University of Virginia Library

II. PART II.

History of the Executives of Virginia from the close of the
Revolutionary War in 1781, to 1892

INTRODUCTION.

Although the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, October 19,
1781, had virtually terminated the struggle for the independence
of America, still the cessation of hostilities was not formally
proclaimed by Congress until April 11, 1783.

War with its desolating train had now given place to the
tranquil reign of peace; but, that war, with its history written
in blood from Lexington to Yorktown, had had its world-wide
uses. It had created a race of patriots, the story of whose
valor would never die; it had given birth to leaders who had
proved self-government a possibility; it had opened the way
for freedom of thought and action, and had snapped the cords
asunder that had bound America to a Throne. Last and
best, it had shown that the foundation of the infant Republic,
cemented with the crimson current of human life, was the
ground-work of a structure destined to be more enduring than
any fabric that could be reared by peaceful arbitration.

Nearly a hundred years had looked down upon its growth
when this "Union," tried in the throes of a tremendous civil
convulsion, emerged from a ravaging war of four long years'
duration, "One and inseparable." What could have accomplished
this, in its completeness, but the "mystic tie" of
Lexington, Concord, Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Bunker
Hill, Quebec, Boston and New York; of Trenton, Princeton,
Brandywine, Germantown and Valley Forge; of Savannah,

Charleston, Camden, Cowpens, Richmond and Yorktown—
names, which like an amulet, had been hung around the infant
breast by every patriot mother, in every state, for well-nigh
a century!

Upon the cessation of hostilities with England, in April,
1783, and the return of peace, it was found that the "Articles
of Confederation" between the states were not quite adequate
to meet the new issues then arising. The necessity of vesting
in a Congress, (differently organized from that under the Confederation)
powers competent to provide for the national welfare
gave rise to permanent changes in the government. As
a matter of interest it may be noted that, from the beginning
of the War of the Revolution until the end, Virginia never
ceased in her exertions to furnish her full quota of men and
money in compliance with the requisitions of Congress, and
when, in 1783, certain commercial restrictions were proposed,
(made necessary by the action of England,) Virginia passed
her Act conferring the power on Congress to adopt such regulations,
suspending its operation, however, until all the
states in the Union should concur. She also passed "An Act
to provide certain and adequate funds for the payment of this
State's quota of the debts contracted by the United States"
(October, 1783), by conferring such powers on Congress as
would best tend to raise a revenue essential to the restoration
of public credit and the discharge of the public debts. This
Act was also suspended until similar laws should be passed by
every other state in the Union. The difficulties surrounding
these and other questions gave rise to a change in the organization
of the government, and to the adoption of the present
Constitution of the United States.

The territorial limits of Virginia have varied many times
since the hour when England's Queen traced with her royal
hand the name the new-found country was to bear.

The limits of Virginia under the Patent of Queen Elizabeth
to Sir Walter Ralegh, 1584, were vague and vast, but they
assumed a more definite shape under her successor, James I.,
and the various changes in her boundaries have resulted from:

I. The ancient charters from the Crown of England.

II. The grant of Maryland to Lord Baltimore, and the
subsequent determinations of the British Court as to the
extent of that grant.

III. The grant of Pennsylvania to William Penn, and a compact
between the General Assemblies of the Commonwealths
of Virginia and Pennsylvania as to the extent of that grant.

IV. The grant of Carolina and actual location of its northern
boundary, by consent of both parties.

V. The Treaty of Paris, of 1763.

VI. The confirmation of the charters of the neighboring
states by the Convention of Virginia at the time of constituting
her Commonwealth.

VII. The cession made by Virginia to Congress of all
the lands to which she had title on the north-west side of the
Ohio.

VIII. By an act approved December 31, 1862, Congress
provided for the admission of "West Virginia" into the
Union, upon certain conditions, which conditions being complied
with, the state government was formally inaugurated,
June 20, 1863.

By this Act, an area of 23,000 square miles was separated
from "The Old Dominion."

In tracing thus the changes wrought by time in the outer
limits of Virginia, it is likewise instructive to review some of
the mutations within her boundaries.

On February 16th, 1623, the "List of the Livinge" was
returned from the following places, and in this wise, viz.:

• At the Colledge Land.

• Att the Neak of Land.

• Att West & Sherlow Hundred.

• Att Jordan's Jorney.

• Att Flourdieu Hundred.

• The rest at West and Sherlow Hundred Island.

• At Chaplain's Choise.

• Att James Citie and within the corporation thereof.

• In the Maine.

• In James Island.

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268





• The Neck of Land.

• Over the River.

• At the Plantation over against James Cittie.

• The Glase Howse.

• At Archur's Hoop.

• At Hogg Island.

• At Martin's Hundred.

• At Warwick Squrake.

• At the Indian Thickett.

• At Elizabeth Cittye.

• At Bricke Row.

• At Bass's Choice.

• More at Elizabeth Cittie.

• At the Eastern Shore.

• 1277.

• The End of the List of the Living.[1]

And now, compare this list of 1277 inhabitants with the
return from the Census Office for Virginia in 1890, showing
her total population to be 1,655,980, in her one hundred
flourishing counties, which are as follows:

• Accomac

• Albemarle

• Alexandria

• Alleghany

• Amelia

• Amherst

• Appomattox

• Augusta

• Bath

• Bedford

• Bland

• Botetourt

• Brunswick

• Buchanan

• Buckingham

• Campbell

• Caroline

• Carroll

• Charles City

• Charlotte

• Chesterfield

• Clarke

• Craig

• Culpeper

• Cumberland

• Dickenson

• Dinwiddie

• Elizabeth City

• Essex

• Fairfax

• Fauquier

• Floyd

• Fluvanna

• Franklin

• Frederick

• Giles

• Gloucester

• Goochland

• Grayson

• Greene

• Greenville

• Halifax

• Hanover

• Henrico

• Henry

• Highland

• Isle of Wight

• James City

• King and Queen

• King George

• King William

• Lancaster

• Lee

• Loudoun

• Louisa

• Lunenberg

• Madison

• Matthews

• Mecklenburg

• Middlesex

• Montgomery

• Nansemond

• Nelson

• New Kent

• Norfolk

• Northampton

• Northumberland

• Nottoway

• Orange

• Page

• Patrick

• Pittsylvania

• Powhatan

• Prince Edward

• Prince George

• Princess Anne

• Prince William

• Pulaski

• Rappahannock

• Richmond

• Roanoke

• Rockbridge

• Rockingham

• Russell

• Scott

• Shenandoah

• Smyth

• Southampton

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269





• Spottsylvania

• Stafford

• Surry

• Sussex

• Tazewell

• Warren

• Warwick

• Washington

• Westmoreland

• Wise

• Wythe

• York

Though shorn of her vast territorial possessions, a greater
future spreads before Virginia than when her borders were
washed by the Atlantic on the east and the Pacific on the
west. With her mild and healthful climate, her fertile soil,
her splendid fisheries, her forest wealth; with her mineral
resources, her agricultural products, her commercial advantages;
with her increasing, intelligent, industrious, and
patriotic population, her greatness seems assured.

With such a land and such a people, the problem of Virginia's
possibilities, suggested by Lord Bacon in 1621,
"Who can tell?" is finding year by year, through all the
changes and chances of Time, a broader and higher interpretation.

is she now advancing from the ravages of war[2] and the
blight of debt, to a fuller and more glorious life than she has
ever known before.

LXXIII.

LXXIII. BENJAMIN HARRISON.

LXXIII. Governor.

LXXIII. November 30, 1781, to November 29, 1784.

Upon the resignation of Thomas Nelson, Junior, November
30, 1781, Benjamin Harrison was elected Governor of Virginia,
and continued in this office until November 29, 1784.
He was born in Berkeley, Charles City County, Virginia, about
1740, his family having settled in the Colony as early as 1640.

Mr. Harrison entered public life, in 1764, by becoming a
member of the House of Burgesses, and soon by his ability and
social prominence became a leader in the stirring scenes in which
he lived. He was a member of the First Continental Congress,
of the Virginia Convention of 1775, and of the second General
Congress, 1775. This body having adjourned, August 1, the
Virginia Convention on the 11th of that month returned Mr.
Harrison a third time as their representative, and on September
13 he took his seat. Here he filled many positions of
responsibility, struggling always for the best interests of his
state and country. His term of service having expired, August
11, 1776, he came back to Virginia, but not before he had
enjoyed the satisfaction of putting his name to the Declaration
of Independence; an act which won for every "Signer" a
patent of nobility far worthier than any that royal hand could
give; whose title was beyond the fictitious excellence of Star,
or Garter, or Cross, or all the insignia of heraldry.

In the autumn of 1776, Thomas Jefferson having resigned
his seat in the Senate, Mr. Harrison was chosen to fill out
his term, and after a brief absence of less than three months
returned to Congress. He was immediately restored to his
former place on all standing committees. On May 22, 1777,
Virginia returned him for the fourth time to Congress, where

he, as before, actively and successfully engaged in matters
pertaining to the highest interests of the young Republic.
About the close of this year Mr. Harrison retired permanently
from the halls of Congress and devoted himself to the promotion
of his native State. He was soon sent from his county
to the House of Burgesses, and elected Speaker of that body,
which office he held uninterruptedly until chosen Governor of
Virginia, on November 30, 1781. Through the trying duties
which accompanied this high office at the close of the Revolution,
he bore himself with dignity and ability, remaining the
Chief Executive of the State until November 29, 1784, when
he retired to private life. But his friends, unwilling to lose
his valuable counsels, elected him, in April, 1791, to the
Legislature. A severe attack of gout seized him just at this
time, and in a few days his useful career was ended by death.

Benjamin Harrison married Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel
William Bassett, of New Kent County, Va.

Mr. Griggsly, in his book on the Convention of 1776,
says, "Of all the ancient families in the Colony, that of Harrison,
if not the oldest, is one of the oldest," and adds, "That
from the year 1645, to this date, a period of more than two centuries,
the name has been distinguished for the patriotism, the
intelligence, and the moral worth of those who have borne it."

The third son of Benjamin Harrison and Elizabeth Bassett,
viz., William Henry Harrison, was the ninth President
of the United States, and the distinguished gentleman who
now occupies that exalted position, and who bears the name
of the old Virginia Governor, is the honored grandson of the
hero of Tippecanoe.

The following are copies of interesting state papers connected
with Governor Harrison's administration:

October, 1783.

AN ACT to authorize the Congress of the United States to adopt certain
regulations respecting the British trade.

I. Whereas, it appears by an order of the King of Great Britain in
council bearing date the second day of July last, made under the express
authority of his Parliament, that the growth or produce of any of the
United States of America, are prohibited from being carried to any of the
British West India Islands, by any other than British subjects, in British
built ships, owned by British subjects, and navigated according to the laws
of that kingdom.

II. And whereas this proceeding, though but a temporary expedient,
exhibits a disposition in Great Britain to gain partial advantages injurious to
the rights of free commerce, and is repugnant to the principles of reciprocal
interest and convenience, which are found by experience to form the
only permanent foundation of friendly intercourse between states: Be it
therefore enacted, That the United States in Congress assembled, shall be,
and they are hereby authorized and empowered to prohibit the importation
of the growth or produce of the British West India Islands into these
United States, in British vessels, or to adopt any other mode which may
most effectually tend to counteract the designs of Great Britain, with
respect to the American commerce, so long as the said restriction shall be
continued on the part of Great Britain. Provided, that this Act shall not
be in force until all the states in the Union shall have passed similar laws.

LXXIV.

LXXIV. PATRICK HENRY.

LXXIV. Governor.

LXXIV. December, 1784, to December, 1786.

Patrick Henry was elected a second time, Governor of
Virginia, in December, 1784, and continued in office until
December, 1786. A sketch of his life having been already
given in this work, we avail ourselves of this opportunity to
relate some matters pertaining to his personal appearance
and character not before mentioned, as well as to note some
important events in his second administration.

William Wirt, of Virginia, in his "Sketches of the Life
and Character of Patrick Henry," says:

In connection with the religious character of Patrick
Henry, the following extract is taken from a letter written
by the Rev. Mr. Dresser, who had charge of Antrim Parish,
Halifax County, Virginia, from 1828 to 1838. Mr. Dresser
says:

These facts are corroborated by this extract from Mr.
Henry's will, viz.:

Mr. W. W. Henry, the accomplished descendant of this
great orator, says in his Life of Patrick Henry:

The period embraced by the second term of Patrick
Henry as Governor of Virginia, is very interesting. Among
the Acts of 1785 and 1786, will be found, passed into laws, the
most important bills, reported to the Legislature in 1779 by
the committee of revisers appointed by the Act of 1776. At
the session of 1786, an Act passed appointing a committee to
take into consideration such of the bills contained in the
revisal, prepared and reported by the committee appointed
for that purpose in the year 1776, as had not been enacted
into laws. This was superseded by the Act of 1789, concerning
a new edition of the laws, which was the foundation
of the revisal in 1792. The preamble to the Act for the revision
of the laws, October, 1776, reads thus:

The committee appointed was Thomas Jefferson, Edmund
Pendleton, George Wythe, George Mason, and
Thomas Ludwell Lee.

In the House of Delegates, the 18th June, 1779, Benjamin
Harrison, Speaker, laid before the House a letter from
Thomas Jefferson, Governor of the Commonwealth, and
George Wythe, presenting this accomplished work.

Such a permanent and radical alteration of the Laws of
Virginia will be ever associated with the statesmen above mentioned,
and the farther development of this plan will be happily
connected with the second term of Patrick Henry as
Governor of the state. The importance and significance of
these changes are the best indications of the progress of a
free and aspiring people.

And so we bring to an end our brief and imperfect sketch
of Patrick Henry—a man whose high destiny it was to fire
the hearts of an oppressed people to a mighty revolution;
who has left us mainly the ends for which he strove and not
the means by which he worked; whose wingèd words, chaining
conviction in their flight, and yet refusing to be penned,
are known only by the trail of glory they have left behind.

LXXV.

LXXV. EDMUND RANDOLPH.

LXXV. Governor.

LXXV. December 1, 1786, to December, 1788.

Edmund Randolph was born in Williamsburg, the
Capital of the Colony of Virginia, August 10, 1753. It was
in this memorable year that the people of Virginia were
alarmed by the report that the French, aided by the Indians,
were erecting a long line of military posts on the Ohio; this
led George Washington to offer to Governor Dinwiddie his
services, to explore the wild and trackless forests west of the
"Blue Mountains," and to convey to the French commandant
on this frontier, a letter of inquiry from the Governor of
Virginia. History records the perilous nature of this undertaking
and the courageous manner in which it was executed.
Thus, the year in which Edmund Randolph was born, was
signalized as a very important era in the life of his native
Colony, where his family had already borne a distinguished
part. His father was John Randolph, and his mother, Ariana,
daughter of Edmund Jenings. John Randolph was Attorney-General
of the Colony, and was the son of Sir John Randolph,
who had filled the same office and had received the honor of
Knighthood for honorable services to the Crown, being spoken
of as a most eminent man in his profession, and one of high
character.

Sir John Randolph had two sons, John and Peyton, and
they in succession were Attorneys-General of Virginia. At
the breaking out of the war, John went to England, and was
succeeded in his position by his son Edmund; but, bitterly
repenting his choice, he died abroad of a broken heart, and
directed his remains to be brought back to Virginia. They
were interred in the College chapel.

Edmund Randolph now began a career of prominence, and
figured largely for many years as the defender of his country
in the Councils of his state and of the nation, and was the
zealous supporter of the Church against all which he believed
to be assaults upon her rights. He had been adopted by his
uncle, Peyton Randolph, and had espoused his patriotic views
with regard to the independence of America. In 1775 he
served on the staff of Washington, was a delegate to the Virginia
Convention in May, 1776, and from 1779 to 1783 he
was a member of the Continental Congress. On the 29th
August, 1776, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert
Carter Nicholas, Treasurer, and Speaker of the House of
Burgesses of Virginia.

Being a member of the Virginia delegation to "The
Constitutional Convention," which met in Philadelphia, May
25, 1787, Edmund Randolph introduced, on behalf of his
delegation, a series of propositions, fifteen in number, embodying
a new scheme of central government, known in
history as the "Virginia plan." This plan, discussed for
two weeks in committee of the whole, was so modified,
amended, and changed, that it could only be called the foundation
of what was finally accepted and signed by the delegates
in due form. The authorship of "The Constitution" as
then laid down, was clearly the product of many minds, and
the source of some of its most vital phrases will never be given
to posterity. We only know that the end attained was after
long, laborious, anxious discussion and most sagacious compromise.
Sectional differences of opinion were reconciled,
and a distinct plan of constitutional union finally arranged.
Washington presided at this Convention, and by his inflexible
course did much to keep the assembly together—a convention
whose almost continuous session of four months had
more than once threatened to break up in disorder.

It is to be regretted that so little can be known of the
Constitutional Convention of Philadelphia; but the injunction
of secrecy under which its deliberations were held, was
never removed. The official Journal deposited by Washington
in the public archives, and Madison's Notes (all given

to the public at a later day), are the only extended testimony
to throw light on this intensely interesting period—a time
when Washington himself declared that our political affairs
were "suspended by a thread." In that dread crisis the
past furnished no light to guide the statesman of this august
meeting; the present was full of doubt and despair, and the
destiny of the American Liberty hung trembling in the
balance. But, in this juncture, the majestic reason of George
Washington triumphed. "It is too probable," he said,
"that no plan we propose will be adopted. Perhaps another
dreadful conflict is to be sustained. If, to please the people,
we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterward
defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise
and honest can repair; the event is in the hands of God."
If, in this memorable speech, Washington counseled immediate
action, and thereby cemented the opposing sentiments
of the Convention by one decisive and imperishable step; if
he now laid the foundation of honesty and purity in Constitutional
government, we, the heirs of this rich legacy, are
indebted no less to another Virginian for making the Constitution,
practically, all that it has been, is, and yet may be.
To John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States from
1801 to 1835, do we turn with gratitude for lifting these
Resolutions from the mist and cloud of Doubt, to be the
radiant source of light, and life, and happiness to millions of
enraptured freemen. When as yet the Constitution was a
doubtful experiment, Judge Marshall, by his clear, unanswerable
logic, laid it before an eager world as a wonderful
combination of Liberty and Law, and by his practical construction
of its beneficent provisions, he established it in the
hearts and minds of his fellow-citizens as a wise and never-to-be-abandoned
system of free government.

At the close of the momentous deliberations of the Constitutional
Convention, the plan adopted was disapproved by
Edmund Randolph, but, in June, 1788, when it was submitted
to the Virginia Convention in Richmond for ratification,
he pronounced decidedly for it.

Of the deputies from Virginia who signed the Constitution

in Philadelphia, September 17, 1787, were George Washington,
John Blair, James Madison, Jr. Those of the Virginia
delegation who did not then sign it, were Edmund Randolph,
George Mason, George Wythe, James McClurg. But the
Constitution was finally accepted by Virginia through her
Convention held at Richmond, and ratified June 25, 1788, by
a vote of 89 to 79.

Upon the resignation of Patrick Henry as Governor of
Virginia, Edmund Randolph was elected to succeed him,
December 1, 1786, and remained in this important office
until December, 1788. A glance at the Acts of Assembly
during this period will show the varied subjects which
claimed the attention of his administration, developing
through the laws enacted the gradual and intelligent progress
of a people in the difficult experiment of self-government.

In 1784 Edmund Randolph had been appointed Deputy-Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free, and
Accepted Masons of Virginia, and in 1786 he was elected
Grand Master of the same body, when he named the Honorable
John Marshall as his Deputy. His name is masonically
perpetuated in the Richmond Randolph Lodge, No. 19,
chartered October 19, 1787. It is also a matter of interest to
note, that Edmund Randolph, on the 28th April, 1788, at the
earnest desire of the members, named "our illustrious and
well-beloved brother, George Washington, Esquire, late
General and Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the United
States of America," as Master of the "Alexandria Lodge,
No. 22." After the death of Washington the name was
changed to the "Alexandria Washington Lodge, No. 22."

In 1790 Edmund Randolph was appointed by Washington
the first Attorney-General of the United States, a position
which, as a man of elegant manners and an accomplished
lawyer, he was well fitted to adorn. On August 2, 1794, he
succeeded Jefferson as Secretary of State, which office he
held until the 19th August, 1795, when he withdrew to private
life and resumed the practice of law. The fact that he
retired from the Cabinet of Washington was made the occasion

of much comment by his political antagonists. He
published a "Vindication" of his course, which ably and
effectually silenced the calumnies of his enemies.

Edmund Randolph spent the latter part of his life chiefly
with his daughter, Mrs. Bennett Taylor, of Frederick County,
and lies buried by her side in the old graveyard of that
parish. Bishop Meade, of Virginia, says of the latter days
of Mr. Randolph's life, viz.:

Mr. Randolph died at "Carter Hall," the seat of Colonel
Nathaniel Burwell, of Frederick County, on September 12,
1813, bringing to a close a life of honorable distinction and
wide-spread usefulness.

LXXVI.

LXXVI. BEVERLEY RANDOLPH.

LXXVI. Governor.

LXXVI. December 1, 1788, to December 1, 1791.

Beverley Randolph, son of Colonel Peter and Lucy
Bolling Randolph, was born at "Chatsworth," Henrico
County, Virginia, in 1754, and was third in descent from
William Randolph of "Turkey Island." He was educated at
William and Mary College, where he graduated in 1771, and
was, during the Revolution, a patriotic supporter of colonial
independence. He was a member of the General Assembly,
and su ceeded Edmund Randolph as Governor of Virginia
December 1, 1788. In this position he served until December
1, 1791. Many important Acts were passed during his
administration; among others may be noted:

"An Act concerning a new edition of the Laws of this
Commonwealth, reforming certain rules of legal construction,
and providing for the due publication of the Laws and Resolutions
of each session." Passed November 18th, 1789.

"An Act to amend an Act entitled `An Act establishing
District Courts, and for regulating the General Court."
Passed December 17, 1789.

"An Act concerning the erection of the district of Kentucky
into an independent state." Passed December 18, 1789.

"An Act repealing a part of the Ordinance by which
certain English statutes were declared to be in force within
this Commonwealth." Passed November 25, 1789.

"An Act for amending the Acts concerning the Court of
Appeals." Passed November 19, 1789.

"An Act to fix the time of holding elections for representatives
to Congress." Passed December 1, 1789.

These, and many other measures pertaining to the internal

growth and welfare of the Commonwealth, were evidences of
the gradual evolution in progress, for "the laws of a country
are necessarily connected with everything belonging to the
people of it."

Among the interesting Acts of Virginia during Beverley
Randolph's administration, was the cession of ten miles
square for the permanent seat of the general government. After
the organization of the government under the Constitution,
March 4, 1789, warm discussions took place in Congress on
the location of the Capital, which were finally settled by the passage,
June 28, 1790, of an Act containing the following clause:

"That a district of territory on the river Potomac, at
some place between the mouths of the Eastern branch and
the Connogacheague be, and the same is hereby accepted for
the permanent seat of the government of the United States."
The same Act provided that Congress should hold its sessions
at Philadelphia until the first Monday in November,
1800, when the government should remove to the district
selected on the Potomac. The area fixed upon for the
district was a square of 10 miles or 100 square miles. It
embraced 64 square miles of Maryland, constituting the
County of Washington, which was ceded by that State to the
United States in 1788, and 36 square miles of Virginia, constituting
the County of Alexandria, ceded in 1789, as follows:

Thus Virginia stood ready with her largess to the general
weal, and with accustomed promptness met the pressing
demands of the hour. The year of 1790 opened auspiciously—
business over the whole country was prospering, commerce
increasing, and the outlook was very encouraging.

During this period of growing interest, Governor Randolph
filled his important office with honor to himself and
satisfaction to his people.

He had married Martha Cooke, and died at his seat,
"Green Creek," in February, 1797, leaving numerous descendants.

LXXVII.

LXXVII. HENRY LEE.

LXXVII. Governor.

LXXVII. December 1, 1791, to December 1, 1794.

Henry Lee, the second child of Henry Lee and Lucy
Grymes, was born January 29, 1756, at "Leesylvania," his
father's seat, which was situated on a point of land jutting
into the Potomac three miles above Dumfries, then the county
town of Prince William County. He was educated at Princeton
College, where he early displayed a genius which later
events developed, and which displayed itself in a remarkably
distinguished military career. He was preparing himself for
the profession of law, and was about to sail for England to pursue
that study when the outbreak of war changed his destiny.
Soon after the battle of Lexington, at the age of nineteen, he
entered the army as captain of cavalry. He was present at
many important actions in the Northern Department of the
United States, was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown,
and Springfield, and by his prompt and sagacious course soon
became a favorite of General Washington.

In the difficult and critical operations in Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, and New York, Lee was always placed near the
enemy and reserved for the command of situations which
required the exercise of those high talents with which he
was endowed. He was promoted to the rank of Major, in
command of a separate corps of cavalry, and Congress, in
November, 1780, advanced him to a lieutenant-colonelcy
of dragoons, and added to his corps three companies of
infantry. It has been said by a distinguished writer, in speaking
of Lee's command:

As an illustration of Henry Lee's coolness and daring,
we will recount briefly two incidents in his Northern campaign.
During the occupation of Philadelphia by the British, Lee's
activity and success in cutting off their supplies and communications,
drew upon him the special attention of the enemy.
They determined to surround and capture or destroy him.
This movement resulted in driving him into the "Spread
Eagle Tavern," of which we have the following account:

This event gave the Commander-in-Chief great pleasure,
and he mentioned it in his orders with special approbation.

Again Major Lee made a brilliant and successful movement
upon the British post at Paulus's Hook (now Jersey City),
toward the close of the summer of 1779.

The theatre of Colonel Lee's unique and brilliant operations
was, in 1781, changed from the North to the South,

and in his "Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department
of the United States," is preserved a thrilling and truthful
account of that historic period. In January, 1781, he marched
his legion to the South and joined the army of General
Greene. General Washington wrote, October 23, 1780:
"Lee's corps will go to the southward; I believe it will
be found very useful; the corps is an excellent one, and
the officer at the head of it has great resources of genius."
These resources soon had an ample drain upon them—in
the expedition to the Haw; when he crossed the Dan; in
his plan to ensnare Pyle; at Guilford Court House; in the
skirmishes near the Dan; when he rejoined Greene and
crossed the Haw; in his skirmish with Tarleton; at the
battle of Guilford; at Fort Watson; at the siege of Fort
Motte; when he captured Fort Granby and Fort Galphin;
at Forts Cornwallis and Grierson; at the siege of Fort
Ninety-six; at Eutaw Springs; when he captured Fort Watson;
at the siege of Augusta; when he joined General Marion
at Quinby's Bridge. His impetuous charge at the battle of
Eutaw Springs saved the day, and in the wide-spread sweep
which Lee's legion made from the Santee to Augusta, we
gather some idea of his qualities and success as a soldier.
From April 15th to June 5th, acting sometimes with Marion,
afterwards with Pickens, and often alone, Lee's legion constituted
the principal force which carried the British strongholds.
They made over 1100 prisoners, a number which
quadrupled their own. Under such incessant and arduous
service Colonel Lee's health became seriously impaired.

In October, soon after the battle of Eutaw, Lee was sent
on a special mission to Washington, and he arrived at Yorktown
about the period of the surrender of Cornwallis. Returning
South he remained until the close of the campaign,
when he retired from the army. He parted with sorrow from
the noble corps he had often led to battle, and separated from
his commander and brother officers with sincere regret; but
he carried with him "the love and thanks" of the great
Washington, and the following tribute from Nathaniel
Greene, viz.:

Colonel Lee returned to Virginia, and a short while
after, married Matilda, eldest daughter of his kinsman,
Philip Ludwell Lee, of "Stratford," on the bluffs of the
Potomac, Westmoreland County, Va.

Soon after the settlement of peace, Colonel Lee was
elected a member of the Virginia delegation to Congress,
where he devoted himself to advancing measures preparatory
to the adoption of the Federal Constitution.

In 1788 Colonel Lee was a member of the Virginia Convention
to decide upon the adoption of the Constitution, and
was an earnest advocate of the measure. He subsequently
served in the Virginia House of Delegates, and in 1791 was
elected Governor of the Commonwealth for the term of three
years.

Colonel Lee's private life was at this time shadowed by
sickness and death in his family. From Stratford, March
4th, 1790, he writes to Mr. Madison:

On December 1, 1791, Colonel Lee entered upon his duties
as Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This high
office he filled honorably and creditably. On June 18, 1794,
he married Anne Hill, daughter of Charles Carter, of
"Shirley," James River.

But Governor Lee's life of civic distinction was broken
in upon by a call to military duty. The Whisky Insurrection
in Western Pennsylvania, resisting all peaceable
attempts at dispersion, demanded a forcible suppression.
To Governor Lee, Washington intrusted the general command
of an expedition into the insurgent counties, conducting

the forces himself as far as Bedford. Requisitions
had been made upon the Governors of Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Virginia, and New Jersey for 15,000 men in all. The
Pennsylvania and New Jersey troops formed the right wing,
and those of Virginia and Maryland the left. Over the
Alleghanies they made their toilsome way just after a severe
rain, wading knee deep in mud. On the other side of the
mountains, they found that the advance of such a heavy force
had terminated all resistance, and they soon resumed their
march homeward.

In 1799 General Lee again served in Congress, and when
intelligence was received of the death of Washington, he was
appointed by the House to pronounce an eulogium. The
Resolutions which he drew up on this occasion contained the
words, now ever associated with Washington, "First in
war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen." In
1809 General Lee wrote his "Memoirs of the War in the
Southern Department of the United States." This book was
re-published in 1827, with additions by his son, Major Henry
Lee, and again in 1869, with revisions and a biography of
the author, by his son, General Robert E. Lee. Possessing
the peculiar charm of being written by an eye-witness of the
scenes described, it is also a valuable contribution to the
history of a period whose tremendous issues still fire the soul
after the lapse of a hundred years.

In 1811 General Lee removed with his family to Alexandria,
for the purpose of educating his children, who, by his
second marriage, were Charles Carter, Sidney Smith, Robert
Edward, Anne Carter, and Mildred. About this time the
second war with England stirred his soldier heart, and after
the disastrous campaigns in Canada he was offered and
accepted a Major-General's commission in the army. Preparing
to leave home at this summons,

The outrages of this mob grew out of indignation at the
strictures on the declaration of war, published by the "Federal
Republican," a newspaper printed in Baltimore.

Suffering acutely from the wounds inflicted at this time,
and being advised to try the mild climate of the West Indies,
General Lee set sail thither in 1813, and died on his homeward
voyage March 25, 1818.

Instead of landing at Savannah, he only reached Cumberland
Island, on the coast of Georgia. Here he was received
by Mrs. Shaw, the daughter of General Greene. He expired
at the home of his late beloved commander, and his remains
were placed by his side.

Thus closed the career of a distinguished Virginian, who
bequeathed an honorable record of soldierly prowess and
statesmanly ability to his family, his state, and his country;
but, whose greatest gift was in that son, who in later days
did tread "the ways of glory" and the path of pain—Robert
Edward Lee, the peerless knight, the perfect soldier, the
humble Christian, the complete man!

Lee County, formed in 1792 from Russell County, was
named in honor of Governor Lee.

LXXXVIII. LXXVIII.

LXXXVIII. ROBERT BROOKE.

LXXXVIII. Governor.

LXXXVIII. December 1, 1794, to December 1, 1796.

The year in which Robert Brooke became Governor of
Virginia, had been signalized by two very important events
in the United States:

"1. The insurrection in Western Pennsylvania; 2.
Wayne's victory over the Northwestern Indians.

"The first, taught Americans, among other lessons, that
the new central government was strong enough in the hearts
of the people to crush out banded resistance to its lawful
authority in any local confines.

"The second, broke the backbone of the Indian War, and
proved it thenceforth impossible for the copper-colored tribes
to stem the course of white emigration towards the Mississippi."

On the 1st of January of this year, also, the foreign and
domestic debts of the United States did not exceed the sum
of forty-eight millions of dollars, so that the position of the
country in every aspect was of the most encouraging character
at home, and foreign relations were, for the time, tranquil.
In 1795, Washington in his address to Congress,
December 3, presents a pleasing view of the prosperity of the
nation:

Under such favorable auspices, Robert Brooke became
the chief executive of the Old Dominion. His grandfather
had been a native of England, but came to Virginia in 1710
with Robert Beverley, the historian, and Governor Spotswood.
He accompanied the latter on his famous expedition
across the Blue Ridge Mountains, and was decorated with
one of the Horseshoe badges, in memory of the trip. The
badge is said to be still in the possession of his descendants.
It consists of a golden horseshoe set with garnets, having
inscribed on it the motto:

This Knight of the Horseshoe, Brooke, had several sons,
the youngest of whom, Richard, married a Miss Taliaferro.
Their son, Robert, is the subject of this sketch. He was
educated at the University of Edinburgh, and did not return
to Virginia until the Revolutionary War was in progress.
On his voyage home he was captured and carried to New
York, from whence he was sent back to England by Lord
Howe, the British Admiral. From England Robert Brooke
went to Scotland, and finally made his way to France, from
which country he sailed to Virginia in a frigate containing
arms which were supplied to the Continentals by the French
government.

He immediately enlisted in the cause of independence, and
joined a volunteer troop of cavalry commanded by Captain
Larkin Smith. He was captured January, 1781, in a charge
of dragoons at Westham, six miles below Richmond, but was
soon exchanged, and returned at once to the service. After
the close of the war he began the practice of law, and in this
noble profession acquired marked distinction.

In 1794, Robert Brooke represented the County of Spotsylvania
in the House of Delegates of Virginia, and in the same
year was elected Governor of the state by the Legislature.

Upon the duties of this high office he entered December
1, 1794.

In 1795, Governor Brooke was elected Grand-Master of
the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of
Virginia, and served until 1797.

His term as Governor having expired 1796, he was in
1798 elected Attorney-General of Virginia. In this office he
died in 1799, aged only thirty-eight years.

Robert Brooke's career was brief but brilliant, and before
he had reached the prime of life, he was called by death to give
up the rewards of honor and merit which his people delighted
to bestow upon him.

The County of Brooke, formed in 1797 from Ohio County,
was named in honor of Governor Brooke.

LXXIX.

LXXIX. JAMES WOOD.

LXXIX. Governor.

LXXIX. December 1, 1796, to December 1, 1799.

James Wood, gentleman, having surveyed and laid out a
parcel of land at the Court House, in Frederick County,
Virginia, in twenty-six lots of half an acre each, with streets,
for a town by the name of Winchester, and having sold the
same to divers persons, who built and settled thereon, the
town was duly established by Act of Assembly, February,
1752, Robert Dinwiddie, Governor. So, James Wood, gentleman,
may be justly regarded as the founder of this interesting
Virginia town. He was also the founder of a distinguished
family. His son, James Wood, Junior, was born about 1750,
in Frederick County, a county which he subsequently represented
in the Virginia Convention of 1776, memorable for
having framed the State Constitution. From that body he
received a commission, November 15, 1776, as Colonel in the
Virginia line, where he rendered gallant service; he was also
engaged in the defense of the frontiers of Virginia against
the Indians. He was long a member of the State Council,
and on December 1, 1796, was elected Governor of the State.
This year was marked by some important events, chief among
them being Washington's retirement from public life. In his
last speech to Congress he says (December 7, 1796):

During this period, also, the great struggle between the
Federalists and Republicans was at its height; and the Alien
and Sedition Laws, acts of the Adams administration, though
aimed at French emissaries who were disturbing the public
peace, startled the people as an invasion of the liberty of the
citizen. Virginia began to arm. The Assembly directed
the erection of two arsenals and an armory sufficient to store
ten thousand muskets; and on December 2, 1798, passed the
celebrated "Resolutions of '98-'99." These Resolutions
declared "The Alien and Sedition Laws" to be an exercise
of other powers than those conferred upon the General Government.

It was in the midst of this political turmoil that the two
greatest Virginians of the century died. Patrick Henry
expired in June, and Washington in December, 1799. Both
died in the Christian faith.

James Wood, as Governor of Virginia, upon whom was
imposed so many important duties in an epoch of important
events, maintained the dignity of his station and the honor
of his people in a notable degree. After his term of office as
Governor was filled, he was commissioned a Brigadier-General
of state troops; he was also, for a time, President of the
Virginia branch of the Order of the Cincinnati. He died
in Richmond, Virginia, June 16, 1813.

The County of Wood, formed in 1799, from Harrison
County, was named in commemoration of his patriotic services.

Governor Wood sustained a high reputation as an officer in
the Revolutionary War, and although opposed to the prevailing
political opinions of Virginia during the administration of
President Adams, he enjoyed such a share of the confidence
of the people as to be placed at the head of their State Government.

LXXX.

LXXX. JAMES MONROE.

LXXX. Governor.

LXXX. December 1, 1779, to December 1, 1802.

James Monroe, twice Governor of Virginia, and twice
President of the United States, held the reins of government
in state and national affairs at important periods, and administered
the high offices to which he was called with prudence,
ability, and a complete devotion to the public good. He
was the son of Spence Monroe, a planter descended from
Captain Monroe, an officer in the British Army under the
reign of Charles I., who emigrated to Virginia in 1632.
James Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia,
April 28, 1758. He was educated at William and Mary College,
which institution he left in 1776, to enter the army as a
cadet. Not waiting to finish his course of education, he
offered himself to his country's service in the time of her
adversity. He was soon commissioned Lieutenant, and took
an active part in the campaign on the Hudson. In the
attack on Trenton, at the head of a small detachment, he
captured one of the British batteries. On this occasion he
received a ball in the shoulder, and was promoted to a captaincy
for gallantry on the field. He returned to the army
to serve as Aide-de-Camp to Lord Stirling, with the rank of
Major, taking part in the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, and
distinguishing himself in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown,
and Monmouth. By accepting the place of Aide to
Lord Stirling, James Monroe lost his rank in the regular
line, and failing in his efforts to re-enter the army as a commissioned
officer, he returned to Virginia to study law under
the direction of Thomas Jefferson, then Governor of the
state. When the British appeared soon afterwards in Virginia,

Monroe exerted himself in organizing the militia of
the lower counties, and served as a volunteer with the Virginia
forces raised to meet the invading armies of Arnold and
Cornwallis. In 1782 he was elected to the Assembly of Virginia
from King George County, and was appointed by that
body a member of the Executive Council at the age of
twenty-three.

On June 9, 1783, he was elected to the House of Representatives,
of which body he continued a member until the
close of the session of 1786.

In 1785 he married a daughter of Lawrence Kortright, of
New York, a lady celebrated for her beauty and accomplishments,
and after the expiration of his term in Congress,
being ineligible for the next three years, Monroe settled in
Fredericksburg, Virginia.

In 1787 he was re-elected to the General Assembly, and
in 1788 was chosen a delegate to the Virginia Convention to
decide upon the adoption of the Federal Constitution. In
1785, when in Congress, he had advocated an extension of
the powers of that body and moved to invest it with authority
to regulate trade between the states. This led to the
Convention at Annapolis and the subsequent adoption of the
Federal Constitution at the famous Convention held in Philadelphia,
1787. But, when that instrument was presented to the
Virginia Convention for ratification, James Monroe opposed
its adoption, fearing that without amendment it would confer
too much power upon the general government. The course
of the minority in Convention was approved by the great
mass of the people of Virginia, and Monroe was chosen
United States Senator in 1790. Here he was a prominent
representative of the anti-Federal party until the end of his
term in 1794. In this year he was appointed to succeed
Gouverneur Morris as Minister to France. Reaching Paris
August 2, shortly after the fall of Robespierre, Monroe was
received by the National Convention of France in full session,
on the 15th, with enthusiastic demonstrations of respect.
The occasion ended by the President of the Convention giving
Monroe "the accolade," or national embrace, and the Assembly

decreed that the flags of the United States and of France
should be displayed together in the hall of the Convention.
But, Monroe's marked exhibition of sympathy with the French
Republic, displeased the home administration, as John Jay
had been sent to England to negotiate a treaty, which these
expressions were calculated to impede. So, with charges
that he had transcended instructions on the one hand, and
failed to present the Jay Treaty in its true character to the
French Government on the other, in December, 1796, Monroe
was recalled. On his return to America, he published a
"View of the Conduct of the Executives in the Foreign
Affairs of the United States," which explained his position
in the trying circumstances in which he had been placed.
His own county, immediately upon his arrival, returned him
to the state Legislature, and in 1799 he was elected Governor
of Virginia.

The first year of Governor Monroe's administration was
marked by the historic event known as "Gabriel's Insurrection."
The immediate cause of this affair was never traced,
but its sinister design, though imperfectly conceived and
wholly frustrated, has made it a dark page in the annals of
Virginia. At mid-day on the 30th August, 1800, Governor
Monroe was informed that the slaves in the neighborhood of
Richmond would rise that night, would murder their masters
and families, proceed to Richmond, be joined there by other
slaves, when they would seize the public arms and ammunition,
kill the whites, and take possession of the city. This
timely warning, together with the providential interposition
of a storm which made certain streams impassable, frustrated
this wicked plan. The plot was fully exposed, and it was
satisfactorily demonstrated that a general insurrection of the
slaves in the state was contemplated. The ring-leaders were
caught and executed on the 12th and 15th of September, and
"Gabriel," the chief conspirator, suffered death in January
following. Governor Monroe's action in this crisis was
prompt and decisive. He called at once several regiments of
state militia into service, and by viligance and determination
crushed and extinguished "Gabriel's Insurrection."

An event occurred in the last year of this term of Governor
Monroe which must be briefly noted here. On July 6, 1802,
in Winchester, Virginia, a Revolutionary hero of uncommon
fame passed away. "Daniel Morgan, of Virginia rifle
renown—served everywhere, surrendered nowhere, served to
the end of the war—died July 6, 1802," is the short but telling
tribute paid this brave soldier in the "Records of the
Revolutionary War." He was born in New Jersey in 1737,
and at an early age came to Virginia. He was a private
soldier under Braddock in 1755, and when the Revolutionary
War broke out he joined the army under Washington, at
Cambridge, and commanded a corps of riflemen. He accompanied
Arnold to Quebec, and distinguished himself greatly
in the siege of that city. Later he was appointed to the
command of the 11th Virginia Regiment, in which was incorporated
his rifle corps. Winning ever laurels at the North,
he became even more brilliant in his exploits when ordered
to the South, and as a partisan officer won such fame that,
after his victory at the Cowpens, Congress voted him a gold
medal. After the war he was elected a member of Congress,
but resided chiefly on his estate in Clarke County, Virginia.
He died in Winchester, Virginia, and the following is the
inscription upon the simple slab which covers his grave:

The occurrences of 1802, during Governor Monroe's first
term in that office, would be imperfectly chronicled if the
date of Daniel Morgan's death did not recall the lustre he
shed upon the annals of Virginia.

At the close of his term as Governor, James Monroe was
appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the French government,
to negotiate in conjunction with the resident Minister, Mr.
Livingston, the purchase of Louisiana, or a right of depot
for the United States on the Mississippi. This was soon

accomplished, and in two weeks the "Territory of Orleans"
and "District of Louisiana" were secured for the sum of $15,000,000.
In the same year, 1802, Monroe was commissioned
Minister Plenipotentiary to England, and whilst in the midst
of important diplomatic negotiations, he was directed to proceed
to Madrid, as Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
to adjust the boundaries of Louisiana. Failing to
accomplish this, in 1806 he was recalled to England to act
with Mr. Pinckney in further negotiation for the protection
of American seamen, and to secure a treaty with Great
Britain. The treaty was concluded, but not proving satisfactory
to the President, it was sent back for revisal. All
efforts to effect this failed, and Monroe returned to America.

The time for the election of President was now approaching,
and Monroe's name was brought forward by a considerable
body of the Republican party, but, for reasons satisfactory
to himself, Monroe withdrew from the canvass. In 1810 he
was again elected to the General Assembly of Virginia, and
in 1811 was for a second time chosen the chief executive of
the state. On the 25th November, 1811, he was selected by
President Madison as Secretary of State, and was succeeded
by George William Smith, Lieutenant-Governor, in the office
of Governor. The position of Secretary of State he held
until the close of President Madison's second term, with the
exception of about six months (the last months of the second
war with Great Britain), when he discharged the arduous
duties of Secretary of War. He devoted his time and talents
with great energy to the trusts confided to him, and infused
order and efficiency into the departments under his charge.
Finding the public credit much impaired at the time of the
siege of New Orleans, he pledged his private means as subsidiary
to the credit of the government, and enabled the city
to successfully oppose the forces of the enemy.

At the end of Madison's term in 1817, James Monroe
succeeded to the presidency of the United States, and in 1821
was re-elected without opposition. Although many important
measures mark James Monroe's two terms as President of
the United States, none will be more interesting to the student

of American history than the promulgation in his message of
December 2, 1823, now generally known as the "Monroe
Doctrine." He said:

On March 4, 1825, Monroe retired from office and returned
to his home at Oak Hill, in Loudoun County, Virginia. He
was chosen a Justice of the Peace, and as such sat in the
county court—a beautiful illustration of the untrammeled
principles of this Republic, that a man should be deemed
worthy to represent its interests at the courts of the great
powers of the civilized world; that he should be twice
selected as the chief executive of his own state, and twice
chosen to preside over the councils of the nation; and yet,
after these high honors, that he should feel it no falling off
to sit as a modest Justice of the Peace, and in this narrower
sphere hold out the scales of Right and Wrong.

In 1829 James Monroe became a member of the Virginia
Convention to revise the old Constitution, and was chosen to
preside over its meetings, but ill-health compelled him to
resign this position and return to his home at Oak Hill. His
wife died in 1830, and in the summer of that year he removed
to the residence of his son-in-law, Samuel L. Gouverneur, in
New York City, where, in a few short months, he finished
his earthly course. His life had been a long consecration to
the service of his country, and he had enjoyed in an unusual
degree the gratitude of his countrymen; honors crowded upon
him, and the influence of his large understanding, benevolence,
integrity, and simplicity, won for the period of his
greatest power, the enviable title of "The era of good feeling."
With pomp and reverence his remains were removed to Richmond,
Virginia, in 1858, and laid to rest in his native state,
on July 5, in Hollywood cemetery.

LXXXI.

LXXXI. JOHN PAGE.

LXXXI. Governor.

LXXXI. December 1, 1802, to December 1, 1805.

John Page, of "Rosewell," Gloucester County, Virginia,
was descended from Colonel John Page, who emigrated from
England to Virginia in 1650. This latter is said to have had
distinguished family connections, and he soon became prominent
in public affairs. He was a member of the Colonial
Council, and died January 23, 1690, in the County of York.
He was buried in Bruton Parish churchyard, Williamsburg,
Virginia, and his wife, Alice Page, is interred by his side.
Their son, Matthew, married Mary Mann, of Timberneck
Bay, an heiress of large possessions, who bequeathed an
immense estate to her son, Mann Page, the founder of "Rosewell."
This celebrated mansion was the pride and admiration
of successive generations, and justly so, from its reputed
grandeur—but, in later years, it has been standing on Carter's
Creek, in sight of York River, like a deserted English
castle, an eloquent reminder of the transitory nature of
earthly things. It has long been an accepted fact that the original
"Rosewell" plantation was the ancient Werowcomico,
where King Powhatan in earlier days held his chief residence.

Mann Page, the builder of the Rosewell house, was a
man of wealth, his landed estates being in Prince William,
Frederick, Spottsylvania, Essex, James City, Hanover,
Gloucester, and King William. He had eight thousand
acres in Frederick, called "Pageland," more than ten thousand
in Prince William called "Pageland," also; four thousand
five hundred in Spottsylvania, one thousand called
"Pampatike" in King William, two thousand in Hanover,

near two thousand in James City, besides other lands. His
great-grandson, John Page, sometime Governor of Virginia,
was born April 17, 1743, at "Rosewell," an estate which he
subsequently inherited. He was primarily educated by private
tutors, and finally went to William and Mary College,
an institution from which he graduated with distinction in
1763. He was appointed a visitor of this College in 1768,
and in 1773 he represented it in the House of Burgesses. As
a member of the Council in 1775, he incurred the displeasure
of Lord Dunmore by advising him to give up the powder
which the Governor had seized.

John Page displayed during the War of the Revolution an
ardent attachment to the cause of the Colonies, was in 1776
one of the most conspicuous members of the Convention
which formed the Constitution of Virginia, and was appointed
one of the first Council under that Constitution.

During the struggle for freedom he contributed freely
from his private fortune to the public cause, and served as
Colonel of militia from Gloucester County in 1781. In 1789
he was elected one of the representatives in Congress from
Virginia, and continued to act in that capacity until 1797.
In 1794 he served as Lieutenant-Colonel of a regiment from
Gloucester County in the suppression of the "Whiskey
Insurrection" in Western Pennsylvania. On December 1,
1802, he became Governor of Virginia, filling the office ably
and acceptably until December 1, 1805. In 1806 Governor
Page was appointed by President Jefferson, United States
Commissioner of Loans for Virginia, and held that position
until his death in 1808.

Among some of the interesting events in the United
States during Governor Page's administration, may be noted
the Eastern Confederacy Plot of 1804. This disunion project
originated among some disappointed politicians, and
happily came to naught. An Eastern Confederacy embracing
all of New England, with New York and New Jersey, was
the scheme for which these ambitious spirits labored at that
time, but in vain. The Union, cemented in blood, was too
strong for such disloyal sons to dissever.

Growing out of the turbulent condition of political feeling
at this period, occurred a tragedy which even at this distant
day cannot be recalled without the deepest pain. The duel
between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, which resulted
in the death of the latter, cast a gloom over the whole
country. To his friends and followers Hamilton's death
seemed a martyrdom, and the unhappy author of this national
calamity was pursued as a willful murderer; indictments
were found against him in New York and New Jersey, and
such was the public feeling that he had to take temporary
refuge in Georgia.

But as an offset to these reminiscences may be recounted
the cession of Louisiana by Spain to France in 1802, and the
purchase of that valuable land by the United States in 1803.
This year also witnessed the cession of an extended country
by the friendly tribe of Kaskaskia Indians to the United
States. This territory lay along the Mississippi, from the
mouth of the Illinois to and up the Ohio, and is estimated as
"among the most fertile within our limits." By a treaty
with the Indians at Fort Wayne, also, nearly two million
acres of land were granted to the United States.

So that, during Governor Page's administration, important
acquisitions of territory were made to the whole country;
the United States set the first example to the world of obliging
the Barbary powers to respect her flag by the force of
arms, instead of a disgraceful tribute, and at home and
abroad the power of the infant Republic was being sensibly
felt.

Virginia participated in the general prosperity, and peace
and plenty reigned within her borders.

Governor Page closed his administration as Governor
December 1, 1805, after two successive annual re-elections,
when, under the provisions of the State Constitution, not
being eligible again until after an interval of four years, he
was succeeded by Mr. William H. Cabell.

Governor Page was twice married and left a large family;
among his descendants may be found some of the most honored
names in the Commonwealth.

He was distinguished in his walk among men for his talents,
purity of morals, and patriotism. In private, his domestic
character was of peculiar simplicity and beauty, and
such were his attainments as a theologian and his zeal as a
churchman, that many of his friends had urged him to take
Orders, with a view to making him First Bishop of Virginia.

He died at Richmond, Virginia, October 11, 1808, and
was buried in St. John's churchyard, where a handsome
monument marks his grave.

The County of Page, in Virginia, formed from Rockingham
and Shenandoah Counties in 1831, was named in honor
of Governor Page.

LXXXII.

LXXXII. WILLIAM H. CABELL.

LXXXII. Governor.

LXXXII. December 1, 1805, to December 1, 1808.

William H. Cabell, born December 16, 1772, at "Boston
Hill," Cumberland County, Virginia, was the son of
Nicholas Cabell, and grandson of Dr. William Cabell, a
surgeon in the British Navy, who settled in Virginia in 1724.
After enjoying the best educational advantages, he graduated
in July, 1793, at William and Mary College, and then pursued
the study of law in Richmond. He was elected to the General
Assembly in 1796, from Amherst County, and was a member
of that body in 1798, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, and on December
1, 1805, was elected Governor of Virginia, which office he
filled for three years.

An event which occurred in the administration of Governor
Cabell has served to give that period an almost romantic
interest. This was the trial of Aaron Burr, charged with
treason against the government in an alleged design to found
an empire in the western part of America. The trial was
remarkable for the association in it of so many distinguished
characters. It was a bitter contest, but, despite all the influence
brought to bear, Burr escaped conviction. The verdict
was, "Aaron Burr is not proved to be guilty under the
indictment by any evidence submitted to us." His opponents
charged that he was a misguided, political intriguer, who
had checked the soaring greatness of Hamilton and quenched
that imperial soul; that he had entered a paradise and filled the
minds of Blennerhassett and his wife with dreams that chased
the sweet sunshine of domestic felicity from their home, and
made them wanderers and beggars upon earth; that he was a

wily schemer, who, after serving his country in many important
and honorable positions, had now laid his sacrilegious
hands upon the pillars of its Constitution, which he had so often
sworn to support—and these heated opponents claimed that
such a man should not pass again into the outer world, a free,
unfettered citizen.

But his freedom, though legally won, was only in the
seeming. His escape from conviction had been so narrow
and his fears of further prosecution were so great, that, after
remaining concealed for several weeks among his friends, he
sailed for Europe under the name of G. H. Edwards. He
remained in exile and poverty for several years, and finally,
returning to America, died in obscurity and neglect in New
York City.

So ended the life of Aaron Burr—a life once full of golden
promise. Endowed by nature with ability as a soldier and a
statesman, his distinguished talents had carried him on the
wave of popular favor almost to the chief magistracy of the
Nation, a position which he failed to reach by only one vote.
He served as Vice-President of the United States, and even
while his love of country seemed above suspicion, Ambition
led him, like Lucifer, to fall, and doomed him, like Lucifer,
"Never to hope again."

Upon the expiration of Governor Cabell's term as chief
executive of Virginia, he was elected by the Legislature a
Judge of the General Court, December 15, 1808, and in April,
1811, he was elected a Judge of the Court of Appeals. In
this last office he acted until 1851, when he retired from the
bench. He died at Richmond, Virginia, January 12, 1853,
greatly beloved and widely lamented. The following extract
from the resolutions of respect to his memory, by the Court
of Appeals and the bar of Virginia, will testify to the unusual
worth of this noble man.

The County of Cabell, formed in 1809 from Kanawha
County, was named in honor of Governor Cabell.

LXXXIII.

LXXXIII. JOHN TYLER.

LXXXIII. Governor.

LXXXIII. December 1, 1808, to January 11, 1811.

The ancestry of John Tyler is said to date from the Norman
Conquest, and he also claimed descent from the brave
Wat Tyler, so celebrated in English history. His immediate
progenitor, Henry Tyler, first appears in the records of
Virginia, January 7, 1652, as a patentee of lands in James
City County, and in 1699 the City of Williamsburg was laid
off and established upon his land. Henry Tyler died in
1710, leaving two sons, Francis and John, the latter being
the grandfather of Governor Tyler.

John Tyler, the subject of this sketch, was born February
28, 1747. He was educated at William and Mary College,
which institution he entered at eight years of age, and having
there graduated, he studied law for five years under the
guidance of Robert Carter Nicholas. Being duly licensed,
he practiced his profession for a time in James City, but in
1772 removed to Charles City County. In 1776, he married
Mary Armistead, daughter of Robert Armistead.

John Tyler was the friend and associate of Thomas Jefferson,
George Wythe, and Patrick Henry, and his soul burned
with the same patriotic fires which kindled theirs. He was
appointed by the Virginia Convention, July 5, 1776, one of
the Judges of the High Court of Admiralty, and in 1778 he
represented Charles City County in the House of Delegates,
of which body he was Speaker from 1781 to 1786. In 1780
he was appointed a member of the Council of State; in 1786
was again appointed a Judge of the Court of Admiralty, and
was consequently a member of the first Court of Appeals of
the State. He was appointed a Judge of the General Court

in 1788, and served in this capacity until December 1, 1808,
when he was elected Governor of Virginia.

This year of 1808 was notable from the fact that the importation
of Africans into the United States ceased by law on
the 1st of January—a circumstance to be remembered, as is
every step that has been taken by the government upon this
interesting subject, so vitally interwoven with the political,
industrial, and domestic life of one section of the country.

As an evidence of the wonderful advance of the United
States in growth and prosperity, it is stated that in 1810 the
number of newspapers printed in the Union was estimated at
upwards of twenty-two million, and the number of mills for
manufacturing paper at about 180. These figures are given
upon unquestionable authority and are an astonishing proof
of the vigorous life of the new republic.

Governor Tyler's administration as chief executive of
Virginia was highly satisfactory, and in public and private
he won the warm regard of his associates. He was simple
in his manners, distinguished for the uprightness and fidelity
with which he discharged his official duties, and enjoyed in
an uncommon degree the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

Upon the expiration of his term as Governor, John Tyler
was called by the appointment of Mr. Madison to the Judgeship
of the District Court of the United States for Virginia,
which office he held until his death, at his seat, "Greenway,"
in Charles City County, January 6, 1813.

The County of Tyler, formed in 1814, from Ohio County,
perpetuates the memory of Governor Tyler, which is otherwise
gratefully cherished in the annals of the Old Dominion.

LXXXIV.

LXXXIV. JAMES MONROE.

LXXXIV. Governor.

LXXXIV. January 11, 1811, to November 25, 1811.

James Monroe became Governor of Virginia for the
second time, in 1811, when he was in the same year called
to a seat as Secretary of State in the Cabinet of President
Madison. An extended sketch of President Monroe's life
having been already given, we will only allude to the period
when he was for the second time chief executive in his
native state.

The country was at this time sweeping rapidly into a war
with Great Britain, the extent, duration, and character of
whose injuries to American rights rendered an appeal to arms
the only means of redress.

The report of the Committee on Foreign Relations, made
November 29, 1811, will explain the grievances of the
country, which could only be settled by a resort to "the
extreme measure."

After recounting various wrongs and offences on the
part of England, the report continues:

The several state Legislatures began to place the militia
on a war footing, and Virginia, with the rest, pledged her
support to the general government, whatever means of
resistance it should adopt.

It was in such an hour of anxiety that James Monroe was
called by the President of the United States to sit in solemn
council upon the welfare of the nation. Yielding his high
position as Governor of Virginia, he acknowledged the
superior claim of obligation to his whole country, and on
November 25, 1811, became Secretary of State in the Cabinet
of President Madison. This office he held until the close of
President Madison's second term, with the exception of
about six months, when he discharged the more arduous
duties of Secretary of the War Department.

A few years later the Old Dominion, which had already

supplied the presidential chair for twenty-four years out of
twenty-eight, again sent another honored son to fill that lofty
station. In 1817, James Monroe, whose frankness, generosity,
patient industry, and unsullied honor supplemented his
acknowledged ability, was elected fifth President of the
United States, and in 1821 he was re-elected without opposition.

Monroe County, now in West Virginia, formed in 1799
from Greenbrier County, was named in honor of Governor
Monroe.

LXXXV.

LXXXV. GEORGE WILLIAM SMITH.

LXXXV. Lieutenant-Governor
and
Acting Governor.

LXXXV. November 25, 1811, to December 26, 1811.

George William Smith is believed to have been
descended from Major Lawrence Smith, of early colonial distinction,
while his immediate progenitor was Merewether
Smith, who was born about the year 1730, at the family seat,
"Bathurst," in Essex County, Virginia.

Merewether Smith was an ardent patriot, and figured as
such, from 1766 until 1790, in many important stations during
that eventful period. He married first in 1760, Alice,
daughter of Philip Lee (third in descent from the emigrant,
Richard Lee), and their son, George William Smith, was
born at "Bathurst" in 1762. This latter, the subject of the
present sketch, was married February 7, 1793, to Sarah,
daughter of Colonel Richard Adams, one of the most patriotic
and influential citizens of the City of Richmond.

George William Smith represented the County of Essex
in the House of Delegates in 1794, after which he entered
upon a lucrative practice of law in Richmond, taking a high
rank in his profession. He was elected from this city to the
Legislature, from 1802 until 1808, and in 1810 was appointed
a member of the State Council. As senior member of that
body, or Lieutenant-Governor, upon the resignation of Governor
James Monroe, he succeeded him, November 25, 1811, as
the chief executive of the state.

But Governor Smith's term of office was short, and his
career painfully ended by the memorable calamity of the

burning of the Richmond theatre. This harrowing event
took place on Thursday night, December 26, 1811. The
theatre was crowded with the young, the gay, the fair,
together with the honored and the influential of the state,
and the terrible ending of the evening shrouded Richmond
in mourning. The Governor had reached a place of safety
outside the burning building, but returning to rescue his
little son, who had been separated from him by the throng,
he fell a victim to the sacrificial passion of a parent's love.
Seventy persons are known to have perished in this horrible
holocaust, but it was thought that many more were reckoned
among the fated in that ill-starred audience.

On the 30th of December intelligence of this tragedy was
communicated to the Senate of the United States, and a resolution
was adopted that the Senators should wear crape on
the left arm for a month. A similar resolution was adopted
in the House of Representatives.

Monumental (Episcopal) Church was erected on the site
of the theatre in 1812, and the remains of the unfortunate
victims are buried in the portico of the edifice, beneath a
marble monument inscribed with their names.

LXXXVI.

LXXXVI. PEYTON RANDOLPH.

LXXXVI. Senior Member of Council of State,
and
Acting Governor.

LXXXVI. December 26, 1811, to January 3, 1812.

Upon the untimely death of Governor George William
Smith, the duties of the executive chair fell for a season
upon Peyton Randolph, then the senior member of the Council
of State.

Peyton Randolph was the son of Governor Edmund Randolph,
and inherited the genius of a distinguished ancestry.
He graduated at William and Mary College in 1798, and
soon took an acknowledged prominence in his chosen profession
of law.

He presided over the Councils of Virginia for only a
brief period, as on January 3, 1812, James Barbour, of Orange
County, was chosen by the General Assembly as Governor.

In 1821 Peyton Randolph was selected as the Reporter of
the Supreme Court of Virginia, and his labors in this department
are embraced in six volumes, entitled, "Report of Cases
Argued and Determined in the Court of Appeals of Virginia,
1821-1828."

But in the midst of increasing usefulness and brilliant
prospects, Peyton Randolph's career was terminated in the
prime of manhood. A victim to pulmonary disease, he passed
too soon from the arena he had adorned, widely lamented by
many to whom his virtues and his talents had endeared him.

His contribution to the Law Reports of his native state,
is a permanent memorial of his ability, and constitutes an
important part of the legal literature of Virginia.

LXXXVII.

LXXXVII. JAMES BARBOUR.

LXXXVII. Governor.

LXXXVII. January 3, 1812, to December 1, 1814.

Governor James Barbour was the son of Thomas
Barbour, who had been a member of the House of Burgesses
in 1769, when it issued the first protest against the Stamp
Act, and was also, in 1775, a member of the "Committee of
Public Safety" of Orange County. The father of Thomas
was James Barbour, who appears as a grantee of lands in
St. George's parish, Spottsylvania County, June 26, 1731,
and again in 1733, of lands in St. Mark's parish in the same
county. He was one of the first vestrymen of this latter
parish at its organization at Germanna in 1731, and served
in that office until the division of the parish in 1740, which
threw him into the new parish of St. Thomas, in Orange
County, in which division he lived. So that, James Barbour,
his grandson, and the subject of this notice, was born in
Orange County, June 10, 1775. While very young he served
as a Deputy-Sheriff, and at the age of nineteen was admitted
to the bar. His means of education had not been ample, but
for a time he enjoyed the instruction of James Waddell, the
blind preacher. Perhaps the seed sown in good ground by
this "mute, inglorious Milton" may have blossomed into
the virtues and talents which adorned the character of James
Barbour.

At this point it may be a pardonable digression to lay
before the reader the beautiful tribute paid to James Waddell,
by William Wirt, one of Virginia's most gifted sons:

James Barbour was a member of the Legislature of Virginia
from 1796 to 1812, and while in the General Assembly
was elected by it, January 3, 1812, the Governor of Virginia.
His administration was specially patriotic and important,
occurring as it did, during the second war with Great Britain,
a period calculated to develop the nerve and ability of men
in authority, and to test the strength of leaders in civil and
military affairs. James Barbour is said to have pledged his
personal means to sustain the credit of his state, and by his
vigilant and able conduct of affairs nobly maintained the
honor of Virginia, who acted well her part in this second
struggle with Old England.

In 1815 Mr. Barbour was elected by the Virginia Assembly
to the United States Senate, where he served continuously
for ten years. In this body he took a conspicuous position,
and was chairman of some most important committees. In 1825
he became a member of the Cabinet of President John Quincy
Adams, and served as Secretary of War until 1828, when he
was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary
to Great Britain. His ability, experience, and great
natural gifts of manner and personal magnetism, rendered
him peculiarly fitted for this responsible position. In 1829
he returned to America and retired to the repose of private
life, not, however, without taking an active interest in the
political affairs of the country. In the Convention for the
nomination of President, held at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
December, 1839, Mr. Barbour presided, and was conspicuous

in his advocacy of the claims of General William Henry
Harrison, and prominent in the campaign which resulted in
Harrison's election.

On October 29, 1792, he married Lucy, daughter of
Benjamin Johnson, of Orange County, Virginia, and has left
distinguished descendants.

Mr. Barbour died at his seat, "Barboursville," on June 7,
1842, and desired to have only the following words inscribed
upon his tomb:

Barbour County, now in West Virginia, formed in 1843
from the Counties of Harrison, Lewis, and Randolph, also
perpetuates his name and memory.

LXXXVIII.

LXXXVIII. WILSON CARY NICHOLAS.

LXXXVIII. Governor.

LXXXVIII. December 1, 1814, to December 1, 1816.

The founder of the Nicholas family in Virginia was
Dr. George Nicholas, of Lancaster County, England, a surgeon
in the British Navy, who settled in the Colony at the
beginning of the eighteenth century, and married about 1722,
Elizabeth, widow of Major Nathaniel Burwell, and daughter
of Robert, known as "King Carter." Their eldest son,
Robert Carter Nicholas, married in 1754, Anne, daughter of
Colonel Wilson Cary, and their third son, Wilson Cary
Nicholas, is the subject of this sketch.

He was born January 31, 1761, in Williamsburg, Virginia,
and was educated at William and Mary College, which
institution he left at the age of eighteen years, to enter the
army. His ability as a soldier met with deserved recognition,
and he was the commander of Washington's life-guard until
it was disbanded in 1783, when he settled in Albemarle
County, on his estate called "Warren." In the same year
he married Margaret, daughter of John Smith, of Baltimore,
Maryland.

The public services of Mr. Nicholas began in 1784, as the
representative of Albemarle County in the House of Delegates
of Virginia. At the close of the session of 1785, he
returned to private life, from which retirement he was called
to represent the County of Albemarle in the State Convention
of 1788, where he was conspicuous in his advocacy of
the adoption of the Constitution. He again served in the
House of Delegates in 1789 and 1790, and from 1794 to 1799,
when he was elected to the United States Senate. In this
latter body he took a distinguished position as a Republican

leader, and at this highly important period, zealously supported
all the measures projected by his party for the good of
the country. Seeing most of his wishes in this respect
accomplished, he resigned his seat in the Senate in 1804,
and turned his attention to his own neglected private affairs.
In 1806, he declined a special mission to France, but, in 1807
he was elected to Congress, and again in 1809, was re-elected
to the same position.

During this exciting and momentous period he took the
highly patriotic stand of a determined and, if need be, armed
resistance to the policy of France and Great Britain. In
December, 1814, Mr. Nicholas was elected Governor of Virginia,
and although the State at that time was passing through
the great ordeal of a foreign war under peculiarly trying circumstances,
he did not hesitate to accept the position with its
unusual weight of care and anxiety.

The announcement of peace in the following spring lightened
his responsibilities, and he at once turned his energies
to the promotion of matters of internal improvement. In
every situation, Governor Nicholas showed himself devoted to
the honor and welfare of his native state, combining with his
zeal an intimate knowledge of her capacities and her needs.

In the spring of 1819, retiring permanently from public
life, he returned to his country seat, "Warren," but his
health had been seriously impaired by the fatigue and anxiety
incident to many positions of responsibility, and his useful
life was drawing near its close.

Being advised to try the benefits of a journey on horseback,
he set out and reached "Tufton," the residence of his
son-in-law, Thomas Jefferson Randolph. Here his strength
failed, and he expired suddenly on October 10, 1820. Popular
and successful, his life was crowned with many honors,
and he has left the memory of valuable services rendered
both to his state and to his country.

LXXXIX.

LXXXIX. JAMES P. PRESTON.

LXXXIX. Governor.

LXXXIX. December 1, 1816, to December 1, 1819.

The Preston family of Virginia was originally from Londonderry,
Ireland, where John Preston, its founder in the
New World, married Elizabeth Patton, and emigrated to
Virginia in the summer of 1735. He settled in that portion
of Orange County from which Augusta County was erected
in 1738. Elizabeth Patton was the sister of Colonel Patton,
who was distinguished in the early annals of the Colony as a
man of property, enterprise, and influence. He, like many
of the pioneer settlers, fell a victim to Indian warfare and was
killed at Smithfield, Virginia, in 1753.

John Preston first settled at "Spring Hill," but in 1743
he purchased a tract of land near Staunton, and died soon
after. William, his third child, married Susanna, daughter
of Francis Smith, of Hanover County, Virginia, a member of
the House of Burgesses and a prominent patriot in the American
Revolution.

The eighth child of William and Susanna Preston, viz.,
James Patton Preston, is the subject of this sketch. He was
born at Smithfield, June 21, 1774, and enjoyed early advantages
of education, being a student at William and Mary
College from 1790-1795. In 1802 he was elected to the State
Senate of Virginia, was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the
12th Infantry, United States Army, March 19, 1812, and for
gallantry was promoted, August 15, 1813, to the rank of
Colonel and assigned to the command of the 23d Regiment
of Infantry. On November 11, 1813, he was severely
wounded in the thigh, in the battle of Chrystler's Field, from
which casualty he became a cripple for life. It is a fact

worthy of notice, that when in 1848 Queen Victoria issued
medals to the surviving soldiers of battles from 1793 to 1814,
creating a sort of Legion of Honor, that "Chrystler's Farm"
found a veteran upon whose breast this token of the hard-fought
field was hung. But Virginia did not wait to crown
her gallant son with tardy recognition of his valor. Upon
the conclusion of peace with Great Britain, James Patton
Preston, in remembrance of his patriotic services and as a
tribute to his known ability, was elected by the General
Assembly, Governor of his native state. He served in this
capacity until December 1, 1819. It is a matter of interest
to note, that in the last year of Governor Preston's incumbency,
the law was passed establishing the University of Virginia in
Albemarle County, and also that in 1819 a revision of the
Code of Virginia was made.

Subsequent to his gubernatorial service, Mr. Preston
was for several years postmaster of the City of Richmond,
after which he retired to his estate, "Smithfield," in Montgomery
County, where he died May 4, 1843. He married
Ann Taylor, daughter of Robert Taylor, of Norfolk, and has
left distinguished descendants; in fact, it is claimed that few
American families have numbered so many honored representatives
as the Preston family of Virginia, with its collateral
branches and alliances.

The County of Preston, now in West Virginia, formed in
1818 from Monongalia County, perpetuates this eminent name.

XC.

XC. THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH.

XC. Governor.

XC. December 1, 1819, to December 1, 1822.

Thomas Mann Randolph was the eldest son of Thomas
Mann and Anne (Cary) Randolph. He was born at "Tuckahoe,"
the family seat, in Goochland County, Virginia, in
the year 1768, and was destined to become a distinguished
member of an already prominent family, founded in Virginia
by William Randolph of "Turkey Island."

Thomas Mann Randolph, having enjoyed the advantages
of a course of instruction at William and Mary College, had
the further benefit of completing his education at the University
of Edinburgh, so that he entered upon the grave duties
of life with an unusual preparation for its responsibilities.
He married Martha Jefferson, daughter of Thomas Jefferson,
at Monticello, February 23, 1790, and settled first at "Varina,"
an estate long in possession of the Randolph family, in Henrico
County, a few miles below Richmond. He served as a member
of the Virginia Senate in 1793 and 1794, but removed
soon after this period to "Edge Hill," Albemarle County,
where he continued to reside until 1808, when his family
became domesticated with Mr. Jefferson at Monticello.

Mr. Randolph represented Virginia in the United States
Congress from 1803 to 1807, when he withdrew for a time
from public life and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits.

During the war of 1812, Mr. Randolph's ardent patriotism
was conspicuous. He raised a command and gallantly participated
in the engagements of the sea-board, and was soon
promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and placed in
command of the 1st Light Corps. On the 20th March, 1813,
he became Colonel of the 20th United States Infantry, and

performed valuable service on the Canada line. But his
highest distinction was yet to come, when on December 1,
1819, he was chosen by the General Assembly as Governor
of Virginia. This office he filled by annual re-election until
December 1, 1822, when he returned to private pursuits.
He died at "Monticello," June 20, 1828, aged sixty years.

Among the matters of general interest occurring during
the years 1819 to 1822, may be noted the admission of Alabama
territory, as a state, into the Union, and the erection of
Arkansas territory into a territorial government, by an act of
Congress. During the year 1819 the Supreme Court of the
United States decided a case of great importance to the
literary and charitable institutions of our country. Its
decision was:

The year 1820 completed the second century since the
settlement of New England, and the commemoration of the
landing of the Pilgrim Fathers was celebrated at Plymouth,
December 22, attended by a vast concourse of people. Daniel
Webster delivered an address with thrilling effect.

By such fervid words can Americans of a later age gather
strength in the contemplation of the history of their great,
glorious, and free country.

The year 1821 witnessed the inauguration of James Monroe,
of Virginia, as President of the United States for a second
term. Referring to the progress of the country, he said:

In this year of 1821 Missouri was admitted as a state into
the Union, being the eleventh state annexed to the first
"Thirteen Confederated States" since the Declaration of
Independence.

The year of 1822 is memorable as the date of the incorporation
of the City of Boston, a place whose historic interest
reaches as far back as 1630; whose power today as a commercial
and political centre in a great country is unquestioned,
and whose influence as a literary capital stands unrivaled in
the land.

In reviewing thus briefly these matters of general interest
occurring in the United States during Thomas Mann Randolph's
administration in Virginia, we behold the Old
Dominion still powerful in the councils of the nation, and
see one of her chosen sons occupying the highest office in
the gift of the American people. Perhaps no Act passed
by the General Assembly of Virginia (when Governor Randolph
was the chief executive of the state), is of more present
interest than the following:

Thus, was this historic portion of Virginia territory destined
to become the seat of "Fortress Monroe," one of the
strongest citadels of national defense in the United States of
America.

XCI.

XCI. JAMES PLEASANTS, JR.

XCI. Governor.

XCI. December 1, 1822, to December 1, 1825.

John Pleasants, the founder of the Pleasants family in
Virginia, was a native of Norwich, England, from which
point he emigrated to the Colony of Virginia, settling in
Henrico County, in 1668. Here he received large grants of
land, and established his name as among the earliest and most
respected of British pioneers. James Pleasants, Jr., the
subject of this sketch, was one of his most distinguished
descendants. He was the son of James and Anne Pleasants,
and was born in 1769. After receiving a good education he
embraced the profession of law, and entered upon its practice
with a zeal and ability that were attended with marked success.
The long periods for which he held the public offices
to which he was subsequently chosen, are the best evidences
of his popularity. In 1796 he was elected to represent
Goochland County in the Virginia House of Delegates, and
in 1803 he was chosen Clerk of that body. For seven years
he filled this position most acceptably, when he was elected
to the United States House of Representatives, and here he
remained until 1819, in faithful and efficient service. On
December 1, 1822, he was chosen by the General Assembly
the Governor of Virginia, and occupied that station by annual
re-election until by the Constitution he was no longer eligible.

He subsequently served as a member of the important
State Constitutional Convention of 1829-1830.

Although twice appointed to judicial position, he declined
the honors offered him and retired to Goochland County,
where on November 9, 1836, he closed a well-spent life. He

died universally regretted and greatly esteemed for his many
public and private virtues.

Governor Pleasants married Susanna Rose, and their
worthy descendants are widely connected with prominent
families in the Old Dominion.

XCII.

XCII. JOHN TYLER.

XCII. Governor.

XCII. December 1, 1825, to March, 1827.

A second time in the history of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, is a citizen bearing the honored name of John Tyler
called to the highest office within her gift. John Tyler,
made Governor in 1825, was the son of Governor John and
Mary (Armistead) Tyler. He was born at "Greenway," his
father's seat, in Charles City County, Virginia, March 29,
1790. Early in life, he exhibited a taste for books, and
entering William and Mary College at the age of twelve
years, he graduated at that institution when seventeen, delivering
on that occasion an address which was pronounced to
be singularly full of thought and of unusual merit. Leaving
college, he now devoted himself to the study of law, in which
he made such rapid progress that at the age of nineteen he
appeared at the bar of his native county as a practicing
lawyer. His success was now unqualified, and his popularity
evinced by an early summons to public office. In December,
1811, he represented Charles City County in the House of Delegates,
and was re-elected for five successive years. In 1816
he was elected to the United States Congress, and was here
twice re-elected. Towards the close of the term of 1821,
ill-health compelled his resignation, and he retired for a brief
season to his farm, "Sherwood Forest," in Charles City
County; but in 1823 we see him again in the Virginia Legislature,
taking prominent part in all matters of public interest.
In 1825 he was elected by the General Assembly Governor of
Virginia. He was re-elected the following year by a unanimous
vote, but being elected January 18, 1827, to succeed
John Randolph in the United States Senate, he resigned the
office of Governor on the 4th of March following. Thus,

step by step, was this distinguished son of Virginia advancing
to that highest honor which can be conferred upon an American
citizen. Whilst efficiently representing Virginia in the
United States Senate, Mr. Tyler also was a member of her
memorable Constitutional Convention of 1829-30. After
several years of important and exciting service in the United
States Senate, Mr. Tyler was in 1833 re-elected to this body
for six years. In the spring of 1838, Mr. Tyler was elected
again to the Virginia Legislature, and in 1839 was sent a
delegate to the Convention that met at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
to nominate a candidate for President of the United
States. He was chosen Vice-President of the Convention. The
choice of this body having fallen upon General William Henry
Harrison for President, Mr. Tyler was chosen Vice-President.
They were both elected, and were inaugurated March 4, 1841.
President Harrison dying April 4, after one brief month's administration,
Mr. Tyler became President of the United States.

President Tyler's term was full of interest and importance.
During this period the valuable territory of Texas
was annexed to the United States and became an influential
addition to the Union; the act establishing a uniform
system of proceedings in bankruptcy was passed in August,
1841, and the protective tariff law created in 1842. During
the excitement of the Democratic Convention at Baltimore,
Maryland, assembled to nominate candidates for President
and Vice-President in 1844, Mr. Tyler was the first choice
of a large following for the office of President, but he withdrew
from the contest and retired after many well-spent
years of public service to the leisure of private life. From
this repose he was again called by the stirring events of 1861.
He presided with great dignity over the momentous deliberations
of the Peace Conference, which was proposed by the
Virginia Legislature at his suggestion, and which met in
Willard's Hall, at Washington, D. C., February 4, 1861.
Subsequently he was a member of the first Confederate States
Congress, and died at Richmond, Virginia, January 17, 1862,
while holding that office. He was buried in Hollywood
Cemetery, and was laid to rest in the bosom of his native
state, deeply and widely mourned.

XCIII.

XCIII. WILLIAM B. GILES.

XCIII. Governor.

XCIII. March, 1827, to March, 1830.

William Branch Giles, an American statesman, descended
from early colonial settlers, was born in Amelia
County, Virginia, August 12, 1762. Beginning his education
at William and Mary College, he pursued his studies at
Princeton College, New Jersey, from whence he graduated
with distinction in 1781. Embracing the profession of law
he soon obtained a lucrative practice in Petersburg, Virginia,
and in August, 1790, his ability for public life was shown by
his election to the United States House of Representatives.
He began his entrance upon politics as a Federalist, but separated
himself from his party upon the question of establishing
a United States Bank, and allied his future fortunes to the
Democratic standard. In 1798 he declined a seat in Congress
that he might aid James Madison in the General Assembly of
Virginia (where he represented Amelia County), in passing
the celebrated Resolutions of 1798. In 1800 he was again
elected to Congress, where he was one of President Jefferson's
most zealous supporters.

In 1803 Mr. Giles declined a re-election to Congress, and
in August, 1804, was elected by the Executive Council of
Virginia to the United States Senate, to fill the vacancy
occasioned by the resignation of Wilson Cary Nicholas.
Here he took at once the position of Democratic leader, and
held it until 1811, when he openly manifested his opposition
to the administration of President Madison. On January 2,
1811, he was re-elected to the United States Senate by the
Virginia Assembly, but resigned his seat, November 23, 1815,
before completing this term, which did not expire until March

4, 1817. Remaining in retirement from 1815 to 1826, he was
induced to become a member of the Legislature as a delegate
from Amelia County. In this year he was elected by the
General Assembly, Governor of Virginia, which office he
held by annual re-election until 1830. He was a member
of the State Constitutional Convention of 1829-30, and
engaged prominently in the absorbing and momentous debates
of that body. He died December 4, 1830, at his seat,
"The Wigwam," in Amelia County, in the 69th year of his
age.

Mr. Giles married, March 3, 1810, Miss Frances Anne
Gwynn, and their son, Thomas T. Giles, became a distinguished
member of the Richmond Bar; their other children,
connected with various prominent families in Virginia, have
left able and honorable descendants.

Giles County, Virginia, formed in 1806 from the Counties
of Monroe and Tazewell, was named in honor of William
Branch Giles.

XCIV.

XCIV. JOHN FLOYD.

XCIV. Governor.

XCIV. March, 1830, to March, 1834.

John Floyd, Governor of Virginia, was born in Jefferson
County, Virginia, April 24, 1783. He was the son of John
Floyd, a man conspicuous in the stirring scenes in which he
lived, and memorable as a surveyor, a legislator, and a soldier
in the interesting annals of Kentucky and Virginia, from
1769 to 1783.

John Floyd, Jr., was educated at Dickenson College,
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and at the age of twenty-one married,
in Kentucky, his cousin Letitia, daughter of Colonel William
Preston. Later, he graduated in medicine at the University
of Pennsylvania, and settled in Montgomery County, Virginia.
He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in June, 1807; commissioned
as Major of Militia in 1808; served as surgeon in
the Virginia Line in 1812, in the second war with Great
Britain, and in the same year was elected a member of the
House of Delegates of Virginia. In 1817 he was elected to
the United States House of Representatives, and efficiently
served in that body until 1829. In 1830 Mr. Floyd was
elected Governor of Virginia by the General Assembly, and
filled this office most acceptably until 1834. His health
having become very delicate he retired from public life, and
died suddenly at the Sweet Springs, Montgomery County,
August 15, 1837.

In the second year of Governor Floyd's administration as
chief executive of Virginia, occurred the notable event known
as the "Southampton Insurrection." This was a futile uprising
of a few negroes led on to deeds of blood by a
master-spirit, whose desire it was to exterminate the white

race. This tragic event took place in the County of Southampton,
south of James River, in the summer of 1831.
Unlike Gabriel (the negro leader of the servile insurrection
of 1800), who was twenty-four years of age, tall and powerful
in person, with a grim and repulsive face scarred by fighting,
the leader of the Southampton Insurrection was a negro of
feeble person, but of great cunning. He passed among his
people as a prophet, and by his powerful influence over them
filled them with a thirst for blood. Nat Turner, this swarthy
leader, attacked his master's house, killed him, his wife, and
children with the axe, and with his band put to sudden and
violent death fifty-five whites, almost all of whom were women
and children. The men of the county, aroused by these
atrocities, pursued the insurgents, killed many and captured
others, thirteen of whom were hung with Nat Turner, their
wicked "prophet."

These events caused great excitement throughout Virginia,
but the man at the head of affairs in the Old Dominion
was ready for the emergency. It was said of him: "None
who knew Governor Floyd well could have failed to receive
the impression that nature had endued him with the qualities
of the hero, and that the stage and the opportunity only, were
wanting to have enabled him to shine among those who dazzled
mankind with deeds of chivalry and prowess." He was
a man of unusually handsome and commanding appearance,
and in those days of anxiety during the "Southampton Insurrection,"
the people of Virginia felt that in their Governor
they possessed a tower of strength—a man whose wisdom
and valor were equal to any emergency.

He took efficient means to suppress this insurrectionary
spirit, but the tragic story of Nat Turner and his murderous
allies still lends a painful interest to this administration.

Floyd County, Virginia, formed in 1831 from Montgomery
County, was named in honor of Governor Floyd, and his record
is that of a man gifted with the noblest qualities of human
nature, who finished his course untouched by blame, and died
as he had lived, the inflexibly upright and devoted patriot.

XCV.

XCV. LITTLETON WALLER TAZEWELL.

XCV. Governor.

XCV. March, 1834, to April 30, 1836.

Littleton Waller Tazewell, son of Judge Henry
Tazewell and Dorothea Waller Tazewell, was born December
17, 1774. The founder of his family was of English origin.
William Tazewell, lawyer, the first settler in Virginia, arrived
in the Colony in 1715, and made his home in Accomac County.
His second son, Littleton, was the father of Judge Henry
Tazewell, in whose honor the County of Tazewell, Virginia
(formed in 1799 from Russell and Wythe), was named. Littleton
Waller Tazewell, his son, enjoyed peculiar advantages
in childhood, having lived with his grandfather, Judge Benjamin
Waller, who superintended his studies and taught him
English and Latin himself. When Judge Waller was dying
he committed young Tazewell to the care of his life-long
friend, the distinguished George Wythe. This threw him
into very intimate and improving relations with the man who
presided over the courts which Tazewell attended in later
years in Richmond.

Littleton Waller Tazewell graduated at William and Mary
College, and subsequently studied law, receiving his license
to practice, May 14, 1796. He at once developed great
ability in his profession. In the spring of 1796 he was
returned to the House of Delegates from James City County,
and continued a member of that body until 1800, when, at the
age of twenty-five, he was elected to the United States House
of Representatives. At the close of his Congressional term,
Mr. Tazewell returned to his home and entered upon the
active practice of his profession in the City of Norfolk, which

he now made his residence, and where, in 1802, he married
Anne Stratton, daughter of Colonel John Nivison.

In 1816, during an absence from home, and without his
knowledge, Mr. Tazewell was elected by the people of Norfolk
to the House of Delegates. In 1820, he was one of the
Commissioners under the Florida treaty, and in 1824, he was
elected to the United States Senate. Here he took his seat
in January, 1825, and performed an active and conspicuous
part in senatorial affairs. In 1829 he was re-elected to the
same high and responsible office, and whilst in attendance on
the Senate, was elected by the Norfolk district a member of
the Convention which assembled in Richmond, October 5,
1829, to revise the first Constitution of Virginia. Here Mr.
Tazewell made the opening speech and took a leading part in
that memorable body. In 1829, he was also tendered the
mission to England, but declined the honor. He continued
in the Senate until 1833, serving as Chairman of the Committee
on Foreign Relations, and as President pro tem. of the
body during a portion of the twenty-second Congress. In
January, 1834, he was elected Governor of Virginia, and
entered upon the duties of this office March 31 ensuing. He
resigned April 30, 1836, before the expiration of the term,
upon a disagreement with the State Legislature. That body
had passed resolutions instructing the Senators from Virginia
to vote for the resolutions to expunge from the journal of the
Senate the resolutions censuring General Jackson. These
instructions Governor Tazewell declined to approve, and he
resigned his office, never afterwards appearing in public service.
He is said to have been a very finished speaker, adding
to consummate logic, the force of an address that was singularly
pleasing and effective. His appearance in youth was
handsome, in middle age striking, but in his latter days it
might have been called almost majestic, with his commanding
stature, his massive features, and hair of silvery whiteness,
which fell in ringlets about his neck. He died in Norfolk,
May 6, 1860. He was the author of a "Review of the
Negotiations between the United States and Great Britain
respecting the commerce between the two countries."

XCVI.

XCVI. WYNDHAM ROBERTSON.

XCVI. Lieutenant-Governor.

XCVI. April 30, 1836, to March, 1837.

Wyndham Robertson was the grandson of William
Robertson, who emigrated from Edinburgh, Scotland, in the
early part of the eighteenth century, and settled in Bristol
parish near the present location of Petersburg, Virginia.
The son of this first settler Robertson, William the second,
was born in 1750, was a vestryman, warden, and deputy of
Bristol parish from 1779 to 1789, and a member of the Council
of Virginia, and its Secretary for many years. He married
Elizabeth Bolling, and Wyndham Robertson, the subject of
this sketch, was their seventh child.

Wyndham first attended school in his native city, Richmond,
and completed his education at William and Mary
College (under the presidency of the brilliant John Augustine
Smith,), from whence he graduated in 1821. Selecting the
profession of law, he was admitted to the bar in 1824, and
became a popular speaker and successful practitioner. In
1833 he was elected a member of the Council of State, and
was prominent in matters of internal improvement in Virginia.

Being senior member of the Council, and as such, Lieutenant-Governor,
upon the resignation of Governor Tazewell,
April 30, 1836, Mr. Robertson was called to the Executive
Chair. The period is very memorable as ushering in those
initial movements which were the prelude to a great and
bloody drama.

Governor Robertson, upon the expiration of his gubernatorial
term, retired to private life, and as his health had
become impaired he now followed more specially the interesting
pursuits of agriculture. But in 1858 he returned to

Richmond, and in 1860 was elected to the House of Delegates.
A friend to peace and the Union, he urged moderation in this
epoch of excitement, and even after South Carolina and other
southern states had seceded, he still earnestly advocated a
refusal on the part of Virginia to follow their example. On
January 7, 1861, he introduced a Resolution into the House of
Delegates, known as the Anti-Coercion Resolution, denying
the existence of present cause for secession, but declaring the
purpose of Virginia, if a war of coercion was undertaken by the
Federal Government on the seceded states, to fight with the
South. The resolution was adopted, and the sequel needs
no comment here.

Ever a faithful son to his native state, Governor Robertson
shared her trials and sorrows along the "via dolorosa" of a
four years' war, and after the struggle was over he addressed
himself with ardor to the study of Virginia history. To
this subject he contributed many interesting articles, among
the most valuable being a genealogical account of "The
Descendants of Pocahontas."

XCVII.

XCVII. DAVID CAMPBELL.

XCVII. Governor.

XCVII. March, 1837, to March, 1840.

David Campbell was descended from a distinguished
Scottish family. His father, John Campbell, was one of those
Justices who, after the County of Washington had been
formed, in 1776, met at Abingdon, Virginia, and organized
and held the first County Court, January 28, 1776. In 1778,
John Campbell married Elizabeth McDonald, and their eldest
son, David, the subject of this sketch, was born August 2,
1779, at "Royal Oak," in the valley of the Holstein, about
one mile west of Marion, the county seat of Smyth County.
When about eight years of age, his father removed to
"Hall's Bottom," in Washington County, and here young
David Campbell received that early education which ever
forms the groundwork of future character.

Nurtured upon the frontier of Virginia amid scenes that
developed self-reliance, and among the men who had taken
part in the establishment of the country, David Campbell in
his fifteenth year was ready to shoulder his musket and
assume the duties of a soldier. In 1794, when a mere boy,
he was appointed an ensign in Captain John Davis's Company
of Militia, in the 2d Battalion of the 70th Regiment. When,
in 1799, the 70th Regiment was divided and the 105th formed,
in the 2d Battalion of this Regiment, David Campbell was
commissioned as Captain of a company of Light Infantry
assigned to it, which company he raised and organized. In
this same year he married his cousin, Mary Hamilton. He
now studied law and obtained a license, but never practiced
his chosen profession, though he employed much time in useful

reading and enriched his store of information by communion
with the best authors. In this way he cultivated a naturally
vigorous mind, and acquired a style for written composition
which was peculiarly pleasing and forcible.

Having a taste for military life he gave up the clerkship
of the County Court of Washington County, which he had
held from 1802 to 1812, and on the 6th of July, 1812, accepted
a commission as Major in the 12th Infantry, United States
Army. He marched with his command to the lakes of
Canada in August following, and efficiently served there
under the command successively of Generals Smyth and
Van Rensselaer. On 12th March, 1813, he was promoted to
the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel of the 20th Regiment, United
States Army, and participated in the trying campaigns of that
regiment on the St. Lawrence and towards Lake Champlain.
The exposure which Colonel Campbell here suffered seriously
impaired his health, and in consequence, on January 28, 1814,
he was compelled to resign his commission. Returning
home he soon entered the service of Virginia as Aide-de-Camp
to Governor Barbour, and gave valuable assistance in organizing
the Militia force, called into service in the neighborhood
of Richmond and Petersburg, in the summer of 1814. In
the session of the Virginia Assembly of 1814-15, a law was
passed for raising 10,000 troops, and under it Colonel Campbell
was elected General of the 3d Brigade. On the 25th
January, he was appointed Colonel of the 3d Virginia Cavalry,
but was afterwards transferred to the 5th Regiment of Cavalry.
Upon his return to Abingdon, Virginia, he again
entered the clerk's office, where he continued until 1820,
when he was elected to the Senate of Virginia. In 1824, he
was elected clerk of the County Court of Washington County,
and held this office until 1836, when he became Governor of
Virginia.

A review of the Acts of the General Assembly during
Governor Campbell's administration, will show the great
strides Virginia was now making in the march of internal
development—her Railroads, Mining Companies, Manufactories,
Foundries, Banks, and Colleges, all sharing legislative

attention and attesting the steady growth of a state whose
progress, was ever "onward and upward."

Governor Campbell retired to his home in Abingdon after
the expiration of his term as Governor; there he accepted the
office of Justice of the Peace, which position he filled until
1852. Declining health now compelled him to withdraw
from public life, where for nearly half a century he had in
various capacities served his country. He died March 19,
1859, bringing to a close a well-spent life, and bearing to the
grave the veneration and gratitude of his fellow-citizens.

XCVIII.

XCVIII. THOMAS WALKER GILMER.

XCVIII. Governor.

XCVIII. March, 1840, to March, 1841.

Thomas Walker Gilmer, son of George Gilmer, was
born at "Gilmerton," his father's seat, in Albemarle County,
Virginia, April 6, 1802. The founder of the Gilmer family
in Virginia, Dr. George Gilmer, was a native of Scotland and
a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. Early in the 18th
century he migrated to America and settled in Williamsburg,
Virginia, where for fifty years he successfully combined the
professions of physician, surgeon, and druggist. He married
three times, each time into a family of high position, and died
leaving to his numerous descendants a truly honored name.
His great-grandson, Thomas Walker Gilmer, began life under
very favorable auspices, receiving an extensive education from
tutors and at private schools. Later he enjoyed the instruction
and training of two very intellectual uncles, and when
he began the study of law his progress was rapid and substantial.
Entering upon his chosen profession, he was for
a time allured to the growing West, tempted by the wider field
there offered to aspiring industry and talent. He remained for
a season in St. Louis, Missouri, where flattering prospects
spread before him, but, finding his presence missed at home,
he returned to the bosom of his family. In this step he was
influenced by a noble desire to aid those he loved best, by his
own personal exertions. He soon took a high position at
the bar in Charlottesville and in the adjacent counties, and
became at once prominent in the discussion of the legal and
political questions of the day.

During the canvass which resulted in the election of General
Andrew Jackson to his first term as President, Mr.

Gilmer was one of the editors of the "Virginia Advocate," a
newspaper published in Charlottesville and devoted to the
interests of General Jackson. He also contributed to other
newspapers and acquired a fine reputation as a writer. In
the spring of 1829 Mr. Gilmer was sent by the County of
Albemarle to the Virginia House of Delegates, and at the
expiration of his first term was returned by an increased
majority to this position. In 1831 Governor John Floyd
appointed him Commissioner of the State to prosecute the
Revolutionary claims of Virginia against the United States.

In the spring of 1832 Mr. Gilmer was again elected to the
House of Delegates, and re-elected thereto in 1833, 1835, and
1838. His time when not engaged in legislative duties was
spent in traveling through the United States and contributing
valuable papers to leading journals upon the various States
with which he thus became familiar. In 1838 he was
made Speaker of the House of Delegates, and was re-elected
to this body in 1839. On February 14, 1840, he was elected
Governor of Virginia, to take the executive chair on the following
31st of March.

Governor Gilmer entered upon his new duties with the
zeal natural to him. Being deeply interested in the material
development of Virginia, he made a careful personal inspection
of nearly all the important public works of the state.
This tour gave him the information necessary to an able
elucidation of the subject which he laid before the General
Assembly soon after. He had now to meet a complicated
and irritating question with Governor Seward, of New York,
relative to the surrender of some men (charged with slave-stealing
in Virginia) who were fugitives from justice. Governor
Gilmer demanded their unconditional surrender, deeming
the refusal to do so a palpable and dangerous violation of the
Constitution and laws of the United States. (See Resolutions
of General Assembly of Virginia. Adopted March 17, 1840.)
But New York did not respond to the demand, and the Legislature
of Virginia receding from its position failed to
sustain Governor Gilmer. Dissatisfied at this want of harmony
and proper co-operation, Governor Gilmer sent in his

resignation. Feeling ran high in the Legislature, and they
were unable to elect a successor, so the body adjourned,
leaving the office of Governor to be filled by the Senior Councillor
of State, as provided by law. Governor Gilmer was
thus succeeded, until the 31st of March following, by John
Mercer Patton.

Governor Gilmer now offered himself as a candidate for
Congress from the Albemarle district, and was elected by a
handsome majority, taking his seat in the Congress which
had been convened by the proclamation of President Harrison,
dated March 17th. Mr. Gilmer, in this new field of
activity, labored zealously for reform and retrenchment, and
was placed at the head of the important Standing Committee
of Ways and Means. In 1843 he was re-elected to Congress,
and on February 15th, 1844, was nominated by President
Tyler to be Secretary of the Navy. The nomination was
unanimously confirmed and Mr. Gilmer entered upon the
discharge of his duties with accustomed industry. But his
labors were soon terminated by his tragic end in the catastrophe
on the steamer Princeton, February 28, 1844. He
died in the forty-second year of his age, "stricken down on
the very harvest-field of his faithful labors, and with the
sheaves of gathered honors standing thick around him."
He had married Miss Ann E. Baker, of Staunton, and left to
mourn his loss four sons and two daughters.

A handsome portrait of Governor Gilmer is in the State
Library at Richmond, and a marble slab marks his grave at
"Mt. Air," Albemarle County, Virginia.

XCIX.

XCIX. JOHN MERCER PATTON.

XCIX. Senior Councillor
and
Acting Governor.

XCIX. March 18, 1841, to March 31, 1841.

John Mercer Patton was the son of the worthy Robert
Patton, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America
some time before the Revolution. He settled first in Charleston,
South Carolina, but eventually moved to Fredericksburg,
Virginia, where he established himself as a merchant.
Robert Patton married Anna Gordon, daughter of the distinguished
General Hugh Mercer, who fell mortally wounded at
the battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777. Their third son, John
Mercer, is the interesting subject of this sketch. He was
born August 10, 1797, and enjoyed a liberal education.
Adopting the profession of law, he entered upon its practice
in his native town, Fredericksburg, and soon acquired an
enviable distinction at the bar. This being the usual path
to political preferment, he was in 1830 elected to the United
States Congress, and continued to serve there with conspicuous
ability until 1838, when he removed to Richmond, and
was elected a member of the Council of State. Upon the
resignation of Governor Gilmer, March 18, 1841, Mr. Patton,
Senior Councillor, succeeded him as chief executive of
Virginia until the expiration of his yearly term as Senior
Councillor on the 31st March following. At that date he
was succeeded by Senior Councillor John Rutherfoord in this
highly important office.

In ability and legal acquirement, Mr. Patton took rank
among the first minds in his section of country. In 1849 he

assisted in a revision of the Code of Virginia, and his high
reputation as a lawyer was acknowledged amidst an array of
talent which has been scarcely surpassed at any period in the
Old Dominion.

Mr. Patton died at Richmond, Virginia, October 28, 1858,
and his remains were interred in Shockoe Hill Cemetery
there. A handsome fluted column of white marble, emblematically
crowned with several volumes, marks his last resting
place. He left a large and interesting family to mourn his
loss and to perpetuate his name and virtues.

C.

C. JOHN RUTHERFOORD.

Senior Councillor
and
Acting Governor.

C. March, 1841, to March, 1842.

Thomas Rutherfoord, a native of Kircaldy, Scotland,
was born in Glasgow, January 9, 1766. Having received
good educational advantages and a subsequent mercantile
training, he was entrusted by the firm in whose employment
he was, with a cargo of goods valued at ¢10,000, for disposition
in Virginia. The young and trusted apprentice set
sail from Dublin, October 10, 1784, furnished with a letter of
recommendation to General Washington from Sir Edward
Neversham, member of Parliament from the County of Dublin.
Thomas Rutherfoord met with deserved success, was
admitted as a partner with his employers, and soon acquired
the entire business as merchant, miller, importer, and exporter.
Having at first located in Richmond, he became in
time one of the largest real estate owners in the city. He
developed a marked individuality of character and grew to
be a clear and vigorous writer. His papers on various subjects
connected with commerce and the tariff question were
considered very exhaustive and met with widespread commendation.
He married Sarah Winston, and left thirteen
children, among whom was "John," their eldest son, the
subject of this notice.

John Rutherfoord was born in Richmond, Virginia, December
6, 1792. After a thorough preliminary course at
school he finished his education at Princeton, New Jersey,
and adopting the profession of law, entered upon its practice

most successfully. In 1826 he was elected to the House of
Delegates from the City of Richmond, and served, with some
intervals, in that body until 1839, when he was appointed
one of the Councillors of State, as provided by the amended
Constitution of 1830. As Senior Councillor, Mr. Rutherfoord,
on the 31st of March, 1841, succeeded John Mercer
Patton as Acting Governor of Virginia, and continued to
serve until March 31, 1842. Governor Rutherfoord continued
as a member of the State Council until the year 1846. In
1836 he was elected president of the Mutual Assurance Society
of Virginia, in which position he served efficiently for
thirty years. He was also much interested in the volunteer
military organizations of the state, and was the originator and
first Captain of the Richmond Fayette Artillery organized
June 20, 1821. He obtained the rank of Colonel, by which
title he was familiarly known.

Governor Rutherfoord married, April 24, 1816, Emily
Anne Coles, and left numerous descendants. He died at
Richmond, Virginia, August 3, 1866, and is buried in
Shockoe Hill Cemetery, leaving the memory of a man of
strong intellect and vigorous character, combined with those
enduring charms which ever attach to a modest, virtuous,
unassuming gentleman.

CI.

CI. JOHN M. GREGORY.

CI. Senior Councillor
and
Acting Governor.

CI. March, 1842, to January, 1843.

John Munford Gregory, the son of John Munford and
Letitia Gregory, was born in Charles City County, Virginia,
July 8, 1804. He was the descendant of early settlers in the
Colony, and his progenitors had borne honorable part in the
War of the Revolution, his grandfather having been killed in
action on the Jersey line, at a place called Quibbleton.

John Munford Gregory's early education was, after the
rudiments acquired at an "old field" school, pretty much
self-education. He taught himself, and learned at the same
time the important lesson of the dignity of labor. As a farm
hand he had his toil sweetened by aspirations of a higher
life, and removing to James City County, began his upward
course by teaching. He then pursued the study of law,
and entered William and Mary College, from which institution
he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law in
1830. He was, in the same year, elected the delegate from
James City County to the Legislature, in which office he
served continuously until 1841, when he was elected a member
of the Council of State. Becoming Senior Councillor, by
rotation, on March 31, 1842, he succeeded John Rutherfoord
as Acting Governor of Virginia, and continued the chief
executive of the state until January 1, 1843, when he was
succeeded by Governor James McDowell. In accordance
with an Act of the General Assembly, passed December 14,
1842, the term now for which the Governors of Virginia were

elected began on the first day of January next succeeding
their election.

As an instance of Governor Gregory's modesty, it is
worthy of note that he refused to occupy the gubernatorial
mansion whilst filling temporarily the executive chair. His
tenure of office being short he addressed himself rather to the
active discharge of his official duties, ignoring the outward
and visible signs, the "pomp and circumstance" of a Governor's
usual surroundings.

In 1853 John Munford Gregory was appointed United
States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, which
position he held until the year 1860, when he was elected
Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Virginia, serving in
this capacity until 1866. At this date he was removed from
office by the Federal authorities, and resuming the practice
of his profession was soon elected Commonwealth's Attorney
for Charles City County. This post he held until 1880, when
feeble health compelled his retirement from active labor.
He removed in 1881 to Williamsburg, Virginia, to enjoy in a
serene old age the rewards of a virtuous, well-spent life.
The honors which he had gathered were the recompense of
natural ability, steadfastness of purpose, and sterling integrity,
than which no nobler combination can be found in all
that goes to make up—a man.

Governor Gregory married Miss Amanda Wallace, of
Petersburg, Virginia, and a large family perpetuates his
ancient and honorable name.

CII.

CII. JAMES McDOWELL.

CII. Governor.

CII. January, 1843, to January, 1846.

James McDowell was born at the family seat, "Cherry
Grove," Rockbridge County, Virginia, October 11, 1795.
He was the son of James and Sarah Preston McDowell, and
was descended from Ephraim McDowell, the founder of this
distinguished name in Virginia. Having enjoyed peculiar
advantages in elementary instruction, he entered Washington
College, then attended Yale, and finally completed his education
at Princeton, New Jersey, from which college he
graduated as Master of Arts in 1816. So pleased was young
McDowell's father with his son's success at college, that upon
his return home he presented him with a valuable tract of
land, about 2500 acres, in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

In September, 1818, James McDowell married his cousin,
Susan Preston, and removed to his plantation in Kentucky,
but, his father's health failing about this time, he returned
to Virginia and settled on a farm in the neighborhood of
Lexington. This, he made his permanent home, and here he
reared his children.

In 1831 Mr. McDowell was sent by Rockbridge County to
the House of Delegates of Virginia, and returned again for
the session of 1832-3. From this time onward Mr. McDowell
was continuously in public life, in the service of his state and
in the National Council. In December, 1842, he was elected
by the Legislature, Governor of Virginia, and on the 1st of
January following entered upon the duties of his office. His
term was conspicuous for the piety and temperance which
reigned at the gubernatorial mansion. Being an ardent
Presbyterian and an advocate of the cause of temperance, he

left his impress upon the social world of his day as their zealous
champion. In every way he upheld the dignity of his
high and responsible position. Whilst yet Governor of Virginia
he was elected to the United States House of Representatives,
and served in Congress with marked ability until
1851, when death closed his active, useful, and distinguished
career. He died at Lexington, August 24, 1851, in the fifty-sixth
year of his life, leaving nine children to mourn his loss
and a wide circle of friends to honor his memory.

Governor McDowell's ability was of a superior order, and
his grave and moderate course strengthened the influence
which his intellectual power secured. As a speaker he is
said to have been eloquent and effective, and by his high
and noble bearing he adorned every situation he was called
upon to fill.

CIII.

CIII. WILLIAM SMITH.

CIII. Governor.

CIII. January 1, 1846, to January 1, 1849.

William Smith, son of William and Mary Waugh Smith,
descended from some of the earliest settlers of Virginia, was
born September 6, 1797, in King George County. Here he
received his first instruction in the "old field" schools,
around which primitive cradles of learning so much romantic
interest now settles. Later, young Smith enjoyed tuition in
Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Plainfield, Connecticut, and
subsequently was sent to a classical school at "Wingfield,"
Hanover County, Virginia. Adopting the profession of law,
William Smith obtained his license and qualified in the
Court of Culpeper County, August, 1819. His ardor and
ability soon gained for him success, and his taste for politics
opened a wide field for his ambitious spirit. In 1836 he was
elected to the Virginia State Senate, and served through the
term of four years; was re-elected, but resigned after serving
one session.

Early in Mr. Smith's public career he had been convinced
of the necessity for improved mail facilities in Virginia and
the South. In 1827 he obtained from the United States
government a contract for carrying the mails once a week
from Fairfax Court House to Warrenton, and thence to Culpeper
Court House. This contract was renewed in 1831, and
led to the establishment, in four years, of a daily four-horse
post-coach line from Washington City to Milledgeville,
Georgia.

In 1841 Mr. Smith was elected to Congress, and served in
that body until 1843, and in December, 1845, he was elected

Governor of Virginia for the term of three years, succeeding
James McDowell, January 1, 1846.

Among the interesting Acts passed during Govern
Smith's administration is that of March 13, 1847, viz.:

Governor Smith's term is also to be remembered as the
period of the war with Mexico and the excited discussion of
the admission of California as a state into the Union. This
new country of the golden fleece was drawing men from every
quarter of the globe, and thither Governor Smith now (1850)
turned his steps. He engaged at once in the practice of his
profession in San Francisco, was returned by that city as its
delegate to the Constitutional Convention which met at Benicia
in the fall of 1850, and was unanimously elected the
permanent President of that body. In the State Assembly
which convened soon after, Governor Smith was nominated
for United States Senator, but was not elected. In 1852 he
determined to return to Virginia, bringing a handsome addition
to his means and increased reputation as the result of a
two years' residence upon the Pacific slope. In May, 1853,
Governor Smith was elected to Congress from Virginia, and
served in this body by successive re-election until March 4,
1861.

At this period, the late war between the sections was
approaching, and Governor Smith, though in his sixty-fourth
year, entered the army in the Southern cause. Offering
his services to the Governor of Virginia he was commissioned
Colonel and assigned to the command of the 49th
Regiment of Virginia Infantry. In the autumn of 1861
Colonel Smith was elected to the Confederate States Congress.

He attended this body when it convened at Richmond in
February, 1862, leaving his Regiment in the command of the
Lieutenant-Colonel. Upon the adjournment of Congress,
April 16, he rejoined his command. At the reorganization
of the Regiment, May 1st, he was re-elected its Colonel, upon
which he resigned his seat in Congress, participating thereafter,
with his command, in the historic operations on the
Peninsula, about Yorktown, and later in those near Richmond.
In the battle of Sharpsburg, Maryland, September 17,
1862, Colonel Smith was severely wounded, but before the
wounds were healed he returned to the field and took command
of the 4th Brigade, having been promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General.
General Smith now announced himself as a
candidate for Governor of Virginia, was elected by a large
majority, and entered upon his duties as chief executive, January
1, 1864. Early in August, 1863, he had been promoted
to the rank of Major-General.

In a later chapter in this work will be recorded some of
Governor Smith's valuable services in this desperate period
of Virginia's history.

CIV.

CIV. JOHN BUCHANAN FLOYD.

CIV. Governor.

CIV. January 1, 1849, to January 1, 1852.

John Buchanan Floyd was the eldest son of Governor
John and Letitia Preston Floyd, and was born at Smithfield,
Montgomery (now Pulaski) County, June 1, 1806. Receiving
his early education through private tutors, he entered the
College of South Carolina, from which institution he graduated
in 1826. Choosing law as his profession, he was admitted to
the bar in 1828, and commenced practice in his native county.
In 1836 he removed to Helena, Arkansas, where for three
years he practiced his profession successfully, but in 1839 he
determined to return to Virginia and locate in Washington
County. Being an ardent Democrat and a fluent, impressive
speaker, Mr. Floyd now became a prominent politician, and
in 1847 was returned by Washington County to the House of
Delegates of Virginia, and whilst a member of the Assembly
was elected by it Governor of Virginia, to succeed Governor
William Smith, January 1, 1849.

It is a matter of interest, that Crawford's monument,
known as the "Washington Monument," which adorns the
public square around the capitol, in Richmond, was commenced
during Governor Floyd's term. This noble work of
art consists of a bronze equestrian statue of Washington,
rising from a granite pedestal, surrounded by bronze figures
of Thomas Nelson, Jr., Andrew Lewis, John Marshall, Patrick
Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Mason. When the
equestrian statue arrived in Richmond, Virginia, November,
1857, it was drawn through the streets of the city, from the river-landing
to the Capitol Square, by the enthusiastic citizens.

The allegorical figures on this monument greatly enhance

its beauty and its value as an historical compendium of the
deeds and virtues of many other unrecorded Virginians whose
memory it honors. The following indicates the position of
the statuary and the inscriptions on the shields of the allegorical
figures:

                       

Finance, opposite, Thomas Nelson, Jr.	Yorktown.
	Saratoga.
Colonial Times, opposite, Andrew Lewis.	Point Pleasant.
	Valley Forge.
Justice, opposite, John Marshall.	Great Bridge.
	Stony Point.
Revolution, opposite, Patrick Henry.	Eutaw Springs.
	Trenton.
Independence, opposite, Thomas Jefferson.	King's Mountain.
	Princeton.
Bill of Rights, opposite, George Mason.	Guilford C. H.
	Bunker Hill.

Upon the expiration of Governor Floyd's gubernatorial
term, he was succeeded by Governor Joseph Johnson, January
1, 1852.

In 1855, Governor Floyd was again returned to the House
of Delegates, by Washington County, and entering actively
and efficiently into the political affairs of the day, he became
a prominent Democratic leader in Virginia. In March, 1857,
he was appointed by President Buchanan as Secretary of
War, and applied himself with great diligence to the fulfillment
of the duties of this office. But, as the late, unhappy
war between the sections was now drawing on, questions
arose which induced Governor Floyd to resign his Cabinet
position and return to his native state. On May 23, 1861,
he was appointed a Brigadier-General in the Confederate
States Army. He received later, for his honorable services,
the commission of Major-General, but constant exposure in
active military operations had so affected his health, that he
was compelled to return home, where he shortly after died,
on August 26, 1863.

Governor Floyd married in early life his cousin, Sarah
Buchanan Preston, but left no children.

CV.

CV. JOSEPH JOHNSON.

CV. Governor.

CV. January 1, 1852, to January 1, 1856.

In reviewing the career of Joseph Johnson, the triumph
of natural ability and lofty character over the inauspicious
circumstances of his early life is very striking. He was born
in New York, but moved with his family to Harrison County,
Virginia, at the age of fifteen years. Here he was the support
of his widowed mother and younger brother, with no
advantages for learning other than his own self-help. Gradually
his industry and probity won their way, and he became
first, employee, then manager, and finally the son-in-law of a
respectable farmer in the neighborhood where he lived. In
the end he purchased the estate of his former patron, and the
place continued to be his home until the close of his life.

Mr. Johnson was eminently a self-made man, and his
education, the result of solitary study by night and a continuous
application of his powers in the search for knowledge.

In a debating society which he originated in a village
near his home, he developed ability as a thinker and a speaker,
but it was as the Captain of a Rifle Company (when the
Atlantic sea-board was threatened in 1814, and he with his
command were ordered to Norfolk) that he first came into
public notice. From this time on, Mr. Johnson's long and
active life was replete with gathering honors and usefulness.
In 1818 he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates,
and again in 1822, declining re-election at the expiration of
this last term. In 1823, he was sent to Congress, and in
1845, was elected to that body for the seventh time. At the
close of the 29th Congress, in 1847, Mr. Johnson issued an
address to his constituents, thanking them for their past confidence,

and expressing his wish to retire permanently from
public life. But the people could not spare him yet, and he
was returned to the House of Delegates, where he served in
the session of 1847-48. In 1850 he was elected a member of
the State Constitutional Convention, and whilst a member of
that body was chosen by the Legislature, Governor of Virginia,
under the provisions of the then existing Constitution.
In the fall of 1851, the Constitution which he had helped to
frame was adopted, and under its articles Mr. Johnson, who
had been nominated by the Democratic party, was elected
Governor, by the popular vote, for the term of four years from
January 1, 1852. This was the first election of a Governor
of Virginia by the votes of the people.

Governor Johnson's administration was popular and successful,
his attention being specially directed to the internal
development of the state, and to the establishment of a general
railroad system throughout Virginia. He justly regarded
this latter method as the promptest and most efficient means
to vitalize the abundant resources of the Old Dominion.

Upon the expiration of his gubernatorial term, Governor
Johnson finally retired to private life, enjoying in the evening
of his days, the comforts of a happy home enlivened by his
family and friends.

When the period of the late war between the States drew
on, Mr. Johnson was called upon to give his views to his fellow-citizens.
This he did. Always loving the Union, he
had counselled moderation and patience, but when the issue
came, he advised his people to stand by their section.

Governor Johnson died in the 92d year of his age, on
February 27, 1877, regretted as a man whose talents, firmness
of character, and unsullied integrity had won in no common
measure the esteem of his fellowmen. The day after his death
a public meeting was held at Clarksburg, West Virginia, to
give expression to the universal sorrow at his loss, to speak
in glowing terms of his many virtues, and to tell of his private
and public worth.

CVI.

CVI. HENRY ALEXANDER WISE.

CVI. Governor.

CVI. January 1, 1856, to January 1, 1860.

Henry Alexander Wise (descended from John Wise,
who migrated to Virginia from England about the year
1650, and settled in Northampton County,) was born at
Drummondtown, Accomac County, Virginia, December 3,
1806. Left an orphan at a tender age, he was adopted by
his father's relatives, and in 1822 was sent to college in Pennsylvania,
whence he graduated with distinction in 1825.
Mr. Wise adopted the profession of law, and after an early
marriage with Miss Ann Eliza Jennings, moved to Nashville,
Tennessee, where he embarked upon the practice of law. In
1831 he returned to Accomac County, Virginia, and in 1832
was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at
Baltimore, Maryland, where he advocated the nomination of
Jackson as President. In 1833 he was elected to Congress,
and again in 1835 and 1837. His wife dying in 1837, he
married, secondly, in November, 1840, Sarah, daughter of
Honorable John Sargeant, of Philadelphia. In 1842 President
Tyler appointed Mr. Wise, Minister to France, but the
nomination was rejected by the Senate. Later, he was made
Minister to Brazil, and in that office resided in Rio Janeiro,
from May, 1844, to October, 1847. Returning to his own
country he was, in 1850, a member of the Convention which
revised the Constitution of Virginia. In December, 1854, he
was nominated by the Democrats as their candidate for Governor,
and elected by upwards of 10,000 majority.

In 1850 Mr. Wise's second wife died, and in November,
1853, he married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. James
Lyons, of Richmond, Virginia.

Governor Wise's gubernatorial term was admirably conducted,
but the ship of state, which had long been sailing
tranquilly on, was now about to enter dark and stormy waters.
The distant territory of Kansas had lately become the battleground
of freedom and slavery, and this conflict, in that section,
was sought by some to be transferred to Virginia soil.
John Brown, whose exploits in Kansas had made him already
notorious, now formed a plan to strike a death-blow to slavery
in the very heart of a slave-holding state.

It was towards the close of Governor Wise's administration
that the seizure of the arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia,
was attempted by John Brown and his few associates. The
final object of the effort was to free the slaves, but, the
undertaking failed and Brown met his fate upon the gallows,
December 2, 1859. This was the opening scene in a great
drama, whose consummation was at Appomatox Court House,
in April, 1865. Between these two points of time lies written
the history of a bloody war.

Of the Convention which met at Richmond, Virginia,
February 13, 1861 (to consider the relations of Virginia to
the Federal Government), Governor Wise was a prominent
member, and as soon as his State severed her allegiance from
the central government, Governor Wise offered his services to
his country in the field of battle. He was at once made
Brigadier-General in the Confederate Army, and entered
upon a distinguished career as a soldier. From the beginning
to the close of the four years' war, "Wise's Legion"
was in active, military service, and won for itself a highly
honorable record.

After the close of the war, General Wise engaged in the
practice of law in the City of Richmond until his death, which
occurred on September 14, 1876. He was a man of great
energy, original and vigorous as a thinker, independent as an
actor, and brilliant and persuasive as a speaker; a man of lofty
principles and unsullied life, who gathered honors in every department
of activity to which he directed his unusual powers of
mind and character. He left several children, but his name
is also perpetuated in a county in Virginia named after him.

CVII.

CVII. JOHN LETCHER.

CVII. Governor.

CVII. January 1, 1860, to January 1, 1864.

John Letcher was born in Lexington, Virginia, March
29, 1813, of parents descended from Welsh on the one side,
and Scotch-Irish on the other; a staunch and sterling stock,
whose virtues were well developed in the subject of this
sketch.

John Letcher was not sent to school in early life, but
began his career as a son of toil, beneath whose humble garb
beat a soul eager to acquire knowledge. At the age of fifteen
years we see him working at the trade of a tailor, studying
at every leisure hour, and hoarding his hard-earned savings
to help him to the goal of his ambition. But, not until after he
was twenty-one did he have the satisfaction of entering college.
At this period he became a student at Washington College,
Lexington, and drank deeply of the sources of information
there laid open to him. Deciding upon the profession of law,
he applied himself to its study, and entered upon its practice
in 1839, in his native town. His ability and steadfastness
soon won success, and with success, came friends. He
established at this time, at Lexington, "The Valley Star,"
and edited it ably in the advocacy of Democratic principles
and the cause of education. In his profession he rose rapidly,
and in the political questions agitating Virginia he took a
leading part.

In 1848 Mr. Letcher served as Presidential Elector on the
Democratic ticket, and when the Convention of 1850 was
called to remodel the State Constitution, he was returned to
that body by a large majority, although his district was
strongly Whig. In 1851 he was elected to Congress, and

continued to serve there for four successive terms. It was
here that, by his rigid adherence to principles of moderation
in expenditure and fidelity to the best interests of the people,
he obtained the soubriquet, "Honest John Letcher, the
watch-dog of the Treasury"—a distinction which accompanied
him throughout his chequered career.

Being elected Governor of Virginia in 1859, he took his
seat on January 1, 1860, and became Chief Executive at one
of the most trying periods of national and state history.
Waves of angry passion were now sweeping over the length
and breadth of the land, and the cloud of war, at first no
bigger than a man's hand, was soon to burst in relentless
fury over the devoted country.

Perhaps no better résumé can be found of the causes
which led the people of Virginia to sever their ties from the
Union they had loved so well, than the following, viz.:

PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTION

The following Ordinances of two Conventions, held
upon the soil of Virginia, the one at Richmond, April and
May, 1861, and the other at Wheeling, June, 1861, will give
also some idea of the disorder which was about to shake the
pillars of the old Commonwealth to their foundations:

AN ORDINANCE

A DECLARATION

Of the people of Virginia represented in Convention at the City of Wheeling,
Thursday, June 13th, 1861.

The true purpose of all government is to promote the welfare and provide
for the protection and security of the governed, and when any form
or organization of government proves inadequate for, or subversive of this
purpose, it is the right, it is the duty of the latter to alter or abolish it.
The Bill of Rights of Virginia, framed in 1776, reaffirmed in 1830, and
again in 1851, expressly reserves this right to a majority of her people.
The act of the General Assembly, calling the Convention which assembled
at Richmond in February last, without the previously expressed consent
of such majority, was therefore a usurpation; and the Convention thus
called has not only abused the powers nominally entrusted to it, but, with
the connivance and active aid of the executive, has usurped and exercised
other powers, to the manifest injury of the people, which, if permitted,
will inevitably subject them to a military despotism.

The Convention, by its pretended ordinances, has required the people
of Virginia to separate from and wage war against the government of the
United States, and against the citizens of neighboring States, with whom
they have heretofore maintained friendly social and business relations:

It has attempted to subvert the union founded by Washington and his
co-patriots in the purer days of the Republic, which has conferred unexampled
prosperity upon every class of citizens, and upon every section o
the country:

It has attempted to transfer the allegiance of the people to an illega
confederacy of rebellious States, and required their submission to its pretended
edicts and decrees:

It has attempted to place the whole military force and military operations
of the Commonwealth under the control and direction of such Confederacy,
for offensive as well as defensive purposes:

It has, in conjunction with the State Executive, instituted wherever
their usurped power extends, a reign of terror, intended to suppress the
free expression of the will of the people, making elections a mockery and
a fraud:

The same combination, even before the passage of the pretended
Ordinance of Secession, instituted war by the seizure and appropriation of
the property of the Federal Government, and by organizing and mobilizing

armies, with the avowed purpose of capturing or destroying the Capital of
the Union:

They have attempted to bring the allegiance of the people of the
United States into direct conflict with their subordinate allegiance to the
State, thereby making obedience to their pretended Ordinances, treason
against the former.

We, therefore, the delegates here assembled in Convention to devise
such measures and take such action as the safety and welfare of the loyal
citizens of Virginia may demand, having maturely considered the premises,
and viewing with great concern the deplorable condition to which this
once happy Commonwealth must be reduced unless some regular, adequate
remedy is speedily adopted, and appealing to the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe for the rectitude of our intentions, do hereby, in the name and
on the behalf of the good people of Virginia, solemnly declare, that the
preservation of their dearest rights and liberties, and their security in person
and property, imperatively demand the re-organization of the government
of the Commonwealth, and that all acts of said Convention and
Executive, tending to separate this Commonwealth from the United States,
or to levy and carry on war against them, are without authority and void;
and that the offices of all who adhere to the said Convention and Executive,
whether legislative, executive, or judicial, are vacated.

Governor Letcher loved the Union deeply, and his voice
was raised for moderation, conciliation, and for peace; but,
when Virginia severed her bonds from the government she
had so largely helped to establish, then her loyal Governor
stood by her side. Bravely did he fulfill his duty. Every
energy was devoted to the cause; and for nearly three years
he controlled the war policy of the State, and was a strong
support to the Southern Confederacy. During the war his
home was burned, but when hostilities had ceased, and the
white dove of peace had settled on the land, Governor Letcher,
emancipated from prison, where he had for several months
been confined by the Federal authorities, returned to Lexington,
and sought to build anew his shattered fortunes. In
1875 he was elected to the House of Delegates, and in 1876,
whilst in attendance upon the Assembly, was suddenly
stricken with paralysis. He passed peacefully away at Lexington,
January 26th, 1884, closing a valuable life, crowned
with the love and esteem of his fellow-citizens. A joint
resolution of respect to his memory was passed by the

General Assembly, then in session, from which the following
is an extract, viz.:

He left a widow and seven children to mourn his loss.

A portrait of Governor Letcher adorns the State Library
at Richmond, Virginia.

CVIII.

CVIII. WILLIAM SMITH.

CVIII. Governor.

CVIII. January 1, 1864, to May 9, 1865.

We now return to our review of William Smith's life, and
find him, on January 1, 1864, entering for the second time
upon the administration of civil affairs as Chief Executive of
Virginia. His experience of active life as a soldier up to
this time had made him familiar with many needs of the
military service of his country, and these his fertile genius
now rose to meet. Finding that local defense was indispensable
at Richmond, the place being often menaced by the
enemy, Governor Smith promptly organized two regiments
of men exempt from duty by reason of disability, age or nonage,
etc., attaching to each regiment a company of cavalry.
When the city was threatened afterwards, he assumed the
command of these troops, and on several occasions they rendered
highly important service. Again Governor Smith
realized fully, from personal observation, the great necessity
of supplies for the Southern Army, and by his independent
and sagacious plans in this behalf, he materially assisted the
Confederate commissariat. His measures were eminently
successful, and at the close of the war, the Confederacy was
indebted to Virginia in the sum of $300,000, for supplies
obtained through the agency of Governor Smith.

Upon the evacuation of Richmond, April 3, 1865, Governor
Smith determined to remove the seat of government to Lynchburg,
Virginia. Three days after his arrival there [3] General
Lee surrendered to General Grant. Again attempting to
follow the fortunes of the Confederacy, he moved yet farther
south, to Danville, Virginia. Here his hopes were shattered,

and he returned to his home, surrendered himself to the Federal
authorities and received his parole. After the war he
resided in Warrenton, Virginia, and there, for a time,
enjoyed the serene pleasures of a green old age. He passed
from the arena of human life in this quiet home, having survived
his wife, who had been his companion since 1811; but
he left several children to perpetuate the memory of the
worthy deeds of their distinguished father.

With the close of Governor Smith's second term, drew
near, also, the end of the war between the States; a war that
did not cease until the battles had numbered 2,261, nor until,
for four long years, the South had been drenched in blood.
But, with the end came peace, and only such peace as could
be bought at such a price; the peace of calm after storm, of
consent after conflict; the peace of forgetfulness and forgiveness;
the peace which the fathers bought and which the
sons had only for a season chased from the Ark of their Covenant—the
hallowed American Union.

CIX.

CIX. FRANCIS H. PIERPOINT.

CIX. Governor.

CIX. May 9, 1865, to April 16, 1868.

Francis H. Pierpoint, descended from early settlers of
New York and Central Pennsylvania, who had migrated to
Virginia, was born January 25th, 1814, in Monongalia
County, Virginia. His father was a farmer and also conducted
a tannery, in both of which occupations he was
assisted by his son, Francis. Young Pierpoint's educational
advantages were at this time very limited, but in June, 1835,
he entered Alleghany College, at Meadville, Pennsylvania,
from whence he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts, in September, 1839. He now taught school until 1841,
when he removed to Mississippi, still continuing a teacher.
In 1842 he returned to Virginia, and having studiously
applied himself, during his hours of leisure, to the acquisition
of the principles of law, he was now admitted a practitioner
in his chosen profession. From 1848, for a period of
eight years, he served as the local counsel of the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad Company, for the Counties of Marion and
Taylor. In 1853 he engaged in mining and shipping coal
by rail, and a little later, in the manufacture of fire bricks.
He early took an active interest in politics, and became
prominent in his section as an uncompromising opponent of
slavery.

When the Ordinance of Secession was passed, April 17,
1861, by the State Convention at Richmond, it was ratified
by the people of Eastern Virginia, whilst the vote in Western
Virginia was largely against it. In this anomalous attitude
of affairs, Mr. Pierpoint conceived the idea of a "restored
government," and at his suggestion a Convention en masse

was held at Wheeling. This led, finally, to the separation
of West Virginia from the parent State, and the organization
of an independent State government, upon which was engrafted
the intention of the people to maintain the rights of
the Commonwealth in the Union. Francis H. Pierpoint
was chosen "Provisional Governor" of this "restored government,"
by Convention, and he immediately organized
twelve Regiments of Militia to serve in the United States
Army. Subsequently a State Constitution was framed,
which was ratified by the people of West Virginia, on May
3, 1862, and Governor Pierpoint was elected Governor, to
fill the remaining portion of the term of Governor Letcher,
as West Virginia had declared that the functions of all officers
in the State of Virginia who adhered to the Southern
Confederacy were suspended, and the offices vacated.

West Virginia was admitted as a State into the Union on
June 20, 1863, and Governor Pierpoint, who had been elected
in the month of May for the term of three years commencing
January 1, 1864, now removed the seat of government to
Alexandria, Virginia. At his request a Convention was
called to pass an Ordinance of general slave emancipation,
and this, on February 22, 1864 was consummated in an
Ordinance abolishing slavery in the State forever.

On the 25th of May, 1865, Governor Pierpoint removed
his seat of Government to Richmond, the capital of Virginia.
Here he addressed himself to the tremendous difficulties of
the situation, but he clearly had the good of the people at
heart, and, by every effort and influence, he struggled, and
not in vain, to mitigate the trials of those by whom he was
surrounded. He continued in office beyond the period of his
term, which expired January 1, 1868, and held until April
16, 1868, when he was succeeded by General H. H. Wells,
appointed Provisional Governor by General John M. Schofield,
commanding the Military Department of Virginia.
Governor Pierpoint now retired to private life.

As an interesting picture of political affairs in Virginia at
this time, the following Resolutions of the General Assembly
are here quoted:

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Requesting the President of the United States to grant a general Amnesty
to the Citizens of Virginia. Adopted December 15, 1865.

Whereas, the people of Virginia are invited by the President of the
United States to unite, at this time, in giving thanks to Almighty God for
the return of peace and the restoration of the ancient relations between
the government of the United States and themselves—relations which it is
desirable should be universal, and without exception of individuals; and
whereas, observation and experience have impressed the members of this
General Assembly with the conviction that the more liberal exercise of
executive clemency is the surest and speediest means of overcoming
estrangements and reawakening those sentiments of attachment and devotion
in which a government, based on the consent of the governed, will
always find its best support and strongest defence: and whereas, in
the stricken and prostrate condition of this Commonwealth, it is of vital
importance that all of her citizens (who, from experience in public affairs
and from the influence they command, are capable of aiding in her resuscitation)
should be relieved from such disabilities as impair their capacity
for usefulness: Therefore,

Be it resolved by the General Assembly, That the President be earnestly
requested to grant a general pardon to all citizens of Virginia requiring
executive clemency under existing laws of the United States.

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Approving the Policy of the President of the United States, in reference to
the Reconstruction of the Union. Adopted February 6, 1866.

1. Resolved by the General Assembly of Virginia, That the people of
this Commonwealth, and their representatives here assembled, cordially
approve the policy pursued by Andrew Johnson, President of the United
States, in the reorganization of the Union. We accept the result of the
late contest, and do not desire to renew what has been so conclusively determined;
nor do we mean to permit any one, subject to our control, to
attempt its renewal, or to violate any of our obligations to the United
States Government. We mean to co-operate in the wise, firm, and just
policy adopted by the President, with all the energy and power we can
devote to that object.

2. That the above declaration expresses the sentiments and purposes
of all our people; and we denounce the efforts of those who represent our
views and intentions to be different, as cruel and criminal assaults on our
character and our interests. It is one of the misfortunes of our present
political condition, that we have among us persons whose interests are
temporarily promoted by such false representations; but we rely on the
intelligence and integrity of those who wield the powers of the United
States Government, for our safeguard against such malign influences.

3. That involuntary servitude, except for crime, is abolished, and
ought not to be re-established; and that the negro race among us should
be treated with justice, humanity, and good faith; and every means that
the wisdom of the Legislature can devise, should be used to make them
useful and intelligent members of society.

4. That Virginia will not voluntarily consent to change the adjustment
of political power fixed by the Constitution of the United States;
and to constrain her to do so in her present prostrate and helpless condition,
with no voice in the councils of the nation, would be an unjustifiable
breach of faith; and that her earnest thanks are due to the President for
the firm stand he has taken against amendments of the Constitution,
forced through in the present condition of affairs.

5. That a committee of eight be appointed, five on the part of this
House and three on the part of the Senate, whose duty it shall be to proceed
to Washington City, and present the foregoing resolutions to the President
of the United States.

This experience in the history of the "Old Dominion,"
may properly be termed "the transition period," when the
ruin and chaos of unsuccessful War had not yet crystallized
into the nobler forms of Peace.

CX.

CX. HENRY H. WELLS.

CX. Provisional Governor.

CX. April 16, 1868, to April 21, 1869.

Henry H. Wells was born in Rochester, New York,
September 17, 1823. He was educated at the Romeo Academy
in Michigan, and adopting law as his profession he was
admitted to the bar in Detroit. Here, he was a successful
practitioner from 1846 to 1861, serving in the Michigan Legislature
from 1854 to 1856.

Upon the breaking out of the late civil war, Mr. Wells
entered the volunteer service of the United States Army, and
rose to the distinction of Brigadier-General. Having resigned
from the army, he located in 1865 in Richmond,
Virginia, and resumed the practice of law. Here he was appointed,
April 16, 1868, by General John M. Schofield, United
States Army, commanding the First Military District of Virginia,
Provisional Governor of Virginia. He held this station
until April 21, 1869, when he resigned, and Gilbert C. Walker,
Governor-elect of the state, by popular vote, was appointed in
his stead, by General E. R. S. Canby, United States Army,
then commanding the First Military District of Virginia.
General Wells was soon after appointed United States Attorney
for the Eastern District of Virginia, which position he
held until 1872, when he resigned and resumed the practice
of law. In 1875 he removed to Washington City, and in
September of that year was appointed and entered upon the
duties of United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.
He held this post until 1879.

The period when General Wells was Governor of Virginia
was an exceptional era in the chequered history of the state;

these were not days of order and administration under settled
and regular provisions of law enacted by chosen law-makers,
—but they were days of contest, struggle, and strife, of suspicion
and misunderstanding. Notwithstanding all these
untoward circumstances, the people were not defrauded of
their just rights or of their property with the knowledge or
consent of Governor Wells, and especially, were not disturbed
in any way by force or disorder. Their substance
was not wasted by improvident expenditures, and many
unrecorded kindnesses were extended to them by their military
Governor. Only those who have lived through such an
ordeal as Virginia then experienced, when

can estimate the terrors of—what might have been.

But a common, noble past is a strong constituent in American
brotherhood; and in looking back we feel that the
memory of the surrender at Yorktown lessened the sting of
the surrender at Appomatox. The glorious sun of July 4th,
which for so long had warmed the great national heart, and
burned into it a love of unity and independence, now touched
the tear-drops of a Fallen Cause, and turned these emblems
of a weeping night into the prismatic spectrum of a better
morrow.

CXI.

CXI. GILBERT C. WALKER.

CXI. Provisional Governor.

CXI. April 21, 1869, to January 1, 1870.

CXI. Governor.
January 1, 1870, to January 1, 1874.

Gilbert Carleton Walker was born in Binghamton,
New York, August 1, 1832. Enjoying early tuition at Binghamton
Academy, he entered first, Williams College, Massachusetts,
and subsequently Hamilton College, New York,
graduating from the latter institution in July, 1854. Having
adopted law as his profession, he was admitted to the bar in
September, 1855, and commenced practice in Oswego, New
York. He at once entered the arena of politics, serving in
1858 as a member of the State Democratic Convention. In
1859 he removed to Chicago, Illinois, continuing the practice
of his profession and participating also in the political questions
of the day. In 1864 he moved to Virginia and located
in Norfolk, where he soon became the president of a bank, "The
Exchange National," and held also, there, other positions of
honor and trust. Subsequently he removed his residence to
Richmond, Virginia, and in January, 1869, was elected on
the Liberal Republican ticket, Governor of Virginia, by a
majority of 18,000 votes. On the 21st of April following he
was appointed by General Canby, Provisional Governor of
Virginia, to succeed General Henry H. Wells, the State not
having then been re-admitted into the Union. He thus acted
until January 1, 1870, when he entered upon the regular
gubernatorial term (under the State Constitution of 1869) of
four years, to which he had been duly elected.

On January 1, 1874, he was succeeded by General James
Lawson Kemper as Governor.

In 1875 Governor Walker was elected to the Forty-fourth
Congress from the Third District of Virginia, as a Conservative,
and served as chairman of the Committee on Education
and Labor. In 1877 he was re-elected to Congress as a Democrat,
and served on the Committee on the Revision of the
Laws of the United States.

In 1881 Governor Walker removed to his native place,
Binghamton, New York, but later, settled in New York City,
enjoying there a lucrative practice. His gifts were many,
and his prepossessing appearance, his gracious manner, and
varied acquirements made him an acceptable and persuasive
speaker before literary and scientific bodies, as well as an
able debater in the field of law and politics.

The following Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia
occurred during Governor Walker's provisional administration.
They are a part of the story of Reconstruction days:

AN ACT

ARTICLE XIV.

AN ACT

ARTICLE XV.

See Note D, Appendix, on "Reconstruction."

CXII.

CXII. JAMES LAWSON KEMPER.

CXII. Governor.

CXII. January 1, 1874, to January 1, 1878.

James Lawson Kemper was descended from one of the
families which arrived in Virginia from Oldenburg, Germany,
in April, 1714. These Germans left their native land for the
free exercise of their religion, "The Reformed Calvinistic
Church," and finally settled at a place they called "Germantown,"
about eight miles from what is now, Warrenton,
in Fauquier County, Virginia.

Mr. Kemper was born in Madison County, Virginia, in
1824. After early tuition in primary schools in his native
county he entered Washington College, from whence he
graduated with the degree of Master of Arts. Subsequently
he studied law. In 1847 he was commissioned Captain in
the volunteer service of the United States, by President
James K. Polk, and joined General Zachary Taylor's army
of occupation in Mexico, just after the battle of Buena Vista,
and thus failed in the desired honor of active service in the
Mexican War.

Returning to his home in Virginia, Captain Kemper at
once entered political life, and was sent by his native county
to represent it in the House of Delegates, where he remained
for ten years, serving two years as Speaker, and for a long
period was the Chairman of the Committee on Military affairs.
On the 2d of May, 1861, he was commissioned by the
Virginia Convention, on the nomination of Governor Letcher,
Colonel of Virginia Volunteers, C. S. A., and assigned to the
command of the 7th Regiment of Infantry, which command
he assumed at Manassas, Virginia. From this time on, he
participated in the most sanguinary operations of the war.

Immediately after the battle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862,
where, with his 7th Regiment, he had been in the hottest of
the fight for nine successive hours, Colonel Kemper was promoted
to the rank of Brigadier-General. Engaging now
constantly in active service in the field, he passed through
many bloody battles, until at Gettysburg he received a desperate
wound. This, for a period, rendered him unfit for
field duty, but, when partially recovered, he was assigned to
the important command of the local forces in and around
Richmond, the oft-beleaguered Capital of the Confederacy.

On March 1, 1864, General Kemper was commissioned
Major-General. Until the evacuation of Richmond, General
Kemper remained in command of the forces protecting that
city. Upon the close of the war he returned to his home in
Madison County, and resumed the practice of law. In 1873
he was elected Governor of Virginia, and assumed the duties
of this office January 1, 1874. His administration was highly
successful, and the old State turned once more to her Chief
Executive as to one whom the people delighted to honor.

Upon the expiration of his term Governor Kemper retired
to his home in Madison County, carrying the honor and
affection of his grateful fellow-citizens with him.

The following Resolutions passed by the General Assembly
during the early part of Governor Kemper's administration,
will show the sentiments then prevalent in the state
concerning the celebrated Civil Rights Bill:

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

CXIII.

CXIII. FREDERICK W. M. HOLLIDAY.

CXIII. Governor.

CXIII. January 1, 1878, to January 1, 1882.

Frederick William Mackey Holliday, of staunch
Scotch-Irish lineage, is descended directly from William Holliday,
who came from the north of Ireland to America with
his parents, at the age of fourteen. They settled first in
Pennsylvania, but afterwards located permanently in Winchester,
Virginia. Here the family attained prominence and
influence in the social and business world of that region.

Mr. Holliday, the subject of this sketch, son of Dr. Richard
J. M. Holliday, was born in Winchester, Virginia, February
22, 1828. After enjoying preparatory instruction at the
Academy of his native place, he entered Yale College, from
which institution he graduated with distinguished honors in
1847. Adopting the legal profession, he entered the University
of Virginia, and in one session graduated in law and
other high branches of education. His gifts as a speaker
were recognized in his selection as "Final Orator" of the
Jefferson Society, and he returned from college life well prepared
to enter the arena of legal, literary, and political debate.
Within a year after coming to the bar he was elected Commonwealth's
Attorney for the Courts of Winchester and
County of Frederick, and continued to hold this position by
successive re-election until the breaking out of the late civil
war. He went with the first troops to Harper's Ferry, and
on his return from that historic prelude to the great drama
about to be enacted, he assumed command of a Company of
Infantry raised in his native place. Captain Holliday
devoted himself now to the thorough discipline and drill of
his company, which, for a time, was employed in detached

service, but was subsequently assigned to the 33d Virginia
Infantry, "Stonewall Brigade." Captain Holliday, by successive
promotion, attained the command of the Regiment.
He participated in all the encounters in which his command
was engaged, including the sanguinary battles of McDowell's,
Winchester, Port Republic, and those around Richmond,
without being absent from duty for a single day, until August
9, 1862, when at the battle of Cedar Run, or Slaughter's
Mountain, he lost his right arm. This injury unfitting him for
service in the field, he was elected to the Confederate Congress,
of which body he remained a member until the close of the war.

Colonel Holliday now returned to Winchester, and resuming
his former profession took a high rank at the bar. Enjoying
from this time on, many positions of confidence and honor, he
was finally elected Governor of Virginia, and entered upon
the duties of the office January 1, 1878. His public acts during
his term are chiefly expressed in his various state papers,
and his faithful administration of the affairs of Virginia in a
season of peculiar trial, reflects great credit upon his purity
as an Executive, and upon his unfaltering devotion to the
honor and glory of his state. To a sound and broad education
he added personal ability of a high order, and the most
unflinching intellectual and moral courage. He had an
exalted standard of public life, and his services in the cause
of the State debt, rendered at every risk of political advancement,
specially distinguished his course as Governor of Virginia.

Governor Holliday has been twice married, but no children
survive by either marriage. Since the expiration of his
gubernatorial term his time has been chiefly devoted to foreign
travel, embellishing thereby a mind already stored with
unusual literary attainments.

Among Governor Holliday's published addresses are the
following:

"Oration before the Library Company and citizens of
Winchester, Virginia, July 4, 1850."

"Principle and Practice, an address before the Winchester
Library Company, April 14, 1851."

"Oration before the United Fire Department and citizens
of Winchester, Virginia, July 4, 1851."

"In Memoriam—General Robert E. Lee—Ceremonies at
Winchester, Virginia, January 19, 1871."

"The Higher Education, the Hope of American Republicanism,
an address before the Society of the Alumni of the
University of Virginia, June 29, 1876."

"Welcome Address, Yorktown, Virginia, October 19,
1881, by appointment of the Commission of the Congress of
the United States for the Centennial Celebration."

CXIV.

CXIV. WILLIAM EWAN CAMERON.

CXIV. Governor.

CXIV. January 1, 1882, to January 1, 1886.

William Ewan Cameron, son of Walker Anderson
Cameron and Elizabeth Harrison Walker Cameron, was born
in Petersburg, Virginia, November 29, 1842. According to
tradition, the family is descended from the Scottish chieftain
of the clan Cameron, Sir Ewan Lochiel, whose prowess is celebrated
in song as well as history.

Young Cameron was early thrown upon his own resources
by the death of his parents, and at the age of sixteen
he went West in pursuit of fortune. Upon the breaking
out of the late civil war, he left St. Louis, Missouri, and
returned to his native state. He enlisted as a private in
Company A, 12th Regiment, Virginia Volunteers. His
soldierly merit was soon acknowledged, and by successive
promotions he attained the rank of Brigade Inspector. He
served throughout the war, was several times severely
wounded, and finally surrendered at Appomattox Court
House, with the rank of Captain.

From this time, he devoted his talents principally to journalism,
being connected with the editorial staff of the "Daily
News," of Petersburg, Virginia, and afterwards with "The
Index and Appeal," of the same city. He then edited the
"Norfolk Virginian," but returned to Petersburg and took
charge of the "Index," which he conducted until 1870, when
he became editor of the "Richmond Whig." In 1872 Captain
Cameron assumed control of the "Richmond Enquirer," which
he conducted until 1873. In 1876 he was elected Mayor of
Petersburg, Virginia, and thus served by four successive
elections, until nominated as Governor of Virginia. In 1881

Captain Cameron was elected to this responsible office, and
entered upon its duties January 1, 1882, for the period of
four years.

Governor Cameron was a vigorous writer and an effective
speaker, and as an able Executive his administration was
highly satisfactory to his constituents.

Among the Acts of the General Assembly, during his
term, was the abolition of the "whipping-post," a section of
the ancient criminal code peculiarly obnoxious to evil-doers,
as well as offensive to the sentiments of advancing civilization.

This Act, approved April 21, 1882, says:

Also, an Act was passed, approved April 21, 1882, giving
the consent of the State of Virginia for the purchase, by the
United States, of a tract of land at Yorktown, for the purpose
of the erection thereon, by the United States, of a monument
to commemorate the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his
forces, to the allied army commanded by General George
Washington, in October, 1781.

CXV.

CXV. FITZHUGH LEE.

CXV. Governor.

CXV. January 1, 1886, to January 1, 1890.

Fitzhugh Lee is the third of this distinguished family
whose name is enrolled upon the list of Virginia's chief
executives, viz.: Thomas Lee, President of the Council,
1749; Henry Lee, Governor, 1791, and the subject of this
sketch, who assumed the duties of this high office, January
1, 1886.

Fitzhugh Lee was born at "Clermont," Fairfax County,
Virginia, November 19, 1835, being the son of Sydney Smith
Lee and Nannie Mason Lee; having Governor Henry Lee as
grandfather on the paternal, and George Mason as great-grandfather
on the maternal side.

At the age of sixteen, Fitzhugh Lee was appointed a
cadet at West Point, from which institution he graduated with
distinction, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the
famous old Second Cavalry, of which Albert Sidney Johnston
was Colonel. Lieutenant Lee soon distinguished himself as
a disciplinarian, and later, won the admiration of his comrades
on the frontier of Texas, by his gallantry in various
fights with the Indians. He was the Second Lieutenant of
Kirby Smith's Company, and when that company joined
the celebrated and successful Wichita expedition under
Van Dorn, Lee was selected by Van Dorn as his Adjutant.
In the battle of May 13, 1859, between six companies of his
regiment and a large force of Comanche Indians, he was
chosen to command a picked body that charged on foot the
thick jungle, in which the Indians had taken refuge. Lieutenant
Lee fell, towards the end of the fight, pierced through
the lungs with an arrow; he was carried out on the prairie,

and borne for 200 miles in a horse litter, and his life for weeks
was despaired of.

General Scott, subsequently, in published orders, says:
"Major Van Dorn notices the conspicuous gallantry and
energy of Second Lieutenant Fitzhugh Lee, Adjutant of the
expedition, who was dangerously wounded." On the 15th
January, 1860, he is again mentioned in orders by General
Scott as having (in command of a portion of his company)
had another fight with the Indians, in which his rapid pursuit,
recovery of stolen property, and personal combat with
one of the chiefs, are all highly commended. The spirit of
"Light-Horse Harry" certainly showed itself now in his
young grandson.

In May, 1860, Fitzhugh Lee was appointed instructor of
Cavalry at West Point, a very complimentary detail, and it
was while fulfilling the duties of this post that the breaking out
of the late civil war found him. He now resigned his position
in the United States Army, with pangs known only to the
truly loyal in a case of divided duty, and was first assigned
in the Confederate States Army, as Adjutant-General to General
R. S. Ewell. He served here in the first battle of
Manassas, and after that was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the
First Virginia Cavalry. From this time on, "Fitz Lee"
was so identified with the Cavalry of the Army of Northern
Virginia that it would take a history of this branch of the
service to narrate his operations. Suffice it to say, that he
gathered honors as the combat grew, and in May, 1863,
shortly after the battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, we find
his uncle, the Commanding General, Robert E. Lee, thus
writing to him:

In the latter part of 1863, Fitzhugh Lee was placed in
command of a division of Cavalry, and in the spring of 1865
he was by order of the Commanding General placed in command

of the Cavalry Corps of the army of Northern Virginia.
He was one of the three Corps Commanders who, with General
R. E. Lee, composed the Council of War just before the surrender.

After that event, General Fitzhugh Lee retired to his farm
in Stafford County, Virginia, and accepting the situation of
defeat, amidst the desolation around, turned his attention
to the milder arts of peace.

His hold upon the affections of the people of Virginia was
thus deepened, for passing together through this period of
trial—sharper than the iron hail of battle—they became
doubly united to him through common suffering and disaster.
They lost no opportunity to do him honor, and his noble
desire to "bury the past" strongly appealed to the better
judgment of those who, with that past, had much to bury.

At the Yorktown Centennial, General Fitzhugh Lee commanded
the Virginia troops, and received an ovation equal
to that accorded to the President of the United States,
or any of the distinguished soldiers and civilians present.

At the inaugural of President Cleveland, on the 4th
March, 1885, as General Lee rode up Pennsylvania Avenue,
Washington, D. C., at the head of the Division he commanded,
he was greeted everywhere with cheers and the waving
of handkerchiefs, and unconsciously evoked an enthusiasm
which must have warmed his soldier heart.

Again, when he served on General Hancock's staff at
the funeral of General Grant, he met the same fervid and
flattering greeting.[4]

No wonder was it then that this favorite of the people
was, in 1885, elected Governor of Virginia. He assumed the
duties of the office, January 1, 1886, and his administration

was most successful, giving, as Chief Executive, satisfaction
as sound and abiding, as had been the glory he had won
upon the bloody field of battle.

Among the Acts of the General Assembly during Governor
Lee's term may be quoted the following, as touching
an important legal question decided by the Supreme Court of
the United States, December 5, 1887. (See United States
Reports, Vol. 123, Page 443. October Term, 1887.)

JOINT RESOLUTION

General Fitzhugh Lee married Miss Ellen Fowle, of Alexandria,
Virginia, and has a large and interesting family.

CXVI.

CXVI. PHILIP W. McKINNEY.

CXVI. Governor.

CXVI. January 1, 1890, to January 1, 1894.

Philip W. McKinney, son of Charles and Martha Guarrant
McKinney, was born in Buckingham County, Virginia,
March 17, 1832. His early school days were passed in his
native county, but his higher education was pursued first at
Hampden Sidney College, whence he graduated with distinction;
and later, at Washington and Lee University,
where he made the study of law a specialty. After leaving
the University, he entered immediately upon the practice of
his profession.

In April, 1861, he entered the Confederate States Army
as Captain of Company K, 4th Virginia Cavalry, and was
with that regiment in all of its gallant service, until incapacitated
for the field by wounds received in 1863, at Brandy
Station, Virginia. After this he performed local duty for a
year at Danville, and then took his seat as a member of the
General Assembly of Virginia, where he served until the close
of the war. Since that time he has been one of the most prominent
members of the bar in Virginia. He has filled the office
of prosecuting attorney for several terms, has been three times
elector on the Democratic Presidential ticket for the fourth
district in Virginia; was elector at large in 1884; in 1881
was the Democratic nominee for Attorney-General, and in
1885 was a candidate for nomination for Governor of Virginia,
receiving among the several candidates the next highest
vote to that by which Governor Lee was nominated.

In 1889, Mr. McKinney was elected Governor of Virginia
for the term of four years, beginning January 1, 1890.

Governor McKinney has been twice married, and has two

children. His first wife, Miss Nannie Christian, died leaving
one son, Robert C., when Mr. McKinney married, secondly,
Miss Annie Lyle, of Farmville, Virginia.

Governor McKinney's period of administration has been
of special interest in the history of the Commonwealth, embracing
as it does the settlement of the question of the state
debt—a question which for several years had agitated the
public mind in Virginia to a very serious extent.

In developing the internal resources of the state, Virginia,
as far back as 1820, resorted to the policy of building her
canals, railroads, and turnpikes with money borrowed upon
her own credit. For this, she in return issued her bonds,
promising to pay six per cent. per annum until the principal
was returned. Virginia kept her promise faithfully until the
outbreak of the late civil war, when she, whose word was her
bond and whose bond was as good as gold, became hemmed
in by a circle of fire from the outer world, and was the prey
of the devastation and rapine of war within her borders.
Her creditors at the North and in Europe beheld her torn and
bleeding, but they awaited the hour when, true to herself,
she would redeem her pledges.

To complicate the issue, the territory of Virginia had
during the war been dismembered, and fully one third of her
fair domain erected into a separate state, known as West
Virginia. This portion of the state had participated in borrowing
the money and in sharing the benefits with which
Virginia was charged, and it seemed but reasonable that
(though subsequently in altered relations to the Union)
West Virginia's actual and honorable indebtedness should
be unchanged to the creditors of Virginia.

At an extra session of the General Assembly, held at the
City of Wheeling, July 1st, 1861, an Act was passed, July
26, 1861, authorizing the executive to borrow money on the
credit of the state, and "as security for any such loan or
loans, certificates of debt or bonds of the state, irredeemable
for any period not greater than thirty-four years, may be
issued, and the revenue and property of the state, or any part
of either, may be pledged for their redemption." This is

ample evidence of the participation of this portion of Virginia
in borrowing money upon state credit.

In 1871, the principal of the debt of Virginia, with its
unpaid and overdue interest, amounted to the sum of about
$45,000,000.

Of the legislation, litigation, and political divisions in the
state growing out of the settlement of this debt, time fails to
tell, but its final adjustment was accomplished during the
administration of Governor McKinney, as will be seen by the
following, viz.:

AN ACT

Whereas, by a joint resolution of the General Assembly of the State
of Virginia, adopted on the third day of March, eighteen hundred and
ninety, a commission was appointed on the part of Virginia to receive
propositions for funding the debt of the State not funded under the Act
known as the "Riddleberger Bill," approved February fourteenth, eighteen
hundred and eighty-two, from a properly constituted representative of
her creditors; and

Whereas, said Virginia Debt Commission has submitted a report to
the General Assembly, wherein it appears that under a certain agreement,
dated May twelfth, eighteen hundred and ninety, lodged with the Central
Trust Company of New York, Frederick P. Olcott, William L. Bull, Henry
Budge, Charles D. Dickey, Jr., Hugh R. Garden, and John Gill, constituting
a committee for certain of the creditors of Virginia, called the
"Bondholders' Committee," have proposed to said commission to surrender
to the State in bulk not less than twenty-three million of dollars
of the public debt, unfunded under said Act approved February fourteenth,
eighteen hundred and eighty-two, in exchange for an issue of new bonds,
as hereinafter specified, the same to be apportioned between the several
classes of creditors by a tribunal which the said creditors have themselves
appointed; and that, in pursuance of said proposal, an agreement has
been entered into unanimously between the said commission and the said
bondholders' committee, subject to approval by the General Assembly,
whereby in exchange for the said unsettled obligations of the State held
by the public, which were issued prior to February fourteenth, eighteen

hundred and eighty-two (exclusive of evidences of debt held by the public
institutions of the Commonwealth pursuant to law and by the United
States), together with the interest thereon to July first, eighteen hundred
and ninety-one, inclusive, aggregating about twenty-eight million of dollars,
there shall be issued nineteen million of dollars of new bonds, dated
July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one, and maturing one hundred
years from said date, with interest thereon at the rate of two per centum
per annum for ten years from said first day of July, eighteen hundred and
ninety-one, and three per centum per annum for ninety years thereafter
to the date of maturity, said interest to be payable semi-annually; of
which aggregate debt of about twenty-eight million of dollars the said
bondholders' committee represent that they now hold and agree to surrender
not less than twenty-three million of dollars; and

Whereas, said report and agreement contemplate the surrender of the
obligations held by the bondholders' committee as an entirety, and do not
contemplate an apportionment by the General Assembly between the
various classes of creditors so represented by said bondholders' committee,
the same having been committed to a distributing tribunal, as hereinbefore
recited; and

Whereas, it is the desire and intention of the General Assembly that a
settlement of all the other outstanding obligations of the State (except
those issued under the Act of February fourteenth, eighteen hundred and
eighty-two, the evidences of debt held by the public institutions of the
State in pursuance of law and by the United States) as well as those controlled
by the bondholders' committee, as aforesaid, shall be made under
the provisions of this Act; therefore—

1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That the commissioners
of the sinking fund, a majority of whom may act, be and they
are hereby empowered and directed to create "listable" engraved bonds,
registered and coupon, to such an extent as may be necessary to issue
nineteen million of dollars of bonds in lieu of the twenty-eight million
dollars of outstanding obligations, not funded under the Act approved
February fourteenth, eighteen hundred and eighty-two, hereinbefore
recited.

2. The said bonds shall be dated July first, eighteen hundred and
ninety-one, and be payable at the office of the treasurer of the State, or at
such agency in the city of New York as may be designated by the State,
on the first day of July, nineteen hundred and ninety-one, and shall bear
interest from date, payable semi-annually on the first days of January and
July in each year, at the rate of two per centum per annum for the first
ten years, and three per centum per annum for the remaining ninety
years; the said interest may be payable in Richmond, New York, and
London, or at either place, as may be designated by the State; provided,
that the State may at any time and from time to time after July first, nineteen
hundred and six, redeem at par any part of the principal with

accrued interest. In case of such redemption before maturity, the bonds
to be paid shall be determined by lot by said commissioners of the
sinking fund, and notice of the bonds so selected to be paid shall be given
by publication beginning at least ninety days prior to an interest-due
date, in a newspaper published in Richmond, Virginia, one in New York
City, and one in London, England; and the interest from and after the
next succeeding interest-due date shall cease upon the bonds so designated
to be paid; provided, that no registered bonds shall be so redeemed while
there are any coupon bonds outstanding.

3. The form of the bonds shall be substantially as follows, to
wit:

Issued under act of Assembly, approved ——— day of
——, eighteen hundred and ninety-two.

The Commonwealth of Virginia acknowledges herself to be indebted
to ——— (in case of a coupon bond, to the bearer, and in case
of a registered bond, inserting the name of a person or corporation), or
assigns, in the sum of —— dollars, which she promises to pay in
lawful money of the United States, at the office of the treasurer of the
State, or at such agency in the city of New York as may be designated by
the State, on the first day of July, nineteen hundred and ninety-one, with
the option of payment at par with accrued interest, before maturity at any
time after July first, nineteen hundred and six, and interest at the office of
the treasurer of the State, or at the agencies of the State in New York
City and London, England, or at either place, as may from time to time be
designated by the State, in such lawful money aforesaid, at the rate of two
per centum per annum for ten years from the first day of July, eighteen
hundred and ninety-one, and at the rate of three per centum per annum
thereafter until paid, payable semi-annually on January first and July first
in each year (according to the tenor of the annexed coupon bearing the
engraved signature of the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, in case of coupon
bonds). And this obligation is hereby made exempt from any taxation
by the said Commonwealth of Virginia, or any county or municipal
corporation thereof.

In testimony whereof, witness the signature of the treasurer and the
countersignature of the second auditor of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
hereto affixed according to law.

Treasurer.

Second Auditor.

4. The form of coupon for coupon bonds shall be substantially as follows,
to wit:

Coupon No.—.

On the first day of ——— the Commonwealth of Virginia will
pay to bearer —— dollars in lawful money of the United States, at the
office of the treasurer of the State, or at the agencies of the State in New
York City and London, England, or at either place, as may be designated

by the State; the same being six months' interest on bond number —.
— dollars.

——, Treasurer.

Each coupon to be impressed on the back with its number, in order
of maturity, from number one consecutively.

5. Said commissioners of the sinking fund are authorized to issue
coupon bonds in denominations of five hundred and one thousand dollars
each, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act; provided
that registered bonds may be issued of the denominations of one hundred
dollars, five hundred dollars, one thousand dollars, five thousand dollars,
ten thousand dollars; and they are authorized and directed to issue said
bonds, registered or coupon, in exchange for the said outstanding obligations
up to and including July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one
(exclusive of evidences of debt held by public institutions of the Commonwealth
as aforesaid and by the United States) as follows:

A. Said bondholders' committee may at any time on or before the
thirtieth day of June, eighteen hundred and ninety-two, present to said
commissioners for verification bonds and other evidences of debt, and
coupons or other evidences of interest thereon, obligations of the State of
Virginia, held by said committee, for exchange as aforesaid; and said
commissioners shall determine whether the obligations so presented are
genuine obligations of the State and whether the coupons or other evidences
of interest represent interest accrued on such obligations (exclusive
of evidences of debt held by public institutions of the Commonwealth
as aforesaid and by the United States).

B. Such of the obligations so presented for verification as may be
determined by said commissioners to conform to the requirements of paragraph
A hereof, shall be sealed in convenient packages as the examination
proceeds. Each of the packages shall be numbered, and upon each
package shall be endorsed the amount and character of the obligations
therein contained. Such endorsement on each package shall be signed
by said commissioners or a majority thereof, and the package shall then
be delivered to said committee or its agent. Said commissioners shall
keep in a book to be provided for the purpose a record of the numbers of
all such packages and of the amount and character of the obligations contained
in each. Such obligations presented by said bondholders' committee
as do not conform to the requirements of paragraph A hereof shall be
returned to said committee; but said commissioners shall keep a record
thereof in the book aforesaid.

C. After said bondholders' committee shall have presented to said
commissioners for verification bonds and other evidences of debt and coupons,
or other evidences of interest thereon accrued on or before July first,
eighteen hundred and ninety-one, obligations of the State of Virginia, all
conforming to the requirements of paragraph A hereof, as determined by
said commissioners, and amounting in the aggregate to not less than twenty-three
million of dollars, after deducting one third of the principal and

interest of such obligations as were issued prior to the thirtieth day of
March, eighteen hundred and seventy-one, and also deducting one third
of the principal and interest of such obligations as were issued under the
Act approved the thirtieth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-one,
as do include West Virginia's proportion, said bondholders' committee
may at any time on or prior to the thirtieth day of June, eighteen
hundred and ninety-two, present the same in bulk to said commissioners
for surrender and exchange as herein provided. All coupons matured or
to mature on coupon bonds after July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one,
or coupons of like class and amount, or the face value thereof in cash
shall be surrendered with such bonds, the said cash to be returned if
proper coupons are subseqently tendered. And when the said bondholders'
committee shall have presented for exchange the obligations
aforesaid to an amount of twenty-three million of dollars or more, if the
engraved bonds hereinbefore authorized are not ready for exchange, the
said commissioners shall, upon application of said bondholders' committee,
issue to said bondholders' committee a manuscript registered bond of
the State of Virginia, substantially of the form of the bond hereinbefore
specified, for the aggregate amount to which the said committee may be
entitled for the obligations so presented under this Act, the said bond to
be exchangeable for the engraved bonds aforesaid of character and amount
required by said committee, as prescribed in this Act, and interest in the
meantime on said manuscript bond shall be paid as herein provided for on
the engraved bonds.

D. The said new bonds shall be issued to said bondholders' committee
by the said commissioners in the following proportion, to wit: nineteen
thousand dollars of the new bonds to be created under this act shall be
issued for every twenty-eight thousand of old outstanding obligations
(principal and interest to July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one), as
aforesaid, surrendered by said bondholders' committee to the said commissioners,
after the deductions provided for in paragraph C of this section;
and a proportionate amount of said new bonds shall be issued for smaller
sums of said outstanding obligations so surrendered; provided that no
certificates issued on account of the proportion of West Virginia of the
obligations of the State shall be funded under this act. When said bond-holdholders'
committee shall have surrendered and exchanged such obligations
as aforesaid to the amount of at least twenty-three million dollars,
said committee may at any time thereafter up to and including the thirtieth
day of June, eighteen hundred and ninety-two, present to said commissioners
for verification, surrender, and exchange additional obligations,
principal and interest, as aforesaid; all coupons matured or to mature on
coupon bonds after July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one, or coupons of
like class and amount, or the face value thereof in cash, to be presented with
such bonds, the cash, if paid, to be returned if proper coupons are subsequently
tendered. After said commissioners shall have determined that

said obligations conform to the requirements of paragraph A hereof, said
commissioners shall accept the obligations so presented for surrender and
exchange by said committee, and shall deliver to said committee in
exchange therefor new bonds issued under the provisions of this Act in the
same proportion as is set out in this paragraph of this section, after making
the deductions provided for in paragraph C of this section.

E. If on making the exchange provided for in this Act said committee
shall be found entitled to a fractional amount or amounts less than one
hundred dollars in addition to the new bonds delivered to it, said commissioners
of the sinking fund shall issue to the committee a certificate or certificates
for such amount or amounts. Such fractional certificates shall be
exchangeable for the bonds authorized by this Act to be issued in sums of
one hundred dollars, or any multiple thereof, and certificates of like character
shall be issued for any fractional amount which may remain in making
the exchange.

6. For all balances of the indebtedness, constituting West Virginia's
share of the old debt, principal and interest, in the settlement of Virginia's
equitable share of the bonds authorized to be exchanged under this
Act, the said share having been heretofore determined by the Commonwealth
of Virginia, the said commissioners shall issue certificates substantially
in the following form, viz.:

No. —. The Commonwealth of Virginia has this day discharged
her equitable share of the (registered or coupon, as the case may be) bond
for — dollars, dated — day of —, and No. —, leaving a balance
of — dollars, with interest from —, to be accounted for to
the holder of this certificate by the State of West Virginia, without
recourse upon this Commonwealth.

Done at the capital of the State of Virginia, this — day of —,
eighteen hundred and ninety-two.

— —, Second Auditor.

— —, Treasurer.

The certificates so issued under sections five and six of this Act shall
be recorded by the second auditor in a book kept for that purpose, giving
the date and number of the transaction to which it refers, the amount of
certificates, and the name of the person or corporation to whom issued and
delivered; and as such certificates, authorized by paragraph E, section
five of this Act, are exchanged, the same shall be cancelled and preserved
as herein provided in respect to the evidences of debt refunded.

7. The commissioners of the sinking fund are hereby authorized and
required to receive on deposit for verification, classification, and exchange
such of the said obligations of the State as may be presented to said commissioners;
provided, that said commissioners shall not receive on deposit
for the purposes aforesaid any outstanding obligations of the State which
have been once deposited with the bondholders' committee, or may be
hereafter deposited with them; the said verification and exchange for the

new bonds of the obligations so deposited to be conducted in the same
manner as hereinbefore provided with respect to the obligations deposited
with the said bondholders' committee; and the said commissioners of the
sinking fund shall issue to and distribute amongst said depositing creditors
after they have fully complied with the terms of this Act, in exchange
for the obligations so deposited, bonds authorized by this Act as follows,
viz.: To each of the several classes of said depositing creditors the same
proportion, as nearly as may be found in their judgment practicable by
the commissioners of the sinking fund, as the same class shall receive
under the distribution which shall be made by the commission for the
creditors represented by the bondholders' committee: provided, that no
obligations shall be received for such deposit after the thirtieth day of
June, eighteen hundred and ninety-two, nor shall any coupon bonds be
received which do not have attached thereto all the coupons maturing
after July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one; but for any such coupons
as may be missing, coupons of like class and amount, or the face
value thereof in cash may be received; the said cash, if paid, to be
returned if proper coupons are subsequently tendered; and each depositor
shall, when he receives his distributive share of the said new issue of
bonds, pay to the commissioners of the sinking fund three and one-half
per centum in cash of the par value of the bonds received by him, or a
commission equal in amount to that which may at any time hereafter be
fixed by the said committee of bondholders upon any bonds deposited
with them, not, however, in any case to exceed three and one-half per
centum; and said sinking fund commissioners shall cover the fund thus
received into the treasury of the Commonwealth.

8. All the coupon and registered bonds issued under this Act shall be
separately recorded by the second auditor in books provided for the specific
purpose, in each case giving the date, number, amount of obligations
issued, and the name of the person or corporation to whom issued, and
the date, number, amount, and description of the obligations surrendered.

9. All the bonds and certificates of debt, and evidences of past due and
unpaid interest, taken in under the provisions of this Act, shall be cancelled
by the treasurer in the presence of the commissioners of the sinking
fund, or a majority thereof, as the same are acquired, and by him
carefully preserved, subject to disposition by the General Assembly; a
schedule of the bonds, certificates, and other evidences of debt so cancelled
shall be certified by said commissioners and filed by the treasurer
for preservation.

10. In the year nineteen hundred and ten, and annually thereafter, there
shall be set apart of the revenue collected from the property of the State
each year up to and including the year nineteen hundred and twenty-nine,
one-half of one per cent. upon the bonds issued under this Act, as well as
upon the outstanding bonds issued under Act approved February fourteenth,
eighteen hundred and eighty-two; and in the year nineteen hundred

and thirty, and annually thereafter until all the bonds issued under
this Act and the said Act approved February fourteenth, eighteen hundred
and eighty-two, are paid, there shall be set apart of the revenue collected
from the property of the State each year one per cent. upon the
outstanding bonds issued under the aforesaid Acts, which shall be paid
into the treasury to the credit of the sinking fund, and the commissioners
of the sinking fund shall annually, or oftener, apply the same to the
redemption or purchase (at a rate not above par and accrued interest) of
the bonds issued under the aforesaid Acts, and the bonds so redeemed shall
be cancelled by the said commissioners and the same registered by the
second auditor in a book to be kept for that purpose, giving the number
and date of issue, the character, the amount, and the owner at the time of
purchase of the bonds so redeemed and cancelled; and in case no such
purchase of bonds can be made, then the amount which can be redeemed
shall be called in by lot, as provided in section two of this Act. All bonds
of the State issued under the provisions of the Act aforesaid, approved
February fourteenth, eighteen hundred and eighty-two, and now held by
said commissioners of the sinking fund, shall as soon as at least fifteen
million of dollars of new bonds shall have been issued and delivered pursuant
to the provisions of this Act, be cancelled by said commissioners and
preserved in the office of the treasurer of the Commonwealth.

11. Executors, administrators, and others acting as fiduciaries, may
participate in the settlement of the debt herein specified in the manner
hereinbefore provided, and such action shall be deemed a lawful investment
of their trust fund. Executors, administrators, and others acting as
fiduciaries, may invest in the bonds issued under this Act, and the same
shall be considered a lawful investment.

12. All coupons heretofore tendered for taxes and held by said tax-payers
in pursuance of such tender, shall be received in payment of the taxes for
which they were tendered, and upon their delivery to the proper collector
or the amount thereof in money, the judgments obtained against the said
tax-payers for such taxes shall be marked satisfied; provided the said taxpayers
shall have paid in money, and not in coupons, the costs of said
judgments. All coupons heretofore tendered for taxes and held by the
officers of the Commonwealth for verification in pursuance of the statute
in such case made and provided, shall be received in payment of the taxes
for which they were tendered, and the money collected for such taxes
returned to the parties from whom it was received; provided the said taxpayers
shall have paid in money, and not in coupons, all costs incurred in
legal proceedings to verify said coupons.

13. The treasurer of the Commonwealth is authorized and directed to
pay the interest on the bonds issued under this Act as the same shall become
due and payable out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

14. The plates from which the bonds and fractional certificates authorized
by this Act are printed shall be the property of the Commonwealth.

15. All necessary expenses incurred in the execution of this Act
shall be paid out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated
on the warrants of the auditor of public accounts, drawn upon the
treasury on the order of the commissioners of the sinking fund.

16. The Act entitled "An Act to ascertain and declare Virginia's
equitable share of the debt created before and actually existing at the time
of the partition of her territory and resources, and to provide for the issuance
of bonds covering the same, and the regular and prompt payment of
interest thereon," approved February fourteenth, eighteen hundred and
eighty-two, and the amendments thereto, to wit: An Act entitled "An
Act to declare the true intent and meaning of, and to amend and re-enact
section five of chapter eighty-four of Acts eighteen hundred and eighty-one
and eighteen hundred and eighty-two, approved February fourteenth,
eighteen hundred and eighty-two," approved August twenty-seventh,
eighteen hundred and eighty-four; and the Act entitled "An Act
to amend and re-enact an Act approved August twenty-seventh, eighteen
hundred and eighty-four, entitled an Act to declare the true intent and
meaning of, and to amend and re-enact section five of chapter eighty-four
of Acts of eighteen hundred and eighty-one and eighteen hundred and
eighty-two, approved February fourteenth, eighteen hundred and eighty-two,"
approved November twenty-ninth, eighteen hundred and eighty-four,
are hereby repealed.

17. The commissioners of the sinking fund are authorized, if it shall
seem to them for the best interest of the Commonwealth, to make one
extension of the time for the funding of the said twenty-eight million of
dollars of outstanding evidences of debt for a period not exceeding six
months from the thirtieth day of June, eighteen hundred and ninety-two.

18. The commissioners of the sinking fund are authorized to exchange
coupon bonds issued under this Act into registered bonds in the denominations
hereinbefore provided, and to arrange for the transfer of registered
bonds. For every bond so issued in exchange a fee of fifty cents shall be
charged by and paid to the second auditor, and shall, upon his order, be
covered into the treasury to the credit of the sinking fund; and bonds so
taken in exchange shall be cancelled in the manner hereinbefore prescribed.

19. This Act shall be in force from its passage.

At this point it does not seem inappropriate to give the
following gleanings from a volume issued by the Commissioner
of Agriculture for Virginia, and published by authority
of law. It pictures the Virginia of today:

Principal Rivers and Branches.

The waters belonging to the Atlantic system drain six-sevenths of the
State. The principal streams of this system are: The Potomac, a wide
and deep river, the northeastern boundary of Virginia, with its large
branches, the Shenandoah and the South Branch, and its prominent
smaller ones, Potomac Creek, Occoquan River, Broad Run, Goose, Catoctin
and Opequon Creeks, draining a large area of each of the sections of
the State. The Potomac is navigable for 110 miles from where it enters
the bay, some 65 miles from the ocean. It has many landings, and lines
of steamers and sailing vessels connect with all portions of the country,
giving great facilities for cheap transportation to a very extensive and valuable
portion of the Northern Neck. The Rappahannock, with its Rapid
Anne and numerous other branches, flows from the Blue Ridge across
Piedmont, Middle and Tidewater, irrigating a large territory. The Rappahannock
is navigable to Fredericksburg, 92 miles from its mouth at the
bay, some 40 miles from the ocean. The Piankitank, draining only a portion

of Tidewater, is navigable for some 14 miles; and Mobjack Bay and
its rivers furnish deep entrances to the Gloucester Peninsula. The York,
with its Pamunkey and Mattapony branches, and many tributaries, flows
through a considerable area of Middle and Tidewater. The York is a
wide, deep, and almost straight belt of water, reaching over 40 miles from
the bay to the junction of the Pamunkey and the Mattapony, which are
themselves navigable for many miles for light-draught vessels. The
James, with the Chickahominy, Elizabeth, Nansemond, Appomattox, Rivanna,
Willis', Slate, Rockfish, Tye, Pedlar, North, Cowpasture, Jackson's,
and many other inflowing rivers and streams of all kinds, gathers from a
large territory in all the divisions, draining more of the State than any
other river. The James is navigable to Richmond. The Elizabeth is a
broad arm of the Hampton Roads estuary of the James, extending for 12
miles, the last four of which are expanded as the superb harbor between
the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth. All these flow into Chesapeake Bay.
The Chowan, through its Blackwater, Nottoway and Meherrin branches
and their affluents, waters portions of Middle and Tidewater Virginia.
The Roanoke, called the Staunton from the mouth of the Dan to the
Blue Ridge, receives the Dan, Otter, Pig, and many other streams from
the Valley, Piedmont and Middle Virginia, and then flows through North
Carolina to Albemarle Sound, joining the Chowan. The sources of the
Yadkin are in the Blue Ridge.

The waters of the Ohio, a part of the Mississippi system, drain the
remaining seventh of the State; but they reach the Ohio by three diverse
ways. The rivers are: The Kanawha or New River, that rises in North
Carolina, in the most elevated portion of the United States east of the
Mississippi, flows through the plateau of the Blue Ridge, from which it
receives Chestnut, Poplar Camp, Reed Island and other creeks and Little
River; across the Valley, where Cripple, Reed and Peak's Creeks join it;
across Appalachia, from which Walker's, Sinking, Big and Little Stony
and Wolf Creeks and East and Bluestone Rivers flow into it, and then
through West Virginia into the Ohio, having cut through the whole Appalachian
system of mountains, except its eastern barrier, the Blue Ridge.
The Holston, through its South, Middle and North Forks, Moccasin
Creek, etc., drains the southwestern portions of the Valley and Appalachia;
and the Clinch, by its North and South Forks, Copper Creek,
Guest's and Powell's Rivers, and many other tributaries, waters the extreme
southwest of the Appalachian Country. These flow into the Tennessee.
A portion of the mountain country gives rise to the Louisa and
Russell's Forks of the Big Sandy River, and to some branches of the Tug
Fork of the same river, the Tug forming the Virginia line for a space.
These flow into the Ohio by the Big Sandy.

These are but a few of the thousand or more named and valuable
streams of Virginia. They abound in all portions of the State, giving a
vast quantity of water-power, irrigating the country, furnishing waters

suited to every species of fish, giving channels for the tide and inland
navigation, and enlivening the landscapes. Springs are very numerous,
many of them of large size. Nearly every portion of the State is well
watered.

Virginia has about 1,500 miles of steamboat navigation and as much
more for small boats. Its tide-waters afford 3,000 miles of fishing shores
and over 2,000 of oyster grounds. The chief cities are Richmond, the
capital, population 81,388; Norfolk, the great seaport, population 34,871;
Petersburg, on the Appomattox, population 22,680; Lynchburg, on the
James, population 19,709; Roanoke, in the valley, 16,159; Alexandria, on
the Potomac, population 14,339; Portsmouth, a seaport, population
13,268; Danville, on the Dan, population 10,305; Manchester, across the
James from Richmond, population 9,246; and many smaller and well-situated
cities of over 5,000 inhabitants. These figures are from the census
of 1890.

There are six great natural divisions of Virginia—belts of country
extending across the State from northeast to southwest, nearly parallel to
each other, and corresponding to the trend of the Atlantic coast on the
east, and the Appalachian system of mountains on the northwest. These
grand divisions are taken in the order of succession from the ocean northwest
across the State; 1st. The Tidewater Country; 2d. Middle Virginia;
3d. The Piedmont Section; 4th. The Blue Ridge Country; 5th. The Great
Valley of Virginia; 6th. The Appalachian Country. These divisions not
only succeed each other geographically, but they occupy different levels
above the sea, rising to the west like a grand stairway. They differ geologically
also; therefore, they have differences of climate, soil, productions
etc., and require separate consideration in a description of the State.

Tidewater Virginia

Is the eastern and southeastern part of the State that on the south borders
North Carolina 104 miles; on the east has an air-line border of 120 miles
along the Atlantic; on the west is bounded by 150 miles of the irregular
outline of the Middle Country—(this would be 164 miles if it took in the
mere edge of Tidewater along the Potomac up to Georgetown). The
shore line of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay for 140 miles,
and a line of 25 miles across the eastern shore, separate it from Maryland
on the north. The whole forms an irregular quadrilateral, averaging 114
miles in length from north to south, and 90 in width from east to west,
making an area of some 11,000 square miles.

The latitude is from 36° 33′ to 38° 54′ north, corresponding to that of
the countries bordering on the northern shores of the Mediterranean. The
longitude is from 75° 13′ to 77° 30′ west from Greenwich—that of Ontario,
in Canada, on the north, and of the Bahamas, Cuba, etc., on the south.

This is emphatically a tidewater country, since every portion of it is

penetrated by the tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers,
creeks, bays, and inlets. The united waters of nearly all this section, with
those that drain 40,000 more square miles of country, or the drainage of
50,000 square miles (an area equal to that of England), flow out through
the channel, 12 miles wide, between Capes Charles and Henry, and 50 or
60 miles from the land runs the ever-flowing Gulf Stream.

The Middle Country

Extends westward from the "head of tide" to the foot of the low, broken
ranges that, under the names of Catocton, Bull Run, Yew, Clark's, Southwest,
Carter's, Green, Findlay's, Buffalo, Chandler's, Smith's, etc.,
mountains and hills, extend across the State southwest, from the Potomac;
near the northern corner of Fairfax County, to the North Carolina line,
forming the eastern outliers of the Appalachian system, and that may with
propriety be called the Atlantic Coast Range.

The general form of this section is that of a large right-angled triangle,
its base resting on the North Carolina line for 120 miles; its perpendicular,
a line 174 miles long, extending from the Carolina line to the Potomac;
just east of and parallel to the meridian of 77° 30′ west, is the right line
along the waving border of Tidewater, which lies east; the hypothenuse
is the 216 miles along the Coast Range before mentioned, the border of
Piedmont, on the northwest—the area of the whole, including the irregular
outline, being some 12,470 square miles.

The latitude of this section is from 36° 33′ to 39°; the longitude, 70°
to 79° 40′ west. So its general situation and relations are nearly similar
to those of Tidewater.

The Middle Country is a great, moderately undulating plain, from 25
to 100 miles wide, rising to the northwest from an elevation of 150 to 200
feet above tide, at the rocky rim of its eastern margin, to from 300 to 500
along its northwestern. In general appearance this is more like a plain
than any other portion of the State. The principal streams, as a rule,
cross it at right angles; so it is a succession of ridges and valleys running
southeast and northwest, the valleys often narrow and deep, but the ridges
generally not very prominent. The appearance of much of this country
is somewhat monotonous, having many dark evergreen trees in its forests.
To many portions of the Middle Country the mountain ranges to the west,
of the deepest blue, form an agreeable and distant boundary to the otherwise
sober landscape. There are a few prominences like Willis', Slate
River, and White Oak Mountains farther east, only prominent because in
a champaign country.

Piedmont Virginia

Is the long belt of country stretching for 244 miles from the banks of the
Potomac and the Maryland line southwest, along the eastern base of the

Blue Ridge Mountains, and between them and the Coast Range, to the
banks of the Dan at the North Carolina line; it varies in width from 20 to
30 miles, averaging about 25; its approximate area is 6,680 square miles.

Its latitude corresponds with that of the State, 36° 33′ to 39° 27′ north;
its longitude is from 77° 20′ to 80° 50′ west.

This Piedmont Country is the fifth step of the great stairway ascending
to the west; its eastern edge, along Middle Virginia, is from 300 to
500 feet above the sea; then come the broken ranges of the Coast Mountains,
rising as detached or connected knobs, in lines or groups, from 100
to 600 feet higher. These are succeeded by the numberless valleys of all
imaginable forms, some long, straight, and wide; others narrow and
widening; others again oval and almost enclosed, locally known as
"Coves," that extend across to and far into the Blue Ridge, the spurs of
which often reach out southwardly for miles, ramifying in all directions.
Portions of Piedmont form widely extended plains. The land west of the
Coast Range is generally from 300 to 500 feet above the sea, and rises to
the west, until at the foot of the Blue Ridge it attains an elevation of from
600 to 1,200 feet. The Blue Ridge rises to from 2,000 to 4,000 feet above
the sea; at one point near the Tennessee line it reaches a height of 5,530
feet; its general elevation is about 2,500, but its outline is very irregular.

Numerous streams have their origin in the gorges of the Blue Ridge,
and most of them then flow across Piedmont to the southeast until near its
border, where they unite and form one that runs for a considerable distance
along and parallel to the Coast Mountains, and takes the name of some of
the well-known rivers that cross Middle and even Tidewater Virginia, like
the Roanoke or Staunton, and the James. Some of these rivers break
through the Blue Ridge from the Valley, making water gaps in that formidable
mountain barrier, as the Potomac, the James and the Roanoke;
but they all follow the rule above given in their way across this section.

This is a genuine "Piedmont" country—one in which the mountains
present themselves in their grand as well as in their diminutive forms—
gradually sinking down into the plains, giving great diversity and
picturesqueness to the landscape. Few countries surpass this in beauty of
scenery and choice of prospect, so it has always been a favorite section
with men of refinement in which to fix their homes. Its population is 31
to the square mile, giving some 21 acres each.

The Great Valley of Virginia

Is the belt of limestone land west of the Blue Ridge, and between it and
the numerous interrupted ranges of mountains, with various local names,
that run parallel to it on the west at an average distance of some twenty
miles, that collectively are called the Kitatinny or North Mountains.
This valley extends in West Virginia and Virginia for more than 330 miles
from the Potomac to the Tennessee line, and 305 miles of this splendid

country are within the limits of Virginia. The county lines generally
extend from the top of the Blue Ridge to the top of the second or third
mountain range beyond the Valley proper, so that the political Valley is
somewhat larger than the natural one, which has an area of about 6,000
square miles, while the former has 7,550, and a population of twenty-six
to the square mile. The latitude of the Valley is from 36° 35′ N. to 39°
26′; its longitude is from 77° 50′ to 80° 16′ W.

While this is one continuous valley clearly defined by its bounding
mountains, it is not the valley of one river, or of one system of rivers, but
of five; so that it has four water-sheds and four river troughs in its length
along the Valley from the Potomac to the Tennessee line. These valleys
and their length in the Great Valley, are from the northeast—

           

1st.	The Shenandoah Valley	136	miles
2d.	The James River Valley	50	miles
3d.	The Roanoke River Valley	38	miles
4th.	The Kanawha or New River Valley	54	miles
5th.	The Valley of the Holston or Tennessee	52	miles
		330	miles

As a whole, the Valley rises to the southwest, being 242 feet above the
tide where the Shenandoah enters the Potomac and the united rivers
break through the Blue Ridge at Harper's Ferry, and 1,687 feet where the
waters of the Holston leave the State and pass into Tennessee. The entire
Valley appears then as a series of ascending and descending planes, sloping
to the northeast or the southwest. That of the Shenandoah rises from
242 to 1,863 feet along the line of its main stream, in 136 miles, looking
northeast; those of the James slope both ways, from the Shenandoah summit
to the southwest, and from the Roanoke summit to the northeast, and
so on. This arrangement gives this seventh great step a variety of elevations
above the sea from 242 to 2,594 feet, or even 3,000, in a great enclosed
valley, subdivided into very many minor valleys, giving "facings" in all
directions; for the whole Valley has a very decided southeastern inclination,
to be considered in this connection, its western side being from 500
to 1,000 feet in surface elevation above its eastern, presenting its mass to
the sun, giving its streams a tendency to flow across it toward the east, as
the result of its combined slopes, and making the main drainage way hug
the western base of the Blue Ridge. A moment's reflection will show that
this is a well-watered country, having a wealth of water-power and drainage
and irrigation resources almost beyond estimate.

The aspect of this region is exceedingly pleasant. The great width of
the Valley; the singular coloring, and wavy, but bold outline of the Blue
Ridge; the long, uniform lines of the Alleghany Mountains, and the high
knobs that rise up behind them in the distance; the detached ranges that
often extend for many miles in the midst of the Valley like huge lines of
fortification—all these for the outline, filled up with park-like forests,
well-cultivated farms, well-built towns, and threaded by bright and
abounding rivers, make this a charming and inviting region.

The Blue Ridge Section,

For two thirds of its length of 310 miles, is embraced in the Valley and
Piedmont counties that have their common lines upon its watershed; it is
only the southwestern portion of it, where it expands into a plateau, with
an area of some 1,230 square miles, that forms a separate political division;
still the whole range and its numerous spurs, parallel ridges, detached
knobs and foot hills, varying in width from 3 to 20 miles, embracing nearly
2,500 square miles of territory, is a distinct region, not only in appearance
but in all essential particulars. The river, in the gorge where the Potomac
breaks through the Blue Ridge, is 242 feet above tide. The Blue Ridge
there attains an elevation of 1,460 feet. Mt. Marshall, near and south of
Front Royal, is 3,369 feet high; the notch, Rockfish Gap, at the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railroad, is 1,996 feet, and James River, where it passes
through the Ridge, is 706 feet above tide, or more than twice as high as
the Potomac at its passage. The Peaks of Otter, in Bedford County, are
3,993 feet, and the Balsam Mountain, in Grayson, is 5,700 feet, and in
North Carolina this range is nearly 7,000 feet above the sea level. These
figures show that this range increases in elevation as we go southwest, and
every portion of the country near rises in the same manner. At a little
distance this range is generally of a deep blue color. The whole mountain
range may be characterized as a series of swelling domes, connected by
long ridges meeting between the high points in gaps or notches, and sending
out long spurs in all directions from the general range, but more
especially on the eastern side, these in turn sending out other spurs, giving
a great development of surface and variety of exposure.

The political division upon the plateau of the Blue Ridge is the
counties of Floyd, Carroll and Grayson, all watered by the Kanawha, or
New River, and its branches, a tributary of the Ohio, except the little valley
in the southwest corner of Grayson, which sends its waters to the Tennessee.
The population of this romantic section is 23 to the square mile.

Appalachian Virginia

Succeeds the Valley on the west. It is a mountain country, traversed its
whole length by the Appalachian or Alleghany system of mountains. It
may be considered as a series of comparatively narrow, long, parallel valleys,
running northeast and southwest, separated from each other by
mountain ranges that are, generally, equally narrow, long and parallel,
and quite elevated. In crossing this section to the northwest, at right
angles to its mountains and valleys, in fifty miles one will cross from six
to ten of these mountain ranges, and as many valleys. As before stated, a
strip of this region is embraced in the Valley counties, as they include the
two or three front ranges that have drainage into the Valley; so that some
900 square miles of Appalachia are politically classed with the Valley,
leaving 5,720 square miles to be treated of here. This, in Virginia, is an

irregular belt of country 260 miles long, varying in width from 10 to 50
miles. Its waters, generally, flow northeast and southwest, but it has
basins that drain north and northwest, and south and southeast. The
heads of the valleys are generally from 2,000 to 2,800 feet above tide, and
the waters often flow from each way to a central depression—that is, from
600 to 1,200 feet above sea level—before they unite and break through the
enclosing ranges. The remarks made concerning the slopes of the Great
Valley apply also to this section, except that the Appalachian valleys are
straighter.

Appalachia is noted as a grazing country, its elevation giving it a cool,
moist atmosphere, admirably adapted, with its fertile soil, to the growth
of grass and the rearing of stock of all kinds.

The geological formations found in Virginia, like its geographical
divisions, succeed each other in belts, either complete or broken, nearly
parallel to the coast of the Atlantic. In fact, the geographical divisions of
the State that have already been given correspond in the main to the different
geological formations, and have been suggested by them; hence,
those divisions are natural.

The formations developed in Virginia, taken in the order in which
they succeed each other and cover the surface, or form the rocks found
with the surface, from the Atlantic at the Virginia capes to the northwest
across the State, are as follows:

Tidewater.—1. Quarternary; 2. Upper Tertiary; 3. Middle Tertiary;
4. Lower Tertiary. Middle.—5. Triassic and Jurassic; 6. Azoic and Granitic.
Piedmont.—7. Azoic, Epidotic, etc. Blue Ridge.—8. Azoic and
Cambrian. The Valley.—9. Cambrian and Silurian. Appalachia.—10.
Sub-carboniferous and Devonian; 11. Silurian; 12. Devonian and Sub-carboniferous;
13. Great Carboniferous.

The character of the soils of Virginia, as of other countries, is dependent
upon its geology.

The mineral resources of the State may be summed up as consisting—

In Tidewater Virginia

Of several kinds of marls, greensand, etc., highly esteemed as fertilizers;
of choice clays, sands and shell limestone, for building purposes.

In the Middle Section

Of fine granites, gneiss, brownstone, sandstone, brick-clays, fire-clays,
soap-stones, marble, slates, etc., for building materials; epidote in various
forms and limestone for fertilizing uses; gold, silver, copper, specular,
magnetic, hematite and other ores of iron in abundance; bituminous
coal, etc.

In Piedmont Virginia

Granitic building stones, marbles, sandstones, brick and fire-clays; epidotic
rocks and limestone, for improving the soil; magnetic, hematite and
other ores of iron; barytes, lead, manganese, etc.

In the Blue Ridge District

Various and abundant ores of copper; immense deposits of specular and
brown hematite and other iron ores; greenstone rocks, rich in all the elements
of fertility; sandstones and freestones; glass sand and manganese;
brick and fire-clays.

In the Valley

Limestones of all kinds, for building and agricultural uses; marbles,
slates, freestones and sandstones; brick and fire-clays, kaolin, barytes;
hematite, iron ores, lead and zinc in abundance; tin, semi-anthracite coal,
travertine marls, etc.

In the Appalachian Country

Limestones, marbles, sand and freestone; slates, calcareous marls, brick-clays,
etc.; various deposits of red, brown and other ores of iron, plaster,
salt, etc., and a large area of all varieties of bituminous coal.

It is very difficult, within the limits of a publication like this, to present
with anything like detail a fair statement of the enormous mineral
resources of the State. For all practical purposes, they are boundless in
extent, and their distribution is such as to warrant the assertion that
before the close of the present century the aggregate product of our mines
will surpass in value those of any other State in the Union.

Between the Atlantic coast and the western boundaries of the State,
the whole "geological column" is represented, from the foundation granite
to the capstones of the upper carboniferous. And in these successive
strata are found the rocks and minerals peculiar to each all over the world,
and usually in greater abundance and of greater excellence than anywhere
else within the same area.

It would require the space of a large volume to indicate all the localities
where these underground treasures are now known to exist, and to
describe their specific qualities and estimate their quantities.

In 1891 the Commissioner of Agriculture reported from statistics that—

"In Virginia there have been found, tested and developed, immense
deposits of minerals richer than in any other land. The coke from her
immense coal fields is higher in fixed carbon and more valuable for smelting
than any other, and has been carried hundreds of miles by rail to
make cheap iron in other States. Her iron for steel, for cannon, for car-wheels,
for stoves, etc., has been given upon test the highest place. Her
immense deposits of manganese stand before the world without a rival.
Her zinc has long had a reputation based on a large contract with the Italian

Government, and both the mines and the smelting are increasing.
Her granite was accepted by the Federal Government for building after an
official test, and the finest pavements in many cities of our sister States
are of her Belgian block. Her large deposits of magnesian lime still furnish
the celebrated James River cement.

"Her Buckingham slate stands without a rival in roofing. These all
have had official and practical tests.

"Add to these, minerals that have been developed and believed to
have shown paying quality and quantity, the pyrite of Louisa, mica of
Amelia, fire-clay and ochre of Chesterfield, gold of the middle counties,
baryta, soapstone, lead, copper, tin, asbestos, plumbago, kaolin, gypsum,
salt, lime, marble, lithographic stone and many others, and Virginia may
well be proud of her mineral wealth."

Iron.

More than half the counties of the State contain mines of iron ore in
ample quantities to give employment to thousands of men for ages yet to
come.

The varieties in different localities are—

Magnetites (magnetic ore, so called because of its polarity, or mysterious
power of attracting the magnetic needle).

Limonites (more commonly called brown hematite), and

Specular, or red hematite ores.

Professor McCreath, in his "Mineral Wealth of Virginia," says of the
iron ores of Southwest Virginia:

"This iron ore region is for the most part embraced in Pulaski, Wythe,
and Smyth Counties, in Southwest Virginia. The ores lie on both sides
of New River and Cripple Creek, and the railroad line following these
streams renders the whole ore supply practically available for market.

"The limestone ores of the Cripple Creek region show as high a general
character as any brown hematite ores mined in the country. The
result of numerous analyses shows an average richness in metallic iron of
over 54 per cent. in the ore dried at 212° F., with about one tenth of one
per cent. of phosphorus. This unusually fine character is found to be very
uniform through all the numerous mines and outcrops examined. It is
somewhat extraordinary that not only is there this regularity in the percentage
of iron, but also that the phosphorus shows a great uniformity in
specimens taken widely apart; and in no case has it been found to exceed
two tenths of one per cent. The quality of the ore is such that it smelts
very easily in the furnace, and it should require a minimum amount of
both flux and fuel.

"The quantity of iron ore in the Cripple Creek region is undoubtedly
very great. The limestone deposits occur in clefts and cavities of the
limestone mixed with clay; but in this district, rarely with any flint.

The method of occurrence is such that the banks will yield widely varying
quantities of ore. Some of them have been worked for many years, and
shafts are reported to have been sunk 100 feet in ore-bearing clays with
bottom of shaft still in ore. Frequently the ore-bearing material is of
unusual richness, yielding in the washer fully one half clean ore."

Coal.

In the immediate vicinity of Richmond, lying on both sides of James
River, the longest worked coal field in the United States exists. The coal
is bituminous, and has long been esteemed as an excellent domestic fuel,
and for foundry and blacksmith work, and the generation of steam. Coal
was shipped from this field to Philadelphia before the Pennsylvania mines
were worked. The field is from ten to twelve miles wide, and from thirty
to forty in length, and in many places the seams are of enormous thickness.
As a convenient supply to Richmond and towns and vessels on
James River, this coal is an important element of wealth in the State.
Over a million tons were taken from this field in twenty years—from 1822
to 1845.

Coal has been said to be discovered in Amelia County, and has been
worked with some success in Cumberland County near Farmville, and coal
is being developed in Powhatan and Goochland. Little veins of cannel
coal have been found in Chesterfield, specimens of which have been brought
to the Department of Agriculture. So far the only certain large deposits
of this beautiful coal are in the County of Wise, a part of the great coal
fields of the Southwest reaching into Kentucky and West Virginia.

In Botetourt, Pulaski, Montgomery, and Wythe Counties are somewhat
extensive deposits of a semi-anthracite coal of local importance and
value, furnishing a good domestic fuel. It is also used in the great zinc-reduction
works at Pulaski, and at the salt works in Washington County.

In Rockingham and Augusta Counties are some irregular seams of
true anthracite, but their extent and commercial value have not been
determined. A Pennsylvania company is now working in Rockingham
County.

The great Virginia coal field lies in the Counties of Tazewell, Russell,
Buchanan, Dickenson, Wise, Lee and Scott. In these counties from eight
hundred to one thousand square miles are underlaid with numerous seams
of as pure and rich bituminous and cannel coal as have been found in the
world. The bituminous coals proper cover the whole area mentioned—the
splint more than two thirds of it, and the cannel coal a much smaller and
as yet undetermined area. These coals are in the Lower and Middle productive
measures. At Pocahontas, in Tazewell, where the mines now yield
about one million tons per annum, only the Lower measures are worked,
where a coal similar to that on New River, in West Virginia, is found in
much larger seams than in West Virginia. In Russell, Buchanan, Dickenson,
Wise, Lee and Scott, there are generally four, but in some places

six seams of unsurpassed coal for all purposes, including coking coals that
make a coke seven per cent. richer in carbon and freer from sulphur and
ash than the celebrated Connellsville coke of Pennsylvania, and four per
cent. better than the Alabama coke, that is so rapidly building up a vast
iron production in that State. Several railroads to and through this
immense storage of the best fuel for metallurgical purposes, for gas production,
steam and domestic use, are projected, and one is built. The
companies are organized, and there is every indication that within the
next ten years the development in that section of the State will surpass
anything in its history. The best of the iron ores above mentioned are in
close proximity to these coals; and the agricultural resources of that part
of the State are adequate to the support of an immense industrial population.

Prior to 1883, comparatively little coal was mined in Virginia, the
output of 1880 being less than 50,000 tons, but during that year the Flat
Top coal regions were opened up mainly by the Southwest Virginia
Improvement Company, the Norfolk and Western Railroad having been
extended to this section. In 1883 this company mined 99,871 tons of
coal, and in 1884, 283,252 tons. There are now several other companies
developing coal mines in the same territory, and the prospects are
good for a very important coal mining interest growing up in that section.
The coal is of excellent quality both for steam purposes and for coke
making, and as the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company have built at
Norfolk, Va., one of the largest coal piers in the world for shipping this
coal, there is no doubt that there will be a large increase in the amount of
coal produced at these mines during the next few years. This will
naturally result in making Norfolk an important coal shipping port and
coaling station for foreign steamships. The distance from these mines to
Norfolk is about 378 miles. For coking purposes, this coal as already
stated, has proved very satisfactory. This statement was made in
1886.

It may with safety be predicted that in a few years Virginia will take
an important rank as a coal-producing State. And she will moreover have
two important coal ports: Norfolk receiving and shipping the steadily
increasing quantity of coal brought from the Flat Top coal field by the
Norfolk and Western Railroad, and Newport News, already doing a heavy
business in West Virginia coal, mined along the line of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railroad.

Zinc.

At Pulaski City, on the Norfolk and Western Railroad, in Southwestern
Virginia, are located the largest zinc works in the South, with a supply of
ore ascertained to be millions of tons. In numerous other localities in the
same section of the state this valuable metal is found, and doubtless will
lead to the erection of other works.

Lead.

In Wythe County lead has been extensively mined for over a hundred
years. These mines were worked in 1773, and more than twenty millions
of tons have been taken from them. The crude ore is found in veins in
the limestone, yielding from 5 to 15 per cent. At present the largest lead
works in the South are carried on there, with an apparently exhaustless
supply to draw from. In some sections other mines of great value have
been found, and means are on foot to develop some of them.

Manganese.

Manganese is found widely disseminated through Virginia in the form
of black oxide and as manganiferous iron ore. The most productive manganese
mine now worked in the United States is that of the Crimora
Company, Augusta County, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains on
the west, near Waynesboro. Other deposits, that are thought to be as large,
have recently been brought to light within a few miles of Crimora, between
the Shenandoah Valley Railroad and the Blue Ridge.

Tin.

In Rockbridge County, tin has been found, with indications that the
mines are extensive. The quality of the ore has been ascertained by
analysis to be excellent, and it is expected from the openings now made,
that the quantity will be sufficient to insure adequate capital for the full
development of the mines.

"The tin field is located in a small area in the eastern part of Rockbridge
County, Virginia. The region is very accessible from nearly all directions.

"The Irish Creek area within which tin ore has been found is about
three miles wide from northwest to southeast, and about four miles long
from northeast to southwest, and therefore embraces some twelve square
miles of territory. It is near three lines of railways.

"The geological and mineralogical conditions of the Irish Creek tinbearing
region are similar to, if not identical with, those of the Cornwall
(England) and other noted tin-producing districts. There are the same
crystalline and metaphoric rocks, broken, fissured, and faulted by dikes of
trap, basalt, and other igneous rocks, thus furnishing similar conditions
for the formation of true, profitable, metalliferous fissure veins, such as are
caused by profound movements of the earth's crust—just such veins as
those in which stanniferous ores of the Irish Creek district are found.

"The exposure of the Irish Creek tin veins, both natural and artificial,
unmistakably leads to the conclusion that these veins compare in general
character, extent, thickness and richness in metallic tin most favorably
with those of the famous Cornwall district of England, while the mining
conditions are better. I may add that no region can offer superior advantages
for extensive mining and metallurgical operations; the climate is all

the year round salubrious and favorable for work. The Blue Ridge proper
of Virginia, unlike most mountain chains, is a very garden of fertility and
varied productiveness, and the same may be said of Piedmont Virginia,
that flanks it on the east, and of the famous limestone valley that flanks it
on the west. The forests of this region can be depended on for charcoal,
and it is not far by direct railway to the best metal-working and coking-coals
in the United States."

Copper.

In Carroll, Floyd, and Grayson Counties, large veins of copper ores,
sulphurets and carbonates exist, and prior to the war some of them were
successfully worked. But their remoteness from railway lines has deterred
capitalists from re-establishing these mining operations. There is some
prospect that at an early day a railroad will penetrate that region, and lead
to the re-opening of these valuable mines.

In several of the Piedmont counties copper ores are known to exist,
but the mines have never been operated, except in Loudoun and Amherst,
where much valuable ore has been raised and shipped to the North, and
considerable quantities of native copper ores have been gotten as a byproduct
from the pyrites of the Arminius mines in Louisa County.

Copper has been discovered in at least eighteen counties in Virginia,
and in many of them considerably developed.

Salt.

In conjunction with the strata banks of north Holston Valley the
celebrated wells of salt exist that have been used for about a century at
Saltville, in Washington County, and during the late Civil War supplied
nearly the whole Confederacy east of the Mississippi with the indispensable
article of salt, of the greatest purity. No diminution in supply or
quality has ever been detected. The production now is about half a million
bushels annually.

The rock at Saltville, possibly 200 feet thick by an unknown length,
may have a different origin from that of the gypsum—possibly may be due
to deposition in a secure basin from brines flowing constantly from the
salt-bearing groups of rocks known to be in the sub-carboniferous series.
The brines are of an unusual degree of purity; have been drawn upon for
many years by the salt works of Saltville, making over 500,000 bushels of
salt annually, without any appreciable diminution of either strength or
quantity.

The brine is drawn from artesian wells about 200 feet deep, rising to
within forty feet of the surface. This brine comes from a solid bed of rock
salt 200 feet below the level of the Holston, and borings have been made
into it 176 feet without passing through it. The supply of brine is not
affected by any operations yet carried on, and at one time during the Confederate
War 10,000 bushels of salt were made there every day for six

months. The present yield is about 360,000 bushels a year, using wood
for fuel. When improvements contemplated bring the coal that is but 40
miles off to these works, there will be a very large amount of salt made
here, as it has the advantage of being so far inland.

The copper ores of Floyd County make it possible to here locate successfully
alkali works. Professor Leibig mentions the fact that a well has
been bored in Tazewell County, and adds: "It must be borne in mind
that the salt wells of Eastern Kentucky get their water from the conglomerate
at the bottom of the coal measures." Therefore, there must be a
salt-water bearing formation several hundred feet below the coal bed at the
bottom of this lode. Salt has been made at works in the southeastern
part of Lee County, on the waters of Clinch River. There is no doubt an
abundance of brine, throughout the region in the formation above named.

Asbestos.

Asbestos of good quality and workable quantity exists in the counties
lying between the upper James and the upper Dan rivers, at several places,
notably in Pittsylvania, Henry and Patrick, and latterly found in several
other counties, very fine specimens of which can be seen in the cabinet of
the Department of Agriculture. Asbestos in its various formations has
been recently developed in Bedford County, and is found in large quantities
and of good quality. In the Blue Ridge division asbestos is found in
connection with most of the mineral formations. In Roanoke and Botetourt
it is very white and pure, though the fibre is short. In Buckingham
the fibre is very long and flexible, but the color is not so good, but the
specimens were taken near the surface. It is said to have been found in
Amelia, Fairfax, Fauquier, Patrick and Pittsylvania.

Soapstone.

Steatite (soapstone) of fine quality for resisting the most intense heat,
is found in Amelia, Albemarle, and some other counties of Middle and
Piedmont Virginia. In Amelia a mine of steatite was successfully operated
a few miles from the county seat. One formation of it is very much
like serpentine, and resists heat successfully. It is frequently called potstone,
and was said to have been cut by the Indians into pots. Two veins
are found in Campbell County, both crossing the James River from Amherst
about ten miles apart. The western one is a beautiful green, cuts easily,
and hardens by exposure, and makes handsome building stone. The eastern
vein is very light grey, polishes well, resists heat, and is much used
for fire-places. Albemarle has large veins of steatite, which are being
worked and marketed successfully at North Garden. The veins of steatite
run across the state from northeast to southwest. They appear to follow
a kind of glade formation, a few miles in width, though other veins are
sometimes found outside this line.

Black Lead.

Plumbago (black lead) is found in Amelia, Patrick, Amherst, Campbell,
Loudoun, Louisa, Albemarle and other counties. Some deposits are
very pure and large in quantity. It appears irregularly in different parts
of the state. In some localities it has been tested by analysis, in others
manufactured into pencils, and in others as a lubricant.

Mica.

The mica of Amelia has been more largely worked than any in Virginia.
It is very abundant, and mines have been profitably worked for
some years past. In the vicinity of the county seat are the Rutherford,
Jefferson and Pinchback mines. Others exist in the same locality, not yet
in operation to much extent. It is also to some extent developed in
Goochland, Henrico, Louisa, Pulaski, Powhatan and Hanover. Near
Irwin station, in Goochland, the deposit is being worked, which is of the
finest quality, and the largest sheets yet found. A recent report says that
large quantities have been taken out and prepared for market. A similar
deposit has been found and partially developed in Hanover. Both are
very convenient to railroads.

Gold.

There is a well-defined belt of gold-bearing quartz running across the
state through the Counties of Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Louisa,
Fluvanna, Goochland, Buckingham, Prince Edward, Charlotte and
Halifax. In many places on this belt mines have been opened from time
to time, and worked with profit and success. With the progress of scientific
improvement in the extraction of gold, it may fairly be expected that
gold mining in Virginia will become an extensive industry. This precious
metal has also been found in Montgomery County. And in the Blue
Ridge range of mountains, in Roanoke and Patrick Counties, silver ores
have recently been found that give promise of valuable results.

Professor Stowe (from a letter written by him in 1873, just after his
return from California and Colorado), regarding his estimate of the value
of the Virginia mines, says: "I am now of the decided opinion that the
ores of Virginia are the richest and easiest to work of any I have ever met.
I have made over two hundred assays of ore from the Atlantic slope, and
have visited in person many of the localities where gold is found, and I
speak from facts." This is a strong opinion coming from an expert mining
engineer.

Major Hotchkiss writes of this belt, including Buckingham: "Here
is a mass of precious metal (enclosed in the rock) which cannot be exhausted
for ages, and in this respect the region in question is the most
important of all known deposits, California not excepted." The celebrated
Overman (practical mineralogist) says: "We have here in Virginia a belt

of gold of unparalleled extent, immense width, undoubtedly reaching to
the primitive rock." In the earlier days very large nuggets were found
by breaking up the quartz rocks with sledge-hammers. One of these, in
Spotsylvania, sold for $438. It was not unusual for farmers, after they
laid by their crops, to direct the overseer to take "the hands" and mine
or wash for gold; and there were times when thousands of dollars were
made per annum this way. Stafford, Spotsylvania, Orange, Fluvanna,
Goochland and Buckingham were regarded gold fields. In several, work
is now going on.

Pyrites.

Immense mines of pyrites are worked in Louisa County, and the
products shipped North, for the use of sulphuric acid manufactories. So
important has this industry become, that branch railroads have been run
to the mines from the main line of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad.
Other large deposits exist in the mountain regions bordering on North
Carolina, but need a railroad for their development. New veins of this,
the "fool's gold" of the Colonies, are being discovered, and developed,
and opened in different parts of the State. Some are valuable for the
gold and other metals found in these sulphurets, and this by-product
taken in connection with the large quantity of sulphur found in all, and
the increasing demand for sulphuric acid, is likely to turn this into a true
gold so far as sure profit is concerned. Two fully developed and profitably
worked mines are near Tolersville (Mineral City), in Louisa County. One,
the Armenius mine, has been sunk over four hundred feet, and the Crenshaw,
the other mine, though not so deep, is fully worked. The by-product
secured is native copper ore. Sulphuric acid is made in the City of
Richmond, in two chemical works, for use in the manufacture of fertilizers.
Large quantities are shipped North from the Armenius mines. Valuable
veins of pyrite, bearing gold in fairly paying quantities, and probably
other metals, have been found at other points in Louisa County, and in
Spotsylvania, Fluvanna, Goochland, Buckingham and some other counties.

Barytes.

The barytes of commerce (sulphate of barium) is found in many
counties. It has been mined in Campbell and Bedford, and is ground in
Lynchburg and shipped North. It is also found in the Southwest, abundantly
in Smyth County.

Limestone.

Metamorphic limestones exist in the valley of James River, between
Richmond and Lynchburg. Silurian limestone extends from the Potomac
to Tennessee, in great variety. Since the discovery that building lime
with a large percentage of the carbonate of magnesia, is a poor material to

use in the mortar of large buildings and other permanent works of
masonry and brick, peculiar value attaches to beds of pure carbonate of
lime. Such beds fortunately exist at convenient localities in the great
Shenandoah Valley, and lime-burning is already carried on there at two
points—Riverton, in Warren County, and Eagle Rock, in Botetourt—
where an article is produced entirely free from magnesia, and is in great
demand for city work, where the sulphurous fumes of coal combustion are
so destructive to magnesian-lime mortar. As this pure limestone exists in
many places, the industry is a rapidly-growing and a profitable one.

Most excellent hydraulic cement has been produced for many years
and in large quantity, at Balcony Falls, in Rockbridge County. The stone
is also found in Bedford, near Buford's Gap, but has not been utilized
until recently.

All the various limestones, from the most common building-rock to
the finest marble, are found in Virginia. Her dolamite limestone has been
found so superior for fluxing certain iron ores, that it has been carried
considerable distances by rail, in preference to using common limestone on
the ground. Virginia may be said to be an agricultural lime State.

The whole Valley has the best limestone for burning. The whole of
Tidewater has shell (carbonate) marl. A good vein of limestone runs
across Upper, Middle and Lower Piedmont. Several of the carbonate
marls, mixed with clay, will, by being calcined, make cement like the
Portland that is made in England. The travertine marl of the Valley,
and the highly aluminous clays of that section, should make such cements
very cheaply.

Plaster (Gypsum.)

On the waters of the north fork of Holston River, in the Counties of
Smyth and Washington, there are many miles in length of an immense
ledge of gypsum, as pure as that brought from Nova Scotia. It has been
penetrated to the depth of nearly 600 feet, and no bottom found. We
have here a quantity of this valuable fertilizer, that is practically exhaustless
for centuries to come.

This massive deposit of gypsum, more than 600 feet thick, at Stuart
and Buchanan's Cove, in Smyth County, shows conspicuously; also, at
the Pearson Beds, and at Saltville, in Smyth County, and at Buena Vista,
in Washington County. Many explorations and long continued examinations
led to the belief, at last, that these vast gypsum deposits, showing
for about 20 miles in length, really compose two or more regular strata of
the sub-carboniferous rocks, and have a width, exposed and concealed, of
one mile or more from the fault northward. It has been mined to the
depth of about 180 feet at Saltville and Buena Vista, and its general composition
by analysis is as follows: Lime, 32.50; sulphuric acid, 46.50,
and water, 20.50, showing traces of magnesia, alumina, and iron.

Plaster for clover, grass, and tobacco is universally used by the
farmers of the Valley, Piedmont, and Upper Middle Virginia, sowed

directly on the land—preferring ground plaster to calcined. Grinding
plaster gives a number of mills to the State. Even the Nova Scotia that
comes to the Eastern section is ground in the State. Smyth and Washington
Counties could furnish plaster for the country if they had deepwater
transportation.

Marl.

In many of the Tidewater counties enormous beds of blue and green
sand marl and shells are found but a few feet below the surface, supplying
a fertilizing material at a nominal cost, that is rapidly converting all that
region into the garden spot of the continent for supplying the great cities
of the Atlantic coast with table vegetables of the highest excellence, and
is giving much importance to the peanut culture. A full description of
the geological formation of this alluvial region would not be interesting to
the unscientific reader, but it may be well to call attention to the difference
between the marls of the more recent formations, the pliocene and miocene, which derive their value mainly from the carbonate of lime which they
contain, and the green sands and olive earths which are found in the
eocene in conjunction with the shell or calcareous marl. (Green sand is
sometimes found mixed with the marl of the miocene region.)

The region of eocene marls extends from the falls of the rivers eastward
fifteen to twenty miles. Miocene marl is often found overlying the
eocene, and is easily recognized by the difference in the shells which it
contains—scallops and others not found in the eocene. "Beneath this (Professor
Rogers, quoted by Dr. Pollard, says), and usually separated from it
by a thin line of `black pebbles,' like those occurring on the Pamunkey,
there occurs a stratum of greenish, red, and yellow aspect, containing much
green sand and gypsum, the latter partly disseminated in small grains,
and partly grouped in large crystals. The under stratum, rich in green
sand and containing a few shells in friable condition, extends to some
depth below the level of the river. At `Evergreen' the whole thickness
of the deposit appears to be about twenty feet."

This was said of the James River formation, but will apply as a general
description to the deposits of the Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Rappahannock,
and Potomac, as Professor Rogers says "eocene marl is there found
very similar to that on the James. On the Mattaponi the occurrence of
green sand strata has been ascertained in some places, while in others the
beds containing the substance have been replaced by beds of clay, which
are less likely to prove valuable agriculturally. The olive earth overlying
some of these beds, particularly on the Pamunkey, seems to have lost
some of the carbonate of lime which it once contained, and has but a small
portion of gypsum."

The agricultural report for 1888, speaking of Tidewater Virginia,
says: Not only has this section been blessed with lime beds, brought up

by all its streams from the ocean, placing this valuable deposit of miocene
marl at its doors, but the Rappahannock, the North and South Annas, the
James and Appomattox, rising in the felspar and hornblende ridges and
valleys of Piedmont, and the black rock of Buckingham and Appomattox
crossing through the pyrites and sulphur ledge, have brought down the potash
and mingled it with these sulphates, carrying them to meet the tide,
bringing the shells and fossil bones from the ocean. These, and the dead
marine animals and their coprolites, formed the eocene marl beds, where
the sulphates and shells made sulphate of lime (plaster—the great Ruffin's
"gypseous earth"), and the potash and fossils gave the green sand its
agricultural value.

The lands on the Pamunkey and James that were heavily marled with
the Pamunkey and James River green sand, are fertile and productive
today, although for more than twenty-five years they have had neither
manure or fertilizer. These marls have been tested by chemical analysis
and agricultural experience, and the value of Virginia shell marl as an
agricultural lime, and the green sand marl as an active fertilizer, is put
beyond the possibility of a doubt.

There is considerable interest manifested now in the marl deposit
of the State. The value of green sand as a basis for high-grade commercial
fertilizers, and of the carbonate marls and adjacent clays for cements,
has caused extensive investigation. There are works on James River and
the Pamunkey, preparing green sand marl for sale, now in operation with
good profit.

Building Stone and Slate.

Virginia stands first among the States in the variety and beauty of her
building stones, beginning with her granites and slates in Eastern Virginia,
and extending to her limestones in the West, her brownstones in the
Eastern counties, her marbles in Bedford, Russell, and Scott Counties, and
ending with the beautiful sandstones of the Southwestern coal field, in half-dozen
counties.

Virginia can make an exhibit in this line of which any country might
be proud. At Petersburg are beautiful light and dark granites, in inexhaustible
quarries. At Richmond and Manchester, on opposite sides of
James River, at the head of tide, are the great quarries that stood the test
of stone made by the Government for the Naval Department at Washington.
At Fredericksburg is fine granite, and near there the beautiful white
sandstone of which the "White House" was built. The brown sandstone
of Prince William, Botetourt, Nelson, Craig, and Albemarle will compare
favorably with the best anywhere.

Roofing slate of excellent quality is found on both sides of James River.
That found in Buckingham, near New Canton, on Slate River, yields slate
that compares favorably with the best qualities of imported material, both
in density, texture, and capacity for resisting atmospheric changes. The

Capitol and University buildings have been covered with this slate, and
the quarries have been extensively worked. The rock splits with great
regularity and may be separated with iron wedges into sheets of 100 square
feet, not more than one inch thick.

In Nelson County, on Rockfish and near the mouth of Tye River, a
true marble is found, of beautiful quality, whiteness, and texture, which
renders it susceptible of taking the highest polish. This marble is easily
worked with the chisel. In Campbell, a few miles from Lynchburg, a
good marble is found. Limestone is also abundant. Amherst and Albemarle
have slate quarries, which have been worked, furnishing good roofing
and admirable furniture slate. Loudoun has the finest white marble, and
Botetourt the finest black marble, yet discovered in the State. Lithographic
stone has been found and tested in the James River valley, in the
Counties of Botetourt, Rockbridge, and Alleghany, and a species of steatite
of beautiful green stone suitable for building has been found in several
counties. Virginia abounds in most valuable building stones.

Kaolin.

Kaolin has been discovered in Amelia, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Powhatan,
Louisa, Chesterfield, Amherst, Nelson, and other counties. It has
been developed and analyzed in several of the counties, but it is not
worked to any extent or mined. By both analyses and working tests Virginia
kaolin has been found to be of high quality.

Fire-Clays.

Fire-clay has been found developed and is being worked in Chesterfield,
at Robious; at Dorset, in Powhatan; at Buena Vista, in Rockbridge,
and very fine bricks were on exhibition at the Virginia State fair recently.
Vitrified brick is made at Chilhowie, in Smyth County, and clay has been
found and developed in Louisa County. There are fine tile and brick
works at Chester; terra-cotta and porcelain works at Strasburg, in the
Valley, and Virginia has in large quantity the finest clays of every variety.
Clays and marl are found in close proximity, and in some places intermixed,
which, calcined, make a fine cement, like the Portland and
Roman.

Mineral Springs.

There are numerous mineral springs in Virginia, varying in many
particulars, and they are all valuable. Many of these springs are popular
resorts for pleasure seekers from all parts of the country. Professor
Rogers says in his geological report: "The thermal waters appear to be
indebted for their impregnation to rocks of a calcareous nature, while the
sulphuretted springs derive their ingredients mostly from the pyritous

slate, and that the Warm and Hot Springs discharge a considerable amount
of free gas, consisting of carbonic acid and nitrogen."

Grouped, as these springs are, at a moderate distance apart, presenting,
within the same district, a variety of medicinal character, for which,
in other countries, regions remote from each other require to be visited
in succession, placed at a point equally accessible to the inhabitant of the
sea-board and the great valley of the West, and situated in a region of
grateful summer temperature, of a salubrious climate, and of picturesque
and diversified natural beauties, they are now rapidly attaining a celebrity
and are destined ere long to vie with the long established "character
of the most noted watering places of the world."

Climate.

Virginia, as a whole, lies in the region of "middle latitudes," between
36° 30′ and 39° 30′ North, giving it a climate of "means" between the
extremes of heat and cold incident to States south and north of it.

If Virginia were a plain, the general character of the climate of the
whole State would be much the same; but the "relief" of its surface
varies, from that of some of its large peninsulas not more than ten or fifteen
feet above the sea level, to that of large valleys more than two thousand feet
above that level. Long ranges of mountains from three thousand to four
thousand feet in height run entirely across the State, and the waters flow
to all points of the compass. So diversified are the features of the surface
of the State, within its borders may be found all possible exposures to the
sun and general atmospheric movements. It follows from these circumstances
that here must be found great variety of temperature, winds,
moisture, rain and snowfall, beginning and ending of seasons, and all the
periodical phenomena of vegetable and animal life, depending on "the
weather."

The winds are the great agents nature employs to equalize and distribute
temperature, moisture, etc. Virginia lies on the eastern side of
the American continent and on the western shore of the Atlantic Ocean.
It extends to and embraces many of the ranges of the Appalachian system
of mountains, that run parallel to that ocean shore; therefore, it is subject
not only to the general movement of winds, storms, etc., from west to
east, peculiar to the region of the United States, but to modifications of
that movement by the great mountain ranges. It is also subject to the
great atmospheric movements from the Atlantic that, with a rotary
motion, come up from the Tropics and move along the coast, extending
their influence over the Tidewater and Middle regions of the State; sometimes
across Piedmont to the foot of the Blue Ridge, but rarely ever over
or beyond that range. The numberless lines of mountains from the Blue
Ridge to the Cumberland, all the way across its extent from up in Pennsylvania
down into North Carolina unbroken, protect the State against
the cold winds, and storms, and blizzards of the Northwest. This barrier is

absolutely effectual; they never reach this land. The peculiar formation
of the Appalachian chain running southwest into South Carolina and
Georgia, with ranges bearing west into Tennessee and Alabama, protect us
from the cyclones that form in the heated waters of the Gulf and rush
northeast. The formation of the southern end of this range of mountains
turns the southwest storms and tornadoes either up the Cumberland range
northeast or across the Gulf States to the Atlantic Ocean. It has also surface
winds, usually from the Southwest, that follow the trend of the mountains
and bring to them and their enclosed parallel valleys the warmth and
moisture of the Gulf that clothes them all with an abundant vegetation.

The same causes that produced the magnificent forests of the carboniferous
era and furnished the materials for the vast deposits of coal in the
sixty thousand square miles of the great Appalachian coal field that flanks
Virginia on the west, still operate and clothe the surface of the same
region with an abundant vegetation. The laws of the winds make one
region fertile and another barren. America owes its distinction as the
Forest Continent to the situation of its land masses in reference to the prevailing
winds.

Guyot, a standard authority, says: "North America has in the eastern
half a greater amount of rain than either of the other Northern continents
in similar latitudes." . . "The great sub-tropical basin of the
Gulf of Mexico sends up into the air its wealth of vapors to replace those
lost by the winds in crossing the high mountain chains. Hence, the eastern
portions—the great basins of the Mississippi, and the St. Lawrence, and
the Appalachian region—which, without this source of moisture, would be
doomed to drought and barrenness, are the most abundantly watered and
the most productive portions of the continent." "In the eastern half of
the United States the southwesterly winds which prevail in the summer
spread over the interior and the Atlantic plains an abundant supply of
vapors from the warm waters of the Gulf. Frequent, copious showers
refresh the soil during the months of greatest heat, which show a maximum
of rain. Thus the dry summers of the warm-temperate region disappear,
and with them the periodical character of the rains so well marked
elsewhere in this belt."

These quotations show the advantages Virginia has, in this respect,
over the warm-temperate regions of Europe and elsewhere.

Forests.

The forests of Virginia are large, and the timber varied, and the lumber
trade important, and the following is a fair catalogue of the trees of Virginia
now growing wild in the different sections:

The oaks: White oak, post oak, swamp white oak, chestnut oak,
yellow oak, red oak, scarlet oak, black oak, black-jack oak, Spanish oak,
pin oak, willow oak, bear oak, bastard live oak, scrub white oak, water
oak, turkey oak.

The pines: The table mountain pine, white pine, pitch pine, Jersey
scrub pine, yellow pine, loblolly pine, hemlock pine.

Cypress, juniper, bay laurel, red cedar, white cedar (arbor vitæ),
umbrella tree, white wood (white poplar), yellow poplar, Lombardy poplar,
pawpaw (custard apple), linden, fringe tree, catalpa, sassafras, slippery
elm, red elm, water elm, winged elm, sugar berry, horn beam, red mulberry,
white mulberry, moris multicualis, sycamore, black walnut, white
walnut (butternut), shellbark hickory, white hickory, red (mochermes)
hickory, pignut hickory, butternut hickory, chinquepin, chestnut, beech,
water beech, ironwood, cherry birch, red birch, black alder, holly, sugar maple,
red maple, curled maple, bird-eye maple, box elder or ash-leaved maple,
stag horn (sumac), poison elder (thunder tree), common locust, yellow
(mountain) locust, honey locust, red bud (Judas tree), wild plum (Prunus
Americanus), wild cherry—red (P. Penna), wild cherry—black (P. Scrotina),
nine bark (Spirea Opulofolia), southern crab, scarlet fruited thorn,
wild currant (June or Service berry), witch hazel, sweet gum, swamp
dogwood, ailanthus (Paradise), black gum, black haw, laurel (ivy), rose
bay (rhododendron), persimmon, white ash, black willow, weeping
willow, white willow, golden willow, silky willow, aspen, dogwood, lashhorn,
cucumber, cottonwood, buckeye ash, swamp huckleberry, hazelnut,
paulonia, silver maple, spicewood, yew, paper mulberry.

Flowers.

The flowers which cover the untilled fields, and bloom and blush
unseen in forest dells, form no small part of the beauty which makes this
land of blue mountains and silvery streams "the fairest land the sun
shines on."

In springtime every stream is fringed with blooming flowers and
white banners wave on every breeze. Wild roses, ferns, rhododendrons,
forest pinks, and wood violets spring up everywhere, while daisies and
yellow buttercups line every pathway. Of cultivated flowers, everything
grows in the open air that can be raised in a temperate climate.

Fruits.

Every portion of the State is remarkably well adapted to the growth
of fruits that belong to the warm-temperate and temperate climates.

In Tidewater Virginia, apples, pears, peaches, quinces, plums, cherries,
nectarines, grapes, figs, strawberries, raspberries, running and bush
blackberries, gooseberries, currants and other fruits thrive and produce
abundantly, the quality of the products being unsurpassed, as the awards
of the American Pomological Society attest. The value of the small fruits
alone, annually sent to market from Tidewater, is more than the sums for
orchards and gardens. The trade in early strawberries is one of large
proportions. Especial mention should be made of the wild Scuppernong

grapes, peculiar to the Tidewater country near the sea, which spread over
the forests, and bear large crops of excellent fruit, from which a very
palatable wine is made. The originals of the Catawba, Norton's Virginia,
and other esteemed American grapes grow wild in the forests of Virginia.

All the fruits named above grow in every section of the State, except,
perhaps, figs. Piedmont, the Blue Ridge, and the Valley are famous
apple regions. Peaches flourish in all sections, but Middle and Tidewater
may claim some precedence in adaptability. The Blue Ridge is entitled
to the name of the "fruit belt," and its extensive area is yet to become
the most noted wine and fruit-producing section of the United States east
of the Rocky Mountains. All the fruits of Virginia flourish there in a
remarkable manner, and find special adaptations of soil, climate, and
exposure.

Cereals, Cotton, Tobacco.

The flora of Virginia is rich and abundant. Cereals, grasses, and
other plants that have been introduced have found favorable soil and climate.
Here grow and yield abundantly "plants good for food" and
suited for needed manufactures. A comparison of the production of
cereals with the products of other countries presents Virginia in a most
favorable light, while nearness to market gives a most decided advantage.
The climate and soil of Virginia favor the growth of nearly all the useful
and profitable productions of the world. Wheat, corn, rye, buckwheat
and Indian corn are raised in abundance. It is the native home of
tobacco, and from it planters, manufacturers and the general government
realize large sums of money.

Cotton is grown in the southern section, and in all parts of the State
cultivated grasses are successfully grown, and in some parts of the State
the native grasses make the best grazing. Commodore Maury (good
authority) says: "Everything which can be cultivated in France, Germany,
or England, may be grown here equally as well, with other things
besides, such as Indian corn, cotton, tobacco, peanuts, broom corn, and
sweet potatoes, etc., which are not known as staples there. The climate
and soil of Virginia are as favorable to the cultivation of the grape and the
manufacture of wine, as they are in France and Germany.

Tobacco is a staple product of Virginia. "The Virginia Leaf" is
known the world over for its excellence—the result of manipulation as
well as soil and climate. Piedmont and Middle Virginia lands are best for
the growth of good tobacco; those of Middle Virginia produce the finest
tobacco and most valuable; Tidewater is the region of Cuba and Latakia
varieties, while immense crops of coarse, heavy tobacco are raised in the
upper Counties on the rich lands of the Blue Ridge, the Valley, and Appalachia.
Virginia tobacco cannot be substituted either by new methods,
new varieties, or adulteration; it will always, in a series of years, maintain

its position of superiority in foreign markets. Whenever all restrictions and
burdens are removed from tobacco, Virginia's brights, her sweet-fillers, and
her rich shipping will assert their natural superiority and receive again the
chief place in the market.

Fisheries.

The crab fisheries still continue a fruitful source of revenue to the
people in a limited area of the Chesapeake. The earnings from this
source, reckoned on the basis of men employed and capital invested,
exceed slightly that derived from oysters, and the business seems to be
growing larger and larger every year.

Black bass, silver, white, and sun perch, southern, white, and horned
chub, mullet, carp, pike, suckers, flat-back gar, mason, and whitesides,
and eels can be found of good size in the rivers. Tidewater, independent
of the great herring, shad, and menhaden fisheries (where 100,000 are
caught at a haul), has a fine list of table fish caught and shipped to market
the same day—sturgeon, rock, sheepshead, hogfish, trout, mullet, spots,
bass, chub, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, croker, halibut, and others.

The fish, like the fruit of Virginia, has the advantage of an earlier
opening than the North has for marketing. Oysters are found in all the
tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic coast, giving to
Tidewater an exclusive territory, where this valuable shell-fish grows
naturally, and where it can be propagated and reared in almost any
desired quantity.

Major Hotchkiss, in his work on Virginia, says that it is estimated
that more than 15,000,000 bushels are taken annually from the beds of
Tidewater Virginia, valued at from $12,000,000 to $15,000,000. In 1869
over 5,000 small boats and 1,000 vessels, of over five tons burthen, were
employed in taking oysters from the water, and 193 State and 309 other
vessels, 18,876 tons aggregate burthen, were engaged in carrying them to
market. For some years the supply has been growing less and the
demand greater. Under the present system of depletion, the supply will
soon be inadequate to the demand, and the prices will be higher. The
person who has a well-stocked oyster shore can command ready sale, at
good prices. There is no reason why the artificial propagation of oysters
should not be conducted on a larger scale. In France there are oyster
farms that pay an annual profit of $500 or $600 per acre. Virginia's
Lynnhaven and Chesapeake stand at the head of the list for market, while
others claim equal excellence. Just now there is much discussion about
protecting the natural beds, and larger planting, if necessary, for increasing
the revenue of the State.

Many interesting details of the fruits, vegetable productions,
animals, poultry, birds, and much of importance concerning

the manufacturing and mining growth of the State
could well be cited, but, enough has been revealed of her
material resources in the above extracts to foreshadow her
wealth and power, and to confirm the glowing description of
an earlier day, given by Ralegh to England's Queen when
she first called the land—"Virginia."