Johnson.
There was considerable activity along the lines, — shell-
ing and picket firing and constant shifting of the few
troops on the ground. We learn that General Lee has
repulsed Grant every day for a week, as he shortens his
line and falls back towards Richmond.
Wednesday, May nth, 1864. — Our forces moved
across Swift Creek against the enemy, but did not en-
gage them. We were then ordered to Dunn's, three
miles below the city, on the City Point road. Got — —
Here the diary ended. It would be impossible now
for the writer to finish the sentence, or to add a word to
it. We evidently " got " into business. The siege of
Petersburg began now in earnest. We had but little time
for rest, and could not complain of neglect when any
work or fighting had to be done. A mere handful of
men kept Burnside's magnificent corps in check for days,
when it really had nothing to do but to march into
Petersburg. The effort to drive Butler's heavy force
gave us hard work, and our company did its full share.
A stirring and affecting incident occurred during one of
our charges to get possession of the Osborne Turnpike.
Crossfield had received a mortal wound, and was be-
ing borne to the rear on a stretcher. Meeting us, he
waved his hand in triumph, and exclaimed: "Go
in, boys, and give it to them. It makes no difference
about me."
It is impossible now to recall dates and events during
this summer. We settled down to life in the trenches,
being rarely relieved, except for a day or two at a time,
when we sought rest in the ravine just behind old Blan-
ford Cemetery. Casualties were constantly occurring.
We ate, slept, had our social gatherings and our reli-
gious services within the lines for many weeks. The
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 237
monotony, drudgery, and constant exposure of such a
life were borne with great patience and fortitude.
On the morning of July 30 the battle of the Crater
occurred, and the death of Edward Bagby, while
bravely defending an important part of the lines, cast
a gloom over our whole company. To the gentleness
of a woman he added a moral courage that knew no
fear in the discharge of duty.
The fall set in with no additional activity on the part
of the enemy. It seemed to be a dogged perseverance
on both sides. We can never forget the faithfulness and
devotion of our camp servants. With every opportu-
nity to escape, they were as true and faithful to us as
the best of us were to our cause. Being in command of
a part of the lines one day, the writer said to the servant
who brought him his dinner: "Jack, there are your
friends, not five hundred yards distant. They say they
love you, and have come to set you free. If you wish to
join them, the way is open; not a musket shall be lifted
upon you, and in five minutes you will be a free man."
The boy's eyes actually filled with tears at such a sug-
gestion, and he answered quickly: "I s'posed you
thought mo' ob me dan dat. Gi' me a gun, an' I'll show
you whar I stan' ! " This seemed to be the common
feeling of our old servants who followed our fortunes
through the war, and endured all the hardships of camp
life.
October 27th, 1864. — In the evening one hundred
picked men of the enemy made a sortie upon a salient
of our lines defended by a battery. It was a bold move-
ment, and was well executed. They were soon in pos-
session of this part of our line, killing and wounding
many of the artillerymen and infantry stationed there.
This was to be the beginning of a general attack.
When the firing began the writer was in the Crater,
detailing a picket for the night from Colonel Tabb's
■regiment, the Fifty-ninth. Squads had already been sent
out from the other regiments to relieve those who had
been in the rifle pits on our front all day. Supposing
that, through mistake, our command was firing on the
relieved pickets as they came in, he ran down the
238 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
trenches, ordered the companies through which he
passed to cease firing, and in a few moments found him-
self in the salient held by the enemy. His consterna-
tion can better be imagined than described. There was
no chance to escape. In a few moments he was hurried
over the rampart and across the narrow field separating
the two armies ; and although he fell twice, hoping thus
to break the hold of his captors and hide in a rifle pit,
and tried to feign death by stretching out his limbs con-
vulsively and then ceasing to breathe, the experiment
failed, and he found himself a prisoner of war, — along
with Colonel Harrison, Lieutenant-Colonel Wise, and
Lieutenant Cox, of the Forty-sixth Virginia.
And here his humble contribution to the history of
our company must close. A few days at City Point,
two months at the old capital at Washington, and six in
Fort Delaware, brought with them a suspense far more
unendurable than the hardships and dangers of daily
service in the field.
Other hands must trace the record of the hard winter
that followed, — the battles of Hatcher's Run and Sail-
ors' Creek, the retreat from Petersburg, disasters that
" followed fast and followed faster," until failure
was written upon the Confederate cause, and the sun
went down upon it at Appomattox Courthouse.
PART III
DOMESTIC AND SOCIAL
CHAPTER XII
SELECTIONS FROM THE POEMS OF KING AND QUEEN
[The following beautiful and touching lines were written by Mrs.
Sarah Jane Bagby, the wife of Rev. Alfred Bagby, of King and Queen
County, Virginia, on the death of her mother, Mrs. John Pollard,
whose high-toned Christian character and earnest piety shed for
many years a bright luster upon Mattapony Baptist Church, of which
she was a member.]
MY MOTHER
There is a form now hid from view.
From which my own its being drew.
It sweetly sleeps beneath the sod, —
The darkened way the Savior trod, —
My Mother.
There is a spirit, glad and free.
Now dwelling in eternity;
It calmly rests in Jesus' love,
Forever blest in heaven above, —
My Mother.
I fain would tell the matchless grace.
And all the many virtues trace.
That shone in form, in face, in heart.
And made her seem of heaven a part, —
My Mother.
But ah! 'tis vain. The sun doth light
This world of ours, and make it bright:
So she was sunshine in our home, —
A radiance reaching to the tomb, —
^ My Mother.
And then above, wfth gentle hands,
They raised a monument. It stands
To tell, so all around may hear,
Her memory is supremely dear—
My Mother.
241
242 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
And surviving daughters come to weep
O'er the cold grave where she's asleep,
And strew with flowers the sacred mound
Where peaceful rests in hallowed ground
My Mother.
A sister's love she never knew ;
An only brother, fond and true.
Clasped her cold hand. How sweet 't will be
To clasp it in eternity!
My Mother!
While yet a babe upon her knee,
She spoke of Jesus' love to me,
And bade my aspirations rise
To better things beyond the skies —
My Mother.
In after years, when storms arose,
And trials grew, and many woes
Came thick and fast, she bade me still
" Be happy in thy Father's will " —
My Mother.
" As dies the wave upon the shore,"
She calmly slept, then woke no more
To this vain world, but far away
She woke to an eternal day, —
My Mother.
Her loving sons then sadly bore
Her body to the grave; but o'er
That precious earth, that silent tomb,
There cometh nought of fear or gloom,
My Mother.
Yes, she is gone! and I am left,
And earth of half its joy bereft.
As oft her empty chair I see,
The world seems empty then to me, —
My Mother.
Yet there is one who more doth miss
Her loving smile. His earthly bliss i
Was centered there. But ah! 'tis fled;
He's lonely now, since she is dead, —
I My Mother. /!
MISS SARAH JANE POI.I.ARD
(1834-1888)
Mrs. Alfred Bagby
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 243
But, happy thought! again we'll meet,
To cast our crowns at Jesus' feet ;
To join in anthems loud and long.
Praising the Lamb with joyful song,
My Mother,
MY BIRTHDAY WISH
By Luther R. Bagby, Stevensville, Va.
I'd like to be a boy again
And run around the farm.
And play those childish games once more
That did us all no harm.
I'd love to kneel by mother's knee
And say my evening prayer,
And look into her lovely face
While I was kneeling there.
I'd love to have that same sweet hand
Upon ray shoulder laid,
As back into a little room
My boyish feet were led.
And down upon the floor we knelt
Hard by the mercy seat.
And God was asked to keep her boy
Close to the Savior's feet.
I'd love to kneel again once more
Around the fire place,
And hear my father's pleading voice
Praying for daily grace.
Sweet praises filled the very air
And heaven lit up his face.
As kneeling by the old armchair
He reached the throne of grace.
I'd love to go to Sunday School
And learn the way of life.
And spend those happy days again
So free from sin and strife.
I'd love to meet my class again
That met there by the door.
With good Judge Jones, our teacher then,
Who left us long ago.
244 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
He took us all the Bible through,
And taught us all the way
That Moses and the prophets went
And leads to endless day.
My life has been so full of faults
I fain would live it o'er,
That I might give more life, more love
To Him whom we adore.
Since this is all denied me, Lord,
Oh, give me grace to live.
So that when I am called away
A good account may give.
TO MR. AND MRS. MOORE B. WRIGHT ON THE
DEATH OF THEIR BOY
By Sarah Jane Bagby
How soon the icy hand of Death did nip
The tender flower
And cause its leaves to fade and die
In one short hour !
Yet long enough it lingered here to fill
Thy loving heart,
And make thee feel as if it were of life
The better part.
Did Stranger pluck the tiny Bud within
Thy garden fair?
Or was it He who loves and keeps thee
'Neath his care?
Father! Mother! Thou must feel 'twas
God, — did send
An angel to transplant the rose He
Did but lend.
Then thank Him for the fragrance shed
Around thy way !
Bend low, " pass 'neath the rod," He'll
Be thy stay!
When thy long day is ended, thou shalt
Claim thine own,
And find within the pearly gates thy
Flower, full blown.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 245
Didst thou e'er see the eagle stir
The eaglet's nest?
And briars place 'neath down to pierce
Their tender breast?
That they might try their wings, and large
Of stature grow?
Mid bracing air, mid purer climes,
Nor look below?
Just so thy God would say to thee.
Take staff in hand.
Rise, follow; I will lead thee to
The better land !
Thou wilt bless the cruel thorns that
Pierced thy breast.
Nor would not let thee rest within
Thy earthly nest.
HER PORTRAIT
M. E. P.
As on thy face I gaze to-day.
Thy smile seems a caress.
Thine eyes with merry, laughing light
Again my spirit bless.
The past the present seems to-day, —
The years behind us flung;
We stand on Love's sweet threshold, dear.
And thou and I are young.
I've not forgot how fair thou wast,
My bonny, bonny bride;
No envious veil of silken gauze
Thy loveliness could hide.
But lovelier far than e'er before
To me thou then didst seem.
And life was all, to thee and me,
A sweet midsummer's dream.
Ah wife, I dimly knew thee then.
Thy worth I had not guessed ;
Through joy and through gloom alike,
Thy love bore every test,
£46 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
So true thou wast, so noble, dear,
So bright, so strong, so brave;
Then waters deep of trouble came
My sorrowing soul to lave.
No fixed gulf divides us, love,
Only a peaceful stream;
With brightest hopes of joy beyond
Its lucent waters gleam.
Though long the years I've missed thee, dear,
Thou'st seemed not far to me, —
Some day the bridge that spans the tide
Shall bear me o'er to thee.
LINES BY PROF. RYLAND
The following lines were written by Prof. Josiah Ryland when
he was principal of the Stevensville Academy in 1856, and many of
the King and Queen people, as well as others, will be interested in
seeing them in print. — H. R. P., Jr.
1856
O age of varnish, cant and shame,
That wanteth nothing but a name!
King William throws the gauntlet down
In peerless Bessie Blanchie Brown !
Come to the rescue. King and Queen,
Produce thy Walker, Dora Deane!
Unfurl the banner of the sun ;
Make way, make way, for Fenelon !
And let the glory of the day
Burst forth afresh in Ora May!
O who the matchless grace shall tell
Of her of Woodville, Floss Rochelle!
But, Bessie, Dora, Floss make way
For the last cherub, baby Gay!
Who, the last Pleiad of the skies.
With ebon hair and azure eyes.
Appears on earth, a Peri bright.
To glad our eyes and charm our sight.
Here, for a while. Dame Fortune's wheel,
Exhausted by the maddening reel.
Rests pendent while new names are found
Of would-be grace and empty sound.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 247
When " Woman's Rights " to laws attain,
And girls go courting, might and main.
When Bloomer pants become the rage.
And high-heel gaiters strut the stage;
When boys no longer woo the lassies.
But maidens court them to their faces,
O what the luckless wights shall save
From anguish, or an early grave?
For girls (from number) must, of course,
Attack the beaux ten on a horse !
O Fenelon, my son, my son.
In such a case thou art undone !
Fly for thy life while now thou may'st.
Or cut thy throat with prudent haste.
Old times return ! restore the reign
Of Polly, Nancy, Sukey, Jane,
Jemina, Phoebe, Ann, Eliza,
Abigail, Venus, Eloise.
Away with varnish, cant and gloss!
Away with Bessie, Dora, Floss !
No longer with such babies bore us.
If earth with babes must be replenished
Till the last settlement is finished.
Do give them honest Christian names,
As Matthew, Thomas, Andrew, James,
Daniel, Ezekiel, Peter, Paul : —
Apostles, prophets, martyrs all.
Such names our grandsires honored long.
On author's page, in poet's song;
Such names were towers of strength indeed
When men for liberty did bleed,
Such were the watchwords of an hour
When men staked all for Freedom's flower.
But now the time of bronze returns,
And honest cheek with flushes burns.
Cant, affectation, gloss, begone!
" Old times," old times, return, return.
THE OCEAN
G. P. B.
Who has not felt as he stood and gazed far out o'er the ocean wild.
That the moving flood was the voice of God communing with His
child?
248 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Whose soul has not thrilled and thrilled again at this majestic scene,
The thought of lands far distant from view and the ocean lying
between ?
Do the heavens declare God's glory? The firmament show His hand?
Then come with me where the sky and sea bid a long adieu to land;
Who, there, is not awe-struck and subdued, drawn close to the God
above,
Whose life is not sweet and strong, I ween, in touch with Him who
is love?
Dost doubt the existence of God and the final triumph of right?
Dost think that life speaks but of itself and death only heralds night?
Then go, I pray, to the ocean's shore 'neath a clear and star-lit sky,
And say who painted the picture sublime that greets your ravished eye.
Who orders the waves as they rise and fall with rhythm like that of
song?
The breakers dashing their foam on the sand, to whom do these
belong?
What human artist such colors could blend in picture half so grand?
What power now save an infinite one can answer your soul's demand ?
But hark! a storm comes up o'er the deep, the blue sea turning to
green ;
The sparkling spray on the crest of the waves enlivens and crowns
the scene.
The wind, as it rides full blast on the storm, breathes tales of magic
power ;
The breakers roar and the lightnings flash, and the clouds with tempest
lower.
What law is back of wind and waves? Who speaks the storm into
being?
Whose voice sounds clear 'mid the roar of breakers arising and fleeing?
'T is the voice of God speaking to you till your soul gives answering
thrill.
The same voice that will presently say to the storm, "Now peace;
be still."
Hast stood alone by the silent grave of one you loved as your life?
Hast lost faith in the goodness of God and fallen a prey to strife?
Then stand again at the water's side as the sun sinks slow to rest.
And listen the whisper come softly, " The father above knows best."
The crimson rays from setting sun, as they mellow the water's blue,
Speak to your soul of the life to come and the Father's love for you ;
Remember man only tarries here, as the waves arise and are gone.
And each one owes to God and himself to rejoice and not to mourn.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 249
Hast wandered away from home and the right in paths of sin and
shame ?
Hast forgotten how at mother's knee you lisped the Father's name?
Then go, at the first faint break of day, Satan and sin to dethrone,
Make bare your head and kneel on the shore with God and the sea
alone;
Now listen, O child, to thy Father's voice, " Come unto me " — the test,
Prodigal son, who hast strayed so far — " and I will give thee rest " ;
Turn thy weary steps toward home at last, renew thy early vow;
The Father will place a ring on thy hand, a kiss upon thy brow.
Hast won some well-earned victory, some hard and strenuous fight?
Hast carried the day and reached the goal, turned darkness into light?
Stand e'en now at the midday hour near the ceaselessly moving tide.
As the glowing sun gilds the waves, and the waters sparkle in pride:
Then bowing thy head with humility, bid thy heart send thanks above
To Him who holds the earth in His hand, yet marks the fall of the
dove ;
As thy soul overflows with joy and peace, forget not whence they came,
But rise to still better and nobler things, e'er trusting in His name.
WHEN THE LAURELS ARE BLOOMING.
[Some five miles from Goshen station, Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad,
the North River cuts its passage through the mountains, and the pike
leading to Lexington, Va., works its way along the banks of the river,
the whole making a scene at once enchanting and sublime. It was an
object of great admiration to the late Commodore Maury. In his dying
moments he was heard to murmur, " Take me through Goshen pass,
when the laurels are blooming."]
When the laurels are blooming.
When nature serene
Is clothed in its brightest
And loveliest green.
Bear my body then slowly.
Yea, gently along.
And sing while you bear it
Your sweetest of song.
When the laurels are blooming.
When mountains of blue
Are bathing their summits
In bright azure hue.
250 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Oh bear me, then bear me,
Where they silently rise,
And speak, while they point
To a home in the skies.
When the laurels are blooming,
When the bird in its nest
Is waking to carol
From winter's long rest,
When glad notes are warbling
From leaflet and tree.
Oh, bear me where laurels
Are blooming for me.
When the laurels are blooming,
When the waters so wild
Are chafing and fretting
Like yon wilful child,
As they dash o'er the lone rock,
So well-worn and gray.
Where the laurels are blooming
Oh, bear me that way.
*****
But the laurels, 'though blooming.
Will wither and die;
Their leaves, torn and scattered.
Forgotten shall lie;
But his name and his fame.
To Virginia so dear,
On the page of her story
Shall ever recur.
Thus sadly they bore him
Where the laurels did bloom.
And tenderly laid him
In a cold, humble tomb;
But his spirit, freed spirit,
From sorrow and strife.
Is blooming immortal
By the River of Life.
LINES ON THE DEATH OF ROBERT M. TABB, C. S. A.
[Written, at the request of his widow, by Sarah Jane Bagby.]
Far from the din of battle, far from the noisy strife
Of a nation's conflict, up to the better life, —
Borne by the wings of angels, soared his pure spirit away.
Far from the blood and carnage, on that calm autumnal day.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 251
He died for home and country, none braver e'er marched to the field,
Of all that proud host of warriors that stood as their Nation's shield.
That stood, — but alas! have fallen, who nobly have fought their last
fight,
Whose watchword, at home or in battle, was " God, my country, and
right."
When forms that were stouter-girded, when hearts that were strong
did quail.
On that day of unequal contest, that caused our proud banner to trail,
He rushed and with colors uplifted, he rushed to the front of the fray.
And calling on others to follow, gave his life to his country that day.
Ah ! who may tell of the rapture that bursts on the astonished eye.
As earth with its tumult of passion, is exchanged for the glories on
high?
When the ear one moment greeted by the sound of the musketry's ring.
Is tuned for the heavenly choir, to the music the angels sing.
Oh, say not in vain was the effort he made his country to save;
In vain, whether living or dying, is never the fate of the brave.
But history will write the true story, far down through the ages of
time,
Of the deeds of the hero soldier — a record both true and sublime.
But alas! who shall comfort the mourner, dry the eye of the sorrowing
wife,
As she clasps to her bosom in anguish his babes, now her solace and
life?
The God of the widow and orphans bids the wild waves of sorrow
cease,
And the heart of the sadly bereaved is calmed with heavenly peace.
Jan. 15, 1878.
THE EMPTY SLEEVE.
By Dr. G. W. Bagby.
Tom, old fellow, I grieve to see
The sleeve hanging loose at your side;
The arm you lost was worth to me
Every Yankee that ever died.
But you don't mind it at all;
You swear you've a beautiful stump,
And laugh at that damnable ball —
Tom, I knew you were always a trump. '
252 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
A good right arm, a nervy hand,
A wrist as strong as sapling oak,
Buried deep in the Malvern sand —
To laugh at that is a sorry joke.
Never again your iron grip
Shall I feel in my shrinking palm —
Tom, Tom, I see your trembling lip.
How on earth can I be calm?
Well! the arm is gone, it is true;
But the one that's nearest the heart
Is left — and that's as good as two;
Tom, old fellow, what makes you start?
Why, man, she thinks that empty sleeve
A badge of honor; so do I,
And all of us — I do believe
The fellow is going to cry.
" She deserves a perfect man," you say ;
" You not worth her in your prime ? "
Tom, the arm that has turned to clay
Your whole body has made sublime;
For you have placed in the Malvern earth
The proof and pledge of a noble life —
And the rest, henceforth of higher worth,
Will be dearer than all to your wife.
I see the people in the street
Look at your sleeve with kindling eyes;
And you know, Tom, there's naught so swe(
As homage shown in mute surmise.
Bravely your arm in battle strove.
Freely, for freedom's sake, you gave it;
It has perished — but a nation's love
In proud remembrance will save it.
Go to your sweetheart, then, forthwith —
You're a fool for staying so long —
Woman's love you'll find no myth,
But a truth, living, tender, strong.
And when round her slender belt
■ Your left arm is clasped in fond embrace,
* Your right will thrill, as if it felt,
F ' -^ In its grave, the usurper's place.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 253
As I look through the conning years,
I see a one-armed married man ;
A little woman, with smiles and tears,
Is helping as hard as she can
To put on his coat, pin his sleeve.
Tie his cravat, and cut his food ;
And I say, as these fancies I weave.
That is Tom and the woman he wooed.
The years roll on, and then I see
A wedding picture bright and fair;
I look closer, — and it's plain to me
That is Tom, with the silver hair.
He gives away the lovely bride,
And the guests linger, loth to leave
The house of him in whom they pride —
" Brave old Tom with the empty sleeve."
CHAPTER XIII
TWO MEN DESERVING TO BE REMEMBERED, AND A BOY
SENT ON AN ERRAND
BY JOHN POLLARD
Alexander Dudley was one of the most prominent
men of his day. He was a practicing lawyer of King
and Queen County, Va., yet was also the father of a
railroad. The old people of the county can readily re-
call him. I knew him, though at the time he was a
man and I was a boy. He came into prominence by a
single step. That step was the inception and comple-
tion of the Richmond and York River Railroad, merged
since his day into the Southern. He was the first to
give practical shape to the enterprise, the first to be-
lieve it could be carried through thirty-four miles, from
Richmond to West Point, and the man that deserves
the most honor for that achievement. He floated the
stock with which the road was built. With surprising
enthusiasm and energy he induced men in the cities of
Baltimore and Richmond, and in King and Queen, King
William, Hanover, New Kent, Gloucester, and other
counties to invest their money. He was made the first
president, as he well deserved. The road was char-
tered in 1853. Three years afterwards (1856) the
first passenger train was run through, as I have been
informed by a gentleman who has conversed with the
engineer who that day had charge of the throttle. The
only marked difference between the road then and now
is that at that time the train went into West Point,
not on the Pamunkey, but on the Mattapony side, and
here the terminus remained for a time.
But the most herculean work of Mr. Dudley had not
yet been done. When the war between the States was
at an end, the Richmond and York River Railroad had
scarcely anything left to it but the graded track on which
254
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 255
it had been built. What was to be done? The presi-
dent might give up, might surrender to difficulties. The
utterly prostrate condition of Virginia might seem to
justify such a course, but the old-time energy and in-
domitable perseverance of the man who had begun the
enterprise came to the rescue. Mr. Dudley, still presi-
dent, succeeded in persuading the original stockholders
to the only course that could restore the road, — to sur-
render their first-mortgage bonds and take second-mort-
gage bonds, and let sufficient bonds be sold as a
first lien upon the property to rebuild and reequip
the road. This gigantic task was accomplished and the
great highway of commerce was given back to the
public, refurnished for work.
It has been thought that his death in 1869 (when he
had by no means attained an advanced age) was partly
due to the responsibility and labors taken upon himself
in putting the enterprise upon its feet again.
The carrying through of the York River Railroad
suggested, and paved the way for, another enterprise.
That was the organization of the West Point Land
Company, which project meant the purchase of five
hundred acres of land at West Point at thirty dollars
per acre. That purchase embraced the whole of the
point itself, and all the land between the Mattapony
and the Pamunkey, as far as the five hundred acres
would extend. The land was bought of Hon. William
P. Taylor, who once lived at West Point, though at
this time he was residing on a fine estate called " Hay-
field," on the Rappahannock River in Caroline County.
The purpose was, of course, to build up a town at the
place, in which project some had faith and some had
no faith whatever. Those composing the company were
substantial men of King and Queen, King William, and
surrounding counties. The directors held their first
meeting on the 27th day of March, 1856. At this
meeting B. B. Douglas was chosen president and John
Pollard (my father) secretary and treasurer. The
directors usually held their meetings at West Point.
It did not look much like even a small village then, to
say nothing of a town. There was but one house at
256 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
the place. That was the former Taylor residence, which
had been turned into a tavern and was occupied as such
by a Mr. New, after whom it had been named. Here
the directors met. The proprietor had a well furnished
table, — no wonder, as he had three rivers to provide
him with what was necessary. My father took me (a
boy of sixteen years) with him to the meeting of the
directors at West Point to help him in his duties as
secretary and treasurer, not so much because he needed
my assistance as that I might be somewhat trained to
the ways of business. Transactions with Mr. Taylor
for land purchase occurred on April 17th, 1859. My
father continued to be the secretary and treasurer as
long as he lived, the last proceedings taken down by
him being dated the 19th of November, 1875, and his
death being noted first on the 25th of February, 1878.
I rather suppose that my employment as an occa-
sional help to my father (in his official services to the
land company) suggested the outing that now, with
the reader's indulgence, I will attempt to describe. It
must have occurred in the spring of 1857.
My health, though not now infirm, was then by no
means superabounding in robustness. Accordingly I
was stopped from school at the beginning of the session
of 1856-57 and kept for twelve months at active out-
door pursuits. One of the healthful employments given
me by my father was to go on horseback to Mr. William
P. Taylor's, in Caroline County, and pay him $1000.00
as a creditor of the West Point Land Company. Why
he was willing to take the risk of transmitting so much
money by the hands of a boy of seventeen summers I
cannot tell, unless he wanted a way of training me to
business, and at the same time of furnishing me with
the bodily exercise he thought I needed. When I got
to my destination at Mr. Taylor's I would be only fif-
teen miles below Fredericksburg, and I asked my father
if I might make my journey a little longer and see
that historic town. He readily consented. I was now
made ready for the trip. " Jenny Lind," my father's
riding horse, was brought out and saddled up, the money
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 257
was fastened under my clothes close to my body; I
was given directions about the road; I mounted, and
was soon lost to sight. I spent the first night after
leaving home at Mr. Harry Latane's in Essex, whom
my father knew very well, he being a first cousin to
my father's mother. I found him quite an old man,
but exceedingly kind and affable. Just before I reached
his house I was overtaken by a heavy downpour of rain,
which made me quite wet. Old as he was, he took
great interest In drying my clothes, calling me all the
time " Cousin John." He was the father of Captain
Latane, who was the only man killed In the raid around
General McClellan's army and Is immortalized In the
picture " The Burial of Latane." Soon after leaving
Cousin Harry Latane's I struck the river road, and
pursued that all the way. I passed Lloyds and Loretto,
and an ancient colonial church with many tombs around
it, and at length reached Port Royal about dinner time.
I went in and got something to eat. After feeding my-
self and horse I mounted again and went on to Mr.
Taylor's, which (if I remember rightly) was about five
miles farther on. He received me very politely, and
while he was counting the money Mrs. Taylor enter-
tained me very pleasantly, speaking of the time when
they lived at West Point and telling me how she used to
enjoy looking out upon the bright waters of the York.
Mr. Taylor was now an old man. He had himself
been a member of the United States House of Repre-
sentatives, and was a son of the distinguished John
Taylor of Caroline, a United States Senator and a
friend of Thomas Jefferson. (John Taylor was the
man that offered the Resolutions of 1798 In the Vir-
ginia House of Delegates.) Mr. William P. Taylor
and wife were childless and occupied a fine old mansion,
but It was not my plan to spend the night with them.
I was to press on that evening and reach Frank Gouldin,
whose acquaintance I had formed In attending, as a boy
delegate, the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
So when the money was paid over and Mr. Taylor's re-
ceipt obtained, and a burden of responsibility lifted from
my mind, I set off again on my way to Fredericksburg.
258 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
I soon reached the home of my friend, who received
me very cordially.
Next morning I got to Fredericksburg, looked around
the town, ate dinner, and started for home, fifty miles
away. I cannot recall, to save my life, where I spent
the night, but I think it more than likely that I put up
a second night with my friend Gouldin. I started in
time to reach before dinner Dr. William A. Baynham,
a Baptist minister with whom I was well acquainted.
He lived then in a fine mansion below Loretto; lived in
affluence, and kept an open house to all his friends.
On being ushered into the parlor I found that Dr.
Baynham was holding an old-fashioned dinner day, and
was entertaining Senator Robert Hunter and his wife
and Representative Garnett and his sisters. Dr. Bayn-
ham, though a bachelor, served an elegant and sump-
tuous dinner. The company was very agreeable. I
do not remember the subject of conversation, except that
Senator Hunter told me that he knew my uncle, Judge
Jeffries, and, I think, further said that they were col-
lege mates at the College of William and Mary. (As
to this second statement, I begin to suspect that my
memory is playing me a trick, for neither the records
of William and Mary nor the life of Hunter makes any
mention of his having been a student at that college.)
When, after dinner, I told my hospitable host that I
must go, he ordered my horse from the stable, where
she had been well fed, and I mounted and proceeded
on my journey. My memory does not enable me to
say whether I reached home that evening; if I did it
must have been quite late. I certainly got back safe
and sound. I took very little account, at the time, of
my mother's feelings in being called on to give me up
at seventeen years of age to go alone on horseback on
so long a journey with such a sum of money on my
person. But I can see now that her motherly heart
must have given me up with hesitation and reluctance.
I can easily imagine her and my father conferring about
the matter, and seeing that I was rapidly approaching
manhood and ought to be thinking somewhat, at least,
about taking on a man's responsibility, and that the
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 259
outdoor exercise which the journey would give me was
the very exercise that my health called for, they agreed
I should venture. Certainly my mother made no ob-
jection, but I can now imagine what she felt then, and
how glad she was that I got back without serious mis-
hap of any kind.
CHAPTER XIV
LIFE ON THE OLD PLANTATION
We have it in mind to tell some things about how mat-
ters went on the old King and Queen plantation, for the
delectation of the younger set, who never had the keen
satisfaction of seemg it, and taking part in it, as the
writer had. The actors here will be the master and mis-
tress, the children, overseer, cook, hostlers, plowmen,
farmhands, and house servants-at-large, all colored ex-
cept the overseer. The " Great House," as the negroes
invariably called it, the home of the master and family,
was the seat and center of the rural scene. It was usually
a building of two stories, often with dormer windows,
one or likely two wings, cellar and basement, — say in
all twelve rooms, with pantry, and closets ad libitum.
The lawn was spacious and shady, with kitchen and
meathouse in the rear, and office in front. The over-
seer's house stood apart, often one-fourth to one-half
mile away, while comfortable cabins for the servants
ran in a line on one side and to the rear. The planta-
tion stretched around and abroad, partly open for the
crops, and largely wooded. This woodland was a very
godsend, for, to say nothing of rails for fencing and
lumber for building, coal was yet unused here and much
wood was used to cook and to keep fires aglow for
master and his dependants. It ought to be added that
there were ample gardens, usually in rear, for both
whites and blacks.
We are up very early some fine spring morning for
a purpose ; and now as the gray streaks of opening day
stretch upward from the eastern horizon, we are sud-
denly startled by the echoes of a cowhorn, which pierces
the dullest ear. Instantly the whole plantation is astir.
The overseer uses his bunch of keys, and swings wide
open the doors of the great barn, and the less capacious
corncrib, and here come Ben and Coleman, 'ostlers, and
260
MR. JOHN BAGBV
1791-1878 : prominent as Merchant and Deacon Bruingtun Church : father of Urs. Richard
H., Geo. F. and Alfred Bagby, and of Maj. John K. Bagb_\ ; and Mrs. Bagb\-.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 261
behind them Ottoway, Reuben, Jacob, and Carter, for
not only must horses be seen after, but mules, oxen,
sheep, and cows. Now all of these are comfortably
groomed and fed; when all hands retire to the kitchen,
and keen appetites are satisfied with coffee, cornpone,
fried bacon and molasses. And here come Caroline
and Big Lucy, milkpail poised on the head, to extract
the white and foaming liquid from distended udder,
and presently churn it into yellow butter. And now
to the field ! Coleman, Ben, and Carter take their re-
spective teams, and now the mellow earth turns over
fast from the sod, giving out a sweet odor as it turns.
Old Isaac is off with oxen and cart for a load of wood
or fence rails, or likely a load of marl from the bank
to dress the upturned field. So we press on till the
horn sounds for twelve, noon, when teams and men get
rest and dinner. And when night's sable curtain falls,
and supper is over, the young men and maids gather,
banjos, and mayhap a fiddle, are tuned, and an hour or
two of dancing beguiles the time; and then sweet sleep,
till the horn sounds again. This with fencing, grub-
bing, and the gardens, fills up the week's work, and
when Sunday comes, young and old of both colors in
best attire flock to church, and hear the sweet story of
Jesus and the Cross by Shackford, Semple, or Todd, —
white and colored alike, the master and the servant.
By and by Easter and then Whitsuntide, with two days'
holiday each, and now the white dogwood blossoms tell
that corn-planting time has come. The plows go
before to open the furrows and here come the men,
the boys, and a sprinkling of women. It must be
borne in mind that in January and February we were
largely snow- and ice-bound, and it gave us nearly as
much as we could do to cut and maul and transport
the wood needed to keep aglow the many fires to make
mistress and the colored women and pickaninnies com-
fortable, and to cook the three meals a day to feed
everybody. Moreover, the snow is sometimes very deep
(as we remember very well, in the fearful season of
1847 with drifts fifteen or twenty feet deep) ; then it
is more wood and more work. But the two cold months
^62 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
do not last forever, thanks to the good Father, and now
we must make up for lost time.
And now while I have been talking and talking, the
grains we have planted are alive again and shooting
up all along the row. Then comes the work of replant-
ing and thinning out, when the small plows are put
in to " side " the little plants, and every one must then
be brushed over with the weeding hoe. Yes, I hear
you fellows of the modem cultivator and harrow call
out " What a tedious and toilsome waste of time."
Perhaps; but the men of that day made the corn, and
that was what they were after. And now in the brighter
days of May and June the four furrows are to be re-
turned to the growing plants, and then the hoe again,
to " hill up." Thus the crop is laid by.
HARVEST
We have been so busy with the corn that we had
almost forgotten this matter of unfailing interest. It
is now toward the second, or maybe the third week in
June. The sun is hot and fast getting hotter; and
look yonder ! The wheat is ripe, for the stalks are tak-
ing on a golden hue, and the heads are full and ripe;
for they hang low. It must be reaped, or the precious
grain will waste. So here comes old Ben Braxton, his
cradle, with blade keenly ground, over his shoulder,
followed by Coleman, Ottoway, and Reuben of the
younger set, each followed by a boy to sheave the wheat,
and by others to stack it. (Reader, did you ever see
a ** cradle " ? A stout oak handle four feet long, two
inches thick at the butt end, has set into it at a right
angle a steel blade, curving inward slightly, by means
of a hook on its shank end, an iron ring, and a wedge.
Five or six wooden fingers, curving like the blade, are
attached, flanking the blade, and catching the straw
when cut. This was the implement of those days, and
it was much better than the primitive sickle, though it
yields now to the great " harvester.")
Ben, Sr., is a veteran at this business, and knows all
its ins and outs. Reaching the field he takes the lead
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 263
row, returns and tackles a second, the rest following.
When that is cut through and return made to the start-
ing point, all feel need of a breathing spell; so old
Ben lifts his cradle from his shoulder, lets the end of
the handle fall with a thud upon the ground, pulls his
little whet-blade from the ribs, shoves it into the light
soil at his feet, and proceeds to whet his blade, his
body swaying to and fro, keeping time to the rhythmic
music of the whetting. So the work goes on till we
have two hours for dinner, and then at it again till by
and by the field is reaped, and the wheat comfortably
shocked.
A good story is told of a King and Queen farmer
who had as a head man a veteran negro named Um-
phrey. It was a custom of many years' standing, when
the toilsome days of harvest came, to send out each day
a jug of whisky from which each might get a sip now
and then. This time the master had been fearfully
smitten with the temperance fever which was abroad
in the land at that time. As the morning work was
about to begin, he called up his man and said:
" Umphrey, whisky is a dreadful thing, — it kills so
many people and ruins so many homes; and therefore
I have determined to give you all a barrel of good,
cool molasses-water in its place." It is doubtful whether
surprise, disappointment, or indignation was most
prominent in the old darkey's sensations. He was dumb
for a moment, but rallied, and said: " Marster,
marster, this here crap Is too heavy to be rept on
'lasses ! " Right or wrong, Umphrey got his whisky.
LOG-ROLLING
Preparation for this has been largely made in the
leisure days of winter. It must be borne in mind that
in that day vast tracts of land which might otherwise
have been cultivated were in wood, most of it primitive
and heavy. To be rid of this was the problem. So in
winter the hands were set to work felling the trees
and cutting trunks and limbs into proper lengths; and
then rolling them into piles convenient for burning.
264 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
plenty of twigs, stumps and dry wood being shoved
into the chinks and crevices. Thus they would stand
until the hot sun had thoroughly dried the pile, then
the plows were set to turn a few furrows around to
prevent the burning of adjacent stubble and grass. Now
fire is applied, and all burned to ashes. Thus it was
that millions of feet of lumber were ruthlessly destroyed
which would now be immense fortunes to the owners.
There was a surplus of labor, and many to be fed,
and so the forests had to go. Very many would say
now, like the boy anent the pie, " W^ish I had some! "
When the neighbors gathered together and began roll-
ing there was singing, shouting and merrymaking, and
by and by feasting and drinking, till the work was
done, — the lassies doing the cooking and sharing the
fun.
THE COTTON GIN
So far as is known to me — indeed I feel assured of
it — the father of the writer, John Bagby of Stevens-
ville, and Mr. Samuel P. Ryland and Mr. Walker,
were the first men to introduce this machine into the
county. This was about 1837. It was very common
to see upon every respectable plantation a good-sized
cotton patch; but the fiber was separated from the seed
by hand, and it was a tedious process. A few devel-
oped remarkable adeptness at this, and my father was
one of the few. After supper, a huge bag of cotton
being brought in and spread out before the open fire,
my father would spread out his large bandanna hand-
kerchief on his lap and proceed to pick, the rest fol-
lowing in order. He could do it, but it was my abomi-
nation. " Peter Parley," or " Sanford and Merton,"
suited me much better. I was glad when the gin came,
though even then my fingers were kept in training for
a time. Now let us see about this famous invention
of Whitney. There is a huge box with a capacious
mouth at the top to receive the cotton, and an opening
in front for the lint, and one smaller in the rear for
the seed. Peep inside, and you see a number of fine-
tooth saws embracing a wood cylinder set horizontally.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 265
The spindle end projects outside the box at one end,
arranged to receive a leather band, — this is the gin;
but how are the saws to be propelled? By horse power,
as we shall see. Come with me and I will show you:
As we stand here on the ground, do you see that great
wheel under shelter, set horizontally into a large per-
pendicular shaft? This shaft sets on an iron gudgeon
which works in a socket at the lower end, and the same
at the upper end. The wheel has cogs on its upper
side; the cogs work into others set on to a spindle,
which last at the other end carries a band wheel. Turn
to the big shaft again : Heavy poles or scantlings, five
or six, are set into it below and extend out some fifteen
feet, — these are for the draft horses. Now connect
the band wheel of the spindle by means of a leather
band with the corresponding spindle of the gin on the
floor above, hitch the horses to one or more of the
sweeps, and we are ready. The horses turn the big
wheel, which in turn gives rapid motion to spindle and
band wheel, and that gives redoubled motion to the gin
saws. Drop in a bag of cotton, old Ben, as you stand
there with veiled face to save nose, mouth, and eyes
from the inevitable dust, and in a twinkling you see the
light fiber flying out in front, while the seeds drop at
your feet. You say, reader, that this is a very heavy,
clumsy machine. Yes, but it was a real godsend to the
people of that far-away day; for men came from far
and near, and paid toll gladly to get a benefit. Many
a weary hour have my brother, the Major, and I spent
in that old gin room, " vexing our righteous souls."
This same horse-power threshed the wheat and oats.
A MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE
Next Friday, August 28th, is to be a great day at
Bunker's Hill. Queen, one of the younger cooks in
training, is to be married to Jim Taylor, who belongs
to Mr. Bonivita, the great confectioner of Richmond;
and all the country is agog, — the younger lads and
lassies are quite excited. Queen has been busy making
up and baking her cakes and pies; the pig for roasting
is fattening in the pen; the ham, already boiled, is
266 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
large and juicy; the wedding trousseau is about finished,
and things are moving nicely, Peggy, the housegirl,
generally called " Peg " for short, is to be first of the
six bridesmaids, and is to lift the veil as the ceremony
ends, for the groom to salute the bride. Parson Sparks
is to officiate, and when he retires there is to be a big
dance. Thomas Hoomes, the fiddler, and Sam Motley,
the banjoist, are putting their strings in tune. Time,
you know, does not wait for anybody, and while I am
getting ready to tell you about it, the 28th has come,
and so have the darkies ! From north and south, from
east and west, they crowd in by troops and bands.
Now Peg is pretty, winsome, and ambitious; she is
especially anxious to be admired. Inasmuch as the
best dress she can produce is a little worn and faded,
the thought comes to her that one of the gowns of her
young mistress — a handsome pearl silk — was just the
thing to set off her beauty. What must Peg do but
steal softly upstairs while the family is at supper, ex-
tract the pearl silk from the wardrobe, and presently
don this for the marriage.
Things now go forward as had been planned, — the
marriage is finally over, the groom kisses the bride;
the grand supper is served, and the preacher departs.
This is the signal for the dance. Hoomes calls the
partners and the figures, and here they go back and
forth, to right, to left, in and out, promenade all. The
interest and enthusiasm are great, and increase every
moment. Peg is doing her best; she is much sought
after. All thought of time is forgotten, everyone is so
absorbed. All at once the day breaks, the horn sounds,
and consternation reigns supreme. Peg, especially, is
thoroughly frightened, — she looks to right, to left,
for an exit, and every avenue is blocked. To stay here
was certain exposure, — go she must, for the avenger is
at hand. There is but one way — the window, so draw-
ing back a step or two, she rushed madly head fore-
most at the window, carrying glass, sash and all before
her, and went flying to the forest, where she stayed
several days; but she finally returned, a penitent, and
was forgiven.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 267
THE WORK OF THE NEGRO WOMEN
The year's work is drawing towards its end now, and
someone will say, " What of the women all this time? "
Bless your soul, they have found work in plenty. Bear
in mind that everybody, saint and sinner, old and young,
must be clothed. Yonder is an abundance of wool from
the flock, but it needs to be washed, carded, spun, and
woven. Then the suits must be cut out, and made up.
Moreover, there are a score or two of mouths to be
filled three times every day, and the cooking and clean-
ing to be provided for; there is bread-making and bed-
making to be done — have women nothing to do?
Sometimes one of the good old " mammies " has it laid
upon her to look after the black pickaninnies while the
mothers are at work, doing patchwork or waiting on
the sick. Many a time, no doubt, our colored sisters
have thought, though they may not have expressed it
in language quite so classic:
Man works from sun to sun,
But woman's work is never done.
Then too, death, whose icy skeleton shows its horrid
white teeth to white and black alike, would often in-
vade our rural home, and for a day or two there was
engrossment for all. There is a strange and weird at-
tractiveness in death. Women are more excitable than
men, and on these occasions their lamentations and
moanings could hardly have been surpassed by Rachel
weeping for her children. In song their voices were
rich, mellow, and rhythmic. I remember well how one
day, about 1858, when a really powerful meeting was
in progress at Mattapony, during recess the colored
people gathered outside the west door, and an old
brother lined out one of the old chorus hymns. The
crowd caught up the strain, and the music seemed to
me as near to the seraphic as we ever hear it on earth.
The best element of the whites were largely in sympathy
with them in all this, bating some extravagances.
If Reuben Smith was graceful in handling the wheat
268 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
cradle, and Warner Hall deft in manipulating the hoe,
surely Aunt Isabel was the most exquisite baker of
bread, cake, and pies I ever knew. My mother was
uniformly good and kind to the negroes, often rising
from her bed at night to wait upon the sick. I person-
ally knew a gentleman, who hearing that one of his
women was sick ten miles away, mounted his horse, rode
down, and stayed by her all night and saved her life.
My father bought a frail mulatto named William
Ferguson. William was a carpenter, a man of quick
intelligence, eager to learn; I used to sit with him by
the hour, listening to his sprightly talk and teaching
him arithmetic, etc. He could draw a plan, fit every
post, sill, and rafter deftly to its place and finish off
your house a la mode. I was away at college when
William died, and it distressed me a good deal.
HOG-KILLING TIME
Ah, now you make the small boy's eye kindle and
his mouth water, for only Christmas itself has greater
charms for him. It is now the second week in De-
cember, — the atmosphere is crisp, the earth is frozen
under our feet, a scum of ice has formed on the water,
and it is time to make ready. This important event in
the year's operations began to give signs of its coming
away back in October, when the slim and crusty pine-
rooters and Chesters were brought in from the fields.
Then we make a floor of small saplings, and upon this
build a pen, say ten by twenty feet. See that you make
it strong and high, for the hog you will find very much
like one of General Pickett's men captured at Gettys-
burg, who, when a fussy Union officer came near the
pen, and began to give orders for safeguarding the
prisoners, called out, " General, you give orders to have
us a plenty to eat, and do it quick, or we won't stay
here ! " Have a good thick bed of pine-tags in the pen,
and set in a large water-trough. Now throw in com
just from the shuck, with beets, or turnips, now and
then. This is the process; and now that we have kept
it up six or eight weeks our porkers are sleek and fat, —
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 269
they are ready for the shambles. This brings us to the
gist of our story.
I heard my father tell old Isaac this morning to bring
up a load of dry wood and lightwood and dump it
near the hogpen. Then in the evening come Ben and
Reuben, who roll up two green logs, swing up between
them four large boilers and fill them with water. My
brother and I are observant of all this, and lay our
plans accordingly. And now to bed (after prayers and
supper), till a bright light shines in at the window.
This is all we ask, — we quickly don our clothes, and
in stocking-feet creep downstairs, and out into the crisp
night air and the darkness. Guided partly by instinct
and partly by the kindling firelight, we reach our des-
tination. The water is boiling now and the porkers
must die. The boys jump into the pen, old Ben stands
with butcher knife pointed and keen in hand, and as
each hog is dragged out he makes one sweeping stroke
across its throat, then plunges it deep toward the vitals,
and as the blade is withdrawn, out gushes a stream of
rich, purple blood. One or two convulsive struggles
and the poor brute is dead. Then he is plunged head
foremost into boiling water, after which the bristles fall
away at the touch. " Cut the tail off, Reuben.". And
this done, we gash it in slices, rub on a pinch of salt,
let it lie on the live coals a few minutes, — it will crisp
and curl up, and to a boy's palate is as ambrosia to a
king.
We pass by the cutting and curing, for that is com-
monplace; but when it comes to sausages, spareribs, and
shortbones, we are there and there to stay till the
prudent warn us of the nearness of Christmas, and that
some space must be kept for what that happy season
has in store for us.
CHRISTMAS
And so here we are now at the end of the year, and
up against the day for which, to the youth of the land,
all other days were made. We have had our fun in
hunting old hares, shooting squirrels from the tall trees,
the robins in the cedars, and the partridges as they
270 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
hurtle away on the wing. We enjoyed them all, but
they were only taken by the way as we looked forward
to this glad fruition. And ofttimes, as we have puffed
and sweated in the tiresome cornfield, we have cheered
our fagged spirits by a thought of Christmas, and now
here it is at last. Will the realization be as fair as
hope led us to expect? The day is, as Heaven wills
it, fair and frosty. It is ushered in with a sort of jin-
gling sound, — not so very musical it must be admitted, —
though so intended. The sound of a distant horn, then
a bell ringing, then a chorus of a dozen tin horns, then
popcrackers, with bursting of bladders, and half a hun-
dred voices shout, " Hurrah for Christmas ! " Then
the children come rushing in pellmell to tell what won-
derful things Santa Claus has brought to each, besides
the stocking full of nuts and candy, — oblivious that pa
and ma knew it before they did. Then after breakfast
all hands gather on the porch, where there are piles
of dresses, coats, hats, blankets, shoes (for old brother
Cook has been here to dress up the leather), and what-
nots for every man and woman, boy and girl, — even
Peggie, yes, Peggie gets her share too. Here, of course,
are the two Bens, Isaac, Davy, Coleman, Osborne,
Jim, Carter, Ottoway, Reuben, Warner, Isabel, Agnes,
Caroline, dear old Aunt Polly (our mammy), and a
host of small fry. Each gets his share, and all, white
and colored, are happy. Now a round of sports and
frolics, in which colored and white are mingled, and as
the clock-hands near the hour of one, carriages and
buggies come laden with brothers and sisters, uncles
and aunts, and cousins galore, and then comes dinner.
Taking everything into consideration, the writer has
nowhere seen such dinners as those. A large turkey
well fatted and well roasted invariably graced the foot
of the long table; a ham and cabbage the head; oysters,
a roast of beef, ducks, souse, hominy, celery, etc.,
flanked them on either side; and after a while, when
a goodly portion of these have been disposed of, comes
the desert, — and whew ! what an exhibit is here. There
are pound-cake, sponge-cake, jelly-cake, mince pies, po-
tato pies, cherry tarts and lemon, with custard and jelly
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 271
a-plenty; sometimes a plum pudding would be substi-
tuted for one of these. Here was a feast for the heathen
gods; better, if possible, it is. All hands of us, master
as well as the humblest of his slaves, now have a good
week's rest, and so the year comes to an end.
SU-NDRY DEVELOPMENTS OF CHARACTER
One of our neighbors owned a bright mulatto boy
named Thomas, — an active, intelligent, and withal a
handsome youngster. Thomas was a houseboy, — reared
to run errands, bring in the food, wait on the table,
etc. As such he was useful, had he not developed an
apparently instinctive propensity to pilfer. As he
brought in the hot biscuits he would slip two or three
from the plate into his pocket, and so with other viands.
One day his master noticed that Thomas's pockets
swelled out beyond the usual proportions, when he
sprang suddenly up from the table, and with all his
strength pressed the steaming hot biscuits against the
poor boy's thigh, till he cried out in pain with the
burning. It cured him for a time, but he soon returned
to his old habits, like the sow that was washed. His
master seeing this, called him up one morning, and said,
" Thomas, I have warned you again and again about
this thing, and I have punished you for it, but you will
persist. You must go out this morning with the field
hands and work with them." This was the boy's abomi-
nation, but he must make the best of it, so out he went.
The hours were long, however, and the sun very hot;
Thomas shirked and flunked the work whenever he
could. One day the master suffe 
