USA > Virginia > King and Queen County > King and Queen County > King and Queen County, Virginia (history printed in 1908) > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
14th .- Reports reach us that the Yankees are ad- vancing in large force from Gloucester Point. They came as far as Barnes Lawson's, burning his dwelling, and then retired. There has been a most remarkable appearance of the sky to-night. About nine o'clock a light appearance towards the north, and in a short time there shot up therefrom white pillars similar to the tail of a comet. Each successive one shot up higher and
168 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
higher until a few reached the meridian. Nearly all these appearances were in the north, and continued un- til nine o'clock, then disappeared.
15th .- We thank the Lord for his mercy in giving us the victory at Fredericksburg. Oh! that our people might feel a proper degree of humility and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father.
16th .- Intended to go up with R. H. B. to General Lee's army to carry two hundred and forty pairs of socks, one hundred and sixty flannel shirts, thirty com- forts and blankets, gloves, etc., contributed by our la- dies for the poor fellows in arms. I was too unwell to go. Sorry to hear that Generals Cobb and Gregg were both killed in the battle.
19th .- A deserter from the Union army reports that Burnside ordered the attack to be renewed Sunday morning, but his leading generals protested and it was not done.
2 Ist .- Thermometer at sunrise was twelve. Two soldiers, Lieut. Lee and Mr. Sinclair, of Gloucester cavalry, stayed with us last night.
24th .- Capt. A. B. and my sister Fanny were mar- ried at my house to-night. The company was small, but pleasant; eight couples of waiters. Company broke up at a late hour.
28th .- My neighbor, Mrs. B .- , taking dinner with us to-day, reported that some one had broken into her house and robbed her to a considerable amount. It is probable that there are one or more gangs of negroes depredating around.
29th .- Went with a company last night to Mrs. M. A. Hart's. While there a negro ran out of her kitchen, and refusing to halt when ordered, C. D. shot him twice, but not fatally. A party also broke into Major B.'s house Saturday night, but did little damage.
1863
January Ist (Thursday) .- At the sale of W. F. P.'s estate negroes brought high prices. One valuable man (T. H.) was bought by J. M. J. for eight hundred and forty dollars. He is fifty-six years old. Heard yester-
169
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
day that a lady in Essex gave fifty barrels of corn for one sack of salt. I myself have just paid forty dollars for a sow and nine pigs.
3d .- Papers report to-day that a very large mass meeting was held in New York in which resolutions were passed calling on the government to propose an armistice looking to peace. It came to nothing.
6th .- Reports of successes in Kentucky, but General Bragg has retired from Murfreesboro saving captured property and prisoners. A monitor was sunk off Hat- teras, and other gunboats had to throw their guns over- board.
7th .- Major Bagby at home.
8th .- A case of smallpox in our neighborhood, and patient in a terrible condition, both blind and delirious.
9th .- Yankees made a raid into King William yes- terday and captured some wagons at White House.
IIth .- Collection for Fredericksburg sufferers.
12th .- The Harriet Lane, a Yankee steamer, cap- tured in Galveston Bay.
13th .- Papers report that Democrats at the North wish to know on what terms the South will return into the Union. The answer was returned, On no terms whatever.
Order in which the States seceded :
Dec. 20th, 1860, South Carolina;
Jan. 9th, 1861, Mississippi;
Jan. 11th, 1861, Alabama and Florida ;
Jan. 19th, 1861, Georgia ;
Jan. 26th, 1861, Louisiana ;
Feb. Ist, 1861, Texas;
April 17th, 1861, Virginia;
May 6th, 1861, Arkansas;
May 20th, 1861, North Carolina ;
June 8th, 1861, Tennessee.
15th .- Heard of the death of Colonel Bartlett Todd, of Petersburg, from cancer, aged seventy-five; a man of high sense of honor.
17th .- Board of Examination of conscripts for the county met here to-day; quite a number of friends dined with us. Thermometer down to eighteen degrees.
170 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
27th .- Mr. Jno. N. Brown, belonging to the Sussex cavalry, has come down to select camping grounds for General W. H. F. Lee's brigade; he spends night with us. I have subscribed for the Semi-Weekly En- quirer, for which I pay eight dollars.
29th .- Quite a number of other cases of smallpox in the neighborhood.
30th .- Prices in Richmond: Turkeys $10, Sheep $15, Coffee $5 per lb., Sugar $1, Meal $4 per bushel, Apples $35 to $45 per bbl., Butter $1.25 to $1.50 per 1b., Eggs $1 per doz.
Feb. Ist .- At meeting to-day I enjoyed especially the singing of the old hymn " Whilst Thee I seek, pro- tecting power."
2d .- Weather fine, wind N. N. E.
4th .- General W. H. F. Lee's cavalry brigade is stationed near Bestland.
5th .- I sold a beef in Richmond for two hundred and seventy dollars.
7th .- Heavy frost, ground frozen, and much ice in the road. Persons sick with smallpox are said to be in fearful condition; two have already died. One of the soldiers who was with us in 1861 was killed in the battles around Richmond. While here he com- mended himself to us very much. His name was E. E. Knight.
13th .- Paid a visit to-day to General Lee's camp and found them located on the road between Miller's and Bestland. The roads were in a horrible condition.
14th .- Six Marylanders belonging to our army spent the night with us; names: Forbes, Roby, German, Rid- dle, Gorman, Decatur; they were from St. Mary's and Charles counties and Baltimore.
16th .- G. P. bought a horse from a soldier for sixty dollars, and sold him liquor for forty dollars per gallon. The horse is said to be worth one hundred and fifty dollars. The Marylanders who were with us are in pursuit of forage, especially fodder; they got some in Middlesex.
17th .- Rumors of French mediation, and dissatis- faction reported in Northwestern States.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 171
19th .- A poor . negro belonging to Mr. Boughton near Miller's, having a bad case of smallpox, ran out the other night and went two miles up the road before he could be caught. He is delirious.
20th .- The French minister has recommended a conference between commissioners from the North and South, with a view to settle trouble, but Mr. Seward rejected it.
22d .- Snow six or eight inches deep; wind north, thermometer twenty-two degrees.
27th .- Hear of several handsome affairs, among them the capture of the Queen of the West and another steamer called Indianola.
March Ist, Sunday .- Meetings to-day in accordance with President Davis' proclamation, appointing to-day for fasting, humiliation, and prayer.
March 5th, Court day .- A number of persons at court; not much business. At least half a dozen wagons appeared with blockade goods, and it is reported that almost as many pass by every day.
6th .- Several sales have taken place of household goods at high prices. A man told me to-day that he had sold a barrel of apple brandy for thirteen hundred and fifty dollars.
8th .- R. S. Ryland and Mr. Golden, of Lee's Ran- gers, with us to-night. They are returning from Glou- cester Point, hoping to surprise the place, but were dis- appointed. There were several gunboats there.
Ioth .- An old lady (Mrs. Gresham) told me that a bride some years back spun and wove her own wed- ding dress. After it was warped it was so fine that she passed it through a gold finger-ring.
13th .- Have had frequent snows of late.
17th .- Hear of a handsome affair between Yankee and Confederate Cavalry near Kelly's Ford; the former were finally routed. Major Puller, of Gloucester, and the noted Major Pelham, of Alabama, were killed.
22d .- Our people took a collection to help the sick in General W. H. F. Lee's brigade. I find that the horses in his brigade are in a very bad condition.
26th .- A case of scarlet fever at P. E. Brooks's.
172 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
30th .- A negro man named Jacob, belonging to J. R. B., who had run off to the Yankees, but had come back to the county, was caught last night.
April 5th .- I have forebodings; articles of life are very scarce, and the poor are sadly straitened. Army wagons carried off nearly all of the corn in the coun- try. Twenty-five dollars per barrel has been offered for it; indeed you can get almost any price. Bacon, too, commands $1.50 per lb., shad $3.00 to $5.00 each, eggs $1.50 to $2.00 per doz. There is distress, too in Richmond. Wearing apparel and things edible are higher and higher. A barrel of fish sold when I was in town a day or two ago for $100.00.
I Ith .- On a visit to Petersburg I find soldiers, mainly cavalry, occupying log huts along the roads. Visit Chaffin's Bluff also, crossing the James on a pontoon bridge.
13th .- Rode to town on horseback with a pair of saddlebags across the saddle, in each end of which was stuffed a bale of cotton, and a tin bucket tied behind. I carried also a carpetbag and an umbrella. It was in- deed ludicrous.
14th .- Went down on York River Railroad and learned of the illness of Mrs. L. F. H. She subse- quently died,-but the most triumphant death I ever witnessed.
16th .- Called to see Tomlin, who was wounded in the attempt made last Friday at Gloucester Point.
20th .- Sent for to see Captain Tomlin, and found that mortification had occurred in foot and ankle. Dr. F. Taylor, Dr. Vaughan, and I consulting, determined to take off the leg; which was done, but without suitable instruments.
29th .- Tomlin, poor fellow, died last night.
May Ist .- Papers bring intelligence that General Hooker has crossed the river above and below Freder- icksburg.
2d .- Firing was heard yesterday and again to-day. A man from Newtown says it was distinct there, con- tinuing all day. Another case of scarlet fever,-one of my own daughters.
173
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
4th .- Heard on the road to-day that a force of Yan- kee cavalry was crossing at Piping Tree early yesterday morning; thought lightly of the report.
5th .- Yankees in large force crossing at Walkerton. I deemed it best to leave home; started up the road about ten o'clock towards the Mill Gate, and spent the night with my old friend N. D. A note from R. H. B. informed me that fifty cavalry passed Stevensville, stat- ing that they had been whipped at Fredericksburg. After breakfast, passed through the Smyrna neighbor- hood and came home. On the way I met a member of the Gloucester cavalry, H. R. P., and C. B. F., with two Yankee prisoners (one Lieut. Mitchell), belong- ing to 12th Illinois Cavalry, whom they had captured. I passed on, in company with R. H. B., G. F. B. C. W. P., and P. E. L, to Carlton's store. Three pris- oners had been captured in that neighborhood, but on the other hand Yankees had captured two Confederate wagon trains. Returning homeward, I found the Yan- kees were still passing down the road in squads. I thought it best to get out of the way, and started up from my house toward the Mill Gate. Reaching a point about a hundred yards of the latter, I found myself face to face with a squad of Yankees. They were coming down on the Providence road towards Stevensville. I turned my horse immediately upon seeing them, and fled back towards the store. Was fired at quite a number of times, but fortunately escaped, and reaching the store, turned up the road towards Bruington. Some five or six Yankees pursued me, and one followed me a quarter of a mile. Perhaps it is very well for both of us that I did not know it. Made my way through the woods to the cottage on the road to Mr. George Pendletons, but did not enter the house. Spent the entire night in the woods.
6th .- The Yankees are scattered about in various directions, stealing horses and negroes. They have taken two of my horses, one worth four hundred, the other two hundred dollars. R. H. B. lost three, J. B. two, I. D. one, Col. P. two, Col. Wm. B. Davis seven, Col. Fleet three, J. R. Fleet five. The Yankees camped
174 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
on the land of J. N. Gresham, ate at his table, and drank his liquor.
7th .- Learn that the Yankees were a part of General Stoneman's command, which had passed Louisa and Hanover and Ashland, and having been attacked near there, crossed and came over into our county. They destroyed considerable stores and treated some of our citizens very rudely,-notably Mr. S. P. Ryland and J. R. Fleet,-because they would not readily surrender their personal property, like watches, horses, etc.
10th .- By special request, Dr. S. S. H. read at Smyrna to-day a dying exhortation of Mrs. Margaret Campbell (the first wife of Alex. Campbell), a most admirable production.
I Ith .- Very warm, thermoneter 85. Mr. A. W. R. of Gloucester dined with us to-day, reporting that he has been a great sufferer by depredations of the enemy.
12th .- Replanting corn. Heard with great regret of the death of Stonewall Jackson.
13th .- Shad are beginning to run in Mattapony. We got fifty to-day.
19th .- Took my wife to see Col. Charles H. Carl- ton, a son of B. C. He is an old acquaintance and full colonel in the Confederate army.
20th .- Herrings are being gotten from the river, and are very helpful.
23d .- Called to see A. B., whose fractured arm has failed to unite. Other cases of scarlet fever,-at Elder I. D.'s this time.
27th .- Reported at Stevensville that the Yankees are at King and Queen Courthouse and advancing.
28th .- Election day, but very many persons deterred from going to the polls.
June Ist .- Exceedingly harassed and perplexed by unpleasant reports and prospects; am anxious to get something out of the way of the vandals, but do not know where to put it, or whom of my servants to trust. I think I have some that are faithful, but am not sure.
2d .- Heard late last night the Yankees are retiring. They came into Middlesex and Essex from Gloucester Point.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 175
3d .- R. H. B. started with a wagon of hospital stores to Richmond; the people brought more than he could carry. Dr. J. M. E. came up from Middlesex; he reports that the Yankees boarded transports at Ur- banna and crossed at Carter's Creek.
4th .- Yankees carried off very large number of ne- groes, notably Dr. Roy's, Thos. W. Garrett's, Lotty Moore's, Mrs. Col. Spencer's, etc.
5th .- Report comes this morning that the Yankees are in force at Walkerton, setting fire to houses, mills, etc .; could see smoke ascending from three or four dif- ferent points. About two o'clock heard the booming of cannon, evidently from gunboats returning down the river. About four o'clock Halback, Tommy Ryland, and I started toward Walkerton, passing through by Mrs. Cook's, McLelland's, and Dr. Henley's. Near Dr. Henley's a shell passed near us and exploded. We turned towards Hillsborough, and pretty soon saw three boats, all shelling the bluffs on King William side; as they passed Hillsborough, they fired a volley of small arms at Mr. H. and the children standing in the yard. Several balls struck the end of the brick dwelling, and one passed through a window and struck a door. Shells were thrown at citizens at various points, one at Mrs. R. Douglass, sitting in the porch at Frazier's Ferry with a child in her arms.
6th .- Yankees reached Walkerton Thursday night about one o'clock; landed four hundred infantry, seiz- ing horses as they advanced by land towards Ayletts. At this place they burned foundry, store, dwelling, and granaries. An immense deal of property was destroyed, negroes taken away, horses stolen.
9th .- Learn to my regret that Harriet, a daughter of Rev. I. D., was dying. He has been sadly afflicted,- diphtheria.
12th .- A party of gentlemen assembled at Stevens- ville, notably Col. Wm. B. Davis, Elders R. H. Bagby, and R. H. Land, Capt. M. P. Todd, Rodney Dew, J. M. Jeffries, to devise measures to protect ourselves. Our enemies are adopting a barbarous warfare; we must defend ourselves. Hear of several cavalry fights
176 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
near Brandy Station,-enemy finally driven across the river.
15th .- Very warm and dry. Lucy Fleet left with Tom. Henley to go to Middlesex.
16th .- Another meeting of citizens at Providence to confer about defense. The enemy in some cases force women and children to take the oath or leave their home. Col. A. Fleet called to order and Elder R. H. Land prayed. There has been a large peace-meeting in New York city,-thirty thousand people present. They ac- knowledge that they have been whipped.
17th .- General Ewell has captured Winchester, storming the works, capturing cannon, stores, and pris- oners.
2 Ist .- Reported to-day that Yankee cavalry was ad- vancing from Gloucester Point; our company assem- bled, thirty strong, and took a position to attack them in case of an advance. They turned off, however, pass- ing up by Carlton's store, and then took the direction of Ware's Church. We have now three companies of home guards; one at Newtown, one at Stevensville, and one at the Courthouse, commanded by Captains Lump- kin, Bagby, and Todd.
22d .- All three companies of home guards met at the Courthouse, also one company from King William. It has been rumored for a day or so that the Yankees were again advancing, and we feel very well prepared to receive them, for we have one or two companies from the regular army now in the county.
24th .- Several gunboats at West Point creating some alarm in the county.
26th .- Yankees making a raid by Old Church, Han- over Courthouse, and enter King William at Nelson's Bridge.
27th .- Company in camp at Dunkirk, slept on blan- ket and oilcloth, with saddle for pillow. Twice during the night ordered to saddle up, but a heavy rain led us to desist. About day we started across the river, march- ing in the direction of Hebron Church, where we joined Douglass' and Croxton's companies, all under Col. Douglass. At Hebron entered the church, built up a
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 177
good fire in the stove. Just as we began to get comfort- able, in dashed pickets reporting that the enemy were almost upon us. The report proved deceptive, for the enemy had turned off on another road towards Brandy- wine. Col. Douglass moved in that direction on another road. I, with Albert Hill, Bennie Fleet, Boone Dew, and Wm. Samuel, left as a picket near the chapel. After a while we rejoined Col. D., striking the Brandywine road, but the Yankees had passed down ahead of us. Our battalion subsequently ran into the enemy near Sharon Church, but as it was found the enemy were too strong, we fell back before them. That night my com- pany recrossed into King and Queen. (We ascertained later that there was a considerable force of infantry with the cavalry which we had encountered; it was for- tunate we were not seriously engaged with them.) On Saturday night (27th) I reached Walkerton, together with T. McLelland, W. C. Anderson, Jos. Griffith, Henry R. Pollard, Chas. Didlake, John Thurston, Moore Wright, Robt. Woodward, E. S. and Alexander Acree. Nothing occurred during the night.
30th (Tuesday) .- We have been cut off from Rich- mond and have no mails. Yankees are certainly land- ing a heavy force at White House.
July Ist (Wednesday) .- Rumored that the Yankees are advancing in heavy force through King William. Attend prayer-meeting at Bruington; exhortations from R. H. B., J. R. G., Col. Fleet, and Arthur Temple.
3d .- Sultry. The Yankees are in considerable force in King William, camped on Jas. Roane's land, and can be distinctly seen from this side. Heavy and rapid firing heard from 6:30 to 7 yesterday evening. Our com- pany go into camp at Rosemont, and picket river from Walkerton to Dunkirk.
5th .- Yankees at Walkerton in gunboats.
8th .- A boy born to Mrs. L. T., weighing nine pounds. Delightful rain to-day, first since May 8th.
9th .- Capt. Bagby's company (home guards) had weekly meeting to-day. We find that there are two de- serters, who had hid themselves in a cave; caught one; the other escaped.
178 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Ioth .- Hear depressing news of the fall of Vicks- burg.
IIth .- Weather of most remarkable character-air humid and thick like Indian Summer,-sun hardly to be seen at all; has the appearance this P. M. of sun in eclipse. Wind south.
12th .- Same appearance of the atmosphere and of the sun to-day. Basement of dwelling very damp. (This weather continued through next day,-yet no rain, though heavy dew.)
14th .- Capt. B. [R. H. Bagby] returned from Rich- mond, reporting that his company was accepted by De- partment, and he got all the ammunition he asked for. Heavy rain.
20th .- Port Hudson on the Mississippi capitulated on the ninth, after garrison had eaten their last mule. Tremendous riot in New York, but Lincoln suspended the draft.
22d .- Appropriate and excellent exhortation from Dr. Robert Ryland of Richmond.
23d .- Three Baltimoreans spent night,-Berryman, McGee, and Adams. The first was wounded in first Manassas.
27th .- Little Mary D. is very ill. She subsequently dies, leaving a mother greatly afflicted.
3Ist .- Dined at A. B.'s with wife, Mr. Jeff., Sue, and Mollie, Mrs. Col. P. and Mrs. Dr. and P. Wood- ward.
August 4th .- Up early to go to Richmond with Dr. J. M. E., who wishes to consult a physician. Saw Dr. Pettacolas.
Prices : Calf skins sixty to sixty-five dollars, Brown Sugar two, Loaf four, Bacon $1.75, Boots sixty to seventy-five, Salt five, Calico three to four, Corn ten per bushel, Meal twelve, Flour thirty, Bale Cotton No. 6 twelve per bale.
5th .- Spend the night at Old Church, and reach home by nine o'clock.
8th .- Mercury ninety degrees.
IIth .- Diphtheria and scarlet fever still raging. In- tense heat modified by a splendid rain.
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA 179
13th (Thursday) .- Company met and drilled. Peaches very fine.
2 Ist .- Fast day. Had notice that the Fifth Virginia Cavalry would be along, and Col. Rosser wished break- fast for himself and officers.
24th .- Part of the Fifth Regiment came by, return- ing from lower Middlesex, and bringing fifty-odd Yan- kees captured from two gunboats Saturday night by marines under Lieut. Wood. The boats were lying in the river below Urbanna. We had one man wounded. The Yankees one or two killed and several wounded. Marines took possession of the boats and moved down the river in quest of other boats. People of the neigh- borhood furnished dinner to Capt. Fox's company and the prisoners, under the large oaks near Mr. John B.'s ice house.
27th .- Fifth Regiment returned and encamped near McLelland's. Walter Burke, only seventeen, took sup- per with us,-a Baltimorean.
Sept. 7th .- Heard to-day of the death of D. L .- he was about seventy. Poor old man, he died without any hope in Christ. I have known him all my life, and never heard him speak in praise of any man. He scoffed at religion and watched for failings of professors.
15th .- Put down sorghum machine, ground four bar- rels of juice to be converted into molasses.
18th .- Was aroused during the night by G. R. F., who announced that the Yankees were encamped just below Carlton's store in large numbers. He reported that he, Drs. W. and H., W. R. C., and J. P., had scouted below the store, and that W. R. C., being in advance, had been fired upon and perhaps killed; that he, also, had been fired upon, but had escaped, with difficulty. (This afterwards turned out to be all a hoax gotten up on F.)
25th .- News of Bragg's victory at Chickamauga.
28th .- At a sale an ordinary pair of oxen sold for more than four hundred dollars, and common cows brought one hundred and fifty dollars.
Oct. 10th .- Received of Mr. B. seventeen gallons of very nice molasses made from three loads of cane.
180 KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
23d .- No mails to-day, stage did not leave Rich- mond.
25th .- Cold wind, north. Heard of the death of old Mr. T. M. He was eighty-three years old, a most remarkable man in personal appearance, in disposition, and habits. From an accident in his early youth, in- juring his spine, his body was remarkably curved,- breast-bone almost, if not quite, down to the pelvis : the shortest body and the longest legs I ever saw. Owing, I think, to his disease, he was exceedingly peevish and quarrelsome, and had during his life more disagree- ments and lawsuits than any man I ever knew. I sup- pose that for thirty or forty years there was no time that he did not have one or more suits on hand. He contested the lines with each one of his neighbors, spent thousands of dollars, visited no one, and no one visited him. Indeed, he rarely spoke to any neighbor, and kept the neighborhood in constant turmoil. In early life he wrote in the Clerk's office, and afterwards preached. Strange as it may seem, he married three times. One son is married, an amiable and highly re- spected and esteemed citizen.
28th .- Heard a week ago to-day that Capt. T. W. H. had been severely, perhaps mortally, wounded. Great sympathy is felt for him. Apprehensions, how- ever, were not verified, for Capt. H. lived for years, and became treasurer of King William County after the war. I knew him very well; he was kind, generous, amiable, full of fun, sprightly; never studied much, but always stood well in class; a favorite in school and out. When war broke out he joined a company made up by W. H. F. Lee, and was made O. S., was promoted to Lieutenant, and afterwards Captain; one of the bravest of the brave, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.