History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 14

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054

USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 14

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

stalls for the accommodation of horses. The schooner was not loaded.

The prisoners numbered 13 in all,-II white men and two negroes. The latter, as also three of the white men, hailed from the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

The fleet returned about 6 o'clock and came to anchor between Fort Norfolk and Craney Island. Shortly after their return, two Federal steamers, which had been caught at Newport News, and which remained out of sight while the "Virginia" was in the Roads, embraced the opportunity afforded them by her withdrawal, to advantage, and proceeded at once to Old Point.

One battery engaged the Federal fleet when they bombarded the Sewell's Point fort- ifications on the 8th of May. This attack was vigorously made by the "Monitor" and the whole squadron from Old Point. The shower of great shells thundered and exploded all around us and some of the guns at the main fortifications were silenced ; but as soon as the "Virginia" hove in sight our assailants imme- diately retreated under the guns of Fortress Monroe. Although thus twice challenged, the "Monitor" would never risk another fight with the "Virginia."

On the roth of May the evacuation of Nor- folk county was ordered and all troops were withdrawn from the seaboard. The C. S. S. "Virginia" was destroyed by her own crew, who had made her the marvel of the world; Lieutenant Jones says :

"In order that the ship might be carried up the James River we commenced to lighten her, but ceased on the pilots saying they could not take her up. Her shield was then out of wa- ter; we were not in fighting condition. We therefore ran her ashore in the bighit of Cra- 11ey Island, landed the crew and set the ves- sel on fire. The magazine exploded about 4:30 on the morning of the IIth of May, 1862.

The crew arrived at Drewry's Bluff the next day, and assisted in defeating the 'Monitor,' 'Galena' and other vessels on the 15th of May. Commodore Tatnall was tried by court-mar- tial for destroying the 'Virginia,' and was 'hon- orably acquitted' of all the charges. The Court stated the facts and their motives for acquitting him. Some of them are as follows : 'That after the evacuation of Norfolk, West- over, on the James River, became the most suitable position for her to occupy; that while in the act of lighting her, for the purpose of taking her up to that point, the pilots for the first time declared their inability to take her 110. *

* That when lightened she was made vulnerable by the attacks of the enemy. * The only alternative, in the opin- ion of the Court, was to abandon and burn the ship then and there, which, in the judgment of the Court, was deliberately and wisely done.' "

There are side by side in the cemetery at- tached to the Naval Hospital at Portsmouth, the graves of two of the subjects of Queen Victoria, both of whom were killed on the 8th of March, 1862,-in the same battle, but on opposite sides. The "Virginia." as she steamed down the harbor on that day to en- gage the Federal fleet in Hampton Roads, was accompanied by several small gunboats, among which was the "Beaufort," and on the "Beau- fort" was a gallant British sailor named Will- iam Robinson. He was a young man only 28 years old and was conspicuous for his bravery. He was killed by a musket ball fired from the shore batteries at Newsport News, and was buried here. By his side lies the remains of a young Irishman, Thomas Fay, who was killed on the United States frigate "Cumberland" by a shot from the "Virginia," and thus these two men, subjects of the same nation, fighting as volunteers against each other. fell on the same day and were buried together.

CHAPTER VII

MILITARY HISTORY OF THE COUNTY-Continued

NORFOLK COUNTY UNDER MILITARY RULE-POST-BELLUM OR RECONSTRUCTION TIMES- PATRIOTISM OF CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS-LIST OF THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS OF NORFOLK COUNTY-CONFEDERATE . FLAGS AND GREAT SEAL-SISTERS OF MERCY.

The evacuation of Norfolk county by the Confederates was the occasion of great dis- tress to the people and their worst fears of military rule by the invaders were fully real- ized. It is a dark and dreadful chapter in the history of our county. The infamous tyranny of the Federal commanders exceeded that oi Dunmore's in the Revolutionary era. Old men, women and children were subjected to every conceivable indignity from both white and black soldiers. Where the out-posts were stationed in the country, negro soldiers paced in front of the farm houses and sometimes at the dead of night they would fire musket balls through the window glass to terrify the de- fenseless women and children. Upon flimsy pretexts old men were thrown into prison, in- carcerated in jails or the casemates at Fortress Monroe : savages of war were turned loose to tyrannize over the people, and destroy their property. David M. Wright, a prominent physician and respected citizen of Norfolk. with proud spirit. resenting an insult by an in- solent officer of a negro company, shot him down in hot blood, and was executed under Butler's rule.

.1 Confederate flag was stretched across

the narrow gateway to the ferry to force the people to trample upon it-a contemptible scheme to humiliate the inhabitants. A young lady, not to be forced to degrade her own flag, picked it up. concealed it under her cloak and disappeared in the crowd. \ file of soldiers was quickly called to recover the banner, but could never find the dashing girl who rescued the Southern Cross.

Churches were seized, converted into hos- pitals. barracks, and stables, and some entirely destroyed. Ten or 12 public school houses were torn down and the material used for camps.

The noble and devout rector of Trinity P. E. Church, Portsmouth, who ministered to the spiritual needs of his flock for 50 years-hon- vred, respected, loved by them and the good citizens of all denominations, was thrown into prison and humiliated as a common felon be- cause he omitted from prayers the name of the President, whose minions were insulting and murdering his kinsmen. Hear the Orders!

HEADQUARTERS, NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH. NORFOLK, VA., Feb. 25. 1864. ( Extract. ) IV. It having been reported to the General com-

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manding that J. H. Wingfield. of Portsmouth, is an avowed secessionist and that he takes every oppor- tunity to disseminate his traitorous dogmas much to the annoyance of his loyal neighbors, and that on one occasion at a place of worship, while the prayer for the President of the United States was being read, his conduct was such as to annoy and disgust the loyal portion of the congregation, and believing a wholesome example is necessary for the benefit of Mr. Wingfield in particular, and the class in this community he rep- resents in general, men of education and ability, who use the talents God has given them for the purpose of stirring up strife against the government of the United States, it is therefore ordered that the Provost Marshal arrest Mr. J'. H. Wingfield and that he be turned over to Colonel Sawtelle, to work for three (3) months cleaning the streets of Norfolk and Portsmouth, thus employing his time for the benefit of that government he has abused, and in a small way atone for his dis- loyalty and treason.

By command of BRIG .- GEN. E. A. WILD, GEORGE H. JOHNSTON, Capt. and A. A. G.

HEADQUARTERS 18TH ARMY CORPS, DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, FORTRESS MONROE, March I, 1864.

The remainder of the sentence imposed by Brig .- Gen. Wild upon the Rev. Mr. Wingfield is remitted. He will be sent to Capt. Cassel's at Fortress Monroe for custody.

His punishment is remitted not for respect for the man, or for his acts, or because it is unjust, but because its nature may be supposed to reflect upon the Christian Church, which by his connection with it has been al- ready too much disgraced.

By command of MAJ .- GEN. BUTLER, A. F. PUFFER, Capt. A. D. C.

The names of Butler and Dunmore are im- perishable insignias of infamy to the people of Norfolk County.

POST BELLUM OR RECONSTRUCTION TIMES.

The "Red Rock" days came upon the peo- ple of Norfolk County after Appomattox.

The tyranny of Butler, Viele and Wild, was reinforced by the swagger of the carpet- baggers and the boasts of the insolent negroes.

Confederate soldiers bearing the honora- ble parole of Gen. U. S. Grant were arrested and dragged before the provost marshal to have the buttons cut from their war-worn uniforms in the presence of gaping, motley

crowds of negroes and whites. No despot's sceptre ever struck more crushing humiliation to a brave and proud people than these uni- formed cormorants in the name of Republican government. They used the camp followers to gather the "spoons" and rifle graves for their pockets. The new Constitution was the nest of fraud, which laid the burdens of taxa- tion to enrich the coffers of carpet-baggers, who hood-winked their negro allies with the cry of "40 acres and a mule" from the confis- cated property. Intelligence, worth and virtue were silenced under the hideous rule of ignor- ance and vice. Plunder under the forms of law was the aim of the ravenous schemers, who cried aloud in the name of loyalty to hide their booty.

The most contemptible of all the crimes in these unhallowed days was the shackling of our captive chieftain Jefferson Davis, and the indignation in cvery Southern home is aptly expressed in the editorial of the Norfolk Day Book of Tuesday evening, June 19, 1868: "No man, except with a dead soul, like that of the Tribune, can read the account of the shackling of JEFFERSON DAVIS, without feel- ing his bosoni heave with emotion and indig- nation. The monstrosity of the order was well calculated to astound the political victim, the embodiment of the lost cause, and make him grasp for breath, and clutch his throat with the bony fingers of his right hand, his wasted figure towering to its full height, swelling with indignation and shrinking, not in terror, as is said. but in the indignation of his courageous manhood, from the sight of the rattling shack- les. Properly did he characterize the orders when, losing temporary control of his feelings, he shouted, -. They are orders for a jailor --- a hangman-which no soldier wearing a sword should accept. I tell you the world will ring with this disgrace. The war is over, the South is conquered. I have no longer any country but America, and it is for the honor of America, as for my own honor and life. that I plead against this degradation. Kill ine! Kill me!' he cried passionately, throwing

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

his arms wide open, and exposing his heart. `rather than inflict on me. and my people. through me. this insult, worse than death.'

"Fle resisted with all his strength. it is re- ported, the effort of the smith to place the shackles on his feet, until at last overcome they were fastened on. When the order was accomplished. Mr. Davis lay for a moment as in a stupor. Then slowly raising himself. and turning round, he dropped his shackled feet to the floor. The harsh clank of the strik- ing chain seems to have recalled him to a sense of his situation. and dropping his face into his hands, he burst into a passionate flood of sobbing, a manly outburst of feeling, sway- ing to and fro, and muttering at brief intervais 'Oh, the shame, the shame!' And yet there are ghouls and ravens in the garb of humanity. who will chuckle over this description, either as a sensational story. or. if true, justify the unnecessary outrage, and the unjust and in- human order.

"The South, however, will view the state- ment by which the iron entered into the soul of the embodiment of her cause. as a shackling of herself, which was the foreshadowing of that political shackling, which the radical Thugs in Congress are now seeking to rivet upon her limbs. led on by the bloodthirsty men that control the legislation of the coun- try. The clank of those fetters will resound through the future for centuries to come, and the biting irons will take their place beside those which once bound the limbs of the great GENOESE."

Another episode which aroused the ire of our people was the conduct of conquering he- rocs (?) in regard to the memorial window in Trinity P. E. church, Portsmouth, Virginia.

The following extracts from letters written here in 1868 show the condition of the minds of Southerners on the subject.

From a letter dated April 14. 1868,-

* * Sunday we were all much surprised on going to church to see a magnificent memorial window in the middle south window. It represents Virginia weeping for her sons. \ female figure is leaning on a monu-

ment, and inscribed on the monument: "To the mem- ory of James G. Hodges, Bristoe B. Gayle. Alexander B. Butt. Frank N. Armistead. William Il. Cocke, Will- iam 11. Bingley, St. Julien Wilson, Stephen A. Cowley. .A. Dulaney Forrest, who ched during the years 1861 and 1865 in defense of their native State, Virginia, against the invasion by the U. S. forces."

On the upper part of the window is the face of an angel, with outstretched wings, and it is the most beautiful thing I ever saw. The Yankee pew-holders took offense at the word invasion, I suppose, and yes- terday your father received the following communi- cations, which I think you would like to see. You will see that no reason is given for their withdrawal. One of the "dissatisfied," in a conversation with your father, expressed the hope that there will be some alter- ation made in the window so that the Navy Yard people may return. But I reckon they will wait a long time for that. Not one member of the whole congre- gation will ever give their consent to have one word erased-not if the whole Yankee nation would come to see us. All this took place yesterday. This morn- ing Mr. J. E. rented one of the pews vacated by "Their Honors." Captain H. thinks he will take another. and I reckon that Mr. N. will take one. Mr. G. says he will increase his pew-rent 100 per cent. We do not know by whom the window was presented to the church. We at first thought it was our old pastor. hut we hear now that he did not. The donor wishes his or her name to be kept secret. Cantain Rodgers says in his letter: "1 regret very much to leave Trinity Church, but as Icannot with propriety continue to be a member of its congregation. I beg leave to withdraw from it and give up my pew." H. Newell, chief engi- neer, wrote: "Circumstances compet me to withdraw from the congregation of Trinity Church. You will please consider my pew vacated."

Commander Pattison writes: "I regret the neces- sity that compels me to relinquish my new in Trinity Church from this date." Capt. George H. Cooper says : "Owing to circumstances I respectfully resign the pew taken by me in Trinity Church." He only rented it last Saturday. Some are afraid that the military are carrying such a high hand that there will be an order sent to have the window taken out, but I reckon they will have to do it themselves, for not one of us would lend a hand.

From a letter dated April 30. 1868.

Since I last wrote you we have been in a real stew, first on account of the memorial window, which it was thought the military would order to be removed. Yesterday I heard that they thought it was a matter with which they had no right to interfere, and there- fore no notice would be taken of it. To-day we learn that an order had been issued for its removal, but that the officers of the Navy Yard had protested against it and the order had been countermanded.

It is no more than they should have done, as they were the ones to kick up such a fuss about it. I -hall be much surprised if the matter remains quiet. " * *

Two of the officers took their news again and the

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

other officers also, as they heard that a cover had been placed over the inscription, which was really the case. Our dear old pastor, who presented the window to the church, was so disturbed to think that he had given offense, when his only object was to give a pleasant surprise, that he had a piece of black cloth placed over the inscription. That, again, caused the "Rebel" blood to rise and a young Confederate soldier removed the cloth, for which everyone condemns him, as it was placed there by the donor, and the Confederate was not a resident of this place and had no right to med- dle with it at all.

Your father asked Captain Cooper, when he told him that they had heard that the inscription had been covered, if they took their pews with the knowledge that the cloth had been taken off. He said they were aware of that. But the next day he returned to say that he and Lieutenant Hammersly would retain their pews, but the other officers declined taking theirs. Citizens of the city have come in and rented the vacated pews.

From a letter dated May 16, 1868.

Since I wrote you last the Yankees have com- pelled us to take out of our church our beautiful memorial window. They actually (so we hear from various sources, and Father Plunkett says he read the order at the Navy Yard ) received an order from Wash- ington from the Secretary of the Navy to close the Navy Yard gates if the window was not removed be- fore Saturday night. Of course the throwing of a thousand or more men out of employment was cal- culated to bring on a horrible state of things, and fears were entertained that the church would be torn down. That would have roused the Southerners, who as it is are much excited, and our dear old pastor conchided that the best way to preserve the peace would be to take the window out, but we all hope that the time is not far distant when it can be put back again. *

We have learned through Father Plunkett that an appropriation had been made by the "Best Govern- ment in the World" for the repairs of the Hospital building and the sea-wall, but afterward orders had been received to suspend the work until it was known what would be done with the window.

HEADQUARTERS SUB. DISTRICT OF NORFOLK AND PORTS- MOUTH.

NORFOLK, VA., April 18, 1868. To the Vestrymen of Trinity Church. Portsmouth, Vir- ginia.

GENTLEMEN : Information having reached these headquarters that a memorial window has been placed in your church, commemorative of the dead of your church "who fell during the late rebellion," in lan- guage which has given offense to the Union sentiment of some of the attendants of the church, causing some U. S. officers to relinquish their pews and withdraw from the church, the Major Commanding desires you to furnish him with an exact copy of the inscription on the above window for his information.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

E. W. STONE, Lieut. and A. A. G.

An exact copy was ordered to be furnished by the register, also a copy of the following resolution :

Resolved. That the vestry of the church disclaim any intention in permitting the erection of the memorial window lately placed therein to give offense to any per- son or persons attending upon the services of the church.

It seems from the above that the window was removed from the church in May, 1868, and was replaced in September, 1870, with the inscription changed to read as follows :

Given through respect for the Patriotism of the Dead and from sympathy with their bereaved friends by their old pastor on Easter Sunday, 1868.

And so the beautiful memorial window re- mains to-day and the truth of the unholy in- vasion of Virginia by U. S. forces will be re- membered ,as long as her mountains hold to their foundations or her rivers empty into the sea-

Take down your memorial window. Tenderly take it away, Lay it aside as a relic : In its place put another of grey.

In lieu of the gorgeous colors Which glowed in the sun of May, Let a cold light fall on the chancel, Through a window of modest grey.

Let it have no word of inscription : Never a hint of the fray! Let it cast into the church a twilight, Tender and soft and grey.

Then will the simple tribute Even the ruthless stay, And make them feel all the glory Of the soldiers who fell in grey. -James Barron Hope. To the congregation of Trinity Church, Portsmouth, Virginia.

On the 16th day of March. 1869, M'aj. Gen. George Stoneman, commanding the First Military District, Virginia, removed all of the old magistrates elected by the white people of Norfolk County and appointed men who could subscribe to the iron-clad oath in their places. The presiding justice, W. H. C. Lovitt, not

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

having been removed with his colleagues, re- signed, and F. W. Lemosey was selected under the new regime of reconstruction. The mili- tary commander also removed other county officers at the same time. Maj. Samuel Ether- idge, sheriff, was removed and Thomas W. Mahew appointed in his place. Griffin F. Ed- wards, elected clerk of the County Court al- most unanimously by the white voters, was turned out by military edict and J. P. Hodges appointed in his place. Capt. W. Scott Sykes, county surveyor, was also removed by the same power and Benjamin B. Chandler ap- pointed in his place. The term of Capt. V. O. Cassell. the attorney for the Commonwealth. expired on the Ist of January. 1869, and on the 19th a military edict named J. H. Reming- ton of New York to fill the office-and soon followed the enfranchisement of the negroes. Even now some of the evils of the reconstruc- tion period still fester in the body politic; but the struggle of the Anglo-Saxon will go on until every vestige of negro rule will be blotted out.

These reconstruction times were bitter days to those in whose bosoms throbbed Southern hearts. The yoke was heavy and strong; but it chastened the soul and made our people strive for new fortunes on industrial lines. The Confederate soldiers took the lead in agri- cultural and commercial pursuits : and the great development in the fields of Norfolk County and the splendid commercial growth of her cities are testimonials of AAnglo-Saxon perseverance and power.

Norfolk County, including its two cities, sent the flower of its manhood to the army of the Confederate States: few except the old men and boys remained at home. Its artillery and cavalry companies made high marks in the game of war. Its sailors were as brave as Nelson's. Its infantry was unexcelled in the corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. The sons of Norfolk County shared the dan- gers of every war from the colonial wars to the Spanish-American War: but none with the patriotic unanimity and enthusiasm as the

Confederate War. The New York Sun argu- ing against the increase of the regular army and comparing the material of the contending armies said "The Confederate rank and file were composed wholly of raw men, and in the first two years of the war, volunteers. Yet what an infantry they were! Those of us who saw them charge in line of battle never ap- proach a Confederate cemetery without taking off our hats in homage to the devoted braves who ever walked straight into the jaws of death without flinching." The Confederate private infantryman is the typical hero of the South. The Old South has grand memories and the New South has splendid anticipations. The spirit which moved the Old leads the New South.

It is that spirit which seeks truth through roughest paths and heeds no danger in its pur- suit. It is that spirit which warmed the hearts and steeled the nerves to bear the burdens of both the Old and the New South. My ideal hero embraced it with superb unselfishmess.

Some would say he should be Robert E. Lee, whose great heart and lofty leadership enchained the everlasting affection of the South.

Some would say he should be "Stonewall" Jackson, whose magic power so often awakened the wonder of the world.

Some would say he should be Jefferson Davis, whose polished manhood held with un- yielding nerve the pearl of Southern pride.

Some woukl say he was among the hosts of cavalrymen and artillerymen, who flashed their swords and pulled their lanyards in battles often wonl.

Yes! These are the jewels of the South, and there are honors and memories for them ; but I would take away the stars and trimmings and titles, for there was charm and inspiration in them.

I would eliminate, too. the higher grades of service.

The purest spirit. the deepest love. the greatest hero, the noblest manhood, was in the infantry private of the South.

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He was reared when the "irrepressible con- flict" quickened the pulse of the people. He was inspired by the intellectual gladiators of the South.

He gloried in the heroism of his ancestors, who had won the Republic from England. He shouldered the burdens of his convictions, he grasped his musket for his cause, he inhaled the smoke of battle, he felt the sting of the bullet. he bled from shot and shell.

He dared to die when he could foresee his unurned ashes scattered on the soil of his enemies.

Where is loftier heroism ?

Where is nobler patriotism ?

Where is truer manhood ?

Where is grander chivalry ?

Where is a more ideal hero?

For principles, he bore the heaviest cross.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 14

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912 Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1054

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054