Gloucester and Mathews
Newspapers Indexed
1737 to 1922
Over 800 articles in print from 127
newspapers from 30 states
By Joan Charles
August 2008
Hampton, VA
INTRODUCTION
Welcome
to the age when newspapers were the only form of mass communication for many
decades. Until the 19th century the written word was often two to
three weeks out of date and even more when coming from Europe.
The
following were the newspapers, local and across the country, that informed the
citizens of Gloucester and Mathews about the world and the world about these
two vital Virginia counties.
Wars,
including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and the famous
Oyster War are included.
You
will find oddities, horses, vessels, and most importantly, people. Of course
sensational news is what newspapers feed on, and you will find murders,
robberies and the like within these pages.
REFERENCES
Adam Sentinel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Alexandria Advertiser, Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria Gazette, Commercial & Political, Alexandria, Virginia
Allen County Democrat, Allen County, Ohio
American Beacon & Commercial Diary, Norfolk, Virginia
American Watchman, Wilmington, Delaware
Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia
Baltimore Daily Intelligencer, Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore Patriot, Baltimore, Maryland
Bee, The, Danville, Virginia
Biloxi Daily Herald, Biloxi, Mississippi
Boston Daily Atlas, Boston, Massachusetts
Carolina Federal Republican, New Bern, North Carolina
Carolina Gazette, Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston Mercury, Charleston, South Carolina
Charlotte Daily Observer, Charlotte, North Carolina
Chester Daily Times, Chester, Pennsylvania
Chillicothe Constitution, Chillicothe, Missouri
Claypoole’s Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Clearfield Progress, Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Colombian Centinel, Boston, Massachusetts
Columbus Enquirer-Sun, Columbus, Georgia
Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia
Commercial Advertiser, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Commercial Advertiser, New York, New York
Daily Columbus Enquirer, Columbus, Georgia
Daily Constitutional Union, Washington, D.C.
Daily Delta, New Orleans, Louisiana
Daily Freedom Democrat, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Daily Kennebec Journal, Kennebec, Maine
Daily Madisonian, Washington, D.C.
Daily National Intelligencer, Washington, D.C.
Daily News, Marshall, Michigan
Daily Ohio Statesman, Columbus, Ohio
Daily State Gazette, Trenton, New Jersey
Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas
Dawson’s Daily Times & Union, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Democrat, The, Boston, Massachusetts
Denton Journal, Denton, Maryland
Dubuque Democratic Herald, Dubuque, Iowa
Enquirer, The, Richmond, Virginia
Evening Gazette, Sterling, Illinois
Evening News, Ada, Oklahoma
Evening Post, Frederick, Maryland
Federal Intelligencer, Baltimore, Maryland
Federal Republican & Commercial Gazette, Baltimore, Maryland
Fitchburg Daily Sentinel, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Floridian & Journal, Tallahassee, Florida
Fort Worth Telegraph, Fort Worth, Texas
Freeman’s Journal, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Galveston Tri-Weekly News, Galveston, Texas
Gazette of the United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Georgia Weekly Telegraph, Macon, Georgia
Gleaner, The, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Houston Telegraph, Houston, Texas
Independent Chronicle, Boston, Massachusetts
Janesville Daily, Janesville, Wisconsin
Jenk’s Portland Gazette, Portland, Maine
Lacrosse Tribune, Lacrosse, Wisconsin
Lexington Herald, Lexington, Kentucky
Logansport Pharos, Logansport, Indiana
Macon Daily Telegraph, Macon, Georgia
Maryland Journal, Baltimore, Maryland
Massachusetts Spy, Worcester, Massachusetts
Mercantile Advertiser, New York, New York
Miami Herald, Miami, Florida
Middleton Daily Press, Middleton, New York
Morning Chronicle, New York, New York
National Advocate, New York, New York
National Intelligencer, Washington, D.C.
Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska
New Hampshire Gazette, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
New Hampshire Sentinel, Keene, New Hampshire
New Oxford Item, New
Oxford, Pennsylvania
New York Commercial Advertiser, New York, New York
New York Daily Gazette, New York, New York
New York Evening Post, New York, New York
New York Herald, New York, New York
New York Spectator, New York, New York
New York Times, New York, New York
Newark Daily Advocate, Newark, Ohio
Newport Daily News, Newport, Rhode Island
Newport Mercury, Newport, Rhode Island
News, The, Frederick, Maryland
Norfolk Herald, Norfolk, Virginia
North American & Mercantile Daily Advertiser, Baltimore, Maryland
North American Review, Boston, Massachusetts
Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California
Olean Democrat, Olean, New York
Orange County Times, Middletown, New York
Oshkash Daily Northwestern, Oshkash, Wisconsin
Paulson’s American Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Mercury, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Petersburg Index, Petersburg, Virginia
Philadelphia Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pilot, The, Boston, Massachusetts
Pomeroy’s Democrat, Chicago, Illinois
Portland Gazette and Maine Advertiser, Portland, Maine
Progressive Age, Coshocton, Ohio
Providence Gazette, Providence, Rhode Island
Public Advertiser, New York, New York
Racine Weekly Advocate, Racine, Wisconsin
Republican, The, Baltimore, Maryland
Republican Banner, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Republican Star and General Advertiser, Easton, Maryland
Rhode Island American and General Advertiser, Providence, Rhode Island
Richmond Daily Whig, Richmond, Virginia
Richmond Examiner, Richmond, Virginia
San Francisco Bulletin, San Francisco, California
Southern Patriot, Charleston, South Carolina
Spirit Lake Beacon, Dickenson County, Iowa
State, The, Columbia, South Carolina
Sun, The, Baltimore, Maryland
Syracuse Standard, Syracuse, New York
United States Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Virginia Chronicle and Norfolk and Portsmouth General Advertiser, Norfolk, Virginia
Virginia Gazette, Williamsburg, Virginia
Warren Evening Times, Warren, Pennsylvania
Washington Expositor, Washington, D.C.
Washington Federalist, Washington, D.C.
Washington Post, Washington, D.C.
Washington Whig, Washington, D.C.
Waterloo Daily Reporter, Waterloo, Iowa
Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina
Wheeling Register, Wheeling, West Virginia
Wisconsin Daily Patriot, Madison, Wisconsin
Note: Gloucester will at
times be spelled Glocester in early articles
Mathews
will at times be spelled Matthews in early article
February
25, 1737 – Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Williamsburg, Feb. 25. … We hear from Glocester County, That Miss Betty
Washington, Daughter of Major John Washington, of that County, a
young Gentlewoman of great Merit and Beauty, died there lately, very much
lamented.
April 22,
1737 – Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Ran away
from Col. John Lewis’s, in Gloucester County, on the 17th Inst.
a square, strong-made thin-jaw’d Mulatto Fellow, named George. He had on
a brown Cotton Jacket, and went away on a light Bay Horse, belonging to his
Master, branded with a Heart. The Horse has a Black Mane and Tail.
Ran away in Company with the above
mentioned, an East-Indian, belonging to Mr. Heylin, Merchant, in Gloucester : He is a well-made small
young Fellow, wore his own Hair (which he may have cut off in order to disguise
himself :) He is supposed to have on an Olive-colour’d
German Serge Coat, with Brass Buttons. He went away on a strong well-made Grey
Stallion, branded with a Dott, belonging to his Master. They went from Col. Lewis’s to Gloucester Town, where they robb’d a House, and took a Pair of Pistols, a Horse-Whip,
and ‘tis supposed some other Things. They were seen on Monday going up King
and Queen County. Whoever secures either of the
fore-mentioned Servants, shall receive as a Reward, Two Pistoles; for the both
of them Four Pistoles, and for the Grey Stallion Two Pistoles; to be paid by John
Lewis, and John Heylyn
February
17, 1738 – Virginia
Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Yesterday was Se’nnight, the Rev. Mr. John Fox, Minister of Ware
Parish, in Gloucester County, was marry’d
to Mrs. Richards, Relict of the
Rev. Mr. Richards, late Minister of
the same Parish.
April 28, 1738 – Virginia Gazette, Parks Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Ran away, on Tuesday Night last, from the Subscriber, of Gloucester County, Four Servant Men, viz. John Tomlins, a tall thin Fellow, about 26 Years old, very much disfigur’d with the Small-Pox; had on a dark snuff-colour’d Cloth Coat and Breeches, and wears his own
light colour’d Hair. John Minor, a tall
well-set Fellow, about the same Age, and disfigur’d with the Small-Pox; he had
on a light Drab Coat and Breeches, with a white Wigg; he is a Plaisterer by
Trade, but can do Glaziers and Bricklayer Work, and has got a Diamond, Trowel,
and other Tools with him. Thomas Lee, a tall thin
Man about 40 or 50 Years of Age, a Convict, has lost of one of his fingers, is a Joyner by
Trade; and had with him a snuff colour’d Coat and Breeches, a light colour’d
great Coat, and many Joyners Tools. George Barry, a lad about 16 or 17 Years of Age, a Convict; he is of a fair complexion,
is a Barber by Trade; had on a light brown Cloth Coat, with Broad Metal
Buttons, greyish Breeches and a brown Wigg. They went away in a new Flat that
could carry about 3 Hogsheads. And there is supposed to be run away with
them, a Convict Servant Man, a Joyner by Trade, belonging to the Rev. Mr. Hughes,
of the same County. Whoever apprehends them, or any of them, so that they may
be safely delivered to their said Master, shall have Half a Pistole Reward for
each of them, besides what the Law allows paid by John Lewis.
November 24,
1738 –Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
We hear from Gloucester County, That on Thursday or
Friday in last week, the Son of one Mrs. Cozens, a Boy about 14
or 15 Years old, was found murder’d in his Bed, weltering in his Blood, having
received a Cut on the Side of the Head, as if done with an Ax; and the House
was rifled and robbed. Mrs. Cozens, his Mother, who lived in a lonely
Manner, within 4 or 5 Miles of Gloucester Town, and had no other Family
but this her only Son, and ‘tis said she had sav’d up a good Sum of Money, had
Occasion to go, on that fatal Day, to sit up with a sick Neighbour, and would
have taken her Son with her, but he chose rather to stay at home and look after
the House, by himself. In the Night, it’s supposed after the Boy was gone to
Bed, some wicked Person or Persons, got into the House, broke open the Chests,
and Boxes to search for her Money, (which she had hid so securely they could
not find it) and after taking some Linen and what other valuable Goods they
thought fit, murdered the Child to prevent Discovery, then went off, and have
not been heard of yet. It’s supposed, Two Persons were concerned in it, some
Tracts of Shoes, and others of bare Feet being seen about the House.
February 2, 1739 – Virginia
Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
We hear from Glocester County,
That on Thursday Night was Se’nnight, a Man who had been drinking at the
Ordinary near the Court-house, being quarrelsome and troublesome to the
Company, was by a Man belonging to the House, push’d out of the Door, and
missing his Step, fell backwards, and with the Fall, and the Liquor together,
dy’d soon after. The Coroner’s Inquest fate on the Body, and brought in their
Verdict, Accidental Death.
March 9, 1739 – Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
To be Sold, for Fifty Pounds Current Money. A Tract of Land, containing
Eight Hundred Acres, lying on a Branch of Pamunkey River in Orange
County … Any person inclinable to purchase the said Tract, may see the
Owner thereof, on Gwyn’s Island, in Kingston Parish,
Gloucester County. Daniel Gwyn.
January 11,
1740 – Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) This is
to give Notice, That there will be run for, at Mr. Joseph Seawell’s in Gloucester
County, on the First Thursday in April, next, a Purse of Thirty
Pistoles, by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding ; all siz’d Horses to carry 140, and
Galloways to be allowed Weight for Inches; to pay One-Pistole Entrance if a
Subscriber, if not, Two; and the Entrance Money to go to the Second Horse,
&c. And on the Day following, on the
same Course, there will be a Saddle, Bridle, and Housing, of Five Pounds Value,
to be run for, by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, that never won a Prize of that
Value Four Miles before; each Horse, &c. to pay Five Shillings Entrance,
and that to go to the Horse that comes in Second. And on the Day following,
there is to be run for, by Horses not exceeding 13hands, a Hunting
Saddle, Bridle, and Whips; each Horse to pay Two Shillings and Six Pence at
Entrance, to be given to the Horse that comes in Second; Happy is he that can
get the highest Rider.
N. B. The Gentlemen that are Subscribers
for the Purse, are desir’d to pay their Money to Mr. William Nelson at York, or to Mr. Ralph
Wormley, of Middlesex.
May 6, 1745 – New York Evening Post (New York, New York)
Williamsburg Virginia, March 14. Capt. George Maclester, of the Snow Flying-Fish
belonging to Maryland, and bound thither from Barbados, was taken 5 Days after
he left Barbados by a French Privateer, Seur Jean Baptiste Roulleau, in the
Sloop St. Andrew, of Martinico, of 8 Carriage and 12 Swivel Guns, and 57 Men ;
but ransom’d his Vessel and Cargo for 3000 Pieces of Eight ; and proceeded on
his Return to Maryland, but was unfortunately drove ashore by a strong Gale of
Wind, at New-Point Comfort last Sunday Morning, and stove the Vessel to Pieces,
but saved all their Lives and Part of the Cargo.
September
12, 1745 – Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RAN away
from the Subscriber, living in Ware Parish, Gloucester County, on
Tuesday the 6th Day of August last, A Negroe boy nam’d
Sawney; he looks old and wrinkled in the Face, though but very small of
Stature, and had a fresh Scar on one of his Cheeks. He had on when he went
away, a Pair of old blue Cloth Breeches, and a Hempon Shirt. Some Person had
forg’d my Hand, and given him a Pass, but my Advertisements happening to get
before him, he was take up at West Point the Tuesday following,
and he made his escape the same Night, from the Person that had him, about six
Miles from home. Whoever secures the said Runaway, so that I may have him
again, shall be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble, and all their reasonable
Expences bore by John Matthews.
October 31,
1745 – Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be Sold,
444 Acres of very good Land, lying in Gloucester County about a Mile
from Old Dragon Bridge, with a very good Dwelling house, Orchard, and
other convenient Outhouses. Any person inclinable to purchase, may know the
Terms by applying to the Subscriber, living on the Premises. James Amis.
April 3, 1746 – Virginia
Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RAN away
last June, from the Subscriber, in Gloucester County, a short,
well-set Negroe Fellow, named Pompey; He is about 5 Feet 6 inches high,
talks good English, and is of a yellow Complexion; Had on when he went away, a
Cotton Waistcoat, dy’d yellow, a striped Virginia Cloth Jacket and
Breeches, a Virginia Cotton Shirt, an old Pair of Shoes and Stockings;
but I am since informed he has changed his Apparel.
Whoever secures the said Negroe, so
that I may have him again, shall have Two Pistoles Reward, besides what the Law
allows, paid by William Huggins.
April 17,
1746 – Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
[Acts of the House of
Burgesses]
29. An Act, to dock the Intail of certain Lands
in the County of Gloucester, late the Estates of Thomas Todd and
vesting the same in Trustees, to be sold; and the Money arising therefrom to be
laid out in Slaves, to be settled to the same Uses.
30. An Act,
to dock the intail of certain Lands in the County of Gloucester, late
the Estate of John Smith, and vesting the same in Trustees, to be sold;
and the Money arising therefrom, to be laid out in Slaves, to be settled to the
same Uses.
July 31,
1746 – Virginia Gazette, Parks (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) By Order of
the Vestry of Petsworth Parish in Gloucester County, there is to be a
Dwelling-house built on the Glebe Land in the said Parish, 52 Feet
long and 20 Feet wide. Any Person inclinable to undertake the same, is desired
to meet the Vestry at the said Parish Church, on the first Wednesday in
August next.
February 7, 1751 – Virginia
Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Notice is
hereby given, That on Wednesday the 27th Day of this Month a
Vestry will be held at Abington Church in the County of Gloucester, in order to contract with
Workmen, for building a new Church in said Parish.
February
14, 1751 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RAN away
from the Subscriber, living in Gloucester County, a likely young Negroe
Woman, named Kitty, about 20 Years of Age; she formerly was a Servant in
the Governor’s Family, and is supposed to be about Williamsburg. Whoever apprehends and conveys the said
Servant to me, shall have Two Pistoles Reward, besides what the Law
allows. Warner Lewis.
February
21, 1751 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) February 21, 1750-1. RAN away on the 4th
Instant, from the Subscriber, in Gloucester, a Negroe Man, named George;
had on when he went away a Fear-nothing Waistcoat, blue Breeches, Pladd Hose,
and a Pair of Shoes; He carried off a Canoe, and is suppos’d to be gone to Rappahannock. Whoever takes him up, and conveys him to me,
shall have a Pistole Reward, besides what the Law allows. John Briggs.
March 28,
1751 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester, March 25, 1751. THE Subscriber having undertaken
to keep the Ferry at Capahosack, gives Notice, That the said Ferry for
the future shall be kept in the best Manner, having provided a good Boat, and a
sufficient number of Hands for that Purpose, and a very large Canoe for putting
over Footmen, or such as don’t choose to cross with Horses. Also keeps a Public
House at the said Ferry, where all Gentlemen may be well accommodated, and
depend on meeting with all possible Dispatch in crossing the said Ferry; and on
making a Smoak on the other Side of the River, the Boat will be immediately
sent over. William Thornton
November 7,
1751 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) On Friday
the 13th of December next, at Gloucester Court-house,
will be sold at Auction, a Parcel of choice Virginia born Slaves, several ___,
some Horses and other stock belonging to the Estate of the late Rev.
_____. Six Months Credit will be allowed
, the Purchaser giving Bond and good security, to Philip R___.
January 10,
1752 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
We have receiv’d an Account
of the following Gentlemen being elected BURGESSES, to serve in the next
General Assembly, viz. … Gloucester. Mr. Beverly Whiting, Mr. John Page.
May 15,
1752 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Stolen out
of Ware Church, in Gloucester County, sometime last Week, the
Communion Table and Pulpit Cloths, of Crimson Velvet, double lac’d with Gold;
also the Surplice and Gown. Whoever will bring them whole to the Churchwardens
of the said Parish, or discover the Thief, so that he be convicted thereof,
shall receive Ten Pounds Reward, to be paid by the Churchwardens of the said Parish.
March 2, 1753 – Virginia
Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, at Publick AUCTION, at
the Subscriber’s Plantation, in Glocester County, on the last Thursday in
March, Two Hundred Acres of Land, on Queen’s
Creek, in the said County, 20 Virginia born Slaves, Men, Women and
Children, and a Quantity of Stock. Three Month’s Credit will be allowed, the
Purchaser giving good Security, as usual, to Robert Reade.
May 23,
1755 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
On Tuesday
the 20th of this Instant, was determined at New Kent Court
House, the great Cock Match between Gloucester and New Kent, for Ten
Pistoles a Battle and an Hundred the Main, there fell Eighteen in the Match, of
which the New Kent Men won Ten and Gloucester Seven, one a
drawn Battle: Some James River Cocks that fell on the New Kent Side, distinguished themselves in a very
extraordinary manner.
October 10, 1755 - Virginia
Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) September 28, 1755. RAN away from the Subscriber, living in Gloucester County, a
Servant Man, named John Dixon, about 19 or 20 Years of Age, and about 5
Feet 2 Inches high, well set, of a swarthy Complexion, a full Face, large upper
fore Teeth with one of them broke half off, and wears his own Hair, of a
dark-brown Color; had on a Felt Hat, a light color’d Cloth or Drugger
Wastecoat, and a black Stuff ditto under it, a Pair of black Breeches, black
Worsted Stockings, a Pair of Shoes almost new, and a check’d Shirt; he has a
sore on his left Leg, just above the Ancle; says he was born in England, but is suppos’d to be an Irishman; by Trade a Smith, delights much in making
Clasp-Knives, and has been used to the Sea.
Whoever secures him, so that he may [be] had again, shall have Two
Pistoles Reward, paid by John Hobday.
October 10, 1755 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RAN away from
the Subscriber, living in Gloucester
County, on the 31st Day
of August last, a young, lusty, Negroe Man Slave,
named Ben, about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, a very good
Ploughman and Carter; he has a smooth Tongue, and a very good Knack at telling
a Story. He has stolen a Horse and Saddle, and is supposed to be gone to Col. John Willis’s in Brunswick County,
or to North Carolina. Whoever secures him, so that his Master may have
him again, shall have a handsome Reward, besides what the Law allows, paid
by Francis
Willis, Jun.
October 17, 1755 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD on the 24th Day of March next, A TRACT of Land, containing 1500 Acres, lying
on Ware
River,
in Gloucester County.
Any Person inclinable to purchase, may know the Terms, on applying to Ludwell Grymes.
November 7, 1755 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, on the Premises, on Wednesday the 26th of November, 1755. A Tract of Land, lying in Glocester County, containing 350 Acres, with
a good Dwelling House and all other convenient Houses for Cropping; Also Thirteen
Slaves, and about 30 Head of Cattle, for Cash or Bills of Exchange. Thomas
Boswell. N. B. The
Sale
to be at the Plantation
of William Marlow, deceas’d.
December
12, 1755 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
We have received further
Accounts of the following Elections, viz. Glocester Mr, John Page, Mr. Thomas Whiting.
November 4,
1763 – Virginia
Gazette, Royle (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GLOUCESTER county, October 22, 1763. WHEREAS John Davis, one
of the under-sheriffs of this county, has taken in execution, and sold as the
estate of William Amys a Negro woman
named PATT, by trade a weaver, the said Davis giving notice that
the right to the said slave was to determine at the death of Anne, the wife of William
Amys. Richard Iveson bought her for 30l. immediately transported
her over the bay
of Chesapeake, and sold her to one Jacobs
in Northampton county, as we are informed, for 60l. without mentioning the right to determine at the
death of Anne Amys. Now we hereby inform
the publick in general, and the said Jacobs
of Northampton in particular, that the slave, Patt in
question, being part of the estate of John Machen, deceased, was
allotted, with other slaves, to Anne Amys, daughter of the said John, to whom he willed the use of an equal part of his Negroes during her
natural life, and then the said Negroes and their increase are given to certain
orphans, children of the said Anne by a former husband. We the executors of
the last will of John Machen,
having ourselves given sufficient security, refused to deliver the estate out
of our hands unless Amys, husband of the legatee, would give us
security; which he has not being able to do, we delivered the slaves on loan,
upon his promise, before evidence, to deliver them back if demanded. But
whether this Bill gives the executors such a right as to prevent the slaves
being sold for debts of the said AMYS, or not, this much is certain that the
right , if any, is good no longer than for the life of Anne Amys. The
said Jacobs hath this notice that he is imposed upon; and the publick, lest any
one else should be likewise imposed upon, by more sales of the like kind. From
their friends, MARGARET MACHEN, JOHN DIXON
March 21, 1766 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away from
the subscriber’s plantation, on the 3d instant, two Negro men; One of them
named ROBIN, a very likely fellow, of a yellow complexion, about 6 feet high,
28 years old, by trade a blacksmith, is well acquainted with plantation
business, has a large scar on his right arm occasioned by a burn, is very
sensible, has been to several parts of the country, and intended when he went
off to get on board a man of war, or
some other vessel; had on when he went away a gray fearnought waistcoat with
metal buttons, osnabrugs shirt, cotton breeches, and stockings, Virginia shoes, and felt hat; he carried with him sundry wearing apparel, and
it is imagined has a pass and sailors dress, intending to pass for a freeman.
Whoever conveys the said slave to me shall have 40s. reward, if taken out of
the county, and if out of the colony 10l. Also DANIEL, a very
likely fellow, near 6 feet high, and about 30 years old; had on a suit of
cotton, osnabrugs shirt, Virginia shoes, white yarn stockings, felt hat, and
it is thought is gone to Louisa. Whoever brings the said fellow to me shall
have 10s. reward, besides what the Law allows.
JOHN FOX.
April 25, 1766 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) A YOUNG man, capable of
teaching Reading,
Writing, and Arithmetic, may meet with good encouragement by applying to Capt. John Perrin in Gloucester county.
July 18,
1766 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD. On
the Twenty-fifth of July. Gloucester Court-House.
TWENTY
VIRGINIA BORN NEGROES, for ready Money or Tobacco. HENRY WHITING
July 25,
1766 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD at Gloucester court-house, on Wednesday
the 6th of August next. Three hundred acres of LAND, whereon the courthouse
now stands, a storehouse, an ordinary, and several other houses; the said place
is well known to be very convenient for a public house, from the number of
Gentlemen who resort thither every court, as also for travelers. The subscriber
has a proper right to the same, and may be seen at the day of sale; the terms
and payment will likewise be agreed on at that day. JOHN HUGHES.
N. B. At the same time will be exposed to sale about 20 Virginia born SLAVES, chiefly young.
August 15,
1766 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
on Thursday the 15th of September next, in Gloucester
county, A TRACT of LAND, containing 423 acres, known by the name of Marlow’s
land, part of which is rich low grounds, and the whole very kindly, suitable
for any kind of grain, hemp, flax, or tobacco, well watered, convenient to
church and mill, being within half a mile of Piankatank river, a proper
place for a store, one having been kept there before. Any person inclinable to
purchase before the day of sale, by applying to Capt. Thomas Whiting in Gloucester
town, who has a legal authority to sell the same, and will show the plot, may
know the terms, or to the subscriber, who will show the land. THOMAS BOSWELL.
November
13, 1766 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, the 3d of December,
at East warehouse, in Gloucester county, A PARCEL OF LAND, containing about 40 acres,
part within 60 yards of the warehouse, is a beautiful place for a merchant, as
there is at this time two sea vessels building thereon, and is clear and level.
Also 251 acres of woodland, lying adjacent thereto, very rich and well
timbered, will be sold at the same time. …
ROBERT TOMPKINS.
November 13, 1766 – Virginia Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, on the Premises, the 10th of December
next. 337 ACRES of GOOD LAND,
whereon is a good dwelling house, with 4 fireplaces below, and 2 brick
chimnies, a kitchen with a brick chimney, and two fireplaces below, all other
necessary houses, and two orchards. Also a quarter of a mile from thence, on
the said plantation, stands a house 20 by 16 with a brick chimney, and a Negro
quarter by it. About two acres of the said land is well timbered, the rest very
clear and level, and lies within half a mile of East
warehouse, in Gloucester county. The time of payment will be agreed upon at
the day of sale. JOSEPH GAYLE.
January 29, 1767 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, AN exceeding good tract of LAND, in Kingston parish, Gloucester county, containing about
600 acres, all level and very rich. There is on the land in overseer’s house,
quarters, tobacco houses, and an exceeding good barn. It is a noted place for fine fish and
oysters, and great plenty of all kinds of water fowl. And person inclinable to
purchase may know the terms by applying to JOHN BOOTES
February 19, 1767 – Virginia
Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, on the Premises, the 12th Day of March
next, to the highest Bidder, A
TRACT of Land consisting 197 acres upon Sarah’s
Creek, convenient for Navigation, whereon is a good Dwelling-House, new Barn,
kitchen and other necessary Houses; also a small Apple Orchard. The Plantation
is in good Order for Cropping. The Time of Payment will be agreed upon the Day
of Sale. Any Person inclined to purchase the above Land before the Day of Sale,
may know the Terms by applying to the Subscriber living on the Premises. THOMAS
STOAKES, Jun.
March 12, 1767 – Virginia
Gazette, Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD, VALUABLE Tract of
LAND, containing about 500 Acres, pleasantly situated on Piankitank River in Gloucester
County; there is on the Premises a large well-finish’d Brick Dwelling-House,
three Stories high, four Rooms on a Floor, four good dry Cellars and a Vault,
with all good and convenient Out-Houses,
Peach and Apple Orchards. Also another valuable Tract within Half a Mile of the
above, containing about 1600 Acres, well wooded and water’d; there is running
thro’ the middle of the Tract, a large and very rich Swamp, with great Plenty
of Ash Timber; Also about 25 Acres of another Swamp, 12 Acres of which is now
in Meadow, and within less than a Mile of the Dwelling House; there are all
Sorts of good and convenient houses for Cropping on this Tract. STOCK of all
Sorts will be Sold. There will likewise be Sold a valuable GRIST-MILL. Long
Credit will be given for the greatest Part of the Money. WARNER
WASHINGTON.
March 26, 1767 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
A NEW SHIP, of about 236 tuns, well calculated for the Tobacco trade, built of
the best seasoned plank and timber, and can be launched in a little time, if
required. Twelve months credit will be allowed for two thirds or three fourths
of the value. Any person inclinable to purchase may be shown the vessel by
applying to the subscriber, living in Kingston parish,
Gloucester
county. THOMAS SMITH.
July 10, 1767 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away from
the subscriber, living in Gloucester
county, on Friday the 3d instant (July) a Negro man named JACK, he is a short well
made fellow, of a yellow complexion, his hair very long on his face and hind
part of his head, and cut or shaved on the top; had on when he went away a
cotton waistcoat, canvas shirt and crocus breeches, and took with him a bag, a
black cloth coat and a pair of blue velvet breeches, red velvet wastecoat, a
white shirt, black velvet cap, a pair of shoes, and blue worsted stockings. As
he is a very sensible fellow, it is probable he may endeavour to make his
escape to some other country and perhaps pass as a freeman. Whoever apprehends
the said runaway, and conveys him to me, shall have a 40s. reward, if taken in Gloucester county;
if taken in any other county, 3l. and
if taken out of the colony, 5l.
besides what is allowed by law. JOSEPH
SEAWELL.
July 23, 1767 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD at PUBLIC AUCTION, on Thursday
the 3d of September next, pursuant to a decree of Gloucester county court, One hundred and fifty acres of very valuable
LAND, lying on Slut’s
creek, in Gloucester county; also about 15 valuable SLAVES. The Terms
will be agreed on at the day of sale.
LEWIS BURWELL, Jun. Sheriff.
July 23, 1767 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GLOUCESTER,
July, 20,
1767. AS I intend to leave the colony this fall, I must
request the favour of all those who have any demands against me to come
immediately and settle, particularly those demands on account of gaming. I have
made a promise never to lay one shilling more upon any bet whatsoever, as it
has been very hurtful to Their humble servant, RICHARD GWYN.
September 10, 1767 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To
be SOLD to the highest bidder, on Monday the 9th of November, on
the premises. A VERY valuable Tract
of LAND, containing about 300 acres, lying in GLOUCESTER county, Ware neck,
on North river, and almost surrounded by a creek, so that it will
take but very little fencing to enclose the whole. It is very well timbered
with oak and pine, a great quantity of plank may be sawed off it, it is good for
tobacco and all kind of grain, and in good order for cropping, and well fenced
in. There is on it a very good dwelling house, 45 by 20, underpinned, and gable
ends of brick, with two rooms on a floor, and a large passage, likewise a
kitchen, quarter, dairy, meat house, a good new barn, 40 by 20, and several
other convenient houses, a variety of fruit trees, and as pleasant a situation,
and as plentiful a place for fishing and oysters, as any in the colony. The
time of payment will be agreed on at the day of sale, but a considerable time
of credit will be allowed the purchaser, at least three or four years, for one
half the money, giving bond and security to GEORGE
BOSWELL. Likewise will be sold about 30
or 40 head of CATTLE, and all the CORN that is made on the plantation, on
twelve months credit.
October 29,
1767 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD on Thursday the 26th
of November next, at the late dwelling house of Dr. John Symmer, deceased,
in Gloucester county. NINETY
SIX SLAVES, among whom are a good blacksmith and shoemaker, a weaver, five
carpenters, and some likely girls that can spin flax. Also a large collection
of books, two small stills, some bellmetal and marble mortars, and an
assortment of medicines; some horses, cattle and household furniture, &c.
Likewise a valuable tract of land, in the said county of Gloucester, on Pianketank
river, containing 500 acres, with a fine marsh; and 75 acres in Middlesex
county, opposite to the said tract on which is kept Turk’s ferry. Also
190 acres of land, known by the name of Cary’s, and 48 acres formerly New’s,
on which is a grist mill, both adjoining the plantation on which the late Dr. Symmer
lived; and 45 acres adjoining Mrs. Randolph’s. Twelve months will be
allowed, the purchaser giving bond and security; and a discount of 5 per cent
to those who pay ready money.
All persons indebted to the estate
of the said Dr. Symmer, deceased, are desired to discharge their
respective balances in a very short time, to prevent suite being commenced
against them; and those who have any demands against the said estate are
requested to make them known, before or at the day of the sale, to ROBERT &
ALEXANDER DALGLEISH, Exrs.
December
24, 1767 – Virginia Gazette – Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester county, Dec. 4, 1767. To be SOLD, pursuant to a decree of the worshipful court
of Gloucester county, on Thursday the 7th day of January next, at Gloucester court-house,
TEN LIKELY VIRGINIA BORN SLAVES, belonging to the estate of Gregory Iveson, deceased. Eighteen months credit will be
allowed, the purchasers giving bond with approved security, to RICHARD GREGORY.
January 21, 1768 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) By virtue of a
deed of trust will be SOLD to the highest bidder, at Gloucester courthouse, on Wednesday the 3d of February next, FORTY
VALUABLE SLAVES, among whom are some good carpenters, and a very good cook.
Credit will be allowed until the 25th of next October, the purchasers giving bond
and security to THE TRUSTEES. N. B.
Large discount will be allowed for ready money.
March 3, 1768 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD on the premises, the 16th
of this instant (March)
350
ACRES OF LAND, in Gloucester county, being the
plantation whereon Dr. Symmer lived. Also three likely NEGRO MEN. Six months credit will be allowed, the
purchasers giving bond and security to
ROBERT & ALEX. DALGLEISH.
March 3,
1768 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away from
the subscriber, at his plantation at Greenwich, the 1st day
of February, 1768, a likely young
negro man named BEN, about 27 years old, near 6 feet high. Carried with him a
pair of leather leggings, and variety of other cloaths, by trade a farmer and
gardener, and is very handy at many other businesses. He is well acquainted
with Carolina
and Maryland,
and is suspected to be gone to the former. Whoever takes up the said slave, and
conveys him safe to the subscriber, at his seat in Gloucester
county, if taken in North Carolina
or Maryland, shall have TEN POUNDS
reward; and if taken in South Carolina,
FIFTEEN POUNDS; and if taken in this colony, FORTY SHILLINGS. JOHN FOX
*** The said
slave is outlawed.
March 10, 1768 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD for ready cash, in consequence of a decree of Gloucester county court, on the 1st Thursday in the next month, at Gloucester Courthouse. ABOUT seven hundred acres of valuable LAND,
which was the property of the late Dr. John Symmer, deceased,
lying in Kingston parish, Gloucester
county,
near the head of North river, on which as a great deal of good
timber, both oak and pine. The said land will be sold together or in parcels,
as will best suit the purchasers.
March 31,
1768 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD for ready money, at Gloucester
court-house, on Wednesday the 13th of April next,
THIRTY choice VIRGINIA born SLAVES, six fine blooded chariot HORSES, 20
hhds of crop TOBACCO, the property of Lewis
Burwell, and taken in execution to satisfy a debt for which he became
security for Francis Willis, by the SHERIFF.
N.
B. At the same time and place will be sold several other NEGROES, taken in
execution, for ready money.
May 23,
1768 - New York Gazette (New York, New York)
WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) May 5. The following account says the person who sent it, can
be well attested. In February 1767, a sloop was sunk in Mobjack bay, near New
Point Comfort, by a squall of wind ; and through the negligence, or inability
of the owners, lay near twelve months under water. Upon her being raised, a
fish was found confined in her hold, so large, that the decks were obliged to
be broken up to get it out, and upon being measured, was found to be full half
as long again as the vessel. It is something surprising, how a fish of that
size could remain so long in such a confined situation.
June 9, 1768 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
For SALE, A NEW SCHOONER, that will be launched in August
next, or sooner if required, burthen 71 tuns, and will carry near 3000 bushels
of grain; she is built with the best white oak plank and timber, and will be a
very complete vessel when finished. He has also for sale a sloop burthen 29
tuns, 3 years old, together with her sails, anchors &c. Any person
inclinable to purchase either or both may know the terms by applying to the
subscriber living on the head of East river, in Gloucester county. EDWARD HUGHES.
July 28, 1768 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD on reasonable terms, for cash or good
bills of exchange, A SEA SCHOONER, of about eighty tuns burthen, two years old, and now
fit to take a cargo in. Also a SLOOP, of fifty tuns burthen, now on the stocks,
and may be launched in three weeks. Any person inclinable to purchase may know
the terms by applying to the subscriber in Kingston parish, Gloucester county. ROBERT BILLUPS
September 15, 1768 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, on the Premises, on Tuesday the 1st of November next, for READY MONEY, A TRACT of
LAND in the county of Gloucester, where Capt. Gwyn Reade, deceased, formerly lived;
whereon is a good brick dwelling-house with four rooms on a floor, and other
convenient houses. The situation is beautiful, and the land extremely good. At
the same time will be sold the STOCKS and CATTLE, &c. DOROTHY ARMISTEAD,
Executrix. ROBERT READE, Executor.
November 3, 1768 – Virginia
Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) THE subscriber in Amelia, intends to offer his land
in Gloucester county for sale, on Tuesday the 15th of November. The terms of payment will be agreed on the day of
sale. GEORGE BOOKER
November
17, 1768 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD, On Wednesday, the 21st of December, in Gloucester county, at the plantation of the late Hugh Spotswood, deceased on Pianketank river. EIGHT
likely Virginia born SLAVES,
stocks of cattle, horses, hogs and sheep; fifty barrels of corn, some tobacco,
sundry sorts of household furniture, looms, hackles, and every kind of weaver’s
utensils, together with a number of other articles. Six months credit will be
allowed the purchasers, giving bond and security to the executor, or to Mr. Hugh Walker, who will attend the sale. N. B. All persons indebted to the said Spotswood’s estate, are desired to pay the balances to
Mr. Hugh Walker.
November
17, 1768 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
WHEREAS, by the
advice of the Council, I published an advertisement the 21st of July
last, notifying the loss the inhabitants sustained by the fire at Montreal,
in which it was recommended to the ministers to preach proper sermons on the
occasion, and to the churchwardens to make collections, in consequence thereof
I have received the following sums, viz.
Gloucester, 04.05.3; Kingston, Gloucester, Mr. Dixon, 03.02.0 ….
JOHN BLAIR.
November
17, 1768 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester, October 18, 1768. RUN away from the subscriber the
9th of this Instant, a Negro fellow named Sam, about five
feet eight inches high; he stole a white horse about thirteen hands three inches
high; was seen to pass Caroline Courthouse the 11th of this
instant, on his way to Mr. John Wiatt’s, at Mr. Mann Page’s
plantation, near Bull Run. The said runaway had the usual cloathing for
labouring Negroes. Some vile person gave him a pass, signed with my name, to
permit him to pass to the said Wiatt’s and to hire himself to any
person. The aforesaid runaway is a good carpenter and cooper. Whoever will
secure him in any gaol, so that I may get him again, shall have three pounds
reward. JASPER CLAYTON.
December 1,
1768 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 1. … We have
also heard of the following elections [to the next Assembly] For GLOUCESTER Mess. THOMAS WHITING and
LEWIS BURWELL.
December 22, 1768 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
On the 12th instant the Rev. Mr.
ARTHUR HAMILTON, Chaplain to his Excellency the Governor, was unanimously
chosen Rector of Petsworth parish, Gloucester
county, in the room of the Rev. Mr. Charles M. Thruston, who has been lately
chosen Minister for Frederick
county.
February 9,
1769 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
On Friday last died, at Portobello, after a
lingering illness, Mrs. FINNIE the younger. She was a Lady of a very good and
reputable family in Gloucester county, agreeable in person, her mind sensible
and well cultivated, and above all, such as her sweetness of disposition, that
she never made an enemy, but left as many friends as she had acquaintances,
who truly lament their loss; and the tears her death occasioned, were a
just tribute paid by friendship to virtue.
February 9, 1769 – Virginia
Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
February 2, 1769.
Pursuant to the last will and testament of Isaac
Singleton, late of Gloucester county, deceased, will be sold to the highest bidder, on the premises,
on Tuesday the 28th instant, if
fair, otherwise next fair day. A VALUABLE Tract of LAND,
lying in Ware parish, on North river, in the said
county, containing 150 acres, very conveniently situated for fish and oysters.
The purchaser will be allowed six months credit, on giving bond and approved
security to The EXECUTOR.
N. B. The
said land is subject to the widow’s dower; the reversion of which will be sold.
March 30,
1769 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GLOUCESTER, March 5, 1769. To be SOLD for ready money, on Monday the 10th
of April, at Mr. Rootes’s dwelling-house, THIRTY-FIVE choice
NEGROES, sundry sorts of valuable HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, STOCKS of CATTLE, HOGS,
SHEEP and HORSES. The sale to begin at 11 o’clock, and continue till all are
sold, and the money to be paid to the Trustees.
July 20,
1769 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, on Wednesday the
2d of August next, at Gloucester court-house, SIXTEEN
NEGROES for ready money, taken in execution by the sheriff.
September
14, 1769 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
We have _____ _____ account of the following
elections, viz. For GLOUCESTER,
Mr. THOMAS WHITING and Mr. LEWIS BURWELL.
September 21, 1769 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
at public auction, for the benefit of the insurers,
at Mr. Henry Knight’s in Kingston parish, Gloucester, on the 26th instant, The
HULL of the snow Fortune,
Capt. William Rountree, now ashore near Gwynn’s Island, in Chesapeake Bay,
together with what materials are left.
September 28, 1769 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be LET at Gloucester courthouse, on Monday the 2d of October next, The
building of two brick prisons at the said place; and at the same time will be
let the shingling of Ware
church, and other repairs to be agreed on. Bond and security will be required
of the undertakers, by the managers.
October 19, 1769 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD, on Thursday the 19th instant, for
ready money, at Gloucester court-house, A VALUABLE Negro man named TONEY, in the
possession of Dr. Thomas Clayton,
and taken by execution. He was formerly the property of Mr. William K____ and sold by him to the said Clayton. Therefore if say person has a right or claim
to the said slave, they are desired to make it known, at or before the day of
sale, to the sheriff.
October 23,
1769 – Boston Post Boy (Boston, Massachusetts)
WILLIAMSBURG, Sept.
21 .[Part of a letter written on
July 28, 1769] The snow Fortune, Rowntree, from London,
bound to Maryland, in going up the bay, in the late hurricane, was obliged to cut
away her masts and come to anchor, one of which she lost ; and last Tuesday, in
weighing, the windlass broke, which made it necessary to cut the cable, and she
drove ashore to the northward of New Point Comfort, and is entirely lost. There
were 59 passengers on board, many of them tradesmen, labourers, &c. who
propose following their several occupations in this colony, unless compelled to
go to Maryland, to be there sold to pay for their passages.
November 2, 1769 – Virginia
Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg,
Virginia)
(Advertisement) The subscriber has eight
hundred acres of choice low grounds in Gloucester county, to
dispose of, to any person who will give a suitable price, and will venture to
promise the payments will be made easy and agreeable. FRANCIS WILLIS.
November 9, 1769 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dizon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GLOUCESTER, Nov. 3,
1769. As I intend to leave
the colony as soon as my affairs can be settled, I would sell two small TRACTS
of LAND, lately the property of Dr. John Symmer, deceased. On one tract
of 100 acres is a grist mill, well situated for custom, and convenient for
raising a large stock of hogs. I have also for sale a Negro wench and two
fellows, one a shoemaker; also an assortment of MEDICINES, a large bell metal
MORTAR, and several small ones of glass marble, &c. Also a parcel of PHYSICAL BOOKS, amongst them
the greatest part of B______’s works, ____ ____ commentaries on
B________ aph______, 11 vols. &c. Short credit will be given, and the terms
of sale known by applying to G.
JOHNSTON.
N. B. All persons indebted to
me are desired to discharge their bonds or accounts immediately, without
further notice, as they cannot expect indulgence.
January 18, 1770 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD on Tuesday the 6th
of February next, on the premises (if fair, otherwise next fair day) THE
TRACT of LAND whereon Capt. John Wiatt lately lived in Petsworth parish,
Gloucester county,
containing about 400 acres. It is very good both for corn and tobacco, is well
timbered and watered, and has thereon a ______ dwelling house with two brick
chimnies _______ brick cellar under it, two rooms below and two _______ with
all necessary outhouses. The time ______ agreed on at the day of sale, the
purchaser ______ security to GEORGE ________.
February 15, 1770 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) THE subscriber not
long since advertised 800 acres of valuable low grounds in Gloucester, and since has been told, by some of his friends, it
was imagined by some Gentlemen without a full determination of selling. How to
express myself in terms fully to their satisfaction I am still at a loss but do
aver I am not only desirous of selling the above tract, but will sell 500 acres
more of the same low grounds adjoining, with a meadow which separates the two
plantations, and a little below that there is an old mill dam which
distinguishes each tract by the stream, which runs as near as may be in the
middle, besides a very valuable mill adjoining these tracts, which for upwards
of fifteen years has never got less than 150 barrels of corn and very
frequently 200, with 60 or 70 bushels of wheat a year. I will likewise sell
2500 acres of high land, which adjoins the tract of 500 acres, and extends near
two miles back, leaning towards Gloucester courthouse, the upper part of
which tract is called Cheeseman swamp, and has this great advantage of a
remarkable fine swamp, both sides my property, for near a mile, and which may
be made into a fine meadow. I have been exact in the quantity of each tract,
having examined the quitrent roll, and have paid quitrents for 27 years for the
lands specified as above, so I have taken all the pains I can not to lead the
purchaser into a deception. There are many reasons which make me desirous of
selling these several tracts of land (and I will do it on reasonable terms)
particularly to clear myself from some aspersions which, more or less, I find
no man can avoid, as the world little knows I was, at the immediate request of
a very indulgent father, urged in the most pressing manner to make several
mortgages, by application to him from several London merchants, which
within a few hundred pounds was contracted by himself before he made the estate
over to me, with several Negroes, none of which can be touched until those
debts are discharged, which make other creditors lie under a great
disadvantage. What can I do more! I hope after this the generous and humane
will not molest my person, and wait an event which I am seriously desirous of
complying with to any person who pleases to apply; and as I am very sensible no
prosperity can elate me, I humbly hope no adversity shall depress me, and have
long since been convinced the utmost we can hope for is contentment, and am
persuaded all the happiness in this world centred in one person it would not
make a very happy being. As indisputable title will be made in these lands,
which are mortgaged to the mortgagers, and Their humble servant, FRANCIS WILLIS
February 22, 1770 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GREENWICH, Feb.15,
1770 – RUN away from the subscriber, in Gloucester county, the 5th
instant, a very likely Virginia born Negro fellow named ADAM, of a yellow
complexion, about 25 years old, near 6 feet high, by trade a sawyer and cooper;
he had on when he went away a white plains waistcoat and breeches, knit yarn
stockings, Virginia shoes, steel buckles, and ozanbrigs shirt, and a
felt hat. He carried with him a light coloured suit of cloth cloaths, and other
things unknown, and some books; as he can read and write an indifferent hand,
he purposed, when he went off, to forge himself a pass to go to Carolina,
to pass as a freeman. I will give FORTY SHILLINGS reward, besides the allowance
by law, to any person that delivers the said slave to me, or either of my
overseers, in this county; and if taken in Carolina FIVE POUNDS. JOHN FOX
May 3, 1770 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
To be SOLD on Monday the 4th of June
next (if fair, if not the next fair day) at the house of Capt. Thomas
Boswell, in Gloucester county. TWENTY
VALUABLE NEGROES, consisting of men, women, and children, a very good
house carpenter, forty head of cattle, seven horses, sundry household and
kitchen furniture, taken in execution by The SHERIFF. N. B. Credit will
be agreed on at the day of sale.
August 28, 1770 – Essex Gazette (Salem, Massachusetts)
WILLIAMSBURG, August 2. In the storm we
had on Monday se’nnight, afternoon, a young man was killed at East Warehouse,
in Gloucester, and several horses, by the lightning.
Considerable damage was done in the other parts of that and the neighboring
counties; several cattle being killed, corn thrown down, &c.
August 30, 1770 – Virginia
Gazette (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) For SALE, Two hundred and fifty
acres of land in Petsworth parish, Gloucester, within a mile and a half of
York river, whereon are houses,
&c. and cleared ground for six hands; it is a fine range for cattle. This
plantation may be entered upon in December, and the money to be paid by the 25th
of October. Also, 200 acres in Ware parish, being part of the tract on which the
subscriber lives; within a mile and a half of York river, and opposite to the mouth of Queen’s creek. Likewise 350 acres
of land in Kingston parish, within a mile of East warehouse, and half a mile
of a branch of York river. These two tracts may be entered on
immediately. Any person inclinable to purchase the above lands may depend on
having a great bargain of them, by applying to
JOHN HUGHES.
October 11,
1770 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD on Monday the 29th
instant, on the premises, if fair, otherwise next fair day. About 500 acres
of good LAND in Kingston parish, Gloucester county, extending at least
2 miles on East
river. On it is a very good dwelling-house, with 2 brick chimnies, and all
convenient out-houses, also a store-house underpinned with brick, which has a brick
chimney, and a good cellar, with an apple orchard that produces 3000 gallons of
cider, and a quarter with 2 brick chimnies. It is a remarkable fine place for
fish and oysters, there are several fine springs on the land, and it is well
calculated for public business, being in the middle of the parish, the
warehouses upon it, and navigable water to them. There are four other houses at
the warehouse, and the whole rent for upwards of 40l. a year. Also a
tract adjoining the above, containing about 170 acres, more than one half of
which is wood land. An undoubted title will be made to the purchaser, by
applying to CALEB HUNLEY, and RANSONE
HUNLEY
October 25,
1770 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) A PARCEL of choice SLAVES, among which are
some fine boys from 8 to 14 years of age, will be
sold at Gloucester courthouse, for ready money,
on Thursday the 28 of November.
November 8,
1770 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) AMELIA
county, Nov. 1, 1770. RUN away from the subscriber
… a likely Virginia born Negro fellow named TOM, about 26 years of age …
He was formerly the property of one Tompkins of Gloucester, and I
am well informed he has been frequently seen lurking about the plantation of
Mr. Hubard, near Poplar Spring church, in said county, where he
has a wife. … JAMES HENDERSON
November
29, 1770 – Virginia Gazette, Rind ( Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
to the highest bidder, on Thursday the 20th of December, if
fair, otherwise next fair day, on the premises, A TRACT of LAND pleasantly
situated on Sarah’s Creek, in Gloucester county, containing about
205 acres, whereon is a dwelling-house, with brick chimnies and cellar, a
kitchen, and all other convenient out houses, mostly new. Also another house 20
by 16, just built; the land is good, and convenient to fish and oysters, with a
good landing, where a sea vessel that draws 8 or 10 feet water, may come within
40 yards of the house. The time of payment will be agreed on at the sale. JAMES
MUDIE.
At
The same time and place will be SOLD, for ready money, or short credit, PART,
or the whole, of the sloop Polly & Fanny, a new vessel, well fitted,
and a prime sailor, has made but one voyage to the West Indies, burthen
about 3000 bushels, now lying in Sarah’s Creek. For terms apply to JAMES
MUDIE.
December
13, 1770 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester, December 6, 1770. To be SOLD on the premises, the first day of next
month, to the highest bidder, THE plantation where the subscriber now lives
containing 300 acres, with a good dwelling house, and other convenient houses;
also several valuable Negroes. The money for which to be paid to the Rev. Charles
M. Thruston, and Henry Parsell. The terms to be agreed on the day of
sale. LAWRENCE STUBBS.
January 10,
1771 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Pursuant
to an Act of Assembly, on Thursday the 31st of January
next, will be exposed to sale on the premises. FIVE hundred and fifty acres
of exceeding good LAND, now in the possession of John Roster, adjoining
the land whereon Gloucester court house stands, the line running within
a few yards of the courthouse door. The
land will be sold altogether, or in parcels as may best suit the purchasers.
Six months credit will be allowed for two thirds of the money, and twelve
months for the remainder, on giving bond and security to THE TRUSTEES. N. B.
Mr. Francis Whiting will show the land to any person inclinable to
view it before the day of sale.
January 10,
1771 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
A large parcel
of very fine SLAVES, Virginia born, belonging to the estate of Mr. John
Armistead, deceased, will be sold on Thursday the 24th of
January, if fair, otherwise next fair day, at the battery, in Kingston
parish, Gloucester county, for ready money, by the executors. At the
same time will be sold 25 very fine SLAVES, for ready money only.
January 17,
1771 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
JANUARY 12, 1771. To be SOLD at the plantation on which William
Stubbs, now lives in Gloucester county, near Mr. James Hubard’s
on Tuesday the 29th instant., Ten very likely Virginia
born NEGROES, Amongst whom is a good carpenter. Sundry sorts of household
and kitchen furniture, fifty barrels of corn, one hundred feet of fodder, three
or four thousand bundles of blades, and a large parcel of corn shocks. Time of
payment will be agreed on at the sale. A large discount for cash. Bonds,
&c. to be payable to John Hughes and John New. WILLIAM STUBBS.
May 9, 1771 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away
from the Subscriber, in Gloucester County, the 1st of November
last, a likely Virginia born Negro Woman named
MILLY, about four Feet eight or ten Inches high, and has a large Scar on one of
her Arms. She was formerly the Property of Mrs. Churchill of Middlesex,
and is supposed to be lurking about there, or Mr. John Smith’s Plantation in Lancaster. Any person that will
apprehend the said Negro, and deliver her to me, shall have FORTY SHILLINGS
Reward. PETER WIATT
July 18,
1771 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Gloucester, July 11,
1771. RUN away from the Subscriber, in February
1770, a likely Negro Fellow named ADAM, by Trade a Cooper and Sawer, near six
Feet high, of a yellow Complexion, down Look, rather slow of Speech, his Beard
grows much under his Chin, has some gray Hairs on his Head, though but twenty
five Years old, and one of his Shins has been Hurt. – He was some Months
advertised in the Virginia Gazette, and in the Night of the 25th
Instant made his Escape from Mr. Spilfy Coleman, at an Ordinary in
Henrico County, who was bringing him from Orange County, North
Carolina (where he had indented himself, by the Name of Thomas Jackson,
to one Hugh Dobbins ) but has since been seen at the Plantation of
Colonel William Macon, in New Kent. He had on, when he made his
escape, a Pair of coarse parched Rolls Trousers, a Cotton or white Plains Waistcoat much worn about
the Sleeves, a pretty good brown Linen Shirt, but very dirty, a small new Felt
Hat, and a Pair of old Shoes. He took Nothing with him but what he had on,
which perhaps he may change the first Opportunity. He pretends to be a
Newlight, can read and write a little, and had when taken up a forged Pass.
Whoever brings the said Negro to me in Gloucester County, or to Colonel William
Macon of New Kent County, shall have FIVE POUNDS Reward if taken in
this Colony and TWENTY FIVE POUNDS if out thereof. JOHN FOX
September 5, 1771 – Virginia
Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GLOUCESTER county, August 19, 1771, THE subscriber gives this public notice that he is now settled at the
plantation which belonged to the late Mrs. Baytop, and where the late
Dr. Alexander Dalgleish boarded, with an intent to practice physic and
surgery. He now willingly offers his service to those who may stand in need
thereof, and will be proud to receive their favours. He has most sorts of drugs
and medicines, and many other things in his way, all good in their kinds, to be
disposed of at a reasonable price for ready money. WILLIAM CARTER
N. B. He is inclined either to sell, or rent by the
year, his dwelling-house and lots in Palace street, which may be entered on by
the first of October next. For the terms apply to Mr. John Carter, merchant,
in the city of Williamsburg. W.C.
October 31,
1771 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
THE subscriber,
in Amelia, intends to offer his land in Gloucester county, about 4 miles from Gloucester town, for sale, on the 19th
of November. Long credit will be given for great part of the purchase
money if required, and Negroes will be taken as part of pay if agreeable to the
purchaser. GEORGE BOOKER
October 31,
1771 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
To be sold,
pursuant to a decree of the county court of Gloucester, on the 11th day of November,
if fair, if not the next fair day, THIRTEEN likely Virginia born SLAVES belonging to
the estate of the Rev. Robert Yates, deceased. The sale will be at the
plantation of Mrs. Mary Yates, within 3 miles of Capahosick ferry.
Twelve months credit will be allowed to purchasers, on giving bond and security
to The GUARDIAN.
November 7,
1771 – Virginia
Gazette, (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
As I find I shall be obliged to make up a large Sum of Money, on Account
of my being Security for Gwyn Reed,
High Sheriff, I propose disposing of two Tracts of LAND, namely, one lying on
the Head of Slut’s Creek, containing a Hundred and nine Acres, convenient to
Fish and Oysters, small Peach and Apple Orchards thereon, a good Tobacco House
but one Year old, two Dwelling houses, with several Outhouses, and every Acre
tenable; the other Tract, whereon I now live, on Queen’s Creek, contains two
Hundred and fifty Acres, with a Dwelling house thirty two by sixteen, with two
Dormers on a Side, a Quarter and large Cornhouse each but a Year old, a new
Workhouse forty Feet by twenty, a new Smith’s Shop, and several convenient
Outhouses, a large young Peach and Apple Orchard, and lies about Middle of Kingston Parish, very pleasantly
situated, with a fine Landing for a Ship Carpenter, or a Merchant, where
Vessels may lie close ashore; the Land is well timbered, and very convenient to
Fish and Oysters. Also a Schooner, and Schooner Boat; the Schooner is thirty
one Feet Keel, thirteen Beam, six in the Hold, and eighteen Months old; the
Boat is twenty eight feet Keel, twelve feet Beam, and five feet in the Hold,
about four Years old. I have likewise a
Boat upon the Stocks, which I shall be glad to dispose of; it is twenty nine
Feet Keel, twelve Feet Beam, and five Feet Hold, and will be finished by the 1st
of December. Whoever inclines to
purchase may have good Bargains for Cash, by applying to the Subscriber. ROBERT BILLUPS
November 7, 1771 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, on the last Thursday in November,
if fair, otherwise next fair Day. ALL that tract or Parcel of Land lying in
Petsworth Parish, in the County of Gloucester, known by the name
of Paradise; the Quantity for which Quitrents have been paid in eleven
Hundred and forty Acres, but it will be ascertained by Survey before the Day of
Sale, and is supposed to contain about fourteen Hundred Acres. It lies very
convenient to Portapotank
Inspection of Tobacco, on a Creek of York River, and within
thirteen Miles of Urbanna; the Soil is exceeding good for Tobacco, Corn,
or Wheat, and more than Half imagined to be Woodland, the greatest Part of which is very good, and well
timbered. Mr. William Peltard, who lives near the Land, will be kind
enough to show it to any Person who may choose to look over it. The Proprietors
of this Land live in the Province of Maryland, who have authorized me to dispose of it, and
possessed me with their Title Papers for the Inspection of those who may
incline to purchase. I will make a private Bargain for it between this and the Sale, but if I do not the Terms will then be made
known. JOHN LEE ESSEX, October 25, 1771
December 5,
1771 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
[Elected to the next General
Assembly] Gloucester, Mr. Thomas Whiting, and Mr.
Lewis Burwell.
February
27, 1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Kingston Parish Gloucester County) February 14, 1772. ANY Person that will be in Want of any PINE PLANK for House Building,
or any Thing else, may be supplied by the Subscriber in a short Time, who has
ten Hands employed that Way for this Year; also Scantling of any Kind, good
Pine Heart Shingles, which I will warrant to be as good as any Cypress, Laths
for plaistering upon, Garden Posts, Pales, &c. or, in short, any Thing in
the Timber Way. I would undertake small Buildings, and find the Whole if
agreeable. Any Person in Want of the above may depend on having them on good
Terms, and as good Timber as any in the lower Parts of the Country. EDWARD HUGHES. *** I shall have a twenty five
Hogshead Flat built by May, and then can send Plank, &c. to any
convenient Landing.
March 19,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
on Wednesday the10th of June next, on the Premises, A
TRACT of LAND on North River, in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County,
containing two Hundred Acres, pleasantly situated, and well timbered; the Soil
is well adapted for the Culture of Tobacco, Wheat, and other Grain. One Half
the Purchase Money to be paid down, and twelve Months Credit allowed for the
other. Farther Particulars may be known of the Subscriber, in Isle of Wight, who would be glad to treat
with any Person that may be inclined to purchase at private Sale. JOHN HAYES
April 23,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GREENWICH, Gloucester county, Feb. 22,
1772. RUN
away from the subscriber in February, 1770,
a likely Negro fellow named ADAM, by trade a cooper and sawyer, near 6 feet
high, of a yellow complexion, down look, rather slow of speech, his beard grows
much under his chin, and has some grey hairs in his head, though but 26 years
old; he was some months advertised in the Virginia
Gazette, and was taken up in Orange
county, North Carolina,
but on his way home made his escape (where he had indented himself by the name
of Thomas Jackson to one Hugh Dobbins) he was seen some time ago in Gloucester, when his dress was a cotton or plains
waistcoat, though I imagine he has found means of changing it before this. He
presents to be a Newlight, and reads and writes a little (generally a very
small hand) and forges himself passes, by examining which he may be easily
discovered. Whoever takes up said slave, and conveys him to me, shall receive,
if taken in Virginia
TEN POUNDS reward; if in North
Carolina TWENTY FIVE POUNDS, or,
if further, in proportion to their trouble.
JOHN FOX.
May 11,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) For SALE, ALL that Tract or Parcel
of LAND lying in Petsworth Parish, in the County of Gloucester, known by the Name of Paradise, containing, by Survey,
fourteen Hundred and forty six Acres. It lies very convenient to Portopotank
Inspection of Tobacco, on a Creek of York River, and within thirteen
Miles of Urbanna; the Soil is exceeding good for Tobacco, Corn, or
Wheat, and more than Half imagined to be Woodland, the greatest Part of which
is very good, and well timbered. Mr. William Pollard, who lives near the
Land, will be kind enough to show it to say Person who may choose to look over
it. The Proprietors of this Land live in the Province of Maryland, who have authorized me to
dispose of it, and possessed me with their Title Papers, for the Inspection of
those who may incline to purchase. JOHN
LEE ESSEX, May 5,
1772.
May 21,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
pursuant to a Decree of the Honourable the General Court, at publick Auction, on
the Premises, on … Friday the 17th of the same Month [July] will
be sold, … in the County of Gloucester, and entered on the 1st
of January, eight Hundred Acres of LAND lying on the Dragon
Swamp, Part of which is good low Grounds, and about fifty Acres of Swamp.
Twelve Months, credit will be allowed ,
giving Bond with good security, to GEORGE PURDIE; JOHN BOWDOIN; JOHN SMITH;
JOHN LEE.
May 28,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GLOUCESTER Courthouse, May 21,
1772. NOTICE is hereby given that a great COCK
MATCH , which was made some Time ago to be fought at the Battery in that
County, is now agreed by the Gentlemen concerned to be fought here on Whitson
Monday.
July 23,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) PURSUANT to
a Decree of the Honourable the General Court, we shall, on the 25th
of August, on the Premises, sell, at publick Auction, the LANDS of Francis
Willis, Esquire, in Gloucester County, to wit: Eight Hundred Acres,
more or less, called Daval’s and Cowpers, and five Hundred Acres,
or thereabouts, called Cocker’s, with sundry Slaves, Stocks, and
Household Furniture. … We shall also attend at Gloucester Courthouse on the 6th
of that Month, it being Court Day, to receive and state the Demands of Mr. Willis’s
Creditors, who are desired to produce and prove them before us. JOHN PAGE,
THOMAS NELSON, Junior; DAVID KER, Commissioners.
July 30,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia
( Advertisement) STOLEN from my Plantation, on Bull
Run, on the 20th Instant (July) a dark bay Stallion, known by
the Name of JOHN DISMAL, fifteen hands high, very handsome, and has some white
Hairs in the Footlock of one of his hind Feet. Whoever delivers the said Horse
to me in Gloucester, or to Mr. Thomas
Throckmorton in Prince William, shall be paid TEN POUNDS; and, on
bringing the Offender to Justice TEN POUNDS more. I have great Reason to
believe he was carried to North Carolina, as he was heard of several
Miles below the Plantation. The above Reward shall be
paid on Demand. LEWIS BURWELL
August 6, 1772 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) IN Obedience to the foregoing Decree, the Persons therein appointed will
sell, at public Auction, at Gloucester Courthouse, on the first Thursday
in September next, a Tract of Land known by the Name of the DRAGON QUARTER,
mentioned in the said decree, containing about eight Hundred Acres, on twelve
Months Credit; the Purchasers to give Bond, with sufficient Security. *** All Persons having any Claims against the
Estate of John Smith, deceased,
are desired to lay them before the Gentlemen appointed by the Decree of the
Honourable General Court, between this and the 20th of October
next, as the Plaintiffs in the above Suit intend to move for a final Decree at
that Time. GEORGE PURDIE, JOHN BOWDOIN,
JOHN SMITH.
August 27,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
by the Subscriber, at next Fredericksburg September Fair. A Negro Woman and
four Children, which Woman I some Time ago purchase, at publick Sale, of the
Sheriff at Gloucester Courthouse, but have since understood that there
is a Claim against her and Children after the Death of Mrs. Gwyn, in Gloucester
County. As I intend to leave the Colony in a short Time, I thought it proper to
give the Claimant and Purchaser this
publick Notice, so that there may be no Dispute afterwards. – I have likewise
for Sale a House, Storehouse, and two valuable lots, in the
Town of Fredericksburg. ALEXANDER KENNEDY.
October 8,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) At a
GENERAL COURT held at the Capitol May 7, 1772, John Bowdoin, and Isaac Smith,
merchants, surviving partners of Littleton Eyre, deceased, plaintiffs, against
John Smith, and Edward Smith, and, Matthew Smith, infants, Augustine Smith,
Sarah Smith, Thomas Smith, Wilson Miles Cary, James Buchanan, & Co. of London, Merchants, Edward Pendleton, and
Peter Lyons, surviving administrators, &c of John Robinson, Esquire,
deceased, Peter Presley Thornton, and Sarah his wife, and Mary Ambler, Jaquelin
Ambler, Robert Carter Nicholas, Wilson Miles Cary, and John Blair, executors, &c. of Edward
Ambler, deceased defendants.
The defendant John Smith is
appointed guardian to the defendants Edward and Matthew Smith,
who are infants, to defend them in this suit; and by consent of parties, this
cause was this day heard, upon the bill, answers, and sundry exhibits. On
consideration whereof it is decreed and ordered, that George Purdie,
John Bowdoin, John Lee, and John Smith, Gentlemen, or any two or
more of them, after giving convenient notice in the Virginia Gazette,
sell, at public auction, the lands in the counties of Gloucester and Northampton,
known by the names of Dragon Quarter and Fleet’s Bay, comprised in
the indentures of mortgage in the bill mentioned, at twelve months credit, to
be entered upon the first day of January next; and also the slaves, with their
increase, and other things in the said mortgages mentioned, at three months
credit, taking bonds, with sufficient security, from the purchasers, and return
an account thereof to the court; that Dudley Digges, Thomas Nelson, junior, and David Jameson, Gentlemen,
or any two of them, do state and settle the claims of the plaintiffs, and the
defendants, and of any other creditors of John Smith, deceased, in
the bill named, who may desire it, and make report thereof to the court; … BEN:
WALLER.
October 15,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Pursuant
to a decree of Gloucester court, will be sold
at the said courthouse, by the sheriff, on Wednesday the 21st
instant. TWO hundred acres of LAND
in Petsworth parish, whereon John Stubbs now lives, on three
months credit. There will likewise be sold, at the same time and place, twelve
choice NEGROES, for ready money, taken in execution by The SHERIFF.
October 29,
1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
at the Raleigh, in Williamsburg, on Thursday the 12th
of November, A VALUABLE TRACT OF LAND IN Gloucester, adjoining the
Seat of Jonathan Watson, Esquire, containing about one Thousand Acres,
on which are all necessary Houses for a Plantation in very good Repair, and
Land enclosed sufficient to work thirty Hands. There is on the said Land a fine
Swamp for a Meadow, about ten Acres of which is already cleared; also an
Orchard of Hughes’s Apples, and several other choice Fruits. Twelve
Months Credit will be allowed for one Half of the Purchase Money, and two Years
for the Remainder, upon Bond, with approved Security, being given to JOHN
FOX. N. B. The above Land is very convenient to
Navigation, &c. and will be shown to any Person inclinable to purchase it,
by applying to John Dudley, Overseer on the Premises.
November
12, 1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
to the highest bidder, at Gloucester Courthouse, on Friday the 11th
of December, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, All the Estate of Lyne
Rowe, deceased, consisting of six valuable SLAVES, two very likely young
NAGS, a RIDING CHAIR, and several Kinds of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. Credit for all
Sums above twenty five Shillings to the first of April next, giving Bond
with Security, and a Discount of five per Cent for ready Money. Persons having
Claims against the Estate are desired to make them known, before the Sale to OVERTON COSBY,
Administrator.
November
19, 1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester County, November 10, 1772. THE SUBSCRIBER having invented a cheap and simple Machine for
separating Wheat from the Straw, which will with Care, beat out a Hundred and
twenty bushels a Day, with three Horses, or in that Proportion with a greater
of less Number, begs Leave to inform the Publick that he proposes to get some
Gentlemen in every County to set on Foot a Subscription for raising such Sums
as they may think the Invention of so useful a Machine deserves. And he now
takes this Method of requesting the Favour of all Lovers of useful Improvement
to encourage and promote this; which he does assure them may be carried into Execution by any tolerable Carpenter,
and the whole Expense, if purchased, will not exceed fifteen Pounds, and if
made by Gentlemens own Servants will not cost twenty Shillings. As soon as a sufficient
Sum is subscribed he will produce Models, and lodge them in different Parts of
the Country. This he hopes to be encouraged to do by the April General Court next, that all the
Subscribers may have Time to furnish themselves with the Machine before
Harvest. He does not expect, or desire, to receive a Shilling of the Money
subscribed til the October General Court following, nor even then unless
it shall appear that his Machine deserves it. JOHN HOBDAY,
We the Subscribers have examined a
Model of Mr. Hobday’s Machine for beating out Wheat, and are of Opinion
that it may be easily carried into Execution and will fully answer the Purpose
intended. THOMAS NELSON; DAVID JAMESON;
JACQUELIN AMBLER; JOHN PAGE, Rosewell.
December
17, 1772 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) JOSEPH
FAULKS, The noted Performer in HORSEMANSHIP, Who has exhibited in
different Parts of Virginia, and gave great satisfaction, intends
performance at Gloucester Courthouse, near John Fox, Esquire’s on
Saturday the 26th , and Monday the 28th
Instant (December) at one o’Clock.
January 14,
1773 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
pursuant to a Decree of Gloucester Court, on Tuesday the 19th Instant (January) at Gloucester Courthouse, Thirty
choice Virginia born SLAVES, belonging to
the Estate of John Scott, deceased. Twelve Months Credit will be
allowed, on Bond and Security being given to CHARLES M. THRUSTON.
February
18, 1773 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) ON Wednesday
the 24th Instant (February) if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
will be sold, by a Decree of Gloucester
Court, at the Courthouse of the said County, twenty five likely NEGROES,
for which six Months Credit will be allowed the Purchasers, on giving Bond and
good Security – At the same Time and Place will be sold twenty other likely
NEGROES, for ready Money or short Credit. BENJAMIN SHACKELFORD, Sub Sheriff.
April 1, 1773 – Virginia
Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) A great COCK
MATCH To be fought at GLOUCESTER COURTHOUSE, on THURSDAY the 15th
instant, APRIL.
May 20,
1773 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away
from the subscriber, on the 15th of April, a Negro man named JACK,
belonging to Mr. John Fox, of Gloucester county, who I am informed
he purchased of the estate of one Mr. Stubbs, of said county. He is by trade a
shoemaker, and once worked with Mr. Robert Gilbert in Williamsburg, is fond of
the violin, and has taken with him a new one, which his master lately gave him;
he is about 5 feet 8 inches high, very black, well proportioned, has large
white eyes, is a cunning artful fellow, and if apprehended will endeavor to
make his escape. His cloathing was the same as that of other labouring Negroes.
I will give FORTY SHILLINGS to any person that will bring the said fellow to
me, at Warwick ferry, on James river, besides paying all
reasonable expences. THOMAS PEMBLE. ***
All persons are hereby forewarned from harbouring or entertaining him. – H is
well acquainted in Williamsburg and Gloucester, and in many other places
in the colony.
September
23, 1773 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away
from the Subscriber, in Gloucester County, on Tuesday the 16th
of August, Robert Wood, a Weaver by Trade, about eighteen Years old, a well
looking Lad, and his right Wrist has been broke, which makes it much larger
than the other. He had on, and carried with him, a Coat and Breeches of Virginia brown Jeans, a double
breasted striped Cotton Waistcoat, a Pair of Stockings of a mixed gray Colour,
one Linen and One Cotton Shirt, and Brass Buckles in his Shoes. Whoever takes
up said Runaway, and conveys him to me, near Gloucester Town, shall have FORTY SHILLINGS
Reward. THOMAS ROBINS. N.B. I
forewarn all Persons from harbouring or carrying him out of the Colony. He is
thought to be in Prince George County.
September
30, 1773 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
to the highest bidder, the 27th of October, Five hundred acres of
choice low GROUNDS, on Ware river, in Gloucester county, and near 200 acres
of the five are in wood. There are no houses on the land, but the subscriber
will lend the purchaser a dwellinghouse, with two brick chimnies, and
underpinned with the same, a quarter 20 feet by 40, and a large loft, well
floored, that will hold 300 barrels of corn, for a reasonable time. The
subscriber will likewise shew the land to any Gentleman that may be inclined to
become a purchaser. Twelve months credit will be allowed; and bond and good
security required. If the money is not paid on the day it becomes due, interest
from the date of that bond will be demanded. FRANCIS WILLIS, junior.
September
30, 1773 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) George the
Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the
Faith, &c. To the sheriff of
Gloucester county, greeting: We command you that you summon Joseph Davenport to
appear before the justices of our said county, on the first Thursday in next month,
to answer a bill in chancery, exhibited against him by John Thruston; and this
he shall in no wise omit, under the penalty of 100 l. and have then
there this writ. Witness John Clayton, clerk of our said court, at the
courthouse aforesaid, the 10th day of August, in the 13th
year of our reign. JASPER CLAYTON, D. C. G. C.
October 21,
1773 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away from Eaton Hill, in Gloucester County, on Monday
the 4th Instant (October) a very likely Mulatto Fellow named
JAMES, about five Feet seven Inches high, and has very long Wool, which he
combs high before. Whoever takes him up, so that I get him again, shall be
handsomely rewarded for his Trouble. AGATHA RANDOLPH. N. B. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from
carrying him out of the Country.
November
18, 1773 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
to the highest Bidder, the 3d Thursday in December, upon the
Premises, in Obedience to a Decree of Gloucester Court, About 400
Acres of good CORN and TOBACCO LAND, pleasantly situated on Carter’s Creek
in the said County, adjoining the Seat of Lewis Burwell, Esq. There is upon it a comfortable Dwellinghouse
with several Offices, and a good Apple Orchard. Credit will be allowed the
Purchaser till the first of May next, on giving Bond and approved
Security to the Sheriff.
N. B. At the same Time will
be SOLD Mr. Zachariah Row’s Right, in Reversion, to the Dower slaves now
in Possession of Mrs. Rebeccah Row, Widow of the late Mr. Benjamin
Row, deceased, on the above Terms of Payment.
January 27,
1774 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) If JOHN
MURRELL, brother of Sarah Murrell, late of Gloucester county, will apply to the
printer hereof, he will be informed of a legacy of about nineteen pounds, left
him by his sister Sarah.
February
10, 1774 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be
RENTED, on the premises, for a term of years, on Friday the 18th
instant (February) if fair, if not, the next fair day, THE TAVERN lately
occupied by Mr. John New at Gloucester Courthouse, a large two story house, and
billiard table offices of every kind, new and convenient with a good garden
paled in, and a lot posted and railed. At the above time and place will be
rented for a term of years, the tavern lately kept at the same place by Mr.
William Hall; the buildings are large and convenient, with a garden. Any person
who wants the above taverns shall have land on the said tract, upon reasonable
terms, to work ten Negroes or less. On the same day will be rented the
storehouse lately kept by Mr. Francis Whiting, which has a counting room with a
fireplace. And, at the same time and place, will be sold a large parcel of
household furniture, stocks of cattle, &c. and a quantity of bacon. The
persons who rent the taverns may supply themselves. The tavernkeepers who
lately lived at the above place have acquired genteel fortunes in a few years;
and the place is encreasing in value. JOHN FOX.
February
10, 1774 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
by the subscriber, in Gloucester county, Kingston parish, and delivered up
next December. A TRACT OF LAND containing upwards of 300 acres, pleasantly
situated on Mobjack Bay, between East and North river; the land is as good as
any in the parish. There are about 15 aces of marsh, a good DWELLINGHOUSE, and
all other necessary buildings. The whole may be had cheap for ready money. JOHN WILLIS
February
10, 1774 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) FOR SALE. A TRACT OF LAND belonging
to the subscriber, in Gloucester county, Kingston parish , near New Point
Comfort, containing about 800 acres. There are on this land one peach and three
apple orchards; the land is well timbered. For terms apply to GEORGE W. PLUMMER
February
17, 1774 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
pursuant to a Decree of Gloucester Court, on Tuesday the first of March,
on the Premises. A TRACT of LAND
in said County, containing about 500 Acres, formerly the Property of Mr. Zachariah
Rowe, and in which his Mother has her Life; it is convenient to Fish and
Oysters, and has every convenience for the Plantation Business – At the same
Time will be sold several likely Negroes, all Kinds of STOCK, the HOUSEHOLD
FURNITURE, and sundry other articles – For ready Money, by The Sheriff.
March 3, 1774 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Mr. JOHN
WILLIS, A person desires to be informed what are your lowest Terms for the Land
you have advertised for Sale on Mobjack Bay, between East and North Rivers, also your longest Credit.
March 17,
1774 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
by Virtue of a Deed of Trust to Lucas and Dixon, and John Dixon, on
Monday the 18th of April, if fair, otherwise
next fair Day, A very valuable Tract of Land on Milford Haven, in Kingston
Parish, being on the Main opposite to Gwyn’s Island, in Gloucester
County, containing about 500 Acres. This fine Plantation is remarkable for many
Advantages and Conveniences; for, besides the Land being very good, there is a
Brick Dwelling House with three Rooms on a floor and a large Passage, a
Kitchen, Barn, and all other necessary Houses, in the best Repair; there is
likewise a Brick Windmill open to the Bay, which gets upwards of 100 Barrels of
Corn a Year, besides an excellent Orchard. And for a great Plenty and a Variety
of Sea and River Fish, and the finest Oysters, it yields to no Place in Virginia.
April 14,
1774 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
on the premises, the 25th of this instant, April, pursuant to a deed
of trust conveyed by John Gayle to William Smith,
A TRACT of LAND situated on East river, in Gloucester county, and convenient to
fish and oysters. The land is in good order for cropping, and produces as good
corn and tobacco as any in the said county, if taken proper care of. There are
297 acres; which may be purchased reasonably for ready money. WILLIAM SMITH.
May 5, 1774 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
on Friday the 27th Instant (May) before the Raleigh
Tavern, Eight Hundred Acres of very valuable LAND lying in Kingston Parish, Gloucester
County, near New Point Comfort, which is well timbered with Pine and
White Oak. Upon it is a Dwelling House with two Brick Chimnies, all convenient
Houses, one Peach, and three Apple Orchards. – At the same Time will be sold
thirty likely Virginia born SLAVES. GEORGE W. PLUMMER.
May 19,
1774 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
WILLIAMSBURG, May 19. Last
Saturday evening there fell a shower of hail in Gloucester county, which did
considerable damage to the wheat. In several places there were hailstones as
large as goose eggs; many as large as hen eggs. In some places, and
particularly near Mr. Willis’s mill, the earth was covered several inches deep
with hail as large as pistol bullets. The hail and rain fell together so
violently there, that they filled the buckets of the wheel, and set the mill to
work, and carried round the works for a considerable time with great velocity.
The water in the pond was not within a foot of the wheel, for the dam had but
lately been made up; and this fact Mr. Willis and Mr. Peter Whiting, who had
taken shelter in the mill house, were witnesses of. This account is attested by
a gentleman of undoubted veracity. The wheat fields and meadows, both in Gloucester and York, are terribly infested with
a kind of worm or caterpillar. They have done considerable mischief to the
corn, and to the tobacco which has been planted.
June
23, 1774 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) FOR SALE, A
TRACT of LAND in Gloucester county, Petsworth parish, containing 1170 acres,
lying on Poropotank river, and convenient to fish and Oysters. The plantation
is in good order for cropping, has a valuable dwelling house upon it, all
necessary outhouses, barns, orchards, &c. and a mill upon an excellent stream of water. Also 2673 ½ of land in the
same county and parish, which will be sold in lots to suit purchasers. Application
is to be made to the next general assembly for an act to dock the intail of the
above lands. They will be shown by Mr. Lewis Booker, of whom the terms may be
know. WILSON M. CARY.
July
21, 1774 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Account of ELECTIONS since
our last, viz. For Gloucester, Thomas Whiting and Lewis
Burwell.
July 28,
1774 – Virginia Gazette, Rind (Williamsburg, Virginia)
At a general and full
meeting of the inhabitants of the county of Gloucester at the courthouse of said
county, after due notice, on Thursday the ____ of July, 1774, James Hubbard, esquire, judge of
the said county court being unanimously elected moderator, they came to the
following resolves:
RESOLVED, that we will ever maintain
and defend his majesty and ______ and
title to the crown of Great Britain, and his dominions in America, to whose
royal person we profess the firmest attachment.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of
this meeting, that taxation and representation are inseparable, and that as we
are not, and from the nature of things cannot, be represented in British parliament,
every attempt of that body to impose internal taxes in America is arbitrary,
unconstitutional, and oppressive.
Resolved, that the act of blocking
up the harbour of Boston, and other purposes therein mentioned, is cruel and
unjust, and a convincing proof of the fixed intention of parliament to deprive
America of her constitutional rights and liberties
Resolved, that the cause of Boston in the common cause of all America, and that we will firmly
unite with the other counties in this colony, and the other colonies on this
continent, in every measure that may be thought necessary on this alarming
occasion.
Resolved, that we do most heartily
concur with our late representatives in their resolve of the total disuse of
tea, and do farther resolve against the use of any East India commodity
whatsoever, except saltpeter.
Resolved, that we will not import,
or purchase when imported, any merchandise or commodities from Great Britain,
and that at a short day, hereafter to be fixed, we will stop all exports to
Great Britain, until there is a total repeal of the Boston port act, all the
several acts imposing taxes on America, for the purpose of raising a revenue,
and those other acts made particularly against our brethren of the
Massachusetts Bay, an account of their ___ opposition to the late revenue acts.
Resolved, that should our sister
colonies of Maryland and North Carolina determine not to export
their tobacco to Great Britain, we will be far from
availing ourselves of their patriotic resolutions, by continuing to export
ours.
Resolved, that we will submit to any
resolutions that may be entered into, either by the deputies of the several
counties in this colony at Williamsburg, or by the general congress of the colonies
on the continent.
Resolved, that we will not deal with
any person or persons in this county who will not sign this association, and
strictly and literally conform to every distinct article thereof, nor with any
other person or persons who will not sign and strictly conform, to the
particular resolves of their respective counties, but will forever despise and
detest them, as enemies to American liberty.
Resolved, that it is the opinion of
this meeting, that immediately upon the non-exportation plan taking place,
neither the gentlemen of the ___ nor any other person, ought to bring any suit
for the recovery of any debt, or prosecute farther any suit already brought,
during the continuance of these resolutions, it being utterly inconsistent with
such scheme for any man to be compelled to pay without the means wherewith he
may pay.
Resolved, that we do most cordially
approve of the intended meeting of the late burgesses, on the 1st of
August next, at Williamsburg, and do depute Thomas Whiting and Lewis Burwell,
esquires, our late worthy representatives, to consult with the deputies of the
several counties of this colony, and to adopt such measures as are agreeable to
the foregoing resolutions, hereby engaging, on our parts, to conform thereto,
and to support the same to the utmost of our power.
Resolved, that the clerk of this
meeting transmit to the printers of both Gazettes copies of the above resolves,
with the request of the county to insert
them in their papers. JASPER
CLAYTON, Clerk.
August 4, 1774 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD,
on Saturday, the 6th of September, at the late
Dwelling-House of Mr. James Ransom, deceased, in Kingston Parish,
Gloucester County, Sundry Negroes, and the Plantation whereon the
said Ransom lived, containing 373 Acres, reserving to the Widow her
Dower. Part of the Purchase Money must be paid down, and short Credit will be
allowed for the Remainder.
September 8, 1774 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) GLOUCESTER County, September 7, 1774. THE SUBSCRIBER, understanding as many branches of the weaving business
as any Person in this Colony, would be very glad to set up a Manufactory for
weaving Linens, Cottons, Woollens, and Ship Canvas, which he will engage shall
not be inferior to any imported from Britain. He was employed for three Years
by Warner Lewis, Esq. of this County, to whom he refers any Gentleman
for his Character and Abilities in his Profession; and will be ready to wait
upon any One, at any Time or Place.
WILLIAM ROBERTS.
November
24, 1774 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
GLOUCESTER County, November 7, 1774. From certain Information that the Virginia, Captain Howard Esten, was
arrived in York River with a Quantity of Tea on Board, twenty three Members of the Committee
of Gloucester County, with a Number of other inhabitants, assembled at Gloucester Town, to determine how the said
Tea should be disposed of.
Hearing that the Members of the House
of Burgesses in Williamsburg, at 8
o’Clock this Morning, had taken the Matter under their Consideration, we
determined to wait the Result of their Deliberations. We accordingly waited till
after twelve; but the Determination from Williamsburg having not come down, we
repaired to the Ship in Order to meet the Committee of York, which we supposed
to be in the great Number of those we discerned on Board. On our Arrival, we
found the Tea had met with its deserved Fate, for it had been committed to the
Waves. We then returned, and after mature Deliberation came to the following
Resolutions.
Resolved, that John Norton, Merchant
in London, by sending over Tea in his Ship, has lent his little
Aid to the Ministry for enslaving America, and been guilty of daring Insult
upon the People of this Colony, to whom he owes his ALL.
Resolved, that the Ship Virginia, in
which the detestable Tea came, ought and shall return in twenty Days from the
Date hereof.
Resolved, that no Tobacco shall be
shipped from this County on Board the said Ship, either to the Owners or any
other Person whatsoever; and we do most earnestly recommend it to our
Countrymen to enter into the same Resolution, in their respective Counties.
Resolved, that the said Norton has
forfeited all Title to the Confidence of this County and that we will not in
future consign Tobacco, or any other Commodity, to his House, until
satisfactory Concessions are made; and we recommend the same Resolutions to the
rest of the Colony.
Resolved, that John Prentis, who wrote
for and to whom the Tea was consigned, has justly incurred the Censure of this
Country, and that he ought to be made a publick Example of.
Resolved, that Howard Esten,
Commander of the Virginia, has acted imprudently, by
which he has drawn on himself the Displeasure of the People of this County.
Signed by Order of the Committee,
JASPAR CLAYTON, Clerk.
December 1,
1774 – Virginia Gazette, Pinkney (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
on Thursday the 29th of December, if fair, otherwise next
fair day, at the dwellinghouse of Mary Booker, deceased, in Gloucester county, ALL her personal Estate,
consisting of HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, stocks of CATTLE, HORSES, SHEEP,
and HOGS, the crop of CORN and FODDER, with the PLANTATION TOOLS, &c. Six
months credit will be allowed the purchaser, on bond and good security. The
bonds to carry interest from the date, if not paid when they come due. Those
who have demands against the said estate, are desired to send in their
accounts, properly proved to The
EXECUTOR.
December 8, 1774 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) ON Tuesday
the 10th of January one Hundred and fifty choice Virginia
born SLAVES will be offered for Sale at Gloucester Courthouse, on
eighteen Months Credit; and on Friday the 13th, at the
Dwelling-House of the late Honourable John
Page, all the valuable HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, together with the
Stocks of CATTLE, SHEEP, HOGS, and HORSES, on his Estate in Gloucester
County. Bond, with sufficient Security will be required for all Sums above 5l.
by the Executors.
January 19,
1775 – Virginia Gazette, Pickney (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Gloucester County, January 13,
1775. Mr. PINKNEY, Be pleased
to publish the two enclosed pieces in your next gazette, and you will oblige many
of your customers.
I am an apprentice to Mr. John Foster of Alexandria, sent out with a cargo of goods in the sloop Liberty, commanded by Charles Marshall, with instructions to
sell them at an hundred per cent. I do hereby acknowledge I have violated the resolve
of the general congress, in advancing upon the price of the goods, not
withstanding the caution given me by some of the committee for this county; I
am sincerely sorry for my misconduct in this affair, hope it will be attributed
to my youth, and promise not to do the like again, beg the gentlemen of the
committee will forgive me, and the public in general. JOHN BLATT, junior.
I commanded the sloop Liberty, in which Mr. John Blatt was sent out with a cargo of
goods, by Mess. John and George Fowler of Alexandria; I had no directions to
interfere with the cargo, but upon Mr. John Peyton coming on board the said
sloop and enquiring into the price of said goods, and why an advance price was
laid upon them, I was so imprudent as to say “every man had a right to sell his
goods for as much as he could get;” after he was gone I exaggerated the offence
by saying in presence of Mr. John Cartice, “damn the beggers, they would be
doing something, but do not know what;” and at another time, “that the country
was nothing to me, and that I expected no benefit from it.” These are offences
I am (as have been some other North Britons) taught to know, at this time,
deserve severe punishment; but as the greatest offences are to be forgiven upon
a sincere reformation, I here declare mine is for the interest of America, in
proof of which I have signed the association, and will most strictly adhere
thereto, and hope for the forgiveness of this committee and the public in
general. CHARLES MARSHALL
January 28, 1775 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon and Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester, January 28,
1775. HAVING lately had the Misfortune to lose my
Dwelling-House by Fire, I intend to England in the Spring; and as I would be glad to provide for
the Payment of my Debts before I go. I therefore purpose to sell, to the
highest Bidder, on Wednesday, the 13th of next Month, if
fair, otherwise next fair Day, before Mr. William Harris’s Door in Gloucester Town, that valuable TRACT of LAND I purchased of David Vaughan, near said Town, containing 258 Acres; also several likely NEGROES,
among whom is a very valuable Waterman. Credit will be allowed the Purchasers
till the 25th of April 1776, GIVING Bond and approved
Security. JOSEPH DAVENPORT.
***
I shall attend the Sale to see a good Title made
to the above mentioned Premises and Negroes. WILLIAM LYNE.
February 17, 1775 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
At a committee held at Richmond county
courthouse, Feb. 6, 1775. …
It being moved, in committee, that
their approbation of the measures pursued by the York and Gloucester committee,
in the case of the ship Virginia, Howard Esten, master, should be made publick,
they, after resolving that the committees of the said counties of York and Gloucester, in that affair, acted
with propriety, firmness and spirit, ordered their clerk to cause the same to
printed in the Virginia Gazette. …
March 9, 1775 – Virginia Gazette,
Pinkney
(Williamsburg, Virginia)
Mr. PINKNEY, I THINK the following patriotic candid behavior
of Mrs. New, of Gloucester county,
deserves a place in your paper. I am, Sir, your humble servant, WILLIAM DAWSON.
Not long ago, some gentlemen
travelers went to Mr. New’s (who was then landlord of an inn) and tarried the
night. In the morning they desired Mrs. New to get tea for breakfast. She at first told
them that it was not agreeable to the resolutions entered into by the
provincial congress to use it: but they still
insisted they would have it, if there was any in the house, she
therefore brought all she had to breakfast, and afterwards, in the presence of
the gentlemen, committed every ounce she had to the flames adding these words,
“If I had said that I had not any tea in the house I should have told you an
untruth, but now I do with truth, and that I have none; nor will I use any
until the unhappy differences between Great Britain and her colonies shall
settle.”
March 11,
1775 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon and Hunter
(Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD, at
public Sale, on Wednesday the 26th of April
next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, for ready Money, on the Premises A
VALUABLE TRACT OF LAND, containing 375 Acres, situated on North River,
in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, whereon Mrs. Letitia Ransone,
now lives. There is a good Dwelling-House, with two Rooms on a Floor,
several convenient Outhouses, and a very good Orchard. It is convenient to Fish
and Oysters of the best Sort. – At the same Time and Place will be sold several
likely Virginia born SLAVES. The
Widow has her Right of Dower in the Land.
April 1, 1775 – Virginia
Gazette, Dixon and Hunter
(Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) The
Beautiful High Bled Chestnut DAMON Will stand at my Plantation in Gloucester County, the ensuing Season, and
cover Mares at 20s. a Leap, or 4 l. the Season. He was got by
Fearnought, out of a full bred Mare, and is 5 Feet 5 Inches high. The Mares
will meet with good Pasturage gratis, but I will not be answerable for any that
are lost. The Money to be paid before the Mares are taken away, or Corn at 10
s. per Barrel. MANN PAGE.
April 14,
1775 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
by publick auction, for ready money only at Gloucester courthouse,
on the 4th of May next, at one o’clock, SEVERAL
valuable horses and mares, together with a mahogany escritoire and book-case,
the property of JONATHAN WATSON, *** The land, negroes, stock, house, &c
may yet be purchased on the terms specified in a former advertisement.
April 28,
1775 – Virginia Gazette, Pinkney (Williamsburg, Virginia)
AT a meeting of the
committee of the county of Gloucester, at the courthouse of the
said county, on Monday the third of April,
1775,
Warner Lewis, esquire, was unanimously elected chairman. The resolves of the
convention held at the town of Richmond, the 20th of March, 1775, was read, and unanimously
approved of.
Resolved, that the thanks of the
committee be presented to Thomas Whiting and Lewis Burwell, esquires, our
worthy delegates, for their faithful discharge of the important trust reposed
in them.
It being late before a sufficient
number of members assembled to proceed upon business, the committee adjourned
to Tuesday the 25th instant.
Tuesday,
April 25, 1775. The committee met according to adjournment, and entered into the
following resolves.
Resolved, that as an encouragement
to the manufacturing gun-powder in this colony, we will give a premium of
TWENTY FIVE POUNDS to any person who shall produce to the chairman of this
committee on or before the 25th of October next, three hundred
pounds of good GUNPOWDER, made in Virginia, which we will purchase at the
common price of that commodity; and if it shall be proved to be made wholly of
the materials of this colony, we will give an additional premium of TEN POUNDS.
Resolved, that we will give FIFTY
POUNDS to any person who shall produce to the chairman of this committee sixty
pair of good wool and sixty pair of good cotton cards, on or before the 25th
of October next, with an authentic certificate of their having been made in
this colony; and we will purchase the same at the usual price.
The committee having received
authentic information, that last Thursday night an officer of one of his
majesty’s armed vessels, with a party of armed men, by express command of lord Dunmore, privately removed the
GUNPOWDER belonging to this colony out of the magazine. IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY
RESOLVED, that the removal of the POWDER from the public magazine on board one
of his majesty’s armed vessels, by order of the governor, is exceedingly
alarming at this time.
Resolved, that his lordship’s verbal
answer to the address of the mayor, recorders, aldermen, and common council of
the city of Williamsburg, is unsatisfactory,
disrespectful, and evasive.
Resolved, that his lordship, by this
and other parts of his conduct which have lately transpired, has fully
forfeited all title in the confidence of the GOOD PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
Resolved, that the POWDER ought
IMMEDIATELY to be restored.
Ordered, that the clerk send, by
express, copies of these RESOLVES to each of the printers, and they are desired
to publish them in their next gazette.
JASPER CLAYTON, clerk.
May 4, 1775 – Virginia
Gazette, Pinkney (Williamsburg, Virginia)
At a meeting of the
committee of Gloucester, at the courthouse, on
Tuesday the 2d day of May, 1775.
Resolved, that we will not ship a
single hogshead of tobacco to Great Britain until the determination of
the continental congress, respecting exportation, be known.
Resolved, that we deem the
resolution of our committee, last November, not to ship any tobacco in future
to Mr. Norton’s house, as still obligatory; the ship Virginia having arrived
without the concessions then required.
JASPER CLAYTON, clerk.
May 27,
1775 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon and Hunter
(Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD for
ready Money, to the highest Bidder, on Monday the 29th
Instant (May) at Mr. James Davis’s Shipyard, in Kingston Parish, Gloucester
County, THE HULL of a small VESSEL of about 23 Tons, and now ready for
launching. WILLIAM BUCKNER
May
27, 1775 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away from the Subscriber, in Gloucester County, on the 14th
Instant (May) a Negro Man Slave named NED, about 19 or 20 Years of Age,
5 Feet 2 or 3 Inches high, rather of a tawny Complexion, has some Ringworms in
his face, and some white Hairs on his Head; his Clothing was an old brown Coat,
and a yellow striped Cotton Waistcoat. I bought him for Mann Page, Jun.
Esq. in March last, at the Sale of Mr. John Shermer’s Estate, in James City County,
he was brought from one of his Quarters in King William, and
I have reason to believe he will go to those Parts, or to his Mother, who lives
with Mr. Thomas Booth, in Richmond Town. Whoever secures the said Slave so that I get him
again shall have 40s. Reward, to be paid by Mann Page, Jun. Esq., to
whom he belongs. JAMES JONES.
July 13,
1775 – Virginia Gazette, Pinkney (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Gloucester Town, Friday, July 13, 1775. It is certain that a boat from the Fowry or
Otter landed several armed men on an island in the lower end of this county,
who stole 14 sheep and a cow. The owner of them alarmed his neighbors, but
before they could arm themselves the robbers had made off. However, the people,
who are now well furnished with arms &c., will be ready to give them a warm
reception, should they favor them with another visit. Quere, Are not the negro slaves, now
on board the Fawry, which are under the g--------‘s [sic] protection, in
actual rebellion, and punishable as such?
Is it not high time to show administration how little they have to
expect from that part of their bloody plot, by arming our trusty slaves
ourselves.
August 4, 1775 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
At a meeting of the
committee of the county of Gloucester, on Monday the 24th
of July, it was
Resolved, that the readiness
shown by the volunteers, who marched to the assistance of the lower counties on
the late alarms, merits our warmest thanks; and we assure them we should have
cheerfully cooperated with them, had it been requested.
Resolved, that the most
cordial thanks of the people of Gloucester county are justly due to the worthy
inhabitants of those counties who have generously offered their houses as a
retreat to our wives and children, in case they should be obliged to abandon
their habitations here below.
Resolved, that the
information of John Parsons, John Degge, William Degge, and William Hudgins,
was sufficient to induce a suspicion that goods had been landed at Urbana,
contrary to the association and that the vigilance of the gentlemen who brought
that ____ before our committee is highly
to be recommended; but as Parsons informs us the material evidence are out of
the country at present, we must suspend our judgment til their arrival. JOHN PERRIN, clerk
September
21, 1775 – Virginia Gazette, Pinkney (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
at East warehouse, in Gloucester county, Kingston parish, for ready money, SIX likely NEGROES, some
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, some STOCK. &c &c. WILLIAM LUCAS.
October 13, 1775 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
AT a Committee held for Gloucester
county, at the courthouse of the said county, on the 13th day of
September 1775. Present the chairman and 32 members.
Agreeable
to the ordinance of the Convention, the following gentlemen were nominated
officers in the militia, for the county
of Gloucester.
Warner Lewis, esq; county Lieutenant; Sir John Peyton, baronet, colonel; Thomas
Whiting, gent. Lieutenant-colonel; Thomas Boswell, gent. Major.
CAPTAINS: Gibson
Cluvarius, John Camp, Richard Matthews, George Booth, Jasper Clayton, John
Hubard, James Hubard, John Whiting, John Billups, sen.,
Benjamin Shackelford, John Willis, Robert Matthews,
William Buckner, John Dixon, Richard Billups, and William Smith.
LIEUTENANTS: Samuel Cary, Richard Hall, John
Foster, James Baytop, Thomas Buckner, George Green, William Sears, James
Bentley, Edward Matthews, John Billups,, jun., Dudley Cary, Hugh Hayes, Churchill
Armistead, Philip Tabb, John Foster, jun, and Robert Gayle.
ENSIGNS:
Henry Stevens, William Daws, William Haywood, Thomas Baytop, John Fox, James
Laughlin, William Bentley, Christopher Garland, Peter Bernard, John Hayes,
Samuel Eddins, Thomas Tabb, Richard Davis, Josiah Foster, George Plummer, and
John Gale.
Mr. Purdie is desired to publish the above in
his gazette. JASPER CLAYTON, clerk.
January 19,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) For SALE next Gloucester court day, at the
courthouse, SEVERAL very likely SLAVES; also a quantity of corn, fodder,
&c. belonging to the estate of Thomas Foster, deceased. Six months
credit will be given the purchasers, on bond with approved security. Interest
will be expected from the date, if the bonds are not punctually paid. LEWIS BURWELL
January 27,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
at the late Dwelling House of Captain Robert Billups, deceased, Gloucester
County, on Tuesday the 13th of February, if
fair, otherwise the first far Day after, A SCHOONER now upon the Stocks.
Burthen about 24 Tons, also a SLOOP about 50 Tons with Rigging, &c. ,
likewise TWO BOATS, the one Burthen 1200 Bushels, the other 500, a FLAT and
SMALL BOAT, also a PETTIAUGER, with four oars, together with HOUSEHOLD AND
KITCHEN FURNITURE, STOCK of every Kind, and several valuable NEGROES. Twelve
Months Credit will be allowed for all sums above 20s. upon Bond and Security ;
if not punctually paid, the Bonds to carry interest from the Day of Sale.
It being intended to settle the said
Estate as soon as possible, and deliver to the Widow and Children their
proportions of what remains after satisfying the Creditor, it is therefore desired
that those who have demands against the Estate, either by Bonds or otherwise,
will bring them in to Mrs. Billups, either before or at the Day of Sale,
properly proved. No Attention will be paid after to those who fail (by the
Administrators) as the Estate will be delivered up to the Heirs. All who are
indebted to the said Billups are desired to make Payment immediately, or
give Bond.
March 9, 1776 – Virginia
Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD, At
the late Dwelling-House of George Dudley, deceased, in Gloucester County, on Wednesday the 20th
Instant, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, SUNDRY Household and Kitchen
Furniture, Horses, Cattle, Hogs, and Sheep, also several likely NEGROES. Ready
Money will be expected for all Sums under 20s. and for those above the Sum
twelve Months Credit will be allowed, upon giving Bond and Security; which if
not punctually paid, must carry Interest from the Date. Those who have Demands
against the Estate of said Dudley are desired to make them
known, before, or on the Day of Sale to THE ADMINISTRATRIX. *** At the same Time and Place, will be SOLD,
for ready Money, two valuable BLACKSMITHS.
March 15,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) NORTH RIVER, GLOUCESTER County, March 4, 1776. The beautiful high bred chestnut horse DAMON, full 5 feet 5 inches
high, and well proportioned, now rising 8 years old, and in the highest
perfection, stands at my plantation in Gloucester, and will cover mares
at 4l. the season, or 30s. the leap. The gentlemen who send mares to him
must send the money, or a promissory note payable on demand, otherwise they
will not be received. I have very fine pastures for the mares, and will have
great care taken of them, but will not be liable for any that may stray away.
MANN PAGE, jun.
March 23,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia
(Advertisement) RUN away, on the 7th
of February last, a young Negro Fellow named QUASH. He is rather of the
yellow complexion, 5 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, about 21 Years old, of the Middle
size, has a Scar near the Crown of his Head, occasioned by a Scald when young,
and a down Look when spoken to. He had on, when he went away, a Cotton Shirt,
his Jacket, Breeches, and Stockings of blue Wool and Cotton mixed, a Pair of
coarse Virginia Shoes, and an old Hat. I
understand he has been lately seen lurking in and about Williamsburg. Whoever apprehends the
said Slave, and secures him in any public Gaol, giving me immediate Notice thence,
shall have 20s. Reward, or if delivered to me in Gloucester County, 40s. SAMUEL CARY.
April 19,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) For SALE,
for ready money only, by the subscriber, in Gloucester, NARROW hoes, bar
iron, iron spice rests, gouges, augers, sheep shears, hand saws, table butts,
&c. dovetail hinges, desk and cupboard locks, chair nails, tobacco and
snuff boxes, tailors shears, womens scissors, silver and brass thimbles, watch
seals, stock buckles, shoe and knee do,
lancets, cork screws, pencils, taper bits, center do, watch keys, spectacles,
knitting pins, awl blades, inkpowder, nuns and coloured thread, knee garters,
plain and diaper tape, sewing silk,
pewter porringers, pewter dishes, tin cullenders, egg slices, iron
candlesticks, copper tea kettles, lustering, Persian taffeta, waistcoat
stuff, English Persian, velvet hoods, bombazeen, black silk gloves,
chintzes, printed linens and calicoes, thick and book mussin, Marseilles quilting,
mussin handkerchiefs, spotted gauze, cambrick, mens, womens, and girls gloves,
womens cotton hose, mens worsted and silk do. Pots, rings and casters, punch
ladles, stone and delft plates, queens china dishes, blackleather trunks, seal
skin do. ribands, collaring, necklaces, womens and girls bonnets, hand saws,
trowels, dripping pans, bridles, girts, stirrup leathers, do. irons, bridle
bits, whips, mens and boys coarse and fine hats, shot belts, needles, silk
twists, buttons, crewel, bugles, gold rings, Bristol stone and common
sleeve buttons, thimbles, razor straps, violins, shalloons, calimancoes,
durants, camablets, Norris’s antimonial drops, glass of antimony, salt
of amber, cinnamon, ingredients for bitters, reap hooks, ginger, mens and
womens leather shoes, womens calamanco do, childrens morocco do., waistcoat and
shirt buttons, common laces, fishing tackle, snuff, chewing tobacco, coffee,
sole leather, harness do., calf skins, loaf sugar, soap, candles, leather
breeches, hair sifters, wool cards, writing paper, wires and brushes for
muskets, &c. &c. MATTHEW
ANDERSON.
April 20,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) SUNDRY
GOODS, imported contrary to the Continental Association, will be sold at Mr. Humphrey
Billups, in Gloucester, for ready Money, on Monday,
the 29th Instant.
May 24,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
at Mr. Robert Matthews’s in Gloucester county, on Tuesday
the 11th of June, to the highest bidders, for ready money.
THE estate of John Wilkie,
a condemned Tory, consisting of a new schooner with sails, rigging, and boat,
also one half of a vessel on the stocks, and sundry other articles. JOHN PEYTON.
May 31,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Williamsburg, May 31. Last Sunday
lord Dunmore, with his whole fleet, left Hampton road, and came up the bay to
Gwynn’s Island, in Gloucester county, where we understand he has landed his
black and white troops, to the number of about 500, and is intrenching. This
island contains about 2000 acres, occupied by several families, who are
possessed of a considerable quantity of stock, and is well watered. A body of
regulars and militia, to the amount of 2000 men, quickly assembled, and are
watching their motions; and, if opportunity suits, will very likely attempt to
beat up their new quarters, very delightful, it should seem., to those pirates
and renegadoes in their present sickly, starving, and dirty situation, from
their amusing themselves, on the evening of their landing, with a promiscuous
ball, which, was opened, we hear, by a certain spruce little gentleman, with one of the black
ladies.
June 14,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) A PILOT BOAT, four hhds. of tobacco, and sundry other articles, will be
sold at Mr. James Thomas’s, in Kingston parish, Gloucester county, on Thursday
the 20th of this instant (June) for ready money.
June 27,
1776 – New York Journal (New York, New York)
June 15. We learn from Gloucester, that Lord Dunmore has
erected hospitals upon Gwyn’s Island; that his old friend Andrew Sprowle, is
dead, and that they are inoculating the blacks for the small pox. …
One day this week a small vessel
belonging to the enemy, with five hands on board, ran aground on the Gloucester
shore, within musket shot, and was taken. The crew jumped overboard, two swam
to Gwyn’s Island, one was shot, and the other two drowned.
June 29,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
for ready Money, at the Plantation of Mr. HUMPHREY BILLUPS of Gloucester
county, on Tuesday the 30th of June if fair,
otherwise next fair Day, A VARIETY of very useful GOODS, amounting to near
the Value of two Thousand Pounds. Among which are Osneaburgs, fine Irish ____,
fine and coarse _____, a variety of Stuffs, Men’s and Women’s Saddles, two
Pieces of rich black Satin, some Lustrings ___, Persians, Silk and ____,
Breeches Patterns, Silk and Worsted Stockings, Men’s ___fine and coarse Hats,
Women’s Hats and Bonnets, ___ Lasting, Cambrick, ____, Cloaks and Cardinals,
Callicoes, ____, Spices of all Kinds, ____ Shoes, Ivory-handled Knives and
____, Hard-Ware, Earthen ____, Writing-Papers, and Indigo. JOHN AND GEORGE FOWLER.
July
19, 1776 – Essex Journal,
(Newburyport, Massachusetts)
… That the ships of war and vessels aforesaid
[the Roebuck, Dunmore, Foley, etc.] afterwards lay in Hampton road for a week,
and then stood up the bay to Gwyn’s island, and anchored in Milford Haven, at
the entrance of Piankitank river. That he [the informant]was on the island, and
understood that about five hundred hogs, sheep, and cattle were found on it by
Lord Dunmore, but no good water; that most of the wells there yielded very bad
water. That about five hundred and fifty men, soldiers, white and black, were
landed on said island by Lord Dunmore, as this deponent heard. That many of these,
particularly Negroes, died, and many negroes came in and joined him. That the
Roebuck was in some measure cleaned, and that Captain Hammond continued at his
last mentioned place ‘till the 6th of June instant, when, about ten
o’clock in the evening, this deponent, with John Drury and Alexander Davis,
swam to the shore of the main land, about two miles, and escaped. That about six
days before this deponent left the Roebuck, a gentleman of the name Smith,
Secretary of Governor Eden, arrived at Gwyn’s Island, from Annapolis, as this
deponent understands, and that, on the 5th instant, a gentleman in
black, from Somerset county, went to Dunmore.
JOHN EMMES, Sworn before George Bryan.
August 9,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD at
publick auction, on the premises, pursuant to the last will and testament of
mr. Thomas Fleming, deceased, on Tuesday the 3d
of September next, if fair, otherwise next fair day.
A TRACT of good land in Gloucester county, containing about 270 acres, seven
miles from the court-house, and within one mile of York river.
It is very convenient to fish and oysters, has a good dwelling-house upon it
about 40 by 20, with other necessary houses, also an apple orchard of about 140
choice fruit trees, just in their prime. – At the same time and place will be
sold all the stock of horses, cattle, hogs, &c. together with the household
and kitchen furniture belonging to the said estate. – Two years credit will be
allowed for the land, and twelve months for the personal estate, except for
sums not exceeding 25s. for which ready money will be expected. Bond, with
approved security, will be required by THE EXECUTORS.
*** The Land may be seen by applying to mr. Zachariah Gardner or mr. Lewis Walden, near the premises.
August 16,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) So be LET
for one year, on Wednesday the 4th of September,
AN exceeding good plantation on Gwyn’s island, containing 500 acres,
whereon is a good dwelling house, with all other necessary houses, the land
rich, and a sufficiency cleared, and under good fence, for 10 or 12 hands. It
is remarkable for producing good wheat, clear from the fly, there is a good
peach and apple orchard, and the place abounds with fine oysters and fish. At
the same time, upon the premises, will be sold the crop of corn as it stands in
the field, a few cattle, and some household goods, for ready money. HUMPHREY GWYN
August 21,
1776 – Massachusetts Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts)
The following is a particular account of the attack
and rout of Lord Dunmore, with his piratical crew, from Gwyn’s-Island.
We got to the island on Monday the eighth and next
morning, at eight o’clock, began a furious attack upon the enemy’s shipping,
camp, and fortifications, from two batteries, one of five six and nine
pounders, the other mounting two eighteen pounders. What forces the enemy had
were encamped on a Point of the island, nearly opposite, to our five gun
battery, covered by a battery of four embrasures, and a breastwork of
considerable extent. Before this, they had two other batteries, and a stockade
fort, higher up the haven, where troops were stationed to prevent our landing.
In the haven were three tenders, one sloop (the Lady Charlotte) mounting six
carriage guns, a schooner of two carriage guns, six swivels, and a _____, and a
pilot boat, badly armed ; who had orders from Capt. Hammond, of the Roebuck, to
prevent our boats passing over to the island, and to annoy the rebels by every
means in their power.
Gen. Lewis
announced his order for attacking the enemy, by putting a match to the first
gun, an eighteen pounder, himself ; and the Dunmore being then the nearest to
us, at the distance of only four or five hundred yards, the shot passed through
her hull, and did considerable damage. Our five gun battery likewise began
playing on the fleet, the enemy’s camp and works ; and the fire soon became so
hot that the Dunmore was obliged to cut her cables and haul off, after
receiving ten shot, some of which raked her fore and aft. The Otter lay next
her, and it was expected would have taken her birth, but the first we gave her
took place, supposed between wind and water, as she immediately slipped her
cable likewise, and hauled out on a ____ , without firing a gun. By this time
all the fleet, any way near shore, began to slip their cables, in the utmost
confusion ; and had the wind set in with a flood tide, we must have taken great
numbers of them. Our eighteen pounders did great execution from the upper
battery, which raked the whole fleet ; and Capt. Denny, who commanded the other
battery soon silenced the enemy at the point, knocking down several tents,
which put their camp into great confusion. At half after nine the firing ceased, which was renewed again at twelve,
with double vigor, from both batteries and nothing prevented our pushing to the
island during the cannonade, but the want of vessels.
The Gen. being determined to cross next day, gave orders
for all the small craft to be collected together from the neighboring creeks
that night, and two brass field-pieces, six pounders, to be carried to a place
called Lower Windmill Point, to attack the tenders that lay there, and
facilitate our crossing. According, in the morning, Capt. Harrison, who had the
direction of those field pieces, began playing upon the tenders, which he
galled so much, that the schooner ran up a small creek which made into the
island, where the crew abandoned her, and the sloop got aground in reach of our
cannon ; upon which the General ordered Capt. Smith, of the seventh regiment,
with his company, to man the canoe and board her, which was done with alacrity.
However, before our men came up with her, the crew got into their boat and
pushed for the island ; but Capt. Smith, very prudently passing the tender,
pursued them so close that before they could reach the shore, he exchanged a
few shot with them, and took part of them prisoners. The enemy’s look outs,
perceiving our men close upon the lower part of the island, cried out “the
____men are coming,” scampered off. The pilot boat made no resistance.
Gen. Lewis then ordered two hundred men, under Colonel
M’Canaham, to land in the island which was performed as expeditiously as our
small vessels would admit of. On our arrival, we found the enemy had evacuated
the place with the greatest precipitation, and were struck with horror at the
number of dead bodies, in a state of putrefaction, strewed, all the way from
their battery to Cherry-point, about two miles in length, without a shovel full
of earth upon them ; others gasping for life ; and some had crawled to the
water’s edge who could make known their distress by beckoning to us. By the
small pox, and other malignant disorders, which have raged on board the fleet
so many months past, it is clear they have lost, since their arrival at Gwyn’s Island,
over five hundred souls. I myself counted one hundred and thirty graves, or
rather holes loosely covered over with earth, close together, many of them
large enough to hold a corporal’s guard. One in the middle, was nearly done up
with turf, and is supposed to contain the remains of the Lord of Gosport, many
were burnt alive in brush huts, which in their confusion, had got on fire. In
short, such a scene of misery, distress and cruelty, my eyes never beheld ; for
which the authors, one may reasonably conclude, never can make atonement in
this world.
The enemy left behind them, in their battery, a double
fortified nine pounder, great part of their baggage, with several tents and
marquees, besides the three tenders, with their cannon, small arms, &c.
also the anchors and cables of the Dunmore, Otter, and many others, to the
amount, it supposed, of twelve or fifteen hundred pounds. On their leaving the
island, they burnt some valuable vessels, which had got aground. Mr. John
Grymes’s effects on the island have fallen into our hands, consisting of
thirty-five Negroes, horses, cattle and furniture.
Major Byrd, on the approach of our canoes to the island,
was huddled into a cart, in a very sick and low condition, it is said, and
carried down to Cherry-point, where he embarked. The second shot the Dunmore
received cut her boatswain in two, and wounded two or three others ; and she
had scarcely recovered from the shock when a nine pounder from the lower
battery entered her quarter, and beat in a large timber, from the splinters of
which Lord Dunmore got wounded in the legs, and had all his valuable china
smashed about his ears. It is said his Lordship was exceedingly alarmed, and
roared out “Good God that ever I should come to this!” We had our information
from one of his people that came ashore after the engagement, who was taken by
our scouts ; he likewise said, that many were killed in the fleet, which had
sustained some thousand pounds worth of damage. The Fowey and Roebuck were the
lowermost ships, besides which there were one hundred and odd large sail of
vessels, who took their departure on Thursday afternoon, and are supposed to
have gone into Potowmack.
In this affair we lost not a man but poor Capt. Arundel,
who was killed by the bursting of a mortar of his own invention, although the
Gen. and all the officers were against his firing it. His zeal for the service
cost him his life.
August 24, 1776 – Virginia
Gazette, Dixon & Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) For SALE, OSNABRUGS, Ticklingburgs, Checks,
Sheeting, Muslin, Calibanco, Crowningburg, Women’s Worsted Hose, black furred
Hats, Velvet Hoods, Buckram, Silk and Worsted Ferreting, Binding, Buttons,
coloured Thread, Silk Twill, Jacket Patterns, Worsted Crewel, common Necklaces
and Bugies, black Gimp, Fans, Hair Sifters, men’s coarse and fine Hats, Scotch Snuff, best scented Rappee do, chewing Tobacco, Mantelers, Silk
Cappuchines, Knee Garters, Buckram, Razor Strops, Brushes and wires for
Muskets,Thread Laces, Shoe Tread, Observations on Civil Liberty, British Tyranny, or American Liberty triumphant, Watt’s Hymns and Psalms, Psalters, Histories,
Pocket-Books, Cutteaus, Fifes, common Sleeve Buttons, Shoe Buckles, Brass Chair
Nails, Tobacco and Snuff Boxes, Desk and Cupboard Locks, Cross Garnet and
Dove-Tail Hinges, Bridle Bits, Stirrup Irons, Center and Wimble Bit, Cork
Screws, Snuffers, Awl Blades, Shoe Nippers, Steel Pencil Cases, Spectacles,
Fishing Tackle, Jews Harps, Slate Pencils, Tailors and Women’s Thimbles, Whitechapel Needles, Tenon Saws, Hand Saws, Saw Rests,
Tongs and Shovels, Augers and Gouges, Bricklayers Trowels, Tea Kettles, Pewter
Dishes, Tin Dripping Pans, Cullenders, Egg Slices, Stone Bottles, Water
Pitchers, Queen’s China Dishes, Tea Pots and Sugar Dishes, Glass Bowls and
Tumblers, Wine Glasses, Punch Ladles, Rings and Casters, Iron Spice Mortars,
Narrow Hoes, Indigo, Pimenta, Coffee, Sole Leather, Harness do., Calf Skins,
Men’s strong Shoes, a few Medicines, and some other Trifles, too tedious
mention. MATTHEW ANDERSON Gloucester,
August 15,
1776
October 11,
1776 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be
SOLD, A TRACT of LAND, containing 300 and odd Acres, in Gloucester County,
Kingston Parish, pleasantly
situated, on Mockjack [sic] Bay, a Dwelling-House and all other
convenient Houses on it; also a good Marsh. The Terms may be known by applying
to Francis Willis, Esq; in Gloucester. John Willis.
January 24,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) STRAYED or
STOLEN from my plantation near Poplar Spring church, in Gloucester
county, the 26th of November last, a chestnut sorrel mare
with a blaze face, her mane about half cut off, and her feet white all around;
she is about 12 hands and a half high, has a bob tail, but no brand
perceivable. I will give 20s. to any person that will inform me of the mare so
that I may get her again, or 5l. on conviction of the thief (if stolen)
so as to be brought to condign punishment.
LEWIS WOOD.
January 31,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
WILLIAMSBURG, January 31. Extract
of a letter from Sir John Peyton of Gloucester County, to the Hon. John Page, Esq. President
of the Council, dated Jan. 28, 1777. “I have seen Mr. Edward
Hughes, who was taken by the enemy last Wednesday. He informs me there are
three ships in the bay, a 60, 50, and a 36 gun frigate, under the command of
Commodore Hotham. He brought with him
the enclosed, and if it is proper that an exchange should be made, shall be
much obliged to you for your interest in bringing it about as soon as possible.
Mr. Hughes gives great praise to the Commodore for his generous and humane
behaviour, who, after being informed the circumstances of Hughes’s family
&c. gave him his boat, with almost every thing in her, detaining a Negro
which he said he understood was a tolerable pilot, but assured him, at the same
time, he should be returned as soon as he got a better; that he did not mean to
distress any individuals who industriously were going from river to river to
support their families. – Hughes understood they were to cruise here, and
expect 7 or 8 sail more every day.” To
Sir, John Peyton, North River, On board the ship Preston, January 22, 1777.
February
21, 1777 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) FOUR DOLLARS
REWARD. Strayed, or stolen, from the upper End of Middlesex, a CHESTNUT
SORREL HORSE, about 13 ½ Hands high, with a small star in his forehead, he was
bred in the upper End of King & Queen or King William, near Todd’s
Bridge. Whoever takes up the said Horse and contrives me Word, so that I
get him again, shall have the above Reward, paid by the Subscriber, living near
Abingdon Church, in Gloucester County. ROGER BLACKBURN.
April 11,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Ten Dollars
reward. For John Taylor, who enlisted under me as lieutenant of the
15th battalion, and deserted from King William county. He is
an inhabitant of Gloucester, about 5 feet 10 inches
high, his clothing I do not recollect. The above reward will be thankfully
given to any person who delivers the said Taylor to his commanding officer
in Williamsburg. HENRY QUARLES, lieut.
April 18,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) ECLIPSE, a
fine bay, and well formed, 15 hands high, rising 4, stands at my house in Gloucester county, and will cover
mares at 40s. the season, the money to be paid before the mares are taken away.
Eclipse was got by Young Traveller,out of Camilla, who was
got by Old Fearnought, her dame by Old Valiant, out of a full
bred English running mare. Good pasturage for mares gratis, but
will not be answerable for any that get away.
LEWIS BURWEL
April 18,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away
from the subscriber in Gloucester, the 30th of March
last, JOHN LIVINGSTONE, an apprentice, who I imagine is harboured at his
mother’s Mary Guttery, of King & Queen. I will give 20s.
reward to any person who delivers me the said apprentice, and I hereby forewarn
all persons from entertaining or concealing him. JAMES BENTLEY
September 5, 1777 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) For sale, a
tract of land in Gloucester county, about two miles from the courthouse,
and the same distance from Ware warehouse, containing by estimation 2000
acres, whereon are two plantations, on one of which is a good brick
dwellinghouse with two rooms below and two above, a meat house, overseer’s
house, &c. likewise a very fine apple orchard, now in perfection. On the other
plantation is a good overseer’s house, negro quarters, &c. and a good peach
orchard. Possession to be given at Christmas, and terms may be known by
applying to the subscriber, living on the land. MORDECAI THROCKMORTON.
September
12, 1777 – Virginia
Gazette, Dixon (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester County, Sept. 10, 1777 – Found by the subscriber, aground, near new Point Comfort, a SLOOP, nearly new, Burthen about 45 Tons, her
Rigging pretty good, laden with Flour and Bread. She has received some Damage
by her having a couple of Holes lately cut in her Deck. I should be ___ to know
who is the Owner. RICHARD BILLUPS
October 3,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD, At public Vendue, at the Battery in Gloucester County, on Saturday the 18th
of October, A Quantity of good ST. CROIX RUM and SUGAR, also a few
Pounds of best HYSON TEA.
October 31,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
at Gloucester courthouse, to the highest bidder, for ready
money, on Tuesday the 25th of November.
A VERY valuable tract of land in Ware parish, on North river, containing 750 acres, the
greater part rich low grounds. The high land has a sufficient fund of chestnut to
supply the plantation with rails for ever, and there is a quantity of heavy gum
timber on the uncleared part of the low grounds. There cannot be a more
complete seat for a gentleman than this. The river whereon it lies abounds with
fish, crabs, and oysters, of the first quality; perpetual streams of water run
through every enclosure; there is a remarkable fine spring within fifty yards of a
situation where any man of taste would choose to fix a dwelling-house; it is
within half a mile of a good mill, about six from church, and situated in one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia.
The subscriber will show the land, and make a good title. ABRAHAM IVERSON
November 7,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) JOURNEYMEN
hatters will meet with very good encouragement, either in coarse work or fine,
by applying to the subscriber in Gloucester county. SAMUEL GUTHRIE
November 7,
1777 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Ten DOLLARS
Reward. FOR apprehending and bringing home JACOB, a runaway negro man
belonging to the subscriber in Gloucester county, who absconded the
21st of September last. He is about 6 feet high, 32 Years
old, slender made, thin visage, and rather inclined to a yellowish complexion;
had on when he went away an old duffel coat died with maple bark, Virginia
cloth jacket striped and kersey wove, blue cloth breeches, white yarn stockings
and old shoes. It is more than probable he may be lurking about Queen’s
creek, being much acquainted with the free mulattoes in that neighborhood, and
perhaps change his dress and endeavor to pass for a free man. JOHN SEAWELL
***
I have for sale 600 weight of exceeding good COTTON.
November
21, 1777 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester County, Nov. 20, 1777. The Rev. Mr. Field having
declined his duty as minister of Kingston parish, the vestry of said
parish would be glad to employ a minister of the profession of the church of England.
The glebe in said parish is situated on East river, and very convenient to
fish and oysters, is in exceeding good order, with good outhouses, garden
&c. and has two valuable negroes belonging thereon. JOHN DIXON, EDWARD HUGHES – churchwardens.
December
12, 1777 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Kingston (Gloucester) Dec. 6,
1777.
TO BE SOLD, by public Auction, at the Glebe, on Tuesday the 30th
of December, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, for ready Money, a small
Stock of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Hogs, also the Household and Kitchen
Furniture, belonging to the Subscriber, who intends to leave the Country in a
short time. ---I have also for Sale a double Chair, an
exceeding good Chair Horse, a set of
Iron Kettles and Pots for boiling Salt, a Batteau, &c. THOMAS FIELD
March 6, 1778 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
by decree of the Ven. The Court of Admiralty, on the 6th
of March next, at East ___________, in Gloucester county.
A SLOOP about forty or fifty tuns burthen,
together with her rigging, tackle, apparel &c. taken up in Chesapeake bay
by Capt. Richard Billups and the company under his command in September last, in which vessel was a quantity of FLOUR and BREAD. The said
sloop, rigging, &c. may be seen by applying to Richard Billups, who lives
near the place. BEN. POWELL, Marshal
March 6,
1778 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) The Beautiful Thorough Bred Horse SHAKESPEAR, Stands at
my plantation in Gloucester county, and will cover
mares the ensuing season at forty shillings the leap and four pounds the
season; the money must be sent with the mares, otherwise they will not be
received. Excellent pasturage gratis, but I will not be liable for
accidents. Shakespear’s sire was old Fearnought, his dam Moll
Brazen who was an imported mare, and her pedigree unexceptional. He is a
beautiful dapple gray, full fifteen hands, and an inch high, in high order, and
eager for business. MANN PAGE, North river.
March 6, 1778 – Virginia
Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Mount
Prodigal, February 18, 1778, FOR sale and delivered on purchase, a tract
of land in Gloucester county, containing about sixteen hundred acres,
lying at the head of Poropotank creek, to which there is a navigable
landing bordered with very valuable marsh, supported with good high land and
swamp range, part of which has been cleared for a meadow. To this estate fixed
on a pleasant hill commanding an extensive prospect, there is an
exceeding good dwelling-house with four large rooms on a floor, several good
offices, a forty foot storehouse, coach house, a number of plantation houses,
and a neat falling garden, also valuable orchards of peach and apple trees. The
creek, branching from York river, affords fish, oysters, and a variety of
wildfowl, and has the advantage of water carriage from the land to the markets
of Williamsburg and York. Those inclined to purchase
will apply to the subscriber, or Thomas Whiting, Esq. who is furnished
with full power to sell the same. JOHN
HUBARD.
March 27,
1778 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) MASTER
STEPHEN a beautiful imported horse, upwards of fifteen hands and a half high, a
fine bay, and begot by Regulus, the sire of Fearnaught, out of a
high bred mare, stands at Sir John Peyton’s in Gloucester county
to cover at three pounds the season, or thirty shillings the leap; the money to
be sent with the mares. Good pasturage, and care _____ taken of the mares, gratis,
but I will not be answerable if accidents occur. THOMAS PEYTON
July 10,
1778 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Milford
Haven, Gloucester county, July 3, 1778. Now on the stocks, a
complete vessel of 42 feet keel, 16 foot beam, and 6 foot hold; her frame is of
the best white oak, and she may be finished within three months of this. For
terms apply to HENRY FORREST.
August 21,
1778 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
for cash, upon the premises, on Tuesday the 2d of November, A
TRACT of exceeding good land, containing five hundred acres, upon Gwyn’s island,
whereon is a good dwelling-house and all necessary houses. Likewise horses,
cattle, and sheep, with the crop of corn and fodder. HUMPHREY GWYN.
August 21,
1778 – Virginia Gazette, Purdie (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) A MAN well
acquainted with the business of DISTILLING will meet with immediate employment,
by applying to me in Gloucester. WARNER LEWIS.
October 16,
1778 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) FOR SALE, A
vessel now on the stocks in Gloucester county, Kingston parish,
of the following dimensions – 47 feet keel, 17 feet beam, and 6 feet nine inches
hold, and may be launched in 5 or 6 weeks. Any person inclined to purchase the
same may know the terms by applying to subscriber, or to Mr. William Cary
at Yorktown. JOSIAH FOWLER.
November
13, 1778 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) RUN away a
negro man named JOHN, who belongs to the subscriber in Hanover county. He absconded about
the last of September from some salt works in Gloucester county, and may very
probably be lurking about Williamsburg, as he was once taken up in
the neighborhood thereof. He is about 35 years old, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high,
well made, remarkably black, and has a custom of repeating his words when he
speaks, with a kind of stammering that appears rather affected than natural.
Whoever delivers him to the overseer at the saltworks or to the subscriber,
shall receive FIFTY SHILLINGS reward, over what the law allows. WILLIAM CLOPTON
November
27, 1778 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Will be
LET to the highest bidder, for the term of seven years, on Wednesday 16th
of December, if fair, otherwise the next fair day. SIX hundred acres of valuable low
grounds, well timbered, in the parish of Abingdon, and county of Gloucester, lying in Robin’s neck,
on Swan river, which abounds with fine fish, and oysters; likewise four
fine negro fellows, four women, 2 lads, and a child, and ten cows, annexed to
the above land. Persons properly authorized to give possession will attend on
that day on the premises. THE TRUSTEES.
February
19, 1779 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Hunter (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD,
FIFTY or SIXTY BUSHELS of FLAX SEED, near Abington church, in Gloucester county. ROGER BLACKBURN
April 2, 1779 – Virginia
Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson
(Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) The
subscriber has for sale, the hull, masts, and yards of a new vessel, intended
for a brig, completely finished and ready to launch, of the following
dimensions: 56 ½ feet keel straight rabbit, 20 feet 2 inches beam, and 8 feet
hold. She was built by Matthew Gayle, at East river warehouse. For terms apply
to the printer, or Francis Willis, Esq. in Gloucester county. JOSEPH SMITH.
April 9, 1779 – Virginia
Gazette, Dixon &
Nicolson (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be SOLD
for ready money, on Wednesday the 5th of May
next, at the late dwellinghouse of Lewis Burwell, Esq., deceased, of Gloucester county, according to his
last will and testament. A VARIETY of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, a number of HORSES, one of which is the
noted horse ECLIPSE, whose pedigree is well known, some fine high blooded MARES
and COLTS, and a genteel COACH and HARNESS.
--- All persons having any demands against the said estate, are desired
to make them known, and such as are indebted thereto, are requested to settle
immediately with THE EXECUTORS.
May 8, 1779 – Virginia
Gazette, Dixon &
Nicolson (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) The Noted
High Bred Swift Running Horse ECLIPSE, lately the property of Lewis Burwell,
Esq. stands at my stable in Gloucester county, and will cover
mares at 15l. the season. I have large and fine pasturage, and all
possible care shall be taken of any mares that are sent, but will not be
answerable for accidents. FRANCIS
WILLIS.
July 10,
1779 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Nicolson (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be
sold at public vendue, on Thursday the 5th of August
next, … will be rented to the highest bidder, at Gloucester
courthouse, the publick salt works, with the appurtenances thereto, belonging,
in the said county, for the space of 17 months, the rent to be paid in salt, to
be delivered at the time agreed on that day.
By order of the Board of Trade, WILLIAM RUSSEL, Clerk.
September
25, 1779 – Virginia
Gazette, Dixon &
Nicolson (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) A PURSE race
will be run for, the best two heats in three, at Joseph Seawell’s in Gloucester, on the second Thursday
in October next.
October 9,
1779 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Nicolson (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) To be sold,
by the escheator, for ready money, agreeable to act of Assembly, on Monday the
eighth of November, a tract of valuable land in Ware parish,
lying on Ware and North rivers, Gloucester county,
containing one thousand three hundred acres, which will be laid off in lots
agreeable to law; also an hundred and eleven negroes, with stocks of cattle,
&c. And on Saturday the thirteenth of said month will be sold a
tract of and containing 700 acres, in Kingston parish, Gloucester county, with stocks of
cattle, &c. John Peyton, James
Hubard, Commissioners.
November
20, 1779 – Virginia Gazette, Clarkson & Davis (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Gloucester, Nov. 15, 1779. The subscriber has for sale three hundred bushels of good country made
SALT, and will attend at Hanover court-house the first
Thursday of December, in order to treat with any person inclined to
purchase. Sterling Thornton
November
20, 1779 – Virginia Gazette, Clarkson & Davis (Williamsburg, Virginia)
At a Court held for Gloucester County, Nov. 4, 1779, ORDERED that the Clerk publish the resolutions of this Court, to
proceed most certainly, by the Docket, the next Court, when all persons who have
suits depending are required to give their attendance. Thomas Nelson
November 27,
1779 – Virginia Gazette, Dixon &
Nicolson (Williamsburg, Virginia)
(Advertisement) November 16, 1779. On Thursday the 16th of December,
if fair otherwise the next fair day, will be rented on the premises, to the
highest bidder, ‘till the 1st day of January, 1781, the great
SALT WORKS in Robin’s neck, Gloucester county, with all the
apparatus thereunto belonging,
built
for the use of this commonwealth; also will be sold at the same time and place,
a good new SEINE 45 fathoms long, _____ &c. SAMUEL DU VAL & Company
August 15,
1781 – Freeman’s Journal (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
It is reported, that a
detachment of earl Cornwallis’s army, under command of brigadier general
O’Hara, have landed in Gloucester county, Virginia, near the mouth of York
river, in the vicinity of which, on New-Point Comfort, it is asserted, they are
to erect a strong fortification.
March 11,
1784 – Massachusetts Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts)
[Ship reports]
That a ship from Ireland, had been lately lost above New-Point-Comfort ; that
some of her passengers, with a part of her crew perished, and that the Capt.
had been assassinated by one of his sailors.
April 8, 1785 – Maryland Journal (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
TO BE SOLD, A SHIP on the Stocks, in great forwardness, which may be completed
and launched soon, of the following Dimensions, viz. 73 Feet Keel, straight
rabbit, 27 feet Beam, 12 Feet in the lower Hold, and 5 ½ Feet betwixt Decks,
built of the best Oak Plank and Timber, of suitable Size and Thickness, strong
and substantially put together, and as a Mediocrity has been observed in her
Construction, will indubitably sail very fast, and stow Tobacco to Advantage. –
She stands on fine navigable Water upon East River, in the County of Gloucester, Virginia, near to the Place where the
Subscriber lives, who will be always ready to communicate the Terms to any
Person inclinable to purchase. THOMAS
SMITH.
May 23, 1786 – Maryland Journal (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) TO BE SOLD, On very reasonable
Terms, for Cash, Continental or State Certificates, viz. 1,500 acres of rich
low LANDS, in Gloucester County, Virginia, well improved, beautifully and
advantageously situated on Mock-jack Bay, in full view of the Chesapeake, being
a few miles from Point-Comfort.
January 8, 1790 – Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
SHIPS NEWS. Extract
from Lindsay’s Norfolk Hotel Diary, Dec. 16. On the 10th of Dec.
was picked up by the ship Heart of Oak, while she was lying at anchor in
Hampton-Roads, a small boy, who says his name is William Dawes, about 12 or 13
years of age, in a small boat, nearly filled with water. The boat being baled
out, he expressed a desire to re-embark, and try to reach the shore ; which the
pilot refused, upon a supposition, that had he attempted it, he must have
inevitably perished, as the wind was at that time very high. He gives the
following account of himself: That William Walker, commander of a new sloop,
undertook to move his father and family to New-Point-Comfort ; on the passage
he took the boat, which belonged to his father, and desired his brother, who
was also on board, to go on shore with him, which Walker opposed, but promised
to call for him on their return. He says he remained on shore a week, at the
houses of Messrs. Hawthorn, Diggs, and ____, with whom he was acquainted – that
he set off in the boat to board the sloop, which he discovered under sail on
her return ; but they refused to take him in, which causes him to think they
have run away with the vessel, and that they are gone to the Eastern-Shore.
April 2, 1790 – New York Daily Gazette (New York, New York)
Extract from
Lindsay’s (Norfolk) Hotel Diary,
March 14. Mr. John Proby of Gloster
brought information, that two sloops struck on New Point Comfort bar, and went
to pieces, and night coming on, no assistance could be given the crews, who
were entirely lost. One of the above sloops belonged to Fredericksburg, and was commanded by Mr. Jesse Sloven. …
April 20,
1790 – Pennsylvania Mercury (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
DIED, On the 29th
ult. at Gloucester (Virginia) Mr. Sterling Thornton,
after a short illness.
October 14,
1790 - Pennsylvania Mercury (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
MARRIED, In Gloucester, Virginia, Mr. William Robins, to
Miss Betsey Whiting.
November
25, 1791 – Claypoole’s
Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The following criminals who received sentence of death
from the judge of the district court at Williamsburg, were on Friday last executed near the above place,
viz. William Smith, John Driver, and Emanuel Driver, from Matthews county, for
burglary.
July 28, 1792 – Virginia Chronicle and Norfolk & Portsmouth General Advertiser
(Advertisement)
O’KELLY, Will stand at my plantation and Kempsville during the present season,
Friday and Saturday of every week at the latter place; and will cover Mares at
the rate of EIGHT DOLLARS each the Season, and HALF A DOLLAR to the Groom.
O’KELLY is a full bred Horse, got by Aid-de-Camp out of Camilla, Eclipse’s full
sister; Aid-de-Camp by Specimen, out of Old Blossom, imported by General
Nelson; Specimen, by Old Fearnought, out of Jenny Dismal; both of which last
were imported by Col. Baylor.
Camilla was got by Traveller, Traveller by Moreton’s
imported Traveller, Traveller’s dam was a full blooded Mare brought in by
Mordeica Booth, Esq. of Gloucester county; Camilla’s dam was got by Col.
Baylor’s Fearnought out of Camilla, who was out of an imported Mare of Col.
Byrd’s. W. AITCHISON, Princess-Ann, March 28, 1792.
April 26,
1794 – Philadelphia Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
(Advertisement)
PIRACY! The schooner DELIGHT, the
property of Manual Antonio Martin, of the island of Bona Vista, was on the 18th
of October last, while lying at anchor in the road of that island, forcibly
entered and carried off by John Dunham, John Murray, and a man by the name of
Dodge, and one other person, name unknown. – This vessel was sold to M. A.
Martin, by William McNeil, who came to Bona Vista in her, from Madeira. – She was built in the county of Matthews, state of Virginia, and was
registered at New-York the 16th April, 1793 – Her name was painted
on her stern – her dimensions as follows: 56 feet 6 inches keel, 16 feet 56
inches beam, hold 6 feet 2 inches, her burthen 54 tons. …
If any person can give information of this vessel …
inform Messrs. Joseph Anthony and Son, Philadelphia …
August 14,
1794 – Baltimore Daily Intelligencer (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
The Subscriber has for sale, … two Vessels, now on the stocks in Mathews
county, Virginia – one of 48 feet keel, straight rabbit, 20 feet beam, 10 ½
feet hold, and 20 inches dead rise, and can be delivered in four weeks from
this date. – The other is intended for a brig of 56 feet, straight keel, 22
feet beam, 9 feet lower hold, and 22 inches dead rise, with upper works as may
best fit the purchaser, and can be delivered by the 1st of January
next ; the two vessels are planned for fast sailers, and to be finished in the
neatest manner. The terms will be made known on application to Mr. William
Taylor, Messrs. Robert Mickle, & Co. or the subscriber, who may be found at
Miss Young’s near the court-house, until Sunday next. JOHN PATTERSON.
July 14, 1795 – Gazette of the United States (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
PROPOSALS For
carrying the MAILS of the United States on the following Post Roads, will be received at the
General Post Office until the first day of October next.
VIRGINIA 17. From Yorktown in Virginia to Gloucester courthouse. Leave Yorktown every Monday at 7 A.M.,
and arrive at Gloucester courthouse by 11 AM.
Returning, Leave Gloucester
courthouse by 2 PM, and arrive at Yorktown by 5PM.
August 8, 1795 – Federal Intelligencer (Baltimore, Maryland)
We are informed, that the brig Baltimore, and another vessel, name unknown, are aground on
New-Point Comfort.
December 2,
1797 – Claypoole’s
American Advertiser (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
(Advertisement)
SAMUEL SMITH at No. 86 Front St. has for sale: The fast sailing schooner HELENA
PLUMSTEAD. White oak frame; built in Mathews county, state of Virginia, in the
year 1796 – 47 feet 5 inches keel, 16 feet 5 inches beam, 6 feet 7 inches hold,
burthen 56 tons.
August 3, 1798 – Gazette of the United States (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
At a meeting
of the citizens of the county of Mathews, at the
court-house of the said county on the 10th day of June, 1798
Resolved, That
the Rev. Armistead Smith be requested on this occasion, to take the chair, and
that John Patterson, esq. do officiate as clerk to this meeting.
Resolved
unanimously, That at this crisis when there is a strong appearance that our
pacific wishes are likely to be disturbed, it highly becomes every set of
freemen, composing the union of the United States, to deliver their free and unvarnished sentiments,
and to communicate the same to the Chief Magistrate. We the citizens of the
county of Mathews, deploring the necessity and prospect of calling into action,
the exertions of those who have purchased and know how to value liberty, think
fit to declare and represent to the President of the United States, that
viewing unanimity as the only security to our happiness and prosperity as a
nation, and as individuals; whenever we shall find an attack made on our
national honor, character and respectability, our country may rest assured, as
we here with one voice pledge ourselves, to rescue America from public odium,
and in defence of our lives, liberty and property, from whatever quarter
violated, we will again risque these dear and valuable blessings.
Resolved
unanimously, That the endeavors of every one to reconcile the unhappy
differences between France and this country deserves the warmest thanks of every
good citizen.
Resolved
unanimously, That the citizens composing this meeting, will cherish the
hope, that every act of the Executive Government, will warrant their warmest
wishes and prayers for the success of their measures, whilst such are governed
by the true principles of our constitution, and tend to harmonize mankind.
Resolved, That
a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the President of the United States and that Thomas Evans, esq. our delegate to Congress,
be requested to convey the same.
Resolved, That
these resolutions be signed by the chairman of this meeting. (signed)
ARMISTEAD SMITH, (Teste) JOHN PATTERSON.
August 3, 1798 – Gazette of the United States (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
ANSWER, To
the Citizens of the County of Mathews, in Virginia. Gentlemen, Your unanimous resolutions of the 12th
inst. have been communicated to me by Mr. Evans, your representative in
Congress.
I thank you for your determination, that whenever you
shall find an attack made on your national honor, character and respectability,
your country may rest assured that to rescue America from public odium, and in
defence of your lives, liberty and property, you will again risque those dear
and valuable blessings.
With you I cherish the hope that every act of the
Executive Government, will warrant your warmest wishes and prayers for their
measures. JOHN ADAMS, Philadelphia, June 28, 1798
September 3, 1798 – Commercial Advertiser (New York, New York)
The bark Peggy, Capt. Robt. Gore, of George Town … was boarded by the British frigate Cleopatra, that
had a few days before taken a French privateer of 12 guns. The Cleopatra put on board the Peggy seven
seamen, part of the crew of the ship Jersey of Charleston, bound to Amsterdam, and of the brig Union,
of Newburyport bound to the same place – all of whom were landed at
New Point Comfort
April 30,
1800 – Federal
Gazette & Baltimore Daily Advertiser (Baltimore, Maryland)
Yesterday arrived the brig Betsy, captain Hughes, in 5
days from Savannah – 68 hours to New-Point Comfort – Cotton, tobacco,
&c. – Falls and Brown. Came passengers, doctor Baker, of this city, and
several French gentlemen.
June 30,
1800 - Federal
Gazette & Baltimore Daily Advertiser (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) NOTICE. Whereas some time about the 1st
November last, the subscriber went to Baltimore in a new schooner, built in the
county of Mathews, in the state of Virginia, and owned by William Y. Lewis, of
Baltimore, Richard Billups, Thomas Buckner, and the subscriber, of the said
county, each one fourth part, which said schooner was sold to the house of
Lloyd Buchanan and H. Courtenay, by the said Lewis and the subscriber, acting
as agents for the owners aforesaid, and for the sum of five thousand dollars,
payable in equal payments at four, five, six, seven, and eight months; - and in
order to divide the payments equally among the parties aforesaid, I drew 20
orders on the said Buchanan and Courtenay, (four for each payment), in favor of
the said William Y. Lewis, dated the 8th of November, 1799, payable
at the periods aforesaid, and by them accepted, which said orders were paid
over by the said Lewis, in the propositions aforesaid to the several owners,
under the express agreement and stipulation, that in case of the failure of the
said house, that each person was to loose his proportion of the debt received,
and be liable for only for such of the paper as should in the mean time be by
him in any manner negotiated for his own benefit ; and it was at the same time
understood, that the said Lewis and the subscriber was to be in no way
answerable, in consequence of their name appearing as the drawer and endorser,
except such of the said acceptances as were received for our proportion of the
sale aforesaid. The orders being drawn in this way for the convenience of
settlement and division aforesaid, and for no other consideration whatever, and
it appearing that such of the said orders have become due have been protested
for nonpayment ; in consequence of which I do hereby give public notice, and in
particular to the holders of the said accepted orders, that I will not take up
or hold myself responsible for the payment of any part of them, except those
received by me on account of my interest in the said schooner, and paid to
Messrs. Barclay and McKeen, and William Harrison, esquire. JOHN PATTERSON, Mathews County, Virginia.
February
20, 1801 – Washington Federalist (District
of Columbia)
Legislative Acts. Wednesday,
February 18. – General Smith
reported a bill for erecting Light houses on New Point Comfort and Smith’s
Point in Virginia …
April 27,
1801 – Jenk’s
Portland Gazette (Portland, Maine)
An Act for erecting light houses on Newpoint Comfort,
and Smith’s point, in the State of Virginia and on Faukner’s island in Long
Island Sound in the State of Connecticut, and for placing buoys in Narraganset
Bay.
Be it enacted in the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That
as soon as a cession shall be made by the State of Virginia to the United
States, of the jurisdiction over the land proper for the purpose, the Secretary
of the Treasury be, and he is hereby authorized to provide by contract, to be
approved by the President of the United States, for building a light house on
Newpoint Comfort, and another light
house on Smith’s point, both in the State aforesaid, and to furnish the same
with all necessary supplies ; and also to agree for the salaries or wages of
the person who may be appointed by the President for the superintendence and
care of the same, and that the President be authorized to make the said
appointments. …
Sec. 2 [concerns Long Island Sound]
Sec. 3 [concerns Kinnimicut Point]
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That there be
appropriated and paid, out of the monies arising from imports and tonnage, the
sum of five thousand dollars for the purpose of erecting the light house as
aforesaid on New Point Comfort …
THEODORE
SEDGWICK,
Speaker of the House of Representatives
JAMES HILLHOUSE
President
of the Senate, pro tempore
Approved – March 3d, A. D.
1801 JOHN ADAMS, President of the United
States.
October 12,
1801 – Federal
Gazette & Baltimore Daily Advertiser (Baltimore, Maryland)
A Bremen
ship, the Rein Deer and Pennelope, are in the Bay; and several schrs. in
New-Point Comfort.
February
20, 1802 – The
Republican (Baltimore, Maryland)
HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES.
Monday, February 8. Mr. Stratton
presented a petition from sundry inhabitants of the county of Matthews, (Virg.) praying the establishing of another port.
Referred to a committee of commerce and manufacturers.
July 1, 1802 – Carolina Gazette (Charleston, South
Carolina)
… after the last day of June next, a district shall be
formed from the district of Yorktown, in
Virginia, to be called the district of East River, which shall comprehend the
waters, shores, harbors and inlets of North and East River and Mobjack Bay, and
all other navigable waters, shores, harbors and inlets within the county of
Mathews in said state ; and it shall be lawful for the President of the United
States to designate a proper place to be the port of entry and delivery within
the said district ; and to appoint a collector and surveyor of the customs to
reside and keep their offices thereat, who shall be entitled to receive, in
addition to the fees and other emoluments established by law, the annual salary
of two hundred dollars each.
August 12,
1802 – American Herald (Leominster, Massachusetts)
Mr. John Page, of Rosewell,
is talked of as the person who will in all probability succeed Mr. Monroe as
governor of the state of Virginia; Mr. W. B. Giles and Mr. S.
T. Mason have declined standing candidates.
October 6,
1802 – Alexandria Advertiser (Alexandria, Virginia)
BALTIMORE, October 4.
The Nancy and Polly is in the river. The pilot says he left eleven sail
of square-rigged vessels at New Point Comfort.
December 7,
1802 – New York Evening Post (New York, New York)
EVENING POST MARINE LIST. Port of Baltimore, Dec. 2. Arrived, schr. Virginia, Edwards, New York; Got underway from New Point Comfort, in co. with an
English brig …
December
28, 1802 – The Bee (Hudson, New York)
Col. John Page, of Rosewell,
an able and tried patriot, has been chosen governor of Virginia, without opposition, in the
room of Col. Monroe, whose constitutional term of service (three years) having
expired rendered him ineligible to a re-election.
March 12,
1803 – Paulson’s
American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Seventh Congress of the United States at Second Session. An Act – Making appropriations for
the support of government, for the year 1803.
For erecting of a light-house on New-Point Comfort, in
addition to the sum heretofore appropriated for that purpose, three thousand
five hundred dollars.
March 18, 1803 – National Intelligencer (Washington, DC)
(Advertisement) The thoroughbred and high-blooded
running Horse WILD MEDLEY, Will stand in the City of Washington, to be let to Mares at 25 dollars the season, which
will commence on the 10th of March instant, and end on the 10th
day of August next … The above horse is in the highest form and with uncommon
powers. He measures full fifteen hands three inches high, and is a beautiful
deep blood bay. He was lately purchased of Mr. Subblefield of Gloucester county, Virginia, by W. Thornton. Enquiries concerning this capital Horse may be made at Mr. Rhode’s
and Mr. Lovell’s Tavern.
PEDIGREE. (which cannot be excelled). Wild Medley was
gotten by the imported horse old Medley, his dam by Wild Air, his grand dam by
Shandy, his great grand dam was the famous running Mare old Sportley, which was
gotten by old Janus. The dame of Sportley was purchased by General Thomas
Nelson from the Spanish Main, and sold by him to Colonel Lewis Burwell of Gloucester county.
Given under our hands this 14th day of
January, 1801. MEAUX THORNTON, LEWIS BURWELL.
I had the following from good authority. Wild
Medley, (which was foaled the property of Mr. Nuttal of Gloucester court-house) ran at four years old four times, and
never was pushed, but won every race under a hard pull. He won at
Urbanna the two mile heats. He won at King William court-house the three mile
heats. He won at Gloucester another purse, and lastly was run by Col. Hoskins at Hanover Town, and won, as I heard, with much credit, the four mile
heat. His owner then died, and he has not run since, but has been kept as a
stud. WILLIAM JOHNSTON.
March 1803. I do
certify that I had two foals got by Wild Medley, a filly, four years old this
spring, sold to John Taylor, Esquire, of Mount Airy, for 1200 dollars, and a
colt now three years old this spring for which I would not take less than 1500
dollars; and I also am acquainted with several of Wild Medley’s colts, which I
think as fine as any I know, and I think him as good a foal getter as any horse
that ever stood in these parts. JOHN
WOOD.
Gloucester county, March 1, 1803
Wood’s filly
won the Urbanna Sweepstakes last June, beating Mr. Hall’s horse; my filly, by
Cormorant, and Colonel Kemps’s filly, by Americus, and I think (but am unable
to say positively) she distanced the field the second heat. I also understood she won the sweekstakes at Wood’s Ordinary in
Gloucester, by distancing the field. Both these sweepstakes were two mile heats.
JOHN TAYLOE.
I do certify that I have seen Woods’s filly and colt now
in training at Mount Airy, the seat of John Tayloe, Esq. and I think them both
elegant; the colt the finest of his age I ever saw. I have also seen Mr.
Gibbs’s colt, and think him fine. I am credibly informed that Mr. Giles Cook,
Colonel Thomas Roan, Major Thomas Hartley, Mr. William Robeson, Mr. Joseph
Hall, and several others, ask from 500 to 800 dollars for each of their colts
by Wild Medley; and I never heard of a horse having so good a character as a
foal-getter, nor so much lamented in leaving a place, as Wild Medley in leaving
Gloucester county.
Given under my hand this 4th March, 1803. WILLIAM
JOHNSTON.
August 20,
1804 – Morning
Chronicle (New York, New York)
Baltimore, August 16. Arrived, schr. Edith and Polly … Passed ship Jane,
Robinson, from Batavia and a brig off New Point Comfort.
November
29, 1804 – United States
Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
(Advertisement)
BRIG JULIA. Tomorrow at 1
o’clock, at the Merchants’ Coffeehouse, will be sold, The fine fast sailing
brig JULIA., Now lying at Morton’s wharf, burthen per register 123 84-95
tons, built in Mathews county, in the state of Virginia, in 1803, of the best
materials, and well finished. Inventory to be seen at the coffee house ; terms
approved indorsed notes at two and four months. A. PETTIT & Co. auct’rs.
December 1,
1804 – Morning
Chronicle (New York, New York )
The French frigate Le President, on board of which Jerome
Bonaparte and lady are stated to have embarked, was at anchor at New-Point
Comfort the 26th instant, not being able to proceed to sea, having a
head wind.
December 6,
1804 – The Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
LAND FOR SALE. The subscriber offers for sale a tract of Land,
containing six hundred and thirty acres, lying on Black Water, in Mathews
county, adjoining Mr. John Peyton’s, Phillip Tabb’s and Hunley Gayles’s land,
well known by the name of the Battery
Tract. The fertility of the soil is equal, if not superior, to any land in
the county. The situation is remarkably pleasant and healthy ; the land is well
watered and heavily timbered. On it there are three tenements ; the houses are
tolerably comfortable, and the fences generally good ; at one of those places
there is a very good Peach and Apple Orchard, and the Battery itself is a most
capital stand for a store and tavern, being halfway between Gloucester and
Mathews courthouses, and the inhabitants generally wealthy and punctual in
their dealings. The whole of the land being immediately on the river, where the
best fish and oysters are caught, renders it a most desirable situation. Any
person inclined to purchase will be shown the premises and terms made known, on
application to Capt. ___ Gibson, at the Battery, or GEORGE E. DUDLEY. Mathews County, December 6.
August 12, 1805 – Commercial Advertiser (New York, New York)
DIED. On the 2d
instant, in Gloucester, Virginia, Mr. William Wiseman, merchant, of Richmond.
August 21, 1805 – The Democrat (Boston, Massachusetts)
DIED, On Friday the 2d instant, at Mr. Sewall’s plantation
in Gloucester county, Virginia, on his return from Norfolk, William Wischam, Esq; of a cholera-morbus,
occasioned by an immoderate use of ice. He was formerly well known in this city
as a gentleman of the most obliging and benevolent disposition, ready at all
times to contribute to the happiness of his fellow-creatures, and to sacrifice
his own personal interest to promote that of his friends. In Richmond, where he had resided during the last twenty years,
the sorrow for his death is universal. He has left behind him one son and three
daughters, to lament the loss of one of the best of fathers and of men, at a
time when they stand most in need of a protector; and to inherit, we fear, very
little besides the recollection of his virtues, and the benefit of his example.
February 3, 1806 – Mercantile Advertiser (New York, New York)
Port of Baltimore, Jan. 29. The ship
Rebecca, Wyse, 114 days from Batavia, for Baltimore, at New Point Comfort, 21st inst.
September 8, 1806 – New York Commercial Advertiser (New York, New York)
On Friday last, a French 74 gun ship came into the Capes,
and proceeded up the bay – She was on Saturday morning going under New Point
Comfort to anchor. This ship has lost all her top-masts, and appeared to be
otherwise much injured. – There is not any person from her, but we understand
it is the Patriot, one of the fleet to which Jerome Bonaparte belongs. Other
accounts say it is the Regulus, which from comparing every account, we should
think most probable ; we shall probably know certainly in the course of the
day.
September
19, 1806 – Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) NOTICE. A petition will be presented
by William Fitchett to the next General Assembly of Virginia, praying that a
law may pass to establish a ferry across Piankatank river from my land in Matthews County, to the land of the late Thomas E. Churchill, dec’d
of Middlesex county. WILLIAM FITCHETT.
October 23,
1806 – Independent
Chronicle (Boston, Massachusetts)
BY THE MAILS. Baltimore, Oct. 15. – Arrived this morning, the fast sailing
brig Ida, Matthew Payson, master, from Batavia, after a passage of seventy-eight days. She came to
anchor at New Point Comfort, and finished her voyage from Baltimore to Batavia, and back to Baltimore, in 7 months and a half, out of which time she lay at
anchor in Batavia roads fifty days.
November
12, 1806 – New York Spectator (New York, New York)
By Mr. Jackson, passenger (who came up in a pilot
boat) we understand that the ship Commerce, lies at New-Point Comfort, 49 days
from Liverpool.
November 19,
1806 – Columbian
Centinel (Boston, Massachusetts)
15th. Ar.
sch. Triton, Rich. Alexandria, 13 days, with flour,
to Dillaway and Baker and H. Sheafe. – In the Chesapeake Bay saw a sch founder, and soon after took from her
mainmast head, 2 men, two others who belonged to her drowned. The survivors
were landed at New Point Comfort. The sch was from James River, bound to Rappahannock, with a load of coal.
January 26,
1807 – Alexandria Daily Advertiser (Alexandria, Virginia)
Port of Alexandria. Arrived, At New-point Comfort, schooner Phillip,
Bradford Taber, 22 days from Kingston, Jam.
Schooner Paragon, captain Haynes from Turks Island has arrived at New-Point Comfort.
February
28, 1807 – Public
Advertiser (New York, New York)
Baltimore, Feb. 25. – Arrived, schr. Dorchester, Jacobs, from Bordeaux. Left at New Point Comfort last Wednesday, ship
William Penn, from Bordeaux, which sailed 10 days after; and brig Eliza Vickery,
from Havanna.
March 4, 1807 – New York Herald (New York, New York)
The ship William Penn, which we mentioned some time
since to have arrived in the Chesapeake in a short passage from France, is
stated in a Baltimore paper of Wednesday last, as being only yet at
New-Point-Comfort, (not far from Norfolk) – when
she does arrive, we may look for something interesting, as she sailed from
Bordeaux the 12th ult. – Register.
July 27,
1807 – United States
Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Captain Ruse, a pilot, who arrived here last night,
informs that after piloting the ship Mary, on Monday last, outside of the
capes, and returning from the ship, he saw a British frigate give chase to the
said ship Mary and a ship out of Norfolk, but knows not whether either of them were taken.
On the same day captain Ruse fell in with the brig Leo, Robinson ; schr. Fly,
Thomas Frazer ; schr. Model, captain Rutter, and a schr. name unknown at New
Point Comfort ; when he was informed by Mr. Wilson, supercargo on board the
Leo, that after the brig had got to the capes, bound out, she was chased by two
British cutters as far up as New Point Comfort, and on making a second attempt
to get out
was chased again up the bay.
Captain Ruse states that he was informed at the same
time, that the other vessels, outward bound above named, were also chased from
the capes into New Point Comfort.
July 31,
1807 – The Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
Extract of a
letter from an officer in the Virginia Detachment,
in the Elizabeth River, July 25th “This
picture naturally brings the naval preparation of Norfolk into my view. These principally embrace the forts,
the Gun Boats and the Chesapeake.
“The gun-boats which are now in the stocks, are of a
different construction from those which were formerly built. Instead of being
very flat at the bottom, and containing 2 thirty-two pounders, one in the stern
and the other in the bough, the present boats are smaller, shaped like
pilot-boats and sharper in the keel, and contain but a single thirty-two
pounder in their bough. They are, of
course more rapid in their movements and still capable of going into a
sufficiently shallow water to answer the purpose for which they are intended.
The former gun-boats which are already equipped and lying at Norfolk around the Chesapeake are of the old construction. – The four that I saw at
Gosport … building under the superintendence of the U. S. naval agent, the respectable Mr. Bedinger are of the
new plan. .. Four others have been constructed at Hampton, and four more (I
believe) in the county of Matthews.
February
27, 1808 – Washington Expositor (District
of Columbia)
Laws of the United States. An Act Making Appropriations . … For erecting the
following light-houses, in addition to the sums heretofore appropriated for
them respectively, that is to say: for erecting a light-house on New Point
Comfort in Virginia, one hundred and seventy seven dollars and twenty cents.
August 3, 1808 – North American & Mercantile Daily
Advertiser (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) CAUTION. Baltimore, August 3d. 1808. ALL persons are hereby cautioned
against taking any assignment on FOUR NOTES, drawn by the Subscriber in favour
of James Van Bibber, sen. of Matthews County, Vir. Dated on or about the 20th day of
August, 1806, for One Hundred and Ten
Dollars and ____ cents each note – and payable in twelve, twenty-four,
thirty-six, and forty eight months from the date within specified, as I am
determined not to pay the same. WASHINGTON VAN BIBBER
August 13,
1808 – North
American & Mercantile Daily Advertiser (Baltimore, Maryland)
Port of Norfolk, Aug. 8.
Anchored at Newpoint Comfort on Thursday last, the Swedish sch’r
Augustaf Adolphus, 7 days from Turks Island, bound to Baltimore – On the outward passage, in lat. 32, long. 71, was
boarded and taken possession of by the Spanish ship Rina, capt. Bodia, of 20
guns, 100 men, the greater part of which were Americans. The captain and all
the crew of the schooner were detained on board the ship 4 days – after plundering
the vessel of the greater part of the provisions, boat &c. capt. Bodia,
dismissed her in lat. 36, lon. 63.
October 12,
1808 – New York Spectator (New York, New York)
Captain Peterson, of the schr. Fame from Baltimore, informs, that on Wednesday morning he saw the brig
St. Michael at New Point Comfort. She had arrived there from France on the preceding evening. The messenger immediately
landed with the dispatches (which are represented as being pacific) went on to
Little York, and proceeded next morning for the seat of Government. [Note: Also
appeared verbatim in the November 24, 1808 issue of The
Times, London, United Kingdom]
May 24,
1809 – Federal
Republican & Commercial Gazette (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
For Sale, the new Brig PORTIA, Fitted complete in every
respect (except sails.) She is a very fine vessel ; was built in Matthews
county, Virginia, of the best materials ; is high decked – expected to sail
fast, and carry about 1200 barrels. She may be put to sea in a few days. For terms
apply to THOMAS TENANT.
June 1, 1809 – Federal Republican & Commercial Gazette (Baltimore, Maryland)
Extract of a letter, dated New Point Comfort, May 26, 1809. “The ship Nancy, capt. Richard Kearney, put to sea
on Tuesday last ; soon after passing the Capes, found the ship had sprung a
leak, which gained on us ; and after about four hours sail put about for the
Capes ; but the wind being ahead, we could not make the Capes till Thursday
evening about five o’clock, as per sea account. While out, we were boarded by
the British frigate Melampus, which took us in tow for half day, and supplied
us with four men to assist in pumping, and treated us with a great deal of
humanity. The leak continued to gain on us so that we arrived here we had five
feet water in the hold. To mend the matter the pilot has run the ship on shore
on a bar, at the mouth of the Severn
river, where we now lay ;
how long we shall remain here I know not. I am much fatigued at present, not
having more than 8 hours sleep since Monday morning last.”
January 20,
1810 – Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
LAND FOR SALE. – The tract of LAND laying in Matthews county,
whereon Thomas Gibbons lately resided, and was formerly the property of Doctor
Frederick W. Hearn, dec’d and by him purchased of Mr. John Hayes, containing
about 220 acres ; this Land is conveniently situated on North River, and
commands a handsome prospect of Mobjack bay and said river – on the said Land
is a convenient dwelling house with four rooms below, and several out houses ;
the soil is fertile, and the river abounds with fish, oysters, and wild fowl in
season ; the situation is very healthy. Terms will be made known and possession
immediately given to the purchaser by
RICHARD BILLUPS.
Also, the Tract of land on said river, containing 25
acres, which Mary Dudley died possessed of, will be sold, at public auction on
the 2d day of April next, and a title made by her lawful heirs. Apply as
above. Matthews County.
February 3, 1810 – Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Notice – On the 6th day of
December last, a friend of the subscriber’s deposited a letter with the Post
Master at Yorktown, addressed to Messrs. Maclure and Robertson, of Philadelphia, enclosing $610 in bank notes. … The above letter
having been miscarried, the several post masters in the United States are requested to examine the letters remaining in
their offices as dead letters, and if such a letter should be discovered, they
are desired to forward it to the place directed. It appears from the books of
the post master at York Town, that said letter was marked 40 cents – A liberal
reward will be given to any persons who will restore the aforesaid letter with
its contents, or give such information as will lead to a discovery by JOHN PATTERSON, Matthews County, (Va.)
February
16, 1810 – The Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) LAND FOR SALE. – By virtue of an act of the General Assembly of
Virginia, passed the 22d day of January 1810. Will be sold at Public Auction,
at Mathews court-house, on Monday the 12th day of March next, if
fair, otherwise next fair day, on a credit of one, two and three years, the
Tract of Land containing about 500 acres (in lots or the whole together, as may
best suit the purchasers, and promote the public interest,) lying in the county
of Mathews, called Kingston parish Glebe Land. This Land is conveniently
situated on East River, and Pudden Creek, which abounds with Fish and
Oysters in their season, and is about one and a half mile from the said
court-house. Further description is deemed useless, as it’s expected those
inclined to purchase, will view the premises before the day of sale. Bonds with
good security, with a lien on the said land will be required by PERRIN SMITH,
HOULDER HUDGINS, RICHARD BILLUPS, ANTy HUDGINS, GABl. MILLER, Senr. And SANDS
SMITH, Com’rs.
August 14, 1810 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
To be Sold, for ready money, pursuant to a decree of the Superior Court of
Chancery for the district of Richmond, made on the 8th day of
September 1809, in a suit between Thomas Southcomb, John Jackson & Abraham
Henry Chambers, plaintiffs, and Lewis Burwell and Thomas R. Rootes, defendants
:
All that TRACT OF LAND, in the county of
Gloucester, and Parish of Abingdon, that formerly belonged to the above named
Lewis Burwell, and was conveyed by him to John Hughes, by deed of Mortgage, on
the fifth day of June, 1797, and recorded in the county court of Gloucester,
known by the name of James’s, adjoining the tract called White Marsh, whereon
the said Burwell then lived, the boundaries whereof are set forth in the said
deed, or so much thereof as may appear necessary to raise the sum of 500£
current money, with lawful interest from the 1st January, 1800, till
payment, the costs of suit and the charges and expenses of sale.
The sale will take place at Gloucester courthouse on the third day of September next.
MANN PAGE, ROBERT NELSON,
JOHN LEWIS, Comm’rs
August 28,
1810 – The Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
At a Chancery District
Court, held in Williamsburg, the 15th day of
July, 1809
Rebecca Innes, late Rebecca Lewis, Pltff.
Against
Samuel W. Sayer, administrator with
the will annexed of Philip L. Grymes, Mary Grymes Sayre, an infant, heir and
devisee of the said Philip L. Grymes, by the said Samuel W. Sayre, her
guardian, assigned to defend her in this suit, and Judith Grymes, widow and
devisee of the said Philip L. Grymes,
THIS cause came on this day, to be
heard on the bill, answers, exhibits, examinations of witnesses, and the report
of master commissioner, Coleman; and was argued by counsel, on consideration
whereof, the court, confirming the said report, doth adjudge, order and decree,
that unless the defendants do, on or before the third Tuesday in August 1810,
pay unto the plaintiff, the sum of nine hundred and forty-seven pounds fifteen
shillings and four pence; with interest on seven hundred and seven pounds six
shillings, part thereof to be computed, after the rate of six per centum per
annum, from the first day of October, 1808, till paid; the defendants, Mary
Grymes Sayre, and Judith Grymes, and their heirs, and all persons claiming
under them, be from thenceforth barred and foreclosed, of all equity and right,
to redeem the tract of land in the county of Gloucester, mentioned in the
indenture of mortgage, filed as an exhibit, made the ninth day of July, 1783,
between the said Philip L. Grymes, and
the plaintiff; and in case of default in the payment of the said principal
money and interest, at the time aforesaid, that Peter Wyatt, Thomas Baytop,
Thomas B. Fox, Thomas Muse and William A. Rogers, gent. of any two of them,
after giving three weeks previous notice, in one of the Richmond newspapers, do
expose to public sale, by auction, for ready money, the TRACT OF LAND,
in the indenture aforesaid mentioned, and out of the proceeds of the sale, pay
unto the plaintiff the said principal money and interest, and the cost by her
expended in the prosecution of this suit, and the surplus of the proceeds of
the sale, if any, after deducting the expenses attending thereon, pay unto the
said defendants, and make report thereof, to the court, in order to a final
decree. ANT’Y ROBERTSON, c.c.
Agreeable to the above decree, Will
be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Thursday, the 27th
day of September next, on the premises, 1020 acres of LAND, lying in the
upper part of Gloucester county, on the Piankitank river – this Land is well
adapted to the growth of corn, wheat and tobacco. PETER WYATT, THOS. BAYTOP, THOS. B. FOX,
THOS. MUSE, WM A . ROGERS, Commiss’rs.
Gloucester Co. Aug. 28
September
30, 1811 – Portland Gazette and Maine Advertiser (Portland, Maine)
DIED, In this town, Mr. Snelling Hodges, aged 30
years, son of Mr. Richard Hodges, of Matthews county, Virginia.
December
25, 1812 – The Pilot (Boston, Massachusetts)
BALTIMORE, Dec. 18 – Sch. Fox,
Hearn, 11 days from Cape Francois, with a cargo of coffee,
&c. worth 20,000 dolls. was cast away in the late gale on New Point
Comfort ; the vessel bilged, cargo lost, and people saved with difficulty.
January 8, 1813 – The Gleaner (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)
LOSS OF THE SCHOONER FOX. Extract of a letter from Mr. E. M. Clure dated New Point Comfort, Dec.
5. “At the request of the Captain
Hearn of the schr. Fox of Baltimore, whose feelings disqualify him from writing
from the subject, I take the liberty to acquaint you of the loss of the said
Schr. together with her cargo of coffee, sugar and tortoise shell. She was 11
days from Cape Francois, and cast away on New Point Comfort, about half past 11 o’clock on Thursday night last. The crew were saved with much
difficulty, though within 200 yards of the shore. The weather has continued so
excessively severe, that we have lost all hopes of saving the cargo. Indeed she
filled and bilged together with her boat, before the crew left her.”
February
27, 1813 – Carolina Federal Republican (New Bern, North
Carolina)
An express arrived here yesterday with information,
that the British had landed a force at New-Point Comfort, in Mathews county –
and that they had also taken possession of Smith’s Island
in Maryland.
March 19, 1813 – Farmer’s Repository (Charlestown, West Virginia)
From the Alexandria Gazette. Blockading
Squadron. A pilot came up to this place yesterday from below, bringing
information that on Tuesday evening last, six British frigates had come up the
bay to Piankatank about thirty miles below the mouth of the Potomac river, and
sent their boats and cutters to make an attack on the Baltimore flotilla, and some
gun boats that were in the mouth of the river; the result of the engagement,
which the captain of a Baltimore schooner, who gave the information to the
pilot, said he was witness to for upwards of one hour, is not known. He
likewise stated that the boats of the frigates were sent into every river and
creek on the bay, for the purpose of searching for vessels.
March 25,
1813 – Poulson’s
American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
From the Virginia Patriot. From our Norfolk
Correspondent. The following is
extracted from a letter received by a gentleman in Norfolk, from his friend, dated East River, March 11.
“We are this day all under
arms ; the enemy occupies Mobjack Bay, and one of
their launches and two tenders chased a pilot boat into the mouth of the
East River this morning. The little fleet of sharp vessels that
lay in Severn have all moved into East River, and some of them as high up as
they can get. Two large Baltimore
schooners about 300 tons each, armed, having together about 100 men, are moored
across the river before my door ; it is expected an attempt will be made to cut
them out this night. – We have on duty one company of artillery with two field
pieces, and three companies of infantry, placed in a situation to act with the
armed vessels in case of an attack.
“Capt. Sinclair with his flotilla, commands the mouth of
the Pianketank river ; he ran into that place two nights ago, and found
anchored there a large suspicious looking schooner ; he ordered one of his
boats to fire a shot ahead of her, she immediately returned a broadside ; a
sharp action commenced ; the schooner cut her cables and got off, but in a
dreadful shattered situation, her booby hatch, quarter boards, rails and many
other pieces, with an officer’s military hat were found afloat in the morning,
and we have a report today that a schooner has been seen sunk off Gwinn’s
Island, with her yards standing.
“The British have captured within these 3 or 4 days,
within New Point Comfort and Gwyn’s Island, 8 or 10 vessels, some of them with
5 or 600 barrels of flour, and report says a vessel with 500 barrels of Pork,
from George Town bound to Norfolk, said to belong to Mr. Mason, and for the
navy, has also been captured.”
April 3, 1813 – The Columbian (New York, New York)
TROUBLE WITH
THE BLACKS. Baltimore Whig office, April 3, 1813. Important Information. By capt. Weems, direct
from Hampton, we learn that the British squadron still retain
their former position in Hampton Roads; that a conspiracy among the negroes had
taken place, but was detected ….
At Gloucester
courthouse, an attempt was made by the blacks to murder three slaves who
refused to join in the conspiracy. Several troops of horse have been ordered
out to seize suspected blacks. …
April 10,
1813 – Providence Gazette (Providence, Rhode
Island)
Eight negroes have been condemned to be hanged in
Mathew’s county, for personating Englishmen in the night, and robbing a Mr.
John Ripley.
April 16, 1813 – Otsego Republican Press (Cherry Valley, New York)
Baltimore
Whig office, April 3, 1813. IMPORTANT
INFORMATION. By capt. Weems, direct from Hampton, we learn that the British
squadron still retained their former position in Hampton Roads; that a
conspiracy among the negroes had taken place, but was detected in the following
manner: An American vessel in James’ River was hailed during the night by
several negroes in a canoe, who enquired if they were English; the captain
suspecting them, replied in the affirmative, when they immediately came on
board and informed him if he would furnish them with arms they would massacre
the whites; that 2000 negroes were embodied and exercised in squads at night;
they mention particular individuals who should be their first victims. The
captain of the vessel detained them for some time, exercising them with swords,
&c. until he obtained the whole plan of the conspiracy, when he seized them
and they are now confined in Williamsburg jail.
At Gloucester
court house, an attempt was made by the blacks to murder three slaves, who
refused to join in the
conspiracy. Several troops of horse had been ordered out to seize suspected
blacks.
Eight negroes had been condemned to be hanged in
Matthew’s county for personating Englishmen in the night, and robbing a Mr.
John Ripley.
April 16,
1813 – Alexandria Gazette, Commercial & Political (Alexandria, Virginia)
BALTIMORE, April 13. The schr. Bona, Dameron, from Havanna for
this port, was captured 3d ult. off New Point Comfort, and carried to Bermuda.
June 2, 1813 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
From the Merchant’s Coffee-House Books. The sch. Little Jane, Mitchell, bound to
Norfolk, returned this morning, having gone down as far [as] Rappahannock,
where he fell in with the Comet, and was informed that a 74, a frigate, 3
schooners and a lugger were off New Point Comfort. The schooners were under
way, standing off and on, in sight of the ships. Left there on Sunday
afternoon. Capt. Gordon had gone down near enough to ascertain their force, and
was watching their motions.
June
18, 1813 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
Extract of a
letter from an officer of the militia, to his friend in this city, dated, Matthews County, Vir. June 12. “The
Revenue Cutter, Capt. Travis, was taken, (two miles above Yorktown) by 4 barges, about day-break this morning, and strange to tell, was
not discovered by the cutter until they had boarded her. Two barges also took a
vessel the day before yesterday out of the same river, laden with flour,
&c. A pilot-boat from Baltimore, (Mr. Heath’s) was taken out of Pepper
Creek.”
December 6,
1813 – The Columbian
(New York, New York)
The boat Friends’ Adventure, captain Drake, which
sailed from Norfolk on Friday, the 25th ult. bound to Baltimore,
with a cargo of tar, was chased on shore at New-Point Comfort, about 2 o’clock
on Saturday morning, by 5 of the enemy’s barges, belonging to two brigs at
anchor off that Point ; the vessel and cargo totally lost to the owners. – a
part of the tar, we understand, has been saved by the people on shore.
January 18,
1814 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
[Virginia Legislature] On
motion of Mr. Jones of Gloucester, the 33d rule of this House was suspended,
for the purpose of receiving a memorial of the people of Gloucester county –
And the said memorial was received and read, representing that a large British
force is now in possession of New Point Comfort; the shipping lying close in
shore; that the enemy land in considerable force every day, and have done some
mischief; that the two counties of Gloucester and Mathews are so exposed, with
the enemy at their door, that the force thereof is not sufficient, to protect
them from ruin – praying therefore, the interposition of the Legislature to
arrest the orders, now in the hands of Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, of the
county of Gloucester, for the march to Norfolk, of a part of the militia of
said county.
January 25,
1814 – Norfolk Herald (Norfolk, Virginia)
From the Norfolk Herald of January 11. The enemy landed at New Point Comfort on the 29th
ult. and destroyed the oil used for the light house ; they nearly demolished
the dwelling house of the keeper, and fixed the British flag on the top of the
light house!
February
12, 1814 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
[Virginia Legislature] #5.
An Act, “appropriating the proceeds of the Glebe lands, and other property
belonging to the parishes of Abingdon, Ware and Petsworth in the County of Gloucester, and for other purposes.” –
[Passes Jan. 25th 1814]
March 28,
1814 – New York Commercial Advertiser (New York, New York)
From the Baltimore Patriot.
Copy of a letter to the Editors, dated Mathews County, (Virg.)
March 18. “Sirs – I have yesterday visited the camp,
near New Point Comfort ; and had the pleasure of seeing one of the handsomest
skirmishes, I ever witnessed. – About 10 o’clock, Captain Weedon, who commands
at this post, received information from a trooper, that the enemy showed a
disposition to cross over on the main, with about fifty or sixty men. In a few
minutes, about the same number was ordered to advance and meet them, which was
promptly obeyed, with the captain at their head. The fire commenced equally
severe on both sides for about fifteen minutes, when the enemy was compelled to
take shelter under the cover of some sand hills. At this moment a barge came to
their assistance and commenced a fire from a twelve pound cannon, which was
returned from a concealed six ; which was continued with great warmth for a few
minutes, when she had to make the best of her way to the beach, being in a
sinking condition, having several shots through her. Here, sirs, it will give
me great pleasure to speak of Captain
Weeden, as he deserves. More determined bravery never was displayed by
any man, although being in the most eminent danger throughout the whole of this
affair ; having his horse shot down at the most trying moment, yet no signs of
fear was discovered. I am happy to inform you we lost not a man ; and while we
have such officers as him, we have every thing to hope and nothing to
fear. [signed] A friend of the brave.”
April 5, 1814 – Rhode Island American and General Advertiser (Providence, Rhode
Island)
Almost seventy negroes from Gloucester and Matthews County, Virginia,
have lately joined the British.
April 11,
1814 – The Columbian
(New York, New York)
We learn by letters from Lancaster county, Va. under
date of the 1st inst. that the force of the enemy at New Point
Comfort, on the 30th ult. consisted of one frigate and one schooner,
only; that during the preceding week considerable desertion among the blacks
took place in the neighborhood of Gloucester court-house, to the number of
twenty-eight in one night, and that measures have been adopted to prevent their
future elopement.
June 10,
1814 – New York Commercial Advertiser (New York, New York)
OFFICIAL. Extract
of a letter from Leaven Gayle, Lieut. Colonel of the 61st Regt. to the Adjutant General of Va. dated Mathews County, May 26. “The
principal station of the enemy in our Bay is Tangier Islands, but they continue
a line of cruisers of light and large vessels from thence to Lynhaven Bay ; a
part of them continually hovering close in, along the shores from New Point
Comfort to the mouth of the Rappahannock River, and within 15 or 20 days past
they have ascended our principal water courses, say East, North and Piankitank
Rivers, in large force, with barges of the largest class, not less than six in
number with from 30 to 40 men in each barge, up to the head of the navigation,
and have taken the soundings of these rivers. They generally approach in the
night, when none of their vessels are in immediate view, and arrive at the head
of the water-courses about day-light. The first visit of the enemy in this way,
was on the night of the 1st instant to East River, when they captured the fine schooner Grecian, of Baltimore; the loss to the owner by this capture in vessel and
cargo is computed at $35,000 and not a cent insured.
June 13,
1814 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
Richmond, June 8, MOVEMENTS
OF THE ENEMY. By a gentleman from
below we learn verbally, that on Wednesday last, the British made an attempt
with their barges to land in Matthews county and burn a fine new ship on the
stocks belonging to Mr. Tabb, but were opposed by the militia and repulsed with
loss. – A second attempt it is thought has been since made, as a frigate and
brig were observed to go down to Lynnhaven and return on Tuesday – and a firing
was heard on Saturday in the direction of Matthews, the result of which, when
our informant left York, was not known.
June 29,
1814 – Rhode Island Republican (Newport, Rhode
Island)
A report from Williamsburgh, Virginia, states, that a number of British barges were
attacked near New-Point, in Matthew’s county, by our troops, and after a sharp
contest the barges sheered off, leaving 5 of our militia-men killed and 6
wounded – the loss of the British is not known.
December
30, 1814 – Newburyport Herald (Newburyport, Massachusetts)
VIR. York, Dec. 18. A large enemy’s ship in view which went out
of Mobjack Bay. – It is reported that many negroes have been taken
off from Gloucester, by the enemy, within a few days; Col. John Lewis
is said to have lost many – ships are passing up and down continually. Three
sail went down the day before yesterday, one a 74. We know nothing of the fleet
since it left the Rappahannock.
March 7, 1815 – Daily National Intelligencer (Washington,
D. C.)
Extract of a
letter to a gentleman in Baltimore, dated Matthews Court House, Va. Feb. 18. “It is with great satisfaction I have it in
my power to inform you, that I have this evening anchored a fine schr. in
Piankitank, which was captured from the enemy yesterday by a small detachment
under my command. The circumstances of her capture and recapture are these: -
the schr. Saturn, capt. Mathias Rich of Baltimore, was captured by H. B. M. ship
Menelaus on the 14th inst. near the capes and ordered for Tangiers
under command of a mid-shipman and purser, with six sailors and eight negroes,
but grounded on the Wolf Trap, which gave us an opportunity to bring one of our
field pieces to amuse them, which soon made them surrender, when I boarded her
with eight hands and succeeded in getting her off. There are 120 barrels of
herrings on board. Two of the negroes belong in the neighborhood of Annapolis, but will not tell their owner’s names ; but I am
informed by one of the officers that one belongs to Mrs. Ogle. Capt. Rich is on
board the Menelaus, also capt. White of Baltimore.
March 24,
1815 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
Sale by Auction. On SATURDAY, 1st April,
immediately after the sale of the ship at Donnel’s wharf, will be offered at
Mezick’s wharf, Fell’s Point, the ship ARGUS, burthen per register 269 48-95
tons or 2750 barrels, built in Matthews County Virg. in the year 1811, of the
best materials, is copper fastened to the bends, her deck copper spiked, is 12
feet hold, 4 feet 10 inches between decks, 25 feet 6 inches beam, and 94 feet
on deck.
She is well found and can be sent to sea at a small
expence, the terms will be liberal, and her Inventory may be seen at WM. VANCE & CO’s. Auct’rs.
April 15,
1815 –Federal Republican (Georgetown, D.C.)
Our correspondent in Gloucester, Virginia,
writes, that Mr. Eyre had received a larger number of votes in the county, than
had been given to a federal candidate on any former occasion and that no doubt
is entertained of col. Bassett’s being left at home to train his militia. It
will be recollected, this renowned officer was petitioned by his officers,
federal and democratic, to retire from the service, on account of his incapacity.
April 17,
1815 – Daily
National Intelligencer (District
of Columbia)
(Advertisement)
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD. Deserted from Greenleaf’s Point, Washington City,
between the 23d March and 3d of April 1815, the following soldiers of the 36th
Regt. U. S. Infantry, to wit: … John
Williams, aged 24 years, 5 feet 8 inches high, light complexion, blue eyes,
dark hair, and by profession a farmer – born in Matthews County, Va. …
The above reward will be given for apprehending and
delivering the above soldiers, or ten dollars for either of them, at this or
any other post or garrison in the U. States.
N. BLADEN, Lieut. Comd’g at Greenleaf’s Point.
November
21, 1815 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
SALE BY AUCTION. On
Wednesday, the 23 inst. at 12
o’clock, at Spear’s wharf, will be sold
The fine new Sch. JULIA ANN, Built in Matthews county of the best
materials, burthen 120 tons, Custom House measurement, with all her materials. HAZLEHURST & DORSEY, Auctrs.
July 29, 1816 – Washington Whig (Bridgeton, New Jersey)
Be it
enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled, That
the sums hereinafter mentioned be, and the same are hereby, appropriated for
the following purposes, to wit: ... For rebuilding the lighthouse on New Point
Comfort, Virginia, seven thousand dollars. ...
August 30, 1816 – American Beacon and Commerical Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
Extract of a
letter from a gentleman in Gloucester
county (Va.) to his friend in Baltimore.
“It was fortunate that the
halves of each note had been sent by Capt. ___ [sic], of packet ____ [sic], as
the seal of the letter had evidently been broken. The same gentleman observes
that he had received verbal information, that as many as ten other letters
received by the same mail, had also, their seals broken.” Federal
Republican.
October 8, 1816 – The Evening Post (New York, New York)
DIED. In Gloucester County, (Va.) WM. HALWOOD, Esq. aged about 38 years.
April 18,
1817 – American
Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, A Vessel now on the Stocks, and can be launched in 3 or 4
weeks, of the following dimensions, viz:
62 Feet Straight Rabit, 25 ½ feet Beam; 13 feet Hold; 17 feet Rake
Forward; 4 feet Rake Aft. Iron fastened,
will measure about 220 Tons, and supposed to stow 300
Hogsheads Tobacco, or 2,500
Barrels Flour – all the Carpenters and outside Joiners work complete.
Apply to MR. JOHN BILLUPS, in Milford Haven, Mathews County, or to J. & W. SOUTHGATE.
June 7, 1817 – Daily National Intelligencer (District of Columbia)
(Advertisement)
50 Dollars Reward. Ran away on the 27th May, 1817, a negro man named
LOT, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, spare made, skin very black, forehead
large, the face tapering to the chin, has the ends of the three last fingers on
the left hand cut off just above the nails, and is about 25 years of age. He
lived till nearly grown at Campfields, near Gloucester court house, near which his father now lives, with a
Mr. Davies. He has also lived at Mr. Wm. Weatts, near the Reedy church in
Caroline. I will give $25 if taken within 30 miles, and 50 if at a distance,
with reasonable charges for bringing him here or securing him in jail.
Springfield, by Laytons, Essex
c’ty, Va. ALEX’R
SOMERVAIL
June 24,
1817 - American
Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
One Hundred Dollars Reward will be given for the apprehension and
securing in jail, the following Negro Fellows ; who absconded from the Indian
Ridge, Currituck County, N.C. on the 12 instant – viz: FRANK, a black fellow, 5
feet 10 inches high, about 25 years of age, stout and fleshy; has a scar on his
left cheek, from the cut of a knife, extending from the lower part of the ear
to the corner of his mouth – originally purchased in Matthews County of Mr.
Thomas James. … Masters of Vessels and others are hereby forewarned from
harboring or carrying off the above described Negroes. JOHN BELL, REDING SIMMS.
August 30,
1817 – Commercial
Advertiser (New York, New York)
Richmond, Aug. 22. A
case of some interest has been started under a law of Virginia, and the Constitution of the United States. An act of Assembly forbids the free people of color
from other states settling in this state, and points out the method by which an
intruder may be removed. Some persons of this description, who had settled in
Matthews, were about to be removed under the provision of this Statute ; when
on advice of an attorney at law, a petition was laid before a Circuit Court
Judge, praying for a writ of Habeas Corpus, upon this ground – that
the petitioner was a Citizen of the
State of Rhode-Island, had been enrolled in her militia, &c. and that by
the 2d sec. 4th art. Constitution of the United States, “The Citizens of each State shall be entitled
to all the privileges and immunities of Citizens in the several States;” which,
it was contended, was sufficient Guarantee of the right of the Citizens of one
State to move into and settle in another ; of course, that the Statute of
Virginia, was unconstitutional. The Habeas
Corpus was awarded, returnable to the next Circuit Court of Matthews County ; when, of course this question will be discussed.
The provision in the Constitution of the United States ought to be interpreted
; for several State laws have been impeached, (lately one from the State of
Louisiana,) as contravening this very provision.
October 27,
1817 – Commercial
Advertiser (New York, New York)
DIED. In Mathews county, on the 12th inst.
Capt. James Blake.
January 1, 1818 – National Advocate (New York, New York)
The schooner Razee, from New York, bound to Alexandria, has arrived at New Point Comfort, in the Chesapeake Bay, all hands frosted and scarcely able to do duty.
January 15,
1818 – American Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
PORT OF NORFOLK & PORTSMOUTH ARRIVED: Sloop Marbaret,
Thomas, Mobjack Bay, 10 hours, 9 passengers and
some Hay.
January 22,
1818 – American
Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
Mathews County, August
Court, 1816. John Patterson against Thomas W. Norman, Francis
Armistead, William White, Richard White, Robert Green, William Evans, and
Richard Green, Def’ts.
This day came the Plaintiff by his attorney, and it
appearing to the satisfaction of the Court, that the Defendant Thomas W. Norman,
is not an inhabitant of this Commonwealth, and not having entered his
appearance and given security, according to the act of the General Assembly and
the rules of this Court : On the motion of the Plaintiff by his attorney
aforesaid, it is ordered, That unless
the said defendant doth appear here on the first day of November Court next,
and answer the plaintiff’s bill and give security as the act of assembly
directs, the Court will at a future day, proceed to take the said bill for
confessed and decree according thereto. And it further decreed and ordered,
that the other defendants do no pay away or secrete any debts due by them to
the said defendant Norman, or property held by them for his use, but hold the
same subject to the further order of this Court, and that the defendants,
Richard White, Robert Green, Wm. Evans, junr. and Richard Green, tenants,
residing upon the land, the property of the said defendant Norman, in this
county, and within the jurisdiction of this Court, do pay into the hands of Francis
Armistead, (a trustee appointed by the Court, to receive the same) their
several rents as they become due, agreeably to their contracts made for the
said rents, and the said Francis Armistead is also appointed a commissioner to
sell the property mentioned in the bill of complaint, to wit : One Ox Cart, two
yoke of Steers, two head of young Cattle, one Cow and one Canoe, upon a credit
of six months, first giving notice of the time and place, ten days at least
before such sale, by advertisement posted up at the door of Court-House and
other public places within this county, who is ordered to take bond or bonds
from the purchaser or purchasers with approved security, and made payable to
himself as trustee aforesaid, and also to ___ out for the balance of the
present year, in any manner he may consider best calculated to promote the
interest of those concerned, the two negroes mentioned in the plaintiff’s bill,
to wit : Minny and Randall, and the proceeds of such hire, together with the
proceeds of the sales of the property above mentioned, and the rents which he
may receive from the tenants aforesaid, the said trustee is hereby ordered to
hold in his hands, to be disposed of as this Court shall hereafter decree. And
it is lastly ordered, that a copy of this decretal order be forthwith inserted
in some Newspaper printed in the Borough of Norfolk, or the City of Richmond, for one month successively, and another copy posted
at the front door of the Court-house of this County. SAML. DEGGS, D.C,
March 4, 1818 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Revenue cutter, which was dispatched by the
Collector a few days ago in search of a little schooner, fitted out at this
port under suspicious circumstances, returned on Wednesday evening without
having seen any thing of the object of her pursuit. Captain Ham, of the cutter,
put into all the neighboring rivers that were navigable, and made particular
enquiry of the inhabitants in their vicinity, after the said schooner,
informing them at the same time of the strong presumption of her being fitted
out for piratical purposes – but could
gain no intelligence of her. We learn, however, from the information of Mr.
Williams, a pilot of this town, who arrived yesterday from East River, that the schooner put into North River, where
she was lying concealed from the view of the cutter, which at one time was
within a short distance of her. The inhabitants of Matthews county, on learning
the supposed character of their visitor, armed themselves and went in a body to
take possession of her, which they did without meeting with any resistance. But
being undetermined how to proceed, they only took charge of the sch’r and her
armament, but did not detain the crew, who shortly after engaged a small sch’r.
to take them to Baltimore, towards
which place they proceeded. Mitchell, the captain, however, chose to remain,
with a view to the recovery of the vessel. It is a pity that this lawless band
were not detained, as they have it now as much in their power to commit
depredations, as they had before their vessel was taken from them. – Norfolk Herald.
We learn from the captain of one of the Matthews
county packets that the pilot-boat schr commanded by Mitchell, which slipped out of this port a few days since, and who
is supposed to be engaged in some illicit enterprise, has been taken possession
of by the collector of East-River – the arms and ammunition which have been
landed in North River (in Matthews county,) with Mitchell and 17 of his crew were afterwards taken on board of a
sloop commanded by a captain Walker, and conveyed (supposed) to Baltimore. – Beacon.
Captain Mitchell, the master of the piratical schooner
mentioned above, came to Baltimore,
last Friday evening, (leaving his crew and officers in a sloop which put into
Curtis’ Creek) and was immediately arrested by a very vigilant magistrate,
Samuel Cole, Esq. and committed to jail for further examination. On Sunday
afternoon the sloop arrived with the armament, crew and officers of the
schr. The officers were committed to
prison by the aforesaid magistrate, and sloop taken possession of by captain
Beard of the Baltimore Revenue Cutter – Many circumstances have transpired to
strengthen the belief that the schr was fitted out for piratical purposes. It
has been stated by some of the crew that they remained in the Chesapeake for
the purpose of intercepting a schooner bound down from Baltimore, also to
intercept a brig fitting out in Alexandria for the East Indies with specie – If
these rumors be true it really is a fortunate circumstance that these
privateersmen have been thus early arrested in their career. – Telegraph
March 24,
1818 – The Genius of Liberty (Leesburg, Virginia)
Laws passed by the
Legislature of Virginia ... 158 An Act incorporating the trustees of the Newington academy in the county of Gloucester.
May 8, 1818 - American Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, A NEW SCHOONER,
Built in Matthews County, of the best Seasoned Materials ; A high decked vessel
– Burthen 135 tons, carpenter’s measurement. She lays at Dickson Wharf, and will be sold a great bargain. – For further
particulars, apply to WILSON & CUNNINGHAM.
May 22,
1818 – American Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement) A CAUTION.
All persons are hereby cautioned and forewarned from purchasing a small
schooner boat, called the COLLECTOR, of Gloucester, late the property of a
certain JOHN D. GRESSETT, of the said county of Gloucester. The said schooner boat
having on the 16th day of this month, been levied on, and taken by
the subscriber, as Deputy Sheriff of Norfolk county, by virtue of a writ of
fieri facias issued from the court of said county, in the name, and at the
instance of Thomas Powell against the goods and chattels of the said John D.
Gressett; and on the night of the 19th inst. was rescued and taken
by force, by the said John D. Gressett, from the custody and possession of the
person to whom I had given her in charge and safe keeping. Any person who will
give me correct information relative to the said vessel, and of the offender,
will confer an obligation on the subscriber, and at the same time will be
instrumental in promoting the public good, by having the laws of the land duly
enforced C. B. POINDEXTER, D.S. For
M. MANNING, Sh’ff.
June 5, 1818 – Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia)
The brig Rising Sun, from Portland for Baltimore, was
driven in a late gale, upon the Wolf-Trap, where she lay and beat for about two
hours, when the tide rising she drifted over the shoal – but it being impossible
to keep her free, she was run ashore near Newpoint Comfort. It is expected part
of her cargo will be lost.
July 15,
1818 – American Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement) LAND FOR SALE. A Great Bargain may be had
in A TRACT OF LAND in the County of Gloucester, on York River, about two miles
below Gloucester Town, containing TWO HUNDRED ACRES of very good quality. This
land is so situated, that the whole of it can be enclosed by a fence of a half
mile in length. The said land will be shown by the subscriber, and Mr. William
K. Perrin, living near the said tract.
MANN PAGE, Agent for Mrs. E. W. Page. Shelly, Gloucester County.
September
17, 1818 - American
Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
We learn from Capt. Turner, of the sloop Packet, from Matthews County, that being at Capt. King’s mill, in that county, on
Tuesday last, he met with 16 men, 15 of whom were Spaniards, and the other
apparently an East Indian, the only one of the number who could speak English,
and he but imperfectly. This man requested Capt. T in behalf of himself and his
associates, to bring them to this port, which he declined, from their being
entirely unknown to him. The account which this man, who acted as interpreter,
gave of himself and his companions, was : that being on board a Spanish schnr.
from Havanna, bound to the Coast of Africa for slaves, they were taken about 8
or 10 days ago, in the Gulph, by a Patriot privateer, and were afterwards put
on board an American ship, bound to Baltimore – the name of which, or the
Captain’s, they did not know. He further stated, that the Captain of the
privateer gave each of them, at the time of his putting them on board the ship,
twenty five dollars, which was taken
from them by the Captain. The ship anchored in Mobjack Bay on Sunday evening last, and they were put on board a pilot
boat which brought them into East
River, and set them ashore,
without money or provisions. – They stated that they were very roughly used on
board the ship, and ordered into the pilot boat which brought them off, with
menacing language.
Capt. Turner saw the Ship in Mobjack Bay on Tuesday
evening, when two pilots were going to her ; he learnt also from a man who had
been on board the pilot boat from which the Spaniards were landed, that he had
conversed with one of the crew of the pilot boat, who gave as the reason from
their being put on shore, previous to their arrival at Baltimore, that the ship
was to remain 3 or 4 days in the Bay – Capt. Turner brought a letter from one
of the Spaniards, (said to have been the mate of the Spanish vessel,) to the
Spanish Consul at this place, who, we learn, has given Capt. Turner
instructions to return to Matthews and bring the men to Norfolk.
The Spanish Captain, an elderly man, was detained on
board the privateer, to be carried to Margarita with the prize schooner.
September
18, 1818 - American
Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
We gave in yesterday’s Beacon a statement of sixteen
Spanish Sailors being put ashore in Matthews County, on Sunday last, in a very
destitute situation, by an American Ship bound to Baltimore, at anchor in
Mobjack Bay, which had received them from a Patriot privateer, by which they
had been taken.
Capt. Ham, of the Revenue Cutter, who was dispatched by
the Collector on Wednesday, to ascertain the character of the ship, returned
last evening, and from him we obtained the following information just as our
paper was going to press.
The ship is the Good Return, of Freetown, Wm. C. Sands,
master, and as her clearance, (dated 8th August) specifies, is from
Baltimore, bound to the West Indies, having on board no other cargo than some
barrels of Herrings – She sailed from Baltimore August 9th, put to
sea, and returned into Cape Henry on 18th, anchoring in Severn River
at 6 p.m. of that day.
On the 25th August she again put to sea ; on
30th came to anchor off Beaufort, N.C. – Sept. 2d, discharged her
pilot ; Sept. 4, at 5 P.M. was boarded by a Patriot Brig of War, which put on
board her 16 Spanish prisoners, with provisions and water to bring them in. At 11 P.M. the Ship’s company being in a state of mutiny, Capt.
Sands determined to put back, Sept. 7, spoke schr. Hebe, with orders for the
Ship to return into the Chesapeake.
14th, at 4 P.M.
took a pilot, and at midnight anchored off New-Point Comfort. On 15th, five men deserted.
Capt. S. says it is his intention, if he cannot procure men to proceed on his
voyage, to return to Baltimore or some other port.
The above particulars were obtained from Capt. Sands and
from the ship’s Log Book. – We could not learn the name of the privateer or her
commander. The Spaniards have not yet reached this place.
October 3,
1818 - American
Watchman (Wilmington, Delaware)
PRIVATEERING! – SMUGGLING! – PIRACY! Norfolk, Sept. 21. On
Saturday night last, 16 Spanish seamen were brought to this place in the East
River Packet, Capt. Turner, from Mathews County, in this state, and put under
the care of the Spanish Consul – from them I have learned the following
particulars of what appears a mysterious
affair.
The account which these men gave of themselves, is,
that they were part of the crew of the Spanish schr. La Mila (alias
Sufficiente) commanded by captain Don Jose Carboner, which sailed from Havanna
on the 15th Aug. last, bound on a voyage to the coast of Africa ;
that on the 31st of the same month, in lat. 32, lon 70, they fell in
with an armed brig under Sen. ARTIGA’s colors, called El Oriental Irresistable,
capt. ____, (residing in Baltimore, as they understood from her crew.) – La Mila
was then made a prize of, and after taking from on board 21 of her crew,
leaving the captain five men on board the prize, she was manned with a prize
crew and ordered for Margaritta. Four days after their capture, they fell in
with the American ship Good Return, Wm. C. Sands, master, of Freetown, from
Baltimore, and were put immediately on board of that vessel, the captain of the
privateer furnishing capt. S at the same time with a plenty of provisions and
water to take them to St. Bartholomews, and paying him also for each man twenty
two dollars –
As soon as captain Sands had got the prisoners in charge,
he ordered them to be put in irons between decks, and in this situation they
remained until the following day when they were brought up and ordered to proceed
to work with threats and menaces that they
should lose their lives if they dared to disobey. During the night which
they were in irons, they heard at times a considerable bustle upon deck, and
occasionally the rowing of boats as if passing from the vessel to another, and
bags and boxes of money, as they believed, (for they distinctly heard the
jingling of dollars.) were repeatedly thrown upon deck and put into the cabin.
A few days afterwards, some of the crew of the ship attempted to rise upon the captain
and officers, but were overpowered and put in irons ; and while in this
situation, one of them was repeatedly whipped and beaten most inhumanely by
some of the crew. After receiving on board the treasure (as supposed) capt
Sands shaped his course for the Chesapeake, and on his passage a few days
before he got in, was boarded by a schooner from Baltimore with a letter and instruction for the ship to return
there. The ship accordingly entered the Chesapeake and anchored somewhere about the mouth of East River on the 14th inst. The day following the Spanish seamen were
ordered by captain Sands to be put on shore but on their begging that they
might be taken to Baltimore, as they understood the ship was going there, or be
sent to Norfolk in the pilot boat which was then in company, capt. Sands
threatened them that if they did not embark immediately on board the pilot boat
he would have tied and thrown overboard. They
accordingly went on board the boat, accompanied by armed men from the ship, and
were set on shore without provisions or means of subsistence, and in a country
where they were entire strangers. – They were, however, fortunately relieved by
the humanity of some of the citizens, until their situation reached the ears of
the consul at this place, who lost no time in employing the same person who had
brought to him the account of the unfortunate situation of his countrymen to
return and bring them to this port.
It is further reported by these men, that they understood
while on board the Good Return, that she had been dispatched from Baltimore to
meet a large Portuguese prize at sea, made by the Irresistible and to take from
on board of her a part of her cargo and return with it to Baltimore; but by
some ____ they had missed her. They said also, that they understood the
privateer had taken and destroyed __ Portuguese vessels and that she had her hold full of money when she
captured La Mila.
The Good Return came to anchor in the Bite of Craney
Island yesterday evening – sufficient to say that when captain Ham of the
cutter, boarded her at East River, he found on examining her log book that she
had been as far south as Beaufort, N.C., where she had discharged her pilot and
soon after had the 16 Spanish seamen put on board of her – that the crew afterwards
mutinied, and that captain Sands steered for the Chesapeake, and that on the
passage thither he was boarded by a schooner from Baltimore, called the Hebe,
with instructions for her return to that port – all of which is in confirmation
of the statement made by the Spaniards.
October 3,
1818 - American
Beacon & Commercial Diary (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, A BRIG, now on the Stocks in Matthews County, of the following dimensions – 60 feet straight
rabbit, 24 feet beam and 12 feet hold – can be launched in two weeks. She is
copper-fastened, and in every respect a first rate vessel. A liberal credit
will be given. – For terms, apply to
DAVID MILHADO
January 15,
1819 – Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser (Alexandria, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE (if applied for immediately,) The schooner CARRIER,
an excellent vessel, 39 tons burthen, sails well, was built in Matthews county,
Va. in August last, of the best materials. She is
remarkably well found, and well calculated for a small West-Indiaman, or bay
craft. Apply to the master on board at Scholfield & Waters’ wharf. WINSLOW FOSTER.
January 17,
1819 – Daily National Intelligencer (Washington, D.
C.)
Extract of a letter, from Gloucester (County) Va. Jan. 4. “For several days a British
frigate and two brigs have been about and within N. P. Comfort
getting in water from that Island. I was startled this morning, that they had
advanced higher up, as I see from my house their hulls perfectly plain –
whether the gloominess of the morning has the effect of magnifying objects, or
I am deceived, but I think the ships appear to be not far from the mouth of East River.
“A deserter from one of the ships
yesterday observed that their object is to winter in Mobjack.”
March 5, 1819 - Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser (Alexandria, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, (Now lying at Hunter’s Ship-Yard) A new schooner of 136 tons,
will carry about 1000 barrels; built in Matthew’s county, Virginia, of good
materials. If she is not sold previous to FRIDAY, the 5th inst. at
private sale, she will then be sold at public sale, at 3 o’clock, P.M. to the highest bidder, for cash or approved
negotiable notes. ROBERT HUNTER, S. A.
Marsteller, Auctioneer.
March 5, 1819 – Baltimore Patriot & Mercantile Advertiser
(Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
BY HARRISON & STERETT,
AUCTS. This Day, the 5th
instant half past 12, or immediately after the sale of the ship Medford, we
will sell at Ramsay’s wharf, Fell’s Point, the HULL of a new Brig or Schr.
built of the best materials, in Matthews County, Virginia, 67 feet in length,
24 feet 6 inches beam, 10 feet 6 inches hold, 183 tons Carpenter’s measurement,
and expected to sail fast. Terms will be made known at the time of sale. H & S
May 1, 1819 – Baltimore Patriot & Mercantile
Advertiser (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
BY P. ALLISON, AUCT’R. On
Monday the 3d of May, at 4 o’clock P.M. at Chase’s wharf, will be sold, on a
liberal credit for approved endorsed notes, The Brig EAGLE¸built in Matthew’s county, Virginia, of the best
materials, burthen 210 tons, coppered and copper fastened, sails fast and may
be sent to sea at a trifling expence; her inventory, which is full, may be seen
on board. P. A.
May 8, 1819 - Baltimore Patriot & Mercantile
Advertiser (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Patriot brig La Irresistible, of which mention was
made some time since, as having been risen upon in the harbor of Margaritta, by her crew and some others, and made off upon a
piratical cruise, has been brought into Chesapeake Bay by the mutineers. It is said they anchored her off
New Point Comfort, and have nearly all landed and dispersed in different
directions.
July 7, 1819 – Hampden Federalist & Public Journal (Springfield, Massachusetts)
A turtle was lately caught in Pudding Creek, (East River) Mathews county, Va.
that weighed 627 lbs. after discharging 16 gallons blood – 8 feet long and 3
feet thick.
July 12,
1819 - Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) By
Harrison & Sterett, Aucts. On Tuesday, the 13th inst. at 5
o’clk. in the afternoon, at Col. Tenant’s wharf, Fell’s Point, we will sell to
the highest bidder, on a liberal credit,
the Schr. THOMAS TENANT, with all her
tackle, apparel and appurtenances as she arrived from sea – She is an excellent
vessel, two years old, built in Matthews county, Virginia, of the very best
materials ; sails fast, is 181 tons, registers and carries 1200 barrels of
flour – Her inventory may be seen at our county house previous to the day of
sale. H. & S.
July 15,
1819 – American
Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
25 Cents Reward. Absconded from the subscriber on Monday the 12th
inst. two Apprentice Boys, named RALPH TOMBLIN and WILLIAM GRUNWELL. The above
reward will be paid for their delivery to me in Norfolk, or securing them in any jail so that I get them
again, or Twelve and a Half Cents for
either of them without any additional expense. They both came from Matthews County, in this State.
Masters of Vessels and others are hereby forewarned
against employing, harboring, or carrying off said Apprentices, under the
penalty of the law. JOHN RIGGINS.
August 11,
1819 – American
Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
Pursuant to a Decree pronounced by the Judge of the Williamsburg
Chancery District Court, June 14th, 1819, in the case of George
Williamson, surviving Executor of Jacob Williamson, dec’d, against Seth Foster
and Ann his wife, and other defendants, WILL BE SOLD, Before the Tavern door of
Mr. ___ Atkinson, in the County of Matthews, for Cash, On Monday the 23d inst. THREE NEGROES, viz. David, Richard, and
Maria. Robert Lively, D.M. for B. W.
PRYOR, M.W.C.D.C.
September
11, 1819 – American
Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
A MEETING Will commence at New-Point Comfort Meeting House, in Matthews
County, on Thursday the 30th inst. to continue four or five days ;
our brethren in the ministry are most cordially invited to attend ; the people
generally who may be disposed to offer their devotions to their Maker, will
find themselves agreeably situated for that angelic employment at this place :
vessels can go up Horn harbour, within three hundred yards of the Camp ground,
up Pea creek within a mile and up East river within a mile ; those who go by
water to the meeting, will be assisted in moving their baggage from and to the
water’s edge. SAMUEL GARRARD and MILES KING, Managers.
November 2,
1819 – Daily
National Intelligencer (Washington, D.C.)
(Advertisement) STEAM MILLS FOR SALE. By virtue of a deed of trust, executed by B. and
John Hersey to me, for the purposes therein specified, I shall proceed to sell,
on the 2d Monday of November next, at Matthews Court House, Matthews County,
Virginia, one half of a Steam Saw Mill, situated in said county, and on Queens
creek – for ready money.
These Mills are of a ten-horse power, and drive two saws
and a pair of stones. The entire establishment is about two years old. The
navigation to the Mills, by the way of the Piankitank, is only about six miles
from the Chesapeake Bay ; and the site they occupy is in the midst of fine
timber.
This property is certainly very desirable. A ready and
convenient market offers for the lumber at Baltimore, Norfolk,
Alexandria, Washington and Georgetown. A .G.
CUSHMAN, Trustee, Matthews Court House.
November 9,
1819 – Mercantile
Advertiser (New York, New York)
(Advertisement)
Wheat & Flour – 800 bushels prime Wheat, 850 bbls, superfine Flour,
the cargo of the schr. William & Henry, from Fredericksburg, for sale by
WALSH & GALLAGHER, 66 South St. ALSO, the said schooner WILLIAM &
HENRY, lying at the east side of Old slip, burthen 130 tons, built in Mathews
county, Virginia, is an excellent vessel, well found, and can be sent to sea at
small expence.
December
11, 1819 – Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia)
General Assembly of Virginia
... Ten persons were named as candidates for the post of Sergeant at Arms.
Major James Baytop, of Gloucester, was elected.
January 8, 1820 – Independent Chronicle & Boston Patriot (Boston, Massachusetts)
Port of
Baltimore, Jan. 3 [Brig Alonza] came into the Bay on Thursday
in the snow storm, the weather very boisterous and cold – there were several
vessels at New Point Comfort bound to sea, their sails &c frozen so they
could not get under way, came into the river yesterday morning early, and with
difficulty got thru the ice to the Port.
February
10, 1820 – American
Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
NOTICE. The Subscriber intends
offering for SALE, at Matthews Court-House, to the highest bidder residing in
this or any of the adjoining Counties, On MONDAY the 14th day of
February next, it being Court-day, If
fair, if not, on the next fair day following. SEVERAL VALUABLE YOUNG AND
LIKELY NEGROES, Consisting of Men, Women and Children, Boys and Girls ; among
them are two good plain Weavers, one of each sex, and two likely Girls reared
in the house from childhood ; the others are fit either for the house or field.
The terms for all or most of them will be one third Cash, one third on or
before the 1st day of June next, and the remaining third on or before
Christmas next, (25th December, 1820.) The whole of the above
Property, or any part thereof, may be purchased, in the meantime privately.
Bonds, with approved security, will be required, and to carry interest from the
date, if not punctually paid. MILES KING Matthews County.
June 10,
1820 – The New
York Evening Post (New York, New York)
Extract of a letter dated, Gloucester County, (Va.) June 5. A most unfortunate occurrence took place on
Saturday evening last, which will affect the community at large. The Clerk’s Office of this County was fired
on that evening between 9 and 11 o’clock, and scarcely a paper of
any consequence saved. It is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary,
but the vile wretch has not yet been discovered. Several suits from Norfolk were depending in the
Superior Court, all of which will probably be lost.
June 21,
1820 – American
Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
Green Plains,
Matthews County, 7th May, 1819 Sir – I have received the letter of the
committee of correspondence dated in January last, covering certain resolutions
of the Agricultural Society, and being fully impressed with the importance of
the subjects embraced therein, I avail myself of a moment’s leisure, during the
recess of the courts, to give the information required as far as I am able at
present.
Whilst the heart of the state has been invigorated and
improved in its agriculture by the precepts and examples of Arator ; whilst a
Nicholas has shed the light of experience even to the banks of Kanawha, we have
a Tabb, who by the elegance of his farm, and his superior management of it,
excites the torpid extremities of the State, and the agriculture of the
counties of Gloucester, Middlesex and Mathews, and I might say, of the whole
Senatorial district, is improving. Great attention is now paid to the raising
and carrying out all kinds of manure ; deep ploughing and turning in a good
coat of vegetable matter is allowed to be right, and is pursued. Large
quantities of artificial grass seed are annually sown, and very partial grazing
is admitted at all. The county of Mathews, in which I reside, consists
generally of what we (who are not chemical agriculturists) call a stiff white
oak soil, but moderately rich, has a clay foundation ; it is not unlike the
human mind in some, far from being lively or easily excited, but when ploughed
deep, and warmed by a little artificial heat, produces a most abundant crop,
and is tenacious to an extreme of what it gets, showing gratitude for twenty,
nay I might say for fifty years for a coat of manure, though cruelly treated
ever afterwards, by repeated and untimely cultivation. Our crops consist of
barley, wheat, corn, and Indian peas, for market – the tobacco crop being
almost entirely abandoned, even in the county of Middlesex, where a few years ago it was much attended to. Oats
in the chaff, or chopped, and mixed with a small quantity of Indian meal,
together with blade fodder or hay, is the common food for horses ; the corn
stalk, with everything that grows upon it, save the ear and the blade, together
with barley or wheat straw, is the ordinary winter’s provision for cattle.
Chaff of grain with most farmers, is generally considered of no value ; from
the experience which I have had there is no mode of feeding oats to horses so
advantageous as in the chaff ; in the first place, servants have less
temptation to pilfer than in any other shape; - secondly, your horses are sure
to be fat, thus fed ; thirdly, a horse will consume more that way than any
other. I need not say what will be the consequence of this abundant
consumption. We all shall agree that rich manure for chaff is a good exchange.
The three shift system is practiced by most of the farmers in my neighborhood,
and (with very partial grazing,) the lands improve ; but so kind has nature been in the virtues of saline
atmosphere, that it is not very unusual in the county of Mathews, for the same
land to be cultivated every year in corn or oats, and with the aid of a little
manure, still to retain its heart, and to shew but little falling off. The
rotation of crops is a matter of moment, and to expect time the same rotation will answer in every
section, would be to calculate, that a man of feeble, weakly constitution,
would take no more time to recover from the fatigues of labor, than one of
strong and vigorous habits. The maxim ibis
_______________, applies to the rotation of crops as it does to every thing
else, and whilst I believe that it is as necessary that lands should be
cultivated to be improved, as that it should not be cultivated too much, I am
clearly of the opinion, that the happy medium with us, is the four shift
system. Under this rotation the land is put in corn the first year, wheat in
the fall, clover in the spring, and clover it remains for two years ; at the
expiration of this period, we frequently discover some spires of broom sedge
putting up ; a sure evidence that the land requires again to be broken. To
adopt the five or six shift system, would give us an abundant crop of broom
straw, which for more than one reason, I consider rather an impoverishing than
an improving coat. I have before said that great attention is now paid to
manuring. The mode of raising this is different. I prefer the mode of confining
the cattle all winter and a part of the spring to a warm dry cow house, to
which all the corn stalks raised on the farm are carried and deposited for
consumption and manure. My cattle are in much better condition in the spring
than they formerly were, and I make five times as much manure. In some parts of
Gloucester, marl is abundant. I consider a person possessing a
bank of this manure, has a valuable acquisition to his estate, provided he will
have the industry to use it. The very best marl has been lately discovered at
North End, the seat of Mrs. Van Bibber, in this county.
Sheep is a most pernicious stock at best. The most
economical mode of management is to confine them to lots in the spring, until
the fields intended for cultivation get clothed with long grass, which they are
not fond of, and by this means the injury resulting from their grazing is
greatly diminished. – The modern mode of raising hogs, to wit, by suffering
them to graze on the clover in the day, and to have them penned at night,
(thereby saving much manure,) is certainly preferable to any other ; but if the
old fashioned mode of feeding them in the morning, and turning them in the
woods to shift for themselves, was still persisted in, I think it would be an
improvement if the hogs were fed at night instead of the morning. The
consequence would be this: as soon as they had risen, expecting nothing but
what was to be gained by their own industry, they would go busily at work in pursuit of what could be
had by that means; at evening expecting a comfortable supper from the hand of
him who minds them, they will with great certainty come up, when they should be
fed in the pen where they remain for the night ; which being frequently
changed, they will amply repay you in the manure, for the corn expended upon
them. Most of the farmers in this county raise meat enough for their own
consumption ; few make any for sale.
The common Carey plough is in most general use with us.
Some years ago, there lived a man in the county of Gloucester by the name of Norton - nature seemed to have given
him an intuitive turn for the use of tools, and he was not deficient in genius
and invention. He left two sons, both brought up to the blacksmith’s trade, and
they make excellent Barshare and Carey ploughs ; they are generally resorted to
for those implements of husbandry. The one resides upon Queen’s Creek, in the county of Mathews – the other in Gloucester. There is also a Mr. Brooking, who keeps a shop at
the Dragon Ordinary, in the county of Gloucester; he is very ingenious, and not inferior to either of
the Nortons. If the last legislature of this state had not have carried their
laudable dislike to gaming to such a pitch, as to think it wrong to sanction a
lottery for the most useful purposes, even to raise money to establish a
manufactory of implements of husbandry, we might have employed one, or perhaps all
of those men, to great advantage – and by that means perpetuate that particular
genius and turn (which but few men possess) to posterity ; but which will
probably be lost in our neighborhood.
A fair experiment of the relative value of horses and
oxen for agricultural purposes, has not been made. The most judicious manager
with us is partial to oxen. My own opinion is this: if persons of good judgment
were employed in breaking them, and giving them an early habit of quick motion,
at the same time training them to be governed by leading lines, a pair of good
oxen would be equal to a pair of ordinary mules or horses, and they would not
cost half as much.
On a well conducted farm, where the Dairy is superintended
by a managing woman, it might be an object of profit. I think where your farm
is near to a large town (as the farms with us are convenient to Norfolk,) a winter dairy might be nearly as profitable as one
in the summer. By preserving all the chaff from the wheat, raising an acre of
carrots, and combining with a mixture of chaff and carrots a little Indian
meal, I incline to think a most nutritive and lactiferous food might be made
for milch cows through the winter, at little expense, and producing butter in
considerable quantities for market, at a time when the best price may be
obtained. At Toddsbury, the residence of Mr. Tabb, where (if I may so express
myself) there is profusion with economy. I incline to think the dairy is so
fare an object of profit, that Mr. Tabb, if required, could pay the tax of the
estate from what is sold from the dairy after supplying an enormous and
expensive establishment.
We have no fences with us more permanent than wood. To
the estate on which I reside, consisting of about 650 acres of arable land,
there are 100 acres of wood land attached : this I find scarcely equal to the
purpose of the wood & rail timber ; but I am not an economist in fuel,
having very many negro quarters where there should be fire. Mr. Rootes, who
resides at White Marsh, and who (from the excellent quality of his land) is not
disposed to keep more in wood than necessary, thinks that one tenth of an
estate in timbered land will be sufficient for the support of the balance ;
probably his opinion on this subject is more correct than mine.
I remain yours, respectfully, JAMES H. ROY.
July 3, 1820 – American Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE. As Doctor HICKS, of Matthews
County, was passing through Gosport to Portsmouth on Wednesday last, in a gig,
the horse took fright, and after running ungovernably from the main street,
into an avenue leading to the river, he finally ran the gig with such violence
against a tree in front of Mr. J. B. Pott’s house, as to disengage himself from
the gig, and threw Doctor Hicks out to the distance of 10 to 12 feet. He lay
for some time apparently lifeless, when he was removed to the house of Mr.
Potts, where he now is, receiving the kindest attentions. His body, we learn,
is much bruised – and he is severely cut over his left eye and on the right
side of his head. – He is not considered out of danger, though somewhat better.
August 7, 1820 – American Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
CAMP MEETINGS. The Camp Meeting at New
Point Comfort, Matthews county, will commence on Wednesday, 16th
inst. and that at Tangier Island, on
Thursday, 17th inst.
The Steam-Boat POWHATAN proposes to accommodate those
who may be disposed to attend the above meetings, by the following arrangement:
The Boat will leave Nivison’s wharf, on Tuesday, 15th inst. precisely
at 10 o’clock, A.M. – land passengers at New Point the same evening, and
proceed thence to Tangier Island. After her return from Tangier, the Powhatan
will during the continuance of the meetings, leave Nivison’s wharf, every morning, at 6 o’clock, (weather
permitting,) for New Point and Tangier, and return to Norfolk the same evening.
Passage, to either place, going and returning, $2 only, or $1 for each passage.
No charge for baggage, camp equipage, and provisions,
which must be at the risk of the owners. – Passengers, with their baggage
&c. must be put on board and landed at their own expence.
Dinner will be furnished to those who desire it at 75
cts. each ; breakfast and supper 50 cts. each. Those who may wish to be
furnished on board, are particularly requested to notify the Captain thereof,
on the day preceding the Boat’s departure.
L. HOLDEN, Captain.
August 16, 1820 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
MR. PHILIP DARE, Sir, In consequence of the destruction of the Clerk’s Office
of Gloucester County, by fire, and all the Records therein, amongst which was
the Will of JOHN KEYS, (late of said county) in which you were one of the
legatees, and in which I am interested in the right of my wife, who was Eliza
Munstan, take notice that I shall proceed to take the depositions of sundry
persons, at Gloucester Court House, to re-establish the said will, before the
Commissioners of said county, who will meet at 10 o’clock of the morning of the
first Saturday in September next; who have been appointed by the Executive of
this State, under an act of the General Assembly, passed March 1st,
1819, when and where you will attend if you please. WM. SHACKLEFORD.
August 31,
1820 – American
Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
Married – In Matthews County, on Thursday evening last, by the Rev. Miles King, Mr. Westley H. Hawkins, to
Mrs. Sarah Hunley, all of that County.
November 4,
1820 – Baltimore Patriot ( Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
AT PRIVATE SALE, A new, handsome, copper fastened and fast sailing
SCHOONER, 24 4-94 tons, built in Matthews county, Virginia – she has a new suit
of best Russia Duck Sails, and running Rigging complete. The terms will be
moderate, and the vessel may be seen by applying to HARRISON & STERETT.
December
26, 1820 – American Beacon (Norfolk, Virginia)
Another Spirit of ’76 gone. On the 26th inst. at the
residence of Mr. J. Cary, in the town of Hampton, died Maj. James Baytop,
late Sergeant at Arms to the Senate of Virginia, in the 77th year of
his age, with an unparalleled serenity and resignation, inspired by the
consciousness of a well spent life, he gave his honors to the world again, his
blessed part to Heaven, and slept in peace. That the deceased was a Patriot, his
deed in our Revolutionary struggle tell – that he was kind, honorable,
affectionate, and of an inflexible integrity, all who knew him bear testimony.
February
28, 1821 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
On Friday, the 2d day of March at one o’clock, at the Exchange, we will
sell on a credit of three and six months, for approved endorsed notes A NEW
BRIG, Built in Matthews County, Virginia, of the best white oak, 217 tons,
carpenter’s measurement, copper fastened, with lower masts, boom and bowsprit,
well secured with beams and knees, and expected from her model and general
appearance to sail uncommonly fast. She may be seen and examined at Ramsay’s
wharf, Fell’s Point, at any time previous to the sale.
July, 1821 – The North American Review, Issue 32 (Boston, Massachusetts)
Botany of the United States … The
next book relating to our plants is of less pretension than Catesby’s History,
but of far more value as a scientific work, namely, the Flora Virginica, the
joint production of Clayton and Gronovius, assisted by Linneaus himself, who
was in Holland at the time it written.
John Clayton emigrated from England to America in the year 1705, and
resided here till his death in 1771, filling, for upwards of half a century,
the office of clerk of Gloucester county in Virginia. During a long life of
eighty-eight years he assiduously cultivated the science of botany, in which he
attained high rank through his communications with the learned men of Europe. In addition to these
extensive communications which he made, he was engaged in preparing for
publication a large botanical work, which at his death he left behind him ready
for the press, but which is now unhappily lost, having been consumed, together
with the building in which it was deposited, in the early part of the revolutionary war.
August 14,
1821 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD. Will
be given for bringing to me, near Loretto Post Office, Essex county, Va. … a negro man named Handy . He has a father at William Davis’s near
Gloucester Courthouse, and a brother in the city of Richmond. He no doubt intends to
make his escape altogether, where he may be free. ALEXANDER SOMERVAIL.
September 8, 1821 – Evening Post (New York, New York)
Marine List.
Schr. Alert, Beers, 10 days from Alexandria, with corn … Rode out the gale on Monday under St.
Mary’s (Md.) On Tuesday, off New Point Comfort, passed a number
of cattle, goats and sheep drowned ...
November
15, 1821 – Evening Post (New York, New York)
(Advertisement)
For Sale, Freight or Charter, The
coppered and copper fastened schooner NEW PACKET, Bagley, master, burthen about
50 tons ; sails very fast, built in Matthews county of the best materials for a
packet, having extensive accommodations for passengers. Apply on board, west
side Peck slip, or to DIVIE BETHUNE
& CO.
January 10,
1822 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
On Mr. Stratton’s motion, a resolution of the committee of Roads and
Internal Navigation voting reasonable the petition of sundry inhabitants of
Northampton county, for the establishment of a ferry, from the land of John K.
Floyd, on King’s creek in that county, to the towns of Norfolk, Hampton and
York, and to East River in the county of Matthews, was taken up, and agreed to
by the house.
August 7, 1822 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, FREIGHT OR CHARTER, The very fine fast sailing brig ROSANNA,
copper fastened and coppered with heavy copper, carries about 1200 barrels,
about 18 months old, built in Matthews county, Virginia, of the best seasoned
timber, by capt. Miles King, for his own use, fitted and found in the best
manner, and considered by good judges to be a first rate vessel
ALSO FOR SALE,
The Hull Masts and Spars complete of a first rate clipping Brig or Schooner, now building in Matthews county by Capt.
Miles King, and can be launched in about three weeks ; she is about 190 tons
burthen, copper fastened to the bends, decks copper nailed, built of the best
materials, and expected to sail as fast as any vessel of her class.
Apply to WM.
HOWELL & SON, No. 49 Gay street.
August 19,
1822 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, The fast
sailing copper fastened and coppered Brig VIRGINIA, 235 tons
burthen, built in Mathews County, Virginia,
about four years old, was coppered with heavy copper last year.
She has nearly two suits of sails, and a large inventory,
and may be sent to sea at a trifling expense.
Apply to THOS. TENANT.
August 28,
1822 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. In Matthews County, (Va.) Mr. Edmund P. Benson, late of the city of Baltimore, to Miss Mary Respass.
October 8,
1822 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
Oct. 5. – Ar. revenue cutter James Monroe, Jones, from
a cruise. Off New Point, boarded Spanish
brig Atrebedo, Roca, 21 ds from Campeachy, with mahogany ; also Am. Brig
Alonzo, Murphy, from Havanna, both bound to Baltimore. Capt. M. informed him that he had lost 2 of his crew
on the passage with the Yellow Fever.
October 29, 1822 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
Was committed to Bedford county jail on the 25th of June, 1822, a black girl who calls
herself CLARISSA SPARLOCK, and says she belongs to Pleasant Wells of Gloucester
county, Va. She is about 5 feet 3 inches high, with a large
wart on her breast and one on her left ear, a scar under her right eye – a
small one in her forehead, and another on her right cheek. The owner is
requested to come and prove his property, pay charges, and take her away, or
she will be dealt with as the law directs.
JACOB FITZER, Jailor, Liberty, Bedford county, Virginia.
March 21,
1823 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
Arrived at Alexandria on the 18th inst. U. S. revenue cutter
James Monroe, captain John C. Jones, from a cruise, in charge of the schooner
Dash, of Alexandria, from Savannah, cargo of sugar and cotton. The Dash run in under New
Point Comfort, on Monday the 3d instant, and on Tuesday she dragged ashore in a
heavy southeast gale. The day following, capt. Cunningham employed the schooner
Henry, capt. Prichett, to assist in getting him afloat. On Thursday, he also
employed the schooner Jackson, captain Thomas; on Saturday the revenue cutter
went into Mobjack bay, and boarded the following vessels, and found the two
last mentioned vessels loaded with part of the Dash’s cargo. Capt. Jones having
ascertained the Dash had remained in East river district five days, and had not
entered and obtained a permit from the Collector to start his cargo, which the
law requires, capt Jones took possession of the vessel and cargo, and delivered
them over to the Collector to be dealt with according to law. Nat.
Int.
June 6, 1823 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, A remarkable fine new BRIG, built in Matthews County,
Virginia, of the best material, under the immediate direction of Captain Miles
King – burthen 188 tons, Carpenters’ measurement, about 230 tons Custom House
measurement ; expected to carry 1600 barrels, and to sail as fast as any
vessel. She is copper fastened, and can be ready for sea in a week, and will be
sold low. Apply to WM. HOWELL & SON,
49 Gay street.
July 30,
1823 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, The well known copper fastened and coppered Brig
MARY, burthen 272 tons, and will carry 2300 bbls. The Mary was built in
Matthews county, Virginia, of the best materials, under the particular
inspection of Capt. Miles King. She is well found, and would require very
little expense to fit her for a voyage to India, from whence she has just returned. She can be seen
at Mr. Belt’s wharf. For terms apply to
WM. WILSON & SONS.
October 21, 1823 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
New Store, near Gloucester Courthouse. COLE, SHELDON & STUBBS respectfully inform their
friends and the public, that they have just received by the schr’s Mary Emily
from New York, Hiram from Philadelphia, and William & John from Baltimore,
and are now opening, 210 packages, comprising a choice and very general
assortment of DRY GOODS, suitable to the present and approaching seasons:
GROCERIES, stone, earthen and glassware, hardware and cutlery; 500pair boots
and shoes, harness, sole and upper leather; calf, kid, morocco and sheepskins;
shoe thread; PAINTS, oil, varnish, window glass and putty, powder and shot,
fowling piece, & smooth bore rifles, bar iron, German and blistered steel,
nails and brads of all sizes, Nova Scotia grindstones, MEDICINE, &c. &c.
&c.
The above goods having been selected with great care and
attention (by Cole & Sheldon) and purchased on the best terms for cash,
they are now offered for sale at a very moderate advance, at their Store near
Gloucester Courthouse, formerly occupied by Pryor & Robbins. Their
assortment will be kept complete, having an experienced agent in New York, from
whom they will be constantly supplied with goods on the best terms and of the
latest importations and fashions, which will enable them, at all times, to offer
them to their customers as low as they can be purchased in Virginia. C. S.
& S. particularly invite those who wish to purchase good and CHEAP GOODS to
call and examine for themselves.
January 6, 1824 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) CASH SALE. PURSUANT to a deed of
trust executed by John Hall to the subscriber, bearing date on the 10th
day of March, 1821, and duly recorded in the court of Gloucester county, for
the purpose of securing to John F. Scott the payment of certain sums of money
in the said deed mentioned, I shall on Saturday the 17th day of
January next, if fair, if not the next fair day thereafter, Sunday excepted, at
the Courthouse of the said county, proceed to sell for ready money to the
highest bidder, the following property, to wit: Six hundred and fifty acres of
land whereon the said Hall resides: Also the following negro slaves, to wit:
James, Daniel, Moses, Mary, Randolph, Jeffrey, and Rose and the increase of the
females thereof. The title to the above mentioned property is undoubtedly good,
but the subscriber can only convey such as is vested in him by the trust deed
aforesaid. TH. C. AMORY, Trustee
June 9, 1824 – Independent Chronicle and Boston Patriot (Boston, Massachusetts)
(Advertisement) ADAMS’
MEETING IN MATTHEWS COUNTY, VIRGINIA. We observed that a meeting has been holden
and resolutions adopted, in the county of Matthews, expressive of the preference of the citizens who
compose it, for Mr. Adams as President, and Gen. Jackson as Vice President. We
shall insert the proceedings in or next.
Constitutional Whig.
June 23,
1824 – New London Gazette (New London , Connecticut)
VIRGINIA. At a meeting of citizens at Matthews Courthouse, on Tuesday, 11th
May, 1824, to take into
consideration a circular received from the Chairman of the Fredericksburg Adams
Meeting –
Huntley Gayle was called to the Chair and James H. Roy,
appointed Secretary.
Whereupon the following resolutions were moved and
seconded.
1.
Resolved, That
the age, experience, acknowledged talents and genuine republican principles of
John Q. Adams, give him the first claim to the office of President of the U. S.
2.
Resolved, That
gratitude and honor are due to General Jackson for his distinguished services.
3.
Resolved, That
this meeting will use all fair and honorable means to aid and assist the
committee at Fredericksburg for promoting the election of John Quincy Adams, to
the office of President of the U. S. and General Andrew Jackson to the office
of Vice President of the U. S.
August 18,
1824 – Independent
Chronicle and Boston Patriot (Boston, Massachusetts)
Died. In
Matthews County, Va., John Patterson, Esq. one of the oldest and most
respectable citizens of that county. He was a soldier of the revolution.
August 31, 1824 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) TO CLERKS OF COURT. A MAN with a small
family, who has been employed for the last nine or ten years as deputy in a
Clerk’s Office of a County Court and Superior Court of law, will be without
employment at the end of the present year, and is desirous of obtaining a
situation in one or both of these offices. Satisfactory recommendations can be
produced of industry, steadiness and capability. A line addressed to A.H.
Gloucester Courthouse, Virginia, will be attended to.
September 21, 1824 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
LAND FOR SALE. PURSUANT to two deeds of trust executed by John Hall
to the subscriber, both of which are duly recorded in the Clerk’s office of
Gloucester County Court, one for the purpose of securing to Cary Hall &
Lawrence Stubbs, assignees of John F. Scott, the payment of a certain balance
due thereon, and the other for securing to the said Lawrence Stubbs the payment
of a certain sum therein mentioned, will be sold at Gloucester Courthouse, for
ready money to the highest bidder, on Saturday the 25th day of
September next, if fair, if not the next fair day, Sunday excepted, the Tract
of Land whereon the said John Hall resides containing six hundred and fifty
acres, situated within three miles of Gloucester Courthouse, a large proportion
of which is well timbered with oak and chestnut. The improvements consist of a
comfortable dwelling house and other houses necessary for the accommodation of
a genteel family. Acting as Trustee I shall convey such title only as is vested
in me by the said deeds. THOMAS C. AMORY.
October 12,
1824 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, FREIGHT OR CHARTER, The fine brig ROSANNAH, John Weston,
master; copper fastened and coppered, built in Mathews county, Va. carries 1200
barrels ; sails fast ; 3 years old last March ; a faithful built vessel of the
best materials – Apply to WM. HOWELL & SON, No. 75 Smith’s wharf.
December
27, 1824 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) FOR SALE, FREIGHT OR CHARTER, The new
schooner EO, John Walker, master, built in Matthews county, Virginia, of the
best materials, copper fastened in the most faithful manner ; will sail fast,
and supposed to carry about 750 bbls. She has one chain, and two hemp cables,
and 3 anchors. WM. HOWELL & SON.
July 5, 1825 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) VIRGINIA LAND OFFICE, June 21, 1825. In conformity to an act of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth,
entitled, “An Act to reduce into one act the several acts concerning
Escheators,” passed the 6th January 1819, I do hereby make known to
all whom it may concern, that it appears by certificate of the Escheator of
Gloucester county, that the following parcels of land lying and being in the
said county of Gloucester, have been found, by inquisition of escheat taken on
the 14th day of last May, to escheat to this commonwealth, vis:
11 acres near Severn river, and 14 miles N.E. from Gloucester courthouse.
10 do do do do
of
which two parcels of land Henry Keating, a foreigner died seized, and 41 acres
of Forest Land, whereof George Duncan, a free man of colour died
seized and possessed. W. SELDEN, Reg.L.Office
June 12,
1826 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
BY R. LEMMON & CO. On
Wednesday, the 14th inst. at 1 o’clock, at the Exchange. The very
superior and fast sailing Brig PRESIDENT ADAMS, built in Matthews county,
Virginia ; her upper works are entirely of cedar, copper fastened and coppered
with heavy copper, 200 tons burthen and will carry 1500 barrels, with fine
accommodations for passengers, has made but one voyage and has since been
caulked and put in complete order. Can be examined at Jackson’s wharf … also
The Pilot Boat Schooner DANDY, now lying at Dorgin &
Bailey’s ship yard, Philpot street, Fell’s Point, built in Matthews county, burthen 31
tons, has been in use but a few months in the Bay, and is ready to receive a
cargo. Terms which will be liberal made known at the time of sale – The
Inventories may be seen at the Auction Room and the sails at Buck &
Hedrick’s loft. R. LEMMON & CO.
August 10,
1826 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
Major W. B. Barney, who returned on Tuesday morning
last from locating several sites for Light Houses down the Bay, informs that
the schooner Prompt, of and for Alexandria, from New York, with a full cargo
and deck load, went ashore on the bar at New Point Comfort, close in with the Light
House, on Friday night last; that the Revenue Cutter, on board of which Major
B. was, in running in for a harbor on Sunday night, at about half past 10
o’clock, discovered the above schooner; but it being extremely dark could not
distinguish her situation until very near, - and being in four fathoms water,
determined to anchor and send assistance; but in rounding too for that purpose,
the cutter grounded on the edge of the bar, and the tide leaving her it was not
until the next tide (Monday, 12 o’clock,) that she was got off, without,
however, sustaining the slightest injury. The Prompt was on her beam ends and
had bilged, part of her deck load had rolled overboard and a good deal of it
had been saved from the beach. A scow went alongside early on Monday morning
and several craft were left at anchor to receive the cargo. The captain and
crew had returned on board – and the owner was taken off the steam-boat Potomac by capt. Webster, in the Cutter, and conveyed to New Point.
September
22, 1826 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR FREIGHT OR CHARTER, The
fine new Mathews county built brig GEN. MERCER, Capt. Paul, burthen about 800
barrels. …
November
24, 1826 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
[By the steam boat from Norfolk.] Beacon
Office, News Room, NORFOLK, Nov. 20 to 21.
At New Point Comfort, brig Hunter, Armstrong, Kingston (Jam.) 23 days, bound to Baltimore – Left no American vessels.
December
15, 1826 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) FOR
SALE, The new schooner WILLIAM & MARY, about one hundred tons burthen,
will carry about 600 barrels, Said schooner was built in Matthew’s county,
Virginia, of the best materials, copper fastened and Butt bolted with copper –
Fitted out in the neatest and best manner, and may be considered a first rate vessel of her class. Apply on
board at Leaf & Gooden’s yard, to Captain E. WEEMS, or HUGH & WM.
CRAWFORD, Jr.
October 20,
1827 – Newport Mercury (Newport, Rhode
Island)
The Spanish brig Amigus, which run foul of the
Guatemala Packet, and was supposed to have sunk, is safe, and has arrived at
New Point Comfort, with loss of foretopmast, maintop gallantmast, jibboom and
head. We learn from the Norfolk Herald that she left Baltimore under
circumstances calculated to excite suspicion, and had been three days at anchor
off Smith’s Island, supposed waiting for armament, as it was pretty well known
that she was destined for the coast of Guinea, to resume her old trade ; but a Vigilant* watch was kept in the bay to prevent
munitions of war of any description reaching her, and it was probable with a
view to ascertain the cause that she was putting back.
*Name of the Baltimore cutter, commanded by Capt. Webster.
March 8, 1828 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, FREIGHT OR CHARTER The fast sailing copper fastened and
coppered Schooner VIRGINIA, John
Weston master; 20 months old, built in Matthews county, Va., carries 650
barrels, is a first rate vessel. Apply to Captain Weston, or to WM. HOWELL
& SON
April 15,
1828 – Republican Star and General Advertiser (Easton, Maryland)
(Advertisement) SHANNON
DALE, This full blooded Horse will be let to mares the present Spring, and five
dollars the single leap, eight dollars the Spring’s chance, sixteen dollars to
ensure a foal, and twenty-five cents to the groom in each case.
SHANNON DALE is a beautiful dark
sorrel, fifteen hands and three inches high, of fine action and great vigor;
was got by the full blooded imported Horse Eagle, and bred by Mr. Thomas Lowrey
of Virginia, and by him sold to Mr. Cato Moore of Charles Town
in said State …
A number of highly respectable
persons of Gloucester Court-House, has certified that Shannon Dale is a sure
foal getter; and has produced as likely Colts as any horse that his stood in
that county for 12 or 15 years – which Certificates is in the possession of the
subscriber. … JAMES BARTLETT, Jr. Talbot county, April 1.
May 28,
1828 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
THOMAS JANVIER, 87 Smith’s Whf.
has for sale … a new sharp SCHOONER, built of the best seasoned white
oak, at Matthews county, Va., copper fastened and coppered, fitted in the most
approved and complete manner, at this port, will stow well and sail fast. She
now lies at Messrs. Leaf & Goodwin’s ship yard, Patterson street Dock.
May 30,
1828 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, FREIGHT OR CHARTER, The fine copper fastened and
coppered schr. RANDOLPH, carries about 800 barrels, sails fast. Built in
Matthews county, Va. and has made but two voyages. WM. HOWELL & SON.
June 9, 1828 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) PUBLIC SALES BY R. LEMMON & CO. On Tuesday, 10th
inst. at 1
o’clock, at the Exchange … The ship POCAHONTAS, burthen about 3700
bbls. coppered and copper fastened, was built in Matthews county, Virginia, of
the best materials, and in a most faithful manner, is an uncommon fast sailer
and well found in sails, &c.
June 26,
1828 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE. A NEW SCHOONER of about 650 bbls. burthen, built of
the best seasoned white oak at East
River, Mathews County, Va.
copper fastened and coppered with heavy copper, and fitted with the best
materials in the most approved manner, at this port. She now lies at the lower
end of Smith’s dock. Apply to THOMAS
JANVIER. 87 Smith’s wharf.
October 22,
1828 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) NEW SCHOONER
FOR SALE. A sharp
SCHOONER of about 350 bbls. burthen, built of the best seasoned white oak in Mathew’s county, Va. copper fastened to the bends, will be fitted in the
most approved manner in a few days – it is expected that she will sail very
fast. Apply to Capt. Richard Pitt on board at Jackson’s wharf or to THOMAS JANVIER.
January 15,
1829 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) THOMAS C.
AMORY, COMMISSIONER of the Superior Court of Chancery for the District of
Williamsburg, having obtained a license to practice the Law, offers his services
to the public as an Attorney at Law. He will take business in the Superior
& Inferior Courts of Gloucester, Middlesex, and Matthews Counties. His office is kept at
Gloucester Courthouse, where he may be found at any time unless attending the
Courts. – Any business confided to him will be promptly attended to.
February 7, 1829 – Washington Whig (Bridgeton, New Jersey)
The Norfolk papers contain the particulars of a shocking murder,
which took place at New Point Comfort, on the last day of December. Two black
men, slaves of Capt. Pritchett, in the absence of their master, entered the
house and demanded of Mrs. P. some change which she had promised them. Upon her
stating that she was unable to give it to them until her husband returned, they
seized her, murdered her and threw her body into a well, where it was a few
days after found. The negroes were by their own folly detected, and have since
confessed the murder.
April 3, 1829 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
A coroner’s inquest was held on Thursday morning, in Pratt street, over the body of William Foster, a white man, about
22 years of age, from Matthews County, Va. Verdict of the Jury, death by
accidental drowning in the Basin, near Bowly’s wharf.
April 10,
1829 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
The citizens of Mathews county, convened at the Court
House, on the 28th March, for the purpose of selecting delegates, to
meet the delegates from the other counties, composing this senatorial district,
that they might nominate suitable persons to represent them in the convention
directed by law to meet at Richmond
on the 1st Monday in October next:
Colonel Christopher Tompkins was called to the chair, and
William H. Roy, appointed Secretary.
On motion, Thomas R. Yeatman, Col. Thomas Hudgins, Charles
Atkinson, and Dr. Wm. Shuletice were designated by the Chair, to draft
resolutions expressive of the views of the meeting, who after a short interval
offered the following –
“Resolved, That
this meeting proceed to elect five delegates to meet at Mathews Court House, on
the 20th April next, for the purpose of nominating four persons whom
they deem best calculated to represent this district in the convention, to be
held in Richmond on the 1st Monday in October next.
”Resolved, That
the other counties composing this senatorial district, be requested to concur
with us, in the appointment of delegates to convene at this place, that they
may consult with those we have selected, as to the most suitable persons to
represent the district in the convention.”
And on motion, the foregoing resolutions were adopted –
Whereupon, the meeting then proceeded to comply with the first resolution, and
appointed the following gentlemen: Col. Christopher Tompkin, John D. Jarvis,
William Bohannon, Colonel Thomas Hudgins and William H. Roy, delegates to meet
at this place on the 20th of April next, for effecting the objects
of the meeting.
Resolved, That
the Editors of the Richmond Enquirer, Norfolk Herald, and Beacon, be requested
to publish these proceedings. CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS, Chair’n. W. H. ROY, Secretary.
April 21,
1829 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, The fast sailing schr. FORTUNA, built in Mathews’
county, Va. about 650 barrels burthen, will be sold low to close
a concern. Apply to WM. HOWELL & SON, 48 S. Gay street.
April 28,
1829 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
A joint Delegation from the Counties of Accomac,
Northampton, Gloucester, Middlesex, and Mathews, met at Mathews Courthouse on
the 20th inst. for the purpose of recommending to the people of this
Senatorial District, the persons they deem most suitable to represent them in
the Convention to be held in Richmond, the 1st Monday in October
next.
On motion, Col. Christopher Tompkins was called to the
Chair, and Dr. Thos. Boswell appointed Secretary.
The gentlemen composing the Delegation from the
respective counties of the District, presented at the meeting were –
From Accomac – Wm. P. Moore, Jno. Arlington, Capt. Thos. A. Colburn, Jno. R. Potter.
From Northampton
– Jno. C. Parromore, Jno. T. Wilcox, Wm. D. Stratton, Dr. G. L. E. Tankard, Wm.
S. Floyd, Robt. I. Poulson.
From Gloucester
– Capt. P. E. Tabb, Dr. Wm. Jones, Thos. S. Dabney, Dr. Thos. Boswell.
From Middlesex – Carter Braxton, Jno. Chewning, Dr. M. C.
Booth, Wm. Sheppard, Wm. Jesse.
From Mathews – Col. Christopher Tompkins, Jno. D. Jarvis,
Wm. Bohannon, Wm. H. Roy, Col. Thos. Hudgins.
On motion, it was Resolved, That the Delegates of each
County should give but one vote.
On motion, Thos. R. Joynes of Accomac, Severn E. Parker
of Northampton, Abel P. Upshur of Northampton, and Thos. R. Yeatman of Mathews were nominated. And
the votes being taken, it was Resolved, that they should be recommended to the
people, composing the District, as the most suitable persons to represent them.
On motion, it was unanimously Resolved, That the members,
composing this meeting, will use all honorable means to promote the election of
the above named gentlemen.
On motion, it was Resolved, That a letter be address to the
gentlemen who have received the vote of this meeting, informing them of their
nomination; and the following gentlemen were appointed a Committee to carry
this resolution into effect:
Thos. S. Dabney, Jno R. Potter, Carter Braxton, Wm. H.
Roy, Robt. I. Poulson, Dr. Thos. Boswell.
On motion, it was Resolved, That the thanks of the
meeting be presented to the Chairman and
Secretary.
On motion, it was Resolved, That the Editors of the
Richmond Enquirer, the Norfolk Herald and Beacon, be requested to publish the
proceedings of this meeting.
CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS, Chr’mn. Thos. Boswell, Sec’ry.
May 1, 1829 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
VIRGINIA:
At a Superior Court of Chancery, holden at the former Capitol in the city of Williamsburg, the 30th day of January 1829.
Bennett White and Thomas Smith for themselves, and all
other creditors of John S. Cully, who
may choose to make themselves
parties and contribute to the expenses of this suit. Pltfs.
against
Francis Hudgins adm’r and heir of John S. Cully, dec’d,
Mary George, Henry Robert Zadock, and Elizabeth Cully, and Ralph Davis &
Julia his wife,
This cause came on this day, to be heard by consent on
the bill, answers and exhibits, and was argued by counsel. On consideration
whereof, and by like consent, the court, doth adjudge, order and decree, that
the defendant Francis Hudgins adm’rs of John S. Cully, render before one of the
Commissioners of this court, an account of his transactions on the estate of
the said John S. Cully; in taking which said account, the Commissioner is
required to state the debts paid by the administrator which do, and also, those
which do not bind the heirs of the said John S. Cully; and the said
Commissioner is further required to take an account of the outstanding debts of
said John S. Cully which do, and which do not bind the heirs – which accounts,
the Commissioner is directed to examine, state and settle, and to the court
report, with any matters especially stated , deemed pertinent by himself, or
which may be required by the parties to be so stated.
A Copy. Teste, ED. CHRISTIAN, c. c.
Commissioner’s Office, Gloucester Courthouse, March 19th.
The parties and all others concerned in the suit within
mentioned, are hereby notified, that I have appointed Wednesday, the 17th
day of June next, to commence the duties required of me by the within order of
the court; on which day, at 10 o’clock, A. M., they are desired to attend this
Office, prepared with the necessary documents and other testimony ready for
examination and settlement. A copy,
THOS. C. AMORY, Com’r.
May 5, 1829 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
Northampton, April 25.
Gentlemen: I have received your letter announcing to me that, at a
meeting of Delegates from the counties composing this Senatorial District, held
at Mathews Courthouse on the 20th instant for the purpose expressed
in your letter, I was nominated and recommended to the people as one of four
suitable persons to represent them in the Convention to be held in Richmond in
October next. This flattering testimony
of the good opinion entertained of me by that meeting, is highly gratifying. If
elected, I will cheerfully serve the District; and endeavour so to discharge
the trust as to demonstrate to the people that it was safely deposited.
You say that you were instructed by the meeting to
request me, and the other gentlemen nominated, to visit the respective counties
of the District on their court days in May. The superior court of Law for the county of Accomack, where I have professional engagements, commences its
session on the 1st Monday in May, and the Gloucester Elections is on
the same day. The Northampton and Mathews Elections are on the 2nd
Monday, and Middlesex and Accomack Elections on the last Monday in May. Tho’
extremely inconvenient to me, I have it in contemplation to be at the Gloucester and Mathews
Elections. Very Respectfully yours, SEVERN PARKER. To Messrs. Carter Braxton, John R. Potter,
Wm. H. Roy, T. S. Dabney, Robert I. Poulson, Thomas Boswell.
May 12,
1829 –Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) A RUNAWAY IN
JAIL. Was committed to the Jail of Gloucester county, Va. on the 23d day of
January last, a negro man by the name of Henry – who says he is the property of
one Dr. Fletcher of East Florida; that he was purchased in Georgia when a small
boy and carried somewhere on the Mississippi, where he was bought by the said
Fletcher – From the appearance of the said negro, and his own account, he is
supposed to be about twenty-eight years of age, very black, about five feet six
inches high, and is very intelligent for a slave. When committed to jail, he
had on a coat of gray coarse cloth. The owner is requested to come forward,
prove property, and take him away or he will be sold as the law directs. JAMES H. JONES, Jailor, Glo County, Va.
May 15,
1829 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
Gloucester County Court, May
Term, 1829:
The Commissioners appointed this day to value Henry, a Runaway slave committed
to the jail of this county, returned a report of the valuation of said slave,
and the court being of opinion that the said runaway will not sell at public
auction for a sum sufficient to pay the prison fees and other expenses, after
being confined in jail twelve months, do fix the time of his imprisonment to be
until the 6th day of June next; and doth order, that, the said
slave, at the end thereof, be sold by the sheriff at public auction, after the
time and place of sale having been advertised according to law. A Copy. Teste, ARTHUR S. DAVIES, c.c.
Pursuant to the above order of
court, shall sell, at public auction, at Gloucester courthouse, for ready
money, on Saturday the 13th day of June next, the slave Henry,
mentioned in the said order.
MAT
W. KEMP, D. S. for H. L. NUTTALL, s. G.C.
July 7, 1829 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) WARNER HALL
FOR SALE. This valuable Estate, containing 1500 acres of the
best Gloucester low grounds, is offered for sale on the most
moderate terms. In strength of soil, health, and advantages of location, Warner
Hall yields to no farm in the lower part of Virginia. The land productive and
easily cultivated, is also a particularly susceptible of improvement from time,
and marle, lime can be obtained at small expense from the shells of the
oysters, which abound in the numerous rivers and creeks in the neighborhood of
the property, and there are beds of marle on every part of the farm. The Severn river running the whole length of
the estate, affords ready transportation to the Georgetown, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York markets. The value of the
estate is much enhanced by the large portion, (800 acres) that is finely
timbered with gum, pine, hickory and oak, of which the land can be cleared with
small cost of labor, and will give to cultivation, soil of the very best
qualities.
The tract can be divided into two
farms. On the one there is a large two story brick dwelling house, with five
commodious rooms on a floor, and attached to it two offices of brick, (one of
them used as a kitchen and laundry.) with every other building convenient for
the use of the family and farm. On the other farm, there is a framed dwelling,
with every requisite building.
The value of the land, the health
always enjoyed by the residents, the abundance of fine fish and oysters, and
the circle of delightful and improved society in its neighborhood, make Warner
Hall a most desirable and delightful residence.
Gentlemen desirous of purchasing,
may obtain any information as to the property or terms of sale by a
communication in person or by letter, directed to Wm. Robins, Sr. of Gloucester County, Va.
October 6,
1829 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
GLOUCESTER RACES – Fall Meeting.
The Races over the Cumpfield Course,
one and a half miles from Gloucester Court-House, will commence on Wednesday,
the 28th day of October, 1829.
1st day, mile heats, entrance $50,
free for any colt or filly, not exceeding 4 years old, that has never won
a race on any established course.
2nd day, citizens’ purse $150, 2
mile heats, free for any horse, mare or gelding, entrance $50.
3rd day. Jockey Club purse $300, 3
mile heats, entrance $20.
4th day, Proprietor’s purse $50,
mile heats, best three in five, free for any horse, mare or gelding, that has
not won a race, entrance $15, to be added to the
purse.
On the same day, a sweepstake for mules, mile
heats, best three in five, entrance $5.
2nd, 3rd and 4th
day’s purses, subject to a discount of 10 per cent.
There are eleven entries made to a produce
sweepstake, to be run over the Cumpfield Course in the spring of 1833, one mile
and repeat, one hundred dollars entrance, half forfeit, to close the 1st
day of January, 1830. Gentlemen wishing to make an entry, will please direct to
the Proprietor.
Those members of the club, who should not be
able to attend the fall meeting, will please forward their subscriptions, or
the subscriber is bound to put them up.
The 36th rule of the Club will be
enforced against delinquents. T. CARY, Proprietor.
The Proprietor will be, as heretofore, prepared
to accommodate gentlemen.
Board per day, $1.50; Man and Horse $2.00
Including fare at the race course
Stableage and litter gratis. Gloucester C. H. Oct. 5
December 2,
1829 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. On Tuesday evening, by the Rev. Dr. Glendy,
Thomas H. Roberts of Matthews County, Va. to Miss Margaret, daughter of John
Hutson, esq. of this city.
January 5, 1830 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
Virginia Legislature.
A report to the committee of Privileges and Election, was taken up, on
motion of Mr. Rives of Prince
George – upon
the case of Humphrey Billups, a member returned from the county of Mathews. The report
concludes with declaring that there is nothing in the two certificates produced
by him, (the one stating that he has
given up his license as a Local Preacher in the Methodist E. P. C.; and the other that he is enrolled in a
militia company and musters in it) to satisfy the committee, that he has
changed his character as Minister of the Gospel within the spirit and intent of
the 14th Article of the Constitution; and they therefore come to
this resolution: “Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that H. Billups,
a Delegate returned from the county of Mathews to serve in the present General
Assembly, is not entitled to a seat therein.”
This resolution was agreed to by the House – and on Mr.
Hudgins’s motion, a writ of election was directed to issue to the Sheriff of
Mathews to supply the vacancy.
May 11, 1830 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
WHITE MARSH FOR SALE. the Subscriber is authorized by the heirs and
distributees of Mary M. P. C. Rootes, dec’d, to make sale of that valuable
estate in the county of Gloucester and state of Virginia, called WHITE MARSH,
supposed to contain about two thousand acres, 1209 of which are first rate Low
Grounds; and the Hills of the best quality in that section of the country. A
minute description of the Estate is unnecessary, as it is certain that persons
disposed to purchase will examine it particularly; they are invited to do so,
and Mr. A. Smith the Manager, residing on the premises, is instructed to show
any gentleman who desires it, every part of the Estate. I will only add, that
these Lands lay between Ware and Severn Rivers, and extending to both, affording navigation to
vessels of large burthen, and furnishing fish and oysters of the best quality,
and in great abundance. The improvements consist of a large brick Dwelling
House, with four rooms on a floor, nearly new, and finished in the best style;
all necessary out houses, some of them brick, and most of them new. The Low
Grounds lay in one compact body, immediately in front of the house, without a
single break, and every part to be seen from the dwelling at a single glance of
the eye; they are finely calculated for the production of Barley, Wheat, Indian
Corn, Cotton, &c.; in fact, this Estate is generally acknowledged by all
who have seen it, to be the best of the same extent, and one of the handsomest
in Virginia.
The time of payment will be made to suit the purchaser,
and the necessary number of hands to cultivate the Estate, together with the
stock of every kind, farming utensils, &c. will be sold with it, if
required. JOHN TABB.
July 6, 1830 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, The fine copper fastened and coppered schr. MARIA,
carries 1000 Barrels – built in Mathews County, Va. Apply to
WM. HOWELL & SON.
July 16,
1830 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE. On the 5th inst. the Visitors, Professors
and Students of William & Mary College, attended by an escort from Capt.
Durfey’s troop of horse, moved in procession to the Church, when the
solemnities of the day were introduced by a patriotic and impressive prayer, by
the Rev. A. Emple, President of the College ...
The Orations of the Graduates succeeded – and were as
follows:
…
On the History of
Knowledge – by Jno. B. Jarvis of Mathews County
The Orations being delivered, the degree of A. B. was
conferred in the name of the Faculty …
August 13, 1830 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
Catalogue of the Officers, Students and Scholars of William & Mary College, for the Session of 1829-30 … John Stubbs, Gloucester co., Virginia
August 30,
1830 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
DISASTERS BY THE GALE – Norfolk, Aug. 20. – We continue to receive accounts of the
depredations by the gale of Tuesday last. Capt. Turner, of the Matthews County
Packet, informs us, that it was experienced with great violence for five hours
in that section of the country, and prostrated trees, corn, &c. in its
course; doing much damage to the corn and fodder.
We further learn from Capt. Turner, that the Schr.
Delight, Capt. Lewis, laden with corn or wheat (supposed from York River,) put
into Pepper Creek, Matthews County, on Wednesday, with loss of foremast.
November
19, 1830 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
NORFOLK, Nov. 17. – Arrived, revenue cutter Campbell, Bicker,
from a cruise – boarded the following vessels: Brig Commerce of N.Bedford …
brig Susan, of St. Andrews …schr. Intention of Oxford … brig Pilgrim of St. Andrews … schrs Cypress from Baltimore … Post Boy from Eastport . – The above
vessels remained at New Point Comfort on Monday last.
December 7,
1830 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
A letter from Col. Wm. Jones
of Gloucester, to a friend in the Virginia Legislature, dated
Nov. 27th, says, that he had that moment seen in the Enquirer of the
19th, that he should be nominated as Judge of the first Judicial
Circuit, to the next Legislature; and that this notification was mad without
his knowledge or approbation. – “If (says he) in the prime of life, I should
not wish the appointment, and had I a vote in this matter, no man is known to
me, (in the circuit,) to whom I would give it with more pleasure than to him
who is now the Judge, and who fills the office with much ability and propriety.
As you are going directly to Richmond, I wish you to make this
known; and, if you please, let this be published in the same paper.”
January 4, 1831 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
Gumplains*, Mathews County, Va. Messrs.
Booth & Mills: - At the request of my neighbor, Philip E. Tabb, Esq., I
have several times carefully examined his Thrashing Machine, said to be of your
manufacture. And I have no hesitation in stating that in my judgment, it is the
very best I have ever seen – combining, in a remarkable degree, the qualities
of durability of workmanship, rapidity, and excellence of performance, with
what I consider, not the least of its recommendations, perfect freedom from
dangers to labourers, engaged in working it. I have a very good Machine of my
own, but I certainly give the preference to yours. Your ob’t serv’t, WM. H. ROY
*[Note: as printed; could be
Green Plains]
February
14, 1831 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. At Green Plains, Matthews county, Va. on the
3d inst. by the Rev. John Cole, John Beverly Roy, Esq. merchant of that
borough, to Miss Mary M. Roy, oldest daughter of the late James H. Roy, Esq.
April 12,
1831 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE OR FREIGHT. The copper fastened and coppered schnr.
ANDREW JACKSON, Capt. Roberts ; carries 600 barrels, sails fast, built in
Mathews County, Va. – She is about 12 months old and a first rate vessel. Apply
to WM. HOWELL & SON.
May 27,
1831 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
Body Found. –
The body of a man was found about ten
days since, on Four Point Marsh, mouth of Severn River, Gloucester County, Virginia, supposed to be the captain of a vessel sunk in the
last gale in Mopjack [sic] bay, near New Point Comfort. On his person were
found sundry papers, and money to the amount of $64. The name of Wheatley appears on some of the papers
or on the pocket book. The papers and money are in the possession of Mr. Wm.
Robins, of said county, who had the deceased decently interred. – Chronicle.
June 10,
1831 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
FOR THE
ENQUIRER. At a numerous meeting, composed of the citizens of
Matthews county, and of the members of the bar, at the court-house, on Monday,
the 9th day of May, 1831, for the purpose of expressing the
estimation in which they hold the character and services of James Semple, jr.
Esq. in the discharge of his official duties as late Judge of the judicial
circuit.
Col. Christopher Tompkins was appointed Chairman, and
Thomas R. Yeatman, Secretary.
The object of the meeting having been explained by Wm. H.
Roy, Esq., the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That
we feel the strongest assurances and anticipations, that the duties of the
judicial trust will be satisfactorily discharged by our respected
fellow-citizen, Wm. Browne, Esq. who has been appointed by the last Legislature,
as the successor to Judge Semple in the judicial circuit in which this county
has been arranged.
Resolved, That
it is due to our feelings, and to the merits of an old and faithful public
servant, who has been thus displaced from office, to give the public expression
of them on this occasion ; and to manifest our approbation of the ability,
faithfulness, and indefatigable assiduity with which he discharged the duties
during the whole period from his entering on them to their close ; and to
afford him in his retirement, the assurance of the unabated esteem which the
individuals of this meeting, and the people of this county, entertain for his
private virtues, and their confidence in the purity of his public character.
Resolved, That
the Editors of the Richmond Enquirer and of the Constitutional Whig be
requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting. And that a Committee be
appointed to communicate a copy of them to Judge Semple.
And in conformity with the last resolution, William H. Roy,
John Daingerfield, jr., Wm. Todd, Thomas R. Yeatman, John D. Jarvis, Thomas
Hudgins, Charles Atkinson, and Thomas Edwards, Esquires, were appointed the
committee. And the Meeting adjourned.
CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS, Chairman.
Thos. R. Yeatman, Secretary
Mathews
Court-House,
May
10th, 1831. James Semple, Jr. Esq:
Dear Sir – At a late numerous meeting of the bar, and
citizens of Mathews county, we the undersigned, were appointed a committee to
communicate to you the accompanying resolution unanimously passed on that occasion. We take great pleasure in
performing the duty assigned us, and are grateful at so favorable an
opportunity of expressing publicly our individual sentiments of respect and
esteem. Those of the committee who, from their professional avocations, have
had the most frequent opportunity of judging, bear willing testimony to your
faithful discharge of duties, and the ability and zeal which has ever marked
your judicial career.
With sentiments of the highest regard, We remain very
respectfully, Your obedient servants, WM. H. ROY; JNO DAINGERFIELD, Jr.; WM.
TODD; THOS. R. YEATMAN; JNO D. JARVIS; THOS. HUDGINS; CHARLES ATKINSON; THOS.
EDWARDS.
Williamsburg, May 24th, 1831.
Gentlemen: Your communication,
covering certain Resolutions adopted unanimously on the 9th inst. at
a numerous meeting composed of the citizens of Matthews county and of the
Members of the Bar, did not, in consequence of my absence from Williamsburg,
reach me until a few days since.
This public and unanimous expression of opinion by the
citizens and Bar of Matthews, I with truth assure you, affords to their “old
and faithful servant” the most sincere gratification and has made a deep
impression on his mind. The wants of a numerous family, many of whom are yet
upon my hands, uneducated and unprovided for, must carry me back to the Bar ;
and in resuming the practice of the Law, this public testimony of “the ability,
faithfulness and indefatigable assiduity, with which I have discharged the
duties of my late office, during the whole period, from entering on them to
their close,” may be referred to with confidence, to remove any unfavorable
impressions which my “removal from office,” may have created.
There is, however, gentlemen, another consideration of
much deeper interest than the one just alluded to.
When about 22 years ago, I abandoned a very lucrative
practice for a seat on the Bench, which I had a right to expect to fill during
good behavior, I took upon myself the burthen of the office under a deep sense
of the importance of a faithful and punctual administration of justice, and
with a thorough determination to permit no personal consideration of an
ordinary character, to prevent the faithful an punctual discharge of them in
the General Court and in the Circuit to which I was assigned. That these determinations were carried
honestly into effect, is demonstrated by the fact, that after about seven
years, I resigned with a view to my transfer to the first Judicial Circuit, and
that by the readiness of the Executive and Legislative department, I was
re-appointed and transferred according to my wishes. In my letter of resignation, I made no
difficulty in expressing my willingness to be re-appointed, and I avowed my
fixed determination to withdraw from the Bench, whenever I should become from
any cause unable to discharge all my duties with punctuality. Since that time,
I have presided as Judge in ten Courts in the First Judicial Circuit, and no
personal consideration has caused the loss of a single Term; and I had hoped
that all my duties had been discharged to the public satisfaction.
That they have been so discharged, the voluntary
testimony of the citizens and Bar of Matthews County assures me so strongly,
that no inquietude can ever, on that ground, rest on my mind. It is in this
view that the Resolutions of the Meeting are so dear to me. It is quite clear
that the power of dispensing justice, must occasionally produce disappointment
and vexation to suitors and others, and sometimes a consequent ill feeling
towards the Tribunal of Justice. That I have, at all times, escaped this, I do
not pretend to believe. But I am proud of the high and honorable bearing and
enlightened public opinion displayed by the citizens and the Bar of Matthews,
in discharging all selfish feelings, and of their “affording me, in my
retirement, the assurance of the unabated esteem, which the individuals of the
meeting and the people of the county entertain for my private virtues, and
their confidence in the fitness and purity of
public character;” and while I cannot hope that my judicial manners have
been always unexceptionable, I can respond to the opinion of “purity in my public character” with a consciousness of
rectitude, admitting of no shadow of doubt.
When I first went among the people of Matthews, I was treated
with the hospitality for which they are so highly distinguished. Subsequently
they have treated me with affection. Their kindness towards me I can never
forget, so long as one spark of gratitude lingers with my existence.
Permit me, gentlemen, through you to express to the
citizens of Matthews, whose interest I most ardently desire to see promoted, my
convictions that their expectations in reference to the discharge of official
duties by Judge Browne, will be fully realized.
You will be pleased, gentlemen, to accept for yourselves,
my thanks for the very polite and kind manner in which you have expressed
yourselves towards me in communicating the Resolutions adopted in Matthews, and
I beg leave to assure you individually of my undiminished regard and
friendship. Your most obd’t serv’t, JAMES SEMPLE.
July 12,
1831 – Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, FREIGHT OR CHARTER, The superior new Matthews County built brig REBECCA FRANCES, capt. John Weston,
expected to carry 1000 barrels, copper fastened and coppered. – Apply to capt.
Weston, or to WM. HOWELL & SON.
September 30, 1831 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
GLOUCESTER LAND AND NEGROES FOR SALE. Will positively be sold at auction, at the late
residence of Maj. THOMAS HALL, dec’d, near Gloucester Court-House, on Tuesday,
the first day of November next, (if fair, but if not, then the next fair day
thereafter) a part of the Tract of Land of which he died possessed, containing
by a late survey two hundred and thirty eight and half acres, to include the
mansion and other houses attached thereto. – It is situated within 2 miles of
the C. H., and the Newington Academy, a literary institute incorporated by the
Legislature and now in successful operation – about three miles from
navigation, and is considered to be a healthy and pleasant situation. The soil
is equal to any highland in the County which has not been more improved; a good
proportion of it is in meadow, well reclaimed and entirely clear of stumps and
roots, which renders the cultivation much easier. There is a good apple and peach Orchard on
the place, numerous springs of excellent water, and marl in abundance. The
dwelling house has been built within the last twelve years, but in consequence
of its not being finished entirely, is not in good repair, but may be made so
with a small expense. There is also on the place, a barn and a stable. A more
particular description of it is deemed unnecessary, as those who may wish to
purchase will no doubt first view the premises; which they are earnestly
solicited to do. To a Physician or Lawyer, wishing to locate, this would be a
desirable residence, as it is about the center of a populous and wealthy
county; and indeed, to any person having children to educate, it offers many
advantages.
A credit of one, two, three and four years will be given
on the purchase money, (except for a small sum to defray the commission and
other expenses attending the sale, which will be required in cash,) the
purchaser giving bonds with good security, to carry interest from the day of
sale.
Also, at the same time and place, will be sold about ten
likely and valuable slaves, belonging to the estate of the said decedent,
consisting of men, women, and children, together with the crop of corn, fodder,
&c., and every other article of perishable property on the place. Cash will
be required for the negroes, and a credit of nine months given for the other
articles, except on purchases under five dollars, which must be cash. – All persons
having claims against the decedent are hereby required to make them known
without delay, as provisions may be made to discharge them. THOMAS C. AMORY,
Acting as Adm’or and Trustee. Gloucester Court House, Sept., 1831
January 10,
1832 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
SHERIFF’S SALE OF LAND. – By virtue of a decree pronounced by the
County Court of Gloucester, in Chancery, sitting at May Term, 1831, in the case
of William Jones, et al, Trustees of the Gloucester Charity School,
Plaintiffs, against Mann Page, Defendant. – Will be sold, to the highest
bidder, for cash, at Gloucester Court-house, on Monday, the 6th
day of February next, being Court day, A TRACT OF LAND, lying in said
county, called Lowland Cottage, estimated to contain Five Hundred Acres, except
so much of said Tract of Land as shall be allotted to Mrs. Martha Jones (in
dower.) This Tract of Land lies directly on Ware river, and for fertility of
soil and certainty of product, is surpassed by no estate in the neighborhood.
It is situated immediately in the most desirable neighborhood in the County for
navigation, and all other advantages derived from the river. Fish and oysters,
of the best kind, are taken within one hundred yards of the door. MAT. W. KEMP, D.S. for Wm. G. Wiatt, S. G. C.
September 4, 1832 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
MATTHEWS COUNTY. At a meeting of the Corresponding Committee,
appointed for the County of Matthews, at the Court House, on 14th day of May, 1832:
A majority of the Committee being present, Thomas Hudgins
was appointed Chairman and Samuel Diggs appointed Secretary.
On motion of Thomas R. Yeatman,
Resolved, That
the names of the following gentlemen be added to the Committee, viz: John
Borum, Edmond Jones, Houlder Hudgins, Humphrey Keeble, John Bohannan, Sen.,
William Turner, Larkin Litchfield, Sands Smith, Jr., Albert G. Hudgins, William
Todd, Gabriel Miller, Matthias J. Davis, Thomas Diggs, Richard B. Brownley,
Christopher D. Tompkins, John N. Sale, William L. Smith, William
Bohannan, Jr., and Robert
Armistead. On motion.
Resolved, That
the Secretary communicate the proceedings of this meeting to the Chairman of
the Central Committee. Adjourned. THOMAS HUDGINS, Chairman
December 4,
1832 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
By virtue of a trust deed executed by Thomas Hall and Susan his wife,
bearing date of 17th day of July, 1824, and of record in the County
Court of Gloucester, for purposes therein expressed, I shall as Trustee, offer
for sale, at Gloucester Court-house, on Saturday, the 8th day of
December next, to the highest bidder, for cash, a tract of land, containing
from ninety to one hundred acres, on which there are comfortable improvements
for a small family, and also two likely young negroes, or so much of said
property as may be necessary to answer the purposes of said trust. MANN PAGE, Trustee.
March 7, 1833 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) SIR CHARLES. – This distinguished, beautiful
thorough-bred racer and getter of racers, will again stand at my son’s, Geo. W.
Johnson’s, the ensuing season, within one mile of Moody’s Tavern in the county of Chesterfield. … some of his colts have won the following races
within the last year … the club race at Gloucester Court-house …
April 9, 1833 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(From the Virginia Farmer.) Rock Marl found in
Prince Edward – We understand that
Dr. Norton, of Prince Edward, has found upon his farm an inexhaustible bed of
rock marl. … Searches have been made and are making in other parts of the
State, for marl. We understand, that it has been found on the banks of the
Rappahannock; in one case 2 or 3 miles from the river – and that it promises to
be found in quantities in Matthews county, &c. It has already been used to
great advantage on some farms.
August 27,
1833 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) I have now on hand, from one to two
hundred cord of superior Hickory and Oak Wood, for sale at Miller’s
Landing, on Poropotank creek, Gloucester county, Va. There is a sufficient quantity of water for vessels
that will draw from 8 to nine feet water, immediately where the Wood lies; a
vessel that can carry 30 cords can be loaded in one day. The prices of Wood
now, in Philadelphia and other markets, would justify Captains of vessels
to purchase this Wood, and make a good profit. I shall keep a good supply on
hand during the Fall and Winter season.
JOHN HOWLETT Woods X Roads,
Gloucester co., Aug. 10.
September 10, 1833 – Republican Banner (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
From the Norfolk Beacon, Aug. 31.
The Baltimore papers of 28th inst. announces
the death on the 27th, by a fall from his horse on Sunday last, of
Mr. Richard W. Adams, of the firm of Adams & Kettlewell, merchants
of that city, in the 30th year of his age.
It was our pleasure to have been acquainted with Mr.
Adams, from a very early period in his life. He was a native of Gloucester County, Virginia, and served an apprenticeship to the Printing
business, in the Office of the Daily Compiler, at Richmond, with surpassing diligence and fidelity. … He has
left a wife and two children to mourn his death.
October 29,
1833 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
VALUABLE NEGROES, STOCK, &c. FOR SALE. On Wednesday, Oct. 30th, (if fair, if
not, the next fair day,) we will sell, at
the at residence of Hunley Gale, in Matthews county, the whole of his personal
estate, consisting of about 16 very valuable slaves, stock of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, farming utensils,
household and kitchen furniture, and the crop of corn, oats and fodder. The slaves will be sold for cash, and the
other property on credit of 9 months.
Bonds, with approved security, will be required of the purchaser, before
the property is removed. The sale will
be continued from day to day until the whole is sold. CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS, JOHN D. JARVIS –
Exec’rs of Hunley Gale.
January 7, 1834 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) LAND’S END FOR SALE. – I offer for sale this valuable
Estate, situated between the mouths of Ware and Severn Rivers, in Robin’s Neck,
in the county of Gloucester, and immediately upon Mobjack Bay, in a fertile and
rich country, the society of which is not surpassed in Virginia, for quality
and intelligence; it contains by late survey, 668 acres, with an interest of
two thirds in one of the best salt marshes in the lower country, of two hundred
acres. It is one of the healthiest situations in the State, beautifully
situated upon the river, which affords the finest oysters, fish, and wild fowl
in their seasons, in the greatest variety, and of the choicest kind. The land is fertile, in the production of
corn, wheat and barley; but it is considered that the soil is peculiarly
adapted to barley. The buildings are, a dwelling of brick, with six rooms –
kitchen, laundry, barn, carriage-house, &c. &c. Persons desirous of
settling in lower Virginia, are invited to examine it
for themselves, as a great bargain may be had, and it is rarely such property
is thrown into market. CARY S. JONES.
February 6, 1834 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)50 DOLLARS
REWARD. – Run away from the subscriber, residing near Gloucester Court-house,
on Friday the 17th instant, a Negro boy, named Robert. He is
about 18 years of age, quite tall, and rather slender for his height; he turns
out his toes very much, which makes him appear to be knock-kneed in walking; he
was dressed when he went off in a blue cloth coat, much worn, a pair of purple
worsted Virginia cloth pantaloons, a striped domestic cloth vest, and fur hat;
and took with him a bundle or knapsack, containing a brown cloth frock coat,
and some other clothing not recollected; he had in his possession when he
absconded, letters directed to Dr. Thos. I. A. Cooke, Caroline county, which he
may in some way use to forward his escape.
He lived part of last year in the city of Richmond, and may probably at this
time be lurking in that place, awaiting an opportunity to leave the State. The
above reward will be given if he is taken out, and $25 if taken within the
limits of the State, and delivered to me or secured in jail so that I get him
again, and all reasonable expences will be paid. JOHN H. COOKE.
February
27, 1834 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
DEPOSITE MEETING IN MATHEWS. A very full meeting of the citizens of
Mathews county was held in the Court-house, on Monday the 10th Feb.,
(being court day,) for the purpose of taking into consideration the subject of
the Removal of the Public Deposites from the Bank of the United States, and the propriety of Re-chartering said Bank.
The meeting was organized by calling Colonel Isaac Foster
to the Chair, and appointing Houlder Hudgins, Secretary. After the meeting had
been called to order, Dr. Wm. Shultice rose and addressed the citizens at some
length, against the restoration of the deposites, and against the re-charter of
the U. S. Bank. He was followed in opposition by Wm. H. Roy, Esq., who likewise
expressed his sentiments at length. The discussion was kept up by these two
gentlemen until nearly dark, when they gave way to a motion to adjourn the
meeting until the following Saturday.
On Saturday the 15th instant, (according to
adjournment,) the citizens met at the Court House, to take up the subject of
the Deposites and the Bank. In consequence of the interest which had been
excited on the subject, the assemblage was much greater than on Monday; the new
and spacious Court-House being crowded to excess. The meeting was called to
order by Houlder Hudgins, Esq., who, in consequence of the indisposition of the
former Chairman, nominated Captain Thomas James; and he was appointed to
preside; and on motion of Wm. H. Roy, Esq., Shepard G. Miller was then made
secretary.
Dr. Wm. Shultice then offered the following Preamble and
Resolutions:
“Whereas an interesting and eventful crisis has arisen in
our Government, involving the stability and purity of our Republican
Institutions, tending to bring this country under the entire control and
dominion of a monied corporation: Be it, therefore, as the opinion of this
meeting:
“1st Resolved,
That the President of the U. States [Note: Andrew Jackson, Democrat] has the
constitutional power of removing all or either of the Heads of the Departments,
and that the Secretary of the Treasury has the legal right to remove the public
Deposites, although we consider it an impolitic measure at this particular
period.
2nd Resolved,
That the Public Deposites ought not to be returned to the U. S. Bank, and
it should be deeply deplored as a measure calculated to lead to a re-charter of
said Bank.
3d. Resolved,
That the U. S. Bank is unconstitutional, and ought not to be re-chartered.
4th Resolved,
That our Representative in Congress be instructed, (so far as the power of
this meeting extends,) to vote against the restoration of the Deposites, and
against the re-chartering of the U. S. Bank.
He then addressed the meeting in a speech of considerable
length, bringing forward facts and arguments in support of the declarations
contained in the resolutions.
After he had concluded, Mr. Roy rose and spoke at length,
in opposition to the above Resolutions; and concluded by offering the following
Preamble and Resolutions, as a Substitute.:
“It is the duty as well as the privilege of the people of
all free governments, carefully to scrutinize the conduct of those whom they
have clothed with power, and boldly to express their approbation, or
disapproval of their measures. By this means the People (the source whence all power ought to emanate) become better
acquainted with their own rights, and the inestimable benefits, resulting from
their present Liberty, and are rendered more competent to guard it, more
anxious to cherish it – while those to whom they have entrusted the duty of
administering the government, are more sensible of the responsibilities of
their station. The citizens of Mathews county have, on two occasions, indicated
by large majorities, their attachment to the present Chief Magistrate of the United States, and their deep interest, in the success of his
administration. They ought, therefore, not to remain silent, when any of his
acts appear to them contrary to the laws and Constitution of their country, and
at variance with their pre-conceived opinions of these principles, which they
supposed would govern him in the course of his administration. As his old and
steadfast friends, it peculiarly becomes
them, respectfully but fearlessly to tell him, that they view with pain
and mortification, the late arbitrary course of the Executive, in removing the
deposites from the place assigned them by law, to wit, the Bank of the United States, where after a most careful
investigation, they had been pronounced eminently safe, by the immediate
representatives of the people, and placing them in various State Banks,
entirely irresponsible to Congress, and where they must be wholly under
Executive control, and liable to be used for purposes subversive of the
Constitution and dangerous to the liberties of the people.
1st. Resolved,
That the charter of the Bank of the United States is a compact between the
United States and the stockholders, entered
into through the agency of the National Legislature; that the provision
of the charter, by which the Bank is made the depository of the public revenue,
is a benefit conferred on the Bank, in consideration of a bonus of a million
and a half of dollars, and of certain services which the Bank undertook to
perform for the United States ; that a power to withdraw them, (without good
cause,) is contrary to the plain meaning and intent of the contracting parties.
2d. Resolved,
That the pretensions set up by the Secretary of the Treasury in his late report
to Congress, in which he claims the exclusive power over the deposites, is
derogatory to the constitutional authority of Congress, and that his reasons
for removing the public deposites, from the place assigned them by Congress,
are unsatisfactory, and the act itself, without the sanction of law.
3d. Resolved,
That the future collections of the revenue, ought to be deposited in the Bank
of the United
States.
4th. Resolved,
That the plan recommended by the Secretary of the Treasury, as a substitute for
the Bank of the United States, is alike dangerous to the liberties of the people,
and hazardous to the public funds.
5th. Resolved,
That the removal of the late Secretary of the Treasury, because of a difference
of opinion between the President and himself, in regard to a duty confided by law to the Secretary, was an
abuse of the power of removal.”
Wm. Tod, Esq. addressed the meeting and offered the
following preamble and resolutions, as a substitute for the previously
presented:
“We, the people of Mathews, in common with our fellow
citizens of Virginia, feel the deepest interest in the preservation of the
republican institutions of our country. We are fully impressed with the
importance of confining every department of the Federal Government, in its acts
and operations, strictly within the limits of power expressly granted to each
by the Constitution. To sanction an usurpation in either the Executive,
Legislative, or Judicial branch of the Federal Government, or a flagrant abuse
of the power constitutionally vested in them, is to say the least of it,
dangerous to the permanency of our institutions and subversive of the liberties
of the people. – We are fully convinced, that Congress, for wise and obvious
reasons, has denied to the Executive any control over the deposites of the
United States ; having placed them during the recess of that body, entirely at
the disposal of the Secretary of the Treasury, making that officer responsible
to themselves at their next session for any disposition which may be made of
them, and requiring of him to report to them his reasons for a removal, &c.
In fact, that the Secretary of the Treasury is solely the agent of Congress in
this matter, and responsible to Congress alone for his acts. Notwithstanding
the present Chief Magistrate of the Union has our hearty concurrence in, and
our warmest approbation of, many acts of his administration – notwithstanding
some prominent acts of his administration have shed a new and brilliant luster
upon the character of our country, and exalted their author to the highest rank
amongst the patriots and statesmen of
his time – yet, we do conceive, that in removing from office Mr. Duane, the
Secretary of the Treasury, for exercising his own unbiased and untrammeled
judgment, in regard to the removal of the deposites, and his undeviating
adherence to the interest of the people, he has abused his power of removal,
and evidently perverted the true meaning and intention of the Constitution and
laws of the country ; and that, however justly and rationally we may differ, as
to the expediency or propriety of restoring the deposites to the Bank of the
United States, all must concur in raising a warning voice against the abuse of
power, on the part of the Executive, Therefore,
”Resolved,
1st. That while we admit
ourselves bound to sustain the Executive in every act of his administration,
which has the sanction of the Constitution and laws of our country and the
interest of the people, we cannot withhold from him our most decided
disapprobation and censure for his conduct in relation to the removal of the
federal deposites from the Bank of the United States, which we conceive to be
their legal depository.
“2d. That this meeting views the present Bank of the
United States as an open infraction of the Constitution, and as dangerous to
the liberties of the people; consequently, its charter should never be renewed.
“3d. That our Representative in Congress be instructed,
and he is here by instructed, as far as the voice of this meeting may be
respected as such, and our Senators in Congress are respectfully requested to
use all fair and honorable means to prevent a renewal of its charter.
“4th. That our Representative in Congress be
further instructed, and our Senators requested, to use their endeavours to
procure an explanatory amendment to the Constitution, authorizing the
establishment of such an institution and restricted in its operations, as to
render it powerless and harmless, as to the political affairs of the nation.”
The discussion on the various resolutions was kept up
until after dark, by Dr. Shultice, in opposition to the restoration of the
Deposites, and the re-charter of the Bank and by Col. Christopher Tompkins in
favour of the restoration and the Bank. – The vote was taken first on Mr. Tod’s
resolutions ; they were rejected, but few voting in the affirmative. The vote
was taken on Mr. Roy’s substitute, which was likewise rejected, still fewer
voting in the affirmative.
After the rejection of the substitutes, the vote was then
taken on the original Preamble and Resolutions ‘’’offered by Dr. Shultice, and
passed by an overwhelming majority.
On motion, it was then
Resolved, That
a copy of these proceedings be forwarded to the Hon. Henry A. Wise, our
Representative in Congress.
Resolved, That
the two political newspapers in Richmond, and the Norfolk Beacon, be requested to publish
these proceedings. THOMAS JAMES, Chairman; Houlder Hudgins and S. G. Miller, Secretaries.
April 17,
1834 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Melancholy Accident. – The dwelling house of John Walker, a labouring man,
and a widower, at Gloucester, Virginia, was a few night’s ago destroyed by fire,
and his 4 children consumed. He was absent when it broke out, but rushed into
the flames as soon as he reached the house, to the rescue of his children and
disappeared forever.
June 19,
1834 – New
Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, New
Hampshire)
THE PUBLIC TREASURE. The
House proceeded to the consideration of the memorial from the inhabitants of Gloucester County, Virginia, praying the restoration of
the deposits to the Bank of the United States. Upon which memorial Mr.
Wise had, on a former day, moved sundry resolutions – in substance that
Congress has the right to regulate the public moneys &c. without an
assumption of Executive power &c &c.
Mr. Miller moved that the memorial,
resolutions, and amendments be laid on the table.
July 29,
1834 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
THOMAS C. AMORY, Attorney at
Law, Master in Chancery, and Commissioner for taking Depositions, proposes,
in addition to the above avocations, to transact a General Agency business. He
will collect and secure debts for merchants and others, either by suit, deed of
trust, or otherwise, against persons in Gloucester county, to be read as
evidence according to the act of the Last Legislature. Address (postage paid)
Gloucester Courthouse.
September
19, 1834 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
We learn with great sorrow, from the last
Fredericksburg Herald, that “on Tuesday, the 9th instant, died, at
Green Plains, Mathews county, Mrs. Ann Roy, wife of Mr. Wm. H. Roy, and
daughter of the late Thomas Sedden, Esq., of this place.” From all accounts we
have ever heard of this Lady – she was a very superior woman – young, most
lovely and most accomplished. One evidence we were fortunate enough to obtain
of her fine taste and talents. She was the writer of the powerful and eloquent
address to the citizens of the Eastern States, on the Slave question, which
appeared some time since in the columns of the Enquirer. It was re-published in
many of the Northern papers, with the highest compliments – and excited among
all our readers the greatest curiosity to know the name of the Author.
September 22, 1834 – Washington Globe (District of Columbia)
PROPOSALS. For carrying the Mails of the United States for four years,
from January 1st, 1835, to December 31st, 1838, on the
following Post Roads in Virginia ...
From Aylett’s by Rumford Academy, King William CH,
Walkerton, Stevensville, Carleton’s Store, King and Queen CH, Little Plymouth,
Shacklesford’s, Patrick’s, Gloucester CH and Northend to Matthews CH, 85 miles and back once a week between
Aylett’s and Gloucester CH, and twice a week between Gloucester CH, and
Matthews CH.
Leave Aylett’s every Wednesday at 9 ½ a.m., arrive at
Gloucester CH next day by 6 p.m.
Leave Gloucester CH every Monday and Friday at 6 a.m., arrived at Matthews CH same days by 11 a.m.
Leave Matthews CH every Monday and Friday at 1 p.m., arrive at Gloucester CH same days by
6
p.m.
Leave Gloucester CH every Saturday at 6 a.m., arrive at Aylett’s next day by 5 p.m.
December 20, 1834 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
CHANTICLEER – This thorough bred Race horse and Stallion will stand the
ensuing season, at the stable of Dr. Peyton R. Nelson, in Gloucester county, four miles from Gloucester Court-house. He
will be at his stand early in January, and will in due time be exhibited at the
Court-houses of Gloucester and Matthews. Particulars hereafter. W. W. WHITING.
January 22, 1835 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
VALUABLE GLOUCESTER LAND for Sale. – By
virtue of a decree of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for
Gloucester county, pronounced at October Term, 1834, in a cause therein
depending between George T. F. Lonnier & Co., plaintiff, and Warner L.
Oliver and other defendants; will be exposed to sale by auction, for cash,
at Gloucester Court-house, on the first Monday in March next, (being Court
day,) that beautiful and valuable Estate, called Violet Bank, the residence of
the late Thomas B. Fox, dec’d. This estate lies immediately on Poropotank creek,
and within a mile of York
River, and of course it is
very convenient to the oyster trade, which is carried on to a great extent, on
that River. – It contains about six hundred acres of Land, perfectly level, and
is believed to be well timbered; on the banks of the creek there are
inexhaustible beds of marl and shells. The improvements consist of a spacious
brick mansion, with every other house necessary for the farm, all of which are
believed to be in good repair. This land will be sold subject to the right of
dower therein, of the widow of Thomas B. Fox; with this exception, the title is
deemed good, but a deed with special warranty only, will be made to the
purchaser. AUGUSTINE L. DABNEY, THOMAS
C. AMORY, WILLIAM H. ROY.
January 30,
1835 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
TRAFALGAR – This beautiful and thorough bred Stallion, will stand the
next season at Matthews
Court-house,
in the county of Matthews, and at Urbanna, in the county of Middlesex. Particulars will be given hereafter.. WILLIAM TOD.
March 17,
1835 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) MR. JESSE
ALSOP – You will take notice that on the 8th day of April next, in
Virginia, and in the town of Fredericksburg, at the Farmers’ Hotel, between the
hours of 8 in the morning and 6 o’clock of the same day, we shall proceed to
take the deposition of Mr. John Chew; and in the State of Maryland, in Prince
George’s county, at or near Magruder’s Ferry, at the store of Mr. John Burke,
between the hours aforesaid, we shall also proceed to take the deposition of
said Burke, on Friday, the 10th day of the same month; and in the
State of Virginia and county of Middlesex, at Churchville, on Monday, the 13th
of the same month, between the hours aforesaid, we shall take the deposition of
Mr. William Jesse and others; and on the 14th day of the same month,
in the county of Gloucester and State aforesaid, at the dwelling of Wm. K.
Perrin, Esq., we shall, between the hours of 8 and 11 o’clock in the morning,
take the deposition of Mrs. Sarah T. Perrin; and at Gloucester Court-house, on
the same day, between the hours of 11 o’clock in the morning and 6 in the
evening of the same day, we shall take the depositions of Jas. Dunston, Kemp
Dillard, and others, all of which are to be used as evidence in a suit
depending in Chancery, in the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for
Gloucester county, in which we are complainants, and James S. Leaville and
yourself are defendants; and if from any cause any of the depositions aforesaid
be not taken on the day herein appointed, they will be taken on the next day,
(Sunday expected.) GEO. HEALY, And
wife, and others.
April 24,
1835 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) POSTPONEMENT.
The sale of the **land above mentioned
not having taken place on the 1st Monday in March, it will certainly
be made at Gloucester Court-house on the 1st Monday in May next,
being Court day, upon the following terms, by consent of parties: - the claim
of the pltfs., Geo. T. F. Lorimer & Co., and the costs and charges of the
suit, which will amount to a little over three thousand dollars, will be
required in cash; for the balance, two equal payments on six and twelve months
credit, to be secured by good personal security, and a deed of trust on the
land. Too much can scarcely be said in commendation of this most beautiful,
valuable, and desirable estate, which contains, including marshes, one thousand
acres, or not much short of it. The land, about 650 acres, being one entire
level, lying on a creek, which is navigable for large vessels, immediately in
front of the dwelling – having on it inexhaustible beds of marl and shells at
three different points of the farm: a large brick mansion, containing eight
rooms besides five in the cellar; kitchen, smoke-house, two barns, carriage
house, &c. &c.; all said to be in good repair; - and possessing in
addition to all these and other advantages, the inestimable convenience of, and
easy access to, the greatest abundance of the shelly and finny tribes of fish,
as well as every variety of wild fowl in their respective seasons.
Purchasers are invited to view the
place and judge for themselves. Mr. Oliver, the present proprietor, will take
pleasure in showing the premises to any gentleman desirous of purchasing a
farm.
AUG.
L. DABNEY, THO. C. AMORY, WM. H. ROY, Com’rs
[**Note:
The land in question is Violet Bank, the residence of the late Thomas B. Fox.
Mrs. Fox died January 1835. See entry
for January 22, 1835.]
May 22,
1835 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
MATTHEWS COUNTY. At a meeting of the friends of the present
Administration, held at Matthews Court-house, on Saturday, the 16th day of May,
for the purpose of nominating and appointing delegates to the Republican
Convention, to be held in Baltimore
on the 20th inst., the following proceedings were held:
The meeting was organized by calling Col. Thomas Hudgins
to the Chair, and electing Walter G. Lane as Secretary.
The object of the meeting having been explained, the
following gentlemen were appointed a committee to report to the meeting
suitable resolutions, viz: Dr. Wm. Shultice, Capt. Thomas James, Charles
Atkinson, Wm. Tod, Houlder Hudgins, Dr. A. G. Hudgins, and Walter G. Lane.
The committee, after due deliberation, reported the
following Preamble and Resolutions, which were unanimously adopted by the
meeting:
In a Republican Government like that of the United
States, it becomes any portion of its citizens to meet at any time, and in any
manner they may deem proper and necessary, to express their views and opinions
on such subjects of public concernment as they think advisable. Every effort to
prevent such assemblages, either by ridicule, slander, protest or violence, or
in any other manner, is calculated to abridge the rights and interfere with the
privilege of freemen. This meeting
views the recent attempts of the Whig party, to prevent the convocation of a
National Convention, to unite the Republican party on suitable candidates for
the Presidency and Vice Presidency, as an effort to frustrate and prevent a
full, free, and unbiased expression of public opinion. Satisfied of their own
imbecility, they wish to avoid, by a division in the Republican ranks, the
force of the united strength of the Democracy, which would prostrate their
hopes and blast their prospects for years to come. A new discovery has been
made by our ingenious opponents! Some few months since, it has been
ascertained, that meetings by the people in their primary assemblies are
nothing more than a union of office-holders and office-seekers, and that the
Convention of the Republican party of the Union
amounts to the same thing. From our earliest National existence to the present
period, it has been the usage and custom of our country, and not until this
time, has it been known to be in any manner detrimental to our freedom and our
rights. A few memorable instances might here be adverted to, in which our
present political opponents held Convention for the purpose of uniting and
concentrating their forces on particular individuals. Then it was all fair, all right, all patriotic. In
1828, a celebrated Convention met in the city of Richmond, in which was represented the bulk of that party,
which now decries and abuses a similar measure. On that occasion was nominated
for the Presidency John Q. Adams. In 1832 a Young Men’s National Convention met
in Washington city, (among whom were many very old youths.) for the purpose of nominating H. Clay for the
Presidency. And in the same year in our own State, a Convention was held in Charlottesville, by some of the present Whigs, with the intention of
bringing out P. P. Barbour for the Vice Presidency, in opposition to the
nomination of Mr. Van Buren by the Convention in Baltimore. The custom of holding meetings and Conventions of
the People, has been so long practiced and is so well established, as the most
ready and proper mode of electing public opinion, that it can only be believed
now to be wrong, by the Whigs, because they are conscious of their own
weakness, even when united. Would not
they hold a Convention forthwith, if they supposed there was a possibility of
combining, with any chance of success, their heterogeneous forces? Most
assuredly they would.
This meeting, therefore, of free and independent citizens
of Matthews county, undaunted by the sneers and unterrified by the frowns of
our adversaries, are firmly and
decidedly of opinion, that the nomination of candidates for the Presidency and
Vice Presidency, by a National Convention is the most fit, proper, safe and
Republican mode of concentrating the opinion of the Democracy, on suitable
individuals to fill the responsibilities
and important offices of President and V. President. Be it therefore as
the opinion of this meeting:
1st. Resolved,
That we most cordially concur with
our Republican brethren throughout the United States, in the necessity and propriety of holding a meeting
for the purpose of forming a band of union.
2nd. Resolved,
That we deprecate an election of President by Congress, as an evil which we
desire most ardently to avert.
3rd. Resolved,
That four Delegates be appointed by this meeting, to meet in convention in the
city of Baltimore, on the 20th of May, with other delegates
appointed by our Republican brethren in other parts of the Union,
for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Presidency and Vice
Presidency.
On motion, the following gentlemen were elected to
represent this meeting in said Convention, viz: Dr. Wm Shultice, Capt. Thomas
James, Charles Atkinson, and Larkin Litchfield.
On
motion, made by Dr. Wm. Shultice, accompanied by some explanatory remarks, the
following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
1st Resolved,
That, in the opinion of this meeting, the Representative is nothing more than
the agent to execute the will and wishes of those who elect him; and that the
right to instruct the representative at any time and in any manner the people
may think proper, is one of the most salutary and inestimable rights and
privileges we enjoy.
2d. Resolved, That the shameful violation of this right by
many members of our last Legislature, was a most dangerous and alarming
encroachment on that valued principle.
3d. Resolved,
That the vindication of this right by the recent elections, is calculated, we
sincerely hope, to establish forever a principle we hold dear.
On motion of Wm. Tod, Esq. it was
Resolved, That
the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and
copies sent to the Richmond Enquirer, Washington Globe and Norfolk Beacon, for
publication. THOMAS HUDGINS, Chr’m. W. G. Lane, Sec’y.
June 30, 1835 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
NOTICE – Wyendham Kemp, Attorney at Law, (lately of Gloucester County, Virginia.) having located himself at Raymond, State
of Mississippi, tenders his professional services to his friends and
citizens of Virginia. He will practice in the Courts of Hinds, Madison,
Copiah, and Rankin. Letters addressed to him, at Raymond, will be punctually
attended to.
July 10, 1835 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
LAND FOR SALE. – I offer for sale on accommodating terms, my tract
of Land Campfields, containing 600 acres, including the Race Course. The
improvements are, an excellent Dwelling House of brick, with four good rooms
and a passage, with all other necessary out-houses. The Land is abundantly
supplied with timber of every description necessary for building, fencing and
for fuel. A good proportion of the Land is cleared, and well enclosed with
chestnut rails. There is also a very good supply of excellent Marl, and a very good Meadow.
Campfields is situated within two and a half miles of
Gloucester Court-house, and within three miles of either North or Ware Rivers, in a healthy and desirable neighborhood, and would
particularly suit a Breeder of Race Horses – possessing a fine soil, and its
Race Course not inferior to any in the Country for training. It also abounds
with excellent springs of water.
As it is presumed that no person will purchase without
viewing the premises, a further description is deemed unnecessary. I would also
sell the present growing Crops upon the Land, privately; and also my stock of
Horses, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, Farming Implements, &c. &c. on very
accommodating terms, should any person think proper to apply. RICHARD M. THORNTON.
July 31,
1835 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
[From the Norfolk Herald] Matthews County, July 17. Mr.
Broughton, - I noticed a few weeks since in the columns of the Herald, the
“Proceedings of a White meeting in Matthews County.” From the tenor of the piece it appears that there
was a large and respectable portion of our citizen’s friendly to Judge White’s
election to the Presidency out on the occasion. – It is true, Mr. Editor, that
on Monday the 8th of June, there was a large collection of the
citizens of Matthews convened at the C. House, and sir, allow me to tell you
that it was nothing extraordinary, for it was our County Court day, and on
every Court day our citizens are accustomed, more or less, to visit our little
village of Kingston. But, sir, permit me to inform you of some certain facts
relative to this meeting. Previous to the Baltimore Convention, a short notice
was given to the democratic republican party to assemble at the Court House,
for the purpose of sending delegates to Baltimore. As the notice was short, the meeting was
consequently thin, though, all who were aware of the notice promptly repaired
to the scene of action. In consequence of this “alleged” Van Buren meeting, the
Whig party resolved on a meeting also, advertisements were stacked up at every
meeting house and at most every store in the county, calling and entreating the
people to turn out on a certain day. The day came, the commanding officer
appeared in “snow white uniform;” but, lo and behold, only twenty-seven good
soldiers appeared on the ground; the commander in chief moved to postpone the
meeting until Court day, when he knew that, meeting or no meeting, the people
would be there; the motion was agreed to. At length the 8th day of
June came, and the court yard was filled to overflowing; at 2 o’clock the
trumpet sounded, and the people collectively took their seats; at the beginning
of the meeting a friend of Van Buren’s desired to know whether this was a
meeting of the citizens generally, in order to ascertain the public sentiment,
or not; he was informed that it was a “Whig meeting,” or to be more explicit, a
meeting of “Whig men;” and at the same time he was politely ordered to leave
the house; and he did so. Yes, Mr. Editor, he went into the open air, and
thither he was followed by at least one hundred citizens, to whom he delivered
a most beautiful address. When the court-house was emptied of Van Buren men,
there remained behind about thirty-five or forty real “White men,” the most of
whom were originally “Clay men,” and Sir, two-thirds of those constituted the
Corresponding Committee. The brief account which I have given you, Mr. Editor,
of this “White meeting,” is correct, and if required, can be substantiated. In
conclusion, sir, permit me to say to you, that it would be a really strange and
wonderful incident, (if it were true,) that the citizens of Matthews, who have
been hitherto so zealous and faithful to the present Administration, and who
have been such warm and efficient advocates of “Democracy,” should now be thus suddenly
changed. But, God be praised, it is not so: The Sun may be turned into
darkness, and the Moon into blood – nay, the very Stars may fall from Heaven,
but Matthews, as she has been hitherto, will forever remain firm and devoted to
her long cherished principles.
SEMPRONIUS.
September 22, 1835 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
DINNER TO COL.
THOS. S. DABNEY. Col. Dabney being about to move to the State of Mississippi,
with a view to a permanent settlement in that State, many of his countrymen united
in giving him a public dinner at Gloucester Court-house on the 12th
inst. The following letters passed on the occasion:
Gloucester County, Sept. 5th, 1835.
Dear Sir – On behalf of many
of the citizens of this county, who have learned, with the deepest regret, your
determination shortly to leave Virginia for a residence in another State, we
tender you an invitation to a public dinner to be given at Gloucester
Court-house, on such day prior to your departure, as may suit your convenience.
Those whom we represent, are desirous of thus publicly manifesting their
respect towards you, because of their high estimate of your character as a man,
and your conduct as a citizen. We trust that no consideration will induce you
to hesitate in yielding to their wishes, thereby affording them an opportunity,
which may never occur again, of shaking you cordially by the hand, and bidding
you a warm and an affectionate adieu.
We feel ourselves honored in having been made the channel
of this communication, and subscribe ourselves in all sincerity, your faithful
and sincere friends,
WILLIAM ROBBINS, THOMAS SMITH, JOHN TYLER, MANN PAGE,
ROBERT CURTIS.
Col. Thomas S. Dabney, Elmington.
January 2, 1836 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
NEGROES FOR SALE. – In pursuance of a decree of the Circuit Superior
Court of Law and Chancery, for Gloucester county, pronounced at October Term,
1835, in suit of Ann Crittenden, et al., pltfs., and Catesby Jones, Admr., et
al., defts., will be sold at public auction, at Gloucester Court-house, on the
first Monday in February, 1836, being Court day, on a credit of nine months,
(except for a sum sufficient to pay the costs of suit and expences of sale,
which will be required in cash,) about twelve valuable negroes, belonging to
the estate of William Crittenden, dec’d., among which are men, women, boys and
girls. Bonds with approved security, will be required before the property is
delivered. Traders are invited to attend, as there is no doubt of the sale
being made, it being for the purpose of a distribution. THOMAS C. AMORY, Comr.
January 19, 1836 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
NEGROES FOR SALE. – In pursuance of a decree of the Circuit Superior
Court of Law and Chancery, for Gloucester county, pronounced at October Term,
1835, in the suit of Ann Crittenden, et al., pltfs and Catesby Jones, Admr., et
al., defts., will be sold at public auction, at Gloucester Court house, on the
first Monday in February, 1836, being Court day, on a credit of nine months,
(except for a sum sufficient to pay the costs of suit and expenses of sale,
which will be required in cash,) about twelve valuable negroes, belonging to
the estate of William Cirttenden, dec’d., among which are men, women, boys and
girls. Bonds with approved security, will be required before the property is
delivered. Traders are invited to attend, as there is no doubt of the sale
being made, it being for the purpose of a distribution. THOMAS C. AMORY, Comr.
Gloucester C; H., Dec. 31, 1835
May 20,
1836 – Richmond Whig
& Public Advertiser (Richmond, Virginia)
Died, of the measles, at the
Newington Academy, Gloucester county, on the evening of
the 3d instant, in the 16th year of his age, Thomas Robinson
Yeatman, son of T. R. Yeatman, dec’d, of the county of Matthews.
November
15, 1836 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
THE FEMALE SCHOOL, at the Parsonage, Essex county, Virginia, is now open for reception
of pupils. …
References: The Hon. John Tyler, Gloucester Co., Va.; Warner T. Taliaferro, Esq.
Gloucester Co., Va.
February
18, 1837 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
We are authorized to announce Doct. William Shultice,
of the county of Mathews, as a candidate to represent the counties composed of Mathews, Gloucester, Middlesex, King and Queen and King William, in the
next Senate.
May 9, 1837 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
TO THE EDITOR
OF THE ENQUIRER. In casting my eye
over the columns of the Richmond Whig of the 2d inst., I perceived that in the
assumption of the election of Dr. Braxton for the King William Senatorial
district, a very great inaccuracy is committed in stating that he (Dr. B.) came
out in opposition to a caucus candidate.
I presume, the veritable Editor of that very decent paper alluded to
Col. Hudgins of Mathews, as the caucus candidate, no other candidates having
been announced at the time that Dr. B came out. I only wish to state, for the
sake of truth, that the statement of the Whig (if such be his allusion) is
false and unfounded in any thing like the truth. Col. H. yielded to the
solicitations of his friends, urged in the warmest , but in the most private
manner. There was nothing like a caucus – not even a meeting of his friends;
but on the contrary, Dr. B. was brought out by a meeting of the people, or a
portion of the people of King William, after Col. H. had been announced as a
candidate. So much for the veracity of the Whig!
I do not mean by any thing that I have said, to condemn
caucuses ; on the contrary, I highly approve of them; but my object has been
simply to correct the misstatements of the Editor of the Whig.
At this time I have nothing to say in reply to the
insinuations he has made relative to Dr. B’s politics. I will only say, that he
has been elected by the true Democratic Republican party, having professed on
attachment to their principles; and I have confidence enough in him to believe,
that he will himself, in practice, give the lie to the foul insinuations of the
Editor. The Whig may rest assured, that there is, and is likely to be, a
decided majority of Democrats in that district; and that there is yet
disinterestedness enough amongst the people to prevent any division which might
grow out of personal considerations, and of which the hungry Whigs are always
ready to take advantage. – Please give the substance of this hasty
communication publicity, and you will much oblige a citizen of MATHEWS COUNTY.
June 23,
1837 – Southern
Patriot (Charleston, South
Carolina)
(Advertisement, endorsement) R. S. BERNARD’S Cholera
Remedy for Cholera Morbus.
This certificate is given by Mr. Chas. Atkinson, of
Matthews county, known by every person in that county as being a man of such
standing that the utmost confidence may be placed in all he says;
Matthews County, Jan. 30. Mr. R. S. Bernard – Dear Sir: If my
certificate to your Remedy for Cholera can be of any service in promoting the
circulation of so valuable a medicine, please accept this. This is to certify
that while I was in Norfolk last June, I was suddenly attacked with the most dreadful
Cholera Morbus ever witnessed –
producing purging to such an extent as to prostrate me immediately. I was then
at the store of Messrs. Chas. & G. Reid, where I received all the attention
they could bestow, but the disease increased so rapidly as to alarm me
dreadfully, and I was compelled to be carried to my lodgings in a carriage. One
of my acquaintances that had used your invaluable Remedy for Cholera,
immediately obtained a bottle and gave it to me as directed; in the course of
three or four hours I was entirely relieved, the pains left me, and I felt no
inconvenience afterwards. Being well satisfied as to the efficacy of this
Remedy of Cholera, I obtained several bottles, of which I have used with the
greatest success upon several members of my family ; in one instance I used it
upon a negro child, that had suffered so long with the summer complaint as to
expect recovery impossible. It was so far exhausted as to refuse its mother’s
milk, your Remedy was administered, and in a few days a visible change could be
noticed ; the child soon recovered, and I think its existence is owing entirely
to the efficacy of your Remedy for Cholera. I consider it such a valuable
medicine, that no price would prevent my keeping it always on hand. CHAS. ATKINSON
[Note: Another advertisement
on Sept.
17, 1836, lists Chas.
Atkinson, of Mathews County, Va. and John Pritchett of Mathews County, Va. endorsing
Remedy for Cholera]
June 30,
1837 – Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) YORK RIVER LAND FOR SALE. – Being fully authorized
by the will of Christopher T. Jones, dec’d, I will sell that beautiful and
productive Farm called Isle View, containing about four
hundred acres, and lying on York river, in Gloucester county. – The improvements consist
of an excellent brick dwelling house, (sufficiently large, and built of the
best materials,) and all necessary outhouses. The soil better than any that I
know of on the river. Marl has been found about the
centre of the Farm – and in addition, it is one of the best locations for
planting oysters. – If this estate is not disposed of before the 4th
of September, it will be sold to the highest bidder on that day at the
Court-house, it being Gloucester Court day. It will be shown to
any one disposed to view the place, by Dr. F. D. Jones, who may be found at
Gloucester Court-house, or by Mr. Lawson, living on the place. – Terms –
one-third cash, the balance in two annual payments. WM. JONES, Executor of C. T. Jones
September
12, 1837 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
To the Editor: Spring Wheat. Mount Carmel, Mathews county, Aug. 23, 1837. Sir – During the past winter, I received from J.
Hathaway of Rome, New
York, two
barrels of Italian Spring Wheat, containing a little more than six bushels of
wheat and oats. On the 6th of March, I made a strong brine and
poured the wheat into it, in order to divide the oats from the wheat. It
answered very well, for I got out nearly the whole, amounting to a little more
than half a bushel, which left 5 ½ bushels wheat. On that day I sowed four
bushels on a fallowed lot, containing four and a half acres, and on the next
day, (seventh) I ploughed in one and a half bushels in about two acres on corn
land. The last lot came up about ten days after the first, and the growth rather
better, as the rains took it about the time it was heading – the fallowed lot
suffered very much from the drought; and when it was cut, a part was ripe and a
part green. The result of the whole gotten out and measured, was sixty bushels
of good wheat – about eleven to one. The land was by no means rich. The
fallowed lot was touched by the fly and the other lot with the rust, and I
think the rust did more injury than the fly. I cut the fallowed lot on the 6th
and 7th July, and the other in about ten days after.
We had a severe wind on Saturday and Sunday last, which
injured our corn and ruined at least half or our fodder. I am yours, very respectfully, JOHN R. LUMPKIN
September
29, 1837 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Moffat’s
Vegetable Life Pills and Phoenix Bitters. The high and envied celebrity which this pre-eminent
medicine has acquired for its invariable efficacy in all the diseases which it
professes to cure, has rendered the usual practice of ostentatious puffing, not
only unnecessary, but unworthy of them. They are known by their fruits; their
good works testify for them, and they thrive not by the faith of the credulous.
In all cases of Costiveness, Dyspepsia, Bilious and Liver Affections, Asthma,
Piles, settle Pains, Rheumatism, whether chronic or inflammatory, Fevers, and
Agues, Obstinate Headaches, Impure state of the Fluids, unhealthy appearance of
the Skin, Nervous Debility, the sickness incident to Females in delicate
health, every kind of weakness of the Digestive Organs, and in all general
derangements of health, these medicines have invariably proved a certain and
speedy remedy. They restore vigorous health to the most exhausted
constitutions. A single trial will place the Life Pills and Phoenix Bitters
beyond the reach of competition, in the estimation of every patient. – Prepared
and sold wholesale and retail at Moffat’s office, No. 546 Broadway, New York,
and retail by JNO SPENCER, P.M., North End, Mathews county, Va.
For further particulars of the above medicine, see
Moffat’s Good Samaritan; a copy of which can be obtained on application at the
Store of Mr. Jno Spencer, North End, Mathews County, Va.; a copy also
accompanies the medicine retailed by him.
November 9,
1837 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. On the 31st ult. in Matthews
County, Va., by the Rev. Mr. White, John W. Foster, of Matthews county, to Miss
Arolina Augusta, daughter Capt. S. W. Chandler, formerly of Baltimore.
November
17, 1837 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
A Petition will be presented to the next General
Assembly, praying the establishment of a Precinct Election at the house of Mark
W. Towell, at Sandy Bottom, in the county of Matthews.
November
21, 1837- Richmond Enquirer
(Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) IN CHANCERY – Virginia – In Gloucester Superior Court of Law and Chancery,
October term 1837: Thomas C. Amory, Complainant: against John B. Fox and John
T. Seawell, Defendants.
The defendant, John B. Fox, who is out of this country,
and against whom the plaintiff appears to have produced in the mode prescribed
by law against absent defendants, still failing to appear and answer – On
motion of the plaintiff by counsel, the Court doth take his bill for confessed
as to that defendant – and the cause coming on to be heard as to the other
defendant on the bill, his answer and exhibits was argued by counsel: on
consideration whereof, the Court doth adjudge, order and decree, that one of
the Commissioners of this Court state an account of the plaintiff’s demand
against the absent defendant, which the plaintiff shall prove before him: Also,
an account of the effects in the hands of the defendant, Seawell, belonging to
the said defendant, Fox, and report the same to the Court, with any matters
especially stated, deemed pertinent by himself, or which may be required by the
parties to be so stated. ARTHUR L DAVIES, c. c.
Commissioner’s Office,
Gloucester Court-house, October 21st,
1837.
The parties interested are desired to take notice, that I
have appointed Monday, the 8th day of January next, to commence the
accounts directed by the foregoing order of the Court; on which day, by 10
o’clock A. M., they are required to attend this office with their accounts,
vouchers and testimony, ready for examination and settlement. C. S. JONES, Commissioner.
September 5, 1838 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. At his
residence, in Matthews county, Virginia, on the 16th ult. Col.
Christopher Tompkins, in the 63d year of his age.
November
13, 1838 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
MATHEWS. At a meeting of a portion of the Citizens of
Mathews county, convened at the Court-house on Saturday the 3d of November, for
the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of sending delegates to
the Commercial Convention proposed to be held in Norfolk Borough on the 2d
Wednesday of this month, William Tod, Esq. was called to the Chair, and William
Bassett was appointed Secretary.
The object of the meeting having been explained in an
appropriate speech of some length by William H. Roy, Esq., the following
resolutions were presented and unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That this
meeting fully approved of the object and design of the Commercial Convention
proposed to be held at Norfolk on the second Wednesday of this month.
Resolved, That
the Chairman of this meeting appoint twelve delegates to represent this county
in said Convention: Whereupon the Chairman proceeded to nominate the following
gentlemen, to wit: Wm. H. Roy, Francis Armistead, jr., Elijah Barnum, Thos.
James, jr., Walter G. Lane, John W. Jarvis, Edmond Jones, Dr. Wm. Shultice, Wm.
M. Brownley, Col. Thomas Hudgins, Larkin Litchfield, and Col. John R. Billups.
On the motion of Wm. H. Roy, Esq. it was
Resolved, That
the Chairman be added to the delegation.
Resolved, That
the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and
forwarded to the Richmond Enquirer and Whig, and the Norfolk Beacon, for
publication.
WM. TOD, Chairman. Wm. Bassett, Secretary.
June 11, 1839 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) $500 REWARD. – Five hundred dollars will be
given for the apprehension and delivery of my man JUBA to me in the county of
Gloucester, Va. JUBA originally belonged to James P. Corbin of Lanesville, King
& Queen county, and was bought by me, at his sale in 1838. He is a good
Carpenter, about 5 feet 8 inches high, 40 years old, very black, downcast look,
a whispering voice, and is well known in the counties of King & Queen, and
Middlesex, as Corbin’s Carpenter.
The above reward of $500 will be given, if he be taken
out of the State of Virginia, or $300 if taken within the State. CH’R S. MORRISS.
September
26, 1839 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
… on the night of September 21, CHADWICK HUDGIN, an indentured
apprentice, aged 19 years [ran away]; he is from Mathews Court House, Mathews
County, Va.; and has sisters living there; he is dark complected; dark brown
hair; walks slovenly; has a down look when spoken to. Had on when he went away,
a blue cloth jacket, light pants, black fur hat, lace boots, took with him
other clothes and a seal skin cap. Ten dollars will be given …. and all
reasonable charges if brought home or lodged in jail, so that I get [him]
again. Masters of vessels, and all others are warned not to harbor, employ or
carry off the boy, as they will be dealt with according to the law.
Several JOURNEYMEN wanted. SAMUEL BICKLEY, Boot and Shoe Maker.
November 23, 1839 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED, At
Rosewell, Gloucester county, Va., on the 14th inst. John Y. Catlett, of
Washington, D. C., to Martha L. daughter of the late Wm. Burnard Brown, of King
William county, Va.
February
15, 1840 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Tall Party. – Four persons were recently married in
Matthews county, Va., whose united height makes twenty-five feet. The
grooms are each six feet six inches high, and the brides six feet. Look out for
a race of giants.
December
15, 1840 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
LUSUS Nature – A correspondent of the Portsmouth (Va.)
Chronicle gives the following account of a singular freak of nature. He is a
physician of character, and vouches for the truth of it.
A negro woman in the county of Matthews, Va.,
was delivered, on the 29th November, of three children. One was a
perfectly formed child, and is now living and hearty. The other two are a lusus
naturae, more remarkable in every respect than the notorious Siamese twins. The
two children are united from the umbilical cord to the shoulders, sideways.
They have each a perfect formation from the cord to the crown of the head. They
have four perfect arms, two separate heads complete in their organization, and
two chests. The formation from the umbilicus downwards is that of a single
child. There is only one abdomen, one umbilical cord and two legs, with one
organization of the male sex. They were living until a few moments before
birth. They must have possessed two hearts and two separate pulmonary organs,
with only one set of intestines and lower extremities. They have been kept in
spirits for preservation, with the intention of presenting them to a museum of
some medical college, and consequently have not been dissected.
September 5, 1842 – Adam Sentinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
Singular, - A correspondent of the Norfolk Herald,
residing in Matthews county, Va., vouches for the fact that it has rained on
every Court day in that county for the last eighteen years. There must be
something very remarkable in the course of Justice, in Matthews, when it causes
the heavens to weep thus, says the Richmond Compiler.
April 4, 1843 – New
Hampshire Gazette (Portsmouth, New
Hampshire)
SOUND DOCTRINES – We copy
from the Richmond Enquirer the following resolutions for the sound doctrines
and forcible reasoning they contain. They were passed at a meeting of the
Democracy of Gloucester county, Virginia held at the Court House in that County
on the 25th of February, and express a decided preference for John
C. Calhoun for the next President. Col. Wm. Jones was President of the meeting
and J. C. Field Secretary.
Resolved, That we approve of
a General Convention of the Democratic party, proposed to be holden for the
purpose of nominating a President and Vice President of the U. S. – that we
most decidedly prefer that the members of the Convention should be chosen
immediately by the people of the several States, in convenient districts – that
the time of meeting should be the spring of 1844 – and the place of holding it,
the city of Baltimore. We prefer the mode of choosing the members because we
believe it will be the best, if not the only fair mode of ascertaining the
wishes and preferences of the majority of our party – and the time and place,
because it will enable the people in the distant States (especially) to avail
themselves of the services of their Representatives in Congress, if they
please. And whilst this meeting would decidedly prefer John C. Calhoun, we
nevertheless pledge ourselves, by all and every fair and honest means, to
support the election of any candidates pledged to our principles – who shall be
the nominee of said Convention – assemble when and where it may.
Resolved, That this meeting
having no opinions to conceal, or compromise of principles to make for the
purpose of elevating of favorite to office, feel free to declare and do
declare, that in our opinion, the Federal Constitution is a compact entered
into by sovereign States that the said States possessing, as they did, the full
sovereign right to accept or reject the compact did necessarily, each for
itself, at the time of their acceptance, judge and determine what powers they
had parted from, and what retained; and as their own sovereignty was not among
the powers parted from, the right necessarily attached to each as sovereign
parties aforesaid, to judge of all infractions of the instrument; and to
decide, in the last resort, on the necessary and proper mode and measure of
redress.
Resolved, That this meeting
does not recognize in the said compact or Constitution, any grant of power to
Congress to establish or charter a Bank of the U. S.; nor can they conceive it
to be either “necessary or proper” to bestow a great money lending monopoly on
private individuals as a “means to carry into effect any power that is granted;
and deeming such an institution at all times inexpedient, they should consider
the establishment of one at this time peculiarly disastrous to the best
interests of the country. And, whereas,
Congress was given the power to raise revenue, either by “taxes,” “duties,”
“imposts,” or “excises,” for the support of Government, and to carry into
effect its granted power – among which we recognize no power to aid or protect
the peculiar interest of the domestic manufacturer; we, therefore, deem it as a
great perversion of the taxing power of Congress to lay a tariff of “duties,” on
imports for the avowed purpose of aiding or protecting the manufacturer, as it
would be to raise money by either of the other prescribed modes, and to bestow
the amount thus raised as a bounty on the former, the planter, or the mechanic.
Resolved, Therefore, as the
opinion of this meeting, that all the various acts, which have been passed by
Congress, laying a tariff of duties on imports for the purpose of aiding and
protecting domestic manufacturers were and are “unjust, unequal, cruel and
oppressive; and contrary to the true spirit and meaning of the Constitution,”
and that the system will, persisted in endanger the safety of this Union.
Resolved, That in the opinion
of this meeting, Congress possess no more power to distribute among the several
States, the proceeds of the sale of public lands, than they have to sell or
distribute among them the proceeds of the sales of the public vessels or
buildings, or any other national property purchased , as the lands were, from
the treasury of the nation. – And if the “Tariff Compromise” is to be violated
by such disposals of public lands, it would be, in our opinion: to super add a
gross breach of the national faith to a violation of the Constitution.
Resolved, That the power
bestowed by the Constitution on the President, of returning any bill which he
disapproves, to the house in which it originated – there to await the sanction
of two thirds of Congress before it becomes a law – is in the opinion of this
meeting, a wise and highly conservative
provision against unconstitutional, mistaken, hasty and intemperate
legislation, and that we should be as indisposed to part from it as we should
be to part from the check, which each House has over the proceedings of the
other, or that which the Judiciary possess
es in certain cases over the
proceedings of all.
Resolved, That we consider
the mad project of assuming the debts of the several States, by any scheme or
devise whatever, or the making any pledge on the part of Congress for their
payment, as a revolutionary measure, utterly subversive of the Constitution,
destructive of the pride and independence of the States; and in the opinion of
this meeting, intended (by an appeal to the sordid passions of our nature) to
enlist the indebted States, and the thousands of speculators in depreciated
State stocks, under the banner of the Clay Whig party.
Resolved, That we sincerely
desire to preserve inviolate the national faith, and to see the country
relieved from its embarrassments; the best means of effecting which, in the
opinion of this meeting, will be, that Congress should retain the Land Fund,
and adopt in addition thereto, a tariff of duties purely for revenue sufficient
for the full wants of the Treasury; to collect the dues of the Government in
constitutional currency, and keep and disburse them by a Government agency
disconnected from all Banks, State or Federal; to adopt a reform and reduction in all the expenditures of the
Government and the salary of its officers, suitable to the greatly contracted
and contracting currency of our country; a rigid accountability (through severe
pains and penalties) in all who have control over the nation’s treasury; to
cease holding out false hopes to, and intermeddling in the financial
arrangements of the States; to leave the three great arms of a nation’s wealth,
agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, free; and by teaching the people of
the indebted States to look to their own industry and enterprise, and not to
Congress for help.
Resolved, That we will
sustain the integrity and faith of the State of Virginia, by a submission to all
necessary taxes for that purpose; and that we are for sustaining the fidelity
of individual contracts by an immediate and unconditional repeal of the
Bankrupt Law.
August 24,
1843 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. In Gloucester county, Va., on the 11th
inst., James Draper, a soldier of the Revolution, in the 83rd year
of his age.
March 25,
1844 – The Daily
Madisonian (Washington, D.C.)
TYLER MEETING IN THE COUNTY OF MATHEWS, STATE OF VIRGINIA. At a large and respectable meeting of the friends of
John Tyler, at Mathews Court House, on 11th March, 1844, that being court day, on motion, A. K. Shepard was
called to the Chair, and Thomas S. Saunders appointed Secretary to the meeting.
The object of the meeting having been stated, on motion
of William H. Roy, a committee composed of S. G. Miller, William H. Roy,
Captain John N. Sale, Houlder Hudgins, and Colonel Isaac Foster were appointed a committee to prepare a preamble
and resolutions expressive of the views of the meeting. The committee retired
and in due time, reported the following resolutions, which were submitted to
the meeting, and unanimously adopted:
The individuals composing this meeting, alive to the
exciting and important issues involved in the approaching Presidential election,
and feeling a deep interest in the welfare of their common country, are fully
sensible that the prosperity of the country greatly depends on those entrusted
with the administration
of its affairs ; and it is
both natural and proper that they should not only bare a preference amongst
those designated as Presidential candidates by the American People, but right
that they should manifest that preference, and use all fair and honorable means
to elevate the man of their choice ; it is true that a portion of this meeting
would have selected as their first choice that distinguished patriot of South
Carolina, John C. Calhoun ; his withdrawal by some of his friends, whether
wisely or not, it is needless for this meeting to decide, leaves them to unite
most harmoniously on the individual whose opinions and views coincide in the
main with their own, and whose long tried public services have proved him
worthy of their confidence. This meeting cannot forget that when John Tyler
was, by the act of an all-wise Providence, elevated to the highest office in
the world, the Presidency of these United States, our country was in a state of
almost unprecedented pecuniary distress, the treasury empty, and the credit of
Government at the lowest ebb, that scarcely a mail but brought us accounts of
public defaulters, faithless public agents, and the cry of corruption rung an
alarm throughout the wide extend of the land. That deserted by the party that
elevated him to office, and left to depend on a few well-tried friends, he has
faithfully and ably administered the affairs of the Government. We cannot
forget his Bank Vetoes, which saved us from the dangers of an unconstitutional
corporation. We cannot forget that he has negotiated a most delicate and
important treaty with a powerful foreign power, which set at defiance the
diplomacy of his predecessors, and threatened our borders with the evils of
war. Under his mild and wise Administration, we have a greatly improved
currency, exchanges for the most part at the lowest point, a state of
accountability on the part of the public agents, and our country is fast
emerging from a state of gloom and despondency, to a high degree of commercial
prosperity, real, not fictitious. What more ought we to ask than
a continuation of such a state of affairs and what are we likely to gain by any
change? As individuals who personally know John Tyler, and who, unawed by the
personal detraction which has been hurled against him by his political
opponents, have continued to repose the greatest confidence in his honor and
elevated patriotism, and with a full view of the difficulty attending a
nomination by the Republican party, growing out of the conflicting claims of
rival candidates, we earnestly recommend our brethren to unite in the support
of John Tyler for the next Presidency.
1.
Resolved, That
we entertain the highest confidence in the patriotism and integrity of John
Tyler
2.
Resolved, That
we recommend to our political brethren throughout the Union
the support of John Tyler for the next Presidency.
3.
Resolved,
That we approve of the Convention to be held at Norfolk on the 4th of April next, and will send
delegates to represent this meeting in said Convention.
4.
Resolved,
That the following persons be proposed as delegates to represent this meeting
in the Convention to meet at Norfolk on the 4th April next, to wit:
William H. Roy, S. G. Miller, John N. Sale, Edmund P. Benson, John H. Blake,
Thomas M. Healey, Walter G. Lane, John P. Minter, Baldwin Foster, Francis
Armistead, George R. Armistead, Joseph Bohannan, John H. Dunlevy, Leonides
James, Lemuel James, and Alexander James.
After
the adoption of the foregoing preamble and resolutions, the following
resolution
was offered by William H.
Roy, Esq. and unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That
we entertain the highest respect and regard for our late distinguished
representative in the Congress of the United States, the Hon. Henry A. Wise,
and offer him our grateful acknowledgement for his long continued faithful
public services, and though deeply regretting the loss we sustain by his
departure for a foreign land, we tender him our best wishes for his prosperity
and happiness.
On motion, the forgoing proceedings were ordered to be
signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and published in the Madisonian, Richmond
Enquirer, Petersburg Republican, and Norfolk Herald. A .R. SHEPARD, Chairman; Thomas S. Saunders, Secretary.
May 25,
1844 – The Daily
Madisonian (Washington, D.C.)
MATHEWS COUNTY. At a meeting
of the Democratic Association of Mathews, held at Mathews Court House, the 14th
of May, 1844, according to
previous notice, Dr. Wm. Shultice was called to the chair, and John P. Minter
appointed secretary.
On motion of Wm. H. Roy, Esq., the following gentlemen
were appointed a committee to draft resolutions, expressive of the sense of the
meeting, viz: Wm. H. Roy, Alexander K. Shepard, John R. Pollard, Joseph
Bohannon, and Robert Billups, who, after having retired for a few minutes,
returned and reported, through their chairman, William H. Roy, the following,
which were unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That
this meeting approve of the proposed Convention, to be held in the city of Baltimore on the 27th instant, and appoint ___ [sic]
delegates to represent this meeting in said Convention, with full and complete
authority to vote for any Republican nominee known to be in favor of the
immediate annexation of Texas
to these United
States.
Resolved, That
this meeting approves of the course pursued by John Tyler in relation to the
annexation of Texas, and renew their expression of confidence in his
patriotism and integrity.
Resolved, That
the course pursued by Thos. Ritchie as chairman of the Central Committee and
that of the committee, is truly magnanimous, and deserving of all praise; and that
the reproaches of disappointed demagogues and political aspirants can in no
degree impair their claims to the gratitude of the Republican family.
On motion,
Resolved, That
the blank in the first resolution be filled ; whereupon the following gentlemen
were appointed, viz: William H. Roy, Dr. Wm. Shultice, A. K. Shepard, Charles
H. Edwards, Thomas Edwards, Thomas M. Hunley, E. P. Benson, John H. Blake,
Robert Billups, Thomas James, Dr. Spence, Dr. William S. Thornton, Col. J.
Foster, John Parrott, John Pollard, and B. Foster.
On motion,
Resolved, That
the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman and secretary, and
sent to the following papers, with a request that they publish them, viz:
Richmond Enquirer, Petersburg Republican, Norfolk and Portsmouth Chronicle, and Madisonian.
The meeting then adjourned. WM. SHULTICE, Chairman; Jno. P. Minter, Secretary
April 7, 1845 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The body of Capt. J. Hammond, who was a passenger in
the schooner Thomas Hooper, of this port, and was drowned along with the mate
of the schooner and one of crew, in the Piankatank River, has been found and an inquest held on it by the
coroner of Matthews county, Va.
April 18,
1845 – The Daily
Madisonian (Washington, D.C.)
VIRGINIA. Our prospects brighten in the mother of States. In
Matthews county favorable changes are daily made. Every Democratic Tyler man in
Virginia, will, we feel confident, deposit his vote for the
Democratic candidates at this election.
The limits of the Democratic party have been extended to
embrace every Democratic heart from the Bay of Fundy to the Sabine and if the neophytes would keep the doors open they must enter.
November 6,
1845 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) VALUABLE LAND FOR SALE – By virtue of a decree of the
Superior Court of Law and Chancery, for the county of Matthews, State of
Virginia, pronounced at October term, 1845, in the suit therein depending, of
John W. Hines, in his own right and as Executor of Robert Armistead, deceased,
and others, against Elizabeth Susan Myers and others, I shall as the special
Commissioner in said suit, on MONDAY, 8th day of December, 1845, if
fair, if not, on the next fair day thereafter, in front of the Court House of
said county of Matthews, expose to public sale to the highest bidder, on the
terms
hereinafter mentioned, the
tract of LAND mentioned in the bill filed in said suit, of which Robert
Armistead died seized and possessed called “Fair Prospect.”
This tract of Land is a most valuable one, very fertile,
and is situated on the beautiful bay called Mob, or Mock-Jack Bay. It contains 300 acres or more, and includes the
woods, called the Dutchman’s woods, well known to those who travel on the Chesapeake Bay. To those who wish a good Farm, possessing every
advantage of a good soil, convenient access to market and a healthy situation,
this opportunity to purchase should not be lost.
Terms of sale - $500, the costs of suit and expenses of
sale, in cash: $200 in six months, and the balance of the purchase money in
thirty months, from the day of sale, with interest thereon from the end of said
six months. Bonds and good security for the deferred payments, and a lien
retained on the property until the purchase money is paid. ROBT. TATE WICKER, commissioner.
May 8, 1846 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
COACH-MAKERS OF BALTIMORE BEWARE – OF A BOY by the name of JOSEPHUS
WIATT, a native of Matthews County, Virginia, as he is bound an Apprentice to
us by his natural Guardian, and has left our employ without provocation. He
worked some months at the wood department of the Coach business, but for a few
weeks past at the Smithing. He is about 16 years old, well grown and stout, has
dark hair, disposed to curl and speaks thick. We ask masters to do to us as we
are always disposed to do to others, and not take such unscrupulous boys as
apprentices. MAYER & GORMLY, Coach
Makers, Norfolk, Va.
October 15,
1846 – New
Hampshire Patriot (Concord, New
Hampshire)
MARRIAGES. In Centreville,
King and Queen Co., Va., Oct. 10, by Rev. James Baytop, Mr. Frank S. West of
the town, to Miss Mary E. V. Andrews, daughter of Capt. Wm. Andrews of
Gloucester Co., Va.
January 18,
1847 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. On the
14th instant, by Rev. Mr. Roszel, John W. Brownley, of Mathew’s
county, Va. to Miss Elizabeth Ann Auld, of Baltimore.
January 21,
1847 – The Southern
Patriot (Charleston, South
Carolina)
Dreadful
Tornado in Virginia – The Norfolk Herald learns that the counties of
Matthews and Gloucester were visited on Thursday last, by a violent tornado
of wind. One house was entirely destroyed in Matthews, several others unroofed,
and fences and trees in every direction blown down. In East river, some damage was done to the shipping along the whole line of the
river; numberless out houses were thrown down. Mr. John Dangerfield, collector
of customs for Matthews county, being on the road in a single gig, on his way
home encountering the tornado his horse took affright, and sad to relate was
instantly killed. The tornado lasted about thirty minutes.
May 5, 1848 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
MARRIED, at
Warner hall, on Wednesday, 26th of April, by the Rev. Charles Mann,
Hon. John L. Manning of South Carolina, to Miss Sally B., daughter of Colin Clarke, Esq., of Gloucester county, Va.
August 1, 1848 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
CORRESPONDENCE.
Mathews Court House, July 3, 1848
To Hon. H. A. Wise –
Dear Sir: The
undersigned, a committee appointed by a meeting of the citizens of the country
of Mathews, to invite you to partake of a dinner with them at Mathews Court
House on such a day as may suit your convenience, take pleasure in
communicating this invitation – the acceptance of which will give to your old
friends and constituents the pleasure of meeting at the social board not only
the orator, the statesman, the champion of Southern rights on the floor of
Congress, and the defender of national rights in a foreign land, but one for
whom they entertain high personal regard. Hoping it will meet with your
earliest convenience and pleasure to accept the proffered invitation, we beg
leave to subscribe ourselves, with sentiments of esteem, your
fellow citizens, THOS.
EDWARDS, WILLIAM H. ROY, A. K. SHEPARD, JOSEPH BOHANNON, W. S. THURSTON, H. W. DAINGERFIELD, B. ST. GEO. T. PEACHY, ALFRED W.
TALIAFERRO, L. JAMES, JOHN P. MINTER, JOHN N. ARMISTEAD.
=======
York Town, July 7, 1848
Gentlemen: Mr. Bohannon handed me yours of the 3d inst.,
on the 4th. I have just returned from Williamsburg, and weather permitting, shall be at Gloucester Court
House tomorrow, prolonging this visit to the Western Shore several days beyond my expectation when I left home.
I regret that it will not be in my power to proceed at once to Mathews and to
accept your kind invitation. There is no portion of my old constituents to whom
I feel more grateful and whom I would more gladly meet than my friends of that
county, endeared to me by every excellence in themselves and by every tie of
association with me in the past. But business of importance, which I must not
neglect, calls me back to Northampton
on Tuesday next; and in a few weeks I
must go to the West, on business of still greater importance. I shall be absent
from the State some six or eight weeks, shall return, God willing, about the
middle of September, and as soon thereafter as convenient, I promise you I will
name a day when I can “partake of a dinner with you at Mathews Court House.”
For the present I can only add, “God bless you, one and all!!” Yours, as ever, HENRY A. WISE
August 10, 1848 – Farmer’s Cabinet (Amherst, New Hampshire)
Washington,
August 4. James Catlett, of Gloucester, Virginia, was murdered in a most horrible manner a few days
since, by one of his slaves whom he had recently punished for insolence. The
slave escaped. A reward of $500 is offered for his arrest.
August 18, 1848 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) LANDS IN THE COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER FOR SALE. On Monday, the 21st day of August, 1848,
at ENFIELD, the late residence of James B. Catlett, deceased, I will sell, at
public auction, two valuable Tracts of Land, situated in the county of
Gloucester: One lately purchased by James B. Catlett from Thomas M. Seawell,
situated in the lower part of the county, upon the main read leading from the
Ferry at Gloucester Town to the Courthouse, bounded by the land of John Hughes,
Benjamin Seawell, John Backhouse and others, and containing about five hundred
and thirty acres. This farm is situated within a very short distance of the York river, and is divided by the main road in two parts. On one side the land is
of the best quality of York river highlands, producing corn, potatoes, melons,
and all kinds of vegetables, in great perfection – and on the other side of the
road, the land is the best description of low grounds, and very productive in
corn and wheat and other small grain. There is a deed of trust to secure the
payment of the sum f two thousand dollars, and for this amount the purchaser
will only be called on to pay the interest – for the balance of the purchase
money, fifteen hundred dollars will be required in cash, and the residue in
equal annual payments of one, two, and three years. There is a good dwelling
house and other buildings on the farm.
I will also sell, at the same time and place the valuable
farm called ENFIELD, situated near the York river, in the upper part of Gloucester, adjoining the lands of Col. William Jones, and
containing about four hundred acres. This farm is well situated in a pleasant
neighborhood, and is in good order, with a good dwelling house and all
necessary out buildings, in good repair. There is no encumbrance upon it, and
it will be sold for one-third of the purchase money in cash, and the balance on
a credit of one, two, and three years, in equal annual installments.
There will also be sold, at the same time and place, the
crops of every description now growing upon both these tracts of land, and all
the stock of horses, cattle, hogs, plantation utensils, household and kitchen
furniture, &c. &c.
As it is presumed that no one wishing to buy will do so
without an examination of the lands, a further description of them is not
deemed necessary. For further particulars, apply to me,
at Gloucester Court-house, by
letter or otherwise. I will take pleasure in showing these lands to any persons
desirous of purchasing. JOHN T. CATLETT,
Attorney in fact for Mrs. Martha H. Catlett.
December 7,
1848 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Accident at Gosport Dry Dock. –
A young man, named Brooks, of Mathews county, Va., working on the U. S. steam
frigate Mississippi, had his head and face dreadfully injured and an arm
broken, on Monday, by falling from the scaffolding 20 feet.
December
15, 1848 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. On the 13th instant, at his late
residence, No.
15 Gough street,
HENRY KNIGHT, of Matthews county, Va., aged 51 years. [Norfolk and Richmond papers please copy.]
May 18,
1849 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
PUBLIC SALE. – Will be sold at public auction, on TUESDAY, 22 inst., at one o’clock, P.M., at the Exchange, one undivided half of the
Schr. JULIET, now in port. The Juliet is 119 tons burthen, was built in
Matthews county, Va. in 1846; is coppered and copper fastened; is in every
respect a first class vessel, and is fully equipped as to tackle and apparel.
She may be seen at Goodwin’s shipyard. Terms of sale cash. CANNON, BENNETT & CO., Aucts.
July 22,
1850 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Nine negro slaves were drowned, on Saturday, in the
North River Mathews County, Va. They belonged to Dr. Tabb, and Messrs. [print
not clear] and Singleton.
August 27, 1850 – Commercial Advertiser (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Baltimore,
20th August. Thomas E.
Eatlett, of Gloucester county, Virginia, on Thursday night, walked overboard
from a schooner hence for Norfolk,
and was drowned, while in a fit of somnambulism.
September
19, 1850 – New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, New
Hampshire)
Unnatural Murder. – On Thursday last a horrid murder
was perpetrated in Mathews County, and the particulars of which as well as we could
gather them are as follows: - Two brothers, William and Sydney Lane, were engaged at their work in the ship yard, when a
negro woman approached and began to gather chips.
Sydney struck and beat her violently, when William
remonstrated with him, endeavoring to induce him to desist. The rage of Sydney was then directed against his brother, and seizing a
gun he fired two shots at him, one of which took effect in his neck; but
finding that he still lived he deliberately re-loaded his gun, and placing it
against his brother’s breast shot him dead! He then got into a canoe, crossed
the beach and escaped. Norfolk Herald.
September 27, 1850 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) TO SHIP BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS.
– For sale, at reasonable prices, a lot of WHITE OAK TIMBER, some two thousand
Trees, mostly of large size, suitable for ship’s frames. Also, a lot of WHITE
PINE, about one thousand Trees, principally large size. This Timber is situated
in Gloucester County, Va., within two and a half
miles of navigable water. Enquire of DINSMORE & KYLE, 124 Pratt Street.
October 1, 1850 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
COMMISSIONER’S SALE OF LAND. By virtue of a decree of the Circuit
Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Gloucester county, entered at the April
term 1850, in the case of Burton’s and others, against Acra’s and others,
depending in the said Court, the undersigned, a Commissioner appointed for that
purpose, will make sale at Gloucester Court House, at public auction, on
MONDAY, the 6th day of October, 1850, (that being County Court day,)
the following tracts of lands situated in Gloucester county, being the lands of
which the late Henry Burton died possessed:
1st. A tract of land situated in the
neighborhood of Wood’s Cross Roads, adjoining the lands of William Rilie,
William Bristow, the land of John Cooke, deceased, and others, and containing
287 ½ acres. This tract is unimproved, but is well timbered, abounding in Oak
and Chestnut.
2. A tract called BOOKER’S, containing 279 ½ acres,
adjoining the lands of Clara Royston, William Rayfield and John Cooke,
deceased. This is a desirable Farm: a part is cleared, and the balance is
covered with as fine a body of Chestnut timber as can be found in that part of
the country.
3. A tract called WHITE’S adjoining the lands of William
Rayfield and William J. Arca, and contains fifty acres.
4. A tract called MASON’S, lying between the lands of
William J. Acra, and those of Wm. H. Dutton, deceased, and containing
fifty-five acres.
5. The Mill and Mill seat, known as BURTON’S MILL. This is desirable property. The Mill is out
of repair, but is well situated. It is supplied by unfailing springs, affording
sufficient water for grinding in the dryest seasons. There are 13 ¾ acres of
land attached to the Mill.
6. A tract called HAYNES’S, containing 124 acres, and
adjoining the lands of Henry Roane, formerly owned by Edward Waller, and the
lands of William Rayfield. This tract, the tract attached to the Mill, and
those called WHITE’S and MASON’S, are joined in one body.
The terms of sale will be a credit of one and two years,
in equal payments, except for so much as shall be necessary to defray the costs
of filing the plaintiff’s amended and supplemental bill, the answer thereto,
and proceedings thereupon had, and the expenses of carrying this decree into
effect, which will be required in cash. All these lands have been surveyed
under the order of the Court. The plats of survey will be exhibited at the
sale. The lands are situated in the upper part of the county, in a healthy
neighborhood; they are well timbered, and there is a great quantity of marl
upon them, and they offer great inducements to industrious and enterprising
men.
Persons are referred for information to Mr. James H.
Callis, or to Mr. William J. Acra, who resides in the immediate neighborhood,
or to the undersigned, at Gloucester Court House.
M. H. SEAWELL, Commissioner.
October 24,
1850 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Norfolk Affairs – Sidney Lane, who, it will be
recollected, shot his brother in Mathews county, Va., a few months since, and a
man named John Edwards, who killed two men in the same county about two years
since, both of whom have been imprisoned in the jail of that county, were sent
over to Norfolk on Friday last, to be placed in the jail of that city, that
jail being thought unsafe.
November
23, 1850 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. On the
21st instant, by Rev. Mr. Martin, JOHN L BLADES, of this city to
Miss FRANCES GAYLE of Mathews county, Va. [Norfolk papers please copy]
April 1, 1851 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Inquests. – Coroner Reilly was called yesterday morning to hold
an inquest on the body of a man named Milton Summers, from Matthews county, Va., who died suddenly on board the schr. Star, Capt.
Winder. The jury, after consultation and an examination of the body by a
physician , rendered a verdict that the deceased died from apoplexy
superinduced by intemperance.
April 18,
1851 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Light Sentence – Sidney Lane, who murdered his brother some months since, in
Matthews county, Va., has been sentenced to two years and six months
confinement in the penitentiary.
November 3,
1851 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED – On the 27th
ult., by the Rev. Geo. F. Adams, Capt. EMANUEL R. MATHEWS to MISS FRANCIS A.
HALL of Gloucester Co., Va. [Richmond papers please copy]
March 11,
1852 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. On the
8th instant, by Rev. Dr. Roberts, CHARLES F. ROSZWAG, of this city,
to Miss LUCY L. BILLUPS, of Matthews county, Va. [Washington papers will please
copy]
April 5, 1852 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
G. B. TALIAFERRO, GRAIN COMMISSION MERCHANT, and agent for the sale of
REAL ESTATE IN EASTERN VIRGINIA, No. 1- BOWLY’S WHARF, Baltimore. …. Offers a
Farm of 125 acres, good land, on East
River, Matthew’s county. …
All letters (post paid) will be promptly attended to.
April 23,
1852 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
On the 21st instant, in hope of a blissful
immortality, MARY A., in the 26th year of her age, consort of
William H. Davis, and eldest daughter of the late William Ginnell, of Matthews
county, Va., leaving a fond husband and child to morn their loss. [Matthews
county papers please copy.]
The relatives and friends of the family are requested to
attend her funeral on this (Friday) morning, at ten o’clock, from her late residence, Cambridge street, Canton.
June 4, 1852 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
VIRGINIA LANDS FOR SALE. FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE ACRES OF GOOD LAND, on Ware River. Improvements good, soil good, mostly open land.
About 300 acres on York river, both in Gloucester county. – 300 acres lying on Mobjack bay; 160 acres
of East river; 125 acres near East river, all in Mathews. 200 acres on York river, in King and Queen.
Three hundred and forty acres on the Rappahannock river, in Middlesex.
Apply by letter, post-paid, or in person to G. B.
TALIAFERRO, Baltimore.
August 31, 1852 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) FOR SALE – 153 ACRES OF LAND,
situated on the Severn river, Gloucester county, Va., improved by a comfortable
DWELLING, good Barn, Store House, and all necessary out buildings together with
a very profitable Wind Mill. It will be sold low, and terms accommodating.
Apply to IRAN GLASS, 123 Bond Street; or to the subscriber, on
the premises. ANDREW GLASS, Gloucester county, Virginia.
September
17, 1852 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Post-Office Matters. – The Postmaster General has
ordered a contract with Chas. H. Shield of Norfolk, to convey the mails from Norfolk to Matthews
Court House and back, twice a week, in a steamboat. The following is the
present schedule: Leave Norfolk
Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 8 a.m., reach Matthews Court House same days by 4
p.m. Leave Matthews Court House Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 8 a.m., reach
Norfolk same day by 7 p.m. …
October 5,
1852 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
NOTICE – STEAMER MONMOUTH. We,
the undersigned, passengers on board the steamer “Monmouth,” Capt. Adams,
during her late trip from Walkerton, Yorktown, East River and Pongoteague,
would hereby express our gratification at the performance of the boat and
tender our thanks to the Captain for his urbane and attentive conduct during
the trip. …
WM. H. KNIGHT, Mathews county, Va.
WM. P. HUDGINS, Mathews county, Va
GEO.
W. WELLINGTON, Gloucester
county, Va.
JOHN R. BILLUPS, Mathews county, Va.
JUSTUS SHOEMBER, Mathews county, Va.
JAMES SHELDER, Mathews county, Va.
December 31, 1852 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
ROSEWELL FOR SALE. By virtue of a decree of the Circuit Court of
Gloucester county, entered upon at October term, 1852, in the case of Catlett
and Robins, guardians, &c. against Catlett and others, the undersigned
Commissioners named therein, will proceed to sell on MONDAY, the 3d day of
January, 1853, (which is Gloucester county court day) the valuable farm called
and known by the name of ROSEWELL This tract of land contains nearly twelve hundred
acres; is situated about seven miles above York Town, immediately on the York
river, and is esteemed one of the best farms in the county of Gloucester.
It has on it a
splendid brick dwelling house, which is said to be a cube of sixty feet. This
house is in good repair, having been lately covered with [print not legible]
and contains besides the basement rooms, three fine rooms and a large hall in
the first story, the same in the second, and four good rooms and large passages
in the third story. In addition to this, there are a commodious brick kitchen
and another brick house of the same size, used as a laundry, a good smoke
house, overseer’s house, barn, corn house, carriage house, stables &c. It
is rarely that persons wishing to invest money in land, have such an
opportunity. The land is in fine heart, and there are abundant means on and
about it, to make it all rich, such as Indian banks, of which there are many,
and marl in every direction. There is a fine spring of delicious water near the
dwelling, and all the fields are abundantly supplied with fresh water. It is
considered a very healthy location, and has an extensive shore, well adapted to
planting oysters. The best oysters and fish can be taken in a short distance
from the door.
There are steamboats for Baltimore and Norfolk, passing once or twice a week. A further description
is deemed unnecessary, as it is presumable that persons wishing to purchase
will view the premises and judge for themselves.
Mr. Jno. H. Tabb, who now resides at Rosewell, or either
of the Commissioners, will show it to any person desiring to purchase, with
great pleasure. It will be sold on the following terms, to wit: Enough in cash
to pay the costs of the decree and sale; one third of the balance in cash, and
the other two-thirds are to be paid in one and two years from the day of sale,
and each of the bonds in which good personal security will be required, are to
carry interest from that day.
JNO. W. C. CATLETT, C. W. MONTAGUE,
Commissioners.
December 31, 1852 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
SALE OF NEGROES. There will be sold at Gloucester Court
House, on the first Monday in January, 1853, (that being Court day) a number of
valuable slaves, consisting of young Men, Women, and Children – by decree of
Gloucester County Court. JOHN M.
SEAWELL.
December 31, 1852 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD. Ran away from the subscriber, about the middle of
November, a negro boy named Charles, a carriage driver. He is about 14 years
old, about five feet four or five inches high, dark copper complexion, has a
slight cast in one of his eyes, and when questioned looks down before he
replies. He is from the county of Gloucester, and may be lurking in that vicinity.
A reward of fifty dollars will be given for his delivery
to me in Richmond.
WM. W. CRUMP.
December 8,
1853 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Postmaster General has established a post office
at Cobb’s Creek, Matthews County, Virginia,
and appointed Alfred Billups postmaster. This office is located between New
Upton and Matthews Court-House – on route 2461 – by which an enterprising and
growing community will receive regular mail facilities twice a week.
February 22, 1854 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR YORK RIVER via PONGOTEAGUE and EAST RIVER. The steamer MONMOUTH, Sam’l Guy, master, will resume her regular
trips to the above places, commencing on MONDAY, the 28th Feb.
inst., leaving Flannigan’s wharf, at 4 o’clock P.M., for Pongoteague, Accomac
county, Va., East River, Matthews county, Va., Yorktown, Gloucester Point, Va.,
and all the intermediate landings on the river, as far up as Walkerstown, King
and Queen County. Returning, leave the Court House Landing every WEDNESDAY, at 12 o’clock PM for Yorktown; leaving Yorktown THURSDAY at
6 o’clock
AM for Baltimore, via East
River and Pongoteague,
arriving in Baltimore at 6 o’clock AM FRIDAY.
The above route will be continued during the season. All
freight from Baltimore must be pre-paid before it is taken on board.
August 19,
1854 – Floridian
& Journal (Tallahassee, Florida)
By Authority, Laws of the United States. An Act making appropriations for light houses, light
boats, etc. … For buoys or stakes to be
placed in the Chesapeake Bay, on the following points, viz: … New point Comfort …
September 14, 1854 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FINE TIMBER LAND FOR SALE – For sale, in Gloucester county, Va., a valuable
Tract of Land of 300 acres abounding in the finest Cypress, White Oak, White
Ash, Maple and Sycamore Wood. – It lies on a stream of water that will float
the largest size lighter, and only a short distance from navigation, or the
Timber can be hauled by land two miles to shipping.
The Cyprus cut into Shingles and Plank would sell for five times
as much as the Land can be bought for. Address:
THOS. M. STUBBLEFIELD, Hickory Fort Post-office, Gloucester county, Va.
October 12,
1854 – Daily Freedom
Democrat (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
J. B. White has been appointed lighthouse keeper at
New Point Comfort. …
October 26, 1854 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Lines on the Death of Mrs. Isabel Jockman, who died March 27th, 1854, daughter of Wm. and Ellen Masson [?], of Gloucester county, Va.
The silent dew drop on the tender
leaf
Falls quiv’ring nightly, like a tear,
So weep thy friends, in soft but
sad’ning grief,
Since now, fair one, thou art not here.
The bursting bud, scarce filled to
life,
In beauty bent its leafless form;
Yet left to memory a leaflet bright
To tell of winter’s saddest storm
Yes, dear Isabel, still you live in
thought;
The bud though dead, is fragrant yet;
And, though thy from to earth is
lost,
Thy virtues we will never forget.
November 3,
1854 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Edward S. White has been appointed keeper of the
light-house at New Point Comfort, Va., at $400 per annum.
February
12, 1855 – Racine Weekly Advocate (Racine, Wisconsin)
THE COAST SURVEY. The following is a list of the
developments and discoveries of the past year: ...
9.
A shoal (New
Point shoal) in the Chesapeake
Bay, with sixteen feet water
on it, S. E. from New Point Comfort lighthouse, on Mobjack Bay.
April 23, 1855 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) WANTED – A COACH TRIMMER, to go to Gloucester Court House, Virginia. Good wages will be given. None but the best workman
need apply. Apply at John R. Conway & Son’s. No. 31 Cheapside. THOS. A. MOSS.
August 21,
1855 – Daily Ohio Statesman (Columbus, Ohio)
Humanity of Henry A. Wise – A Portsmouth (Va.)
correspondent of the Baltimore Sun, in speaking of the ravages of the yellow fever
in that place says:
“Hon. Henry A. Wise fitted up his dwelling house, barns
and every other place of shelter, and cordially invited the afflicted
communities to come there, assuring them that they should be welcome. Other
gentlemen of that neighborhood had followed this example, and their kind offers
have doubtless been accepted by many. A large company of refugees are in
Matthews county, Virginia, and doing well.”
November
23, 1855 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. On
Tuesday evening, 20th instant, at the Sailor’s Bethel Parsonage, by
Rev. George G. Brooke, WILLIAM J. DIGGS to Miss CATHERINE F. WARREN, all of
Matthews county, Va. [Norfolk (Va.) papers please copy.]
January 29,
1856 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. On the 27th
instant, after a short illness of the consumption, WILLIAM A. HUDGINS, in his
53d year, formerly of Matthews county, Va., but for the past 30 years a resident of this city. [New York and Norfolk (Va.)
papers copy]
The friends of the family are requested to attend his
funeral on this (Tuesday) afternoon at three o’clock, from No. 98 N. Canal street.
March 15,
1856 – Weekly
Herald (New York, New York)
We have files of Bermuda papers to the 26th ult. They contain no local news of
importance. Mr. Armstead Ripley, a native of New Point Comfort, Matthews
county, Va., aged 28 years, died on 6th ultimo, on board the
schooner D. S. Mershon, laying in the harbor of Hamilton, of congestion of the
lungs.
June 17,
1856 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. On the 12 instant, by Rev. Mr. Waugh, WILL.
S. BOOSE, of Baltimore, to Miss LUCY MURRAY, of Matthews county, Va. [Norfolk
and Richmond papers please copy]
June 23,
1856 – Boston Daily
Atlas (Boston, Massachusetts)
JOHN CHARLES FREMONT, the
selected candidate of the party of the Constitution as expounded by Washington,
Jefferson, Dane, Madison, and all the great Fathers of our Republic … For his
early history and parentage, we are indebted to the advance pages of an
eloquent and beautifully written memoir
of his life … soon to be published by Messrs. Ticknor & Field of this city.
… The following is a portion of its opening chapter:
John Charles Fremont was born on the 21st of January 1813. His father bore the same
name, was deeply interested in studying
the character and condition of the North American Indians, and spent the
last years of his life in visiting many of their tribes. The mother, celebrated
for her beauty and worth, was Ann Beverly Whiting, a native of Gloucester County, Virginia. Her family was connected
with many distinguished names, including that of Washington to whom she was
nearly related.
September
22, 1856 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
A BEAUTIFUL SITUATION. A VALUABLE FARM FOR SALE – The undersigned offers
for sale all of that FARM situated in Matthews county, Va., four miles from the
Court House, and directly on Mob Jack Bay and Culpeper Creek, and is convenient
to Schools, Churches and Mills, and has the most and best Shore for Planting
Oysters of any in the county. This Farm contains
275 85-100 [sic] acres, of
which there is 200 acres enclosed with a new fence, and 72 heavy Timber, 50
acres of young growth, and 150 acres in a good state of cultivation, and is in
three Fields. There has been within three years, 8,000 bushels of shell Lime
burnt put on it. The improvements are a new two-story Frame DWELLING, with a
Brick Basement, three Wells of good Water, a Grain House, Meat House, a Dairy
and an Ice House and Pond, with two good Quarters and Stables, and other
Out-Buildings convenient for the place.
The place is convenient to Baltimore and Norfolk markets, as there are three Steamboats passing right
by the door three times a week, and one from Baltimore once a week, and lands within two miles of
the place; and it is the best
one for Corn, Wheat, Oats, Grass and Potatoes in the county.
Terms will be made easy. For further particulars apply to
the undersigned, now living on the place, or by letter to Matthews Court House
Post-office JACOB RAMMEL
September
29, 1856 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) PUBLIC
AUCTION – Near Cappahosac Wharf, Gloucester Co., Virginia. I will sell at Public Auction, on WEDNESDAY,
the 8th day of October next, on the premises, EIGHT FARMS OF LAND.
Embracing the Concord, New Bottle and Burnt Neck
tracts, lately the property of Col. Wm. Jones, dec’d situated immediately on York river, and one mile below Cappahosac Wharf; also situated on the
county road leading to said wharf. These farms will be divided, to suit
purchasers into lots from Fifty to Three Hundred Acres each. The whole farm has been under a state of
improvement for the last six years by the use of fertilizers, such as Guano,
Lime, Marl,
Clover, &c. It is well fenced in, and an abundance of WOOD
LAND
will be attached to each farm.
Also,
will be sold several yoke of fine OXEN, HORSES, MULES, Milch Cows, Stock
Cattle, &c. a large Flock of SHEEP, about 60 HOGS, and almost 300 barrels
of old CORN in addition to the present crop. Also, OATS, Fodder, Straw, &c.
Also,
will be added, the stock of FARMING UTENSILS, embracing a new Threshing Machine
and Fan Mill, in good order; Ploughs, Harrows, Cultivators, &c. An
abundance of fine Marl
can be obtained on the land.
I
will also sell immediately on the RIVER
SHORE,
TEN NINE ACRE LOTS, well adapted to those engaged in the Oystering business. It
has been well known that these are the best Oystering Grounds on the York
river. Terms of Sale –
For the land 6, 12, 18 and 21 months credit, with interest; satisfactory
security and a lien on the property will be required. For corn, stock, horses,
&c., 6 months credit, with interest and approved security. Sales under $50
cash.
For
further particulars apply to C. W. Montague, Esq., at Gloucester Court House;
to Wm. Andrews or to John Hibble or to Mr. Hudgeon, the overseer THOS. SMYTH, Petersburg,
Va.
Steamboats
ply regularly eight times a week to and from Baltimore and Norfolk from
Cappahosac wharf, affording means of transport unsurpassed, and which will
increased very considerably by the completion of the York River and Richmond
Railroad, thus giving a market north and south for produce.
December 1,
1856 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Post-Office Affairs … re-establish Cobb’s Creek,
Matthews County, Va., and appoint Benjamin F. Blake postmaster.
December 30, 1856 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE, YORK RIVER LAND. In accordance with the provisions of a decree
entered up by the Circuit Court of Gloucester county, at October term, 1856, in
the case of Catlett, Committee, vs. Waller &c., I shall proceed to sell at
public auction, at Gloucester Court House, ON MONDAY, the 5th
January, 1857, being court day, THE FARM on which Dr. W. J. Waller lately
resided. This Farm is situated in Gloucester county, immediately on York river, the front yard running down to the bank of the river. It contains, by
recent survey, FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR ACRES, a portion of which, probably
two hundred acres, is cleared and ready for cultivation. A large portion of the
balance is well set in fine TIMBER, of good heart and excellent quality, which
is more valuable from its being located within a few hundred yards of a
saw-mill.
There is probably no place on the river that has a better
shore for planting oysters than this, and there are very few that offer so many
inducements to those wishing to settle in this section of country, it being
about 10 or 12 miles below West Point, the terminus of the Richmond and York
River Railroad, and only a few miles above Cappahosic wharf.
Steamboats pass up twice a week from Norfolk, and once from Baltimore, so that there is every convenience for shipping
produce either by Sailboat or Steamboats.
The Land is well suited to the cultivation of Corn,
Wheat, Oats, &c. There are seeded on it forty bushels of Wheat, which will
be sold with the Farm.
The improvements consist of a DWELLING, with three rooms
below and two above, Kitchen, Smokehouse, servants’ Quarters, small Barn and
Stable.
At the same time and place I shall offer for sale another
FARM, called the Oakville, containing [blurred] acres of Land, situated so near
the river, that a person residing on it can avail himself of all the advantages
arising from the river. Oakville
has on it a good DWELLING HOUSE, and all the necessary outhouses, and is
situated in a very agreeable neighborhood.
Mr. Thomas B. Booth who resides in the neighborhood, will
show these Farms to any person that
may wish to see them.
Terms of sale – Enough in cash to pay the costs of the
suit; one-third of the balance in cash, the remainder one and two years, with
interest from day of sales. JNO. W. C.
CATLETT, Committee.
February 6, 1857 – The
Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Cutter Duane – The revenue cutter Duane,
Captain Evans, arrived at Old Point on Friday, from Mobjack Bay, where she has been frozen
in for the last two weeks.
March 28,
1857 – Richmond Daily Whig (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement) Private Offerings of Real Estate. … The farm called “Seaford,” in Matthews county, containing 784 acres, of which 550 are arable.
June 4, 1857 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) VALUABLE ESTATE IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY, VIRGINIA, FOR SALE.
By virtue of a decree of the Circuit Court for the county
of Gloucester, in the State of Virginia, the undersigned Commissioners,
appointed by said decree, will proceed at Gloucester Court House aforesaid on
the FIRST MONDAY IN JULY 1857, at 12 o’clock M. to sell to the highest bidder,
at public auction, on credit of one, two and three years, (except so much money
as will be sufficient to defray the expence of said sale, which will be
required in cash) –
THAT VALUABLE TRACT OF LAND in the said county, on the
Piankitank river, of which the late Thomas Burk died seized, called FARMINGTON,
containing about FIVE HUNDRED ACRES OF LAND. Farmington has on it ALL THE USUAL
IMPROVEMENTS necessary for the comfort of a family; lies immediately on the
river, in a populous neighborhood; and, for the productiveness of the soil, as
well as facilities for good living, is surpassed by few estates in tidewater
Virginia. A more particular description of this property is deemed unnecessary
here, as we assume all persons wishing to purchase will look at the estate
before the day of sale. The undersigned, (J. T. Seawell,) residing near
Gloucester Court House, or Dr. Spindle, who resides on the land, will take
pleasure in showing it to any one who may desire to see it. It is very
accessible by steamboat, either from the York or Rappahannock rivers, or from East River, Matthews county.
The purchaser will be required to execute bonds, with
good security, for the credit payments, with interest from the day of sale, and
the title to the land will be retained, &c.
The title is believed to be perfect, but acting as
Commissioners of the Court, the undersigned can only warrant the title against
themselves or any one claiming through them.
THOS. B. GARNETT; JOHN T. SEAWELL, Com’rs.
August 31,
1857 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. On the 29th
instant, Mrs. ELIZABETH DIXON, in the 67th year of her age, of
Matthews county, Va., for many years a resident of this city. [Norfolk (Va.)
and Mobile (Alabama)
papers copy.]
The friends of the family are respectfully invited to
attend her funeral, on this (Monday) afternoon at three o’clock, from the residence of her son-in-law, I. J. Griffin,
108 Grough
street.
October 27,
1857 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Pardoned. – Gov. Ligon has pardoned William L. Hawkins,
convicted at the September term of the Criminal Court in 1854 of murder in the
second degree for the killing of a seaman on one of the Parker Vein steamers
and sentenced to be confined in the Maryland penitentiary till June 4th, 1868. The pardon was granted on the recommendation of Gov.
Henry A. Wise of Va., Wm. P. Preston, Rev. Thomas M. Hurley, Wm. G. Lane and a
number of respectable citizens of Matthews county, Va., (of which Hawkins was
native,) who represent that in their opinion the prisoner at the time the act
was committed was deranged, which opinion is confirmed by the warden of the
penitentiary from observation of the prisoner during his confinement.
December
31, 1857 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
VALUABLE LAND FOR SALE. Pursuant to the Will of Thomas Edwards, deceased, I
shall sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder, at Mathews Court-House, on
the 8th DAY of FEBRUARY NEXT, (that being Mathews County Court day.)
the desirable FARM owned by the testator, situated on Gwyn’s Island, in the
county of Mathews, Virginia. It contains 300 ACRES, and is well proportioned in
arable and TIMBER LAND.
It is well adapted to the growth of Corn, Wheat, Oats,
and such other products as are usually cultivated in this section of the
country.
One side of the Farm is bounded by the waters of Milford
Haven, which requires no fencing, and at the same time affords extensive Shores
for Planting Oysters. Natural beds of Oysters are found in the contiguous
waters, sufficiently near to be planted with little trouble, so to enable the
occupant of the FARM to carry on that lucrative business to a great advantage.
The Oysters of Milford Haven are highly esteemed in all the markets, as being
equal to any taken in the waters of the Chesapeake, and there is always a certain and increasing demand
for them.
The fertility of the soil and facility for obtaining
Fish, Oysters and Wild Fowls, renders it a most desirable estate, and persons
wishing to purchase will rarely meet with a more favorable opportunity of
obtaining a Farm, combining as many advantages.
At the same time and place, will be sold a small FARM, on
which the testator, Thomas Edwards, resided, near the Mathews Court-House,
containing 61 acres.
The improvements consist of a large TWO STORY BUILDING, with a brick basement and wing attached, affording
comfortable accommodations for a large family, with a BARN, STABLE, KITCHENS
and every house necessary for a farm. It is situated in a densely populated
neighborhood, and would be an excellent situation for an academy or a professional
gentleman.
Will also be sold, at the same time and place, two other
LOTS OF LAND, belonging in the same estate, one containing TWENTY-SIX ACRES,
situated on the public road, about a half mile west from Mathews Court-House,
adjoining the land of Elijah Barnum, Esq.; and the other containing FORTY
ACRES, near the last mentioned lot, adjoining the lands of Edmund W. Bohannon
and John W. Jarvis, twenty-five of it being heavily timbered.
Terms: - The several tracts of land above described will
be sold separately, on a credit of nine and eighteen months from the day of
sale, and bonds with responsible security will be required of the purchaser for
the purchase money, and the title reserved until it is paid. The title to the
land is believed to be unquestionable, but the subscriber sells them as the
executor of the estate of Thomas Edwards, deceased, and will convey such title
only as vests in him by the will of the executor. FRANCIS ARMISTEAD
March 2, 1858 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Bloody Affray – Yesterday afternoon two men named Marcus J. Tarr
and Robert Howlett, from Matthews county, Va. stopped at a disreputable groggery at the corner of Eastern avenue and Caroline street, where they fell into the company of three men named
Thomas Hudson, Wm. Hall and George Baisley. There were also present several
females, and the whole party engaged in a dance, when a difficulty sprung up,
and Tarr and Howlett were severely beaten. Hudson and Hall attacked Tarr with a
sling shot and knife, one of them inflicting a severe wound on the left cheek
near the eye, and the other cutting him on the head with the knife. Baisley
beat Howlett – While the affray was going on officers Hail, Herbert, Caddimore
and Borman appeared and took the assailants into custody. Justice Griffin,
before whom they were taken, sent Hudson and Hall to jail to answer the charge
of assaulting with intent to kill Marcus J. Tarr, and Baisley to answer the
charge of assaulting and beating Robert Howlett. The young men thus assaulted
were strangers in the city, and unacquainted with the character of the locality
into which they had fallen.
June 29, 1858 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
PUBLIC SALE of VALUABLE LAND IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY, VIRGINIA. In pursuance
of a deed of trust recorded in the County Court of Gloucester County, bearing
date on the 19th day of July, 1856, and at the request of Charles C.
Curtis, the creditor named therein, I, acting under the authority of the said
deed, will, on SATURDAY, the 17th day of July, 1858, at Gloucester
Court House, sell by public auction, to the highest bidder, that VALUABLE TRACT
OF LAND in the county of Gloucester, called Wareham.
The said Tract of Land, containing between eleven hundred
and twelve hundred acres, lies about six miles above Gloucester Court House,
and is in all respects one of the best estates in the county. The soil is
generally of the best quality, and has been highly improved, is well watered
and heavily timbered.
The improvements consist of a commodious DWELLING HOUSE
and all necessary OUTBUILDINGS for the accommodation of servants and the use of
a large farm.
The estate is peculiarly valuable as a Grazing Farm, and
comprises all that is necessary to render a desirable residence and profitable
investment.
Persons desiring to examine this estate are referred to
Mr. Edward Sears and Mr. Francis Cooke, who reside in the vicinity of the
premises, and will take pleasure in giving any information which may be
required.
Terms of Sale: - So much of the purchase money will be
required in cash as will be sufficient to pay the sum of two thousand two
hundred and fifty dollars, with interest on nine thousand dollars, from the
first day of January, 1859, and all the costs and charges attending the
execution of the trust, and the residue will be required to be paid as follows,
that is to say, one-third on the first day of January, 1859; one third on the
first day of January 1860, and the remaining third on the first day of January
1861; the said installments are to carry interest from the day of the sale and
to be secured by bonds of the purchaser, with satisfactory personal surety and
a lien on the land sold.
I shall reserve the power of resale in case the purchaser
shall fail to comply with the terms herein set forth.
The purchaser will have the privilege of seeding a crop
of wheat next fall, and will be let into full possession of the premises on the
first day of January, 1858. WYNDHAM
KEMP.
July 31,
1858 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Funeral. – The funeral of Joseph K. Holden, aged 60 years,
who deceased on Wednesday, took place yesterday afternoon from his late
residence, No.
560 West Fayette street. His remains were attended to the grave by the
Western Star Division Sons of Temperance, and the Western Council, No. 15, Order
of American Mechanics, besides the delegates of other bodies and numerous
friends. He was buried in the Baltimore Cemetery. Mr. Holden was a native of Matthews county, Va., but for the last half century he resided in Baltimore.
August 28, 1858 – Charleston Mercury
(Charleston, South Carolina)
Something Quite
Novel. – A gentleman of undoubted respectability, well known to the citizens of
Baltimore, has furnished us with the following statement. We
believe a similar event was never before known.
A WHALE IN THE CHESAPEAKE. Messrs. Editors. Though familiar with the Chesapeake and its rivers for forty years, I have never seen or
heard of a whale in its waters. The following extract from a letter received
yesterday from my sister, residing in Gloucester county, Va., near the bay shore, may be of interest to your
readers:
“We have had frequent rains lately, though not continued
ones. The corn is much benefited by them, they say. The great event of the day,
however is the arrival and capture of a whale in North River. It was seen just opposite Major Taliaferro’s house, and many persons
soon collected and tried to kill it, but it was too dangerous to venture near
to, and was a long time before they succeeded in killing it. Its mouth, when
open, measured thirteen feet from the under to the upper part. A small boat,
such as they had, might have sailed in. The tongue was as large as a common
door, and as soft to the foot as a feather bed. The animal measured forty-three
feet nine inches in length, twenty-seven in circumference, nine feet through,
and the tail fin ten feet wide. Over two thousand persons went to see it, but
it soon became so offensive that it had to be cut up and buried. They tried to
save the oil, but not understanding the process had to abandon it. After
shooting it from a boat repeatedly and wounding it, Dr. Phil Taliaferro went
out in the water up to his throat and pierced it with a Toledo sword until it
was powerless and could be dragged ashore” – Baltimore American.
October 1,
1858 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Postoffice Appointments. – Henry L. Matthews,
postmaster at Cobb’s Creek, Matthews county, Va., vice Benj. F. Blake, resigned.
October 4, 1858 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FARMINGTON FOR SALE – I will sell my FARM, in Gloucester county, Va., containing Five Hundred and Fifty-Six Acres,
situated one mile from York
River, immediately on
Carter’s Creek, in the centre of the oyster trade. It is in a high state of
cultivation, two-thirds of the land cleared and well marled, and a great quantity
of marl on the place. The DWELLING is a fine large House, finished from the
dining-room to the basement to the garret: good Kitchen, Laundry, Dairy,
Meathouse; large Barn, Stable, Carriage
and Machine House, good Brick Ice-House, and every other necessary houses.
There is a very large Peach and Apple Orchard, and a great quantity of other
fruit trees of choice selections. The
Farm is well enclosed with a good chestnut fence. There is a great quantity of
chestnut, pine and oak on the place.
My price is $36 [?]per acre; one-third cash, the balance
on accommodating terms. Possession given forthwith.
I deem it unnecessary to say more, as it is expected
those wishing to purchase will view the place. If wanted, will sell five or six
likely SERVANTS with the place. House and Kitchen FURNITURE, FARMING UTENSILS,
HOGS, SHEEP, CATTLE, MULES, &c.
THOMAS MINOR.
October 5,
1858 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) VALUABLE YORK RIVER LAND FOR SALE. We offer for sale 205
Acres of LAND, situated at Gloucester Point, opposite Yorktown. This is one of the most
beautiful situations in Eastern Virginia, commanding a full view of
the Chesapeake
Bay.
The soil is light and fertile, and would make one of the best Truck Farms in
this section of Virginia being only forty miles from
Norfolk and twenty-five from West Point, the terminus of the Richmond and York River Railroad.
There can be 130 acres of Land adjoining this Farm bought with it, should the
purchaser desire more land. A further description is deemed unnecessary, as any
person wishing to purchase will of course view the premises. Price $32 per
acre. Address WM. & J. T. DOBSON, Hickory Fork postoffice, Gloucester County, Virginia.
March 25,
1859 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Leonard Warrington, of Gloucester county, Va., fell overboard and was
drowned, at Norfolk, Tuesday night.
April 6, 1859 – The
Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Vessel Ashore. – The schooner Mary A. Taylor,
hence for New Bedford, went ashore on the night `of the 29th
ult. on New Point Comfort. Assistance was sent from Norfolk on Saturday last, and after
a portion of her cargo was lightened, she was pulled off. The hull of the
vessel sustained no damage.
May 6, 1859 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
A New Vessel – There is now lying at the ship yard of Messrs.
Booze & Bro., at Canton, the hull of a handsome bark, built by Mr. Gabriel F.
Miller, in Matthews county, Va., and which has been brought here to be sparred and
otherwise fitted out. She is about three hundred and twenty tons burthen – her
length on deck 121 feet, beam 26 feet 6 inches, and her hold 11 feet. She is
represented as a most substantially built vessel, constructed of the best Virginia white oak, and with all the modern improvements. She
has six staterooms, with accommodations for twelve passengers, besides the
officers. The accommodations for the sailors are upon deck. She will be
entirely fitted out immediately by Messrs. Booze & Bro. These gentlemen
have nearly ready for launching a beautiful pilot boat about ninety tons, built
for the Baltimore Board of Pilots.
June 29,
1859 – Progressive Age (Coshocton, Ohio)
Terrible Tornado in Virginia. Great Destruction to
Property. – On Friday of last week a terrible tornado passed over Gloucester county, Va., near Gloucester Point,
doing great damage to everything in its track. From the Norfolk Day Book we
glean the following particulars.
At the residence of Captain William
Hobday, just below the point on Sear’s creek, it blew all the chimneys from his
house, blew a large barn away from its position, and a smaller barn over,
together with all the outhouses, fruit trees, &c. on the place. A very
large tree close to the large barn was torn up by its roots. The ferry boat
between Gloucester Point and York was upset, and an old negro
man, who, it is said, has been running in the ferry for twenty or thirty years
past was drowned. His partner managed to save himself by clinging to the bottom
of the boat. – Mr. Benj. Rowe’s large barn and shed were blown down and
literally torn to pieces. A corn sheller that was in the barn was found about
half a mile from the barn, after the tornado passed over.
Mr. John Digg’s seeing the tornado
coming, took his wife and two children and left his house, and in a few minutes
after the house was swept entirely away and destroyed. He subsequently found a
trunk of his that he left in the house, about five miles from his place, with
the money (about one hundred and thirty dollars) and its other contents all
safe. Mr. Davis had recently purchased a lot of timber for building purposes,
and after the tornado not a particle of it could be found on the place.
Captain Glass’ school-house was
blown over, with his daughter (the teacher) and fourteen scholars. Miss Glass
had her head cut very badly, and one of the children had its collar-bone
broken. This lady saw the tornado coming, and hastened to lock the door before
it got to the house.
In addition to the above our
informant reports nine other dwellings destroyed, blown over, or blown away
entirely, besides, the dwelling of Mr. Robbins was completely stripped of its
window shutters and sashes and otherwise damaged.
The tornado, which was about one
hundred feet wide, cut a road through the woods, wringing off trees two or
three feet across the stump, and sweeping them before as it would chaff.
August 11,
1859 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
A
daughter of Dr. Tabb, of Gloucester co., Va. was killed on Thursday of
last week by an accidental fall.
October 19,
1859 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Postoffice Matters. – Virginia and Pennsylvania. - …Wm. A. Richardson postmaster at North End,
Matthews county, Va., vice A. D. Saunders, resigned.
June 29,
1860 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
WANTED – A SUITABLE LADY, to teach four small children the rudiments of
the English language and to do plain sewing in a family: A pleasant and
permanent home, where she will be considered a member of the family is offered.
Address S. E. R., Matthews
Court House,
Va. stating remuneration expected.
December
24, 1860 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. At Sharpsburg, Washington county, Md., on the 18th instant, JOHN BROWNLEY, aged
71 years. He was for seventy years a resident of Matthews county, Va., but for the last year has resided in Baltimore with his eldest son, and a few weeks ago he went to Sharpsburg to visit some of his children, when he was taken sick
and lived but a few days. He leaves five children, an only sister, and a large
circle of friends to mourn his departure. [Virginia papers please copy]
January 16,
1861 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. In Matthews
county, Va., on the 8th instant, after a short
illness, JOHN EDWARD GAYLE, in the 34th year of his age.
January 31,
1861 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. On the
30th instant, by Rev. S. A. Wilson, EMANUEL W. RUAFK and Miss
ELIZABETH S. DIGGS. (Matthews county (Va.) papers copy)
February 6, 1861 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Norfolk, Feb. 5. – Ex-Governor Wise has been elected from
Princess Anne county, by a decided majority. Matthews county elects Montague,
secessionist. [Note: concerns a convention in Richmond to decide on Virginia seceding from the Union
or not.]
May 8, 1861 – Weekly Standard (Raleigh, North
Carolina)
Lights
Extinguished on the Chesapeake. New York, April 30. The Steamship Marion, with the United States brig of war Perry as convoy, arrived this morning
from Annapolis, which place she left on Sunday. The light ship on
York Spit and the Wolftrap have been removed, and the lights on Smith’s Point,
Windmill and Stingray Points, New Point Comfort, Cherry Stone, Black River
Point, Cape Henry and Smith’s Island, have all been extinguished since Thursday
last.
July 24,
1861 – Weekly Standard (Raleigh, North
Carolina)
Five Hundred More “Fugitive
Slaves” – A gentleman who has just arrived from Gloucester county informs us that the
Abolitionists at Fortress Monroe have stolen as many as 500 negroes from those
localities, which are forthwith to be sent off to Cuba for sale. They do not
recognize the negroes as property, they say, but the Southerners do, therefore
the “fugitives” are to be disposed of in order to help pay the expenses of
“putting down the rebellion.” The
depredations of the barbarians are so great that families are moving away in
horror and alarm.
December 6,
1861 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Reported Occupation of Matthews County. A gentleman,
now in Richmond, says the Dispatch, received letters on Sunday, from
Middlesex, adjoining Matthews county, Va., which make no allusion to the occupation of that
county by the enemy, and we therefore presume there is no truth in the report.
February 4, 1862 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
FROM YORK
RIVER. The useful gun-boat Young Rover is now blockading the mouth
of York River and cruising in Mobjack Bay and its tributaries. The Young Rover has recently been within six
miles of Yorktown, without meeting opposition from the Rebels. On
Sunday last a canoe was picked up containing five intelligent contrabands who
came from Gloucester Point, opposite Yorktown. One of
them, a very bright mulatto, who has recently been acting as a butler to a
wealthy planter in Matthews county, says that the fortifications at Gloucester are poor, mounting only sixteen and seventeen marine
guns. These works are intended to throw a cross fire with those at the lower
end of Yorktown, which latter he says number four or five ordinary earthworks,
mounting heavy marine pieces. This contraband says the Rebels drill about five
hundred men at Gloucester, and he supposes the whole force there is about
fifteen hundred.
March 31,
1862 – Macon Daily Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
CONGRESSIONAL. Richmond, 30th … Seven traitors were brought to
this city on Saturday from Matthews county, Va.
May 13, 1862 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Vessels
Destroyed at Fredericksburg, Virginia … Lucy Renn, owned by a citizen of Gloucester
Co., Va., valued at $600 …
June 21,
1862 – Wisconsin Daily Patriot (Madison, Wisconsin)
From Fort Monroe. Gen. Dix
proceeded to New Point Comfort this morning to make arrangements for new
hospitals there.
July 2, 1862 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
LETTER
FROM GLOUCESTER
POINT, VA. A Reconnaissance in Force. Correspondence of the Inquirer. Gloucester Point, Va., June 27. The
Third Battalion
of Colonel Campbell’s Fifth
Pennsylvania Cavalry, stationed at Gloucester Point and commanded by Major
Wilson, of Philadelphia, were ordered to make a reconnaissance , on Monday
night last, into the counties of Gloucester and Mathews. Information had been
given to the Major that two thousand of the Rebel cavalry were distributed
within those two counties for the purpose of arresting deserters and impressing
others into the service who were unwilling to volunteer. The Major received the
news about 8 P.M., on Monday last, and he immediately had the ferry-boat got
ready to cross the river to convey the information to Gen. Van Allen, who,
after learning the facts, ordered the Major to take his command and two
companies of infantry, Lieutenant Pease, of the General’s Staff, and Captain
Revere, Provost Marshal, and make a quick march to Mathews Court House, and
endeavor to cut the off if possible, and capture them. Wagons were brought to
convey the infantry, as they could not march with as much speed as the Major
required. All being ready, the command left their camps at ten that night to
make a march of thirty-eight miles before morning. Nothing unusual happened
until they had proceeded about twelve miles from camp, when they were visited
by a severe storm of rain. The command were compelled to remain over an hour at
one point on the road in consequence of the darkness of the night. They arrived
at Mathews Court House about 6 A.M., Tuesday morning, when the Major found that
he was just one day too late to capture the party. The Rebel cavalry had been
there and arrested twenty-four men as being deserters from their army. Captain
Faith, who commanded the advance guard, arrested two of their infantry
soldiers, fully armed and equipped with forty rounds of ball cartridge to each
man. The command having been on the march the whole night, and having left
their camp without sufficient rations for the men, and forage for the horses,
the Major, anxious to find good quarters for the soldiers and horses, made
inquiries for the purpose of ascertaining who among the residents of the town
were, and had been most active in plotting against our Union. A Mr. Miller, who
resided about one mile from the town, and occupied the position of town clerk,
was the gentleman whom the Major concluded would be the most happy to entertain
his officers and men. Accordingly the whole force marched to his plantation.
The Major, Lieuts. Vazin and Pease, and Capt. Revere rode up to the house and
inquired for Mr. Miller. He was not at home, but the Major politely requested
them to send for him, which order was promptly obeyed.
Mr. Miller soon made his appearance. The Officers were
resting themselves, and were seated upon the grass. As Mr. Miller approached
the Major arose and met him, introduced himself and officers, after which he
respectfully informed the gentleman that he should depend on his hospitality to
provide a breakfast for his officers, and also to furnish feed for his horses.
“Oats I have not,” said Mr. Miller. “Then we will take corn,” said the Major.
“I have an abundance of that,” said Mr. Miller, “and you are welcome to it.
Bring your whole command into my field near the barn, and I will attend to
their wants.” at the same time calling one of his contrabands, he directed him
to request his mistress “to prepare breakfast for twenty officers.” then
turning around, he said, “Gentlemen, when did you leave Richmond?” “Richmond!” said the Major; “why, my dear sir, we belong to the
other side; we are Union soldiers.” “Is it possible?” said he. “I might have
known it had I looked more closely to the dress of your men, for their clothing
is much superior to that worn by our soldiers. You are welcome to our
hospitality the same as if you were our soldiers,” replied our new friend.
After remaining about two hours, the officers all paid for their breakfast, and
took up their line of march for home. There is neither salt, coffee, sugar nor
dry goods in that part of the country.
Mr. Miller stated that he had paid twenty dollars for the
last sack of salt he had purchased. The farms are beautiful all through the
county, and not one of the farm houses in the whole country is situated more
than a mile from salt water. On the march back through the town a little
circumstance happened which is worth relating. It seems that while the Union
soldiers were refreshing themselves, the Rebel ladies were engaged in
manufacturing a Rebel flag, for the purpose of insulting the Union boys on
their return through town. As the head of the column arrived opposite the house
where all the town people had congregated, both men and women, a young lady
placed herself at the door and gracefully waved the rag almost in the
officers’ faces. Lieutenant Pease sprang from his horse, rushed into the house
and demanded the rag. The lady said it was “a lady’s private property, and she
should use it as such;” she, therefore, commenced to destroy it, but the
Lieutenant was too quick, and secured it. The Major also captured a mail which
was on its way to Richmond. The counties of Gloucester, King and Queen, and Mathews are stronger in feeling
against the Union than any other portions of Virginia.
October 16,
1862 – Daily Delta (New
Orleans, Louisiana)
Fight with Guerrillas.
On Tuesday night, the gunboat Resolute and mortar boat No. 10, while
cruising on Chesapeake Bay, had a sharp engagement with a party of Guerrillas.
The officers having reason to suspect that some boats were lying in Milford
Haven, Matthews county, Virginia, which were used in smuggling goods and
passengers across from the Maryland shore, fitted out a boat expedition,
consisting of Captain Savage, and a gig from the Resolute, the party consisting
of thirty armed men.
The night was very dark, and after cruising about a while
the boats got ashore, not more than thirty feet from the land. Whilst working
to get them off about forty Guerrillas appeared on the shore, and with muskets
leveled, the commander demanded of them an immediate surrender. Capt. Savage
ordered his men to defend themselves, when a volley of balls rained around the
boat, one of which passed through the clothing of the Captain, but none of the
men were struck. The volley was immediately returned from the boat, when one of
the rebels cried out as if wounded, and fell back in the woods. Our men
continued to fire until their boats were extracted, and on reaching their
vessels they threw a number of shells into the woods.
On Wednesday morning Capt. Savage landed with a boat’s
crew, and searched several houses in the vicinity, captured some important
papers, and very nearly captured a rebel officer, who made his escape out of a
back window, leaving his clothing, including a bullet proof vest, behind. They
also found six Union fugitives, with their families, anxious to make their
escape to Maryland, whom they took off and landed on the Maryland shore. (Baltimore American)
November 18, 1862 - Newport Daily News (Newport, Rhode Island)
Reconnaissance
to Gloucester
Court
House. Fortress Monroe, Nov. 16. A
rumor has reached Yorktown that two thousand rebels are at Gloucester Court
House, twelve miles above Gloucester Point. An expedition was consequently sent
over from Yorktown yesterday, to ascertain the strength of the rebel
force. The expedition is commanded by Col. Davis, and consists of infantry,
cavalry and artillery.
A brisk north-east storm has prevailed here during the
day.
November
29, 1862 – Macon Daily Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
WHAT ELEVEN MEN CAN DO. Richmond, 27. – On the 25th instant, Capt.
Fitzhugh, with eleven men, made a dash upon a Yankee company in Matthews
county, Va., and captured five of them, including a Lieutenant of
the 11th Maine regiment, putting the rest to flight.
December 3,
1862 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Lieutenant F. M. Johnson, Eleventh Maine Regiment, was
brought to Libby prison, in Richmond,
on the 26th. He was captured, with four others, in Mathews county
while attempting to destroy the salt works in that county.
December 4,
1862 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Operations of the Navy. Schooners, sloops, scows, salt works, etc.
destroyed. Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. Lee
has forwarded to the Navy Department the report of Commander Foxhall A. Parker,
of the particulars of his recent expedition into the waters of Mathews county, Va., in conjunction with the land forces under
Brig-General Naglee.
On the night of the 22d ult. he received on board his
steamer, the Mehaska, three hundred
infantry, under Major Cunningham, of the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and accompanied by the Gen. Putnam
and a small tug, the May Queen, on
which latter vessel he mounted a rifled howitzer, and sailed for Mob Jack Bay. On arriving at East river, the land forces were disembarked at a pine wharf two miles from
Mathew’s Court House. To the land forces twenty seamen, with 12-pound Dahlgren,
were added, and this expedition scoured the surrounding country, destroying
vessels, &c.
December 4,
1862 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
ABOLITION PRISONERS. – Capt. Fitzhugh arrived at the
Libby Prison, from Mathews county, yesterday, in charge of the Abolition
prisoners, including Second Lieut. P. M. Johnson of the Eleventh Maine
Regiment, who was captured while on a piratical incursion in Mathews county,
for the purpose of destroying the salt works in that county. It is said that
sometimes as many as five hundred Yankees start on these predatory excursions,
destroying not only salt works, but everything that comes in their way. The
five Abolitionists that arrived yesterday were captured by a ruse de guerre. Capt. Fitzhugh saw a
company of Yankees approaching, and having only eleven men, contrived so to
dispose of them in a skirt of woods that the foe was deceived, and on seeing
them immediately turned and fled. A charge was made, and five of the
Lincolnites were bagged. Dispatch, Nov. 28
December 22, 1862 – Dawson’s
Daily Times & Union (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
New York, Dec. 20. – By advices
from Yorktown dated Dec. 16th,
we learn that Gen. Neglee and staff have just returned from a reconnaissance of
Gloucester county, Va. He took out 4 regiments of infantry and 150
cavalry, and brought all back. Among the prisoners is one John Sewell, captain
of a new guerrilla party just organized in Gloucester. We brought in his horses,
cattle and sheep, our captures of animals will loot up near a thousand head. A
number of prisoners were also taken, but released on parole.
March 20,
1863 – Richmond Examiner (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
MILL FOR SALE IN MATHEWS COUNTY. – By virtue of a deed of trust executed to me by Samuel
W. Tilton on the 1st day of January 1861, conveying a Grist Mill and
___ (sic) acres of land, to secure a debt due William R. Smart by said Tilton,
I shall on the 18th of April next, on the premises proceed to sell,
for cash, the said Mill and land, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay
each debt and expenses of sale. JOHN H.
BLAKE, Trustee.
March 30, 1863 – Richmond Enquirer (Richmond, Virginia)
THE OPENING OF
THE WAR IN VIRGINIA. For the Enquirer
The action at Sewell’s Point, on the 20th of
May has been claimed to be the opening of the Lincoln war in Virginia. Let justice be done where justice is due.
On the 7th of May, 1861, a detail of forty-nine Howitzers, under the command
of Captain J. Thompson Brown, was landed at Gloucester Point, where a rude
earthwork had just been commenced by the citizens of the vicinity. Except for a
handful of Gloucester Infantry and Cavalry no troops had been collected there.
Opposite is Yorktown, which was also in a comparatively undefended
condition.
The Howitzer battery, consisting of a rifle piece and a
shell howitzer, had been dragged out on the sandy flat, and the men were
pitching their tents and preparing their dinners, when a United States steamer
called the Yankee, (which several days before had been gasconading up and down
the river,) was discovered bearing up the stream hugging close to the York
shore. In an instant tent poles were thrown down, pans and platters were cast
aside, and the men formed two detachments. While the guns were being drawn around
the earth-works to a position on the beach Engineer Clark set fifty negro men
to throwing up, as fast as shovels could fly, a small sand redoubt, about three
feet high and had a number of pine and cedar bushes cut and placed along the
top to conceal the guns. At this juncture, a couple of iron six-pounders, which
had long laid at Gloucester Court House, and which perhaps had never been used
except to fire fourth of July salutes in days of yore, were hauled down from
the hill above by some of the Gloucester people and kindly offered to the
little howitzer battery. Three of the pieces were placed within the sand work,
and one of the iron guns was placed under the foot of the wharf, at the water’s
edge. All was ready – each man at his post – steamer advancing, with colors
flying, when the word was given by Capt. Brown to fire. The shot was from the
rifled gun, and whistled beautifully across the bow of the hostile craft, now
within three miles range. The next shot was fired directly over her; the third
struck her somewhere astern; when she opened upon the battery with shell and
thirty-two pound ball. The old iron guns then commenced blazing away at her
with such vigor and accuracy of aim, as to bring the presumptuous invader to a
stand. She still continued to firing, sometimes a shell, then a ball. One of
the balls whizzed over the redoubt and ploughed up a large hole in the sand a
short distance beyond. It has been sent to Richmond as the first invader of the Old Dominion soil, and as
the first capture of the war. The Austrian banner with which Napoleon adorned
the Salte de’armes could not purchase that little band of Howitzers this their
virgin trophy. The steamer still continued her fire, when the old iron gun
under the wharf sent one of her balls into the forward part of the vessel; the
other guns belched forth their volleys of smoke and flame, and again the rifled
gun was true to its aim. The Yankee then slowly, and I have no doubt, sadly
turned herself around and departed, lopping considerably over, as though she
had a pain in her right side. A portion of the Gloucester Invincibles,
numbering twenty-one muskets, the balance of these fine fellows being on picket
duty below, gallantly came to the aid of the Howitzers, and were formed behind
the main redoubt at the commencement of this action, which lasted about half an
hour.
Thus was fought, literally upon the water’s edge, by a
handful of volunteers thrown suddenly upon a strange and unprotected shore and
brought in conflict, without a moment’s notice, with one of Lincoln’s braggart
crews of the deep, the opening battle of Virginia’s second war of independence,
and opposite the sacred spot where her first war saw it triumphant close. From
the heights of Yorktown the Genius of the place smiled upon the scene and
blessed it with a happy augury.
Since then several Federal steamers have appeared in
sight, but none of them have ventured within range of the rifled guns. The
fortifications have been brought nearly to a state of perfection. Powerful
Columbiads have been mounted; and are
now worked by as fine a company of Gloucester artillerymen as ever stood behind a breastwork. Yorktown heights, also, are strongly fortified. Artillery and infantry forces
in large numbers are concentrating on both shores. The little temporary redoubt
is still there, though better works have superseded it now. The tide is rapidly
washing it away and soon no traces of it will remain save in the memory of
those howitzers who consecrated it with the cause of Virginia’s freedom, by
their firing the first shot, and giving the enemy his first repulse.
April 11, 1863 – New York Herald (New York, New York)
An expedition
left Yorktown last Tuesday for Mobjack Bay, and ran up Wyre [sic] river, where
they remained that day, took two contrabands, and next day proceeded up North
river, where they found two planters, who took the oath, and about thirty rebel
cavalry made their appearance from the woods; but, on seeing the new gunboat
which accompanied the expedition, they ran away in hot haste. The expedition
here captured twelve contrabands and four very fine horses, and returned to Yorktown yesterday afternoon, having seen no considerable bodies of rebel
troops.
April 16, 1863 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
SUCCESSFUL RAID
INTO GLOUCESTER CO., VA. Gallantry of
the Fourth Delaware. Fourth Army Corps, Yorktown, Va., April 13. Information having been received,
yesterday, by Gen. King, commanding at Yorktown, of the presence of a large
body of cavalry in Gloucester county, Col. Grimshaw, Fourth Delaware
Volunteers, in command of the Post at Gloucester Point, was ordered to send out
a detachment of infantry for the purpose of reconnoitering the enemy’s
position, and if possible, driving him from some mills which he was reported to
occupy, about ten miles beyond our lines. Lieutenant-Colonel Tevis, Fourth
Delaware, started out at two PM,
with one hundred and fifty volunteers from his own regiment, and having
ascertained the force of the Rebels to be about two hundred cavalry, under the
command of Col. Goodwin, pushed forward to attack them.
The enemy, as usual, fell back, leaving, however two of
their pickets in our hands. They were ridden down and captured by Colonel
Tevis, Lieutenant Tower and Dr. Hopkins, Surgeon of the regiment. The
detachment returned to camp about 9 o’clock, PM, having burned a saw-mill and two large grist-mills, filled with
grain and flour, for the use of the Rebels in Richmond. The prisoners belonged to the Fitz-Hugh Lee’s
Regiment – Fifth Virginia Cavalry. They were well armed, and carried printed
orders, signed by the notorious J. E. B. Stuart, to seize a number of horses
for the use of their regiment, “to replace those killed or disabled during the
last campaign.”
One of those men, a sergeant, had been in the last
cavalry fight with General Averill, and spoke of its being a very serious
affair, claiming, however, the victory for the Rebels. The energetic measures
of Colonel Grimshaw, and the activity of his regiment, which General Keyes, in
a dispatch, calls the “plucky Fourth,” are having a very salutary effect on Gloucester. A few more raids like the last two, and there will
be nothing left in the country for the Rebels to live upon.
April 20, 1863 – Macon Daily Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
YANKEE
VANDALISM IN GLOUCESTER. Through parties direct from Gloucester county, we have a fresh recital of some of the
infamous excesses committed upon the people in that section by the Yankees.
The work of burning and devastation still continues to be
carried on without the least mercy. Houses are robbed and pillaged, and
families are swept of everything in the world. About a week ago a party of some
12 or 15 Yankees from aboard a gunboat that had come up the Ware river, went to
the house of Dr. S. P. Byrd, one of the most esteemed citizens and largest
planters in that section. They demanded of Dr. Byrd his gun, a very valuable
one which he had imported from Europe, and of which they had been advised,
probably by the negroes, threatening that unless it were given them, they would
burn his house down. The Doctor, not to be intimidated, coolly replied – “burn
away, burn away.” This rather took the Yankees down, and after considerable
swaggering and swearing, they returned aboard of their vessel.
On the second day after this they repeated their visit to
Dr. Byrd’s on the pretense that they had received information (probably given
by the negroes) that he had sold to a party, as agent of the Confederate
Government, six hundred barrels of corn at five dollars a barrel. In revenge for
this they deliberately, with chunk of fire in hand, walked up and set fire to
two of the Doctor’s barns, containing over six hundred barrels of corn and a
very large quantity of fodder. Just as they were about applying the torch the
Lieutenant, seeing the immense quantity of grain stored away, turned around and
protested with the Captain against burning it. But expostulation was in vain,
the wretch of a Captain replying, in great rage, “Fire it. d—mn them, the
sooner we burn, the sooner they starve.”
Not satisfied with this vandalism, they burnt the
Doctor’s stable, a fine new carriage, a fine buggy, carrying aboard the harness
and other things which they could turn to use. As an instance of how the people
in that section have suffered at the hands of these merciless demons, we are
told that Dr. Byrd has, out of more than eighty negroes, only four left him.
After committing these depredations, they went to the
house of Mr. James K. Dabney, on North
river, and seized his wheat
and corn, killed his stock, stole his carriage horses, and seduced off four of
his negroes. They also visited the residence of Mr. John Buckhouse and Mrs.
Perrin, where the same system of plundering was gone through with. They took
Mr. Buckhouse prisoner, and carried him with them down the river. After
completing their robbery at Mrs. Perrin’s, they tried to seduce off her
negroes; but they knew too well the value of a good old Virginia mistress, and
they refused to leave her – some of the negroes even secreting and hiding
themselves from the Yankees, in fear of being dragged and borne away by them.
They also went to Gloucester Court House where they
plundered and laid waste to everything they could put their hands on. The Court
House and clerk’s office were broken open, the records seized and destroyed,
and the papers and writings strewn over the floor. The work of destruction was
complete, but we are glad to hear that the most important of the county records
had been previously removed and placed entirely out of the reach of these marauding
villains. The cause of this raid on Gloucester Court House was that, on the day
before, the farmers, in a public meeting there, had declared against selling to
speculators and in favor of selling to the government and in every way aiding
it. The Yankees getting wind of this wreaked their vengeance on the place for
this manifestation of “sympathy with the rebels.”
The Yankees in Gloucester, we are told, have sworn destruction on everything,
and have warned the farmers that it will be worse than idle for them to attempt
to raise any crops. They declare their purpose to burn and destroy everything
that is planted, and have told the people that their fields shall be laid waste
as soon as they dare attempt to raise any crops. They say, boastfully, that they
have one General that can “whip the rebels,” and that is General Starvation,
and that they intend to lay waste with fire and sword until “we are starved
out.” This is the policy the cowardly miscreants have proclaimed as their
system of warfare upon the defenseless and unprotected people of the South. – Richmond Examiner, 16th.
May 2, 1863 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
OUR YORKTOWN LETTER. Highly Successful Scout into Gloucester. Yorktown,
Va., April 28, 1863, Colonel Grimshaw,
with the activity and energy which he has always displayed in the cause of the
Union, since the outbreak of this insurrection, was at work again yesterday,
and struck the Rebels another of those blows which they feel so strongly, and
which, unfortunately, so few of our commanders have hitherto attempted. He had
received information from his scouts, that some of the prominent Seccessionists
of the county were collecting cattle and stores of various kinds to be
forwarded to Richmond, and consequently sent out, yesterday, Lieutenant Colonel
Tevis, with one hundred and fifty men of the Fourth Delaware Regiment, and
twenty of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, with orders to scour the country.
As usual, the expedition was entirely successful. The detachment made one of those rapid
movements for which it is getting famous, and brought into camp several hundred
head of horses, mules, sheep, and horned cattle. In one instance, where the
birds had flown a few days previously, the owner was brought in as a prisoner.
In one house were found arms, powder and percussion caps, several hundred
bushels of grain, flour and salt, and about two thousand pounds of bacon,
stored for the supply of Littleton’s Cavalry; and, in addition, a large
quantity of quinine and some six hundred pounds of cotton. The quinine and
ammunition were carried off; the rest, as transportation was impossible, was
burned. Col. Tevis also destroyed the bridge and causeway across Shirley Creek
mill dam, in that place, about three hundred yards wide, thus cutting off one
of the lines of communication between Gloucester Court House and the lower part
of the country. The Rebels had been in the habit of retreating by this road
whenever our forces made an offensive movement, and it will now be very
difficult for the guerrillas to avoid a meeting with us. Some days since, in a
scout made by Colonel Tevis, Dr. Hopkins and several other officers, a number
of valuable papers were found, containing the plan of an insurrectionary
organization, dating back several years, with a list of the members, arms
furnished, &c., and a spy, in attempting to escape, was shot by Lieut.
Toner. Col. Grimshaw is now in possession of such information as will enable
him to strike at a class of persons who, although not actually in arms against
the Union, are siders and abettors of the Rebellion. Everyone
hopes that the Administration will soon give to Col. Grimshaw a position worthy
of his merits and abilities. When so many inefficient Brigaders are to be
found, it would be but justice that men really deserving of the position should
not be left in the background. Col. Tevis reports highly of the conduct of the
officers and men in his command generally, and makes particular
mention of Major O. E.
LaMotte, and Capt. M. B. Gist, Fourth Delaware Volunteers.
Governor Seward, accompanied by the Prussian and Swedish
Ministers, arrived here this morning on a tour of inspection. General Keyes
selected Colonel Grimshaw’s Brigade to be reviewed.
May 18, 1863 – Hartford Daily Courant (Hartford, Connecticut)
LATEST BY
TELEGRAM. With nothing to guide them but a common map of the State of Virginia, the [Union] cavalry crossed the Pamunky at
Plunkett’s Ferry; following on, the Mattapony was crossed. Between these rivers
a portion of the command of Major Bronson became detached and did not join the
main body, till the 7th inst.
At King’s and Queen’s Court House fifteen rebels were captured, and a
quantity of saddles destroyed. The force reached Walkerton, and from there
marched to Gloucester Point, having traveled a distance of over two hundred
miles, much of it through southern lands never disturbed by the presence of an
enemy. Near Saluda, a train of eighteen wagons, loaded with corn and
provisions, was captured and destroyed.
May 26,
1863 – New York Herald (New York, New York)
Our Yorktown Correspondence.
Yorktown, Va., May 23 – 2 p.m. Colonel
Kilpatrick’s Expedition in Gloucester and Mathews Counties, Va. – Great
Success … About sunset on Tuesday
evening, the 19th inst., the casual observer at Yorktown must have
noticed the unusual number of persons on what are, par excellence, termed
streets. The evening was beautiful and the air fresh, compared with that of a
few hours before. The ladies of the fort were in the saddle or luxuriating in
the old carriages of departed aristocracy.
I did not tarry long, for the steady column of “Harris
light,” “brave Harris light” cavalry, soon won their way through the clouds of
dust. I proceeded with them to the wharf, where they were to cross to
Gloucester Point to join the Twelfth Illinois cavalry. Col. Kilpatrick was in
command, of the forces. While these
movements were taking place with the cavalry, two hundred men of the One
Hundred and Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers were embarked on the Winnisinet
ferry boat, under command of Major Smith, and two hundred men from the Fourth
regiment of Delaware Volunteers, under command of Major La Motte, were embarked
on board the Commodore Morris.
These were the arrangements for a raid through Gloucester and Matthews counties, which have from the
commencement of the war, besides furnishing a large proportion of men, grain,
and other materials for the rebels, been infested with a set of guerillas,
termed by the, “Chesapeake Partisans Rangers.” But a short time since a company
of them came down the Ware river to attack a boat’s crew from a gunboat
visiting the place. Through these small rivers the goods sent from Baltimore and along the coast of Maryland are received and thence sent up the country. The two
counties had been scarcely visited before, and the only loss they had sustained
was the occasional straying away of some of their negroes.
The expedition was gotten up under the orders and
direction of Major General Keyes. The command of it was, of course, in the
hands of Colonel Kilpatrick. Col. Suydam, the assistant adjutant general of the
Fourth army corps, accompanied Colonel Kilpatrick.
The cavalry started from Gloucester Point about nine P.M. They were about twelve hundred strong, well mounted
and in excellent spirits.
They crossed the country as far as East river, meeting the gunboat and infantry early on Wednesday morning. They
were then divided into small bodies and sent in search of horses, mules, cattle
and other forage. There were many difficulties to be encountered in capturing the
horses, for the rebels have been very cautious of late and have sent their best
stock into the woods. By night some three or four hundred horses and mules had
been brought together, besides cattle, and the party then started through
Matthews’ Court House, the gunboat following round into North River. Here again success attended our efforts. There is an immense
satisfaction in going through this section of Virginia, for the stock is very fine.
The soil is, to a great extent, neglected; but little is
raised, on account of the absence of male labor. Everything appears to be
rotting, and yes, the owners will tell you, in the most quiet and dignified
way, that they are “determined on supporting the rebel government even though
they lose the very clothes they wear.”
One well educated Southern lady, who had spent much time
in New York city previous to the war, exultingly remarked to me that
some of her personal friends in New York, holding high positions of trust, found means of
sending them letters and she had their assurance that their cause was as good
as ever. I need not say that I did not discuss the question further.
May 31,
1863 – New York
Times (New York, New York)
DEPREDATIONS IN MATHEWS COUNTY. From the Richmond Dispatch,
May 25.
A gentleman who arrived in this city on Saturday last,
and who left Baltimore on Sunday last, coming through Mathews and adjoining
counties, furnishes us with some interesting particulars of the depredations of
the Yankees in that section. On Tuesday, the 19th inst., a party of
Federal cavalry estimated to number from 400 to 500, came over to Mathews Court-house, were they pillaged everything within reach.
They left scarcely a horse or a mule in the county, and burnt several
flourishing mills, declaring their determination to stop farming operations,
and to prevent the grinding of what wheat might be raised. The mill of Mrs. S[copy
blurred]was among those destroyed. At the house of a prominent citizen they
took every pound of bacon, drove off all the stock, and did not leave
provisions sufficient to subsist the family for one week. They took from the
person of a gentleman a fine gold watch, and on his complaining to the
commanding officer, he was told that if he could point out the man who had the
watch it should be returned. The guilty party was at once designated; but by
the officer, who was as great a thief as himself, was permitted to lie out of
the scrape, and retain the watch. They extended their raid into Middlesex, where
they captured Lieut. Harvey, who was at home on furlough.
June 4, 1863 – Janesville Daily (Janesville, Wisconsin)
New York, June 4. … A letter to the
Times states that Colonel Kilpatrick is perpetrating another raid from
Gloucester Court House, through Gloucester county across Piankitank
river, thence through the middle section of counties to Urbana. His orders are to make his
presence felt in the rich country through which he was to pass.
October 10,
1863 – New York
Times (New York, New York)
GEN. WISTAR’S EXPEDITION. Guerrilla Bands in Matthews County, Virginia,
Dispersed. The following dispatch has
been received at headquarters: Fortress
Monroe, Oct. 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief: I have the honor to report that the
expedition sent out on Sunday, under Gen. Wistar, to break up or capture the
guerrillas and boats’ crews organized by the enemy in Mathews County, has
returned, having in the main, accomplished its object. Four rebel naval
officers, twenty-five men, and twenty-five head of cattle, belonging to the
Confederacy, together with horses, mules and arms, are the result. Our loss was
one man killed. J. G. FOSTER,
Major-General Commanding.
October 13,
1863 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
OUR YORKTOWN LETTER. Special Correspondence of the Inquirer. Yorktown, Va., Oct. 9. The
expedition to Mathew’s county has returned, having been completely successful
in breaking up the gangs of guerrillas and river pirates, who have long
infested that region. Col. Spear commanded the troops, consisting of four
hundred and fifty men of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and six hundred
infantry, with four pieces of artillery.
Three officers belonging to the Rebel army, and one
officer attached to the Rebel navy, were taken prisoners. Sixteen guerrillas
were captured and a band of twenty-four escaped by jumping into small boats and
putting out to sea, where it is believed, they were swamped and lost, as the
wind was blowing a gale and the sea ran very high.
Colonel Spear lost but one man, a most excellent
non-commissioned officer, Corporal Hand, of Company I, Eleventh Pennsylvania
Cavalry. He was shot dead by a prowling guerrilla, secreted in a thicket.
Pursuit was instantly made, and the murderer as quickly caught and as specially
made to pay the forfeit of his life for the cowardly act. Summary punishment is
the only mode of acting with these sneaking and blood-thirsty outlaws. They
never hesitate to assassinate our men when it can be done with safety. A few
examples like this of the murderer of poor Hand will have a beneficial effect
hereabouts. The remainder of the prisoners will have an immediate trial, and it
is not improbable but that some of them may swing also.
Colonel Spear is a terror to the Rebels in this section
of the country, and the success attending his last expedition gives additional
luster to a career long since made brilliant by gallant deeds.
October 15,
1863 – Dubuque Democratic Herald (Dubuque, Iowa)
Gen. Foster reports, as the results of the second
expedition under Gen. Wilton after guerrillas in Mathews county, Va., the
destruction of about 15 boats and schooners, the capture of about 80 head of
beef cattle bound to Richmond, and four rebel officers and 20 men made
prisoners.
November
21, 1863 – Daily
Constitutional Union (Washington, D.C.)
Fortress Monroe, Nov. 20. Sixteen rebel prisoners arrived here last
night on the Thomas A. Morgan, from Yorktown. They were
captured in Matthews county, and stated that they were stationed there by the
rebel authorities to prevent smuggling. (!)
November
27, 1863 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The Yankees in Matthews. – The Yankees landed a
regiment of infantry in Matthews county, Va., last Monday, and say they intend to remain there.
They are destroying property and taking the citizen’s scanty supply of
provisions.
January 9, 1864 – Richmond Examiner (Richmond, Virginia)
(Advertisement)
ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING ONE JAMES W. PEED, formerly of Mathews
county, a member of General Longstreet’s corps., Anderson’s division, will be thankfully received. Address:
J. G. CAKE, Richmond, Va., Care of Josephus H. Wyatt.
January 16, 1864 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Return of Connecticut Regiments. New Haven, Jan. 15 – The Eighth and Eleventh Connecticut
Regiments arrived here this morning on the transports Haze and Constitution,
direct from Gloucester
Point, Va. They were
received by the city authorities with a fine military display.
January 25,
1864 – Houston Telegraph (Houston, Texas)
Richmond, Dec. 31. – The Yankee steamer Crusader, carrying 12
guns, was recently destroyed by fire near New Point Comfort.
January 27,
1864 – Hartford Daily
Courant (Hartford, Connecticut)
Fortress Monroe, Jan. 25. – The gunboat
Morse recently left Yorktown with a detachment of colored troops. Entering Mobjack Bay, they went up East river, meeting with no rebel
force or guerrillas. They brought away three families (whites) of women and
children, 15 in number, with 9 contrabands, all of whom arrived here today on
the Yorktown mail boat, together with
several other refugees from Richmond.
January 30,
1864 – Hartford Daily
Courant (Hartford, Connecticut)
Rebels Blockading York River. Fortress Monroe, Jan. 27 – The rebels have
commenced to construct a battery on York river, ten miles above Gloucester, and on that side of the
river. They have placed torpedoes in that river and two at the mouth of the
Pamunky. They have also obstructed the passage up the East river by torpedoes, several being
placed near it entrance into Mobjack bay.
February
13, 1864 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Fortress Monroe, Feb. 11. – A party of guerrillas came to Back River,
about three miles from Camp Hamilton, last night, and robbed a store belonging
to Wm. Wallace of its contents, consisting of six hundred and eight dollars in
money, and seven hundred worth of goods. Mr. Wallace was present at the time,
and would have been captured but for the severe illness of his wife. The
guerrillas came across York
River from Matthews county.
March 8, 1864 – Richmond Examiner (Richmond, Virginia)
SUCCESSFUL
RAID UPON THE EASTERN SHORE. We
have just learned the particulars of a very dashing and successful descent upon
the enemy on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, by Captain Thadeus Fitzhugh, of the
Fifth Virginia cavalry, and thirteen of his men. Captain Fitzhugh was at home,
in Mathews county, on furlough. Getting together fourteen men of his company,
he crossed Chesapeake bay to Cherrystone wharf, in Northampton county, and
there surprised and captured a Yankee picket of twenty-nine men, and destroyed
a large amount of commissary and quartermaster’s stores and six wagons. One
schooner and two steamers were lying at the wharf. He burnt the schooner,
bonded one of the steamers, and ran the other across the bay and beached it
high up on the Piankatank river, with the design, if possible, of saving its
machinery, which is very valuable. Captain Fitzhugh would have extended his
raid beyond Cherrystone, but one of his men having deserted, he felt sure that
the information he would furnish the enemy would very soon bring down an
overwhelming force upon his little party. He returned safely to Mathews without
any other casualty than the desertion mentioned.
March 9, 1864 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Destruction of Telegraph Station Special Correspondence of the Inquirer.
Cherrystone, Va., March 7, 1864. I presume ere this you have received information of
the guerrilla raid on this important Government station, on the eastern shore
of Virginia, which occurred on the morning of the 5th
instant, at about daylight. The party who made the raid are supposed to have
crossed the Bay from Matthews county, on the Eastern shore of Virginia, and numbered, as far as I could judge, between thirty
and forty men, landing near Cape Charles in open boats. Reaching this point they surrounded
and captured the military telegraph operator, Mr. Dunn, who had just retired,
having been at work till within a half hour of their presence.
The cable that connects Fortress Monroe with Cherrystone,
the only communication with Washington from the former point, had been cut several days
previous to the raid, thus rendering it necessary to forward telegraphic
business from the fort by boats to Cherrystone, whence the operator transmitted
them to their point of destination. They captured some telegrams of minor
importance, but none that could give them information of military affairs. They
destroyed the instruments, captured the guards, six cavalrymen, belonging to
Captain R. E. Duvall’s Company, Purnell Legion, as well as several negroes and
sailors from vessels in the harbor. The steamer Eolas, of Baltimore, a steamboat running from this point to Norfolk, on private account, was taken, and Captain Webster’s
room robbed of three thousand dollars in greenbacks, and every article of
clothing found on board was carried off.
The tug Titan,
Captain Shaw, having just arrived from the fort with telegrams, was next taken
possession of, not however, til the operator had obtained the important package
she brought, and which the guerrillas so much desired. The prisoners, twenty to
thirty in all, were carried on the Titan,
after which they fired and destroyed the buildings, and about two thousand
dollars worth of commissary stores. The most barbarous and fiendish act
perpetrated was the killing of about twelve noble horses leading them from the
stabling and shooting and cutting them with axes. About twenty cavalry just
arrived from Eastville as the boat moved off, and gave them a parting farewell
in the shape of a volley of bullets. This is one of the most daring raids in
this department for a long time. Gun-boats have gone in pursuit of the
guerrillas, and I understand have got them in close quarters. The operator was
paroled, but the others carried away.
March 10,
1864 – Daily Richmond Examiner (Richmond, Virginia)
CITY INTELLIGENCE.. The Annual Commencement of the Medical College took place last evening at the African church, upon
which occasion forty-eight young gentlemen received diplomas of graduation. The
following are their names: …John W.
Williams, Matthews county.
March 25,
1864 – San Francisco
Bulletin (San Francisco, California)
Fortress Monroe, March 24. – The expedition recently sent into
Mathews county, under Gen. Graham, has returned after having captured a large
lot of horses, cattle and mules, and 300 contrabands.
March 26,
1864 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Norfolk, Va., March 23, 1864. A gun-boat expedition, under the command of General
Graham, which started away from the city a few days since, has just returned.
Immediately after leaving here it proceeded to Yorktown, where a section of artillery and a force of over a thousand infantry
joined it, on transports. A detachment of four hundred cavalry, the Eleventh
Pennsylvania, moved from Gloucester Court House, to co-operate with the above.
The Piankatank River being entered the whole force landed and commenced
scouring Matthews county. The gun-boats lay near by to render assistance, should
their services be required.
But little opposition was met with. Occasionally a
guerrilla would fire and flee precipitately. Remaining in this county about two
days the river was crossed and Middlesex county visited. The people here
conceived the idea that our men would not allow them to go unmolested, and
consequently prepared themselves against the incursion. Much opposition greeted
our advance, but nevertheless a portion of our force penetrated the country as
far as the Rappahannock River and returned safely. The wreck of the tug Titan, captured at Cherrystone a
fortnight since, was discovered. She had been burned and her machinery taken to
Richmond. A chain seventy-five fathoms long, and an anchor,
belonging to the schooner Lion,
destroyed last fall, were recovered. Many of the citizens averred that the
engineer of the Titan had been
murdered in cold blood by some of his captors, with whom he had got into an
altercation.
Matthews county was thoroughly cleaned out. Everything of
value to the Government that could be found was taken. The people felt as
though the raid was a retaliatory act for the seizure and destruction of the Titan by parties from their county. Ten
prisoners were captured and brought in. Three of these are suspected of being
connected with the late raid on Cherrystone. A little incident in connection
with the capturing of these men may be mentioned here. A squad of six colored
soldiers, under the charge of a sergeant, while scouting through the woods came
across four regular Confederates soldiers. They surrounded them, and much to
the chagrin of the Secesh, they were reluctantly taken prisoners by the black
faces.
April 14,
1864 – New York
Times (New York, New York)
The Baltimore steamer Georgianna,
on the morning of the 12th, off New Point Comfort, picked up three
deserters in a small skiff from Yorktown, making for the Eastern shore. Capt. Pearson hailed them three times, but they did
not stop until the guard fired at them and brought them back. They were
delivered over to the Provost-Marshal at Fortress Monroe.
May 17,
1864 – Hartford Daily
Courant (Hartford, Connecticut)
Expedition for Clearing Out
Rebel Torpedoes. Washington, May 16 – On the 8th
inst., Com. Parker of the Potomac flotilla, received information that a party
of rebels were engaged in placing torpedoes in the Rappahannock, and Rionkakuck
[sic – Piankatank?] rivers to blow up our gunboats, he immediately ordered up
an expedition to thwart their purposes.
Col. Draper of the camp at Point
Lookout, was asked to co-operate, and immediately consented to go himself, and
took with him about 300 colored troops from the camp, who embarked on the same
night.
The troops landed with 36 seamen under the
command of Capt. Street, with boat howitzers and
Grappling hooks, and scoured the Rappahannock and Riankukuck [sic] rivers
and Mobjack bay pretty thoroughly.
The boats explored the Rappahannock
as high up as Urbanna, and the whole length of the Riankakuck [sic] and
succeeded in finding four, which were exploded sending the water up in huge
quantities. Six others were got out of the river unharmed. The torpedoes were
made of tin cases filled with powder, and were to have been exploded by a
percussion cap, and a tarred string leading to the shore being arranged to set
it off.
The amount of powder in them varied
from forty to sixty pounds.
Some of those who where engaged in
fixing the infernal machines were seen from the shore, and our troops pursued
them some distance, and encountered some 200 rebel troops, who where there to
watch the party fixing the torpedoes, when a little skirmish ensued, resulting
in the killing of 10 rebels and the wounding a number of others, and the
capture of 20 prisoners.
The colored troops are said to have
behaved with great gallantry.
The leader of the torpedo party,
Acting Master Maxwell of the confederate navy, a notorious raider, who had
hitherto given much trouble, was killed while attempting to escape by swimming
the creek.
August 11,
1865 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Where the Coat was Found. Department Provost Marshal Ordway, while he
was tracing the watch of Colonel Dahlgren became cognizant of the identity of
the hyenas who stripped the corpse of the slain young chief. Colonel Ordway
informed Captain Hitchcock where he suspected the coat was – a certain point in
Mathews county. Captain Hitchcock at once dispatched thither his Assistant
Provost, Lieutenant Towson. That officer was met by the citizens of Mathews
with the most opprobrious and insulting language. He allowed them to vent their
traitorous spleen in words without molestation. Lieutenant Towson gives a very
unfavorable account of the loyalty or gentlemanly conduct of the citizens of
Mathews. He, however, persevered in doing the work he was sent to do. He soon
became satisfied that the object of his search had been removed from Mathews
county to Norfolk city. And thither went Lieutenant Towson, and
yesterday afternoon he recovered the coat.
September
22, 1865 – Daily State
Gazette (Trenton, New Jersey)
Fortress Monroe, Sept. 19. A man named Lane, from Mathews county, was
arrested and brought here today – He is one of Stonewall Jackson’s generals,
and is charged with making secession speeches in his county recently. Since his
arrest it has appeared that he was not the man who made the speeches referred
to, and Dr. Garnett, of Mathews county, has been arrested, charged with the
offence.
September
23, 1865 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Virginia Postoffices. – The Postmaster General has ordered the
following postoffices to be reopened: … Matthew’s Court House, Matthews county,
William F. Pugh postmaster, vice J. Bohannon.
October 19,
1865 – The Daily Picayune (New
Orleans, Louisiana)
NOTICE TO MARINERS. NEW POINT COMFORT, VIRGINIA. The light at New Point
Comfort, north side of entrance to Mobjack Bay, and west side of Chesapeake
Bay, which was extinguished by the rebels in the spring of 1861, has been
re-established, and will be lighted hereafter every night from sunset to
sunrise.
The tower is built of stone, colored
white, and the illuminating apparatus is dioptric, or by lenses of the fourth
order, showing a fixed white light, which, in ordinary weather, should be seen
at a distance of thirteen nautical miles. By order, W. B. SHUBRICK, Chairman.
Treasury Department, Office
Lighthouse Board, Washington, D.C.
December 4,
1865 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Threatened Trouble In Virginia. Governor Pierpont, of Virginia, at the request of a
public meeting held in Matthews county, has appointed an officer to organize a
militia force in that county, in consequence of the threats of the negroes to
get up an insurrection. The Norfolk Virginian says:
It has been ascertained that the negroes are receiving
ammunition and buying arms wherever they can purchase them. They are uttering
serious threats. General [copy damaged] it is said, is thoroughly aroused to
the importance of taking prompt action, as he has received convincing proof
that a spirit of insubordination exists among the freedmen in other portions of
the State. We learn, also, that this spirit has its origin on the peninsula,
where the freedmen are congregated in vast numbers.
The condition of the farmers in Matthews county is
identical with that which prevails in other portions of the State – they are
unable to employ labor among the freedmen, who refuse to hire themselves by the
year.
January 5, 1866 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR CHERRYSTONE and THE EASTERN
SHORE OF VIRGINIA, MATHEWS COUNTY, GLOUCESTER
AND YORKTOWN CARRYING THE U.S. MAIL.
The new and fast steamer
“Eolus,” Capt. F. McCamok, will leave Norfolk every Monday, Wednesday and
Friday morning, at 6 ½ o’clock …
October 20,
1866 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. HUDGINS. – At New Point Comfort, Va., on the 26th ultimo, of croup, HEZEKIAH,
in the 3d year of his age, son of Samuel D. and Elizabeth Hudgins.
We loved him, oh, no tongue could tell
How much we loved
him , and how well;
God loved him, too, He thought it best
To take him home
to Heaven to rest.
December 19,
1866 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mathews County, Va., Dec. 13, 1866. There is no river in Virginia so little known as Piankitank, and none of the same
size so beautiful. It has great depth of water; is wide and bold, with sloping
banks or high cliffs, from it source to its mouth. It abounds in oysters, and
fish. The former are taken from the beds in great quantities at this season of
the year, and I risk nothing in saying that the oystermen are selling good
oysters at a price far below the sum paid in other places.
I was recently informed by men engaged in the business on
Cobb’s creek, (a small stream emptying into the Piankitank about eight miles
from the mouth of the river,) that these bivalves can now be purchased at
prices ranging from 20 cents to 45 cents per bushel, the latter price for
planted oysters. A vessel carrying 1,000 bushels can be loaded in one day.
There are a working set of oystermen on Piankitank, from Cricket Hill, near
Gwynn’s Island, to Cobb’s Creek, thence on up the river to Freeport. The dealers in shellfish in and around your city
will find it to their interest to try to the fine oysters in the Piankitank.
April 18,
1867 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
Wanted. – A Virginia LADY desires a SITUATION, either in a private
family or Seminary, to teach Latin and the higher branches of English – the
latter preferred. Address MISS M. K. E., Matthews Postoffice, Matthews county, Va.
August 10,
1867 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED. MERCHANT – FOXWELL – On Monday, 5th
inst., by the Rev. Henry Slicer, JOHN R. MERCHANT, of Matthews county, Va., to
ANNIE E. FOXWELL, of Baltimore. [Norfolk papers please copy]
August 22,
1867 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) FOR SALE OR LEASE. A DESIRABLE FARM
in Gloucester county, Virginia, of 850 acres, about 410 arable
and under cultivation, balance in Wood and Timber, all well fenced.
IMPROVEMENTS – a good DWELLING
HOUSE, TWO BARNS and all necessary outbuildings, situated 1 ¼ miles from a good
landing on the Piankatank river, with eight feet water. The Farm will be sold
with or without stock and improvements. I will sell on accommodating terms, or
a good Farmer will Lease for a term of years, or will exchange for property in
the city of Baltimore. EDWARD SEARS, Gloucester Court House, Va.
September
13, 1867 – Georgia Weekly Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
Present Whereabouts and
Occupations of Men Prominent in the War.
Colonel Wm. T. Robins, 24th Virginia cavalry, is farming in Gloucester, Va.
Major General Wm. Taliaferro is
practicing law in the county of Gloucester, Va.
June 26,
1868 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
COUNTRY BOARDING. – PLEASANT ROOMS, with first class BOARD. Apply to
MRS. DR. GARNETT, Mathews Court-house, Va.
July 1, 1868 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Charged with
Larceny. – Robert Jones, colored, was
arrested yesterday by policeman McCauley, charged with stealing $70.66 from
Thos. J. Powell, of Matthews county, Va. Justice Hagerty committed him for the
action of the grand jury. The accused was a hand on board the schooner of which
Capt. Powell was in command. Of the amount stolen $61.26 was recovered.
October 9,
1868 – Petersburg Index (Petersburg, Virginia)
Rev. J. G. Council, of Mathews county, Va. has received a call from the Baptists of the Newtown, Rehoboth, Pitts Creek and Cincoteague [sic]
Churches, in Maryland and Virginia.
November 6,
1868 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. WILLIAMS
– On the 5th instant, NORA, aged 20 years, eldest daughter of
Isabella and the late John Williams, of Matthews county, Va.
December 1, 1868 – Petersburg Index (Petersburg, Virginia)
MARRIED.
BECKWITH-CARY. – At Abingdon Church, Gloucester county, Va., on the 17th of November, by the Rev.
Chas. Mann. T. S. BECKWITH, Jr. of Petersburg, Va., to EMMA, daughter of Dr. S. B. Cary, of Gloucester county, Va.
July 10,
1869 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
NOTICE – FOUND, in Mathews county, at the mouth of Milford Haven, FIVE
WHITE PINE LOGS, from forty to fifty feet long, shackled together. The owner is
requested to come forward, prove property, and pay charges. LEWIS N. POWELL,
Gwynn’s Island, Va.
August 22, 1869 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE OR LEASE – A DESIRABLE FARM in Gloucester county, Virginia, of 850 acres, about 400 arable and
under cultivation, balance in Wood and Timber, all well fenced.
IMPROVEMENTS – A good DWELLING HOUSE, TWO BARNS and all
necessary outbuildings. Situated 1 ¼ miles from a good landing on the
Piankatank river, with eight feet of water. The Farm will be sold with or
without stock and improvements. I will sell on accommodating terms, or to a
good farmer will Lease for a term of
years, or will exchange for property in the city of Baltimore. EDWARD SEARS, Gloucester Court House, Va.
October 27,
1869 – Pomeroy’s
Democrat (Chicago, Illinois)
Postoffices Established August 16, 1869. … Cobb’s Creek, Matthews county, Va., James T. Carter, postmaster.
November 10, 1869 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
VALUABLE MILL SITE FOR SALE. A very valuable MILL SITE, with 12 ½ acres of land
attached. The dam and water-waste have been recently thoroughly repaired. The
house was burnt during the war. This property is situated in Gloucester county, Virginia, near York river, and is contiguous to steamboat landings, where steamers touch daily
from Richmond and Baltimore; is in the most thickly settled portion of the
county; in an excellent neighborhood, and is known as the THRUSTON’S MILL
property. It has always had a fine run of customers, is on a fine stream, and,
when properly fixed, would continue to get a large business.
It presents a splendid opportunity to a person of
moderate capital. We will sell it on accommodating terms, or exchange it for
city property. HOPKINS & JANNEY, No.
18 Spear’s wharf, Baltimore.
January 8, 1870 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED.
WHITE-BELL. On the morning of January 4th, at Trinity Church,
Matthews county, Va., by Rev. John McGill, of Fauquier county, L. White of
Norfolk, Va. to Miss C. H. Bell, of Matthews.
February 16,
1870 – Galveston
Tri-Weekly News (Galveston, Texas)
CONFEDERATE DEAD. The ladies
of Gloucester, Virginia, propose to honor the memory of those who fell in
the Confederate service belonging to that county, by placing in Abingdon church
in Gloucester, a marble tablet on which the names of all are to
be inscribed.
April 6, 1870 – Daily Columbus Enquirer (Columbus, Georgia)
Divorced by a Photograph. In 1858 a man married a lady in Mathews
county, and lived with her until 1867, when he left home under pretense of
going to North Carolina for work, and his wife heard nothing of him until a few
months ago, when she learned that he had gone to Western North Carolina and
passed himself off as a single man, and married a highly respectable lady
there. Finding, by some means, that his first wife had discovered his
whereabouts, he left for parts unknown, and she brought a suit for divorce,
employing as counsel a firm in this city. It was easy to prove his marriage in
Mathews, and also the facts of the marriage in Carolina, but no one could be found to testify that, although
the names were the same in both instances, he was the same individual, and the
man himself was, as a Missouri sheriff reported on a certain occasion “non est come
atibus.” Those who knew him in Carolina could not testify that he was the same man who was
married in Mathews, and vice versa.
So the attorneys conceived the idea of identifying him by means of a
photograph, which was entirely successful. Parties in each place testifying to
the perfect resemblance. Photography has been made to serve many ends, but this
is the first instance in which we have known it to be an instrument in divorce.
[Norfolk Virginian.
May 12, 1870 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
EXTENSIVE SALE OF REAL ESTATE IN VIRGINIA. J. E. Wadsworth, Esq. has sold his beautiful
plantation on North river, called Elmington, to Mr. Duncan, a Scotch gentleman,
and Dr. Tabb has sold his magnificent estate, White Marsh, and the property at
Gloucester Court House, including the Summerville tract, to Mr. Hughes, an
Irish gentleman. It is understood that Mr. Duncan pays for Elmington, with the
growing crops, farming implements, &c. the sum of $36,500, and that Dr.
Tabb sold White Marsh for $60,000.These sales are principally, if not entirely,
for cash. Mr.Wadsworth purchased the property just disposed of less than twelve
months ago, from James M. Talbott for about $27,000, thus realizing in that
time some$10,000.We understood that Elmington contains 700 acres, and White
Marsh about 1,700. – Gloucester (Va.) Herald.
May 18,
1870 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
An unfortunate affair occurred at Mathews Courthouse, Va., one day last week, resulting in the shooting of
George B. Macubbin, of Queen Anne’s county, Md., by John B. Donovan, a prominent lawyer of Mathews
county. These two gentlemen had formerly been partners in a real estate agency,
and a misunderstanding dissolved the firm. The quarrel thus begun led to the
lamentable affray which ended in the wounding of Mr. Macubbin in the abdomen.
The wound is serious, but hopes are entertained that it will not prove fatal.
Mr. Macubbin served gallantly in the Confederate army during the late war, and
is highly esteemed by all who know him.
September
22, 1870 – Houston Daily Union (Houston, Texas)
Washington, September 21. – The Light House Board gives notice
of a fixed white light, under the fourth order, varied by white flashes every
thirty seconds, to be exhibited from October 1st, from Screw Pile Light-house,
in twelve feet water, and mean tide on Wolf Trap shoal, between the mouths’ of
the Rappahannock and York Rivers The light vessel now marking that shoal will
be removed The light will be visible 11 ½ miles. Fog bell rings every ten
seconds. Stingray Point light fixed red, bears north by west by ¾ degree west,
distant about 10 ¾ nautical miles. New Point Comfort light fixed white; bears
southwest ½ degree south; distant 6 3/4
nautical miles. Vessels drawing twenty-five feet should avoid the eastern side of
the lighthouse by half a mile. 18 feeters may approach on the north or south
side within one mile and a quarter. Vessels drawing over six feet should not
attempt to pass between the light-house and the main-land.
March 15,
1871 – Pomeroy’s
Democrat (Chicago, Illinois)
The New Loan of Government. We are not a pet of the Treasury Department,
nor have we any “peculiar” friend addicted to advancing our pecuniary interest
with that or any other branch of Government. Otherwise we would have to be
otherwise, and if we were that otherwise, we would not have the Radical
newspapers announcing our frequent pecuniary demise, or reproaching us for our
political red-hotness.
Not being a pet of the Treasury Department, we have not
received an order to publish the terms of the “New Government Loan,” referred
to by our friend who interrogates us by letter from Mathews Court-house, Mathews county, Virginia.
And as the advertisement is paid for by Government, and
given to newspapers that have influence with Mr. Boutwell, or perhaps will have
influence for him, we cannot afford to do the advertising for nothing, as our
correspondent unintentionally would have us do by responding in detail to his
interrogatories. However, as a general answer to his questions, and as not
being incompatible with our business interests, we have no hesitation in saying
that the loan will be taken by people who have already grown rich by other
tricks in Government bonds. Indeed, only those who have enjoyed an exemption
from a tax on their bonds will be able to take a hand in this new game of
national brokerage jugglery.
To our correspondent we also say, in reply to a question
that greenbacks will not buy a cents worth of this loan, but gold will; and
here again the money-broker and the old bondholders will come in as the Heathen
Chinee did upon Bill Nye, with sleeves well stocked with packs, and by “ways
that are dark, and tricks that are (not) vain.”
No sooner was this big loan scheme promulgated than Belmont and Clews (rich bondholders and bankers here, you know),
and a host of such vultures, flocked to Washington to secure the agency for disposing of these bonds to
the native and the foreigner. Though Belmont is the Chairman of the National Democratic Committee,
and a presumed opponent of the administration, he was cheerfully welcomed by
Mr. Boutwell, and blessed with the agency to reap another harvest from the
fruitful fields of simple-hearted Brother Jonathan. There are forty-eight other
agents besides the “pound of flesh” Jew Belmont, appointed for the city of New
York alone, besides numerous others in the different cities of the country,
each one of whom will gather up his golden sheaves, while you our friend of
Mathews Court-house, in the old State of Virginia, will be hard at work upon
your native heath collecting as a free-born citizen should your crop of blue
whortleberries and opossum-loved persimmons. They are good enough garner for
such as you and I. And all this huge national debt, hag-mother of crushing,
withering, desolating taxation, for which this pap is being mixed out of the
toil of you people of the small farms, and the shops, and the forage, and of
all the other pursuits and trades by which a people live, is a fraud upon the
people, contracted in hate and cemented in blood. To pile it up human life was
cut down to make room for its gigantic base; the populations of districts,
counties, and States were pushed into armies and marched to slaughter. But we
have elsewhere, and on other occasions discussed the great question of the
cause that bred the Nemesis of the nation, the public debt, and we will pause
from its consideration now, hoping that our correspondent, if he ventures any
amount in this new loan of the Radicals, will at the same time endeavor to
obtain some office in its management. Otherwise he will have a chance to think
on Brete Harte’s strange poem to which we have referred.
April 6, 1871 – Petersburg Index (Petersburg, Virginia)
Arrangements are being made
for a grand reunion and tournament by the young men of Gloucester county. The object is to
bring together in social intercourse the surviving officers and soldiers of the
late Confederate and Federal armies now residing in that vicinity. Delegations
are expected from Richmond, Norfolk, Yorktown, Portsmouth and other portions of the State.
April 14,
1871 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Postoffices have been established at the following
places in Virginia … Port Haywood, Mathews county, with C. H. Hudgins
postmaster; Wolftown, Mathews county, with James W. Banks postmaster.
May 16, 1872 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Hick’s Ford, Mathews co., Va., May 14. There died in Mathews county on the 16th
of April last, a negro woman by the name of Grace, at the advanced age of one
hundred and eleven years, retaining to the last a strong mind.
September
12, 1872 – Petersburg Index (Petersburg, Virginia)
Captain James Hicks, aged 68 years, died in Mathews
county, on the 15th inst.
September 14, 1872 – New York Herald (New York, New York)
KILLING FOR
SLANDER, A Man Shot Dead for Accusing a Lady of Improper Conduct. TRIAL OF THE
HOMICIDE. The Circumstances of the Case as Related by Witnesses. ACQUITTAL OF
THE ACCUSED. Richmond, Va., Sept. 13, 1872. A most interesting and exceedingly curious murder
trial has just been concluded at Gloucester county, the details of which I have just received.
The reputation of a leading belle of the county had been questionably
vindicated by the shedding of the blood of her alleged slanderer, and the
acquittal of the murderer sustains that of the high moral law among the
chivalry when the honor of a lady is involved. George A. Tinsley was indicted
on the 1st of August last for the murder of Isaac J. Duer, at Freeport, in Gloucester county, on the same day and at the same place. It appears that both parties were suitors of
Miss Marie Ella Spindle, daughter of Dr. Philip Spindle, who resides near Freeport. Mrs. Robinson, sister of Dr. Spindle, testified that
Captain Duer visited their residence for two months at least once a day, and
was particularly attentive to Miss Spindle. On the night of the 19th
of May, Captain Duer passed the house. The family were sitting on the porch and
retired about ten o’clock, leaving
Miss Spindle in the parlor entertaining some visitors, including Mr. Tinsley,
who remained until eleven o’clock. The others having left, Duer then went into the
house and peeped in the back parlor window. What he saw he related to Dr.
Spindle. His statement was seriously damaging to the character of Miss Spindle,
involving also the name of Mr. Tinsley, the report being that he caught the
lady of his affections in flagrante delicto with his rival.
On Sunday, July 21, Captain Duer called to see Miss
Spindle, who was at an upstairs window and refused to come down. The witness,
Mrs. Robinson, related a conversation to show that, while the attentions of
Captain Duer were coldly received by Miss Spindle, he was warm and persistent
on his part. Among other things he said: “Ella, you know that I love you better
than any one else on earth, and yet I can’t get you. I will never have anyone
else.” On the evening of August 1,
Tinsley and Duer met at or near the store of Marchant & Co. Tinsley
demanded a retraction of what Duer had said about him. Duer refused to retract,
he affirming that his statement was true. Tinsley struck Duer with a whip and
the parties closed, but were separated for a short time. They again came in collision, and the result
was that Duer was shot and mortally wounded by his adversary. He died on the 5th
of August.
The trial of Tinsley took place at Gloucester Court
House. Judge Wyndham Kemp presided . At no Court for months was there so large
a crowd present as on Monday. People came from all directions and even from
adjoining counties on horseback, in vehicles of various sorts, and many walked,
so great was the interest in the Tinsley trial.
THE COURT ROOM WAS PACKED and even the space appointed
for the attorneys and officers of the Court was invaded by the eager and not
overpolite crowd. The importance of the case is indicated by the number and ability
of the counsel employed on either side, several of whom, it will be seen, are
before this Court only for the occasion. Counsel for the accused, Henry A.
Wise, L. Montague, John B. Donovan and J. T. and M. B. Seawell; for the
Commonwealth, Peyton N. Page, Raleigh T. Daniel and J. Boyd Healy. There was
some difficulty in getting a jury and it was not until Tuesday morning that one
was obtained. In the afternoon of that day there was an exciting scene in the
court room. Mr. Daniel, counsel for the prosecution moved to commit the
prisoner to jail, the case not being a bailable one. This was strongly opposed
by Messrs. Wise, Donovan and Seawell, and the law was quoted in the case. At
one time the crowd in the courtroom and outside seemed to have the impression
that the prisoner would be committed to jail, and such expressions as “We’ll
tear the jail down, brick by brick, if they do.” and “I’ll help you.” were freely uttered. Mr. Tinsley was finally
bailed in the sum of $1,000 to appear before the Court next morning. On
Wednesday the examination of witnesses was continued.
T. M. Dawson, bother-in-law of Duer, testified as
follows: Tinsley came up in front of Duer, pistol in hand, and said, “You’ve
got to take back what you’ve said about me [presenting the pistol],you damned
Yankee scoundrel;” Duer said nothing; I remarked, “You are both excited;” “No,”
replied Tinsley. “I am not, I am as composed as ever I was in my life, and am
perfectly responsible for what I say and do;” turning to Duer he continued,
“You have got to take back or die, or I will spill every drop of blood in my
body;” Duer replied, “George, I am not able to fight you, and I cannot take
back the truth; I am not prepared to die, nor are you;” “Prepared or not,”
responded Tinsley, “I came here to settle this today and I am determined to do
it;” I then said to Tinsley, “If you kill Duer you will be sorry for it, and
there are other ways to settle this difficulty;” Tinsley then asked me if I
heard the reports; on replying no he took me aside and told me that Duer had
accused him publicly of criminal intimacy with Miss Spindle. Tinsley then
returned to the spot where Duer was and Duer remarked “Come here, George, and
we can settle this trouble without any difficulty;” they now moved off together
and took seats on the bench at the store.
John W. Walker testified as follows: - I came to the
bench where Tinsley and Duer were sitting; Dr. Spindle got up and made a few
steps in front of Captain Duer, and said, “Captain Duer, I blame you for the
whole of this difficulty; I thought you were one of my best friends, but you
are my worst enemy; you have tried to ruin my family forever;” Mr. Tinsley said also to Captain Duer, “That
is the way with all; ever since you have been here you have been trying to
injure my character, and are now trying to injure a respectable young lady; you
have got to retract, or I will put this whip on you or you have got to whip
me;” Duer replied “That is a mighty hard thing to do, George;” Duer then
repeated the charge against Miss Spindle.
John Fahrenhal testified – I know the parties; got to
Freeport after one difficulty had occurred; attitude as described by other
testimony; I took Tinsley aside and talked with him; also talked with Dr.
Pressen; when Tinsley came back he took a seat by Duer and said to him, “You
will have to retract what you have said;” Dr. Spindle also said, “You must make
Duer take back what he has said,” Duer then got up and repeated the offensive
words and Tinsley struck him with the whip; Duer seized Tinsley and turned back
to the parties; heard a pistol shot, and when I turned around they were in the
act of falling, Duer having hold on Tinsley’s arm that held the pistol; they
were then parted; can hardly say who parted them; pistol fired once while in
the act of parting them, but by whom cannot say; when Tinsley got up he asked
for his pistol, saying that he would shoot Duer again; Duer had moved up
towards the house; Tinsley got the whip and started after Duer; Mr. Roane and I
stopped him and carried him in the store; he was wounded in two places on the
arm and shoulder; I then went up to the house where Duer was; returning was
asked by prisoner if Duer was shot badly; I said he was; “I have only one thing
to regret.” replied Tinsley. “and that is that I did not put all six balls in
him.”
The case was then given to the jury, after a week’s
examination of the witnesses and the strongest argument of a powerful array of
counsel on both sides, and after a brief absence, they returned a verdict of
“Not guilty,” and the accused was acquitted.
January
1, 1873 - New York Herald (New York, New York)
MARRIED.
RICHARDSON-HAYES – At Port Richmond, S. I.,
by Rev. J. L. Hurlburt, on Monday, December 23, 1872, Mr. Theophilus Richardson, of New Kent county,
Virginia, and Miss Georgia B. Hayes, of Gloucester county, Virginia.
January 17,
1873 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED.
OWENS-HUNLEY. – On the evening of the 14th instant, by the
Rev. John A. Pollard, GEORGE W. OWENS, of Baltimore, to Miss WILLIE HUNLEY, of
Matthews county, Va.
March 7, 1873 – Daily Evening Bulletin (San
Francisco, California)
Not Bound To Believe It. – A correspondent of the
Norfolk, Tenn. Journal “has no doubt
of the truth” of the following story, which he writes from Matthews
Court-house, Va.: “There appeared, during the last moments of Mrs. Silla
Summers, a strange phenomenon and a coincidence probably unparalleled. A few of
the neighbors were sitting in a lower chamber, where Mr. Summers was confined
to his bed with the rheumatism. He had his face toward the fire; suddenly he
asked them to look in the fire, and tell him if they saw nothing remarkable.
They looked, and all at once uttered an exclamation of astonishment; for there,
on the face of a charred log, was plainly traced, in letters of fire, the name
of Silla. All watched it in silence,
some hoping, some fearing its significance. Soon one letter went out, then
another, and another, till the last, when simultaneously there was a burst of
grief from an upper chamber. The last spark of life in Silla Summers went out
together with the last letter of her name.”
March 27,
1873 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
Wanted – a young Man to WORK and ATTEND ON A FARM in Mathews county, Va.; a good home and fair wages given; references
required. Apply at 41 CHEAPSIDE.
August 9, 1873 – New York Herald (New York, New York)
For Sale – In Gloucester County, Va., Within 1
½ miles of navigable water, from 400 to 500 acres of Timber, heavily set in
white oak, chestnut and pine. Apply to P. N. Page, Gloucester
Court House,
Va.
August 22,
1873 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
(Advertisement)
A SPLENDID INVESTMENT. A Farm of 500 acres in Matthews county, Virginia,
with three-quarters of a mile water front – Chesapeake boats in full view – on the Piankatank river, which
affords an abundance of fish, oysters and crabs. Dwelling and usual
outbuildings. The proposed extension of the York River railroad termination on the place, route surveyed. Will be sold cheap
for cash. Address J. B. HILL, No. 922 MAIN Street, Richmond, Virginia.
May 14, 1874 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The post office
at Central, Gloucester county, Va., is discontinued for want of a candidate [for
postmaster]; the papers go to Wood’s Cross Roads.
May 22,
1874 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FARM OF 50 ACRES FOR SALE – In Mathews county, Va., situated on Milford
Haven; good oyster shore for planting oysters; on navigable water; convenient
to steamboats three times a week; DWELLING HOUSE and all necessary out houses
in good order. Price $1,200. Apply to VICKERY & CARROLL, 53 West Pratt street or L. M. HUDGINS, Mathews co. C.H.
June 26, 1874 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Washington, June 25, 1874. The name of the post office at Hickory Fork, Gloucester county, Va. is changed to White Marsh.
September 5, 1874 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. Thomas
Montague of Gloucester Court House, was killed on Saturday by being thrown from
his buggy.
January 22,
1875 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) FARM FOR SALE – In Matthews county,
Va., of 50 Acres: has a two-story DWELLING and necessary outhouses in good
order, inclosed with chestnut fence, situated on Milford Haven; has good oyster
shore and steamboats three times a week to Norfolk or Baltimore; having healthy
location, good spring waters in the yard. Price $1,200. Apply to VICKERY &
CARROLL, 53 West
Pratt street
or L. R. STOAKES, Matthews County, Va.
February
17, 1875 – Petersburg Index
& Appeal (Petersburg, Virginia)
District Deputy Grand
Masters of Masons for Virginia – The following is a list
of the District Deputy Grand Masters of Masons appointed by Grand Master
William B. Taliaferro for the year ending December, 1875, together with their
post-offices and lodges in each district. We copy it from the Dispatch
of yesterday …. District No. 13, William
E. Wyatt, Gloucester Court-house
July 14,
1875 – New Hampshire Patriot (Concord, New
Hampshire)
Terrible Steamboat Disaster – Ten Lives Lost. The steam tug Lumberman, while returning to Norfolk, Va., on Monday night from Fortress Monroe with a pleasure
party of 18, was run into off Sewall’s Point by the steamer Isaac Bell, and
sunk immediately in fifty feet of water. … The following is a list of the lost:
… Miss M. Borum of Matthews county … Only three bodies have been recovered.
Miss Borum … found near Fortress Monroe,
nearly two miles from the scene of the disaster.
December 17,
1875 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
O. E. Maltby has bought the fish guano factory located
at New Point Comfort, Mathews county, Va., for one thousand one hundred and fifty dollars.
April 5, 1876 – Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas)
On the bay shore of Mathews county, Va., recently, ten whales were captured by fishermen,
having been driven upon a sand-bar during a storm.
May 26,
1877 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
SELECT SUMMER BOARDING can be obtained in a Private Family, in Matthews
county, Va. Location
delightful, on the water; home comforts; water luxuries, &c. References exchanged.
Address A. P., New
Constitution street, Baltimore, or Matthews Court House,
Va.
May 29,
1877 – Georgia
Weekly Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
Washington, May 22. – A third class can buoy, painted green,
with the word “wreck” on it, has been placed on the wreck lying off New Port
Comfort.
November 3, 1877 – Petersburg Index (Petersburg, Virginia)
The State
Executive Committee, to whom Major V. Vaiden and B. F. Bland, Esq., have
submitted questions relating to their candidacy for the Senate of Virginia in
the district composed of the counties of New Kent, Gloucester, Mathews and
Middlesex, and who have fully heard these gentlemen in reference to these
questions, regret the unhappy differences which exist in that senatorial
district.
The committee see nothing to indicate that in the
creation of the existing difficulties any county of the district, designedly
acted even discourteously toward any other county of the district, much less in
disregard of the rights of any other county. They all had equal rights in the
matter, and all seemed to have acted in good faith.
But forced as we are to decide the question presented to
us, and the near approach of the election precluding any other solution, we are
of opinion, and so decide, that the Convention which met at Gloucester
Courthouse on the 19th day of September, 1877, had the better right
to nominate a candidate for the senatorial district; and we decide further,
therefore, that under all the circumstances of the case B. F. Bland ought to be
considered as the Conservative candidate of that district for the Senate of
Virginia. And we earnestly trust that the friends of Major Vaiden throughout
the district; and that the patriotic voters of New Kent especially, will, for
the good of the party, cordially acquiesce and give to B. F. Bland an earnest
support at the coming election, as we have assurance from the spirit manifested
by Major
Vaiden and the sentiments
expressed by him that he will do. JOHN
H. GUY, JOHN A. MEREDITH,
A. M. KELLEY, State Executive Committee.
February, 1878 – Scribner’s
Monthly
Washington’s
Only Sister. The only daughter of Augustine Washington and his wife Mary Hall
who lived to see her brother the leader and ruler of a new nation, is spoken of
in the family record as “Betty.” and not Elizabeth, as some modern writers have
called her. Betty she calls herself in all of her letters, and “From Mrs. Betty
Lewis,” is General Washington’s endorsement of the epistles addressed to him.
There is therefore no foundation for supposing this a mere pet name or
diminutive for Elizabeth. She married Colonel Fielding Lewis, who had left his
childhood’s home – Warner Hall, in Gloucester County, Virginia – when quite
young, to settle in Fredericksburg …
August 1, 1878 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
OBITUARY. Thomas Booz, Shipbuilder. Baltimore, July 31 – Mr. Thomas Booz, a
native of Baltimore, died at his farm,
“Cedar Lodge,” Matthews county, Virginia, on Sunday, of paralysis, in the
fifty-eighth year of his age.
Mr. Booz was a shipbuilder by trade, and on coming of age
established the firm of Booz & Foster, at Canton,
Md. Mr. Foster
afterwards withdrew out of the firm, and Mr. Booz took as a partner his brother Charles W. Booz. A number of the
largest merchantmen, as well as government vessels, were turned out at his
yard, among them the government vessels Monacacy and Waxsaw. At the yard in Canton, during the war, were built a number of large pontoon
bridges for Gen. George H. McClellan. In 1860 Mr. Booz was a member of the Maryland
Legislature, which with the office of city councilman of Baltimore, were the only public positions he ever held. He was
for many years one of the directors of the Second National Bank of Baltimore. About eight years ago, Mr. Booz withdrew from business
and purchased his farm in Matthews county, Va.
March 3, 1879 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The schooner Charles E. Paige, 199 tons, lumber laden,
went ashore at New Point Comfort, Va., in a northeast gale, Friday. She was
floated Sunday by the Baker wrecking tug from Norfolk. She is in good condition, and will proceed to Baltimore.
April 11,
1879 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Letter from Matthews County, Va. Hick’s Wharf, Matthews co., Va. April 8. The prospect for a fruit crop at present is
good, though on the 2d and 4th instant there was a hard freeze.
Bloom is twenty days later this season than last. Peas are looking well, of
which a large crop has been planted, as also of Irish potatoes, which are
coming through the ground. The fish harvest is quite plentiful and extensive.
There is an unusually large run of alewives, which are used as manure. The oat
crop has been almost entirely killed out by hard freezing, and wheat is very
much injured.
Our lands are well adapted to fruit growing and trucking,
the yield being equal to any we hear of from the Eastern Shore. The facility for transportation is good, having
connection with all the principal cities of the North three times per week, and
a promise of daily when trade will justify it.
May 24,
1879 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
BOARDERS WILL BE TAKEN AT AUBURN, Mathews county, Va.; beautifully
situated in a healthy, pleasant neighborhood immediately on North river, an arm
of the Bay, near the P.O. and Norfolk steamer, and only __ hours run to Old
Point. Good fishing, sailing, shooting, and a plenty of fruit. Board is only $5
per week, or $25 per month. References Rev. P. Wroth, Pleasant street, and Mr. Lewis Hopkins of Messrs. L. N. & J. N.
Hopkins. References asked in return. H. A. TABB, P. O. Hick’s Wharf, Mathews
Co., Va.
May 31,
1879 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Information has been received at Richmond, Va.,
charging that a brutal outrage was committed by Charles Guion upon Ellen Gwynn,
in Mathews county, Va., a day or two ago. Guion fled, it is believed, to New York, of which place he is believed to have been a native.
The Governor offers a reward for his arrest.
June 6, 1879 – Petersburg Index (Petersburg, Virginia)
SAD AND FATAL ACCIDENT. A correspondent of
the Dispatch, writing from Gloucester
Courthouse May 31st, says : Our community was startled yesterday by
a very sad accident, which has cast a shade of sadness over everybody. Mr.
Thomas B. Taliaferro, one of our most respected citizens, was riding in a sulky
near the village of Hickory Fork, where he resided, when
his horse took fright and threw him in the wheel, dragging him about a mile.
When he was found he was senseless. He died about 2 o’clock
A.M.
yesterday. Mr. Taliaferro had been one of the most prominent merchants in the
county, and was postmaster at this place for many years before the war, and was
respected by all who knew him. He leaves an interesting family to mourn their
loss.
August 20,
1879 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The havoc of the storm along the line of the Dismal Swamp canal is appalling …
Capt. Noah Foster found a
dead woman lashed to the rigging of an abandoned fore-and-aft schooner, which
went ashore in Matthews county during the storm off Gwynn’s Island.
She was about 35 years of age.
The Steamer Ken, of the Maryland Steamboat Company, is
hard ashore near Fitchett’s wharf, in Matthews county.
August 22,
1879 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Storm on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. … The sloop
Morgan, Capt. Patterson, from Mathews county, went on the beach at Cape Charles and was not injured. The captain and crew were saved.
February 5, 1880 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
A three-masted schooner, said to be the F. E.
Lawrence, of Absecon, N.J., is ashore at New Point Comfort, Va. Assistance has gone to her.
February 5, 1880 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Railroad Matters in Virginia. In the
Virginia House of Delegates, Tuesday, a bill was introduced to authorize the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad to construct and work a branch of its line
of road from a point near Hanover Junction to deep waters in the Chesapeake Bay, near Piankatank, in Matthews County.
June 10,
1880 – Chester Daily Times (Chester, Pennsylvania)
Crozer Seminary Commencement … The “Present Conflict”
was the subject of an oration by John Egerton Raymond, of Matthews county, Va. This was an admirably well written effort on the
conflict of the atheist against the Bible.
The contest, he thought, was a fearful one, and it would not do for the
church to give up the vantage ground. Hold fast the faith which the church has,
is the only way to conquer. He spoke earnestly and well, acquitting himself
with high honors.
September
13, 1880 – Petersburg Index
& Appeal (Petersburg, Virginia)
LAST HANOVER PRESBYTERY. … Report was made of the organization of a
church at Powellton, in Accomac county, and steps were taken for the
organization of another at Gloucester Courthouse. …
Rev. Walter H. Robertson was
received into the Presbytery by certificate, and will have charge of the work
in Gloucester county, where his labors have already, during the
few months of his presence there, met with gratifying success.
January 13,
1881 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Norfolk, Va., Jan. 12. – Major W. T. Taliaferro, a prominent
citizen of this section, died this morning after a lingering illness. He was a
member of the Legislature for several years and a leader in the politics of
this district. During the war he served in the army of Northern Virginia and under Gen. Joseph E. Johnson. Major Taliaferro
was a native of Matthews county and brother of Gen. Wm. B. Taliaferro of Gloucester.
April 8, 1881 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
DROWNED – About one mile below Sturgeon Bar Buoy, in the Rappahannock river, on the 30th day of March, last. WM.
L. WINDER, 19 years old, 5 feet 6 inches high, stout built, dark hair; had on
white gauze undershirt, white Canton flannel and stripped cotton overshirt,
oilcloth overalls, gray coat, pair of thick leather boots, and blue and white
yarn socks. A just compensation will be given to any person finding and
delivering the body to W. H. WINDER, near Crickett Hill, Matthews county, Va.
April 15, 1881 – Petersburg Index & Appeal (Petersburg, Virginia)
East Hanover
Presbytery convened yesterday morning at 9:30 o’clock at the Second Presbyterian Church.
Rev. Alfred Jones, of Petersburg, of the committee appointed to organize a church at
Gloucester Courthouse, submitted the report of that committee, which was, on
motion, received, approved and the church enrolled.
April 21,
1881 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
SPRING DALE FARM FOR SALE, IN
MATTHEWS COUNTY, VA.
It contains 170 acres, has a
good DWELLING of nine rooms and Cook-House, and all necessary outbuildings for
the farm, with Ice-House. This place is located on East river, has a fine shore
for planting oysters; located half mile from Matthews Courthouse, convenient to
steamers to Baltimore and Norfolk five times a week; good water and very
healthy. Price $4,500, on reasonable terms. Apply to L. M. HUDGINS, Matthews C.
H., Va.
June 9, 1881 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
A letter from Gloucester Court House, Va., says: “The fruit crop bids fair to be very abundant
with the exception of apples. Truckers have done well with peas. The Colorado bug is lively, and our Irish potato vines are feeling
the effects of his work. Fish of the finest quality are caught in the greatest
abundance in the ponds, and our people are feeding upon the fat of the water.”
June 11, 1881 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Damage by
Collision. – The schooner Wm. H.
Smith, Capt. Dudley Gilbert, of Crisfield, was in collision on Thursday
morning, off the mouth of the Piankatank river, with the steamer Lady of the Lake,
of the Washington and Norfolk line. The schooner was fishing at the time, and was
damaged to the extent of $450 about the bow, rigging and rail.
July 27,
1881 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
A new buoy has been placed in position on New Point
Comfort shoals.
September 19, 1881 – Petersburg Index & Appeal (Petersburg, Virginia)
East Hanover
Presbytery: Rev. T. E Scott, the pastor of the Suffolk church, reported a
handsome church edifice almost completed, and steps well taken to secure during
the present winter the erection of another at Gloucester courthouse, the
various societies of young people in the churches in the Presbytery being
invited to make this the object of their contributions for the winter.
February
19, 1882 – New York
Times (New York, New York)
OYSTER
PIRATES CAPTURED. Norfolk, Va., Feb. 18. – Gov. Cameron’s war expedition against the
lawless oystermen in the Rappahannock River returned to this city soon after 6 o’clock this afternoon. Prior to its arrival the excitement
in the city had reached fever heat, and the air was full of untrustworthy
rumors of fighting and bloodshed. The citizen soldiers comprising the
expedition were prominent and well known young men of the city, and the anxiety
for their safety was intense. The troops returned well and the enterprise was a
success. Six schooners and one sloop were captured, and their crews, comprising
61 men, were today surrendered by Gov. Cameron, upon warrants held by Sheriff
Smith, of Matthews County, and lodged in the county jail, where they will await
trial at the term of the County Court on the 13th of March. The
names of the vessels which were turned over to the civil authorities and now lie
anchored in the Piankitank River, six miles from Matthews Courthouse, are as
follows: Schooners Annie and Alice, Kirkwood, George W. Crosswell, and Hamburg,
and sloop Fashion, all hailing from Onancock, Accomac County, Va.; schooners
Mary Taulane, of New York, and J. C. of Norfolk, Va. Adjt. E. D. Starkee, of
the state Artillery, holds the Sheriff’s receipt for the following prisoners: …
W. C. Evans, … The penalty of the law is forfeiture of the vessels and cargoes
and from one to three years in the penitentiary.
After a stormy trip the squadron sighted the fleet at 7 o’clock yesterday morning dredging under full sail. When within
a mile and a half the guns of the “Blues” opened fire, each steamer singling
out a vessel and giving chase. Eighteen shots were fired through the rigging of
the schooner Kirkwood, and she was chased 35 miles toward the capes of Virginia before she was brought to. No armed resistance was
offered, and at 12 o’clock the entire
fleet had been captured. The piratical oystermen have long been a terror on
this western shore of the Chesapeake
Bay.
March 10,
1882 – New York
Times (New York, New York)
VIRGINIA OYSTER WARS.
Fortress Monroe,
Virginia, March 9. Another oyster war seems imminent, and a
call to arms from the Governor of Virginia is almost hourly expected. Person
who today arrived here from Richmond and Lancaster Counties report that large
fleets of alien oyster vessels are depredating upon the oyster beds of the
Rappahannock and other streams in that part of the State in defiance of the
laws and the announcements of Gov. Cameron. A few weeks ago the Governor, at
the head of an improvised naval expedition, pounced down upon those
free-booters, capturing seven vessels and 61 prisoners. The former are now
lying at the wharf at Mathews Court house and the latter are behind bars of the jail at
the same place. The fate of these men, however, has not prevented others from
similar offenses. These last marauders are said to be even bolder and more
determined than those who were forced to succumb to Virginia’s navy. It is said that, if interfered with by the
inhabitants of the counties along the rivers upon which they are depredating,
they threaten to kill all who approach them. The Whitworth guns sent to Mathews County were mounted upon the bank of the Rappahannock River, and are manned by the citizens of the county. The
marauders, however, carry on their depredations beyond the range of these guns.
An appeal will at once be made to the Governor for such a
military force as will capture or drive off the trespassers. A fund has been
raised, it is said, by the oystermen of several of the large cities to defend
those now in custody. Some of the ablest members of the Virginia Bar have been employed, and every effort will be made to
secure the acquittal of the oystermen. The Executive has been asked to employ
additional counsel to assist the State’s Attorney in prosecuting them. It has
been rumored that an attempt was to be made by the oyster thieves to release
their friends now in jail. A strong guard is on duty there armed with muskets
and supplied with an abundance of ammunition, besides having three Whitworth
guns mounted on the banks of the river. The Governor will no doubt fit out
another expedition and pounce down upon the freebooters before they can get
beyond his jurisdiction. He is fully determined that the laws shall be
enforced, even if blood has to be freely spilt in the efforts. As soon as the
Legislature reassembles after the recess, the question of organizing a State
navy will be agitated, and a proposition will be made to keep one or two fully
equipped and armed revenue cutters on Chesapeake Bay and
its tributaries to protect the oyster interests.
March 11,
1882 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Oyster War in Virginia. Richmond, Va., March 10. – Gov. Cameron has authorized the
Commonwealth’s attorney of Matthews county to employ additional counsel to assist
him in the prosecuting the oystermen now confined in the jail of that county
charged with illegally dredging in the waters of this state. It seems to be the
disposition of the Governor to see that the laws relating to the protection of
the oyster interest are rigidly enforced. The reports that there are several
oyster vessels in the Rappahannock river engaged in the unlawful taking of
these succulent bivalves, contrary to law, seem to be confirmed by later
reports from counties along the northern neck. The authorities do not seem to
have any official information of these continued depredations. It is safe to
assume when they are satisfied with the truth of the reports that the
depredators will not long remain unmolested. It is thought that the oyster takers
of several of the large cities have made up a fund with which to ____ those of
their friends held in durance in Matthews county to employ the ablest counsel
obtainable to defend them.
March 20,
1882 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Piratical Oystermen. Norfolk, Va., March 19. – The piratical oyster dredgers were
yesterday convicted in the Matthews County Court, and sentenced to one year each in the penitentiary
and forfeiture of their boats. The judge and jurors signed a petition to the
Governor for the pardon of the convicted men because of extenuating
circumstances.
March 30,
1882 – Wheeling Register (Wheeling, West
Virginia)
Cameron’s Convicts. Richmond, March 29. – The forty-six convicted oyster-dredgers,
of Mathews county, were marched into the penitentiary today.
March 30,
1882 – New York
Times (New York, New York)
VICTIMS OF
OYSTER WARFARE. Richmond, Va., March 29. – The oyster dredgers, 46 in number,
recently convicted in Matthews County, Va., of violation of the State oyster
laws and sentenced to one year’s imprisonment each in the penitentiary, were
brought to this city this afternoon by the Sheriff of Matthews County and a
posse. They were met at the station in Manchester by a detachment of Richmond Police and escorted to
this side of the river and to the penitentiary. An effort has been made to
obtain Executive clemency in their behalf, and a petition is now before the
Governor, but he has as yet taken no action in the matter. Many of the
prisoners are fine-looking men, and they evidently feel the disgrace of their
position.
April 6, 1882 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
In the cases of the oyster dredgers recently convicted
of violating the oyster laws of Virginia, and sentenced to the penitentiary, Gov. Cameron,
yesterday pardoned Capt. G. W. Johnston and commuted the sentences of Capts. G.
W. Crockett, E. D. Chandler, S. J. Lucas, W. C. Evans, E. O. Kellum, and Wm.
Kellum to confinement in Accomac jail for 60 days. All of the seamen but one
were fully pardoned. Wm. Larkin, the seaman not pardoned, escaped from Matthews
county jail, after setting it on fire, but was recaptured.
June 30,
1882 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) BRIGHTON FOR SALE. This place
commands one of the most beautiful water views on East river, in Mathews county, Va. The House, erected about three years ago, is large,
handsome and convenient, of sufficient size, including the basement, to give
twelve rooms, 16 by 18, and a hall 12 feet wide; has a bay window in the
parlor, and a handsome covered porch in from of the length of the house, 12
feet wide, besides another covered porch and three verandahs. The House is
covered with tin. It fronts the river, and is about 10 yards from its banks;
has a fine view of Mobjack bay, and is regarded as one of the healthiest places
in the county, being almost surrounded by salt water, with an oyster shore of
river and creeks adjacent to about one mile and a quarter in extent. The Farm
contains about 100 acres of arable land admirably adapted to fruit and
trucking; has a young orchard. It is about two miles by water to William’s
wharf, where the Norfolk steamboat connecting with the Baltimore Bay Line at
Old Point stops three times a week, giving direct communication with Baltimore. It is about one mile from a postoffice and two
stores, and convenient to churches. Has Barn, Stable, Carriage-House, &c.
Price $8,500
Persons desiring further information can address me at
Port Haywood, Mathews county, Va., and those desiring to see the place will be met at William’s
wharf upon giving notice.
POWHATAN ROBERTSON.
March 3, 1883 – New York Times (New York, New York)
CAPTURE OF
OYSTER BOATS. Fortress Monroe,
Virginia, March 2. – The steamer Victoria J. Peed, having on
board Gov. Cameron and his staff, with detachments of troops from Norfolk,
arrived here at 7:30 this evening, and the party stopped for an hour to rest
and refresh themselves. When the steamer Pamlico parted company with them on
Wednesday the Peed crossed over from the mouth of the Potomac to the eastern shore, where the dredgers had not yet learned of the
expedition sent against them. Here they surprised and captured four oyster
vessels – the Rough and Ready, Capt. Thomas B. Ross; the Noble Grand, Capt. J.
R. Sparrow; the Cornelius Vanderbilt, Capt. Eybert Evans, and the W. S. Rogers,
Capt. E. J. Corban. The combined crews numbered 32 men. No resistance was made
by the vessels, which were taken quite by surprise, and they were turned over
to the authorities of Accomack County this morning. On continuing her cruise today the Peed
captured the schooner Mary Wesley, Capt. Dire, with a crew of eight men. She
was not dredging at the time, but complaint had been made of former
depredations, and she was taken to Milford Haven and turned over to Sheriff Wise.
The Governor and his staff will remain at the Hygeia Hotel for a day or two.
March 24,
1883 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Virginia Items. Dr.
George L. Nicholson, a leading physician of Matthews county, died last week.
April 3, 1883 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
We take it for granted that the General Post-office
Department, in establishing an overland daily mail from Baltimore via Richmond, down the peninsula to the lower counties of eastern Virginia, thought it was doing a proper thing. It turns out,
however, that , so far at least as Matthews county is concerned, the mails
destined for that county take from three to four days in reaching there,
greatly to the embarrassment of persons doing business or having correspondence
with Baltimore or who are subscribers to the Baltimore newspapers. As Matthews
county is bound by the Chesapeake bay, by Mobjack bay, which is an indentation
in the shore of the Chesapeake, and by the Piankatank river, which empties into
the Chesapeake, it is obvious that the water route to the postoffice in that
county is the natural one, as experience has proved it to be also the quickest
and most certain. The people of the county who suffer most by the change from
the bay service to overland service are those who get their mails from the
postoffices at Matthews Court-House, at East Haywood, at William’s Wharf, or at
Hick’s Wharf. Under the old arrangement, as a correspondent reminds us, there
was a tri-weekly mail from Baltimore
to the above named postoffices. That mail closed in Baltimore at eight o’clock P.M. on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and reached
the postoffices referred to at eleven o’clock on the morning of the following day. At that time the
mail was carried by the steamers of the Old Bay Line as far as Fortress Monroe,
and was then transferred to the steamer Northampton, which distributed it at the different postoffices to
the end of its route. A letter sent by this water route would reach Baltimore from Matthews county within twenty-four hours from
the time of starting, and replies would be received also within a similar
period of time. Under the present overland arrangements it takes some four days
to send a letter from a Matthews county postoffice to Baltimore, and vice cersa ; because in passing down the
peninsula from Richmond it is distributed at all the little roadside
postoffices by the way and, at one of them, there is a delay of twenty-four
hours on account of imperfect connections. The delay at this single point is
greater by five hours than it took, in the Bay Line service, to deliver the
mail from Baltimore at the Matthews county postoffices. The people are
anxious to have the mail put back to the old route via Fortress Monroe. While the service was by this route, writes
our correspondent, not only did the people get regularly the market reports of The Sun, upon which they confidently relied
to govern their business transactions, but their letters of advice would reach Baltimore at the same time as the produce that they shipped,
and to which the letter referred. Now, the freight went by the Bay Line gets to
Baltimore three days earlier than the letter of advice
concerning it. Every one will see how seriously this is calculated to derange
business, and we trust that this representation of facts will be given by the
Postmaster-General or his present substitute that consideration which is due to
it, and that it will lead to the restoration of the tri-weekly mail to Matthews
county by the Bay Line of steamers, which suited the people so well and which
they earnestly desire to have again.
April 4, 1883 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Washington, April 3. The postoffice authorities here are making arrangements to
remedy the delay which now occurs on the mail routes between Baltimore and the postoffices in Matthews county, Va., and neighborhood, alluded to in The Sun this morning. The mail which leaves Baltimore for Matthews
C.H. in the afternoon reaches Richmond about 10 o’clock at night and remains
there until after 2 o’clock the next afternoon, when it goes on, with the
Baltimore morning mail, both mails going to Matthews county together, and
reaching there, via West Point, the third afternoon after leaving Baltimore. Superintendent
Viocary will now make arrangements to have the afternoon mail from Baltimore, reaching Richmond about 10 o’clock P.M. forwarded by a freight train which leaves at an early
hour of the morning at West
Point, whence it will be
dispatched to Matthews C.H., and twenty-four hours will be saved. The mail
leaving Baltimore in the morning and Richmond about 2:30
in the afternoon for Matthews C.H. will go as now.
It is stated at the Postoffice Department that the
contract with the Old Dominion Steamboat Line was not renewed this year because
the department was able to secure for about $1,000 the present service, for
which the Old Dominion Line making connection from Norfolk charged $3,000 per annum. The postal authorities say
that if the Old Dominion Line will carry the mail to Hick’s Wharf, William’s
Wharf, Matthews C.H. &c. at a moderate rate a contract for that service
will be made to them.
May 14,
1883 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Death of a
Well-Known Virginian. – Mr. C. T.
Browne, aged 89 years, died on Thursday last at his residence, Poplar Grove,
Matthews county, Va. He was widely known in Eastern Virginia, and represented Matthews and Gloucester counties several terms in the Legislature. At the
outbreak of the war he was opposed to secession, but when the ordinance passed
he cast his influence with his State. He was remarkable for his integrity of
character and genial disposition. He frequently visited Baltimore as the guest of Mr. R. Q. Taylor, and made numerous
friends here. He was an elder in the Campbellite Church. His estate is one of the most attractive in Virginia.
May 31,
1883 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Admissions to
the Bar. – The Supreme Bench
yesterday admitted to the bar, after examination in open court … George Hunley,
Matthews county, Va. … graduate of the Law Department of the University of Maryland at the recent commencement.
June 9, 1883 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
THE OYSTER PIRATE CASES – Judge Fauntleroy, of the
Supreme Court of Virginia, has granted a supersedeas in the cases known as the
“Mathews oyster pirate cases.” It will be remembered that on the seventeenth of
February, last, Governor Cameron, at the head of a part of the State militia,
captured about forty “oyster pirates” off Gwynn’s Island
in the Chesapeake bay, opposite Mathews county. They were tried, convicted,
and sent to the penitentiary. Subsequently they were pardoned by the Governor.
The vessels were seized and confiscated by the State, and $18,000 realized. The
owners of the vessels brought suit to recover the property, and the court of
Mathews county decided in their favor. The old Supreme Court sustained the
judgment of the lower court, and now the case will come up before the present
Supreme Court.
June 16,
1883 – Newark Daily Advocate (Newark, Ohio)
While the three little children of W. Davis, in Matthews county, Virginia, were playing under a suspended wagon
body, it broke from its fastenings and fell, crushing the children almost to a
jelly and killing them all instantly.
July 7, 1883 – Denton Journal (Denton, Maryland)
The first lot of peaches arrived in Baltimore on the steamer Avalon, Tuesday morning. The peaches
were sent by Judge T. J. Christian, of Cricket Hill, Matthews county, Va.
October 15,
1883 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Gov. Cameron will make a political speech at Harrisonburg, Va., today. As Judge Joseph Christian who met the
Governor in joint debate in Matthews county last week, is also announced to
speak in Harrisonburg today, it is probable there will be another tilt
between these gentlemen.
October 27, 1883 – Allen County Democrat (Allen County, Ohio)
A Colonial
Residence. To form some adequate idea of the royal scale on which the old
planter of Virginia lived it is necessary to visit the castle-like mansions
where in the midst of broad estates, surrounded by all the belongings of a
large establishment, he carried on his affairs with the authority of a grandee,
and in true aristocratic style lorded it around generally. Probably the noblest
of all the colonial residences in the state is “Rosewell,” the former seat of
Mann Page, in Gloucester county, Virginia. This once magnificent structure,
situated on Carter’s Creek, less than one mile from York River, begun by Matthew Page, was completed after his death by his son Mann
Page, in 1730. Years were consumed in its construction, at a cost which may be
guessed at from statements to be made further on. The building stands on a
level lawn of fitting proportions, and in outward appearance is an exact cube
of sixty feet, with the exception that a pointed roof has superseded the
original one, which was flat and covered with lead and ornamented with a large
glass aquarium for fish. Although of such large dimensions, Rosewell is
compact-looking, and notwithstanding the naked space of treeless grounds, its
brick walls and stone cappings, softened by the blended colorings of the
elements for over a century, make a fine impression. No trace now remains of
the flagging that paved the park immediately in front, or the iron railing
which surrounded it. The broad stone steps at each door have also disappeared,
along with the trees which shaded the lawn. Flanking the house on either side
appear the dismantled porters’ lodges, with the remains of the wine cellars
adjoining, where, although there are suggestive cobwebs in abundance, not even
a piece of broken bottle is left to fill one with visions of the sparkling
vintage which once stocked them.
The interior arrangement of the building may be described
as being of three stories, whose floor plan consists of large halls, with cross
passages on which the rooms open. On entering, the cool and airy effect of this
arrangement is the first thing noticed, and is very pleasing. The main hall on
the first floor, which is duplicated on the second, is 30 x 40 feet, with which
the cross passages communicate by arched entrances, well lighted by windows,
two of which run clear up through the second story. The spacious hall forms one
of the finest apartments that can well be imagined. A peculiar feature is the
great fireplace in the eastern wall. The stairway, describing a parabolic curve
is continued in the same plane, descends into the hall with a magnificent
sweep, and, although somewhat mutilated, serves, with its molded rail, fluted
and carved banisters and casing, better to illustrate the original beauty of
the decorations than anything except the doors, which, like the stair-fittings,
are of solid mahogany. All of the wainscoting has been removed, and both doors
and stair-case are marred by a somewhat dingy paint, bestowed by one of the
many owners in time past. The property, containing 1,200 acres, now constitutes
the Dean estate, and was purchased for the sum of $25,000. Richmond Dispatch.
November
26, 1883 – Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas)
Campaign Against the Oysterman. Petersburg, Va., November 25. – An order was received today by
Captain Vaughan, of the Petersburg
artillery, from Governor Cameron, for one of the company’s guns to be sent at
once to Matthews county to be used against the fleet of oystermen engaged in
the illegal dragging of the Rappahannock river. A Napoleon 12-pounder left tonight. A large
quantity of ammunition was also sent to the sheriff of Matthews county to be
used for the protection of the river against the dredges.
January 21,
1884 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
A bloody shooting Affair. – At Miller’s Store, in
Matthews county, Va., last Tuesday night. Herbert Jones, of Essex
county, who was under the influence of liquor, asked John Adams, a merchant,
how old he was. Adams told him his age, and as he did so Jones remarked that
Adams had better say his prayers, for he intended to “pop him,” at the same
time drawing a cocked pistol from his side-pocket and pointing it in the
direction of Adams, who immediately seized a double-barreled shotgun from
behind the counter and fired at Jones, the shot striking him in the face,
knocking out his teeth, breaking the lower jawbone, and carrying away the
greater portion of his nose and tongue, and putting out both eyes. Jones’s
physicians say there is no hope of his recovery.
April 17,
1884 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Virginia Oyster Navy. Richmond, Va., April 16. – Capt. Hudgins, who was recently
appointed commander-in-chief of the Virginia oyster navy, is a native of Mathews county. He has
been a seafaring man the greater part of his life. At one time he commanded a
merchant vessel trading to Europe. He was an agent of the Confederate government at one
time during the war, and has always been a successful mariner. For some years
past, Capt. Hudgins has been engaged in the oyster trade in Mathews county. It
is expected that the contract for the construction of a new gun boat will be
awarded within two weeks. The idea is that work will be begun on it early in
May, and that it will be completed and equipped within the next sixty days.
April 23,
1884 – New York
Times (New York, New York)
Commodore L. M. Hudgins, who was appointed commander
of the Virginia oyster fleet on the 14th inst., died
suddenly in Matthews County, Va., Monday night, of heart disease. He was born
in Matthews County in 1839, and during the late war was in command of
the steam-ship Caroline, which ran the blockade from Nassau to Wilmington, N.C. Of late he was
in the employ of the merchant marine service engaged in the Rio
trade. He was well and favorably known in marine circles.
April 24,
1884 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Captain Lewis
M. Hudgins, who died suddenly at
Brambleton, near Norfolk, on Tuesday, as stated in a special dispatch to The Sun, was well and favorably known in
Baltimore, out of which he sailed as master in a number of vessels.
He was master of the bark Hugh Birckbead before the war, and subsequently the
steamship Liberty, of the Baltimore, Havana
and New Orleans Line. When the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company started
their line of steamers between this port and Liverpool, Capt. Hudgins was selected as captain of the steamship Carroll, and
remained in command until the withdrawal of the line. He latterly commanded the
barks Winifred and Dom Pedro II, of Rollin’s coffee fleet. He resigned the
latter position to assume the superintendency of the Potomac Transportation
Company, whose steamers ply between Washington and Norfolk. He was commissioned commander of the Virginia oyster navy on the 14th inst. by Gov.
Cameron. Capt. Hudgins was born in Matthews county, Va., where his father conducted the ship-building
business.
May 1, 1884 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
A concert was
given at Musical Fund Hall last evening by the Philadelphia Educational Aid
Society, in aid of Mr. W. B. Weaver, who is engaged in educating the colored
people at Sassafras, Gloucester county, Virginia. Mr. Weaver was present, and made a
short address.
May 3, 1884 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Bitten by a
Copperhead. Captain Smith, of the
steamer Avalon, which arrived at Light street wharf yesterday morning, stated that Mr. B. F.
Billups, of Matthews county, Va. – while working in the woods near Fitchett’s wharf,
Monday, was bitten by a copperhead snake and seriously injured. Mr. Billup’s
pain was considerably alleviated by a plaster made of the yellow of an egg,
some salt and gunpowder.
August 13, 1884 – Wheeling Register (Wheeling, West Virginia)
RAN AWAY WITH A
LOVER. Climbing Down a Ladder to Her Sweetheart. An Interesting Love Escapade.
A Virginia Belle’s Pluck and Long Flight Into North Carolina ... Forgiven at Last.
Baltimore, August 12. Intelligence of daring and successful
elopement, which occurred recently near Gloucester Court House, Va., on the York river, reached
the city yesterday. The participants were Capt. Jenkins, whose sloop plies on
the York river, and Miss Blake, whose father is a prosperous farmer
and respected citizen of Gloucester
county. They have known each other since youth, and their friendship with the
increasing years gradually ripened into love. The father of the young lady
looked on the growing intimacy with anything but pleasure, as he thought the
daughter’s marriage would place her on a lower social scale that [----line
obliterated in copy ---] of his household. He denied Captain Jenkins the privilege
of visiting his house. The only alternative left the lovers, whom the father’s
anger failed to estrange, was to meet clandestinely. The house of a neighbor
was selected as the trysting place. Captain Jenkins for many months vainly
endeavored to appease the wrath of the irate parent. Finally arrangements for
an elopement were made at the neighbor’s house, and one night just before
daybreak Captain Jenkins entered the yard and placing a ladder against the
house, ascended to the room which his bride occupied with her sister. She was
ready, and the two noiselessly glided down the ladder. The young Lochnivar took
his bride to the river’s bank, where he had a towboat in waiting, and a few
strokes sent them far into the stream. At daybreak Mr. Blake discovered that
his daughter had fled and, after vainly inquiring at the houses of the
neighbors for her, went to the river’s bank and there found the clues showing
the course of the fleeing couple. The lovers went to Yorktown, where they took the train for Newport News, and thence into North Carolina, where they were made one. They returned to Virginia, and after a few days the father concluded to accept
the inevitable. One brother of the bride, however, refuses to sanction the
marriage.
August 14, 1884 – The Telegraph and Messenger (Macon, Georgia)
A VIRGINIA ELOPEMENT. Baltimore, August 11. – An interesting love escapade, near Gloucester Court House, Va., occurred on Wednesday last. The participants were
Clarence Jenkins aged 30 years, and Miss Jessie Blake, aged 17, daughter of a
prosperous and highly respected farmer, residing near Gloucester. The couple have known each other many years, and
their friendship gradually ripened into love. Owing to his daughter’s lover
being a poor man, the father of Miss Blake objected to the intimacy, and a few
weeks ago told Jenkins not to come to the house. The lovers met clandestinely.
Finally arrangements were made for an elopement. On Wednesday night, soon after
midnight, Jenkins entered the yard of the Blake dwelling,
placed a ladder against the house and ascended to the portico in front of Miss
Blake’s window. The young lady, attended by her elder sister, was in waiting.
While the bride elect was in the act of descending upon the ladder, it fell out
of position, and she narrowly escaped injury. Jenkins was compelled to reach
the ground by a rope made of the bed clothing. The lovers went to the river
landing, where a rowboat was in waiting. They then went to Yorktown, where they took the train for Newport News, thence to North Carolina, where the marriage was solemnized. The newly married
couple returned today and were forgiven by Blake.
November
25, 1884 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Eleven Oysters
which Filled a Quart Measure. – A
number of Gentlemen interested in oysters gathered at Swearer’s restaurant, on Grant street, at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon to witness the opening of twelve large oysters. It
had been wagered that the oysters when opened would fill a quart measure.
Opinion was divided, however, and some bets were made upon the result. Col.
Swearer brought out a small table and placed it near the centre of the floor,
and the oysters were brought out and laid upon it. They were enormous in size.
It was suggested that they be weighed in the shell. They weighed twenty-five
pounds – the largest of the lot two and a-half pounds. William Hubbard, an
expert with the oyster knife, took his place at the table and laid open the
first oyster, It was a beauty and as fat as butter. .. as each oyster came out of its shell
plethoric with fat the experts in bivalves agreed that they were unusually
fine. Eleven oysters filled the quart measure. …The oysters were picked out of
a cargo brought here by Capt. G. W. Deal, of the schooner Ellen and Alice, now
lying at Pratt
street
wharf. They were caught in Severn
river, which empties into
Mobjack bay, in Matthews county, Va. They were
natural growth oysters.
December 6, 1884 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Obituary. – Edward S. Stubbs, of Gloucester county, Va., died of pneumonia yesterday in this city at the
residence of his son, Edward S. Stubbs, Jr., No. 83 Lee Street, in the 64th years of his age. Mr. Stubbs
had been living with his son for about nine months. He leaves another son and
two daughters. His wife died some time ago. The family lived in Gloucester co., Va., and carried on a country store as well as farming.
The deceased was born to Gloucester
county, and his remains will be taken there for burial.
January 3, 1885 – The
Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Obituary. – Mrs. Mary G. Clark,
widow of the late Colin Clark, of Warner Hall, Gloucester county, Va., and mother-in-law of Gov.
John L. Manning, of South Carolina, died at Milford, in that State, December
28, in the 84th year of her age. Her daughter, Mrs. Sally Bland
Clark Manning, the wife of Gov. Manning, died at the same place on Wednesday
last, aged 57.
January 3, 1885 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Recovery of
Bodies – The bodies of Elmer R. Booze
and Capt. Wesley Wheeler, who were drowned in Milford haven, Matthews county,
Va., December 20, were found last Monday between Lilly’s neck and Rigby’s
beach, in about five feet depth of water. The remains were brought to Baltimore and buried yesterday. The bodies were lying at the
bottom and were about fifty feet apart. The remains were intact. They preserved
a remarkably life-like appearance. The men were engaged in the business of
oystering and fishing and lived on Gwynn’s Island,
they were formerly from Baltimore,
where they have family connections. When the report of their drowning was
received in Baltimore, Wm. Booze and Marcellus Booze, brothers of Elmer Booze,
went down to Milford haven and spent some days searching with the
neighbors for the bodies, but returned without success. When drowned they were
making an attempt to cross in their canoes from Fitchett’s wharf, on the main
land, to their homes on Gwynn’s Island, in the teeth of a violent storm of the
night of the 20th ult. It is
conjectured that the better to secure their safety Booze left his canoe and got
into Wheeler’s, and that the immediate cause of their drowning was the slipping
or breaking of the sheet line, throwing them backwards into the water, when
under the circumstances of extreme cold and the raging tempest they were unable
to reach the canoes or escape to the shore. Both canoes were found next day.
Booze’s anchored out in the water with the sails furled, and Wheeler’s at the
shore with sails all set. Neither canoe was damaged.
The bodies were taken to their late homes on Gwynn’s Island
and prepared for burial. Funeral services were conducted by the local minister.
The remains were then sent to Norfolk on a sail vessel and placed aboard the steamer
Virginia en route for Baltimore, where their friends wished them buried. On account
of the stormy weather the families of the deceased did not accompany the
bodies. Upon the arrival of the Virginia yesterday morning the brothers Marcellus and William
Booze, with their families followed the bodies to Baltimore Cemetery, where they were buried.
January 27,
1885 – Olean Democrat (Olean, New York)
The steamer Chesapeake, of the Virginia Oyster Navy, off Gwinn’s Island,
on the 20th captured seven schooners engaged in illegal dredging for
oysters. The schooner and their sixty-eight men were turned over to the Sheriff
of Matthews County. No effort to escape was made, except in one case, when a
shot from the steamer quickly brought the escaping schooner to.
March 2, 1885 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. DABNEY. – On February 28, 1885, at his
residence, o. 78 John street, THOMAS S. DABNEY, in the ___ year of his age. [Jackson (Miss. Clarion please copy.]
Funeral services at Ware Church, Gloucester co.,
Virginia.
March 19, 1885 – Petersburg Daily Index & Appeal (Petersburg, Virginia)
Got Away With His Girl. A letter from Gloucester Courthouse, Va., to the New York Sun, under date of
16th instant, says:
W. S. Ware, a young man of West Point, has for some time past
been a suitor for the hand of the daughter of Dr. T. J. Hughes, of this county,
but the father objected to the match. Today Ware drove to a spot near the
residence of the young woman and took her in his buggy. They went to Gloucester
Point wharf, intending to take the steamer for Baltimore, where they could be
married. Dr. Hughes got on to their track, and just as they were about to board
the steamer he rode up in a rage and commanded Ware to release his daughter.
The lover declined, and then both sides drew pistols. Dr. Hughes declared that
before Ware should have his daughter he would kill him. The young man then
after some further parleying, said he would take the young woman back. He
turned his buggy around and drove off with Miss Hughes, the father riding
behind.
Ware had a spirited young horse
while the doctor rode an easy-going old nag. When they reached the foot of a
hill Ware whipped up and began to distance Dr. Hughes, who yelled for him to
stop. Ware was out of sight when he reached the forks of the road, and, to make
matters worse, the father took the wrong road. Reaching Gloucester Courthouse
the fleeing couple obtained a fresh horse and finally reached West Point, where they took the
steamer for Maryland.
July 29,
1885 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED. WESTON – Fell asleep on July 27 at 9:30 P.M., sweetly and fully trusting in Jesus, GEORGIE, beloved
wife of N. B. Weston, and daughter of Isabella and the late John A. Williams of
Matthews county, Va., after a long and painful illness which she bore with
Christian fortitude. {Richmond and Norfolk (Va.)
papers please copy.}
Her funeral will take place from her late residence No. 288 McDonogh street, on Thursday morning, at ten o’clock.
August 27,
1885 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. Benjamin Diggs, an old and esteemed citizen of
Matthews county, Va., died at his residence, near Old [? Could be New]
Point Comfort, on Tuesday morning in his 75th year. The deceased was
the father of Mr. W. B. Diggs, sailmaker of this city, and brother of Mr.
Richard H. Diggs, the oldest living shipjoiner in Baltimore. His son left last night on the Norfolk boat to attend the funeral.
October 24,
1885 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Dwelling
Burned. – The dwelling-house of Mr. Wm. Lane, at Cricket Hill, Matthews county, Va., was destroyed by fire on Wednesday, causing a loss
of $5,000. The origin of the fire is not known.
November 2,
1885 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. Richard H. Diggs, for the past fifty-eight years a
resident of East Baltimore, died at his residence, No. 315 East Baltimore street, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. Mr. Diggs was
born in Matthews county, Va.,
and coming to Baltimore at an early age learned the shipjoiner’s business. He
became a member of the firm of Thomas Booz & Co. when the ship-building
industry in Baltimore was on it most prosperous tide, and many of the
famous vessels that gave the city’s mechanics their fame bore the handiwork of
Mr. Diggs.
February 4, 1886 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
CAPTURED OYSTERMEN. Several men belonging to the crews
of three Maryland oyster boats captured by the Virginia oyster police steamer Chesa peake off Gwyn’s Island last Thursday
were seen on Boston
street
yesterday. The hearings in the cases took place Saturday and Monday before
Justice Hudgins, at Mathews county courthouse. The captains arraigned were
Capt. Gibbons, of the schooner Martha E.
Moore, belonging to Levin McNamara of Cambridge; Capt. Frank Powell, schooner Robt. L. Rodgers, belonging to B. H. Leach of Baltimore; and Capt.
Martin O’Malley, schooner John Russell,
belonging to Joseph Beard of Baltimore. Lawyer Donovan, of Mathews Courthouse represented
the vessels, and State’s Attorney Hundley the Commonwealth.
The testimony of the Marylanders was that the three
vessels had put into Great Wicomico for provisions. The Mary E. Moore was leaking and was hauled on Timm’s railway. All the
provisions obtainable were one barrel of flour, some fish and meat, which had
to feed 31 men. It was decided to go to Norfolk, sell what oysters were on hand and grub u p the
vessels. On Thursday they started from the Great Wicomico and soon were enveloped
in a fog, which occasionally lifted. During this time, and while near Old Haven
bar, in company with a number of Virginia vessels, sailing down, the Chesapeake came up and arrested the Moore and Rodgers, and
after taking them to Jackson’s Creek went and returned with the Russell. The captains and crews of the
capture vessels testified that they had not dredged for one week, and that was
done on the Middle Ground in Maryland waters.
Several citizens were called to testify as to what
locality the oysters on board the vessels had been taken from. They thought
they were Gwyn Island oysters, but were not positive. Capt. Foster, of the Chesapeake, testified that he did not see the boats dredging,
nor could he swear that there were any Gwyn Island oysters in any of the cargos. One witness was called
for the Commonwealth as an expert, to prove that a vessel bound from the Great
Wicomico down the bay would make its course in the middle of the bay, and thus
clear the dredging grounds around Gwyn’s Island.
The prevalence of fog would, it was argued by the defence, force a small vessel
close to the western side of the bay to keep beyond collision with large
vessels and steamers.
The Commonwealth attorney argued that the captured Maryland vessels were culpable as they were caught in Virginia oyster beds with dredges and cranks on board, which
is in violation of the Virginia
oyster law. It looked suspicious, and he asked that the case be sent to court.
Justice Hudgins placed Captains Gibbons, O’Malley and Powell under $400
security each for their appearance at court next Monday. They gave personal
bail. The vessels were retained at Fitchett’s wharf, Milford Haven pending the
trial. The Rodgers has 800 bushels of
oysters on board, the Moore 800 bushels and the Russell 800 bushels.
A
special dispatch to The Sun from Mathews Court House, Va. gives the following account of the capture: The Moore and the Rodgers readily threw up the sponge, after listening a moment or
two to the persuasive music of the Minis. While the steamer was engaged in
securing these two vessels the Russell
took out her dredging reef, crowded her topsails, and soon placed the
sheltering fog between herself and the adversary, but it availed her not, for
the steamer, with the two captured boats in tow, soon made a circuit and
sighted her again, and this time let loose the “deep mouthed dogs of war,”
firing two cannon shots over her, which, however, she disregarded, but the
third proving more familiar, the Russell ran
her jib down, and was soon in company with her colleagues.
June 11,
1886 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Obituary. – Captain George B. Owens, aged 38 years, a
well-known shipmaster, died on Monday at his home in Matthews county, Va. He had been master of the brig D. C. Chapman and other
Baltimore vessels. He leaves a wife who was the widow of the
deceased’s brother, Captain Robert Owen, who died on board the bark Rialto, in Buenos Ayres.
September 30, 1886 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
OUT-OF-TOWN SALES. Sale of a Valuable Tract of Land on North River in the County of Gloucester, Virginia.
Pursuant to a decree of the Circuit Court of Gloucester
County, pronounced on the 13th day of September, 1886, in the suit
of John Tabb, &c. vs. John P. Tabb, Executor, &c., the undersigned, who
was appointed a Special Commissioner for that purpose, will sell at public
auction, at GLOUCESTER C. H. on the FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER 1886 the TRACT OF
LAND CALLED “DITCHLEY.” In the proceedings in said suit mentioned, upon the
following terms, viz: Cash sufficient to pay the costs of said suit accrued up
to the day of sale and the costs and expenses of sale, and as to the residue,
upon a credit of 12, 18, and 24 months; the purchaser to execute bonds, with
approved security, for the deferred payments, payable to the said Commissioner.
“DITCHLEY” is one of the most desirable country
residences in the State. It is beautifully situated on North river. Improvements excellent, consisting of a DWELLING, containing six
rooms, store rooms, &c., besides a commodious cellar, Barns and Stables,
two two-story frame Outhouses, each containing four room; fine Orchards &c.
Oyster grounds extensive, and fish of all kinds and oysters plentiful. This
estate contains two hundred and sixty-nine acres, and is especially valuable
for fruits and trucks. The wharf of the steamer making tri-weekly trips to
Fortress Monroe and Norfolk is distant about two miles. As a place of residence
Ditchley is unsurpassed, the climate being salubrious and the locality as
healthful as any spot in America. T. W. ROBINS,
Special Com.
October 18, 1886 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
MARINE NEWS. Cleared Saturday. Sch. Maggie, Hooper, Gloucester Co., Va.
December 3,
1886 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
An Oyster in
a Queer Place. Miss Susie Pickett, 619 Barre street, while on a visit to Gwynn’s Island,
Matthews county, Va., received an oyster growing out of the mouth of a
small ink bottle from Mr. John Callis, who caught it whilst oystering in
Milford Haven. The oyster had grown to twice the size of the ink bottle.
January 28,
1887 – Spirit Lake Beacon (Dickenson
County, Iowa)
Diary of Lieut. William A
Barber, Company A, Eleventh Pennsylvania, Volunteer Cavalry, Starved
to Death in Libby Prison. …
January 27, 1864. Five companies of our
regiment was ordered out this morning with three day’s rations, our company
included. We started toward Yorktown at daylight. We crossed the river at
Gloucester Point about 10 a. m. Here we staid all night.
January 28, 1864. We were informed by Major
Wetherell that the object of the expedition was to enroll all the citizens,
both black and white, residing inside our lines. We left early and reached
Gloucester Courthouse about noon. We captured a man near
here that was connected with the rebel Commissary Department with ten boxes of
tobacco. T his we seized and confiscated. The boys divided it among themselves.
At night we heard a party near Bellroy, which is six miles from here. I went
with a squad under command of Captain Ringland. We surrounded the house and
captured five prisoners. They were men that were home on furlough from the
rebel army.
January
29. We fell back to Hickory Fork tonight
and staid all night.
January
30. The command marched to Gloucester Point today. We had just arrived here
when we were ordered back with four days rations. We were allowed to stay all
night, but are to go back by daybreak tomorrow.
January
31. This morning the rain is pouring down and the wind blows very cold, so we
are about frozen as we have nothing to build fires with. We started back to
Gloucester Court House just after daylight, and passed the court house just
after noon and proceeded to Plain View, twelve miles beyond in
King and Queen county. Here we captured a few prisoners with their horses and
equipments. We then returned to Gloucester Court House and staid all night.
February
1. Today there were four companies of
the command sent out on a scout toward Scuffletown. They encountered a small
force of the enemy which they soon dispersed. Orders were received about noon for the command to return
immediately to Yorktown, so we marched down to Gloucester Point, arriving about eight
o’clock, and bivouacked for the night.
February
3. We crossed York river at Yorktown this morning and went direct
to Williamsburg.
June 11, 1887 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Proposed Change
of Mail Arrangements – Expediting Services.
Vice President Hunt and Secretary Bland, of the Merchants
and Manufacturers’ Association have called the attention of The Sun to the
circuitous mail route via Richmond and West Point from this city to the
counties of Mathews, Gloucester, York and the lower part of King William,
delaying the correspondence of merchants and other businessmen from twelve to
twenty-four hours beyond the time that would be required over a route that has
been suggested to the department through a committee and through petitions
numerously signed by prominent business men of this city and by leading
citizens and business men of the counties referred to. Many months have elapsed
and no action has been taken by the department to remedy the delay complained
of. The officers of the association say: “At the present time it does not
clearly appear how the association can further press the matter.”
From our investigation it appears that the time consumed
now in the transmission of mails from this city can be materially lessened to
offices in Gloucester, Mathews, the lower portion of King and Queen and
King William counties, on the north side of the York river, and York, James City, Charles City and New Kent counties on the south side.
It appears that the present mails by rail leave this city
at 4:05 and 9:45 A.M., and make the same connections on route from West Point to Gloucester Court House. For example, correspondence leaving this
city Monday arrives at Gloucester Court House via West Point at 4:30
P.M. Tuesday, and cannot be
answered until 5:30 P.M. mail
Wednesday. Returning, the mail arrives at West Point at 7:35
A.M. Thursday, reaches Richmond at 10 A.M.,
is due in Baltimore at 4:54 P.M., and is delivered by carriers Friday morning. This applies on other
days of the week to the offices on the route named and to those connecting at
Gloucester Court House.
By the proposed service (York River Line) and slight
changes in star service, the mail could leave this city at 5 P.M. Monday,
arrive at Gloucester Court House at 11:30 A.M. next day; leave Gloucester Court
House Tuesday at 3:30 P.M., and arrive in Baltimore at 8 A.M. Wednesday,
decreasing the time for return letters by as much as two days. Mails from
Gloucester Court House to Mathews Court House would be delivered at 5:30 P.M. the day following their dispatch from Baltimore. Mails for offices in Charles City, James City, New Kent, and York counties would be advanced from twelve to twenty-four
hours by providing star service between Yorktown and Lee Hall, to connect with mail train supplying offices on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad west to Richmond. The mail would thus be delivered five hours in
advance of east-bound trains from Richmond, allowing time for return answer by that train,
making connection either via Lee hall and Yorktown with the York river line or by the Norfolk boat at Fortress Monroe. ... The Postoffice Department would do well
to investigate the subject thoroughly and impartially and act accordingly.
July 4, 1887 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Items from Norfolk. The oyster
gunboat Chesapeake arrived yesterday and reports that on last Thursday a
lot of canoes oystering without license were surprised on the Rocks of Gwynne’s
Island, and twenty-five of them were captured and turned
over to the authorities of Matthews county.
The committee of the Legislature met here yesterday to
investigate the charges of various kinds –
bribery,corruption, &c.
against Captain Seth Foster,commanding the Virginia oyster gunboat Chesapeake.
September 30, 1887 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. John S.
Wise Making Great Efforts to Defeat the Democratic Party. Richmond, Va., Sept. 29. – Mr. John S. Wise is making every effort
to defeat the democrats this fall, not only to secure the members of the House
of Delegates which Richmond elects, but for the moral effect the reports of
disaffection among the democrats here will have upon the party in other portions
of the State. Mr. Wise opens the campaign for the republicans on Monday next,
when he will speak at Gloucester Court House. He will make but four speeches in
the campaign besides the one referred to. The others will be delivered at
Lunenburg Court House, on the second Monday in October, Harrisonburg, in Rockingham county, third Monday, and Luray, Page
county, fourth Monday.
October 18,
1887 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Norfolk, Va., Oct. 17. – Yesterday afternoon Maxwell B. Hudgins,
who was recently elected to the position of instructor in the Norfolk Academy, accidentally shot and killed himself at his farm
near this city. He was sitting at dinner when some one came in and told him
that dogs were annoying the calves on the farm, and taking up his gun he went
out with the intentions of shooting the dogs. A short distance from the house
he stumbled and fell, discharging the gun, the load taking effect in his
stomach. As soon as possible, Dr. Riddick, the family physician, was gotten to
the wounded man, but the wound was fatal and he died about midnight. He was a native of Matthews county.
November
10, 1887 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Suffocated by
Gas. – Robert Marchant, aged 35
years, late captain of the schooner Northumberland,
was found dead in bed yesterday morning at his boarding house, 1130 West Falls avenue. He was lying partly out of bed, and the room was
filled with gas when he was discovered. The gas had evidently been blown out.
Coroner Hill investigated the case and held no inquest, as death resulted from
suffocation. A post mortem was held,
however, because of a slight wound on the head, and the left eye having been
blackened. No signs of violence could be detected. It is said that Marchant and
the owner of his vessel had a falling out and he was discharged. Marchant was a
native of Matthews county, Va. He was unmarried. The body will be sent to Virginia.
November
14, 1887 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
West Point, Va., Nov. 12.
Information has been received here of the burning of the dwelling of
ex-Judge T. J. Christian, of Matthews county. The residence was a very fine
one, and so far as can be learned there was no insurance. The Judge’s valuable
law library also burned.
January 26,
1888 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Weddings in Virginia. West Point, Va., Jan. 25. The marriage today of Miss Ida Gibson to
Mr. Geo. Hunley at the residence of the bride’s father, in this county, was one
of the most notable occurrences of the sort in this section for some time. The
ceremony was performed at 12 o’clock, Rev. A. F. Scott officiating. The happy couple intended to take the
steamer Danville for Baltimore, but as the steamer did not leave this evening they
will go North via Richmond tomorrow. After an extended Northern tour, it is
understood that they will go to Florida for a month or more. The bride is the only child of
Mr. Phillip Gibson, on of the best known and wealthiest citizens of this
county, and is highly accomplished and popular. Mr. Hunley is Commonwealth’s
attorney of Mathews county, and a young lawyer of fine promise. The marriage
was very quiet.
May 16,
1888 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Matthews county, Va., has voted against license to sell liquor.
June 23,
1888 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
West Point, Va., June 21. Mr. Ro. McCandish, counsel for the Mathews
liquor dealers, was here today and obtained from Judge Jeffries a writ of error
in a case that attracted a good deal of attention in this section and promises
to be noted. About one month ago Matthews county voted “dry,” and soon after
the Commonwealth’s attorney moved to revoke the licenses of all liquor dealers
whose licenses had been granted for a year about one month before the election.
The county judge revoked the licenses, and the
dealers appeal.
Contracts have been made with various parties for
furnishing the poles for the telephone line from this place to Mathews Court
House, Gloucester Court House and Saluda, and the
enterprise seems an assured success.
July 4, 1888 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
West Point, Va., July 3. – A meeting of the board of directors of the
Tidewater Telephone Company was held here today. Bids were opened and contracts
made for poles for the line from Gloucester Court House to West Point, and from Saluda to Gloucester. It is understood that a sufficient number of shares
have been taken to insure the completion of the line, and it is thought that it
will be in
operation by December 1.
The case involving the revocation of the licenses of the
Mathews county liquor dealers was heard here today before Judge Jefferies. This
is the case involving the right to revoke licenses because the county went dry.
The Judge reserved his decision.
February 3, 1889 – Macon Weekly
Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
W. R. Thurston of Gloucester county, Virginia, has a
curiosity in the shape of a cast-off oysterman’s shoe, to which fifty six
living oysters have attached themselves.
February 5, 1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The schooner C.
R. Oliver, of Matthews county, was struck by a squall and sunk, and it is
supposed all on board – Thomas Williams, Washington Williams, Thomas Hurst and
Robert Diggs – were drowned.
February 7, 1889 – The Columbus Enquirer-Sun (Columbus, Georgia)
The Work of a
Madman. Baltimore, Feb. 6. – Oscar L. Willey, the madman who murdered
Francis Valentine night before last, while confined in his cell, this morning
made a furious attack on Capt. Farren, trying to choke and bite him and tore
the bandages from the wounds on his own head. Willey was finally overpowered
and placed in irons. This unfortunate man belongs to a good family in Gloucester county, Virginia. He graduated with honor last year
at the University of Virginia. He became infatuated with a young lady, and when his advances were
rejected, lost his mind. His father died recently, leaving him a comfortable
inheritance. He murdered Valentine upon the street in a sudden outbreak of
insane violence.
February
14, 1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Capt. Columbus Williams, of the ill-fated pungy C. R. Oliver, who has been treated at
the hospital for some weeks for injury to his head, was today sent to the
government insane asylum at Washington. Capt. Williams lost four relatives when the pungy
capsized, who were coming to the hospital to take him home to Matthews county
to be cared for.
February
16, 1889 – Logansport Pharos (Logansport, Indiana)
A Cowardly
Assassination. Richmond, Va., Feb. 16. – At Gloucester Court House Thursday night,
George Hughes was shot while asleep, by his nephew, Joshua F. Ross, and
instantly killed. Hughes was a wealthy Irishman who settled at Gloucester fifteen or twenty years
ago. Ross is a prominent Republican politician and once represented the county
in the legislature. The cause of the deed is shrouded in mystery. Ross
confesses to the shooting, but is silent as to its cause. The men were formerly
from New York.
February
16, 1889 – Evening Gazette (Sterling, Illinois)
Obituary Notes. Eugene Burlingame, who had been serving his
second term as District Attorney for Albany County, N. Y., died at Gloucester Court House, Va., yesterday, from a
hemorrhage of the brain.
February 18, 1889 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Steamboat mail
service has been established from Baltimore by Yorktown, Gloucester Point, Clay Bank and
Sassafras, Va.. to West Point, Va., by the Baltimore, Chesapeake
and Richmond Steamboat Company, three times a week from December 1 to February
28, and six times a week from March 1 to November 30 each year, supplying the
intermediate points three times a week year round.
February 21,
1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Rev. Charles H. Green, formerly of Mathews county, who
entered the Virginia Conference in 1873, has been appointed pastor of the
Huntersville M. E. Church.
February
23, 1889 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) ... for rent large BRICK DWELLING, suitable
for boarders, on salt water, near Mobjack bay, not far from Old Point [sic –
New Point?] bathing and fishing. Apply to A. McKAY BOYD, Tunstall’s, New Kent
county, Va.
March 8, 1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
THE
FERRATA – A discussion has been going on for a year past among newspaper
writers of Maine as to when and where the first three-masted schooner
was built in the United States. Ellsworth, Maine, claims that the schooner Aurora built there in 1830, by Colonel John Black, was the
first. The Aurora was rigged with standing topsails on the fore and
mainmasts, and a foresail, mainsail and spanker that hoisted on all three
masts, and a gaff topsail on the mizzenmast. The people of Blue Hill, Maine, claim that this type of vessel was not strictly a
three-masted schooner, and that the first ever constructed was the Magnolia, built there in 1833. This
vessel was a regular three-masted fore and aft rigged schooner, without any of
the square-rigged features.
Prior to this the following item appeared in the Portland
(Maine) Argus, the date being
November 8, 1827, which cancels the claims of the Eastern shipbuilders to the
honor of having built the first three-masted schooner: “There is now lying at
Jackson’s wharf, in Baltimore, a vessel which has three masts rigged
fore-and-aft fashion, as it is called, or similar to the ordinary coasting
schooner. Her standing riggings is all of iron served with rope yarns. The
shrouds are continuous bars of iron, and the cross-pieces, usually termed
rattlings, are sticks of wood. The stays are composed of long iron links, each
about a yard in length. The tonnage of this nondescript is 338 tons
custom-house measurements. She is expected to sail very fast.”
Capt. James Etchberger, then whom no man is better posted
on Baltimore ships for seventy years past, corroborates the facts
of the above from the Argus. He says
that in 1827 a three-masted schooner fitted out at Jackson’s wharf. It was such a novel type of vessel that she was
a veritable curiosity. She was built in Matthews county, Va., for Captain Isaac Foster, who brought her to Baltimore to fit her out, after which she was engaged in the Rio
trade. Captain Seth Foster, now in command of the Virginia State oyster police steamer Chesapeake, is a son of Captain Isaac Foster.
Second officer Winslow Foster, of the steamer Johns Hopkins, yesterday said his
grandfather, Isaac Foster, built and sailed the vessel referred to by Capt.
Etchberger. He named her the Ferrata,
the Italian equivalent for “of iron,’ from the fact that having used so much
iron in her outfit, as detailed in the article from the Argus. Mr. Winslow Foster says after some voyages his grandfather
rigged the Ferrata into a full-rigged
ship, and continued to command her. “Recalling the first three-masted
schooner,” said Captain Etchberger, “reminds me that Captain Ike Foster was not
only a good sailor, but one of the cleverest practical jokers it was ever my
lot to know. A rival of Foster in jokes was Capt. Sam Gatchell, upon whom Ike
Foster played one of the best jokes I ever heard of. On one occasion Gatchell
sailed from Baltimore for Rio in the brig General
Jackson. When near the line he sighted a three-masted schooner, which to
him was not only a novelty, but caused some foreboding in Gatchell’s mind, for
in those days there were rumors of Portuguese free-booters flying around, which
made Rio traders look with distrust on a sail that was not familiar. Soon the
strange-looking craft bore down on Gatchell, and at dark a voice thundered
through the trumpet from the schooner, which to Gotchell sounded like
“Boo-oo-o.”
“Brig, General Jackson.” , yelled Gotchell, accepting the blast as a
hail.
“Boo-oo-o,” again roared Foster
through his trumpet, for it was him.
“From Baltimore to Rio Janeiro,” answered the poor Sam.
“Boo-oo-o,” again roared Foster.
“I can’t speak a word of
Portuguese,’ said Captain Sam, now convinced that he was in the clutches of a
pirate. “Chuck it at me in negro lingo, pigeon English or something I can make
out.”
“All right.” Answered the supposed pirate, now boiling
over with laughter, “drop under my lee until morning.”
Gotchell did as he was told. On the Ferrata were a number of colored men, presumably slaves of Foster,
and when Gatchell saw the blacks next morning he was convinced that he had
fallen into the hands of Portuguese devils, and when he was ordered to launch a
boat and report on board the schooner, he left his brig a terribly scared man.
When Gatchell stepped on deck of the Ferrata,
Captain Ike Foster stood there with a decanter of “the best” in one hand
and a glass in the other, while behind him was a colored man with water on a
tray. Sam said some warm words, but the joke was too good, and over their cups
the two skippers had a good time before parting. The first three-masted
schooner ever built fooled Sam Gatchell, and whenever he saw such a rig he was
reminded of the joke Ike Foster played on him in mid-ocean.
March
14, 1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The article recently published in The Sun relative to the first three-masted schooner, continues to
elicit some interesting facts about that popular type of vessel. A
correspondent writes as follows from Richmond, Virginia:
“In The Sun of
March 8 you refer to claims advanced that the Ferrata, built in Matthews county, Va., was the first three-masted schooner in this country.
I recollect this vessel very well, and believe the claim to be correct. One
peculiarity of the Ferrata was in a
portion of her rig, where iron chains were substituted for the old-fashioned
hemp cordage – hence the name Ferrata.
The Ferrata was purchased by Wilson
& Peterkin, of Baltimore, about the year 1833 and sent on an expedition to the
Red sea under command of Captain John Sloan, an experienced
navigator. She was lost with a valuable cargo off the American coast on her
return voyage, the crew happily being all rescued by a passing vessel. The brig
Argo, owned by Wilson and Peterkin,
was also built in Matthews county, Va., and experienced a fate somewhat similar to that of
the Ferrata, sinking with a heavy
cargo on board bound to Europe, from collision with an iceberg. The crew were
rescued and carried into St. Pierre,
Miquelon, by a French fishing vessel.
March 29,
1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The body of Captain Thomas Williams, of William’s
Wharf, Matthews county, who was drowned by the capsizing of the schooner C. R. Oliver in a squall on the
Horseshoe, washed ashore on Buckroe Beach, and was brought to this city [Norfolk] last night. This morning it was taken to Matthews
county for interment.
March 29,
1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mrs. Lucia C. Wilkins died in Norfolk, Monday night. She was a daughter of the late Dr.
Henry W. Tabb, of Matthews county, and the relict of the late Dr. John Wilkins
of Baltimore.
April 24,
1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED - MACHEN – NICHOLSON – On April 22, 1889, by A. J. Roland, D.D., ALBERT S MACHEN of Matthews
county, Va., and Miss M. LIDIE NICHOLSON, of Baltimore.
May 22,
1889 – Newark Daily
Advocate (Newark, Ohio)
A Maryland Murderer Carries His Case
to a Higher Court. Baltimore, May 22. – The Sun’s
special from Gloucester Court House, Va., says: Joshua F. Ross, a
well known lawyer and Republican politician who was on bail awaiting a second
trial on the charge of killing his uncle, George Hughes, shot himself about 5
o’clock yesterday afternoon and is now dying. He went up to A. C. Rigney’s room
in the hotel about 4:45. After talking with Rigney
for a few minutes he took a pistol from his pocket and said: Old friend, who
shall go first, you or I?” Rigney thought it all a joke and told him to kill
either he choose. Rigney lit a cigarette while they talked and Ross sat in a
chair near the head of the bed. Ross then put a pistol to his own head and
fired, and fell to the floor.
Dr. William F. Jones pronounced the
wound fatal. The hair was singed by discharge of the pistol, and the brain
oozed from the wound. Few people heard the report of the pistol and none knew
anything was wrong until Rigney told what had happened. Ross is said to have
been drinking heavily for some days. He was up late the previous night and was
very melancholy. Ross killed his uncle, George Hughes, last fall on the
complaint of his, Ross’ wife, that Hughes had made an undecent proposal to her. He was tried and convicted
in April just past , and appealed for and was granted a new trial, which was to
have taken place at an early day.
July 25,
1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Fourth-class postmasters have been appointed as
follows: … Lucie J. Powell, at Gwynn, at Mathews county, Va. … J. B.
Grinnell, New Point, Mathews county, Va.
August 22,
1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The following fourth-class postmasters were appointed
in Virginia today: W. E. Marchant, at Cricket Hill, Matthews
county; H. P. Weaver at Gloucester Court House, Gloucester county …
September
18, 1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Fourth-class postmasters have been appointed as
follows: L. T. Hudson at Fitchetts,
Matthews county, Va. …
October 24, 1889 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
GUNNERS ARE ON
THE GO. THE SEASON FOR PARTRIDGES. SLAUGHTERING THEM IN VIRGINIA. A Sun Reporter Tells About his Trip, His Luck and
What it Cost Him – October Too Early to Hunt.
The season for shooting partridges is now on in many Maryland counties and all throughout Virginia. It is in the Old Dominion, however, that the
sportsman finds the coveys in all their whirring wildness, and thither he is
hi___ himself with dog and gun from Baltimore and cities further North. He is seen daily at the
railroad stations and steamboat wharves. That leather case he carries in one
hand contains his breech-loader. In the other hand is a big bulging bag, in
which are stored cartridges, a corduroy
suit, a pair of stout boots, and a white slouch hat. Behind him and next
to himself the most important part of the make-up, is a setter, and his wistful
eyes, his quivering muscles, and his restlessness show how eager he is to be let loose in the
fields. The sportsman is equipped for a week’s shoot, and for that one week he
has spent another in preparation – in cleaning and oiling his gun, in loading
cartridges, in giving directions to his tailor for his hunting suit, for it
must be stout and able to resist the relentless briars and stubble through
which he must plunge in quest of birds. For days he has been exercising that
dog which had spent the summer on a farm, where most probably he received his
early training in standing and retrieving, for good dogs are nowadays taught
how to hunt after real live birds on an open field instead of after imaginary
birds in a back yard or on a suburban lot. He is a high priced and thoroughbred
dog, and enters into the sport with as much spirit as the master. The sportsman
himself may be a well-to-do business man or a clerk who stuck to his desk
throughout the summer while his companions were killing away their vacation at
the seashore or in the mountains, and he is now taking his holiday to devote it
to the more congenial pastime of hunting.
TWO SPORTSMEN A-HUNTING GO. It was not a merchant or a
clerk who, equipped like the above sportsman, left the wharf of the Norfolk
steamer at Canton a few evenings ago to enjoy the field sport in Virginia, but
a SUN reporter off on a vacation to kill birds and to tell THE SUN’s readers
the condition of sport at the season. He had a companion who was similarly
equipped, and who, to, was bent on devoting his few days of recreation in
paying his respects to the birds. In a few minutes they were on board the
steamer – guns, baggage and dogs. The next morning they were at Old Point
Comfort and after breakfast were aboard a little steamer Northampton, which
plowed its way up the James River and landed at Thompson’s wharf, on Ware
river, in Gloucester co. Early in the afternoon a friend had them seated at his
dinner table in one of those old roomy Virginia houses. After a hearty dinner the two Baltimorians,
with their dogs and guns, took a stroll to get their bearings and kill any
birds they might find, returning in a few hours with a couple of snipe, two or
three rabbits and a half dozen partridges. The evening was spent socially, and
plans were made for the next day, on which it was proposed to slaughter the
partridges by the wholesale.
SLAUGHTERING RABBITS. The
morning dawned clear and the day bade fair to be delightful. About 8 o’clock the resident member of the party and the two
Baltimorians started for the fields, each mounted on horses which were old
enough to know how to behave under fire. One hundred yards from the house and
the dogs, two noble specimens of the native better breed, were in the field.
Another two hundred yards and a fatal branch was reached. The dogs made a point
and out came a rabbit, which was killed. A few minutes later another point, and
the rabbit, thinking there was danger on the outside, played a game of
hide-and-seek in the briary patch. After the dogs had cut themselves to pieces
with the thorns the rabbit showed out in the field and was shot. Another, and
still another cottontail was started and in a few minutes four had been killed,
when, with a Comanche war whoop, a young, six-foot Virginian, mounted on a
fourteen-hand high pony, made known his presence, and at the same time the fact
that he had killed six rabbits.
BANGING AWAY AT BIRDS. After a dint of persuasion the
dogs were coaxed to leave the rabbit infested branch and as the six-foot
Virginian had two beautiful pointers, it was decided to divide the party and go
off in opposite directions. THE SUN reporter’s horse, which during the rabbit
excitement had been left untied, had in the meantime strolled back home, and
one of the mounted party had to go after him. By the time he was brought back
one-third of the day had passed and not a bird had been seen though the rabbits
had enthused the dogs and they were tearing over the fields at a break-neck
pace. When the division of the party was made, the reporter was paired with the
Virginian with whom he was staying, and who was as much home on horseback as if
in a chair. The sun was now shining very hot, and the exertion necessary to
keep in the saddle made the reporter look as though he had been chasing through
the branch with the dogs. A two hours’ hunt through cover which reached the
body of the horse failed to start a covey of birds, and a forty acre cornfield
was next hunted. There the dogs in their impetuosity flushed a small covey
which were marked down, and after securing the horses the hunt began. Two birds
were found and promptly killed. Then both dogs made a fine stand and up rose a
covey of big strong birds. Four barrels brought down one bird for each gun.
SOME PECULIARITIES OF PARTRIDGES. The shooting then
became lively for a while and ended after eight birds had been bagged. A good
stiff ride and other fields were hunted. Altogether four coveys were put up,
with a result of 11 birds for the reporter and 9 for the Virginian. Gunners
often complain that the birds will not lay to the dogs, but the birds laid so
very close and in such thick cover that the dogs could do little or nothing with
them, so rank and thick were the grasses. If the horses disturbed any coveys
they ran away, as their habit when disturbed by horses or cattle. They seem to
divine that they are not, like the dogs, enemies.
AT HOME AGAIN. At
sundown the four hunters met and compared notes. Each had taken about 30 shells
in the morning and each brought home a vest pocket full. The other contingent
had killed 19 birds and about 10 rabbits, having put up eight coveys of birds.
Four wearier-looking human beings never ambled down off horses. The dogs were
but little better off, one of them being terribly cut by the briars. The
forenoon of the next day was an open date for hunting, but with the exception
of the reporter, each man forsook his assignment, the Baltimorian finding a
chair at his host’s home, more to his liking. The resident Virginian concluded
it was time to look after his farm hands, and the six-foot hunter found it
necessary to attend to some business. The reporter had fair luck. On the
afternoon of the same day the two Baltimorians returned to their home on the
steamer Danville.
EXPENSES OF THE TRIP. They enjoyed one full and two half
day’s shooting, and their expenses were as follows: Carriages hire to boat,
each $1; ticket to destination, $3.50; supper on boat, $1; stateroom, $1;
porter, for care of dog, 25 cents; breakfast, $1; care of dog on steamer
Northampton, 25 cents; expenses without trimmings, on down trip, $5; expenses
while on shore, including shells, $2.50; returning expenses, $6 – total $16.50
for each sportsman. To offset the account, besides the birds and rabbits, a
sportsman puts $100 worth of fun on the opposite side of the account and comes
out a winner. Besides the exquisite excitement, when birds can be found, the
appetite which the sport induces and the play which a gunning trip gives to
one’s imagination in after times when he is relating it are worth all and more
than the expenses.
OCTOBER TOO EARLY. Both the reporter and his companion
were convinced that October is too early for shooting, especially this fall, as
the heavy rains of the summer made the vegetation very rank, and besides the
inconvenience it causes the gunner, it inflicts the most cruel tortures upon
the dogs. The fact that the duck shooting occupies the Maryland sportsmen in November
affords some excuse for their shooting partridges in October, but it is the
opinion of many of the sportsmen that November is quite early enough for the
partridge shooting sport to open. Other city sportsmen who have been in Virginia recently have some home advocates of a longer close
season, one lasting until November first.
BIRDS REPORTED PLENTIFUL. While from all districts come
reports that birds were plentiful, there were few remarkable bags made. In many
instances coveys were flushed and young birds barely able to fly rose before
the dogs. Some coveys were found in which the birds could not fly at all,
except the old pair. These are often killed and the poor young left to hustle
or perish as the chances might be. The young birds that can barely fly are a
great temptation to the poor shot, especially as they often alight in trees.
Taken all in all, the October partridge shooting in the South is far from
pleasant sport, and borders close on the summer woodcock shooting, especially
as each year the birds seem to grow more and more tricky, and on the first
flight go straight to the marshes or into thick woods or impenetrable briers.
When killed a chief delight to the true sportsman is often denied him, that of
sending his birds to friends at home, as partridges spoil very quickly unless
kept cool. It was anticipated that the spring floods would diminish the supply
of birds by drowning the young, but such does not prove to have been the case,
according to accounts from different parts of the State. In Eastern Virginia rabbits are more prolific than for many years, and
the sportsman who goes there with dogs not broken from chasing rabbits, if he
expects to do any partridge shooting, will find his own temper ruined and his
dog played out before he gets much game.
December 6,
1889 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Roanoke, Va.,
Dec. 6 – The grand lodge of Good Templars elected the following officers …
Oscar Hudgins, of Matthews county …
December 11, 1889 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
FLASHES BY
WIRE. Fourth-class postmasters were
today appointed as follows: ...
J. W. Thomas, Severn,
Va.
January 28,
1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Fourth-class postmasters have been appointed as
follows: W. E. Hicks, at Hick’s Wharf,
Matthews county, Va. …
January 31, 1890 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. J. F.
Chelton, of the schooner Anna Lloyd has in his possession a peculiar mouse
which he found on board his vessel while she was at Gloucester Point, Va. The mouse makes a noise resembling that of an English
sparrow, and the captain and his friends call it the singing mouse.
February
15, 1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Early this morning, off New Point Comfort, two large
three-masted schooners, both loaded, one bound up and the other down, were in
collision. One of them, supposed to be the Frank
Bailey, was sunk, having been struck on the port side and having her
stanchions and side torn away. Her officers and crew were rescued by the other
vessel, name unknown, which was also badly damaged and wanted assistance. The
steamer Lady of the Lake brought the
news to the city, and the Merritt Wrecking Company at once dispatched her
steamer Victoria J. Peed to the spot.
February
19, 1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Happy Runaway
Couple from Virginia. The
Light-street steamboat men and commission dealers were interested yesterday in
a real live romance. When the steamer Kent
arrived at her wharf she had among her passengers Mr. Wm. L. Diggs and Miss
Alice A. Hudgins, from Fitchett’s wharf, Mathews county, Va. They remained on board the steamer after the other
passengers had departed, and appeared so mysterious in their actions that the
suspicions of the commission merchants were immediately aroused. After
hesitating for a long while as to what course to take, the stranger finally
summed up the courage to tell one of the merchants that this was his first
visit to a city, and that he had come here to get married. The lady who
accompanied him, he said, was to become his bride, and they had run away from
home. As the stranger wanted advice as to the intricacies of the Maryland marriage laws, he was referred to Mr. Charles H.
Hudgins, a well-known commission merchant, who, his fellow-merchants said, was
an authority on such matters. Mr. Hudgins was found, and he entered into the
spirit of the occasion with a great deal of vim. The young couple started out
in search of Clerk Gray’s office, where a marriage license was obtained, after
which they were directed to the residence of the Rev. W. R. Stricklen, pastor
of Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, who promptly united them. That
settled it. They were the happiest couple in Baltimore, and they didn’t care who knew it. When they returned
to the steamboat wharf they were heartily congratulated, after which they
promenaded up and down the boat in the most affectionate manner imaginable, and
then sat down and became so affectionate that every man in the wharf envied the
groom. They went back home in the evening on the Kent.
February
20, 1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Merritt Wrecking Company has dispatched its
steamer Victoria J. Pee, with a full
wrecking outfit, to New Point Comfort, in the bay, the object being to raise
the schooner Frank Pratt Lee, sunk by
collision off that point a few days ago, as before reported.
March 28,
1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Captain J. R. Billups, of the steamer Danville, sighted a sunken three-masted schooner Thursday
southeast of New Point Comfort. He reported yesterday that the vessel was in
the same position, with masts eight or ten feet above water. It is not in the
course of large vessels.
April 24,
1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Norfolk, Va., April 23. The Merritt wrecking steamer returned last
night from the schooner Frank Pratt Lee,
sunk off New Point Comfort, and the captain said that he had moved the schooner
about one mile when a chain broke, which will have to be replaced before he can
move her again.
May 10,
1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Norfolk, Va., May 9. The
Merritt Wrecking Company succeeded today in raising the coal-laden schooner Frank Pratt Lee, and towed her on
Dutchman’s bar inside of New Point Comfort. The wrecking tugs Victoria Peed and Rescue will tow the schooner to Baltimore to be repaired.
June 11, 1890 – Aberdeen Daily News (Aberdeen, South Dakota)
Singing Mice on
Shipboard. About three months ago J. F.
Chelton of Woods Cross Roads, Va., captain of the schooner Anna Lloyd, captured a
singing mouse in the cabin of his vessel while off Gloucester Point, Va. The little
fellow was caged, and he sang merrily at all hours, his notes being somewhat
like the subdued trill of a canary bird. Thursday another musical mouse was
caught in the cabin by Capt. Chelton, and was caged with the one previously
captured. They keep up a lively concert at all hours of the day and night. – Baltimore Sun.
July 7, 1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Capt. Wm. B. Aldrich, a successful farmer and oyster
planter of Matthews county, is dead.
July 16,
1890 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
A meeting in the interest of the projected Northern Neck
Railroad was held at Matthews C. H.
The
Oyster Planter’s Association of Matthews County ratified the action of the Hampton convention.
July 23,
1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Distressing news comes from Matthews county. It is
said that no rain of any consequence has fallen in the county for two months, and that the corn has
suffered greatly, so much, in fact, that the prospect is the small farmers will
be in a bad way this winter for both provender for their stock and bread for
themselves. The cool nights, happening at the same time with the day weather,
has materially retarded the watermelons and citron there. Affairs in Gloucester and York counties are not so bad, as they had good rains there
last week.
August 19,
1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIED.
BILLUPS-TULL. On July 31, 1890, at the brides residence, by Rev. E. Y.
Mullins, JOHN W. BILLUPS, of Matthews county, Va. and Mrs. MAGGIE E. TULL, of
Worcester county, Md.
September 3, 1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE – A nicely improved FARM of 600 ACRES on deep salt
water, near the county seat of Mathews county, Virginia; abundance of oysters
and fish; 160 acres in high state of cultivation, with nice House, barn and all
outbuildings, Tenant House, etc; balance in timber; value $7,500; will sell on
easy terms or will exchange large portion for city property. C. M. GARLIN, 221
North Calhoun st.
September 9, 1890 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The democrats of Matthews county, in mass-meeting
yesterday, heartily endorsed the nomination of Hon. W. A. Jones for Congress.
Speeches were made by J. N. Stubbs, Robert McCandlish and Judge Garrett.
November 6,
1890 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DIED – SELDEN – Suddenly, on
November 1, at his residence, “Sherwood,” Gloucester Co., Va., ROBERT G.
SELDEN, in the 76th year of his age.
January 16,
1891 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Capt. T. J. Hudgins, commanding the Seaboard Air Line
steamer Little Nell, died at his home
in Matthews county, today, after a short illness.
August 17,
1891 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Drowning of a Baltimore Teacher. The
body of Miss Alice V. Knight, assistant to the principal in male colored school
No. 3, Howard and Montgomery streets, was brought yesterday from Mathews county, Va. to her home. Miss Knight was drowned Friday in East river, Mathews county, near the residence of relatives with whom she was
spending her summer vacation. She was bathing with two companions, and held to
a plank to support her weight in the water. She got beyond her depth,
relinquished her hold upon the plank and disappeared below the surface. She
never rose until taken from the stream dead. Miss Knight was the daughter of
John J. Knight, and was nineteen years old. She had been in Mathews county six
weeks. She was a teacher in the Sunday School of William Street Methodist
Episcopal Church of which she was a member. She had been a public school
teacher for one session.
September 2, 1891 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Virginia oyster police steamer Chesapeake, Capt. Seth Foster, arrived here from East river, Matthews county, Va. She
coaled at Locust Point, and after having compasses adjusted will leave for her
station Friday.
May 13, 1892 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
COMING TROTTING
MEETINGS. List of Flyers Entered for the Spring Races at Point Breeze and Belmont Parks. ... Wednesday, May 18. 2.33 Class, Trotting Purse $550 – J. H.
Seawell, Gloucester
Point, Va., Rhoda; ...
May 27,
1892 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
SUMMER BOARDERS WANTED AT RIVERSIDE, VA. Commencing June 1; good salt water bathing and
fishing. For terms &c. Address MRS. S. F. MILLER, Foster Postoffice,
Mathews county, Virginia
August 29, 1892 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) Wanted – Partner, to engage in the Oyster
Business in North River, Gloucester, Va., with capital of $5,000. Address GEO. B. TALIAFERRO,
Ware Neck, Va.
October 3,
1892 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Norfolk, Va., Oct. 2. St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal
Church, at Point Comfort, Matthews county, was dedicated today. Rev. Dr.
A. Coke Smith, of this city, conducted the services.
October 14,
1892 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Twelve oystermen were arrested by Captain Foster, of
the gunboat Chesapeake, and taken before a magistrate in Matthews county
Saturday to answer the charge of oystering on Gwyn’s Island
rock with patent tongs without a license. It is said that a party of these oystermen
banded together and refused to obey the law. They have counsel and will test
the oyster tax.
January 9, 1893 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. R. W. Shultice, Commonwealth’s attorney of
Matthews county, has tendered his resignation.
January 20,
1893 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The tug Thomas
A. Bain arrived from Matthews county today and reports the Bay frozen solid
from shore to shore.
January 28,
1893 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The tug Thomas
Bain arrived last night with mails and a bugeye loaded with oysters from
Mathews county. The tug put on her heaviest steam when she struck the ice
fields. This was more than the bugeye could stand, as the knightheads, to which
the tow line was made fast, were broken off. The line was then made fast to the
mast, and she was pulled through without further damage.
The top of Wolf Trap light-house can now be seen at the
mouth of Rappahannock river.
February 22, 1893 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Captain Thomas,
of the Avalon, reports the Southern Beauty hard ashore at Green Point, two
pungies ashore at Cricket Hill and two pungies ashore at Cricket Hill wharf, a
schooner ashore in Little bay and three pungies and a schooner ashore at
Cockrell’s creek.
May 24, 1893 – Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
TELEGRAPH BREVITIES. At Gloucester Court House, Va., , Captain W. F. Aberron,
an aged and highly respected citizen, shot his wife and then himself. All are
dead. Temporary insanity.
July 19,
1893 – Middletown Daily
Press (Middletown, New York)
(Advertisement) Roanes, Va., July 3d, 1893. Dr. Robinson, Middletown, N.Y., Dear Sir: Perhaps you may
remember of pulling a tooth for a party from Virginia last winter, and using
Odontunder. Well, I am the party. I was telling a physician here about
Odontunder, what a wonderful thing it was in painless extracting teeth, and he
wished me to write you for some information about it, where he could and how he
could get it; also send circular of the same if you have any, or where to send
to get circulars, etc. and oblige C. S. Miller, Roanes, Gloucester Co., Va.
August 2, 1893 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
CHESAPEAKE RESORTS.
Cricket Hill, Mathews Co. Va., Aug. 1. – As comparatively few Baltimoreans are
aware of the many healthy and picturesque spots that adorn the lower
tributaries of our majestic Chesapeake, I am prompted to send you this
communication, that your readers may be informed of some additional attractions
for the people of the Monumental City by way of healthful enjoyment and
recuperation during the heated term amidst the salted breezes and gorgeous
landscapes of old Virginia, easily accessible to all who desire to avail
themselves of them. I shall speak particularly of a beautiful spot along the
route of the steamer Avalon, of the
Maryland Steamboat Company, surrounded not only by the charms of nature, but
also intimately associated with colonial history, whose attractions it is now
my good fortune to enjoy.
Riverview is a beautiful elevation, commanding a splendid
expanse, the confluence of three streams that commingle their waters before our
eyes, the first of which is the broad Piankatank that lies between the York and Rappahannock rivers separating Middlesex and Mathews counties,
also a portion of Gloucester county from Mathews, and finally rolls its waters
into the Chesapeake at Thoroughfare. The second is an insignificant
stream known as Queen’s creek, but somewhat important because of its historical
associations. The third is Milford Haven, whose waters link the Piankatank and
the Chesapeake and separate a strip of land known as Gwyn’s Island
from the mainland. The lower end of Gwyn’s Island
is plainly visible, and the city resident finds much amusement in watching the
little ferry of curious design transporting its cargo of horses and carriages by
means of a crank turned by the ferryman until it reaches the end of the
connecting cable on either side of the Haven.
The Piankatank derived its name from an Indian tribe,
which, in earlier days, inhabited this section of country, whose chief was the
famous Powhatan, who resided near Richmond and held dominion over all the tribes for many miles
around. Nacotawance, a special chief of the Piankatank tribe, who resided on
Queen’s creek, entered into a treaty with his Majesty’s colony, whose capital
was then located at Williamsburg. In that treaty he placed himself and his tribe under
the protection of Great Britain, for which he was to give “twenty beaver skins at the
going away of the geese.” His queen in passing from Queen’s creek to the
Piankatank, overtaken by a storm, was capsized off a farm called Hesse.
Mrs. Gwyn, wife of Col. Hugh Gwyn, seeing their perilous situation, sent out
her slaves who succeeded in rescuing her and her companions, and learning that
she was the wife of Nacotawance, treated her with queenly honors. As a token of
her gratitude the queen gave Mrs. Gwyn the island that now bears the family
name for a pea patch. When Col. Hugh Gwyn, who was born in Milford Haven,
Wales, and who represented his Majesty’s county of York in the House of
Burgesses at Williamsburg, returned, his wife, who during his absence, had been
the recipient of the queenly gift, informed her husband of the same, who
subsequently held an interview with Nacotawance on the island and smoked the
calumet, or pipe of peace with him. The assignment of the land was then made
after the Indian custom. Colonel Gwyn afterward obtained a grant from Sir. Wm.
Berkely, the royal governor of Virginia, not only of the island that now bears his name, but
of all the other land bordering on the Piankatank from the Gloucester line to the bay. The family then removed to Gwyn’s Island
and settled there. From this family descended Gen. Walter Gwyn who recently
died in Baltimore, and who commanded the defenses of Norfolk during the late
war at the time of its evacuation; the late Charles R. Gwyn, a prominent dry
goods merchant of Baltimore, and the
Hon. Wm. M. Gwyn, United States Senator of California, who was arrested on a
charge of treason because of his empathies with the South during the late
rebellion.
During the year 1775 Gwyn’s Island
was occupied by Lord Dunmore, the last of the royal governors of Virginia, who constructed forts along Milford Haven, remains
of which are still to be seen. Under the direction of Gen. Andrew Lewis, a representative
of the colonists, earthworks were thrown up at Cricket Hill, the postoffice
landing of this section of Mathews county, and at other points along the Haven.
On a given day General Lewis collected all the “parryaugers” (canoes) he could
find, opened fire from his forts upon the enemy’s works, crossed amidst a storm
of shot and shell and made the British beat a hasty retreat to their shipping
lying off Cherry Point. Several of their gunboats in the Haven were captured
and everything left in their camp was committed to the flames on account of
smallpox prevailing there at that time. During their occupation of the island
the British lost 500 men and their shipping sustained a damage of one thousand
pounds. Dunmore, cursing the rebels, sailed away for New York and thus ended the royal government of Virginia.
During the erection of the opposing forts by General
Lewis on the mainland side of Milford Haven his lordship, who had been greatly
annoyed by the colonists’ firing, ordered one of his generals to “go over and
drive those crickets away.” To his utter surprise the crickets could not be
dislodged, but drove him and all his red-coats from their entrenchments and
across the Piankatank to their ships anchored at Cherry Point and from that day
to this the postoffice landing of this section of Mathews has gone by the name
of Cricket Hill.
September 8, 1893 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Richmond, Va., Sept. 7. – Governor McKinney, Auditor Mayre and
Treasurer Harrison, as members of the board of the Chesapeake and its
tributaries; Shell-fish Commissioner Southy Wilkins, J. B. Baylor, engineer,
and J. V. Jarvis, George Powell and Charles M. Machen, commissioners of Mathews
county, were yesterday served with writs of process to appear at the clerk’s
office of the Chancery Court, in this city, at the rules to be held for that
court on the last Monday in September to answer a bill in chancery exhibited
against them in that court by William M. Dixon, H. F. Landon, Sarah Barker and
James Hudgins. The writ is dated April 6, 1893, and states that an injunction
has been awarded against the defendants to restrain them from including in a
survey which they are causing to be made of the natural oyster-bed rocks and
shoals of the State, 8 ¼ acres, 9 acres, 8 ¼ acres and 15 acres of oyster
grounds in Mathews county, the alleged property of the plaintiffs. The
defendants are also restrained from including these lots on the maps which they
are now making until further order of the court. The temporary injunction was
granted by Judge S. B. Witt, of Hustings Court, who sat in Chancery Court in the absence of Judge
Lamb.
Governor McKinney, when seen on the subject yesterday,
stated that he had not been able to give the subject any consideration, but
that he had forwarded the paper to the attorney-general for his action.
September
12, 1893 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Fredericksburg, Va., Sept. 11. In
the absence of the pastor, Rev. Dr. Thos. S. Dunaway, the pulpit of the Baptist Church was yesterday filled by Prof. John Hart, of Bowling Green, both morning and night. Rev. Dr. Dunaway was in Bowling Green, where he assisted Sunday in the ordination of Mr. S.
W. Thompson, who recently returned from Japan, where he was engaged in Bible distribution. The
ordination took place at the Baptist Church in Bowling Green and Rev. Dr. A. Broaddus and Rev. Mr. Thompson will
at once take charge of two Baptist churches in Matthews county, Va.
October 17,
1893 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. C. C. Marchant and Miss Sadie A. Hudgins, daughter
of Mr. Samuel Hudgins, both of Matthews county, were married a few days ago at
St. Paul’s Methodist Church, near Port Haywood. Rev. D. G. C. Butts officiated.
Miss Ruby Lee Hudgins, sister of the bride, and Miss Mary Thomas were the maids
of honor.
October 30, 1893 – Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
GENEALOGY
COLUMN. In 1657 two brothers Washington
removed from England to the colony of Virginia.
One of them, John Washington, was the father of Lawrence, who was the father of Augustine, who was the father
of General George Washington, whose wife was Mildred Warner, had three
children, viz: John, Augustine and Mildred.
This John Washington, the uncle of General George
Washington, married Catherine Whiting of Gloucester county, Virginia. They had two sons, Warner and Henry
– and three daughters – Mildred, Elizabeth and Catherine. This Elizabeth
Washington married Thomas Lanier. Of their children, Sampson Lanier married
Elizabeth Chamberlain. ….
December 7,
1893 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Capt. John T. Downes, of Mathews county, who has been
in Norfolk for a few days past, has disappeared. He was at A. R.
Hudgin’s store Saturday night, leaving there to go aboard his boat at
McClullough’s dock. When he left there he had not been drinking and was
perfectly sober. He has not been seen or heard from since. His cap was found
floating in the dock. Captain Downes has a wife and five children in Mathews
county.
April 16,
1894 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
DEATHS. GRAY –
At his residence, in Matthews county, Va., March 16, 1894. NELSON R. GRAY, son of the late Major Gray, of Worcester county, Md. He was born in Worcester county, Md. January 22, ___[blurred copy]. In 1845 his father
removed to Matthews county, his son Nelson accompanying him. He married Miss
Billups, of Matthews county. His death was occasioned by a severe attack of
grip. He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn their loss. He was a loving
husband, a devoted father, and a true and faithful friend, and had the esteem
and confidence of all who knew him.
May 1, 1894 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Washington, April 30. – Among the fourth-class postmasters
appointed today were R. C. Brooks, Laban, Mathews county …
August 28,
1894 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Daniel H. Foster, an old lawyer and at one time
Commonwealth’s attorney of Matthews county, died at his home in that county,
Saturday.
August 30,
1894 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Capt. William T. Soper, of 1234 Mosher street, died yesterday at the Johns Hopkins Hospital after an illness of ten weeks, aged fifty-four years.
Capt. Soper was prominent among steamboat men and had followed the water from
boyhood. He was a native of Matthews county, Va. During his steamboat career he filled positions with
the Potomac, Maryland
and Chester River Companies. He retired about three years ago. A widow and
three children survive him. Capt. Soper was a member of the Royal Arcanum.
January 6, 1895 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
FLIM-FLAMMED
FOR $5000. A Philadelphian Sells an
Englishman Two Bogus Gold Bricks. RICHMOND, Va. Jan. 5. A. W. Withers, a wealthy Englishman, residing
near Roanes, in Gloucester county, Virginia, was swindled out of $5000 here
yesterday by a man giving his name as Thomas H. Parker, of Philadelphia.
Withers had made the acquaintance of Parker during some
of their travels and they met here at the suggestion of Parker, who wanted to
sell the Englishman two bricks of bold. Parker arrived two days ago and
registered at Ford’s. Withers reached the city last night and stopped at the
same place.
This morning Parker drove Withers out to a point in the
country where he had the bricks concealed and convinced him that they were pure
gold. The Englishman’s offer of $5000 was accepted, and when the party returned
to the city Withers drew the money out of a bank here and settled for the
bricks.
Later in the day he took them to a jeweler who told him
that they were made of nothing more valuable than brass. Complaint was made to
Chief of Police Poe, who put detectives on the case.
January 16,
1895 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Capt. Wm. E. Plummer died of pneumonia at his home in Alameda, Cal., on December 28, 1894, aged sixty-five years. Captain Plummer was born in
Matthews county, Va. For many years
he commanded Baltimore vessels in the Brazil and West Indian trades for Pendergast Brothers and
Thornton Rollins. He had lived in California over twenty years.
January 21,
1895 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. Joseph M. Ashbury, manager for Lewis Elmer &
Son, died yesterday at his home, 1122 Mosher street. He had been in failing health for over a year. Mr.
Ashbury was fifty-seven years old and was born in Matthews county, Va. He came to Baltimore thirty years ago and for some time conducted a
grocery at the corner of McCulloh and Preston streets. For
the last ten years he had been with Elmer and Son. Mr. Ashbury was a member of
the Corn and Flour Exchange, Carrollton Council of the Royal Arcanum, and the
Independent Order of United American Workmen. His wife, who was a daughter of
Mr. Lewis Elmer, died three years ago. Five children survive him.
April 7, 1895 – Atlantic
Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
GENEALOGY COLUMN - … John Lewis married Catherine Warner, daughter
of a rich East Indian merchant, who built in her honor “Warner Hall,” an
ancient structure of twenty-six rooms. Their eldest son, Colonel Fielding
Lewis, married Betty Washington, the only sister of General George Washington.
Colonel Fielding Lewis and Betty Washington were distant cousins, being
great-grandchildren of Augustine Warner, father of Catherine. General Robert
Lewis, of Becon, Wales, came to America about 1640 with a grant of
20,000 acres of land in Gloucester county, Virginia. …
April 17,
1895 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Washington, April 16. – Pensions have been issued as follows for
Maryland, Virginia,
West Virginia and District of Columbia: Original widow – Sally Dixon, Hudgins, Matthews,
county.
April 23,
1895 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mrs. Susan Jarvis, wife of Capt. John M. Jarvis, of
the Old Dominion Steamship Company, died at Yorktown, Va.., a few days ago. She left four daughters – Mrs.
John W. Funk and Mrs. George E. Davis, of Baltimore; Mrs. Susie E. Armistead, of Matthews county, Va., and Mrs. Horace Foote, of New York. Mrs. Jarvis was buried at the old home place, at New
Point, Matthews County.
November
21, 1895 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Norfolk, Va., Nov. 20. Capt.
C. F. Banks, of the New York,
Philadelphia and Norfolk Road, died at St. Vincent’s Hospital
this morning after two weeks’ illness from typhoid fever. He was a native of
Mathews county. The steamers in the harbor were flying their flags at half-mast
today in respect to his memory.
December
20, 1895 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
In Matthews county last Friday Mrs. O. G. Miller shot
and slightly wounded her husband, in an altercation over the possession of
their children. The couple had not lived together for some time.
December
25, 1895 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Shot in the Arm.
Francis W. Williams, of Matthews county, Va., had a pistol-shot wound in the upper part of his
right arm dressed at the City Hospital late last night. He was passing the corner of Fayette street and Rogers avenue when a number of colored men engaged in a free fight.
During the melee several shots were fired, and Williams received one of them in
the arm. No arrests were made.
February 11, 1896 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Fell from a
Car. Mr. J. T. Willis, of Gloucester Point, Va., slipped and fell from a car of the City Passenger
Railway Company yesterday at the corner of Light and York streets. His left hip was wrenched and right hand
cut. He went to the home of his sister, 624 Washington street.
February 28, 1896 – New Oxford Item (New
Oxford, Pennsylvania)
MARRIED. Feb.
20, in Gettysburg, by Rev. Lloyd A. Watts, Richard Thomas of Gloucester
Co., Va., to Miss Laura F. A. Watts, of Gettysburg.
June 10,
1896 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Annapolis, Md. June 9. – The Naval Academy practice cruisers Monongahela
and Bancroft, which sailed
yesterday, had reached Newpoint Comfort light, near the mouth of York river, at half-past 9 this morning, a distance of 110 miles. At that hour
homing pigeons were liberated for Annapolis. A message to the superintendent from Commander White
stated that the Monongahela expected to sail this afternoon for sea.
August 26,
1896 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
CAPE CHARLES, VA., Aug. 25. John
E. Brooks, a white man, aged twenty, and John Thomas, colored, of the schooner Silver Star, from New Point, Matthews
county, Va., were drowned yesterday while endeavoring to raise
anchor near Old Plantation lighthouse. The windlass slipped, knocking both men
senseless, and before assistance could reach them they fell overboard.
August 27,
1896 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
James Brookes, of Matthews county, was drowned from
the bugeye Starlight off New Point.
October 13, 1896 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Sound-Money and
Free-Silver Oratory. (Special Dispatch
to the Baltimore Sun.) CAPE CHARLES, Va., Oct. 12. – Col. C. H. Dennison, of New York, W. B. Tyler, republican candidate for Congress in
the first district of Virginia, and Mr. M. A. Coles, of Gloucester county, Virginia, addressed a large audience on the
money question in Kellam’s Hall, this city tonight. Congressman W. A. Jones, of
the first district, candidate for re-election, and Mr. Thomas L. Downing, of Gloucester county, Virginia, also addressed a large audience in
Parson’s Opera House in behalf of free silver.
November 26,
1896 – New York Times (New York, New York)
An Indian and a Negro Tell
of the School’s Programs. The first of a
series of meetings in the interest of Hampton Institute, the Virginia industrial school for
Indians and negroes, was held last night in the Phillips Presbyterian Church, Seventy-third Street and Madison Avenue. The
Rev. H. B. Frissell, D. D., President of the
institute, was at the meeting. He introduced Benjamin Brave, an Indian from
South Dakota, and Thomas C. Walker, a negro from Virginia, both graduates of
the institute. Walker is a lawyer, and related
how he had the business of a number of white persons in Gloucester Court House,
where he lives, and said that the people of the South are beginning to trust
the negro, when he proves himself capable. …
February 1, 1897 – Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California)
At a recent service in one
of the churches of Philadelphia in behalf of the Hampton
Institute … Thomas Walker of Gloucester county, Virginia, spoke for
the good Hampton has done for the colored people of the South,
taking himself as an illustration. He was born a slave. He never had a book in
his hand and did not know one letter from another when he was fifteen years of
age. He went to Hampton, graduated, returned to his
home and started a colored school, studied law, and was admitted to the bar,
has practiced in the county, State and Federal courts in Virginia, and before the Supreme
court at Washington. He owns a farm, two properties in Hampton and two in Portsmouth, Va., and transacts a large
amount of legal business for his white neighbors and townsmen. He said he was
only one of many illustrations of what Hampton was doing.
April 13, 1897 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
A Man Killed at
Achilles, Va. Norfolk, Va., April 12. – Benjamin Williams, a resident of
Achilles, Gloucester county, arrived in Norfolk today on a small schooner from his home and was
arrested by Detective Snowden upon the charge of manslaughter. A telegram had
been received from Justice Thompson, of Achilles, requesting that Williams be
taken into custody. It is stated that on Saturday night a party of men at
Achilles, went to the store of a brother of Williams for the purpose of making
him leave the county. A general row ensued, and Benjamin Williams struck a man,
inflicting injuries from the effects of which the latter died today. Williams
left Gloucester early this morning, the death of his victim occurring
afterward.
April 14,
1897 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
TRIED TO KILL THE CAPTAIN. Mr. Charles B. White, yesterday
received a letter from his brother-in-law, Capt. James H. Thompson, of the
schooner Joseph T. Brennan, giving
details of an attempt made April 8 to murder the captain on board his vessel
while she was passing down Rappahannock river from Urbana,
Va.
Capt. Thompson wrote that he went to Urbana from Norfolk to get a cargo of corn. Early on the morning of April
8 the schooner sailed away from Urbana, proceeding down the river. It was shortly after
Captain Thompson had gotten his vessel under way that the attempt to kill him
was made. The story is told in the letter to Mr. White as follows:
“I had in the crew one man beside myself. His name was
William Ashley and I had shipped him in Norfolk before going to Urbana. As we were sailing down the river after leaving Urbana, Ashley crept up behind me while I was standing at
the wheel and shot me twice with a 38-caliber revolver. The bullets struck me
in the back of the neck and then glanced off. I turned around to face my
assailant, when he struck me over the head with the pistol and cut my head
badly.
“Though I did not fall, I thought that I saw death
staring me in the face and I determined to make a fight for my life. The man
continued to strike at me with the pistol. The first article of defense which
my eyes lighted upon was a broom. I picked it up and struck at Ashley. Then I
got hold of a stool, with which I managed to stop his onslaught. I overpowered
him and took the pistol from him. Then I fired two shots at him, both balls
taking effect in his head. He fell on the deck and I thought that he was dead.
I then put back to Urbana and landed the man in care of a physician, who said
the next day that he would recover.”
Captain Thompson stated in his letter that he thought
that Ashley’s motive was robbery. He thinks that the man had an idea that
Captain Thompson had a large amount of money on board. The revolver which he
had belonged to the captain and was stored away in the cabin of the boat.
Captain Thompson lives at Blake’s Postoffice, Matthews county, Va. and is well known about the water front of Baltimore.
Ashley is twenty-nine years old, and when he shipped on
the Brennan he signed articles as
being from North
Carolina.
May 5, 1897 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mysterious Disappearance at Sea. James B. Hudgins, a quartermaster on the
Merchants and Miners’ steamer Decatur H.
Miller, which arrived yesterday from Savannah, mysteriously disappeared from the ship off Bodie Island early Monday morning.
Hudgins had been relieved from the wheel at 5:15 A.M. to get early coffee. He was allowed half an hour, and
when the time was up and he did not return to his duty a search was made for
him. He could not be found and the ship was turned about and search made, but
without success.
The man belonged to Matthews county, Va., and had been on the Miller with Captain Billups about four years. He was about
twenty-five years old and unmarried.
August 18,
1897 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
A FATAL ACCIDENT.
Richmond, Va., Aug. 17. – Private advices received here tonight
tell of the accidental killing of Mr. Bennett, and aged citizen of Matthews
county. Mr. Leslie Garnett and a friend going to court, were riding at a good
gait, when unexpectedly Mr. Bennett started to cross the road just in front of
them. Mr. Garnett’s horse knocked the animal of Mr. Bennett down and he was
caught under it and so badly injured that he soon died. The accident was said
by all who witnessed it to be unavoidable.
January 31,
1898 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIAGE LICENSES, The following
marriage licenses were issued Saturday in Baltimore, the residence of the
parties being Baltimore unless otherwise stated.
Colored:
Major Whiting, widower, 54; Charlotte Smith, widow, 60; both of Gloucester, Virginia
February
10, 1898 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIAGE LICENSES.
Calbon Morgan, Matthews county, Va. – Florence Lee Keiser.
April 28,
1898 – Charlotte
Daily Observer (Charlotte, North
Carolina)
Mrs. Geo. R. Quincy, whose husband was once proprietor
of the Buford Hotel, died several days ago at Mount Airy. The remains, the Raleigh Post says, were taken to
Old Point Comfort for burial. Mrs. Quincy was the daughter of Judge Thomas J.
Christian, of Matthews county, Virginia. She leaves a husband and several
children.
June 13,
1898 – Syracuse Standard (Syracuse, New York)
Rev. Harry J. Callis, a scholarly and thoroughly
progressive colored man entered upon his pastorate at the A. M. E. Zion church
yesterday … Mr. Callis was appointed to Zion church from Rochester … Mr. Callis
is 40 years old. He was born in Matthews county, Va., and received his preliminary education at Hampton institute. He taught school two years … and then came
north. … He secured a position in the East Side bank at Rochester, remaining there eight years. While in this position
he improved his spare time by preparing for the ministry. He passed his
examinations successfully and was assigned to a charge at Ithaca. …
July 20,
1898 – Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
Confederate Veterans Reunion, Atlanta. Districts
Maids of Honor. Each of the nine districts in the Virginia division will be represented at the reunion by a maid
of honor. The district representatives are maids of honor to Miss Watson,
sponsor of the entire division. They are … First district, Miss Lolah M. Sears
of Matthews Courthouse …
September
26, 1898 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The congregation of Macedonia Baptist Church (colored) held services yesterday for the first time
in their new church on Saratoga street. …In his sermon at the morning service, Rev. A. B.
Callis, pastor, congratulated the congregation upon the successful result of
their efforts …
Macedonia Baptist congregation was organized September 19,
1874. It has now a membership
of 300, with a Sunday school attendance of 500. Rev. Augusta B. Callis,
colored, who was elected pastor of the church May 10, 1894, was born in Mathews county, Va., in 1852.
July 4, 1899 – The
Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
LUCIUS L. CATLETT. Lucius
Lanier Catlett, of this city, died last Wednesday at Hot Springs, near Las Vegas, New Mexico, where he had gone for the
benefit of his health. His body was brought to his home, 1135 Harlem Avenue, Sunday night, and the
funeral will take place this afternoon from Old St. Paul’s Church, Charles and Saratoga streets, Rev. Dr. J. E. B.
Hodges officiating.
Mr. Catlett was a son of the late
Thomas T. Catlett, of Gloucester county, Virginia, and was
in his thirty-second year. He was born in Baltimore and had spent most of his
life here, although he had traveled extensively in the South. He was connected
with the Patapco Guano Company and had been in the fertilizing business for a
number of years. Mr. Catlet was not married. He is survived by one sister and
an aunt.
July 21,
1899 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Pensions Issued. Washington, July 21. – The following pensions have been granted
… Shadrach B. Hudgins, Port Haywood, $6.
August 22, 1899 –The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Frank Minor, a
farmer of Achilles, Va., died yesterday at the Maryland University Hospital of appendicitis. He was 21 years of age.
September 11, 1899 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Miscellany
– Mrs. Lewis R. Stewart and Miss Lilly Stewart, of Gloucester Courthouse, Va., and Mr. Douglas Stewart, of Norfolk, Va.,
are the guests of Mrs. Susie Sparks, of Tenth District, sister-in-law of Mrs.
Lewis R. Stewart.
October 2,
1899 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
PERSONAL. Brief Items About
Baltimoreans and Their Friends. Miss
Nina Taliaferro of Gloucester county, Virginia, and Mr.
Harry Osborne Sanders of Albany, N.Y., are to be married October 18 at Ware
Episcopal Church, Gloucester county. Owing to the
illness of the bride’s mother no invitations will be issued.
February
27, 1900 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
MARRIAGE LICENSES. John F. Marchant, Matthews county, Virginia ;
Myra M. Stevenson. Applicant.
May 14 1900 – Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas)
Fort Worth, Tex., May 13. – Mrs. Alexander Hogg, wife of the former
principal of the Fort
Worth public
schools, and present editor of the Texas and Pacific Quarterly, died here unexpectedly about 5 o’clock tonight. She had been ill from an affection of the
stomach only two days and her death came as a painful surprise to her family.
She has a large circle of friends in this city and among some of the leading
families of the south. Her maiden name was Eliza Buckner Cook, and she was the
older daughter of Mordecai and Julia Ellen Cook of Gloucester county, Virginia, and related to the Russells,
Taillaferros, Buckners, Stubbs and Dabneys of that state. She was married to
Prof. Hogg December 29, 1859, and they lived in Virginia several years. After the war they moved to Auburn,
Alabama, where Prof. Hogg occupied the chair of mathematics
in the agricultural and mechanical college there. Later they moved to Montgomery, Ala., and afterward to Texas, coming to Fort Worth in 1882. This has since been their home, and here
they reared three daughters, Miss Mary Lula, Miss Virginia Dabney, now Mrs. W.
H. Wynne, and Miss Julia Ellen, the wife of Hon. T. J. Powell, present mayor of
Fort Worth. Each of the married daughters has two children.
May 23,
1900 – Waterloo Daily Reporter (Waterloo, Iowa)
NEST OF A JUG WASP.
Sidney R. Riggin, collector of the port of Crisfield,
Md., has a
pretty ornament in his home, which he found in the woods. It is a nest made by
“jug wasps,’ as they are called in this section, from the striking resemblance
which their nests bear to a jug. This nest is over a foot in length and about a
foot in diameter. William Riggin, father of the collector, gives the following
account of how a nest of these wasps once captured a British gunboat:
“In 1812 a British gunboat was lying near the shore of Matthews county, Virginia. A half-witted boy, who lived in
that vicinity, found a nest of these paper makers one day, and, securely
plugged up the entrance with mud, he cut the limb to which it adhered from the
tree and carried the trophy on board to show it to the crew. The curiosity of
the crew was at once excited to know what it was. ‘A humming-bird’s nest,’ said
the boy. ‘Don’t you hear them inside?” The crew listened and could hear the
indignant wasps keeping up a lively noise. The boy was invited below, and, to
show his good will, made the boat a present of the nest, cautioning the crew,
however, not to let the birds out then, as they would follow him ashore. The
crew waited until the boy had gained the shore, then took out the plugs, and
the wasps at once proceeded to business. The never stopped work until they had
made every one of the crew take to the water. The crew of the gunboat searched
all over Matthews county for the boy, and his fate would have been sad indeed
if they had captured him.” - Correspondent of Baltimore Sun.
June 12, 1900 – Petersburg Daily Index (Petersburg, Virginia)
Mayor Moss, of Newport News, will send the first message next Wednesday over the
new Chesapeake and Tidewater Telephone lines from Newport News to Yorktown and to Gloucester Courthouse. There are two separate
lines, one to Yorktown, which feed branch lines in Warwick and York counties, and the other going on to Gloucester Point,
across York river, feeding Gloucester, Mathews, and New Kent counties. The cables across York river will be laid Wednesday.
June 16, 1900 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement)
For Sale – 160 ACRE FARM, with Tract of Pine Timber, Dwelling and other
buildings; good land; on Pianatank river, Gloucester co., Va. ED. L. PALMER, 11 East Lombard st.
July 20, 1900 – Bismark Daily Tribune (Bismark, North Dakota)
OUTRAGES
RESENTED. Vengeance Taken in a Number of Cities on Chinese for the Crimes of
Their Countrymen. [Note: concerning the
Boxer Rebellion in China and the
killing Americans] Sassafras, Va., July 20. – The Hop Tee laundry was wrecked today.
While Hop was ironing a collar that Jabe Juniper had worn at the Kansas City convention, a terrible explosion occurred, shattering
a flat iron, and blowing eighteen inches off of Hop’s pig tail. It leaked out
this afternoon that Jabe, whose animosity toward the Boxers was heightened by
the silence of the democratic convention regarding the Chinese question, soaked
the collar in nitroglycerine before sending it to the laundry, hoping to
inflict a mortal injury to Hop Tee. None of the physicians in the village will
treat Hop’s injured pig tail, because of their hatred for the Chinese, and it
will probably have to be amputated as mortification has already set in.
September
19, 1900 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
The coast survey steamer Bache, in command of Mr. C. L. Green, left for New Point Comfort to
take on board Mr. Flowers, who has been ordered to command the coast survey
schooner Matchless, at this port.
November 14, 1900 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Date On Paper
Gives Him Away. Postmaster Cooke, of Ware Neck, Va., sends to The Sun a scrap of paper found in a corked
bottle on the shore of North river by his son. In lead pencil this message is written on the paper:
Cape
of Good Hope, July 26, 1896 – We are sinking. The finder will please publish in Baltimore Sun. Captain Johnston, bark Mayflower.
The writer forgot to notice that the message was written
upon a leaf of a memorandum book with the date of Easter Sunday, April 13,
1900 upon it.
December 1, 1900 – Denton Journal (Denton, Maryland)
CAROLINE
SPORTSMEN IN VIRGINIA. Three Dentonians spent part of last week and most of
this week in Gloucester county, Virginia, hunting quail. They went fully
equipped for deadly work – with breech-loading guns of proved killing capacity,
about two hundred loaded shells per man, and trained setters galore. The trip
in detail cannot be given, but some of the things they heard and saw and did
will doubtless be of interest to many of our readers.
Naturally they ran across the man who had made great
shots in his day; who had killed, at a single shot, wild turkeys that weighed
in the aggregate as much as an ordinary man could shoulder; who had killed
three deer in fifteen minutes’ time, and oceans of ducks from a snow-blind.
One day’s shooting deserves particular mention, taking
the anticipated results and the actual results together. With high hopes and a plenty of ammunition
two of the Dentonians started on a ten-mile drive to the locality where a dozen
coveys were known to range, and had been so well-mannered that they would not
take to the woods under two or three flights, giving the hunters ample
opportunity to try their skill on them
in the broom-sedge. The party was augmented to five, and this is what they did.
The first covey started got it from four of the hunters – right side and left
side, front and rear – and not a feather fell, but one bird got tired and
dropped out of the covey before it reached the woods and was captured by the
hunter who did not fire his gun. Covey number two was advanced on, in open
field, by the full column of five and stood the fusillade with a net loss of
one. Four setters at dead point, on covey number three, was a sight to thrill a
huntsman’s heart, but it got away with the loss of a feather or two. Covey
number four rose wild and did not afford a shot. Covey number five escaped a
terrible rear and flank fire without loss of a feather. Covey number six met a
worse fate, and six shots brought six to bag. Covey number seven, in the same
field, did not wait to be pointed, and got only a couple of hurry-along shots
as it took to the woods. Recapitulating the day’s shooting one of the
Dentonians found he had two birds for his twelve shots and the other had the
same number for nine shots. A grand resume showed nine birds for the entire
party, at an expenditure of more than fifty shots.
In the quiet of the evening the two Dentonians, joined by
a third, took stock of the three day’s operations. (Just at this point it may
be stated that each of them boasts of being able to make it warm for the best
of the Caroline wing-shots.) One had bagged twelve birds at thirty-five shots
and the other six birds at thirty-eight shots.
In the corner of a field which must have been a couple of
centuries ago a part of the plantation of some branch of the Washington family,
one of the party came upon two large tombs. The smaller of the two was so
overrun with briars that the inscription upon the marble slab which covered it
could not be read, but otherwise it was intact. The other was not so
substantial, part of the carved columns and stone panels had fallen away, and
doubtless many a storm-driven and bird has found shelter under the friendly
slab on the face of which was this inscription: “Under this stone lyeth
interred ye body of Catherine Washington, wife of Major John Washington, and
daughter of Col. Henry Whiting by his wife Elizabeth, Born January ye 20, 1694.
She was a kind and obedient wife, a fond and indulgent mother, a compassionate
mistress, and above all an exemplary Christian. Died February ye 7, 1734, aged
40 years.” Local tradition says the other was her daughter, and the oldest
inhabitant can relate nothing beyond that concerning the family.
‘Coons are not so plentiful in that part of Virginia, but the occasional ones are of immense size, so said
the respective slayers of them. They range in size from “the biggest ‘coon I
ever saw,” to “the ‘coon I killed in Middlesex last week was half as big as
that stove – I know it was as large as that shepherd dog,” to the mammoth
creature which the boss exaggerator of the neighborhood said “dressed forty
pounds to the quarter, and was not very fat at that.”
The host and hostess of the Dentonians exemplified Virginia
hospitality, in generous provisions for the field-sport of the visitors and
more ample provision for gratifying the appetites they had with them all the
time, whetted to keenest edge by miles of tramping daily, and the destruction
wrought by them to roast duck, roast beef, roast turkey, boiled ham, fried
chicken, and broiled chicken, stoved squabs, stoved quail, oysters, raw, stewed
and fried, mince and other pies, and proper accompaniments of vegetables or
breads, etc., according to the meal, would have astonished their closest
acquaintances in Caroline.
December 9, 1900 – Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas)
Dr. Charles L.
Gwyn died yesterday morning at 3 o’clock after an illness somewhat prolonged. He died as a victim of the storm
and a martyr to his professional duties. Early on the morning af ter the storm he was called out to see a
patient, and in clambering over debris he cut his foot badly. He was laid up
with it a few days, but his anxiety about his patients, a large number of whom
were ill from the effects of the storm or the character of food they were
getting in those trying days, or from other causes, made him extremely anxious
to get out. Moving about extensively as he did aggravated the trouble, his foot
became swollen so that he had to go in slippers, and those admitted the filthy
mud and glush left by the storm. It finally terminated in blood-poisoning, and
that led to his death.
Dr. Charles L. Gwyn was born in Norfolk, Va., May 2, 1838. His father was a merchant. The
family moved to Maryland when he was a child. He attended the public schools
of Maryland until he reached the age of 16, when he entered Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa. He studied medicine under Dr. J. R. W. Dunbar of Baltimore, and graduated at the University of Baltimore. He went and settled in Gloucester county, Virginia, where he practiced his profession
until the beginning of the war, in 1861. He then enlisted in company C of the
Twenty-sixth Virginia infantry, was made an orderly sergeant, and after six
months was transferred to the medical department and appointed assistant
surgeon, and was afterwards surgeon in Wise’s brigade. At the close of the war
he returned to Gloucester, Va., and in 1872 came to Texas …
December
18, 1900 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Richard H. Diggs, of Mathews county, Virginia, has
been appointed assistant keeper of Seven-Foot Knoll Lighthouse, in the Patapsco
river.
December
27, 1900 – The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Rufus Brooks, of Matthews county, Va., has been appointed second mate and assigned to the
lighthouse tender Holly. Mr. Brooks
succeeds Richard E. Tull, who has been transferred to the New Orleans district.
January 23,
1901 – The Sin (Baltimore, Maryland)
Miss Mary S. Coulling,
daughter of the late Dr. David Coulling, of Gloucester county, Virginia was
married last night at Brantley Baptist Church, Edmondston avenue and Schroeder street, to Mr. J. Carlos Mathis,
of Tennille, Ga. Rev. Maurice
Penfield Fikes, pastor of the church, performed the ceremony. The bride entered
the church with her brother, Mr. David Coulling. She was attired in
mouesseiline de sole over ivory white satin trimmed in chiffon and carried
bride roses. Miss Cathrine Coulling, sister of the bride, was maid of honor.
Miss Mary E. Thornton and Miss Nannie C. Cooke, of Virginia, cousins of the
bride, and Misses Alice H. Batt of West Virginia, and Mae D. Matthews were
bridesmaids. They wore Nile green and carried carnations. The ushers were Dr.
A. G. Barrett and Messrs. Clarence Duer, Frank Thornton and Clarence Fleming.
At the alter, which was decorated with potted plants and ferns, the bridal
party was met by the groom and his best man, Mr. Thos. A. Davis.
Immediately after the ceremony, Mr.
and Mrs. Mathis left for a Northern trip. They will reside in Tennille, Ga.
January 30,
1901 - The Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
(Advertisement) FOR SALE – FARM in Mathews county, Va.: 300 acres, large Dwelling; good condition;
Outbuildings, good water, shade; near wharf; laid out suitable for building
lots. CHARLES SHIPLEY 217 Courtland.
May 7, 1901 – Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska)
NEW EVIDENCE OF DRUNKENNESS. In “A
Sailors Log,” Rear Admiral Robert D. Evans tells this story of a trial of a
lighthouse keeper, before the admiral, who was then in the lighthouse service:
“The keeper of a light on the western shore of Chesapeake
bay was
charged with offenses enough to have hanged a dozen men. I notified all the
witnesses to be at the station on a certain day to give testimony in the case.
After a long hearing the lawyer who represented the side of the complainants
admitted that he had failed to show cause for removal; but the charge of
drunkenness still had to be heard. The witness to this charge was a fisherman
who had been playing cards with the accused keeper, and upon being sworn
testified that he, the keeper, was undoubtedly drunk – very drunk. I asked what
the indications of drunkenness were. ‘Well, sir, the accused was playing “seven
up” with me, and had only two to go when I dealt him the Jack and deuce, and he
begged! Now, you can’t convince any man in Matthews county, Virginia, that a
man who would do that wasn’t drunk; certainly he was drunk, sir, and ought to
be turned out.’ I sent to the treasury department many cases where the evidence
wasn’t even as incriminating as above.”
August 4, 1901 – Atlanta
Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
GENEALOGY COLUMN –
COLLIER-MILLER-CARTER. John Collier, Sr., 1680-1735. of King and Queen Co. Va.
m. three times. M. 1st , Miss Ballard, no issue; m. 2d. Miss Gaines,
one child, John Collier, Jr., … m. 3d. Nancy Eyres, or Eyes; had 6 children:
1. Cornelius Collier. b. 1725.
m. Elizabeth Wyatt, of Gloucester Co. They lived in Lunenburg Co., Va. till 1788; then went
to Abbeville district, S.C….
August 18,
1901 – Atlanta
Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
GENEALOGY COLUMN –
BLACKWELL-WYATT – Answer to query 123 state that Samuel Blackwell of
Northumberland county, Va., m. Sally Wyatt of Gloucester county, Va., b. in the
1730’s. They had a daughter, Sally Wyatt Blackwell, who m. her first cousin
William Collier, son of Elizabeth Wyatt and Cornelius Collier of Lunenburg, Va. …
November
23, 1901 – Denton Journal (Denton, Maryland)
Mr. Will Clark and his father have gone to Matthews
county, Virginia, cutting holly.
June 1, 1902 – Atlanta
Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
Historical and Genealogical
column.
LEWIS-WARNER. – As to the discussion
of the identity of the patentee of “Warner Hall,” in Gloucester Co., Va., which
has been progressing in your columns, I was a little surprised, for the
Gloucester Co. people themselves believe him to have been Colonel Augustine
Warner, the elder, and the patents prove him to have been early located there.
It lies on Severn river, at the head of “Robins Neck,” a neck of land between the rivers Severn and Ware, as they empty
into Mob-Jack bay. There is a laughable legend in the Robins family (for whom
that neck is named), in which we have taken a personal interest, since John
Robins, the immigrant, was an ancestor of my husband, and his descendants yet
live in Gloucester and vouch for the story as it came on down from father to
son: He and Augustine Warner were boon-companions and sometimes shared the cup
that exhilarates and alas, also inebriates, as one found to his chagrin.
Colonel Warner was burgess in York Co., and John Robins Burgess in Elizabeth City Co. So fond was each of the
other they decided to patent their future homes adjoining, on the neck of land
above mentioned, in Gloucester Co., yet each wanted the best “dividend,” which
lay nearest the point. After one of their long and deep potations they
“clinched the bargain,” and each then made a race for the patent office to get first
choice. Now the ancestor of the famous “father of his country,” being a little
less sober than John Robins, was a little more laggard, and arrived just after
his friend had slapped his patent on the neck of land, and he found that the
second choice had been awarded him, and he called it “Warner Hall,” and here
the two old show places have basked dreamily, side by side, through the
intervening centuries; and, not far off, lie “Rosewell,” home of Gov. Page,
“White Marsh,” home of the Rootes and Tafts; “Point Lookout,” a Robins home;
“Timberneck,” home of John Catlett, and further on, “Wareham,” the Cooke home,
“Highgate,” home of John and Warner Washington; the Burwell home, at “Carter’s
Creek,” and many other old colonial places. Augustine Warner (born about 1610,
died 1674) came to Virginia in 1628. He was justice in Gloucester 1652-8, councilor 1659-74,
wife Mary. Their tombs at Warner Hall, with arms upon them. They had: Sarah
(2), who married Lawrence Townley; a daughter (2), who married Major David Cant,
and Colonel Augustine Warner (2), the speaker (born 1642, died 1681), and also
of the council. Their home, Warner Hall, lay in Abingdon parish, and he gave a
communion service to the church. He married Mildred, daughter of Colonel George
Reade (died 1671), who was very wealthy, and who had bought much land from the
Cheesecake Indians when they sold their reservation, and who “willed” 685 acres
of this land (1671) to his daughter, Mrs. Mildred Warner. There a brick mansion
house was erected where they lived, and where their children, or at least
Elizabeth, who married John Lewis, was born in 1672. Mrs. Warner willed this
tract in 1694 to her sons Robert and George, the eldest son Augustine the third
having died 1657 – (this with a “reversion to her four brothers, Benj., Robert,
Francis and Thos. Reade” and the latter’s granddaughter Mrs. Sarah Rootes,
finally heir to it). They doubtless returned to Warner Hall to live after the
death of the elder Warner and their sons George and Robert, also dying without issue,
the “Hall” now fell to their eldest daughter, Mrs. John Lewis. Another
daughter, Mary Warner, married (1680), John Smith, of “Purton,” and also owned
some of the Cheesecake lands, which her grandson, John Smith willed away in
1735. The third daughter, Mildred, married Lawrence Washington, and had John Washington of
“Highgate,” which is also on the Indian road going to Cheesecake, etc. This
Cheesecake was Reade property. Colonel Augustine Warner’s neighbor, John
Robins, patented 2,000 acres in Gloucester county in 1642, to which he
removed from Elizabeth City county, prior to his death
in 1656. This was Robin’s neck on Mob-Jack bay (Glo Ld Bk) In 1684 William
Hurst patented 300 acres joining John Robins, dec’d, Colonel Augustine Warner,
dec’d, and the free school (Gloucester county land book). In 1695 John Stubbs
(a progenitor of my husband) patented a tract adjoining Warner Hall, and yet
known as “Stubbses,” though now a part of “White Marsh.” It is described in the
land book as “betwixt the land of Augustine Warner, Mr. Wall and Mr. Bolling.”
These places were all near Mob-Jack
bay (an arm of the Chesapeake bay) and in an opposite end of the county to the
Cheesecake (Kickejack) Indian lands.
Again, in Bacon’s “Rebellion, 1676,” Major William Byrd, of Westover, a
sympathizer with Bacon, quartered his troops, as commander, at Warner Hall, for
which Colonel Warner afterwards sued him for l10,000 damages. (William
and Mary Quarterly, IV, 154)
If you care for these historic items
they are yours. They are here jotted down only as one of the impulses that
sometimes moves me to correct inaccuracies that should not be continued
propagation any longer to the confusion of coming generations, and all of us
honestly desire facts only. Yours cordially, ELIZABETH STUBBS
June 22,
1902 - Atlanta
Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
Historical and Genealogical
column.
LEWIS-WARNER. I have read
with much interest and no little curiosity an article in this column under the
above heading, of the 1st instant. I have never conceived the idea
as an unknown writer in your second volume chose to style me, that I was
“authority on Lewis history,” but I have searched earnestly for facts and
endeavored to learn something as I have gone along, and even my errors have
sometimes resulted in bringing out facts that had hitherto been dormant. All I ask is record proof of facts and if the
records cannot be obtained, then the next best evidence. And if I am in error,
I earnestly desire to be set right, and I will at all times do what is not
lawful for a genealogist to do, cheerfully acknowledge my error. The writer in
the article of the 1st is doubtless possessed of much valuable
information and is earnest and honest. In the position taken and it is not my
intentions to controvert anything that is said directly but simply to analyze
the article and possibly bring out the truths more clearly. The writer says:
The people of Gloucester county themselves believe him (Augustine Warner) to
have been the patentee of Warner Hall, and the patents in the Gloucester land
books at Richmond prove him to have been early located there (in Gloucester).
Now, I would ask in all earnestness, if what the people of Gloucester believe 250 years after the
transaction or the fact that the land books show that Augustine Warner, Sr.,
was early located in Gloucester county, proves anything in
regard to the patentee of Warner Hall.
The legend of the race between John
Robins and Augustine Warner, Sr. has no place in history, and does not admit of
analysis. The writer does not say that Augustine Warner, Sr. patented the
Warner Hall property, but reaches her conclusions from the above legend of John
Robins and Augustine Warner and circumstances which when analyzed, fail to
prove anything.
I have never said who was the patentee
of the Warner Hall property because I have had no record proof but I have said
and yet say that the first occupant of it so far as the records show was a
Lewis and that there is nothing to show that his ancestors had not owned and
occupied it before him. So far as I have ever seen or heard neither Mr. Tyler
of The William and Mary Quarterly nor Mr. Stanard of the Virginia Historical
Magazine have ever asserted that Warner Hall was patented by Augustine Warner,
Sr. Mr. Tyler in his quarterly, April
1901, says that property probably came to John Lewis from his wife. Mrs. Watson
says it was patented by Augustine Warner, Sr., but gives no authority.
The writer says that “John Robins
patented 2,000 acres of land in Gloucester county in 1642 and then says that
this was Robins Neck on Mobjack bay but does not say that the patent so
describes it. Again she says, In 1684, 42 years after John Robins had located
his patent of 2000 acres and 26 years after he was dead, William Hurst patented
300 acres adjoining John Robins dec’d, Colonel Augustine Warner, dec’d, and the
free school.” And again in 1695 John Stubbs patented a tract of land described
in the land book as betwixt the land of Augustine Warner, Mr. Wall, and Mr.
Bolling.” That this land adjoined “Warner Hall” is no part of the description
in the land book, but an assumption of the writer.
As stated in the outset, it is not
my purpose to controvert these statements, but if they are well founded to
reach, if possible, a confirmation of them as they stand at present, they need
confirmation. It is a noteworthy fact that not one of these patents is
described in the land books as being on Mobjack bay or on the Severn river, but
it is assumed that Augustine Warner, Sr. patented the Warner Hall property, and
this being assumed without proof, as a necessary sequence, all lands adjoining
Colonel Warner’s property adjoin Warner Hall, and are therefore on Mobjack bay,
or the Severn , as Warner Hall is located there. While, as a matter of fact,
the land books show that “Augustine Warner, Sr., and his wife, Mary, entered a
tract of 2,500 acres of land about the branches of old Cheesecake town, south
side of Piankitank river, October 26, 1652.” and the subsequent records show
that this was the home of the Warners, 15 or 20 miles northwest of Warner Hall,
and the fact that they were buried at Warner Hall cannot disprove the records
as to where they lived.
History does not say that Burns’
troops were quartered at Warner Hall, but at Colonel Warner’s mansion, which
was known to have been at Cheesecake, 15 or 20 miles away from Warner Hall.
It is doubtless true that George
Read owned Cheesecake lands, and quite natural that he should have given some
portion of them to his daughter, but is a record fact that Colonel Augustine Warner,
Sr., owned 2,500 acres of the same lands, and that his home, and that of
Speaker Augustine Warner were there. There is not record so far as I have been
able to learn, that the Warners ever resided at Warner Hall, so that Elizabeth could be born at Cheesecake,
and their subsequent return to Warner Hall needs explanation, as there is no
proof of either. The public records, as shown by the land books, located the
Warners at Cheesecake on the Piankitank river, the northern boundary of Gloucester county, 15 or 20 miles away
from Warner Hall, and it would seem that it would require evidence equally as
strong to bring them away, or to locate them at Warner Hall.
The legend of the race between John
Robins and Augustine Warner and the legendary “Robins Neck” on Mobjack bay,
upon which all of the claims in favor of Augustine Warner being the patentee of
Warner Hall depend, could hardly be expected to stand against the record proof
of that locates him on the Piankitank instead of the Severn, some 15 or 20 miles
away from Warner Hall.
I seek only the truth, and if it is
true that Augustine Warner patented the Warner Hall property, I trust Mrs.
Stubbs or some one else in Gloucester, who “thinks or believes he
did,” will produce the evidence from the land books, and set the matter at
rest. JOHN MERIWETHER M’ALLISTER.
November
24, 1902 – Dallas Morning
News (Dallas, Texas)
DEATH OF MAJOR REED. Washington, Nov. 23. Major Walter
Reed, an officer of the Surgeon General’s department of the army, died here
today.
Major Reed was sent to Havana to investigate the yellow
fever question, and it was largely through his researches that the
determination was reached that the disease was caused through the mosquito. His
death was due to appendicitis, for which an operation was performed, on Monday,
the 17th instant.
Major Reed was born in Gloucester County, Virginia, in 1851 and was a graduate
of the medical department of the University of Virginia and of Bellevue Hospital, New York City. He was appointed an
assistant surgeon in the army in 1875 and at the time of his death was first on
the list of Majors and Surgeons in the medical department of the army. He had
been known for years as one of the foremost bacteriologists and pathologists of
the country. In 1893 he was appointed curator of the Army Medical Museum in Washington and gave his time to the
science which he loved. Combining in an unusual degree scientific accuracy with
a calm judgment, he was invaluable in his ability to search out the causes of
epidemic diseases and trace their progress.
During the Spanish American War he
was a member of the board to investigate typhoid fever in the army. After the
war he made several voyages to Cuba and was on duty studying
the diseases of the island, more particularly yellow fever, as a member of the
board to investigate yellow fever. After a series of brilliant experiments,
which cost the life of one member of the board, early in 1901, it was announced
as an approved fact that yellow fever is conveyed by a certain variety of
mosquito and introduced into the blood of non-immune by its bite. Sanitary measures tending to the destruction
of the insect and the segregation of infected persons were put into effect
immediately in Havana by order of Gen. Wood, with
the result that for over a year no case of yellow fever has there developed,
though the disease had existed permanently in Havana for three centuries.
Major Reed leaves a widow and a son,
Lieut. W. L. Reed of the Tenth Infantry, now in the Philippines. The funeral will take
place Tuesday afternoon from St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
February 6, 1903 – Idaho
Daily Statesman (Boise, Idaho)
A. J. FORD
DEAD. Richmond, Va., Feb. 5. – A. J. Ford, who was for years proprietor
of Ford’s hotel, this city, is dead at his home near Gloucester Point, Va., aged 77. He was the original owner of the famous
Castleton stock farm in Kentucky.
February
21, 1903 – Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California)
Mollie Elliot Seawell, the
Novelist. Few writers contribute so much in a social way to the pleasure of
their acquaintances as does Miss Mollie Elliot Seawell. Her frequent dinners
are charming occasions, while her Sunday afternoons at home, attended mostly by
men, bring together cultured, cosmopolitan gatherings scarcely to be found
outside of Washington. Every afternoon at 5
o’clock during the week, too a table freighted with delicate china and Colonial
silver, is placed in the bay window of her front drawing room, when visitors
drop in, and, with “the cup that cheers,” to promote sociability, pass a delightful
hour in conversation. The gold bowl of each spoon is stamped with a
representation of “The Shelter,” her birth-place in Gloucester county, Virginia, and
scattered about the room are bits of antique china and furniture, with
interesting portraits handed down from the Seawells and Tylers and other of her
ancestors. …
November
27, 1903 – Daily News (Marshall, Michigan)
CATTLE LURED INTO THE SEA. Remarkable Effect of
Phosphorescent Light in Chesapeake
Bay. The farmers along Chesapeake bay, in Mathews
county, Va., have been visited by a new peril in the from of phosphorescent
light which rises from the storm tossed waters at night, lashing the sea with
ribbons of fire that lure the cattle browsing in the marshes to their death.
The phenomenon appeared first on the night of a recent
windstorm. A stiff gale had set the tide billowing in toward the pastures,
which are always more or less submerged, and as the water rose the flashes of
phosphorescent light began to glow stronger and stronger. From knee deep the
sea rose to the shoulders of the startled animals, completely enveloping them
in a cloud of shifting tremulous light.
Losing all sense of direction and seeking only to escape
from the mysterious light, the herd broke, and each animal swam, blind and bewildered
out to sea.
The bellowing of the frightened creatures was heard for
several miles along the shore line of Mathews county on the night of the storm,
and cattle in the neighboring barns utterly unconscious of the cause of the
panic, displayed that instinctive fright which manifests itself in dumb animals
in the proximity of great danger.
Since the wholesale drowning the farmers in the
neighborhood have driven the cattle off the swamps before nightfall whenever a
storm has been threatened.
December 10,
1903 –Oshkash Daily Northwestern (Oshkash, Wisconsin)
TO FEVER EXPERT. Gloucester Court House, Va., Dec. 10. – Several marble
tablets in memory of distinguished sons of Gloucester county were unveiled today
in presence of a distinguished gathering. Among the memorials was one to
Surgeon Walter Reed, United States Army, who by demonstrating in Cuba that
mosquitoes transmit yellow fever, gave to man the control of that scourge in
the western hemisphere.
January 23,
1904 – New York Times (New York, New York)
The New York Times Saturday
Review of Books:
I should like to learn from some of
your readers whether it is customary in New York and north of it to call a
wharf or pier projecting into a river a “dock.” and if so, whether there is any
authority for this use of the word. We here understand a dock to be the water
between two wharves in which vessels may lie at a wharf on either side. Are not
docks of this sort called “slips” in New York? Our wharves are piers at
the edge of deep water, built on piles, and usually connected with the shore by
a “stem” a few feet wide, and often a hundred or more yards long, supported on
piles. We have friends from New York and Massachusetts who are intelligent and
well-educated persons – some of them are really quite “cultured” and rather
pride themselves on their use of English and their choice of words, as well as
on their pronunciation – who will tell us, for instance, that they “went to the
dock on Toozeday to get the noozepaper from Nawrfawk.” and yet these same people
would probably not approve of our use of the term “you all,” which we use to
mean, of course, the family or household of the person addressed. I know an
educated gentleman here who always asks, “How are all of you all?” by which he
means to indicate his interest in all the members of the household of the
person spoken to. T. J. MEREDITH, Roane’s, Gloucester Co., Va., Jan. 20, 1904.
May 15,
1904 – Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
Captain and Mrs. Frank W. Cunningham announced the
engagement of their daughter, Miss Sallie Seabrooke Cunningham, to Mr. Elijah
Baker, Jr. of Richmond and Matthews county. The marriage will take place on
Wednesday, June 8, in old St. John
church. Miss Cunningham is a beautiful girl. Mr. Baker is the son of Mrs. John
A. Fleet of Matthews county, and is well known in athletic and social circles.
July 24,
1904 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Owing to bereavement in the family, Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Lee Sears recalled the invitations to the reception which was to have been
given Thursday evening in the home, “Halcyon Hall,” in Mathews County, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Baker, jr., of this
city. Mrs. Baker was one of the June brides, and was formerly Miss Sally
Cunningham.
June 25,
1904 – Philadelphia Inquirer
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
SWIMMERS PURSUED BY
MAN-EATING SHARK. Negro Cook of Wrecked Schooner Bitten, but Others Escaped in
Exciting Race. Richmond, Va., June 24. – In the midst of
Mobjack Bay, two miles from land, Captain R. H. White, of the
schooner Aida, his mate, John L. Henry, and a negro cook, had a perilous and
exciting experience with a voracious shark. The negro was bitten in the leg and
wounded severely. The Aida was near the centre of the bay when a sudden squall
came up, tearing the sails to ribbons and finally tearing down the masts.
The crew of three equipped
themselves with cork jackets and the next moment the schooner capsized. All
were good swimmers and struck out for shore, but had gone only a short distance
when a shark was seen. The journey from that point was one of intense anxiety,
the pursuer being kept at bay only by the cries of the swimmers, who also beat
the water into foam to frighten it.
July 24,
1904 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas James
Meredith, of Gloucester County, have issued invitations to
the marriage of their daughter, Miss Elizabeth Janvier Meredith, to Dr. Henry
Dorrance Beyea, of Philadelphia. The wedding will take
place on Wednesday, August 3, at noon, in Abingdon Church, in Gloucester. The bride elect is one of
the most popular and charming girls in the Tidewater section of Virginia. Dr. Beyea is a successful
young physician of Philadelphia.
July 28,
1904 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, July 27. – James Moran, of Washington, and Miss Bessie Morgan, of Mathews County, were married a few days ago at the home of the
bride. The couple will reside in Washington.
August 20,
1904 – Aberdeen Daily
News (Aberdeen, South
Dakota)
SEEING THE FAIR IN DETAIL.
Oyster Farms of Virginia and Their Wonderful
Products ... It takes two years to grow an oyster that you can gulp down with
expressions of delicious satisfaction in two seconds. Virginia extols her oysters at the
world’s fair. To most people oysters are just oysters – fresh, mediocre and too
long out of the water or off the ice. But in Virginia oysters are known by their
habitat or the company they keep. Water is to the oyster what soil is to fruit
– it makes the quality. From Mobjack bay comes a sweet and luscious bivalve
that has particular flavor and favor. York river, Severn river, Elizabeth river, Carter’s creek,
Lynnhaven, James River, Broad bay and Hampton Roads are all trade names in Virginia oysterdom.
Virginia has spent $3,000 making
models of her oysters, big and little, and representing the product of very
river’s mouth, bay, bayou and sound along her oyster strewn coast. The minute
you begin to ask questions in the Virginia exhibit you plunge into a
new realm of thought and discover a world of commercial activity of which
perhaps you may never have heard. ... [Note: The World’s Fair was held in St. Louis, Missouri]
August 30,
1904 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Newport News, Va., Aug. 29. Sangi Ogawa, the twenty-two-year-old son of
a Japanese government official, died this morning at Dixie Hospital, Hampton,
with typhoid fever. …
Young Ogawa would have entered upon the third year of his
course at Randolph-Macon College next month. He had planned to take a post graduate course
at Vanderbuilt University before returning to Japan. After the close of school the young man went [to] Mathews County on a visit, was stricken with typhoid fever and
removed to Dixie Hospital. When the Russo-Japanese war broke out he was anxious
to give up his ministerial studies and return home to fight for his country.
His parents, however, decreed that he should remain in America.
September 1, 1904 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, Va.,
Aug. 31 – Capt. Josephus Trader, of Mathews County, was today nominated for Congress by the First
district Republican convention at Tappahannock to oppose Congressman Jones, the
Democratic nominee. Capt. Trader accepted the nomination.
September 6, 1904 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Warsaw,
Va. Sept. 5. – L. C. Garnett, of Mathews County, Democratic elector for the First Congressional
district, addressed a large audience here today on the issues of the campaign.
November 1,
1904 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, Oct. 31. – William Tobin, of Baltimore, and Miss
Ruby Lee, daughter of Nathaniel Lee, of Mathews County, were married last week at the residence of the
bride’s parents, Rev. Mr. Ware officiating. After a bridal tour, Mr. and Mrs.
Tobin will reside in Baltimore.
November 26, 1904 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Shotgun Charge
Instantly Fatal. Richmond, Va., Nov. 25 – Capt. Jeff Wright was shot and instantly
killed this afternoon on Carmines Island, Gloucester County, by James Oliver. The latter who was drinking, had
been reproved by Capt. Wright for shooting in the direction of his house.
Oliver became furious and fired both barrels, with the muzzle almost against
the victim whose wife witnessed the occurrence. Oliver is a one-armed man. He
was arrested and jailed at Gloucester Court House.
February
26, 1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Mr. and Mrs.
George Tinsley, of Gloucester County have announced the engagement of their daughter, Miss
Clara Tinsley, to Leslie Garnett, a son of Judge S. Taylor Garnett, of Matthews County. The wedding will take place in the spring and will
be of much interest throughout Eastern
Virginia where the young
couple have a wide family connection.
April 4, 1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Norfolk, Va., April 3. – The body of a white man, supposed to be
Capt. Thomas Brown, who was drowned about three months ago, was found floating
in the harbor and interred today at the expense of the county, an inquest being
deemed unnecessary. Capt. Brown was a well-known Matthews County oysterman. The remains were in such a state that
positive identification was impossible, so the remains were interred as an
unknown.
April 13,
1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Cape Charles, Va., April 13. – The Republican Congressional district
committee for the First district met here today, and elected Josephus Trader,
of Mathews County, as the member of the State executive committee made
vacant by the resignation of John M. Griffin, of Fredericksburg. The committee unanimously recommended Mr. Trader as
the conferee from the First Congressional district.
April 18,
1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, John Page Nottingham and Miss Susie Edmonia Sears,
of Mathews County, were married last week at St. John’s Episcopal Church in the latter county, Rev. G. B.
Cook officiating. Miss Ruth Foster of Baltimore, was maid of honor. Alfred Nottingham, of Cape Charles, was best man. The ushers were Dr. R. R. Hoskins and
L. C. Garnett. After the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Nottingham left for a bridal
trip to New York and other points.
April 28,
1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, April 27. – L. C. Garnett, Commonwealth’s attorney
of Mathews County, and Miss Clara Eugenia Tinsley, daughter of George
A. Tinsley, of Gloucester County, were married Tuesday at Ware Church, in the latter county, by Rev. W. B. Lee. Miss Daisy
Dickinson, of Richmond was maid of honor, and C. B. Garnett best man. The
ushers were Gordon Paxton, W. D. Evans, M. B. Garnett, and J. Boyd Sears.
May 24, 1905 – The State (Columbia, South Carolina)
Doctor and Mrs.
Henry Alexander White have gone to Ware Neck, Va., to spend the summer.
June 20,
1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, June 19. – Mrs. Mary E. Hunley, widow of Rev. T. M.
Hunley, and mother of George Y. Hunley, member of the legislature, died a few
days ago at her home in Mathews County of paralysis, aged seventy-six years.
August 24,
1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
One of the most interesting contests of the primary
campaign was the fight between J. Boyd Sears, incumbent, and J. N. Stubbs for
the State senate to represent Mathews, Gloucester, King and Queen, Essex,
and Middlesex. Stubbs secured a majority of 150 in Gloucester, his home county, but was badly defeated, Sears
getting a majority of 596.
October 24,
1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
No Opposition to Sears. Fredericksburg, Va.,
Oct. 28 – J. Boyd Sears, of Mathews County, Democratic candidate for the State senate from that
district, will have no opposition in the general election, the Republican
nominee having failed to accept the nomination.
October 29, 1905 – Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
W. D. Coker
Then Turned the Gun on Himself and Took His Own Life. Motive for Tragedy Has
Not Developed. Richmond, Va., October 28. – R. S. Gressitt was shot and killed as
he came out of his home near Gloucester court house at sun up this morning by W. D. Coker,
who had concealed himself under the steps of the residence for the purpose.
After firing the first shot and finding his victim not quite dead, another shot
was pumped into the body of the prostrate man.
After being shot the first time, Gressitt pleaded with
Coker not to fire again, and his wife, who had rushed from the house when the
first shot was fired, also pleaded with the supposedly insane man to spare her
husband’s life. Coker, before firing the second time, came up close to his
victim and poked the muzzle of the gun into his body. Gressitt died instantly
after receiving the second shot.
After committing the deed Coker shouldered his gun and
left the vicinity, paying no attention to the pitiful woman weeping alone over
the body of her husband. Coker immediately telephoned what he done to
relatives, and requested them to send an officer to his home, Greenwood, to arrest him, and an officer accordingly hurried to
the scene.
As he approached the Coker home, the report of a gun rang
out, and upon forcing an entrance into the house, he found the body of Coker
lying in a pool of blood on the floor, evidently having taken his own life. The
officer also discovered in the house the dead bodies of Mrs. Coker and her two
small children, both girls. Mrs. Coker and the children had been shot, killed
and laid out, and money placed on their eyes, which would lead to the
supposition that they had been deliberately murdered by the husband and father
before the attempt to kill Gressitt was made.
Coker and Gressitt were supposed to be the most devoted
of friends. Coker was in Gressitt’s store at 11 o’clock last night, and the relations between the two men at
that time were extremely cordial. No cause for the murders can be assigned,
except that of insanity on the part of Coker. The children were 8 and 9 years
of age.
Coker is originally from South Carolina. After moving to this state he married Miss Robbie
Roy, daughter of Lieutenant Robert Roy. She is the sister of Mrs. Harry Dudley
and Miss Rosa Roy and a first cousin of Mrs. A. J. Montague, wife of Virginia’s governor.
Mrs. Coker was, previous to her marriage, Miss Robbie
Roy. She was a daughter of Lieutenant Robert Roy, and a cousin of Mrs. A. J.
Montague, wife of Virginia’s governor. She was a beautiful woman.
When the officers reached the Coker home they found his
dead body sitting upright in a chair. His gun was lying across his knees. The bullet
had entered the neck and ranged upward into the brain. The wife and children
had been shot dead and laid out, and coins paced over their eyes. Coker left a
note which he said he killed his family to save them from disgrace. He named
Gressett and his brother as the cause of his trouble.
The murder was committed at 2 o’clock, and the bodies arranged on the bed. Afterwards he
lay down beside them and slept until day, when he went to the Gressett home.
November
19, 1905 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Society in Richmond. Invitations have been issued to the
marriage of Miss Lucy Armistead Clementina Hughes to Wilber Nash Watkins, which
will take place in the bride’s home next Tuesday morning at 7:30 o’clock. The Rev. Dr. William E. Evans, of the Monumental Church, will officiate. The bride will wear a gray traveling
suit, with hat and gloves to match, and will carry Bride roses. Mrs. Dabney
Garthright Baker of Mathews County, will be the dame of honor and Miss Hattie Hughes
will be the maid of honor. Other attendants will be Dr. Bernard McCray, Moncure
Bland, Thomas Signor, and Percy Taliaferro. Miss Hughes is a beautiful girl and
is exceedingly youthful. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Hughes,
and is connected with many of the prominent families of Tidewater, Virginia. Her mother was Miss Julia Stokes, of Mathews County, whose family is still in possession of a farm
granted an ancestor by Charles, King of England. Mr. Watkins is a native of Lawrenceville, Va., but has made his home in this city for some years.
December
25, 1905 – Lexington Herald (Lexington, Kentucky)
CAPE HENRY, Va., Dec. 24. – The schooner E.
H. Moore, bound from Norfolk to Wearneck [sic] Gloucester county, Virginia, with a
cargo of tiles and shingles, was stranded this morning a mile south of Little
Island Life Saving Station. The crew was saved. The vessel is a total loss.
February 6, 1906 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, Feb. 5. Mrs.
Rose Diggs, widow of John Diggs, of Mathews County, died a few days ago at her home at Port Haywood,
aged eighty-nine years. She is survived by five sons, one daughter, and a
number of grandchildren.
February 23, 1906 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
VIRGINIA
WEDDINGS. Fredericksburg, Feb. 22. – Wade H. Forsler, of Mathews County, and Miss Annie W. Sterlings , of Gloucester County, were married yesterday at the Episcopal rectory at
Gloucester Court House, Rev. William B. Lee performing the ceremony.
August 26, 1906 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
A September
marriage of interest here is that of Miss Elizabeth Sinclair Blackburn Lee of
Gloucester County to Marshal McCormick Milton of Baltimore. The ceremony will take place in Ware Episcopal
Church, at Gloucester Court House September 5. The bride to be is the daughter
of Rev. and Mrs. William Byrd Lee. Miss Ellen Lee will be the maid of honor and
Taliaferro Milton of Chicago will act as best man. The ushers will be Ludwig
Baldwin, Edward Stribling, of Berryville, T. P. Maynard of Mount Airy, Md.,
William Byrd Lee, Jr. of Gloucester, Frank Littlejohn of New York, John Paul of
Harrisonburg, L. N. White of Abingdon, R. S. Scott William, M. Hurley, William
Bray and William Galbraith of Baltimore.
September 6, 1906 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C. )
Winchester. Sept. 5, - Ware church, Gloucester Court House, Va.,
was the scene of a brilliant wedding this evening, when Miss Elizabeth Sinclair
Blackburn Lee, daughter of Rev. William Byrd Lee, of Gloucester Court House,
became the bride of Marshal McCormick Milton, of Baltimore, son of W. T.
Milton, of Berryville, Va. The bride’s
father officiated. Guests were present from all parts of the Old Dominion, both
bride and bridegroom being members of prominent families. They will make their
home in Baltimore where Mr. Milton is engaged in business.
November 3,
1906 – The Evening
News (Ada, Oklahoma)
WAS CAVALRY CAPTAIN. Woman Who Held Commission in
Confederate Army.
Richmond, Va. – Miss Sally Tompkins, the only woman who received
from the confederacy a commission as a captain, is an inmate of the home for
needy confederate women in this city. She is still loyal to the cause of the
south as was Gen. Jubal Early, who never took the oath of allegiance and who
from the beginning of the war to the day of his death never wore anything but
the confederate gray.
Miss Tompkins is now in her seventy-third year. She was
28 when the war broke out. She had ample means, and was anxious to do her part,
and, having had some experience as a nurse prior to the war, decided that she
could do hospital work.
Judge John Robertson, of this city, had moved his family
to the country, and when Miss Tompkins announced her intention of opening a
hospital for the care of the sick and wounded, his house was placed at her
disposal. She equipped the place from her private purse and took with her the
servants from her household.
In 1862 the confederacy promulgated an order directing
that all private hospitals should be closed.. The friends of Miss Tompkins, who
knew of the work she had done and her sacrifice for the confederacy, appealed
to the president of the confederacy asking him to make an exception in her
case. After some discussion he called in the secretary of war, saying:
“Let a commission issue forthwith naming Miss Sally L.
Tompkins, of Richmond, as captain of cavalry, unassigned.”
The commission was promptly made out and forwarded to
Miss Tompkins while she was at the hospital. In this way she was enabled to
carry on her work.
President Davis wrote that she would be entitled to draw
pay as an officer, and that she would have that money with which to aid in the
work she was doing. Miss Tompkins accepted the commission, but never a cent of
pay did she get, allowing it to remain to her credit and directing that it be
used to equip and feed the men in the
field. More than 1,800 soldiers were treated at her hospital.
The war swept away much of her wealth, but she has always
contributed of her means to relieve the distress of those less fortunate than
herself. She has friends all over the south, people of ample means, who would
gladly give her a home if she would only come to them. She loves Richmond, the scene of her work, where she is best known, and
where she can visit to her heart’s content.
Miss Tompkins is a native of Mathews county, and in the
courthouse there is a picture of her taken many years ago, which was placed
there by order of the court. That was the only picture ever taken of her.
Miss Tompkins, in talking about the work done by her at
the hospital said she spent all her spare time in knitting socks for the
soldiers, turning out thousands of pairs every year. When she first opened the
hospital she had only one physician, Dr. A. V. P. Garnett, of Washington, who relinquished a large practice to come to the
south, and he spent three years there, receiving not a cent for his services.
Later Dr. Lattimer came to the hospital and remained till the close of the war.
Miss Tompkins spent much of her time in writing letters
to the relatives of the men who were under her care. Today she has the
commission issued to her by President Davis and at her death it is to be
presented to the confederate museum.
She spends her time in reading, writing, and knitting.
She has a great many visitors. She is contented and happy, and is always
cheerful.
November 16, 1906 – Fort Worth Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas)
THOMAS DIXON Is on a Hunting Trip on the Carolina Coast. NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 16. – Rev. Thomas Dixon, Jr., playwright, who
was here today with Mrs. Dixon enroute to the Horse Island Gunning Club on the
North Carolina coast, to spend some time shooting ducks, said he would not go
to London for the introduction of his play, “The Clansman,” and “One Woman”
until after he had finished a new novel entitled “The Traitor,” This he expects
to do in January and will then spend three months on the continent introducing
his plays and resting. Dixon came to Norfolk last night from Gloucester county, Virginia, where he had been shooting quail.
February 8, 1907 – Fort
Worth Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas)
SAVED THE LIFE OF HIS CAPTOR
Absconder Pulls Pursuer Out of Icy Water. New York, Feb. 8. – Howard M. Shaw,
who is locked up in a Brooklyn police station, charged with having absconded
with $5,000 from the Jenkins Trust Company’s branch office in Brooklyn, of
which he was lately the secretary and treasurer, saved the life of his captor,
it was learned yesterday. This captor was William M. Tomlinson, president of
the Empire State Surety Company, which bonded Shaw.
Tomlinson learned last month that a
man answering Shaw’s description was at Cricket Hill, Va. He went there with
detectives, only to find Shaw was cruising around Chesapeake Bay with some wealthy men of
the vicinity. Tomlinson hired a launch and finally found Shaw at a house on the
bay shore. Shaw offered to return to Brooklyn and returned with Tomlinson
in the launch. The launch’s occupants had to climb on oyster boat’s deck to
reach land. Tomlinson slipped on the ice covered deck and fell into the water.
Shaw instantly had Tomlinson’s detectives hold him by the legs while he hung
over the launch’s side and seized Tomlinson. He pulled Tomlinson into the
launch and did everything he could to keep him from suffering from the mishap.
April 16,
1907 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Aged Justice of the Peace Victim of Footpads at
Pinners Point. Norfolk, Va., April 15. – As the result of injuries received in
being assaulted and robbed of $200 by footpads at Lamberts Point, Tuesday
night, J. C. Apperson, a justice of the peace of Matthews County, seventy years old, died today.
Apperson had just arrived at Pinners Point to visit his
son, J. N. Apperson. When he alighted from the trolley car to walk to his son’s
home he was attacked and left unconscious in the street. He never regained
consciousness.
May 12,
1907 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Old Dominion Chapter, Daughters of the American
Revolution, met Tuesday at noon
in the home of the regent. … Mrs. John A. Fleet and Mrs. Robert Lee Sears, of Matthews County, were elected members of the chapter.
June 18, 1907 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, June 17. – James Perrin and Miss Mary H. Robinson, both of Gloucester County, were married Saturday at Abingdon Church, in that county, Rev. W. B. Lee officiating. Miss
Hope Robinson was maid of honor and Taylor Perrin best man.
June 18, 1907 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Lorenzo Dove
Collins, aged thirty-two, of Washington, and Miss Lola Frances Stubblefield,
aged thirty-four, of Gloucester
County, Va., … were married here this afternoon by Rev. Mr.
Woolfe, the ceremony being performed at the minister’s home.
June 21, 1907 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
[Virginia
Military Institute announcements] The
following State cadets were appointed today by the board of visitors: William
Parker, Gloucester County.
July 17, 1907 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
LICENSED TO MARRY – Decatur L. Brown, and Janie Jenkins, both of Gloucester County, Va. Rev. J. B. McLaughlin.
September
14, 1907 – Biloxi Daily Herald (Biloxi, Mississippi)
Steamer Sinks Schooner. Norfolk, Va., Sept. 13
– Having on board Governor Higgins, of Rhode Island, and the large official
party from that state, who attended the Rhode Island day celebration at the
Jamestown exposition this week, the Merchants and Miners’ steamer Dorchester,
which sailed from Norfolk for Providence late Thursday night, ran down and sunk
in Craney Island channel of the Elizabeth river the schooner Fannie S.
Groverman, bound from Gloucester county, Virginia, to Norfolk. The Dorchester
was uninjured. Four men narrowly escaped drowning.
April 5, 1908 – Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
THREE MEN WERE DROWNED. Skiff Struck by High Sea Went Down Without Warning. Norfolk, Va., April 4. – Captain W. V. Miles, of Matthews County, Virginia,
and two young brothers named Tyler from Maryland, who had been tonging oysters, were drowned in Willoughby bay today. Their skiff struck by high sea, went down
without warning.
The men, who were clad in heavy oilskins and wearing
weighty rubber boots were carried under with no chance of escape. Their bodies
were recovered.
August 10, 1908 – Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas)
Hogg to Deliver
Lecture. Fort Worth, Tex., Aug. 9. – Alex. Hogg, former superintendent of the
city schools, has been invited to deliver a series of addresses in Gloucester County, Virginia, and in portions of adjoining counties. The subject
of Prof. Hogg’s addresses will be education, specially the education of the
masses, and he will leave in a few days to take up the work. Prof. Hogg is a
native of Virginia and is a graduate of the university of that State.
August 23,
1908 – Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska)
STEAMER IS CAPSIZED. Norfolk, Va., Aug. 22. – A party arriving this afternoon on an
incoming schooner reported that the knockabout steamer G. T. Taylor, which left with eight other boats in the Hampton
roads club’s cruise to Irvington, Va., early today, capsized in Majestic
[Mobjack?] bay, Mathews county. The messenger could give no report as to
whether those on board were saved. Those on the Taylor, were Capt. G. T. Taylor, the skipper and owner; his
two sons, the Misses Sayers and possibly two other men.
January 4, 1909 – Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina)
A Near-Poet’s
Autobiography. In the world of near-literature the year 1909 will see few more
notable events than that which Andrew Jackson Andrews, Richmond’s poet laureate has just brought to pass. This
well-known writer makes the public his debtor with “A Sketch of the Boyhood
Days of Andrew J. Andrews, of Gloucester County, Virginia and His Experience as a Soldier in the Late War
Between the States, Written by Himself, To Which Are Added Selected Poems by
the Author.” Mr. Andrews has not favored the Observer with a copy – perhaps he
cherishes a momentary grudge because the inconsistency between his exhortations
and his court record in the matter of water-wagoning was recently pointed out
from this quarter; but to the New York Sun he has been more kind. Through the Sun we learn
that the poet ascribes the honor of his birth to Cappohoosic Wharf, Va., the memorable event taking place on August 19th,
1842. Here are some masterly
lines entitled “Where I Was Born!”
“In Gloucester county, on the old York River,
There is where my heart is
turning ever,
Near Cappahoosic, where I was
born,
Early on one August morn,
Cappahoosic is the place
To cook your victuals and
wash your face.
The best the market can
afford
Is placed upon the teeming
board.
Way down on the old York River,
There is where my heart is
turning ever
A land of oysters and of
fishes
A land of apples and milk and
peaches
A land of flowers and of
grapes
A land of snowstorms and of
blizzards
A land of scorpions and of
lizards
A land of ‘possums and of
minks
A land of quail and of
bobolinks
A land of proud aristocrats
A land of squirrels and of
gray-eyed cats
A land of horses and of mules
A land of colored public
schools
A land of churches and of
stores
A land of pine trees and of
crows
A land of corncakes and of
fritters
a land of whiskey and of
jansey bitters
Way down on the old York River
There is where my heart is
turning ever
The people with good things
stuff their craw
They fish and hunt and
practice law
Their favorite drink is the
good mint julep
Their favor flower the
beautiful tulip
Their honeysuckle is very
sweet
But the lily of the valley is
hard to beat
The roads are narrow and very
sandy
With horse and buggy we’ll
find quite handy
Way down on the old York river
There is where my heart is
turning ever
So this is the place where I
was born
1842 on the 19th
of August morn.”
Cappahoosic has certainly had more done for it than ever
Wordsworth did for the English lake country or Byron did for half of romantic Europe.
Cappahoosic’s poetic child modestly lets his burst of song drop down into prose
when revealing further, autobiographical details. It appears that he was
educated at Cappahoosic Military Academy, served in the Gloucester Invincible Blues and the
Richmond Howitzers, invaded Pennyslvania, was a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware and Fort Lookout, rejoined his old battery, was prevented by sickness
from active service again until General Lee’s surrender. After the war he
became a merchant, also the father of two pairs of twins. Later still began
those literary activities which have made him justly famous.
Among the various “Selected Poems” of the volume we
admire none more that a fine quatrain in honor of Representative John Lamb, of
the Richmond district:
“Virginia had a noble son,
His character was white as
snow,
Wherever sweet Virginia went
This Lamb was sure to go.”
If Mr. Lamb forgets the name and address of this
Panegyrist in his next seed distribution, let him be poetically anathema.
We cease from further comment upon the Andrews volume
lest a rising jealously in behalf of North Carolina find vent. Richmond’s and Virginia’s most eminent near-bard has added greatly to his
already great laurels.
January 17,
1909 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur N. Watkins, entertained at cards
Wednesday evening in honor of Mrs. Dabney G. Baker, of Mathews County.
April 25,
1909 – Macon Daily
Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
Mrs. Howell P. Janvir. Norfolk, Va., April 14. – Mrs. Howell
Palmer Janvir, aged 72 years, formerly of New Orleans, died here today. The
burial will be at Ware church in Gloucester county, Va.
June 23,
1909 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The five-masted schooner Baker Palmer, coal laden, for Boston, and New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad barge No. 2, from Cape Charles to Norfolk, were in collision with serious results near Old
Point Comfort early yesterday morning. John R. Davis, aged 37 years, of Mathews
county, Virginia, and Shelly Davis, age 21, father and son, were injured on the
barge, and the father died at St.
Vincent’s Hospital, Norfolk, later in the day.
September
17, 1909 – The News (Frederick, Maryland)
Fine Potatoes.
Mr. G. Lawrence Cramer, of this city, has received from his farm in
Matthews county, Va., some specimens of fine sweet potatoes grown upon the
farm. The potatoes are very large, one shown at The News office, being nine inches in length and of considerable
girth. Fine Irish potatoes are also grown upon the farm.
November
23, 1909 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Mrs. Isabella Lewis, wife of Charles H. Lewis, died at
her home in Matthews county, after a brief illness, aged 72. She is survived by
her husband, five daughters, and two sons.
February 4, 1910 – The State (Columbia, South
Carolina)
Judge T. L. Garnett Dies. Prominent and Wealthy Virginian Succumbs to
Blood Poisoning. Norfolk, Va., Feb. 3. – Judge T. L. Garnett, a prominent and
wealthy Virginian, died early today at his home in Mathews county, where he
owned a magnificent estate. The immediate cause of death was blood poisoning,
following the accidental cutting of his finger a week ago. He represented the county of Mathews in the last Virginia convention. He never fully recovered from injuries
sustained in a street car accident in Norfolk several months ago. He was 67 years old.
February
28, 1910 – The News (Frederick, Maryland)
Sale and Purchase of Real Estate. Messrs. George L. Cramer & Sons, real
estate, insurance and loan agents, of this city, closed the sale on Saturday,
in Baltimore of the pretty salt-water-front farm, known as “Pleasant View,” in
Mathews county, Va., the summer home of George L. Cramer, containing 206 acres
of land and improvements, including his oyster bottom adjoining, to Mr. Harry
W. Marsden, of Baltimore county, Md. The consideration for the farm was
$15,500. Mr. Marsden also purchased all of the personal property on the farm
for $3,110.25.
July 8, 1910 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
G. L. Armistead and Miss Georgia Miles both of Mathews
county, were married at St. Paul’s
Methodist Church, the Rev. J. Arthur Winn, officiating.
August 8, 1910 – Philadelphia Inquirer
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
(Advertisement) U. S. ENGINEER OFFICE 920 17th
ST., N.W. Wash. D.C., Aug. 4, 1910. Sealed proposals for furnishing and placing riprap or cobblestones on
the seawall. Anacostia River, D.C. and for constructing and
repairing jetties in Occoquan, Nomini, and Urbana Creeks and Milford Haven, Va., will be received here
until 12 M. Sept. 3, 1910, and then publicly opened. Information on
application. W. C. Langfitt, Lt. Col. Engrs.
October 12,
1910 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
N. V. Rodriques, of Fredericksburg, has been appointed principal of New Point High
School in
Mathews county.
January 8, 1911 – Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North
Carolina)
Romantic Marriage of Virginia Couple at Elizabeth City. Elizabeth City (N.C) – A marriage of much surprise to residents of
eastern Virginia took place here this morning, when Mr. William
Marshall White and Miss Louise Hudgins, both of Matthews county, Va., were made man and wife.
Added to the romance of eloping to this popular gretna
green, was the objection of the groom’s parents to the marriage on account of
the age of the young man. He gave his age as 21. The objection on the part of
the groom’s parents is an unusual cause for elopement among the Virginians, who
patronize this gretna green, the majority of the cases being on account of the
bride having to be stolen from her parents.
February 26, 1911 – Macon Weekly Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
Mrs. Richard K.
Hines will entertain at a beautiful afternoon bridge party on Tuesday at 4 o’clock in honor of Miss Constance Jaques’ guest, Miss Powell Byrd, of Gloucester County, Virginia, who is a very attractive visitor in Macon at present.
May 1, 1911 – Daily Kennebec Journal (Kennebec, Maine)
“From Far Southland” – Journal Correspondent in Texas Writes Human Interest Letter.
In my former letter I
mentioned Capt. W. P. Hudgins of Marshall, as to me the most interesting local character of a
swiftly passing generation. Let me here give you a few facts about him which I
secured from his own lips in a very pleasant interview at his beautiful home in
this city. Capt. Hudgins was born 80 years ago in Matthews county, Virginia,
the son of a shipowner engaged in the West Indies trade.
He graduated from Bethany College and Virginia University, entered the teaching profession in a private school
of his native state, and after proving his success in this calling, purchased
the establishment and conducted it successfully until the Civil War. He was
among the first to enlist for the Confederacy, in the 40th Virginia
Regiment, with firm conviction that the Southern side of the argument was
right. In the battle of Gains Mills he was so severely wounded that further
service in the field became impossible. He then disposed of his school property
for $10,000 in Confederate money, which he still owns and cherishes as an
evidence of war’s destructiveness, for its value soon became that of old paper
only. Would some rich Northern curio-hunter like to purchase it, or part of it?
Disabled from military service, Capt. Hudgins entered the
postmaster general’s department at Richmond. After Sherman’s march to the sea had cut the Confederacy in two, a “Trans-Mississippi Department” was
created, with Marshall, Texas, for its capital. Capt. Hudgins was sent here in
charge of the postoffice and treasury departments, and crossed the Union line
and Mississippi river at great peril and with much hardship. Thus it came
to pass that this city was the last headquarters of the Confederacy, after all
the Mississippi valley and states north of it had surrendered to the Union.
When the last hope of the forlorn cause had died even in the Lone Star state,
Capt. Hudgins returned to his profession as teacher, by establishing a private
school in this city. He is a faithful and devoted member of the Baptist church,
and has become a “Reconstructed Confederate,” accepting the failure of the
cause for which he fought sincerely, “not of men, but as the will of God.”
His political reward for loyal service to a lost cause
came with the first election of Grover Cleveland as President. One of Mr.
Cleveland’s first appointments was that of Capt. Hudgins to a good federal
office in Austin, Texas. When Gen. Harrison succeeded Mr. Cleveland, a
Republican replaced Capt. Hudgins, but with Mr. Cleveland’s second term Capt.
H. returned to his federal office also, promptly to be disposed again when Mr.
Cleveland vacated the White House finally. I need hardly tell you that Capt.
Hudgins still calls Mr. Cleveland “our greatest President since the days of
Washington and Jefferson.”
May 31,
1911 – Charlotte
Observer (Charlotte, North
Carolina)
Elizabeth City, May 30. Elizabeth City is not by any means losing
her reputation as the gretna green of Virginia, as each week witnesses the
arrival here of from one to a dozen or more couples, who desire to avoid the
interference of parents or just prefer a surprise or quiet wedding away from
home and friends.
Yesterday John W. Mudden, the genial register of deeds,
issued two more licenses to runaway couples, the contracting parties being Mr.
Pearl A. Brackett of West Springfield, Mass. and Miss Lida May Cuthriel of
Norfolk, Va., and Mr. Roy L. Chapman, of Norfolk, Va., and Miss Kate Elizabeth
James of Fitchett, Matthews county, Virginia.
Both couples arrived here on the 10:23 train from Norfolk, although not together. As fast as the license could
be issued for one, the other couple was waited on and both marriages were
performed by the ever obliging register of deeds, who is also justice of the
peace.
June 25, 1911 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
REMOVE BODIES
OF CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS. Sill Farm, Where Were Buried Confederate Who Lost Lives
in Wreck, Gives Up Its Dead. Shohola, Pa., June 24. – A mournful incident of the Civil War has
been recalled by the removal of the bodies of seventy-two Confederate and Union
soldiers from their resting places on the Sill Farm, two miles east of here to
the national cemetery at Woodlawn. The soldiers were killed in the wreck of an Erie transport train at King Fuller’s Cut on July 13, 1864, and they were buried on the farm, which was owned at
that time by John Vought.
The Confederate soldiers on the train were prisoners of
war, captured on Southern battlefields. They were in the custody of Union
guards and were being taken from Point Lookout, Va., to the federal prison camp at Elmira,
N.Y. ...
September
21, 1911 – Evening Post (Frederick, Maryland)
Four hundred men and a number of bloodhounds are
searching the woods in Mathews county, Va., for a young man who assaulted Miss Ella Miller,
daughter of Capt. Seth A. Miller. It is feared he will be lynched if caught.
September
22, 1911 – Columbus Ledger (Columbus, Georgia)
Richmond, Va., Sept. 22. – Men carrying muskets, swords and pistols
are swarming Matthews county in an effort to capture a tramp accused of
attacking Miss Ella Miller. The assailant probably will be lynched if caught.
Deputy Sheriffs Webb and Syndor, returned from Matthews county today where they
took bloodhounds in an unsuccessful search. They reported an outpouring of men,
armed with every sort of weapon. Roads and shores of Matthews, Gloucester, King and Queen counties are lined with men watching
with unrelaxed vigilance.
September
29, 1911 – Evening Post (Frederick, Maryland)
Richmond, Va., Sept. 29. – Suspected of being the man who assaulted
Miss Ella Miller, of Mathews county last week, an unkempt young man giving his
name as Joe Priddy, and Spartanburg, S. C. as his home, was arrested by Officer
J. H. Harris, at the corner of Broad and Eighth streets yesterday. Priddy is
tall, has black hair, several weeks’ growth of beard on his face, is clothed in
rags, and wore a pink scarf folded across his breast. It is said the assaulter
of Miss Miller had such a scarf on his person.
Sheriff Miller, of Mathews county was notified of the
arrest, and given a description of the man, and he stated he would arrive in Richmond today to look at the prisoner. Before being apprised
of what charge he was arrested on, Priddy is said to have exclaimed: “If you
caught me for that job in Mathews’ county, you’ve caught the wrong man.”
Priddy made a desperate attempt to escape from the
officers. He was arraigned before Justice Crutchfield, and his case was set for
hearing on October 8. Priddy appears to be about 30 years of age. The remnants
of his shoes and the lower part of his trousers are spattered with mud and
slime as though he had been wandering through marshes and untraveled places.
December 3, 1912 – Macon
Weekly Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
Miss Powell
Byrd, of Gloucester county, Virginia, who was one of the attendants at
the Wadley-Jaques wedding, in November is being entertained in Savannah.
April 25, 1913 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
DIED- Suddenly
21st inst., Gloucester county, Virginia, REX HINKLE, formerly
of Mt. Airy, Phila., son of late Jesse
and Catharine Hinkle, aged 72. Services and internment Gloucester, 22d inst.
June 11,
1913 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, Va.,
June 10 – Lester M. Riley, of Middlesex county, and Miss Ollie Ellen Carter,
Mathews county, were married today at Cobbs Creek Methodist Church, in the latter county.
September
14, 1913 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
SUES ON REALTY DEAL. Charles Heath, a Virginia farmer
and landowner, instituted suit yesterday in the District Supreme Court to
recover $80,000 from the real estate firm of Swartzell, Rheem and Hensey, of
this city, which he alleges he lost in a deal.
His declaration in the case, filed by Attorneys W. G.
Gardiner and L. L. Handy sets out that in the fall of 1910 he traded his farm
in Mathews county, Va., which he valued at $40,000, with the stock and
equipment, also valued by him at $40,000, for the Versailles apartment house,
this city, making $80,000, and assumed trusts on the property to the amount of
$120,000.
Heath alleges that the real estate firm represented to
him that the apartment house was first-class property, worth $200,000, and
rented readily in the fall. These representations, he alleges, were false and
were known to be false at the time they were made. He declares that the
property was not worth more than $120,000
January 31,
1914 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
(Advertisement)
WANTED – Position as maid or nurse, by competent, reliable Jamaican
woman; good recommendations from present employer, with whom she has lived
three years; well educated and competent to care for children; no objection to
traveling. Address Catherine Fraser, Retz P. O., Mathews county, Va.
May 28, 1914 – New Oxford Item (New
Oxford, Pennsylvania)
FOR SALE – 85 A. IN GLOUCESTER CO., Va.; 60 a. cult., 12 r. house, barn, outbldgs. 7 a.
orchard. A. H. Drewry, Ware Neck, Va.
June 19, 1914 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Today a ___
white oil light of about 40 candle power will be established on the northern
end of Roane Point Flats, Piankatank River, Va. The light will be exhibited 16 feet above the water
from a black, 3 pile horizontally slatted structure erected in about 1 ¼
fathoms of water, on the bearings: Bland point, tangent 70 degrees 30 minutes,
Roane point 196 degrees 45 minutes, Horse point tangent, 270 degrees 31 minutes
50 seconds, N lon 76 degrees 22 minutes
30 seconds W. On the same date Roane Point Flats Bouy 7, a second-class spar
will be discontinued.
July 26, 1914 – Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Misses Virginia
Watkins, Nancy Patton, and Virginia Whiteley have gone to Newstead in Gloucester county, to spend several weeks. They joined Miss
Aline Cowardin, of this city, who was already there. Mrs. J. Taylor Ellyson,
wife of the lieutenant governor, is also visiting in Gloucester, and is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Allmand Blow at
their country estate.
September 7, 1914 – Frederick Post (Frederick, Maryland)
Frantz Von
Schilling, formerly manager of the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway Company, has been elected
cashier of the Gloucester county, Va. First National Bank, which will open at Gloucester
Court House on December 1. A Hampton paper after speaking of Mr. Schilling’s business
connection with the railroad, says that his position of cashier means the bank
at Gloucester Court House will have the services of a highly capable person.
February 16, 1915 – Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina)
ROCKY MOUNT
GOES AFTER WINNING TEAM IN VIRGINIA
LEAGUE. Rocky Mount, Feb. 16 – With its men already having signed
contracts, Manager Ray Ryan of the “Down Homers” is busy at the task of getting
together a few more baseball artists for the only Carolina team in the Virginia League. ... the following have
sent in contracts: ... J. D. Williams of Gloucester Point, Va. ...
April 20,
1915 – Warren
Evening Times (Warren, Pennsylvania)
BYRON SUTHERLAND – News has been received in Warren of the death of Byron Sutherland, at his estate, “The
Sycamores,” in Matthews county, Virginia. Mr. Sutherland was born in New York state in 1846, later moving with his parents to Pennsylvania. At the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in
a Pennsylvania regiment, being 15 years of age at the time. He
participated in many of the great battles of that conflict, being wounded at Gettysburg and at Spottsylvania. After the war he returned to Warren county and became a student at the Edinboro Normal
school.
After he had completed his studies there he took up teaching, in which he was
very successful, serving two terms as superintendent of schools in Warren county.
Later he took up the study of law, and finally removed to
Minneapolis, Minn., where he was very successful and occupied a very
prominent position in the professional and social life of the city. Mr.
Sutherland was a member and past commander of Rawlin’s Post, G. A. R. of Minneapolis and of the Masonic fraternity, retaining his
membership in Columbus Chapter and of the Commandery in Columbus.
Deceased is survived by his wife and one son, Rainey W.
Sutherland, one sister, Mrs. Josephine Gardner of Jamestown, and by several cousins residing in and near Columbus.
April 28,
1915 – Fitchburg Daily Sentinel (Fitchburg, Massachusetts)
New York, April 28. – Philip White, the $10,000 a year auditor
of the Masbury Paint Co. in Brooklyn, on trial as the leader of a band of
highwaymen who held up his employers’ bank messengers and robbed them of $3,000
nearly a year ago, rose from his chair in court today, stretched both arms
toward Supreme Court Justice Aspinal and exclaimed: “Stop, I am guilty. I want
to confess my guilt before God and the world.”
A court room scene seldom equaled in the annals of New York jurisprudence ensued.
White, trembling with emotion, faced the jury. “I am
guilty,” he repeated. “It is a bitter cup that is forced to my lips, but it is
the Lord’s will. I have lived two lives, a decent one and that of a highwayman.
I hope that God will forgive me and that I will live long enough to make
restitution.”
He fumbled with a gold button, the insignia of his
membership in a fraternal order known all over the country. “And I surrender my
membership in the Mystic shrine,” he said, tearing the button loose. “I am no
longer worthy to wear the button of a shriner.”
He freely confessed the details of the crime but asked
for no clemency. When he sat down his long time friend, James F. Clinnin, who
also was on trial on the same charge arose.
“ I wish to plead guilty, too.” he said.
The trial in this case began on Monday, and three men
under arrest with White for the alleged crimes will be tried later. Robert S.
Roberts, a chauffeur, one of the prisoners, told on the stand yesterday all the
details of the plot. He said the trusted official of the Masbury company
suggested the hold-up one night when the four men met at the Elk’s club in Brooklyn. He charged White with not only suggesting the idea but making all the
plans for the deed. White insisted, however, that the messenger boys with the
money must not be harmed, and that if they were, he would not stand behind his
companions in the crime. [Note: please read next article]
May 3, 1915 – Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
New York, May 2. – Philip T. White, clubman, owner of an
imposing home in Elizabeth, N. J. , … White was born in Matthews county,
Virginia, and is 34 years old.
Mrs. White did not know of her husband’s guilt until he
admitted it in court, as she previously had stated that she believed he was
innocent, and would stick by him.[Note: please read next article]
May 6, 1915 – Chillicothe
Constitution (Chillicothe, Missouri)
New York, May 6. – Philip T. White,
sales manager of the Masbury Paint Co. of Brooklyn, who dramatically halted his
trial last week and confessed he was the leader of a band of highwaymen, who
held up his employers’ bank messengers and robbed them of nearly $3,000, was
sentenced to Sing Sing prison today for no less than seven and one half years
and not more than fifteen years.
James F. Chinnin, his confessed
chief accomplice, was given a similar sentence, and the three
other
accomplices who followed White’s lead a day later and pleaded guilty, were
given terms of not less than two nor more than five years.
May 30,
1915 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
(Advertisement)
MUST BE SOLD – “The Sycamores,” located on East River, Mathews county,
Va., the estate of Byron Sutherland, deceased, must be sold before June 25th,
30 acres, beautiful location and home; 12 acres, oyster shore; worth $10,000;
asking only $7,500, but will be sold at some price at once, a real opportunity
to secure ideal place at right price. Further description, write Mrs. Byron
Sutherland, Hicks
Wharf, Va.
August 14,
1915 – Lexington Herald (Lexington, Kentucky)
(Advertisement)
AGENTS MAKE MONEY Here is a new
one just out, $6.00 to $12.00 a day selling Dandy Kitchens Sets. Send $1.25 for
set prepaid, including New Catalog, and a piece of Wm. Rogers Silverware worth
75 cents. E. OLIVER & CO. Mobjack,
Mathews Co., Va.
September
21, 1915 – Orange County Times (Middletown, New York)
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Hunt, of Sprague avenue, started on Sunday on an extended motor trip,
occupying two weeks. They went to Dover, N. J., where they were joined by Mrs. Hunters
sister, Mrs. Josephine King and friend, T. W. Orem, and proceeded today to Fort
[sic] Haywood, Matthews county, Va. to visit Mr. Hunt’s brother, George E. Hunt. ..
December
19, 1915 – Atlanta
Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
GENEALOGY COLUMN - Richard
Gregory, of Gloucester Co., Virginia, married Elizabeth Cary; they moved to
Oglethrope county, Georgia about 1800. Their sons were William, John and
Richard; they had several daughters. One married George E. Dudley in Virginia and their son, George
Mortimer Dudley married a daughter of William H. Crawford of Ga. Another daughter married John Thomas; another
married Peachy Gilmer, of Va. and Ga. …
March 26,
1916 – Columbus Ledger (Columbus, Georgia)
HOME PAGE FAMILY DESTROYED
BY FIRE. Richmond, March 25. – News was received here this morning from
Gloucester Court House of the destruction by fire Friday of “Rosewell,” the
home
of
the Page family, the most noted house in historic Gloucester county.
An open fire left burning all night
in the dining room is supposed to have caused it.
Judge Fielding Lewis Taylor and his
wife and daughter, who occupied the mansion, escaped half-dressed. Some silver,
books and portraits were saved, but much of value, including a Sir John Lily
portrait of Speaker Augustine Warner, and the ancient Abingdon parish register,
were lost. – a shock to many families.
“Rosewell” was built by Governor
Mann Page in 1725-1730. Its foundation walls were three feet thick and the
building originally was prepared for defensive purposes. It was a large
high-pitched brick house of three stories, basement and attic, so large that a
fish pool formerly was kept in part of the leaden roof.
The Taylors have gone to their house,
“Belle Farm,” to live, as “Rosewell” will not be rebuilt.
April 30,
1916 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
In the lighthouse service … Edward A. Sibley has been
reinstated as keeper of New Point Comfort Light Station, Va.
July 3, 1916 – Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas)
[Genealogy
column] To M. P. F., who writes: “Please publish what you can of the origin and
history of the Fox family, and especially that branch of the same that settled
in Virginia, coming thence to Kentucky and Missouri.”
Unfortunately, the records of the Virginia Fox family
have not been put into a very available form. However, it is a fact beyond
dispute that they were one of the most prominent Virginia families in colonial days. The Rev. John Fox of Gloucester County, Virginia, used the following coat of arms: Argent, a chevron,
sable, between three cocks gules, on a chief azure, a fox courat or. The rest
is a lion sejant , guardant or, supporting with the dexter foot a book of the
first.
One of the earliest members of the family was Captain
David Fox of Lancaster
County, Virginia, who was born in 1647. He was a son of David and Mary
Fox, also of Lancaster. Captain David married Hannah Ball in 1670 and had
the following children: Hannah, David, John, and Samuel. From these sons many
of the name in Virginia are descended.
August 3, 1916 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
U-BOAT IN HIDING HOURS BEFORE SHE MADE FINAL SPURT. –
Norfolk, Va., Aug. 2 – Away from the frequent channels of the Chesapeake, and
evidently hidden by the hills of Matthews county, the submersible Deutschland, and her convoy, the tug Thomas F. Timmons, spent all of the
afternoon in the deep water off New Point Comfort, less than three hours from
Cape Henry lightship, guarding the entrance to the Capes.
Here she awaited the approach of the hour of her dash
past the Allied warships, maintaining a cordon just outside of the three-mile
limit, and begin her actual homeward journey back across the Atlantic.
The fact that as late as 4 o’clock no Virginia pilot had
been asked for by Captain Koenig, in the opinion of marine men, precluded the
idea that the Deutschland intended to
enter Hampton Roads or to proceed to Newport News without a Virginia pilot. It
was pointed out that the Deutschland
would be in violation of the navigation laws to attempt to enter the ports.
The Deutschland’s
hiding place was declared ideal by men who are absolutely familiar with bay
conditions. Off New Point, as it is commonly called, she was in almost direct
line to the Capes, and yet several miles from the bay channels. The
country back of the cove is hilly, affording an excellent screen for any size
craft. Behind these the Deutschland
was hidden from even the most powerful of glasses and searchlights, yet within
fifteen or twenty minutes, the submarine could be in the channel, with almost a
straight shoot for the Capes.
The distance is approximately thirty-five miles.
The belief here is that the Deutschland remained in hiding until darkness screened her
movements and that then she quietly began a quick run to the Capes.
Arriving off the Capes, the weather conditions were admirable for her
getaway. It was cool and cloudy and there is no moon. A stiff breeze was
blowing all day and the bay was rough and covered in whitecaps. It would be
almost impossible to follow her wake.
Reports at nine o’clock were that the craft had left her hiding off New Point and steamed
toward Thimble Shoals light.
The ease with which the pursuers were shaken off today
indicates the difficulties experienced
by newspaper tugs and yachts to follow every movement. Tonight on a
wider expanse of water the job was even more difficult. The fact that the
Federal patrol boats were with the Timmons
and that all other craft were forced to remain at a prescribed distance, added
to the handicaps of the observers.
[Researcher’s Note: The Deutschland was a merchant submarine and carried back to Germany
from Baltimore 802,027 lbs of rubber; 752,674 lbs of nickel; and 181,049 lbs of
tin as reported by the Philadelphia
Inquirer on October 3, 1916.]
November 17, 1916 – Macon Weekly Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
NOTED HISTORIAN IS DEAD. Washington, D. C., Nov. 15. – Molly
Elliot Seawell, author of widely read historical romances and stories for boys,
died here today, aged 56.
Miss Seawell was a native of Gloucester county, Virginia, and was a
grandniece of President John Tyler. She had been a resident of Washington since childhood.
February
15, 1917 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
DIED. Departed this life Tuesday, February 6, 1917, at Green Plains, Mathews county, Va., MARY MASON BOYD second daughter of William H. and
Euphan A. Roy and widow of ______ Boyd. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. H.
W. M. Washington and Mrs. _. H. Goldsborough and a number of nephews and
nieces. (Baltimore Sun, Richmond Dispatch and Norfolk Ledger please copy)
April 14,
1917 – Denton Journal (Denton, Maryland)
Rev. Giles B. Cooke, former rector of St. Mary’s,
Northeast, and of Christ Church, Denton, has resigned as rector of a
Portsmouth, Va., parish and retired to his farm in Matthews county. He is the
sole survivor of the staff of Gen. Robert E. Lee, on which he was inspector
general. A native of Portsmouth, he was graduated from the Virginia Military
Institute, and in early manhood joined the Confederate Army. After Appomattox he entered the Episcopal ministry, and is in his
eightieth year.
January 4, 1918 – Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North
Carolina)
Norfolk, Va., Jan. 8. Steadily dropping temperatures and marked
increase in ice conditions in the harbor and bay materially curtailed all water
traffic today and tonight. Both Chesapeake
bay lines to Baltimore suspended operations until further notice and the
Chesapeake & Ohio ferry to Newport News ceased to operate tonight. River lines to Smithfield and Mathews county and other points have been
suspended.
March 5, 1918 – Clearfield Progress
(Clearfield, Pennsylvania)
Accepted for Service:
Clarence Cobles, Gloucester Co., Va.
November 8, 1918 – Macon Daily Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
DAILY HONOR
ROLL OF SOUTHERN MEN. Men Who Are Giving Their All for Liberty. ... Died of
Disease – Willie C. Brown, Severn, Va.
February 28, 1919 – Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
WILLS OF F. G.
ERFERT AND R. L. HICKSON FILED. Mr. Hickson’s will directs that his estate be
divided among his children. ... Two children, Mrs. Maud Jones of Ware Neck,Va.,
and Mrs. Elly Pritchitt, are given nothing, the testator declaring that his
reason for not giving them bequests was they are already comfortably provided
for.
March 18,
1919 – Macon Daily
Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)
OLD COLONIAL HISTORY. Judge John S. Avant is found of the old
records of the Revolutionary War. …
The military officers in 1680
[1780?] in Gloucester county, Virginia were Col.
Augustine Warner; Lawson Smith, lieutenant-colonel; Fro Burwell, major; Rich
Booker, captain.
In the cavalry were Col. Marthen Kemp,
Lieutenant-Colonel Armistead, Maj. Henry Whitney, Capt. John Smith, Col. Thomas
Pate, Lieut.-Col. Phil. Lightfoot, Capt. Symon Bedford.
July 23,
1919 – Lacrosse
Tribune (Lacrosse, Wisconsin)
Air Services Activities. Washington, D.C., July 18, 1919 – At noon,
Wednesday, Lieut. Robert E. Selff was in consultation with the meteorological
officer of the information group, air service, who pointed out to him on the
map that the most unfavorable conditions possible existed between Washington
and Hampton, Va. and advised him to postpone his flight at least one
day.
Lieut. Selff, however, in a Curtiss JN6H, with Lieut.
Forest H. Billin, passenger, took off at 4 p.m.
He was accompanied in another Curtiss JN6H by Lieut.
Charles M. Potter, without a passenger, both of the Langley field corps of fliers. After crossing into Virginia, they passed in and out of six terrific storms in
quick succession, and were forced to land in Matthews, Va., to correct their course.
Pilot Lieut. Robert E. Selff in a JN6SO made a flight
from Washington to Matthews county, Va., July 16th, one hundred miles in ninety
minutes. Altitude from one hundred to eight hundred feet.
Lieut. Selff made flight from Matthews county to Langley field … thirty miles in fifty-five minutes, passing
through two violent storms.
August 5, 1919 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Fredericksburg, Va., Aug. 4. – The marriage of Miss Novella Hudgins,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Hudgins, to Robert Morgan, both of Mathews
county, took place Thursday in Beulah Methodist Church at Mathews Courthouse. Miss Irene Hudgins was the
maid of honor and Norman Burroughs acted as best man.
They will reside in Mathews county.
September 8, 1919 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
(Advertisement)
VIRGINIA. FARM – 28 ¾ acres, located on salt water, in sight
of Chesapeake Bay; beautiful view; large dwelling, 8 porches; excellent order;
barn, corn house; several other outbuildings; plenty shade; orchard;
strawberries; 14 acres of oyster bottom with many thousand bushels planted;
boating, fishing, crabbing, bathing; harbor for launch; convenient to churches,
excellent schools, telephone throughout the county. Daily steamers to Baltimore and Norfolk. One of the most attractive homes in this section.
Price $7,500. Address John R. Landon, Cobb’s Creek, P. O. Mathews county, Va.
May 24, 1920 – Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
TRANSPORT
BRINGS BODIES OF NURSES. Women Who Gave Lives in War Will Get Military Burial.
New York, May 23, - The bodies of ten women war nurses who died overseas on
duty at army base hospitals, and the first to be brought home, arrived here
today on the transport Princess Matoika. ...
The women who gave their lives in the service are: Miss Cornelia E. Thornton, Archilles, Va. ...
June 5, 1920 – Denton Journal (Denton, Maryland)
Mr. W. H.
Smith, Gloucester
Court House,
Va., has been spending several days with Denton relatives and friends.
July 22,
1920 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
Recover Girl’s Body From River. Fredericksburg, Va., July 21. – The body of Miss Edith White of Mathews
county, who was drowned in Severn
River, was recovered a mile
from the point where she fell overboard from a launch while returning home from
a picnic.
March 27,
1921 - Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
MAN, 103, DROWNS IN WELL. Newport News, Va., March 26. – John Thomas, aged 103 years, lightly
touched by Father Time and hale and hearty despite four years of hunger and
hardships with the Confederate forces, fell in a well near his home in Matthews
county this week and was drowned.
He made his home with his daughter Mrs. Mary E. Teakle.
August 23,
1921 – Columbus Ledger (Columbus, Georgia)
TWO CITY BLOCKS RAZED BY BLAZE Norfolk, Va., Aug. 3. – Fire, believed to have been of incendiary
origin, wiped out the business section of Matthews Courthouse this morning. Ten
buildings were destroyed, including the postoffice and other structures. The
loss is estimated at $100,000, partly covered by insurance.
County officers are making an investigation.
The blaze was discovered shortly after two o’clock in the department store of Jarvis and Pugh. It had
gained but little headway at the time, and had apparently been burning only a
short time.
The village is without modern fire fighting apparatus,
but the 500 inhabitants turned out en mass with buckets, women and children
pumping while the men fought close up. A stiff breeze fanned the original blaze
and before it was checked the fire had swept two blocks of the business
section.
October 26,
1921 – The State (Columbia, South
Carolina)
CONFEDERATES HOLD REUNION IN CHATTANOOGA. … The afternoon session was opened with an address
by Boyd Sears, an attorney of Matthews county, Virginia, who pictured the
history of the South from the days of ’76, and declared the future peace of the
world lies in the action taken by the armament conference. Mr. Sears said that
the great minds of the South never contended
for the perpetuation of slavery, but on the other hand, desired its
abolition in an equitable manner, the result of which, he added, “would not
plunge the South into poverty, disorder and ruin.
Referring to the leaders of the Confederacy, Mr. Sears
declared that “the immortal Lee shall take his place in history beside Foch and
the other great chieftains of the World war.
March 14, 1922 – Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
W. Ashby Jones,
the greatest exponent of three-six tackle among the members of the Miami
Anglers’ club, left yesterday for the west coast where he will stay until June,
when he will return to his home in Ware Neck, Virginia.
Mr. Jones has a
winter home at Ft. Myers, but as he enjoys the fishing around Miami, he spends most of the winters here. He holds several
three-six tackle prizewinners to date and one on light tackle.
April 1, 1922 – The Bee (Danville, Virginia)
Conviction of Christian Upheld By Appeals Court. Richmond, March 31. – Conviction of Julian T. Christian,
former member of the House of Delegates from Mathews county, of selling ardent
spirits in violation of the state prohibition law was upheld today by the
Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in an opinion affirming the judgment of the
Mathews County Circuit court, in which he was given one month in jail, coupled
with $100 fine.
“If reasons were as plentiful as blackberries,” said the
Appellate court, “it would be unnecessary to give one to sustain this ruling of
the trial courts, which is obviously correct.”
Christian, who runs a store at Mathews Courthouse, sold a
beverage called “High Ball.” One of the errors of assignment was that the liquid
did not contain alcohol and therefore could not [be] classed as ardent spirits.
The evidence showed that the liquid produced intoxication and there was also
evidence that the effect resembled the effect of narcotics rather than alcohol.
The Appellate court held that if a beverage will produce intoxication its sale
is prohibited under the state prohibition statutes.
The evidence was that Christian was accustomed to buy
five gallons of a liquid labeled “turpentine” about once a month from a western
firm. In making a “High Ball,” an inch of this liquid would be poured in a
glass which was then filled with a soft drink known as “Green River.” The price was 25 cents a glass.
Christian is said to have been once a state oyster
inspector. He served in the legislature in the session of 1912 and was
generally rated as a “wet” member. The state-side prohibition bill was not
passed until two years later.
May 4, 1922 – Lexington Herald (Lexington, Kentucky)
Today’s Birthdays – Schuyler
O. Bland, representative in congress of the First Virginia district, born in Gloucester county, Virginia, 50 years
ago.
May 5, 1922 – The Bee (Danville, Virginia)
Washington, D.C. May 5 – Fourth class postmasters
appointed: Soles, Matthews county, Clyde G. Kemp.
June 25, 1922 – Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska)
NOOSE ABOUT NEGROE’S NECK – Newport News, Va., June 24 – Mike Tabb, negro, had a noose about his
neck and was being hauled up a cypress limb by a crowd of Matthews county young
men late yesterday when older men saved the negro and turned him over to county
authorities on charges of assaulting Henry B. James, a salesman of Matthews.
The victim was in a local hospital today, where hope was held for his recovery.
September 11, 1922 – Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North
Carolina)
Morganton, Sept. 10. – The big revival meeting which
has been in progress at the Methodist church for the past three weeks will
close Sunday night. Three services will be held the closing day and Evangelist
Eastes will leave Monday morning for Matthews Courthouse, Va., to be engaged in a big union tent meeting.