USA > Virginia > Washington County > Washington County > History of southwest Virginia, 1746-1786, Washington County, 1777-1870 > Part 40
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Whereas by the wrong doing of men it hath been the unfortu- nate lot of the following negroes to be slaves for life, to-wit: Vina, Adam, Nancy sen., Nancy, Kitty and Selah. And whereas believ- ing the same have come into my possession by the direction of Prov- idence, and conceiving from the clearest conviction of my con- science aided by the power of a good and just God, that it is both sinful and unjust, as they are by nature equally free with myself, to continue them in slavery, I do, therefore, by these presents, under the influence of a duty I not only owe my conscience, but the just God who made us all, make free the said negroes hoping while they are free of man they will faithfully serve their Maker through the merits of Christ.
Given under my hand and seal this 21st day of July, 1795.
ELIZABETH RUSSELL, (L. S.)
To all whom it may concern :
Whereas my negro man John (alias) John Broady, claims a promise of freedom from his former master General William Camp- bell, for his faithful attendance on him at all times, and more par- ticularly while he was in the army in the last war, and I who claim the said negro in right of my wife, daughter of the said General William Campbell, feeling a desire to emancipate the said negro man John, as well for the fulfillment of the above-mentioned prom- ise, as the gratification of being instrumental of prompting a parti- cipation of liberty to a fellow creature, who by nature is entitled
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Washington County, 1117-1870.
thereto, do by these presents for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators fully emancipate and make free to all mienis and purposes the said negro man Jobn (alias) John Broads front me forever. As witness my hand and seal, this 20th day of september. one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three.
FRANCIS PRESTON. (L. S. )
From an inspection of the records of our court at the time in question, it seems that there was a strong sentiment prevailing among the people of this section of Virginia in favor of abolishing slavery.
The next occurrence of importance was the organization of a Masonic lodge, at the house of JJames White, in the town of Abing- don. on the 3d day of October, 1796, by virtue of a dispensation from the Grand Master of Virginia This lodge of Masons was organized through the influence of William King, Daniel Murphey. Robert Johnston, Charles Carson, William Preston Skillem. Francis Preston, Claiborne Watkins and Joseph Hays. The lodge thus organized is still in existence, and has exercised a wonderful influence for good in the history of our county.
Upon the death of General Washington, in the year 1799. infor- mation of which reached Abingdon, in January, 1800, the Masonic Lodge, at their regular stated meeting on the 21st day of January, adopted the following resolutions :
"The lodge, viewing with a lively regret the loss the world and particularly Masonry has sustained by the death of our beloved brother, the great Washington,' and being desirous to exhibit a testimonial of its exalted opinion of its virtues,
"Resolved, That the Worshipful Master. Francis Preston, be requested to deliver an eulogium on the 22d day of next month, at the courthouse, adapted to the occasion."
And at a stated meeting of the lodge on the 18th of February, 1800, the following resolutions were adopted :
"On motion of Brother Smith. seconded by Brother Tate, ordered that a committee be appointed by the Worshipful Master. consisting of five members of the lodge to meet a committee of the citizens of Washington county in order to enter into regulations for the celebration of the memory of the great Washington on the 22d instant, so that the Mason and the soldier may be united with ease
446
Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786.
and ornament. That the said committee do meet the citizens forth- with; whereupon the Master appointed Brothers William Tate, Robert Preston, Francis Smith, William King and Joseph Hays to form the said committee.
"Resolved, That on the 22d instant the Masons meet at their hall and march in procession from the lodge to the court-house, after which, each Mason acting as captain of the militia, will pro- ceed to his company with his Masonic apparatus, uniting in the man the Mason and the soldier."
While there is no documentary evidence of the fact, there can be but little doubt that a great concourse of the citizens of Wash- ington county assembled at Abingdon on the 22d day of February, 1800, to pay a last tribute to the memory of the great Washington.
Upon the reassembling of the Masonic lodge on the evening of the same day, a committee was appointed with instructions to draft an account and a sketch of the proceedings of the day, and to have the same published in the "Virginia Argus," a news- paper published in Richmond, Virginia, along with the address of Francis Preston delivered upon the occasion.
At the March term, 1799, of the court of Washington county, Virginia, William King, James Armstrong, John Eppler and Rob- ert Craig, were appointed a committee to report to the next court the plan of a stone prison and the probable expense of building the same.
This committee reported at the April term, 1799, and the con- tract for the building of the new jail or prison house was let to James White, at the sum of $1,536.21.
He was paid a large part of the contract price for building this jail, out of the moneys derived from the sale of lots in the town of Abingdon, and the balance was paid by a levy upon the citizens of the county.
In this year the militia of Washington county was rearranged, the Seventieth Regiment of militia was divided, and the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment of militia organized, Colonel Fran- cis Preston commanding the Seventieth and Colonel Robert Camp- bell the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment of militia of Washing- ton county upon its reorganization.
By the year 1803, William King and other enterprising citizens of the county were actively engaged in the manufacture of salt at
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Washington County. 1777-1870.
Saltville. Virginia, and through the influence of these gentlemen the General Assembly of Virginia undertook the first internal improvement upon the public account in Southwestern Virginia.
On the 28th day of December. 1803, the General Assembly of Virginia incorporated the Abingdon and Saltville Turnpike, and appointed William King. Francis Preston, William Tate, William Poston, Samuel Edmiston, James White and David Campbell, com- missioners to mark out and let to contract the building of a turn- pike road from Abingdon to Saltville.
This Act of the Assembly provided that "the tolls received from the said road should be subject to the order of the General Assem- bly of Virginia." and by the same Act the tolls to be charged for the use of said road was prescribed as follows :
One loaded wagon and team, .25c.
On every cart, per wheel, 5c.
On every saddle-horse, 6c.
On riding carriages per wheel, 6c.
On every head of cattle, 1c.
This road was for many years the best to be found in our county.
Some time between the years 1800-1810, a new court-house built of brick was erected in the town of Abingdon on the southeast cor- ner of the present public square. The date of the erection of this court-house, its dimensions and cost, along with the name of the contractor, cannot be ascertained, as the records of the court cov- ering this period have been destroyed.
Nothing of sufficient importance to be recorded occurred in this county, so far as I can ascertain, from 1803 until the year 1806.
On the 4th day of January, 1806, John G. Ustick published the first newspaper, so far as I can ascertain, in Washington county, the title of which was the "HOLSTON INTELLIGENCER AND ABINGDON ADVERTISER." a four-column, four-page paper, a copy of which is preserved, a very creditable paper indeed, giv- ing the local news of the county, the proceedings of Congress and foreign news.
Abingdon has not been without a newspaper from January 4, 1806, until the present time, except the period from December 15, 1864. when the town was burned by the Federal troops, to December 8. 1865.
448
Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786.
THE WAR OF 1812-1815.
By the opening of the year 1812, the situation of affairs was such as to strongly indicate war between the United States and Great Britain. The American public was greatly excited and seemed to be anxious for the conflict. The government of the United States was making every preparation for war.
In the spring of the year 1812, the Congress of the United States passed a resolution by a vote of 79 to 49 declaring war against Great Britain, over the protest of the Federalist members of Con- gress, among the number being Daniel Sheffey, the member from this district, and on the 18th day of June, 1812, the Senate of the United States, by a vote of 19 to 18, concurred in the resolu- tion of Congress, and war was formally declared.
On July 6, 1812, David Campbell was commissioned a major in the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry, A. S. A., and, raising all recruits possible, he proceeded to Winchester, Virginia, where he joined his regiment. The Twelfth Regiment of Infantry was officered as follows :
Colonel, Thomas Parker.
Lieutenant-Colonel, James Patton Preston, of Montgomery county.
Major, David Campbell, of Washington county.
Captains :
John Gibson,
Archibald C. Randolph,
James Charlton,
Thomas P. Moore,
Charles Page,
A. L. Madison,
Willoughby Morgan,
James Paxton.
Lieutenants :
L. B. Willis,
J. G. Camp, Angus McDonald,
Lockville Jackson,
Richard P. Fletcher,
R. G. Hite.
Second Lieutenants :
Russell Harrison, John Keys, John Kenny,
William Stone,
Matthew Hughes, John Towles,
. O. W. Callis,
Robert Houston.
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Washington County, 1777-1870.
Ensigns :
J. W. MeGavock,
John Shommo,
Isaac Keys, Bailey Bruce,
Philip Wagoner,
W. C. Parker,
Thomas B. Barton.
On the 10th of April, 1812, President. Madison issued an order for 12,000 men for the regular army from Virginia, which men were to be taken from the several militia regiments of the State. To make up this number, the Seventeenth Brigade was required to furnish 488 men, of which Captain Francis Preston's rifle com- pany was to furnish fifty men, Captain Tupper's company, of Mont- gomery county, fifty men ; Captain Hale's rifle company, Grayson county, fifty men ; Captain Steffey's company, of Wythe county, fifty men.
It is probable that the forces thus levied accompanied Major David Campbell to Winchester. Upon the arrival of Major David Campbell at Winchester, he immediately proceeded to assist in drill- ing and recruiting the regiment, which regiment, on the 29th day of August, 1812, marched for the lakes of Canada, where it was placed under the command of Alexander Smyth, of Wythe county. who, on the 6th day of July, 1812, was commissioned by the Presi- dent of the United States, inspector-general with the rank of briga- dier. General Smyth, on the 15th day of June, 1812, was in Washington city, and addressed a letter to a gentleman in Abing- don in which he stated :
"It is whispered, and I have no doubt of the fact, that to-day the Senate passed the bill from the House of Representatives for declaring war against Great Britain.
"The recruits west of the Blue Ridge in Virginia are intended for the North. Considering this circumstance together with the land bounty, the abolition of corporal punishment, &c .. I shall expect the recruiting service to succeed well."
Upon the first intimation of war. many of the citizens of this county immediately volunteered their services to their country.
In March of the year 1812. a volunteer troop of cavalry was formed within the bounds of the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment. and was officered by Captain William Duff and Lieutenant Samuel Brown.
450
Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786.
On the 31st day of March the following order was published by the officer of the troop:
ATTENTION !
WASHINGTON VOLUNTEER TROOP OF CAVALRY.
"Our muster, of course, is at Abingdon, on Saturday the 11th day of April, when you are to appear in uniform with your arms and accoutrements in good order, at 11 o'clock A. M., with six rounds of blank cartridges, for the purpose of exercising.
" "At a crisis like the present, when war is more than anticipated, we presume your patriotic spirit will not suffer a single member to be delinquent.
"By order of the Captain.
"SAMUEL BROWN, Lieut. "March 31, 1812."
The next order that we find in regard to this company was issued on September 12, 1812, and was as follows :
"ATTENTION !"
"THE VOLUNTEER TROOP OF CAVALRY, attached to the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment. You are hereby requested to attend private muster at Abingdon, on the last Saturday in this month, for the purpose of exercising and for other purposes that the times demand.
"SHOW YOUR VALOR-BE PATRIOTIC.
"WM. DUFF, Captain."
On the 25th day of April, 1812, the following advertisement appeared in the Political Prospect :
"THE TOCSIN OF PATRIOTISM.
"A MEETING of the young men of the county of Washington is requested at the tavern of Mr. Soule's, on Saturday, the 2d day of May, 1812. The object of the meeting is of the highest importance, and it is desired and hoped, that every young man, whose bosom burns with the holy fire of patriotism and feels the multiplied wrongs of his country, will be present at this meeting.
"April 23, 1812."
The young men of the county met, pursuant to this notice, and organized a company of infantry, and selected Peter Mayo captain, to which was given the name of the Light Infantry Company, and
451
Washington County, 1777-1870.
passed a resolution appointing the 16th day of May, 1812, as the time and the Bell Tavern in Abingdon as the place of meeting to select non-commissioned officers, and directed their captain to issue his orders accordingly, which order was as follows:
"INFANTRY !
"Pursuant to a resolution entered into on Saturday last, notice is hereby given, that there will be a meeting of the Light Infantry Company on that day two weeks, precisely at 11 o'clock, at the Bell Tavern in the town of Abingdon. for the purpose of choosing non- commissioned officers, and of making other arrangements for the regulation of the company. All those whose names are enrolled on the list of the said company are requested to attend without fail, as the objects of the meeting are of much importance to its pros- perity. Those who feel a disposition to become members of the company may do so by attending and enrolling themselves on that day.
"P. MAYO, Captain.
"N. B .- It is requested that all those who have guns of any description will bring them on that day."
On the 15th day of June, 1812, Captain Spotswood Henry, of the Second Regiment of Artillery, U. S. A., arrived in Abingdon, and proceeded to recruit men for the regular army, and by the 6th day of September, 1812, he had recruited a full company of regulars. The Political Prospect, in speaking of the departure of Captain Henry and his recruits from Abingdon, says :
"On Sunday last Captain Spotswood Henry marched from this place for Philadelphia with a full company of regulars enlisted in Abingdon and the surrounding country. Captain Henry was not quite three months enlisting his men, and we venture to say no officer in the same period of time ever enlisted as fine a company of men, most of them young. active and strong, a large majority of them sober and men of good character. We believe it may be said with truth that during their stay in Abingdon their conduet (with a few exceptions) has been good, infinitely better than that of any other body of new recruits we ever saw. Captain Henry, though a new officer, seems to possess the art of being both loved and feared by his men. He is true to the cause he is engaged in, and we trust,
452
Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786.
should he, ever be brought in contact with the enemy, he will not disgrace his country.
"They were accompanied on their road about two miles, by almost every citizen of Abingdon, and after partaking of some refresh- ments at Captain W. Jones', they continued their march, accom- panied by the prayers of all who witnessed their departure, for their success and happiness."
The services of the companies organized by Captains Mayo and Duff were not accepted by the government, and it is very probable that numbers of their men enlisted with Captain Henry. I can- not definitely ascertain what disposition was made of Captain Henry's troops upon their arrival at Philadelphia, but it can be stated with some certainty, that most of the recruits from South- western Virginia, in the regular army, were in the Second Regi- ment of Artillery and the Twelfth and Twentieth Regiments of Infantry, commanded by Colonels Parker and Randolph and Gen- erals Smythe and Van Rensselaer.
No further efforts were made to organize and equip additional troops from this county this year, so far as I can ascertain.
In April of the year 1812, in the contest for member of Con- gress from this district and for members of the Legislature from this county, Honorable Daniel Sheffey was elected a member of Congress, defeating the Honorable Edward Campbell, of Hall's Bottom, by a considerable majority, Campbell's majority in Wash- ington county being seventeen. The vote for members of the House of Delegates from this county was as follows:
Colonel Francis Preston, .344
Captain Reuben Bradley, 314
Captain James Meek, 266
Mr. John Fulton, 151
On the 24th day of February, 1812, the General Assembly of Vir- ginia appointed the following persons, for Washington county, to conduct the presidential election to be held in November of this year: Francis Preston, James White, David Campbell, Benja- min Estill, Francis Smith, John Preston and George Dixon.
But, for some reason, the commissioners thus appointed did not act, as will appear from the following notice :
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Washington County. 1777-1870.
To the Freeholders of the County of Washington.
Citizens :- You are hereby notified to attend at your court-house, on the first Monday in November next; for the purpose of voting for twenty-five electors to CHOOSE A PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. At this import- ant crisis of affairs, it is hoped that no citizen of Washington will show the smallest backwardness in coming forward on that day with a determination of supporting our Republican ticket.
FRANCIS PRESTON, HENRY ST. JOHN DIXON, ROBERT PRESTON,
Commissioners.
September 19, 1812.
At the election held in November, being the first hotly-contested presidential election in the history of our country. the counties of Southwestern Virginia, between James Madison and DeWitt Clin- ton, the contesting candidates, voted as follows :
Madison. Clinton.
Washington,
355
80
Lee, .
.67
00
Montgomery,
181
58
Wythe,
129
19
Russell,
126
00
Giles,
60
04
Grayson.
73
45
Early in this year Captain Henry Dixon organized a corps of volunteer riflemen. which was attached to the First Battalion of the One Hundred and Fifth Virginia Regiment of Militia. Many of the young men living in the vicinity of Abingdon joined this corps, the lieutenant of which was George W. Dixon.
The patriotism of the people was unbounded, and it was arranged to celebrate the Fourth of July. 1812. at Abingdon. in a manner in accord with the sentiments of the people. The citizens of the upper end of the county likewise celebrated the day in a manner befitting patriots.
The 4th of July, 1812.
*"This day was celebrated by Captain Dixon's Company of Vol-
*Political Prospects.
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Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786.
unteer Riffemen and a number of the citizens of the town of Abing- don with their accustomed conviviality and mirth. The declaration of war had fired the breasts of that band of citizen soldiers with an unusual portion of pride of country, and they consequently expressed with great freedom their determination to rally to the standard of their country in defence of its rights, liberties and laws.
Captain Mayo's company of infantry were invited by the rifle- men to join in the entertainments of the day, in which they dis- played an equal degree of patriotic ardor and love of country.
The rifle company met at the court-house at 8 o'clock in the morning, and, after performing several evolutions and firing a number of rounds, marched to Captain Dixon's quarters, and fired three rounds, then to the eastern extremity of the town and did the same, then, returning to the court-house, were dismissed until ten o'clock, when they again assembled, at which period they were joined by Captain Mayo's company of infantry. After mustering through the town and performing several evolutions and firing,; which occupied until one o'clock, they were marched to the camping ground at Piper's Spring, where they partook of an elegant dinner furnished by Mr. R. Soule.
Colonel Francis Preston was called to the chair and Colonel James King chosen vice-president.
After the cloth was removed the following toasts were drunk with great cordiality of sentiment.
1st. The Day. May its celebration only cease with our national existence.
2. The President. May he continue to deserve the confidence of a free, enlightened people.
3d. Congress. In declaring war against Great Britain, they have echoed the voice of the nation.
4th. The Heads of Departments. May the spirit of '76 animate their councils.
5th. The Memory of Washington. May we look upon his like again.
6th. The Venerable Clinton. He will still live in the hearts of his countrymen.
7th. The Heroes of the Revolution. May their posterity inherit their virtue and their valor.
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Washington County, 1777-1870.
8th. The Union of the States. Liberty's surest pledge-Hail Columbia.
9th. The army of the United States-Composed of freemen, it cannot fail to merit the glorious boon of independence.
10th. The navy of the United States. The choicest sons of Nep- tune will brave every danger in defence of their liberty.
11th. The volunteers of the times. Hailed by your countrymen as the gallant defenders of their dearest rights.
12th. The Heroes of Tippecanoe have set their countrymen a glorious example-Soldiers return.
13th. The Militia of the United States will defend their rights when assailed by tyrants.
14th. The Tree of Liberty, may its branches ever succor its sup- porters.
15th. John Randolph, D. Sheffey, &c. May their constituents furnish them with a suit of Tory uniform, tar and feathers ! Rogue's March !
16th. The 18th of June. 1812. The day that adds solidarity to the foundation of our independence.
11th. The Impressed American Seamen. May they return to the bosom of their country, with their hands imbrued in the blood of their enemies.
18th. The Fair Daughters of Columbia. Their smiles will reward their defenders.
The volunteer toasts were very numerous, but we have been able to collect only a few of them.
VOLUNTEERS.
By Colonel Francis Preston-God bless these United States- May he who attempts their disunion meet the fate of Percival.
By Colonel James King-All hands and all hearts.
By Captain Dixon-Our war-May it lead us to conquest and glory, and return us to peace and happiness.
By Lieutenant Dixon-The Rising Company of Light Infantry of the One Hundred and Fifth Virginia Regiment-May success attend the soldiers of this union.
By Captain Robert Craig-Our Government-May they be decis- ive in their councils, and every party spirit done away, and may the spirit of "76 animate every breast.
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Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786.
Our Manufactures-May they be perse- vered in until they make us completely independent of all other nations.
By Mr. L. L. Henderson-The Commerce of the United States- Like an April shower, the day clouds for a moment, but to return with resplendent vigor.
By Andrew Russell, Esq .- Neutral Rights-May all governments be compelled to respect them.
By Mr. Isaac Whitaker-Randolph, Sheffey &c .- May they be compelled to eat the crumbs that fall from republican tables.
"Saturday last being the anniversary of our national independ- ence, a number of inhabitants of the upper end of this county col- lected at Seven-Mile ford for the purpose of celebrating the day in some manner, however plain and simple. The fore part of the day was occupied by Captain Hopkins in exercising his military students ; in the evening the company retired to a spring convenient to the ford, where they partook of an elegant barbecue which had been prepared for them. After dinner the following toasts were given :
By Captain William Love-The Fourth of July-May it ever be held in grateful remembrance by the free-born sons of America. Two guns.
By Captain William Byars-The Declaration of War by Con- gress on the 18th of June last, against Great Britain-May it progress with successive victories on our part, and may it ultimately procure us that justice for which we contend. Three guns.
By Major William Davis-The Spirit of '76-May it inspire the breast of every free-born American with such zeal as may support the dignity of the present measures of our general government. Four guns.
By Captain Hopkins-The patriots of the United States Army- May they always be actuated by virtue and crowned with victory. Four guns.
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