Historical and descriptive sketches of Norfolk and vicinity : including Portsmouth and the adjacent counties, during a period of two hundred years ; also sketches of Williamsburg, Hampton, Suffolk, Smithfield, and other places, with descriptions of some of the principal objects of interest in eastern Virginia

Front matter

Chesapeake

Book Co.

Berryville, Va.

Preface

"When the author of the following historical observations determined to compile a Directory of the City of Norfolk, he contemplated also, as a suitable appendage thereto, the publication of a brief description of its situation and facilities for trade and commerce, its advancement and prospects of future wealth and importance. On further reflection, however, it was deemed advisable to adopt a more extended plan, and attempt even a somewhat elaborate history of the place ; commencing at an early period, and continuing the account down to the present time ; embracing a description of the neighbouring towns and villages, the principal objects of attraction in the vicinity, &c., &c.

The work was accordingly commenced, with a determination to accomplish it with as little delay as possible ; and it is scarcely necessary to mention, that the undertaking was attended with both labour and trouble, and required much time as well as considerable patience and perseverance.

It is proper to state, that the difficulty in collecting the various materials for the work was greatly augmented, and the time required to prepare them for the press was considerably prolonged, by other duties, which demanded much of the writer's time during its progress. It will be readily imagined that he would have found the task far more pleasant, could he have given

X PREFACE.

it his undivided attention from its commencement to its completion. But he was compelled to pursue a different course, and devote to its prosecution those intervals by day and by night, which could be spared from other pursuits and engagements.

With regard to the execution of the work under these circumstances, he must abide by the decision of those whom it is designed to interest.

To those persons whose kindness tended to facilitate his progress, he avails himself of this occasion to express his thanks. To the editors of the several city papers, for the privilege of examining their files, his obligations are hereby specially and respectfully acknowledged. The writer is also indebted to the obliging disposition, retentive memory, and politeness of several venerable and greatly esteemed ladies and gentlemen of Norfolk and Portsmouth, for the particulars of many interesting events included in the Sketches. And it is but common courtesy to acknowledge his high appreciation of the valuable suggestions, as well as the frequent expressions of kindness and encouragement with regard to the enterprise, from individuals whose character and judgment entitle them to considerations of great respect.

In gathering, culling, and preparing the subject-matter for the press, many facts and incidents — some of a melancholy and unpleasant nature, and others of no special interest — were cast aside, to be lost, perhaps, in the deep ocean of forgetfulness ; while those only were retained, which it was thought would prove valuable and entertaining, and therefore worthy of a place in local history. As the book will not be without readers at a distance as well as in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and vicinage, many remarks of general interest will be found upon its pages.

The writer is well assured that he does not mistake the character of his fellow-citizens in other parts of Virginia, in supposing

PREFACE. XI

that they feel interested in the history, present condition, and prospects of their seaport, and of this productive, and we may truly say, interesting and attractive section of the Old Dominion, bordering as it does upon the sea, whose blue waves ceaselessly break and dash along its beautiful shores.

The author trusts that an effort to save from oblivion, and place in form and order, those occurrences of the past, in which many of the present day must feel an interest, will meet with the general approbation of the community. He indulges the hope, also, that the remarks upon the moral, political, literary, and social character of the place, may not be unacceptable to the reader. At the conclusion of the volume is a copious alphabetical index, which adds somewhat to its value, as it will be found useful for reference.

In submitting, though not without unfeigned dijSidence, the result of his labours to an enlightened and scrutinizing public, the writer is constrained to express the hope, that its tendency may prove beneficial. And, if his attempt to recall to mind the recollection of interesting incidents long past and forgotten ; to perpetuate to posterity some pleasing reminiscences of worthy men, whose mortal remains repose quietly in the silent tomb, shall prove successful, he will not feel that his efforts have been entirely in vain. If he shall succeed in " letting a spark fall upon memory's altar, and lighting up her slumbering fires" with the remembrance of the pleasing and novel occurrences of other days ; or in placing fairly and plainly before the public eye, an account of the commercial facilities and advantageous local position of the port of Norfolk and Portsmouth ; in arousing to action any portion of the native mental or physical energy, that may have hitherto been partially dormant and unexercised ; in awakening a more lively interest in those works of internal improvement with which the welfare of Eastern Virginia, and the prospects of

Xll PREFACE.

this port in particular, are so intimately connected; or in directing attention to any of the various places of interest in the vicinity — the works of nature and of art, the noble rivers and winding streams ; the pleasant villas and cultivated lands ; the buildings, ancient and modern ; the dense old forests, the boundless ocean, and other attractive objects — he will not hereafter be troubled with the unpleasant reflection that the time and pains which he found indispensable to the accomplishment of the work, were bestowed, without efi"ecting, at least in some degree, the results which were intended and anxiously desired.

W. S. F.

Norfolk, Va., January, 1853.

Chapter I

Situation — Relative Position — The Harbour — Superior Natural Advantages- Early Events and Prospects — Ancient Coin found — Aborigines — Pioneers of the Country — The Indians — Their former Home and savage Life — Departure and Extermination, ....... 33

CHAPTER 11.

Early Anglo-Saxon Inhabitants — John Smith — First Settlers — Wealth and Hospitality — Civilization — Plentiful Productions of the Country — Names of early Inhabitants — Reign of James I. — Manners and Customs of the old English Settlers — General Character — Habits and Amusements — Charles II. — English Nobility — Manners of the People — Fondness for Sport and Pleasure— Intoxicating Drinks — Industry, Morality, Religion, Aristocracy — The Ladies, their Industry, Activity, Healthfulness, and Admirable Character — ■ Descendants, ....,.., 39

Chapter III. 1650—1736

Remarks relative to the name of the City, &c. — Colonel Thorogood — Original Limits of Norfolk County — Upper and Lower Norfolk — Divisions and Subdivisions— Parishes, Churches, and Laws — Nansemond and Princess Anne Counties— The Princess of Denmark — Seat of Justice in Princess Anne County — Court-house and Jail of Norfolk County, and the Borough — Early Owners of the Site of Norfolk — Act of Assembly— Cobham — Singular Provisions — The Land Purchased by Trustees — Original Limits of the Town — Old Deed — The Walke Family — Norfolk established a Town — Increasing Commerce and Population— Prospect of Advancement — Statement of Colonel Byrd — The Borough Charter — Samuel Boush and other Officers of the Corporation — Boundaries — City Limits — Tanner's Creek — Town Bridge — Extract from the Virginia Gazette — First Council, Recorder, &c. — The first Mayor — Other Charter-men and their Descendants, .... 44

XIV CONTENTS.

CHAPTER lA^.

1736—1739.

Distinct Classes of Society — Effect of War — Political Agitation — Changes — Slow Movements — Style of Architecture — Flourishing Commerce — S^Dorts — Fairs — Greased Pole — Pig Chase — Sack Races — Empty Hogshead Affair — Hot Mush — Bull-bait — Old St. Paul's — The Grounds Improved — Church Street — Diabolical Plot — The Old Graveyard, and its Silent Occupants, 56

Chapter V. 1746—1765

Celebration of the Defeat of the Pretender — Privileges of the Borough enlarged — Court-house and Prison — Act of Assembly relative to Ferries — Talbot Street — Captain Talbot's Property — Foot-bridge — Graveyard — Human Bones — Reflections, ........ 65

Chapter VI. 1766—1768

Protest of the People against the Stamp Act — The Sons of Liberty, and their Patriotic Proceedings — Members' Names — Descendants — Imports of Virginia — A Curiosity — The Revolution and its Calamities, ... 68

Chapter VII. 1775—1776

Lord Dunmore — Preparations for War — The Battle of the Great Bridge — Glorious Victory — Heroism and Generosity of the Virginians — Miss Polly Miller— Officers, &c., who were in the Battle at the Bridge, . . 74

Chapter VIII. 1776

Sufferings of Captain Nash and other Revolutionary Patriots — Lord Dunmore on

CONTENTS. XV

Shipboai'd — Colonel Woodford — Dunmore's Rage, Arrogance, and Threats — Tories and Slaves — Their Miserable Condition — Norfolk Cannonaded — Misstatements Corrected — Cornstalk, the Sharpshooter — The Town Burned by the Citizens and Soldiers — Woodford Fires upon the British Fleet — Awful Conflagration — Patriotism — Battles — A Sad Contrast — Loss and Distress — The Site of Norfolk Abandoned, and the Silence of Gloomy Depopulation Reigns, . . . . . . . .79

Chapter IX. 1776— 177t

British Fleet and Soldiers — Pastimes and Depredations — Dunmore's Departure — Removal of the Citizens before the Conflagration — Their Spirit and Fortitude— Tories — Coloured Persons — Small-pox — Dreadful Suffering and Mortality— Money Buried — Mr. Goodchild's Trunk of Specie, &c. — First House Erected after the Conflagration — Return of the Inhabitants — Privations of the People — Dunmore, ...... 86

Chapter X. 1779—1785

Extraordinary Winter — The Two Schooners from the West Indies — Harbour Closed — Immense Profits — Destitution of the Citizens — Trying Times — Borough Charter Amended — Mild Winter — Norfolk Improving — Rev. Philip Bruce — Very High Tide — Extraordinary Drought — Terrific Thunder and Lightning — Scarcity of Water — Animals and Vegetation Sufi'ering — Alarming Day — Terrific Explosion — Negro Men Killed — Providential Escapes — The Merchant's Clerk, the Countryman, and the Gimlet — Money Raised by Lottery for Building a Church, ..... 90

CHAPTER XL

1787—1799.

Dismal Swamp Canal — Importance of its Trade — Judicious Management — Average of Tolls — Captain James Cornick — Location of the Canal — An Eminent Subscriber to the Stock — Borough Charter Amended — Tardy Legislation — Newspaper — Religious Revival — Cape Henry Light-house — Court-house — Population — Exports — Norfolk Herald— T. G. Broughton, Esq. — Heavy Exports and Tonnage of the Borough — Cold Weather — Extensive Fire, 97

XVI CONTENTS.

Chapter XII. 1800—1803

Severe Winter — Act of Assembly — Funeral Solemnities of Washington — Oration— Monody — Minute Guns, &c. — Population — Officers of the Corporation — Exports — Population Rapidly Increasing — Norfolk Advancing — Influx of Foreigners — Brisk Business — Shipping — Buildings on Main Street, &c. — Mud and Water — Dust, Frogs, and Musquitoes — Church Street — Ship-yards —Rev. Mr. Bland and Old St. Paul's— Rev. J. Whitehead— Different Christian Denominations, and their Houses of Worship — Cumberland Street Baptist Church — Number of Buildings — Simmons's Directory — Chamber of Commerce— Members' Names — Norfolk Junior Volunteers — The Council — Amendment of the Charter, ...... 102

Chapter XIII. 1803—1812

William Wirt — Letters, &c. — Norfolk Academy Incorporated, Trustees — Annual Exports and Imports — Prosperous Condition of the Borough — Commercial Advantages — Agriculture — Extensive Fire — Heavy Losses — Distress and Deaths — Market-House — River-side — Parade Ground — Taxes, &c. — Expenditures of the Corporation — Large Bill for Gunpowder — The Poet ]Moore — Shocking Tragedy — Comparative Statement — Norfolk People — Foreign Trade — Merchants — Commerce — Streets and Houses Labelled — Act of Assembly relative to Paving the Streets — The Harbour filled with A^'essels — Immense Business — Transient People — Brilliant Prospects — Norfolk Merchants— Pennock and Mj'ers — Norfolk Bar — Chesapeake Affair — Embargo — Ruinous Effects upon Commerce — Embargo Law Repealed — Mechanical Benevolent Society — Places of Amusement — Public Gardens, Parks, and Groves — Back Creek — Street Lamps — Solemn Funeral Procession — Burning of the Theatre at Richmond — Soldier Sentenced to be Shot, . . 110

Chapter XIV

War Declared — Warlike Preparations — Battle of Craney Island — Enemy's Fleet and Troops — Dreadful Execution of our Guns — Shameful Depredations of the British — Incidents of the Battle — Letter from General R. B. Taylor — Extracts from the Herald, . . . . . . 121

CONTENTS. XVn

Chapter XV. 1813

Anxiety of the Citizens — General Taylor — Fortifications — Forts Tar and Barbour— 54th Regiment — Lieutenant Broughton — Orders to March to Slaughter's Field — Excitement — False Alarm — Spirited Remarks of the Herald — Excitement Increased — Mr. Broughton's Statement — The Independents — 54th Regiment — Juniors — Artillery — Admiral Cochrane — Militia — Efifect of the Repulse at the Island, ...... 127

General Taylor — Officers, &c., of the Army — Colonel Sharp — Major Camp — Lieutenant Ferguson — Captain Capron — Major Maurice, Colonel McConico, Captain Shields, &c. — Parade Grounds — Lieutenant Ball Assassinated — Arrest — Trial and Conviction of a Sentinel — Schooner Tartar — Princess Anne Militia — British Squadron — General Parker — Midshipman Hall Killed,

CHAPTER XYII. 1814—1815.

Market-house, &c., Destroyed by Fire — Carelessness — Inefficiency of Means in Extinguishing Fires — Want of System, Energy, and Engines — Prices Current — Dr. Slaughter's Will — Legacies — Colonel Nivison — Philip R. Thomson, Esq. — His Honourable and Generous Conduct — The Slaughter Fund — American Beacon — Its Founders and Editors — Destruction of the Office by Fire — Contest for the Re-issue, &c., . . . . . . 141

CHAPTER XVIII.

1816—1819.

Female Orphan Asylum — Its Founder and Conductors — Its Utility — Buildings — Male Orphan Asylum Wanted — Manual Labour School — Neglected Childhood— First Sabbath School in Norfolk — Union School — Separation — The Sabbath School Cause — Miss M. Tucker — Council — Marine Society — Ward and General Ticket System Compared — Improvements — Stone Bridge —

XVlll CONTENTS.

Tobacco Wareliouse — Mayor Holt— Lancasterian School — Tobacco Inspection— Norfolk Provident Society — Its Object, Utility, &c. — Act of Assembly — Custom House Lot — The Trip to Baltimore — The Bay Line — Steamer North Carolina — Wonder Booker — Longevity, .... 146

Navigation Act — Trade of the West Indies — Commercial Distress — United States Bank — Colonization Society — Brutal Murder of Lagaudette — Startling Discovery — Arrest, Trial, Conviction, and Execution of the Murderers — Exciting Scene at the Gallows — Bungling Work — The Murderers and their Victim — Thieves — Highway Robbery — Awful Thunder Storm — A Gloomy Year — Sickness — Terrific Hurricane — The Great September Gale — High Tide — Effects of the Storm — Booth — Day of Humiliation and Prayer — Public Meeting — Navigation Law — Trade of the West Indies Declining, . 156

Team Ferry Boat — Steamboats — Reduction of Ferriage — Privileges — Acts of Assembly — Receipts — Competition Needed — Improper Restrictions — Drawbridge— Strange and Alarming Light — Painful Event — Loss of Life — Death of Ptev. E. M. Lowe — Arrival via Dismal Swamp Canal — Lamented Deaths — City Inspector, ....... 161

CHAPTER XXI.

Illustrious Guest — Lafayette's Visit to the Borough — The News Circulated — People from the Country, &c. — Excitement — Anxiety to see the Old Hero — Patriotism — Surprise of the Simple-minded — The Reception — Entertainment — Illumination — Portsmouth — Bonfires — Grand Banquet — Ball in Portsmouth — Ball in Norfolk — Congress — The Nation's Gratitude and Joy — His Character— His Errand — Services in Liberty's Cause — Subsequent Visit, . 164

CHAPTER XXIL

Lieutenant G. — Shipwreck — His Wife and Child — Affecting Scene — Sudden and

CONTENTS. XIX

Singular Death — Mrs. G. — Fire — Court-House and Jail Destroyed — Mr. Taylor and Dr. Slaughter — Court-House — Storm — High Tide — Destruction of Property — New Burying-Ground — Legacy of Elizabeth Crommeline — Exports— Non-intercourse Laws — Mr. Tazewell — General Smith — Trade Declining— Destructive Fire — Christ Church, &c., Burned — Loss and Distress — Countryman Frightened — Repoi'ts the Town on Fire — Ordinance concerning the Erection of AVooden Buildings — Lyceum — Its Name — Aristotle's School — Odd Fellows' Hall — Lancasterian School-Room — Interments in St. Paul's Graveyard Prohibited — Mild and Unseasonable Weather, . . 170

CHAPTER XXIIL

Dry Dock at Gosport — Summer Days in IMidwinter — Vegetables, Flowers, and Birds — Melancholy Accident and Loss of Life — Three Midshipmen Drowned — Mr. Hunter's Fortitude, &c. — Snow — Ordinance concerning Fire-wood — Suggestion — Prices — Christ Church — Ministrations — Present Pastor — The Clock — Original Plan — Present Condition — Bell, . . . 175

CHAPTER XXIY.

Religious Revival — Lieutenant in the U. S. Army enters the Ministry — Talents — Preaches in Uniform — The People go in Crowds to Hear Him — Description of a Camp Meeting Scene — The Young Preacher — Solemn and Impressive Devotions — Extraordinary Sermon — The Preacher's Style, Subject, &c. — Thrilling Interest and Wonderful Effect — Exciting Scene — The Preacher Overcome — Revivals — Melancholy Statement — Pastor of St. Paul's, New York — Other Preachers — Panny Baker — His Success and Usefulness — Affecting Scene — His Death — Presidents — Professors, Editors, &c. — Appropriate AVork of Methodist Ministers — Methodism — Principles of Truth do not Change — Men Change — Reformation, ..... 179

CHAPTER XXV.

1828—1832.

Dismal Swamp Canal — Methodist Protestant Church — Naval Hospital — Snow-storm— Population — Dr. M' Alpine — Cold Weather — Anniversary Celebration— Procession — Interesting Display — Oration, &c. — Strange Solar Ap-

XX CONTENTS.

pearance — Insurrection in Southampton — Its Effect — Increasing Commerce — Mayor — Singular Weather — The Cholera — Death of the Mayor — Death of John Tunis, Esq. — His Enterprise, &c. — Philanthropic Remark — Benevolent Idea— Reflections — Riches — Dr. Johnson — Utility of Poverty — Old Methodist Church Taken Down — New Building Dedicated — Dr. William A. Smith, 190

CHAPTER XXVL

1833—1836.

Public Square — Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad Company — Extensive Fire — New Buildings — Meteoric Phenomenon — Citizens alarmed — Railroad Stock — Roanoke Navigation Companj' — City Debt — Railroad Bill passed — Demonstrations of Joy — Sabbath Desecration — Commercial Prosperity — Great Guns and Fireworks — Failure of the Road — Rebuilding of the Road, and its Prospects-— Death of General R. B. Taylor — City Inspector — Earthquake — Back Creek — Shipping — Cold Weather — St. Paul's Cemetery — Religious Revival — Almshouse — Another Railroad Subscription, .... 196

CHAPTER XXVII.

Centenary of the Borough Charter — Reflections — Centennial Celebration — Procession — Mace — Oration by Wm. Maxwell, Esq. — Hymn — Aquatic Excursion— Fireworks — Serenade — Reflections, .... 200

CHAPTER XXVIII.

1836—1840.

Presbyterian Church — New Organization — Ministers — Services — Membership — Prices Current — Fire — Distinguished Visiter from France — Pleasing Incident — French's Hotel — Important Commercial Era — Unwise Legislation — Lieutenant Maury's Statement — Ocean Steam Navigation — What Norfolk might have Done — Real Estate — Exploring Squadron — Commercial Convention — Common Council — Destructive Fire — Explosion — Fire in Portsmouth — Loss of Life — Nuisance Removed — Public Square — Buildings — Avon Theatre — City Prison — Norfolk Academy — C. Hall, Esq. — Academy Square — Character of the Institution — The Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald, . . 206

CONTENTS. XXI

CHAPTER XXIX.

1840—1844.

Commercial Depression — Politics — Prices Current — Population — High Tides — Festivities — General Harrison — Fire — Hailstorm — Walters's Hotel — Judicious Management — Fire, and Loss of Life — Roman Catholic Church — Baptist Church in Portsmouth — Death of one of the Heroes of Craney Island — Death of an Old Citizen — Mayor Delany — Artesian Well, alias Market Square Pump — Cisterns — C. Bonsall, Esq. — Supply of Water from Deep Creek — Arrival of Henry Clay — Procession — Festivities — Speeches — Colonel Garnett — The Ladies — Joseph H. Robertson, Esq. — Governor Tazewell — Mr. Clay's Visit to Portsmouth — The Courier — Caterpillars, . . . 214

CHAPTER XXX.

1845—1847.

Norfolk becomes a City — Objections — Improvement — Effect of a Name — Congratulations of the Petersburg Intelligencer — Lynnhaven Oysters — Conchology. Ichthyology, &c. — Richmond Times and Compiler — Kind Remarks — Sources of Prosperity — Amendments to the Charter — Evidences of Advancement— Court-House in Portsmouth — Methodist Protestant Church Burned — Animal Magnetism — Professor De Bonneville^Severe Storm — Extraordinary Tide — Destruction of Property — Exciting Scene — Loss of Property on the Coast — Lame Boy, Dog, and Cat— Loss of Life — Distressing Scene — Sabbath-School Celebration — Interesting Sight — The Ladies — Addresses — Temperance Reformation — John B. Gough — Remarks — Mexican Wax* — Volunteers — Captain John P. Young — Captain 0. E. Edwards, . 220

CHAPTER XXXI. 1847.

Destructive Fire — Frightful Accident — Boys Burnt — Suffering and Death — Rev. Mr. Beall — Marble Tablet — Virginia Temperance Advocate — Grain Business — High Prices — Unseasonable Weather — -Fish — Moonlight Excursions— Prices of Grain — Rev. Mr. Anderson — Indian Corn — Demand from Ireland — Shipments — Sabbath-school Celebration — Rev. Mr. Cummins — U. S. Ship Pennsylvania — Grain and Corn — Death of Colonel Newton — Death of Dr. Moseley — City Hall — Corner Stone— Ceremonies — Oration — Rev. Mr. Hitselberger — New Orphan Asylum — View of the Old Church at Jamestown —Gift of the Norfolk Ladies— Public Buildings— Streets Paved— Spirit of Improvement — Beacon Office Destroyed — Snow and Thunder, . 230

XXll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXII.

1848—1849.

Southern Argus — Its Peculiarities — Remarks of Bulwer — Methodist Church Destroyed — Destructive Conflagration — Suffering — Insurance — Bethel Church, &c. — Philharmonic Association — Youthful Heroism — Narrow Escape from Drowning — Captain Hamilton L. Shields, U. S. A. — Captain Edward H. Fitzgerald, U. S. A. — New Baptist Church — California — Reflections — Visiters — Internal Improvements — Cumberland Street Methodist Episcopal Church— Unsuitable Location — General Millson — The Cholera — Norfolk Female Institute — Dr. Selden — Gas-Works — New Buildings — City Revenue— Death of M. King, Esq. ..... 230

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Internal Improvement Meeting — Delegation from Clarksville — David Shelton, Esq. — Doctor Wilson — Extracts from Interesting Letters — Unseasonable Weather — Launch of the Powhatan — Engines — The Gosport Iron Works — Norfolk Iron Works — Mechanics' Hall — Its Utility, &c. — Avon Theatre Destroyed— Fire in Portsmouth — Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute — Their Visit to Norfolk, &c. — Acknowledgments — Snow-Storm — General Scott — Fire in Gosport — Fruit, Vegetables, &c. — Farms — New City Hall — Location— Architecture — Dimensions — View — New Baptist Church — Description — Ashland Hall — Drought and Warm Weather . . . 247

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Steam-Packet Communication — Foreign Trade — Convention at Old Point — Sad Intelligence — Death of the President of the United States — Funeral Obsequies— Oppressive Weather — Tornado — Hon. Henry A. Wise — Internal Improvements — Canal from Norfolk to Albemarle Sound — Surveys — Mrs. Mary B. Johnston — Survey of the Harbour — Stone Wall — New Custom House — Powder INIagazine — Church Street Paved — Its Former Condition — Advance in the Price of Property — Dry Weathei' — Doctor Mallory appointed Navy Agent — His Qualifications — George Loyall, Esq. — Colonel Gai'nett appointed Collector of the Port — Conway Whittle, Esq. — Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad — Extension to Suffolk — Its Completion to AVeldon . . 258

CONTENTS. XXIU

CHAPTER XXXV.

New Methodist Episcopal Church — Description of the Building — Workmen — Pew System — Seating of a Congregation — Pews and Free Seats — Dedication — Rev. J. E. Edwards — Membership — Dr. Doggett — Quarterly Review — Labelling the Streets and Houses — Census, .... 267

CHAPTER XXXVI. 1851.

The Daily News — The Weather — Deaths — Caleb Bonsai, Esq. — Commodore Barron — The Chesapeake Affair — Decatur — Correspondence — Commodore Bainbridge — Capt. Elliot — The Duel — Barron severely Wounded — Decatur Killed — Commodore B.'s Social and OfScial Character — Death of a Venerable Lady — Simon S. Stubs, Esq., elected Mayor — Description of his Honour — -Visit

I of President Fillmore — Gale — The Norfolk Directory and Statistical Register — Its Kind Reception — Acknowledgments — Encouragements — Its Utility — Opinions Respecting Norfolk — Erroneous Impressions Corrected — Notice of the Work— Death of an Old Citizen — Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad — Severely Cold AVeather — Fire-wood — Skating — Mineral Springs, . 271

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Ordinance — Virginia Bank in Portsmouth Robbed — Conviction and Sentence of one of the Robbers — Cold Weather — River Frozen Over — Remarkable Hailstorm— Destructive Effects — Work on Internal Improvements, &c. — ^ Judge Baker — Clerk of Court — Commissioner of Revenue — Commonwealth's Attorney— Wm. T. Hendren, Esq. — Internal Improvement Meeting— Norfolk and Petersburg Road — Able Discussion — Mayoralty — Candidates — Election of Officers — Objectionable Feature in the Law — City Officers — Councils — Melancholy Intelligence — Death of Henry Clay — Funeral Obsequies — Procession— Oration — The Weather — Death of the Oldest White Inhabitant — New Catholic Church in Portsmouth — Patrick Robinson's Bequest — Death of Billy Ingram, the Oldest Coloured Inhabitant — Incidents in His Life — His Great Physical Strength — Coincidence — Corporation Scrip, in Sums of $100, $50, and $1 — Intelligence of the Death of Webster— Wm. B. Lamb, Esq. — Doctor Cowdery — Illumination, &c.^ — ^Agricultural Fair — Commendable Display of Agi-icultural Productions — Premiums — Princess Anne County — British Consul— Line of Packets to New York — Railroad Subscription, . 284

XXIV CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Opinions respecting Norfolk — Mr. Jefferson's Prediction — Views of Mr. Madison — Unwise Legislation — Internal Improvement — James River and Kanawha Canal — Products of the West — The Norfolk Market^Productions of the Forest — Coal — Railway to the Pacific — Norfolk the Commercial Centre of a large Extent of Country — Coasting Business — The Harbour — The Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad — Its advantages — Surveyor's Report — Convention at Union — New Orleans and Memphis Road — Norfolk the Atlantic Terminus — China and East India Trade— The Consequences — Weldon and Gaston, and Clarksville and Ridgway Roads — Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad — Subscriptions by the City — Arrangements of the Company with the City — Ferry and Bridge Connexion — Trade — City Subscription — Baltimore Steam Packet Company — Wilmington and Manchester Road — North Carolina Road — Charlotte and Columbia Road, &c. — Continuous Lines from Norfolk — Enterprising Men Wanted — Enterprise and Progress — Supineness, Neglect, and the Downward Tendency, ...... 296

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Commercial Position — Why Norfolk has not advanced more rapidly — Other Cities — Norfolk and Boston — Virginia and Massachusetts — Formerly Flourishing Commerce of Virginia — Norfolk Waking Up — Internal Improvements — Obstructions must be removed — -Produce must find an Outlet at this Port — Means of Access — Products of Virginia, North Cai-olina, &c. — Improvement apparent in Norfolk — Back Country — Land in the Vicinity — Centralizing Action — ^Western Trade — Railroads, Steam-Packet Lines, &c. — Effect upon the Commerce of the State — Erroneous Impressions relative to the Storage of Tobacco— Adaptation of the Climate to its Preservation proved — Testimony of the ^Merchants — The Climate of Norfolk — Warehouses — Inspectors — Merchants — Flour, Wheat, &c. — Means of Access, . . 304

CHAPTER XL.

Lieutenant Maury — Natural Advantages of Norfolk — Back Country — Supineness of the State — The South — Trade of the Amazon Valley — Line of Steamers from Norfolk, &c. — Para — Clipper Ships — The Wharves of Norfolk — Advantages of the Port — Trade of the West Indies and South America — A. W. Thompson's Scheme — Line of Steamers from Norfolk to Antwerp, &c. — Mr. Thompson's Propositions — Prospective Benefits — Advantages offered by Belgium — Opinions respecting the enterprise — Statements of Mr. Wheeler,

CONTENTS. XXV

CHAPTER XLL

General Appearance of the City — Buildings — Streets, Gardens, Flowers, &c. — New Baptist Church — Pleasing View — Public Buildings, &c. — Relative Position— Academy — Christ Church— St. Paul's — Eastern Branch — Herbertsville — St. Patrick's Church — Presbyterian Church — Baptist Church — Methodist Episcopal Church — Marine Hospital^Mechanics' Hall — Southern Branch — Navy Yard — City Hall — Portsmouth — Naval Hosjiital — New Methodist Episcopal Church — Elizabeth Piiver — War Steamers — Craney Island — African Churches — Almshouse — Cemeteries — Cotton Factory — Background — Wooded Lands — Norfolk in 1852 — The Situation — Climate — Atmosphere — Norfolk Sunsets — Descriptions — Sunset Scene, by Charles H. Beale, Esq. — Appearance of the City and River from the Outer Harbour — Beautiful Scenery — Location — Productions of the Water, Forests, Fields, and Gardens — The Soil and its Capacity — Grain, Vegetables, Fruit, &c. — Grapes — Land —Sites for Farms, ..... . . 322