History Of The Colony And Ancient Dominion Of Virginia

CHARLES CAMPBELL.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by CHARLES CAMPBELL, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Virginia....

12 minute read

Read Chapter

PREFACE.

Although Virginia must be content with a secondary and unpretending rank in the general department of history, yet in the abundance and the interest of her historical materials, she may, without presumption, claim pre-eminence among the Anglo-American colonies. While developing the rich resources with which nature has so munificently endowed her, she ought not to neglect her past, which teaches so many useful lessons, and carries with it so many proud recollections. Her documentary history, lyin

1 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER I.

Early Voyages of Discovery—Sir Humphrey Gilbert—Walter Raleigh—Expedition of Amadas and Barlow—They land on Wocokon Island—Return to England—The New Country named Virginia—Grenville's Expedition—Colony of Roanoke—Lane, Governor—The Colony abandoned—Tobacco—Grenville returns to Virginia—Leaves a small Colony at Roanoke—Sir Walter Raleigh sends out another Expedition—City of Raleigh chartered—White, Governor—Roanoke found deserted—Virginia Dare, first Child born in the Colony—White returns for Sup

21 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER II.

Early Life and Adventures of Captain John Smith—Born at Willoughby—At Thirteen Years of Age undertakes to go to Sea—At Fifteen Apprentice to a Merchant—Visits France—Studies the Military Art—Serves in the Low Countries—Repairs to Scotland—Returns to Willoughby—Studies and Exercises—Adventures in France—Embarks for Italy—Thrown into the Sea—His Escape—Joins the Austrians in the Wars with the Turks—His Gallantry—Combat with Three Turks—Made Prisoner at Rottenton—His Sufferings and Escape—Voyages a

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER III.

Gosnold, Smith, and others set on foot another Expedition—James I. issues Letters Patent—Instructions for Government of the Colony—Charter granted to London Company for First Colony of Virginia—Sir Thomas Smith, Treasurer—Government of the Colony—Three Vessels under Newport sail for Virginia—The Voyage—Enter Chesapeake Bay—Ascend the James River—The English entertained by the Chief of the Quiqoughcohanocks—Landing at Jamestown—Wingfield, President—Smith excluded from the Council—Newport and Smit

34 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IV.

Smith's First Exploring Voyage up the Chesapeake Bay—Smith's Isles—Accomac—Tangier Islands—Wighcocomoco—Watkins' Point—Keale's Hill—Point Ployer—Watts' Islands—Cuskarawaok River—The Patapsco—Potomac—Quiyough—Stingray Island—Smith returns to Jamestown—His Second Voyage up Chesapeake Bay—The Massawomeks—The Indians on the River Tockwogh—Sasquesahannocks—Peregrine's Mount—Willoughby River—The Patuxent—The Rappahannock—The Pianketank—Elizabeth River—Nansemond River—Return to Jamestown—The Hudson Riv

24 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER V.

Smith visits Pamaunkee—Seizes Opechancanough—Goes back to Werowocomoco—Procures Supplies—Returns to Jamestown—Smith's Rencontre with Chief of Paspahegh—Fort built—"The Old Stone House"—Colonists dispersed to procure Subsistence—Tuckahoe-root—Smith's Discipline—New Charter—Lord Delaware appointed Governor—Fleet dispatched for Virginia—Sea-Venture; cast away on Island of Bermuda—Seven Vessels reach Virginia—Disorders that ensued—Smith's Efforts to quell them—He Embarks for England—His Character, L

26 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VI.

The Indians of Virginia—Their Form and Features—Mode of wearing their Hair—Clothing—Ornaments—Manner of Living—Diet—Towns and Cabins—Arms and Implements—Religion—Medicine—The Seasons—Hunting—Sham-fights—Music—Indian Character. The mounds—monuments of a primitive race, found scattered over many parts of North America, especially in the valley of the Mississippi—have long attracted the attention of men curious in such speculations. These heir-looms of dim, oblivious centuries, seem to whisper myst

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VII.

Condition of the Colony at the time of Smith's Departure—Assaults of Indians—"The Starving Time"—The Sea-Venture—Situation of the English on the Island of Bermuda—They Embark for Virginia—Arrive at Jamestown—Jamestown abandoned—Colonists meet Lord Delaware's Fleet—Return to Jamestown—Delaware's Discipline—The Church at Jamestown—Sir George Somers—Delaware returns to England—Percy, Governor—New Charter—Sir Thomas Dale, Governor—Martial Laws—Henrico Founded—Plantations and Hundreds settled—Argall

38 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER VIII.

Hamor visits Powhatan—Richard Hakluyt—Pocahontas Baptized—Fixed Property in the Soil established—Dale Embarks for England accompanied by Pocahontas—Yeardley, Deputy Governor—Culture of Tobacco introduced—Pocahontas in England—Tomocomo—Death of Pocahontas—John and Thomas Rolfe—Smith and Pocahontas. Ralph Hamor [112:A] having obtained permission from Sir Thomas Dale to visit Powhatan, and taking with him Thomas Savage, as interpreter, and two Indian guides, started from Bermuda (Hundred) in the mo

21 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER IX.

Argall, Governor—Condition of Jamestown—Death of Lord Delaware—Name of Delaware River—Argall's Martial Law—Brewster's Case—Argall leaves Virginia—His Character—Powhatan's Death—His Name, Personal Appearance, Dominions, Manner of Life, Character—Succeeded by Opitchapan. Lord Rich , an unscrupulous and corrupt head of a faction in the Virginia Company, having entered into partnership with Captain Samuel Argall, (a relative of Sir Thomas Smith, the Treasurer or Governor of the Company,) by his intr

11 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER X.

Sir Walter Raleigh—His Birth and Parentage—Student at Oxford—Enlists in Service of Queen of Navarre—His stay in France—Returns to England—At the Middle Temple—Serves in Netherlands and Ireland—Returns to England—His Gallantry—Undertakes Colonization of Virginia—Member of Parliament—Knighted—In Portuguese Expedition—Loses Favor at Court—Retires to Ireland—Spenser—Sir Walter in the Tower—His Flattery of the Queen—She grants him the Manor of Sherborne—His Expedition to Guiana—Joins Expedition again

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XI.

Sir Edwin Sandys, Treasurer of London Company—Powell, Deputy Governor—Sir George Yeardley, Governor—First Assembly meets—Its Proceedings. Sir Thomas Smith , Treasurer or Governor of the Virginia Company, was displaced in 1618, and succeeded by Sir Edwin Sandys. [138:A] This enlightened statesman and exemplary man was born in Worcestershire, in 1561, being the second son of the Archbishop of York. Educated at Oxford under the care of "the judicious Hooker," he obtained a prebend in the church of

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XII.

The New Laws—Yeardley, Governor—Affairs of the Colony—Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth—Negroes Imported into Virginia—Supplies sent out from England—Wives for the Colonists—The Bishops directed to take up Collections for aid of the Colony in erecting Churches and Schools—England claims a Monopoly of Virginia Tobacco—Charitable Donations. Thus after eleven years of suffering, peril, discord, and tyranny, intermingled with romantic adventure, bold enterprise, the dignity of danger, virtuous for

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIII.

Proceedings in London of Virginia Company—Lord Southampton elected Treasurer—Sir Francis Wyat appointed Governor—New frame of Government—Instructions for Governor and Council—George Sandys, Treasurer in Virginia—Notice of his Life and published Works—Productions of the Colony. Sir Edwin Sandys held the office of treasurer of the company but for one year, being excluded from a re-election by the arbitrary interference of the king. The election was by ballot. The day for it having arrived, the com

5 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIV.

Use of Tobacco in England—Raleigh's Habits of Smoking—His Tobacco-box—Anecdotes of Smoking—King James, his Counterblast—Denunciations against Tobacco—Amount of Tobacco Imported. In 1615 twelve different commodities had been shipped from Virginia; sassafras and tobacco were now the only exports. During the year 1619 the company in England imported twenty thousand pounds of tobacco, the entire crop of the preceding year. James the First endeavored to draw a "prerogative" revenue from what he terme

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XV.

Silk in Virginia—Endowment of East India School—Ministers in Virginia—Sermon at Bow Church—Corporation of Henrico. In November and December, 1621, at an assembly held at James City, acts were passed for encouraging the planting of mulberry-trees, and the making of silk; but this enterprise, so early commenced in Virginia, and so earnestly revived of late years, is still unsuccessful; and it may be concluded that the climate of Virginia is unpropitious to that sort of production. The Rev. Mr. Cop

2 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVI.

The Massacre—Its Origin, Nemattanow—Opechancanough—Security of Colonists—Perfidy of the Indians—Particulars of Massacre—Its Consequences—Brave Defence of some—Supplies sent from England—Captain Smith's Offer. On the twenty-second day of March, 1622, there occurred in the colony a memorable massacre, which originated, as was believed, in the following circumstances: There was among the Indians a famous chief, named Nemattanow, or "Jack of the Feather," as he was styled by the English, from his fa

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVII.

Crashaw and Opechancanough—Captain Madison massacres a Party of the Natives—Yeardley invades the Nansemonds and the Pamunkies—They are driven back—Reflections on their Extermination. During these calamitous events that had befallen the colony, Captain Raleigh Crashaw had been engaged in a trading cruise up the Potomac. While he was there, Opechancanough sent two baskets of beads to Japazaws, the chief of the Potomacs, to bribe him to slay Crashaw and his party, giving at the same time tidings of

4 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XVIII.

James the First jealous of Virginia Company—Gondomar—The King takes Measures to annul the Charter—Commissioners appointed—Assembly Petitions the King—Disputes between Commissioners and Assembly—Butler's Account of the Colony—Nicholas Ferrar—Treachery of Sharpless, and his Punishment—The Charter of Virginia Company dissolved—Causes of this Proceeding—Character of the Company—Records of the Company—Death of James the First—Charles the First succeeds him—The Virginia Company—Earl of Southampton—Sir

14 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XIX.

Charles the First commissions Sir Thomas Wyat, Governor—Assemblies not allowed—Royal Government virtually established in Virginia—Other Colonies on Atlantic Coast—Wyat returns to Ireland—Succeeded by Yeardley—Yeardley succeeded by West—Letter of Charles the First directing an Assembly to meet—Assembly's Reply—John Pott, Governor—Condition of Colony—Statistics—Diet—Pott superseded by Harvey—Dr. John Pott Convicted of Stealing Cattle—Sir John Harvey—Lord Baltimore visits Virginia—Refuses to take t

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XX.

Charles the First appoints Council of Superintendence for Virginia—Acts of Assembly—William Clayborne authorized by the Crown to make Discoveries and Trade—George Lord Baltimore dies—The Patent of Territory granted is confirmed to his Son Cecilius, Lord Baltimore—Virginia remonstrates against the grant to Baltimore—Lord Baltimore employs his Brother, Leonard Calvert, to found the Colony of Maryland—St. Mary's Settled—Harvey visits Calvert—Clayborne's Opposition to the New Colony—Character of Bal

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXI.

Eight Shires—Harvey's Grants of Territory—His Corrupt and Tyrannical Administration—The Crown guarantees to the Virginians the Rights which they enjoyed before the Dissolution of the Charter—Burk's Opinion of Clayborne—Governor Harvey deposed—Returns to England—Charles the First reinstates him—Disturbances in Kent Island—Charles reprimands Lord Baltimore for his Maltreatment of Clayborne—The Lords Commissioners decide in favor of Baltimore—Threatening State of Affairs in England—Harvey recalled—

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXII.

Alarming State of Affairs in England—The Long Parliament summoned—In Virginia Stephen Reekes pilloried—Sir William Berkley made Governor—Assembly declare against Restoration of Virginia Company—The King's Letter—Puritans in Virginia—Act against Non-conformists—Massacre of 1644—Opechancanough captured—His Death—Civil War in England—Sir William Berkley visits England—Clayborne expels Calvert from Maryland, and seizes the Government—Treaty with Necotowance—Statistics of the Colony. The spirit of co

18 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIII.

Beauchamp Plantagenet visits Virginia—Settlement of other Colonies—Dissenters persecuted and banished from Virginia—Some take refuge in Carolina; some in Maryland—Charles the First executed—Commonwealth of England—Virginia Assembly denounces the Authors of the King's Death—Colonel Norwood's Voyage to Virginia—The Virginia Dissenters in Maryland—The Long Parliament prohibits Trade with Virginia—A Naval Force sent to reduce the Colony, Bennet and Clayborne being two of the Commissioners—Captain De

19 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIV.

Bennet and Clayborne reduce Maryland—Cromwell's Letter—Provisional Government organized in Virginia—Bennet made Governor—William Clayborne Secretary of State—The Assembly—Counties represented—Cromwell dissolves the Long Parliament, and becomes Lord Protector—Sir William Berkley—Francis Yeardley's Letter to John Ferrar—Discovery in Carolina—Roanoke Indians visit Yeardley—He purchases a large Territory—William Hatcher—Stone, Deputy Governor of Maryland, defies the Authority of the Commissioners Be

16 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXV.

Digges elected Governor—Bennet goes to England the Colony's Agent—Colonel Edward Hill defeated by the Ricahecrians—Totopotomoi, with many Warriors, slain—Miscellaneous matters—Matthews Elected Governor—Letter to the Protector—Acts of Assembly—Magna Charta recognized as in force—Governor and Council excluded from Assembly—Matthews declares a Dissolution—The House resists—Dispute referred to the Protector—Declaration of Sovereignty—Matthews re-elected—Council newly reorganized—Edward Hill elected

11 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVI.

Death of Oliver Cromwell—Succeeded by his Son Richard—Assembly acknowledge his Authority—Character of Government of Virginia under the Commonwealth of England—Matthews dies—Richard Cromwell resigns the Protectorate—Supreme Power claimed now by the Assembly—Sir William Berkley elected Governor—Act for suppressing Quakers—Free Trade established—Stuyvesant's Letter—Charles the Second restored—Sends a new Commissioner to Berkley—His Reply—Grant of Northern Neck—The Navigation Act. On the 8th of Marc

14 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVII.

Settlements of Virginia—The Church—Laws for establishment of Towns—Intelligence received of Restoration—Assembly sends Address to the King—Demonstrations of Loyalty—Berkley visits England—Morrison elected by the Council in his stead—Assembly's tone altered—Act for ducking "Brabbling Women"—Power of Taxation vested in Governor and Council for three years—Miscellaneous Affairs—Act relating to Indians—Persons trespassing on the Indians, punished—Sir William Berkley returns from England—Instructions

16 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Report of Edmund Scarburgh, Surveyor-General, of his Proceedings in establishing the Boundary Line between Virginia and Maryland on the Eastern Shore—The Bear and the Cub—Extracts from Records of Accomac. A controversy existed between Virginia and Lord Baltimore relative to the boundary line on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The dispute turned on the true site of Watkins' Point, which was admitted to be the southern limit of Maryland on that shore. The Virginia assembly, in 1663, decla

7 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXIX.

Plot discovered—Miscellaneous Matters—England at war with the Dutch—The Plague in London—Tobacco—Forts—Cessation of planting Tobacco for one year—Drummond's Petition rejected—Baptism of Slaves—Tributary Indians—Batt's Expedition—The Algonquin Tribes—The Powhatan Confederacy—Convicts sent to Virginia—Legislative Acts. The Northern colonies appear at this time to have been styled the "Dutch Plantations." [263:A] The persecution of the dissenters, the restrictions imposed upon commerce by the navig

14 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXX.

Governor Berkley's Reply to Inquiries of the Lords Commissioners of Plantations—Government of Virginia—Militia—Forts—Indians—Boundary—Commodities—Population—Health—Trade—Restrictions on it—Governor's Salary—Quit-rents—Parishes—Free Schools, and Printing. The lords commissioners of foreign plantations, in 1670, were Arlington, Ashley, Richard George W. Alington, T. Clifford, S. Trevor, Orlando Bridgeman, C. S. Sandwich, president, Thomas Grey, —— Titus, A. Broucher, H. Slingsby, secretary, Hum. W

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXI.

Acts of Assembly—The Northern Neck—Earl of Arlington—Threatened Revolt in 1674—Agents sent to England to solicit a Revocation of the Grants of Territory and to obtain a Charter—The effort fruitless. The acts of a session were headed as follows: "At a Grand Assembly holden at James City, by prorogation from the 24th day of September, 1672, to the 20th of October, Annoque Regni Regis Caroli Secundi Dei Gratia Angliæ, Scotiæ, Franciæ et Hiberniæ, Regis, fidei Defensoris, &amp;c., Anno Domini 16

4 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXII.

The Reverend Morgan Godwyn's Letter describing Condition of the Church in Virginia. The Bishop of Winchester, during the whole negotiation, lent his assistance to the agents; he also brought to their notice a libel which had been published against all the Anglo-American plantations, especially Virginia. It was written by the Rev. Morgan Godwyn, who had served some time in Virginia; and he had given a copy of it to each of the bishops. The agents make mention of him as "the fellow," and "the inco

4 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Lands at Greenspring settled on Sir William Berkley—Indian Incursions—Force put under command of Sir Henry Chicheley—Disbanded by Governor's Order—The Long Parliament of Virginia—Colonial Grievances—Spirit of the Virginians—Elements of Disaffection. The lands at Greenspring, near Jamestown, were settled during this year on Sir William Berkley, the preamble to the act reciting among his merits, "the great pains he hath taken and hazards he has run, even of his life, in the government and preserva

4 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Three Ominous Presages—Siege of Piscataway—Colonel John Washington—Indian Chiefs put to death—Fort evacuated—Indians murder Inhabitants of Frontier—Servant and Overseer of Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., slain—The People take up Arms—Bacon chosen Leader—His Character—Solicits Commission from Berkley—He proclaims the Insurgents Rebels—Pursues them—Planters of Lower Country revolt—Forts dismantled—Rebellion not the Result of Bacon's Pique or Ambition—He marches into the Wilderness—Massacre of friendly India

17 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXV.

Bacon, with an armed Force, enters Jamestown—Extorts a Commission from the Governor—Proceedings of Assembly—Bacon marches against the Pamunkies—Berkley summons Gloucester Militia—Bacon countermarches upon the Governor—He escapes to Accomac—Bacon encamps at Middle Plantation—Calls a Convention—Oath prescribed—Sarah Drummond—Giles Bland seizes an armed Vessel and sails for Accomac—His Capture—Berkley returns to Jamestown—Bacon exterminates the Indians. Within three or four days after Bacon's escap

26 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Bacon Marches back upon Jamestown—Singular Stratagem—Berkley's Second Flight—Jamestown Burnt—Bacon proceeds to Gloucester to oppose Brent—Bacon dies—Circumstances of his Death and Burial—His Father an Author—Marriage and Fortune of Nathaniel Bacon, Jr.—His Widow. Bacon , having exhausted his provisions, had dismissed the greater part of his forces before Lawrence, Drummond, Hansford, and the other fugitives from Jamestown joined him. Upon receiving intelligence of the governor's return, Bacon, c

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Bacon succeeded by Ingram—Hansford and others executed—Ingram and others hold West Point—They surrender—Close of Rebellion—Proceedings of Court-Martial—Execution of Drummond—His Character—Mrs. Afra Behn—Richard Lawrence—His Character. Upon Bacon's death, toward the end of 1676, the exact date of which can hardly be ascertained, he was succeeded by his lieutenant-general, Joseph Ingram, (whose real name was said to be Johnson,) who had lately arrived in Virginia. Ingram, supported by George Wakel

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Arrival of an English Regiment—The Royal Commissioners—Punishment of Rebels—Execution of Giles Bland—Commissioners investigate the Causes of the Rebellion—Seize the Assembly's Journals—Number of Persons executed—Cruel Treatment of Prisoners—Bacon's Laws repealed—Act of Pardon—Exceptions—Singular Penalties—Evaded by the Courts—Many of Bacon's Laws re-enacted—Berkley recalled—Succeeded by Jeffreys—Sir William Berkley's Death—Notice of his Life and Writings—His Widow. On the 29th day of January, 16

11 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Failure of the Charter—Sir William Berkley's Proclamation revoked—Ludwell's Quarrel with Jeffreys—Jeffreys dying is succeeded by Sir Henry Chicheley—Culpepper, Governor-in-Chief, arrives—His Administration—He returns to England by way of Boston. The agents of Virginia, in 1675, had strenuously solicited the grant of a new charter, and their efforts, though long fruitless, seemed at length about to be crowned with success, when the news of Bacon's rebellion furnished the government with a new pre

7 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XL.

Statistics of Virginia—Colonial Revenue—Courts of Law—Ecclesiastical Affairs—Militia—Indians—Negroes—Riotous cutting up of Tobacco-plants—Culpepper returns—Declaration of Assembly expunged—The Governor alters the Value of Coin by Proclamation. From a statistical account of Virginia, as reported by Culpepper to the committee of the colonies, in 1681, it appears that there were at that time forty-one burgesses, being two from each of twenty counties, and one from Jamestown. The colonial revenue co

5 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLI.

Persecution of Robert Beverley—Plots and Executions in England—Culpepper returns to England—Spencer, President—Culpepper is displaced—Succeeded by Effingham—Beverley, found guilty, asks Pardon, and is released—Miscellaneous Affairs—Death of Charles the Second—Succeeded by James the Second—Beverley again Clerk—Duke of Monmouth beheaded—Adherents of Monmouth sent Prisoners to Virginia—Instructions respecting them—Death of Robert Beverley—Despotism of James the Second—Servile Insurrection prevented

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLII.

Accession of William and Mary—Proclaimed in Virginia—The House of Stuart—President Bacon—Colonel Francis Nicholson, Lieutenant-Governor—The Rev. James Blair, Commissary—College of William and Mary chartered—Its Endowment, Objects, Professorships—Death of John Page—Nicholson succeeded by Andros—Post-office—Death of Queen Mary—William the Third—Board of Trade. William, Prince of Orange , landed at Torbay in November, 1688, and he and Mary were proclaimed king and queen on the 13th day of February,

9 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLIII.

State and Condition of Virginia—Exhausting Agriculture—Depression of Mechanic Art—Merchants—Current Coin—Grants of Land—Powers of Governor—The Council—Court of Claims—County Courts—General Court—Secretary, Sheriffs, Collectors, and Vestries—Revenue—The Church. The following statistical account of Virginia appears to have been reported by Lord Culpepper, in 1781, to the Committee of the colonies. It is to be found in the Historical Collections of Massachusetts, [349:A] the manuscript having been

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLIV.

Administration of Andros—Controversy with Blair—The Rev. Hugo Jones' Account of Maryland—Andros succeeded by Nicholson—Alteration in his Conduct—Supposed Cause—Williamsburg made the Seat of Government—His tyrannical Proceedings—Prejudice of Beverley, the Historian—Act against Pirates—Offices of Speaker and Treasurer combined—Capture of a piratical Vessel—Death of Edward Hill—Commencement at William and Mary—Demise of William the Third—Succeeded by Anne—Nicholson's Description of the People of Vi

12 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLV.

Assembly held in the College—Ceremony of opening the Session—The Governor's Speech. A meeting of the general assembly was held at her majesty's Royal College of William and Mary, in March, 1703, being the second year of Queen Anne's reign, and, by prorogation, again in April, 1704. [364:A] The clerk of the general assembly was ordered to wait upon the house of burgesses and inform them that his excellency commanded their immediate attendance on him in the council chamber. The burgesses having co

4 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLVI.

Quit-rents—Northy's Opinion against the Custom of the Vestry's employing a Minister by the Year—The Free Church Disruption in Scotland—Controversy between Blair and Nicholson—Convocation—Nicholson recalled—Notice of his Career—Huguenots. By the account of Colonel William Byrd, receiver-general, the nett proceeds of her majesty's revenue of quit-rents for the year 1703 amounted to five thousand seven hundred and forty-five pounds. In the Church of England the people have no part in the choice of

6 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLVII.

Parishes—The Rev. Francis Makemie—Dissenters—Toleration Act—Ministers—Commissary. In the year 1702 there were twenty-nine counties in Virginia, and forty-nine parishes, of which thirty-four were supplied with ministers, fifteen vacant. In each parish there was a church, of timber, brick, or stone; in the larger parishes, one or two Chapels of Ease; so that the whole number of places of worship, for a population of sixty thousand, was about seventy. In every parish a dwelling-house was provided f

6 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLVIII.

Edward Nott, Lieutenant-Governor—Earl of Orkney, Titular Governor-in-chief—Nott's Administration—Robert Hunter appointed Lieutenant-Governor—Captured by the French—The Rev. Samuel Sandford endows a Free School—Lord Baltimore. On the 13th day of August, 1704, the Duke of Marlborough gained a celebrated victory over the French and Bavarians at Blenheim. [375:A] During the same month Edward Nott came over to Virginia, lieutenant-governor under George Hamilton, Earl of Orkney, who had been appointed

4 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XLIX.

Spotswood, Lieutenant-Governor—His Lineage and Early Career—Dissolves the Assembly—Assists North Carolina—Sends Cary and others Prisoners to England—Death of Queen Anne—Accession of George the First—German Settlement—Virginia's Economy—Church Establishment—Statistics. In the year 1710 Colonel Alexander Spotswood was sent over as lieutenant-governor, under the Earl of Orkney. He was descended from the ancient Scottish family of Spottiswoode. The surname is local, and was assumed by the proprietor

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER L.

Indian School at Fort Christanna—The Rev. Mr. Griffin, Teacher—Governor Spotswood visits Christanna—Description of the School and of the Saponey Indians. Governor Spotswood , who was a proficient in the mathematics, built the Octagon Magazine, rebuilt the College, and made improvements in the governor's house and gardens. He was an excellent judge on the bench. At his instance a grant of £1000 was made by the governors and visitors of William and Mary College in 1718, and a fund was established

4 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LI.

Spotswood's Tramontane Expedition—His Companions—Details of the Exploration—They cross the Blue Ridge—The Tramontane Order—The Golden Horseshoe. It was in the year 1716 that Spotswood made the first complete discovery of a passage over the Blue Ridge of mountains. Robert Beverley, in the preface to the second edition of his "History of Virginia," published at London in 1722, says: "I was with the present governor [387:A] at the head-spring of both those rivers, [387:B] and their fountains are in

5 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LII.

Condition of the Colonies—South Carolina appeals to Virginia for Succor against the Indians—Proceedings of the Council and the Assembly—Disputes between them—Dissensions of Governor and Burgesses—He dissolves them—Blackbeard, the Pirate—Maynard's Engagement with him—His Death. The twenty-five counties of the Ancient Dominion were under a government consisting of a governor and twelve councillors appointed by the king, and fifty burgesses elected by the freeholders. The permanent revenue, establi

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LIII.

Complaints against Spotswood—The Governor and the Council—Dissension between Spotswood and the Assembly—Convocation of the Clergy—Controversy between Blair and Spotswood—Clergy address the Bishop of London—The Clergy side with Spotswood—Miscellaneous Matters—Governor Spotswood displaced—Succeeded by Drysdale—Spotswood's Administration reviewed—Germanna—Spotswood Deputy Postmaster General—Engaged in Iron Manufacture—His Account of it—Advertisement—Knighted—Appointed Commander-in-chief of the Cart

20 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LIV.

Drysdale, Governor—Intemperance among the Clergy—The Rev. Mr. Lang's Testimony—Acts of Assembly—Death of Governor Drysdale—Colonel Robert Carter, President—Called King Carter—Notice of his Family. In the month of September, 1722, Hugh Drysdale assumed the administration of Virginia, amid the prosperity bequeathed him by his predecessor, and being a man of mediocre calibre, yielded to the current of the day, solicitous only to retain his place. Commissary Blair wished the governor, when a vacancy

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LV.

William Gooch, Governor—The Dividing Line—Miscellaneous—Colonel Byrd's Opinion of New England—John Holloway—William Hopkins—Earl of Orkney—Expedition against Carthagena—Gooch commands the Virginia Regiment—Lawrence Washington—Failure of attack on Carthagena—Georgia recruits Soldiers in Virginia to resist the Spaniards—Acts of Assembly—Printing in Virginia—In other Colonies—The Williamsburg Gazette—Miscellaneous Items—Proceedings at opening of General Assembly—Sir John Randolph, Speaker—Governor

14 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LVI.

Scotch-Irish Settlers—Death of Sir John Randolph—Settlement of the Valley of Shenandoah—Physical Geography of Virginia—John Lewis, a Pioneer in Augusta—Burden's Grant—First Settlers of Rockbridge—Character of the Scotch-Irish—German Settlers of Valley of Shenandoah. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the disaffected and turbulent Province of Ulster, in Ireland, suffered pre-eminently the ravages of civil war. Quieted for a time by the sword, insurrection again burst forth in the second year of

16 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LVII.

Treaty with the Six Nations—Death and Character of Rev. James Blair—Colonel William Byrd—The Pretender's Rebellion—Governor Gooch—Dissent in Virginia—Whitefield—Origin of Presbyterianism in Hanover—Morris—Missionaries—Rev. Samuel Davies—Gooch's Measures against Moravians, New Lights, and Methodists. In 1742 an act was passed to prevent lawyers from exacting or receiving exorbitant fees. In this year the town of Richmond was established by law, and the County of Louisa formed from a part of Hanov

17 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LVIII.

Statistics of Virginia—Whitefield—Davies—Conduct of the Government toward Dissenters—Resignation of Governor Gooch—His Character—The People of the Valley and of Eastern Virginia—John Robinson, Sr., President—Richard Lee, President—Earl of Albemarle, Governor-in-Chief—Lewis Burwell, President—Population of the Colonies. From Bowen's Geography, published at London in 1747, the following particulars are gathered: in 1710 the total population of Virginia was estimated to be 70,000, and in 1747 at be

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LIX.

Dinwiddie, Governor—Ohio Company—Lawrence Washington—His Views on Religious Freedom—Davies and the Dissenters—Dissensions between Dinwiddie and the Assembly—George Washington—His Lineage—Early Education—William Fairfax—Washington a Surveyor—Lord Fairfax—Washington Adjutant-General. A new epoch dawns with the administration of Robert Dinwiddie, who arrived in Virginia as lieutenant-governor early in 1752, with the purpose of repressing the encroachments of the French, of extending the confines of

12 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LX.

French Encroachments—Mission of Washington—Virginia resists the French—First Engagement—Death of Jumonville—Lieutenant-Colonel Washington retreats—Surrenders at Fort Necessity. At the age of nineteen, in 1751, Washington was appointed one of the adjutants-general of Virginia, with the rank of major. In the autumn of that year he accompanied his brother Lawrence, then in declining health, to Barbadoes, in the West Indies, who returned to Virginia, and after lingering for awhile died at Mount Vern

15 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXI.

Dinwiddie's injudicious Orders—Washington resigns—Statistics—Braddock's arrival—Washington joins him as aid-de-camp—Braddock's Expedition—His Defeat—Washington's Bravery—His account of the Defeat. The Virginia regiment quartered at Winchester being re-enforced by some companies from Maryland and North Carolina, Dinwiddie injudiciously ordered this force to march at once again over the Alleghanies, and expel the French from Fort Du Quesne, or build another near it. This little army was under comm

21 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXII.

Stith—Davies visits England and Scotland—Patriotic Discourse—Waddel, the Blind Preacher—Washington made Colonel of Virginia Regiment—Indian Incursions—Washington visits Boston. During the year 1755 died the Rev. William Stith, president of the College of William and Mary, and author of an excellent "History of Virginia," from the first settlement to the dissolution of the London Company. He was of exemplary character and catholic spirit, a friend of well-regulated liberty, and a true patriot. Th

9 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXIII.

First Settlers of the Valley—Sandy Creek Expedition—Indian Irruption—Measures of Defence—Habits of Virginians—Washington and Dinwiddie—Congress of Governors—Dinwiddie succeeded by Blair—Davies' Patriotic Discourse. The inhabitants of tramontane Virginia are very imperfectly acquainted with its history. This remark applies particularly to that section commonly called the Valley of Virginia, which, lying along the Blue Ridge, stretches from the Potomac to the Alleghany Mountains. Of this many of t

19 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXIV.

Earl of Loudoun—General Forbes—Pamunkey Indians—Fauquier, Governor—Forbes' Expedition against Fort Du Quesne—Its Capture—Burnaby's Account of Virginia—Washington, member of Assembly—His Marriage—Speaker Robinson's Compliment—Stobo—Germans on the Shenandoah—Miscellaneous. The Earl of Loudoun had been commissioned to fill Dinwiddie's place, but his military avocations prevented him from entering on the duties of the gubernatorial office, and it is believed that he never visited the colony of Virgi

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXV.

The Parsons' Cause—Patrick Henry's Speech. In the year 1763 occurred the famous "Parsons' Cause," in which the genius of Patrick Henry first shone forth. The emoluments of the clergy of the established church for a long time had consisted of sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco, contributed by each parish. The tobacco crop of 1755 failing, in consequence of a drought, and the exigencies of the colony being greatly augmented by the French and Indian war, the assembly passed an act, to endure for te

21 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXVI.

Patrick Henry , the second of nine children, was born on the 29th day of May, 1736, at Studley, in Hanover County. The dwelling-house is no longer standing; antique hedges of box and an avenue of aged trees recall recollections of the past. Studley farm, devoid of any picturesque scenery, is surrounded by woods; so that Henry was actually,— His parents were in moderate but easy circumstances. The father, John Henry, was a native of Aberdeen, in Scotland; he was a cousin of David Henry, who was a

11 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXVII.

Rev. Jonathan Boucher's Opinions on Slavery—Remarks. The Rev. Jonathan Boucher, a minister of the established church, in a sermon preached at Bray's, in Leedstown, Hanover Parish, on occasion of the general peace proclaimed in 1763, expressed himself on the subject of slavery as follows: "The united motives of interest and humanity call on us to bestow some consideration on the case of those sad outcasts of society, our negro slaves; for my heart would smite me were I not in this hour of prosper

6 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXVIII.

Disputes between Colonies and Mother Country—Stamp Act—Patrick Henry—Contested Election—Speaker Robinson—Randolph—Bland—Pendleton—Wythe—Lee. The successful termination of the war with France paved the way for American independence. Hitherto, from the first settlement of the colonies, Great Britain, without seeking a direct revenue from them, with perhaps some inconsiderable exceptions, had been satisfied with the appointment of their principal officers, and a monopoly of their trade. Now, when t

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXIX.

The Stamp Act—Virginia opposes it—Loan-office Scheme—Members of Council and Burgesses—Repeal of Stamp Act—Treasurer Robinson's Defalcation—Offices of Speaker and Treasurer separated—Lee's Speech—Miscellaneous—Family of Robinson. On the 7th day of February, 1765, Grenville introduced in the house of commons the stamp act, declaring null and void instruments of writing in daily use in the colonies, unless executed on stamped paper or parchment, charged with a duty imposed by parliament. The bill,

17 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXX.

Bland's Inquiry—Duties imposed by Parliament—Death of Fauquier—Succeeded by Blair—Baptists persecuted—Blair's Letter. In the year 1766 there was published at Williamsburg "An Inquiry into the Rights of the British Colonies," from the pen of Richard Bland. [549:A] In discussing the question, "Whether the colonies are represented in the British Parliament?" he traces the English constitution to its Saxon origin, when every freeholder was a member of the Wittenagemote or Parliament. This appears fr

11 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXI.

Botetourt, Governor—Resolutions against the encroachments of Parliament—Assembly dissolved—Non-importation Agreement—The Moderates—Assembly called—Botetourt's Address—Association—Death of Botetourt—His Character—William Nelson, President—Great Fresh—American Episcopate—Assembly opposes it—Controversy—Methodists. In November, 1768, Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt, arrived in Virginia as governor-in-chief. The season was delightful, with its tinted foliage, serene sky, and bracing air. Botet

11 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXII.

The Rev. Devereux Jarratt was born in the County of New Kent, Virginia, in January, 1733, of obscure parentage. His grandfather, an Englishman, had served during the civil wars under Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, and hence probably was derived the Christian name of the grandson. His grandmother was a native of Ireland. His father was a carpenter, and from the manner in which he and his family lived, some idea may be formed of the condition of the common people in that day. Their food consisted

7 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXIII.

Duty on Tea—Dunmore, Governor—Proceedings of Assembly—Private Meeting of Patriots—Committees of Correspondence—Washington—Dunmore visits the Frontier. In the year 1770, all the duties on articles imported into America having been repealed, save that on tea, the American merchants refused to import that commodity from England. Consequently a large stock of it was accumulated in the warehouses of the East India Company; and the government in 1773 authorized the company to ship it to America free f

5 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXIV.

Lady Dunmore and Children—Gayety of Williamsburg—Boston Port Bill—Fast-day appointed—Governor dissolves the Assembly—Resolutions of Burgesses—Convention called—The Raleigh—Mason's Opinion of Henry—Patriotic Measures—Convention—Jefferson's "Summary View." Late in April there arrived at the palace in Williamsburg, the Right Honorable the Countess of Dunmore, with George, Lord Fincastle, the Honorable Alexander and John Murray, and the Ladies Catherine, Augusta, and Susan Murray, accompanied by Cap

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXV.

Richard Henry Lee—Congress at Philadelphia—Henry—Proceedings of Congress—Washington—Military Spirit in Virginia. Richard Henry Lee was born at Stratford, on the Potomac, January 20th, 1732, his father being Thomas Lee, and his mother, Hannah, daughter of Colonel Ludwell, of Greenspring, near Jamestown. Richard, second son of Richard Lee, was of the council, and an adherent of Sir William Berkley; and Thomas Lee, third son, was some time president of the council. He was one of the majority of tha

7 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXVI.

Indian Hostilities—Battle of Point Pleasant—General Andrew Lewis—Death of Colonel Charles Lewis—Cornstalk—Indignation against Dunmore—General Lewis and his Brothers. In April, 1774, some extraordinary hostilities occurred between the Indians and the whites on the frontier of Virginia. On which side these outrages commenced was a matter of dispute, but the whites appear to have been probably the aggressors. An Indian war being apprehended, Dunmore appointed General Andrew Lewis, of Botetourt Coun

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXVII.

Logan—Kenton—Girty—Dunmore's ambiguous Conduct—His grandson, Murray. Logan , the Cayuga chief, assented to the treaty, but, still indignant at the murder of his family, refused to attend with the other chiefs at the camp, and sent his speech in a wampum-belt by an interpreter: "I appeal to any white man to say, if ever he entered Logan's cabin hungry and he gave him not meat; if ever he came cold and naked, and he clothed him not? During the course of the last long and bloody war Logan remained

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXVIII.

This famous explorer, a native of Pennsylvania, removed at an early age to North Carolina, and remained there till his fortieth year. In the year 1769 he left his home on the sequestered Yadkin, to wander through the wilderness in quest of the country of Kentucky, and to become the archetype of the race of pioneers. In this exploration of the unknown regions of Western Virginia, he was accompanied by five companions. Reaching Red River early in June, they beheld from an eminence the beautiful re

6 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXIX.

Lord Dunmore—Second Convention—St. John's Church—Henry's Resolutions—His Speech—Measures adopted. In the beginning of 1775 the people of Virginia were in a state of anxious suspense, expecting an outbreak of civil war. Dunmore remained in gloomy solicitude in his palace, tenacious of authority, but fearful of resisting the popular will. Intelligence was now continually received of commotions among the people; resolutions, essays, and speeches added new fuel to the excitement. The second Virginia

5 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXX.

Thomas Jefferson was born at Shadwell, in the County of Albemarle, on the 2d day of April, 1743. [603:A] According to family tradition his paternal ancestors, among the early settlers of Virginia, came from near Mount Snowden, in Wales, and one of them was a member of the first house of burgesses that met in 1619. The grandfather of Thomas lived at Osborne's, in Chesterfield. Peter, (father of Thomas,) a land surveyor, settled at Shadwell, where he had taken up a tract of land, including Montice

5 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXI.

Dunmore's Proclamation—Removal of Powder—Disturbances at Williamsburg—Military Movements—Volunteers at Fredericksburg—Governor and Council—Hanover Volunteers and Henry—He extorts compensation for Powder—Dunmore's Proclamation—Henry's popularity. On the twenty-eighth of March Dunmore issued a proclamation, by command, as he said, of the king, for the prevention of the appointment of deputies from Virginia to the congress which was to assemble in May. And in compliance with instructions received f

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXII.

Mecklenburg Declaration. That there was a Declaration of Independence made at Charlotte, by citizens of the County of Mecklenburg, North Carolina, on the 20th of May, 1775, is the commonly received opinion in that State, and has been often stated in print. [615:A] The closer scrutiny to which this declaration has been of late years subjected [615:B] appears to invalidate its authenticity. The patriotism, intelligence, and courage of the Scotch-Irish inhabitants of Mecklenburg—the Alexanders, Bre

4 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXIII.

Congress—Dunmore offers the Olive Branch—New Commotions—Dunmore retires—Courts closed—Correspondence between Dunmore and Assembly—Washington, Commander-in-chief—Proceedings at Williamsburg—Proceedings in Congress—Washington at Cambridge—Lady Dunmore. The second congress assembled on the 10th day of May, 1775, in the State House, Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Peyton Randolph was again elected president, but finding it necessary to return to Virginia to perform the duties of speaker, was succeede

9 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXIV.

Dunmore at Portsmouth—Convention—Committee of Safety—Carrington, Read, Cabell—Henry, Colonel and Commander-in-chief—George Mason—Miscellaneous Affairs—Death of Peyton Randolph—The Randolphs of Virginia. Dunmore's domestics now abandoned the palace and removed to Porto Bello, his country-seat, about six miles below Williamsburg. The fugitive governor took up his station at Portsmouth. On Monday, July the 17th, 1775, the convention met at Richmond. Measures were taken for raising two regiments of

12 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXV.

Dunmore's War—Captain Squires—Woodford sent against Dunmore—Woodford and Henry—Affairs at Great Bridge—Battle of Great Bridge—Howe assumes Command—Indignity offered Henry—Committee of Safety—Pendleton—Howe occupies Norfolk. Dunmore in the meanwhile had rallied a band of tories, runaway negroes, and British soldiers, and collected a naval force, and was carrying on a petty warfare. Captain Squires, of his majesty's sloop Otter, during the summer cruised in the James and York, plundering the inhab

10 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXVI.

Manufacture of Gunpowder—Norfolk burnt—Dunmore's conduct—Henry resigns—Indignation of troops—Troops at Williamsburg—General Orders. On Christmas day, 1775, Benjamin Harrison, Jr., having leave of absence from the convention for three days, at the Lower Ferry, on Chickahominy River, was conferring with Jacob Rubsamen, in his broken English, in regard to the manufacture of saltpetre; he having been sent on by the Virginia delegates in congress to superintend the manufacture of gunpowder. Mr. Harri

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXVII.

Patrick Henry, Delegate to Convention—Convention at Williamsburg—Pendleton, President—Corbin's Petition—Wormley's Petition—Nelson's Letter urging Independence—Braxton's Pamphlet—Delegates in Congress instructed to propose Independence—Declaration of Rights—Constitution—Patrick Henry, Governor—George Mason—Miscellaneous. Immediately upon his return to Hanover, Mr. Henry was elected a delegate to the convention which was soon to meet. In a letter, dated April twentieth, Richard Henry Lee exhorted

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXVIII.

Richard Henry Lee moves a Resolution for a Separation—Seconded by John Adams—Declaration of Independence—Jefferson—General Orders—Thomas Nelson, Jr., and the Nelsons—Benjamin Harrison, Jr., and the Harrisons—George Wythe. On the 7th day of June, 1776, a resolution in favor of a total and immediate separation from Great Britain was moved in congress by Richard Henry Lee, and seconded by John Adams. On the twenty-eighth a committee was appointed to prepare a declaration of independence, the member

12 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER LXXXIX.

Richard Henry Lee—Francis Lightfoot Lee—Carter Braxton. Richard Henry Lee , a signer of the Declaration, was born at Stratford, on the Potomac, in Westmoreland, January the 20th, 1732, about a month before the birth of Washington. The father of Richard Henry was Thomas Lee; the mother, Hannah, daughter of Colonel Philip Ludwell, of Greenspring, of the old family of that name, in Somersetshire, England, who were originally, it is said, from Germany. Richard Henry Lee's early days were passed some

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XC.

Dunmore on Gwynn's Island—Driven thence by General Lewis—Dunmore retires from Virginia—Affairs at Boston—Canada invaded—Howe evacuates Boston—Battles of Long Island and White Plains—Fort Washington captured—Washington retreats—Enemy defeated at Trenton and Princeton—Death of Mercer. Dunmore , pressed for provisions, burnt his entrenchments, near the smouldering ruins of Norfolk, and sought refuge on board of his fleet. General Charles Lee devised energetic means for curbing the disaffected in th

9 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCI.

Death of Richard Bland—Genealogy of the Blands—First Assembly under new Government—Petitions against Church establishment—Memorial of Hanover Presbytery—Rev. Caleb Wallace—Petitions in favor of Established Church—Proceedings of Assembly—Alleged scheme of Dictator—Hampden Sidney—Virginia Navy. On the 26th day of October, 1776, died Richard Bland, at Williamsburg, aged sixty-six. He was in attendance as a member of the house of delegates at its first session, and was struck with apoplexy while wal

18 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCII.

Commodore Hotham—Proceedings of Assembly—Charges against Richard Henry Lee—He demands an Enquiry—His Defence and Honorable Acquittal. In January, 1777, when Commodore Hotham was cruising in the Chesapeake, the prisoners that fell into his hands were humanely treated and readily exchanged. In February, the Phœnix man-of-war came to Yorktown with a flag, and sent ashore a party of prisoners, among whom was Colonel Lawson, who had been long in captivity, and who was exchanged for Colonel Alexander

6 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCIII.

Battle of Brandywine—Virginia Brigades—Burgoyne's Expedition—His Surrender—Daniel Morgan—Washington at Valley Forge—Frigate Randolph—Treaty with France—Clinton retreats—Battle of Monmouth—General Lee—Anecdote of Colonel Meade—The Meade family—Colonel Baylor—General Clarke. In the battle of Brandywine, which took place on the 11th of September, 1777, Sir William Howe again proved victorious; but the action was well contested, and the loss on both sides heavy. The Virginia brigades, under Wayne an

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCIV.

Condition of Affairs—Mason's Letter—Convention Troops removed to Charlottesville—Miscellaneous—Church Establishment abolished—Clergy and Churches—Suffolk burnt—D'Estaing's Siege of Savannah—Lincoln surrenders—Gates defeated at Camden—Sumpter defeated—Battle of King's Mountain—Colonel Campbell—Colonel Ferguson. Washington looked upon the early part of 1779 as more fraught with danger than any preceding period of the war, not on account of the strength of the enemy, but owing to the spirit of self

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCV.

Arthur Lee—Deane—Franklin—Madison. In the year 1780 Arthur Lee returned to America after a long absence. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on the 20th of December, 1740, being the youngest of five brothers, all of whom became eminent. After passing some time at Eton he entered the University of Edinburgh, where he took the degree of doctor of medicine about 1765. The other students from Virginia there at the same time were Field, Blair, Bankhead, and Gilmer—the earliest pioneers in t

8 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCVI.

Logan—Leslie's Invasion—Removal of Convention Troops. In the fall of 1779 Logan, the Indian chief, had again resumed his onslaughts on the banks of the Holston. In June, 1780, when Captain Bird, of Detroit, long the headquarters of British and Indian barbarity, invaded Kentucky, Logan joined in the bloody raid. He was now about fifty-five years of age. Not long after this inroad, Logan, at an Indian council held at Detroit, while phrenzied by liquor, prostrated his wife by a sudden blow, and she

5 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCVII.

Arnold's Invasion. Toward the close of December, 1780, a fleet appeared within the capes of the Chesapeake, with a force detached by Sir Henry Clinton from New York, under command of the traitor Arnold. A frigate in advance having captured some small vessels, Arnold, with the aid of them, pushed on at once up the James. Attempting to land at Burwell's Ferry, (the Grove Landing,) his boats were beaten off by one hundred and fifty militia of Williamsburg and James City, under Colonel Innes and Gen

7 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCVIII.

Greene, Commander of Southern Army—Morgan's Victory at Cowpens—Arnold at Portsmouth—Battle of Guilford—Re-enforced by Phillips—The Enemy at Petersburg—Devastations—Phillips proceeds down James River—Returns to Petersburg—His Death—Succeeded by Arnold—Simcoe—Virginia Navy—John Tyler—John Banister. In accordance with a resolution of congress, passed in November, 1780, General Gates was superseded, and Washington, who was required to appoint an officer to fill the vacant post, selected General Nath

18 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER XCIX.

Cornwallis at Petersburg—La Fayette retreats—Simcoe's Expedition—Tarleton's Expedition—Cornwallis marches toward Point of Fork—Devastations of the Enemy—Peter Francisco—La Fayette re-enforced by Wayne—Cornwallis retires—Followed by La Fayette—Skirmish at Spencer's Plantation—Action near Jamestown—La Fayette. Cornwallis marched [726:A] from Wilmington for Petersburg. To facilitate the passage of the rivers, two boats, mounted on carriages, accompanied the army. Tarleton led the advance. While the

19 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER C.

Capture of the Patriot—The Barrons and Captain Starlins—Battle of the Barges. While the British men-of-war and transports were assembled in Hampton Roads, in co-operation with Cornwallis, in the spring and summer of 1781, the small craft were engaged in frequent depredations, going up the James as far as Jamestown, and looking into the smaller streams for plunder. To afford some little relief to the distressed inhabitants, for the most part women, the men being at sea, or in the army, or prisone

6 minute read

Read Chapter

CHAPTER CI.

Washington—Cornwallis occupies Yorktown—Battle of Eutaw Springs—Henry Lee—Washington invests Yorktown—Capitulation. In the North, Washington retained a self-possessed mind. So the eagle from his mountain watch-tower looks down and surveys with serene eye the tempest and the storm forming beneath his feet. Re-enforced by the French troops under Rochambeau, and a fleet, he was concerting measures to expel Clinton from New York, believing that in this way he could give the enemy the more fatal blow

17 minute read

Read Chapter