( i } ( .( I Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from Duke University Libraries https://archive.org/details/historyofblairba01horn c- THE HISTORY OF THE BLAIR, BANISTER, AND BRAXTON FAMILIES BEFORE AND AFTER THE REVOLUTION WITH A BRIEF SKETCH OF THEIR DESCENDANTS BY FREDERICK HORNER, M.D., U. S.N. PHILADELPHIA PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY 1898 Copyright, 1897, BY Frederick Horner, M.D. TO MY BELOVED SISTER, HENRIETTA BRAXTON HORNER WYETH, OF PHILADELPHIA, THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. <3 IQ WILLIAMSBURG (View from the College), PREFACE. The author claims not to wield the pen of the ready writer, or to be moved by the inspiration of the tongue of the eloquent; hence the purpose of this volume is simply to save from oblivion the records of the family of John Banister, who, with others, framed the Articles of Con¬ federation of the Colonies of America, and thereby planted the germ-seeds of a great Republic; of Carter Braxton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who developed thereby into quickened life a giant Empire; and of John Blair, who contributed on the part of the State of Vir¬ ginia to confirm a more perfect union by the adoption of the Federal Constitution of the United States. The trio —soldier, patriot, and jurist—thus deserve at the hands of their descendants,— “ Monumentum sere perennius,” who should, with the blessing of Heaven, with the motto, “ Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito,” ever seek to preserve unsullied the escutcheon committed to them with the following fragmentary records of their families, illustrative of the “ Virtue which breaks through all opposition And all temptation can remove, Most shines and is most acceptable above.” To the reader is furnished in this volume another chap¬ ter of unpublished Virginian history, obtained from pri- VI PREFACE. vate letters of the families of the Banisters, Braxtons, and Blairs, and their descendants, with extracts from the diary of Carter Braxton, Jr., 1788-89, when in England. The portraits of Carter Braxton, the signer; of James Blair, B.D., the fonnder of William and Mary College, Vir¬ ginia, and of Colonel John Banister, with other valuable illustrations, were obtained by the author after years of patient toil and considerable expense. My labor of love is now ended, and I may remind the reader of Lord Bacon’s observation, that “ Antiquities are history defaced, or remnants that have escaped the shipwreck of Time. In these kinds of imper¬ fect history no deficiency need be noted, they being of their own nature imperfect.” The following are the titles of authorities referred to in the course of this work : “ Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia;” Burke’s “ Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland Perry’s “ Historical Collections of VirginiaSprague’s “Annals of the American Pulpit;” Manuscript History of the Blair Family in the Library of the Virginia Histor¬ ical Society, Richmond, Va.; William and Mary Quarterly, October, 1892; “ Discourse on the Virginia Convention of 1776,” by Hugh Blair Grigsby; “History of the Bolling Family;” Campbell’s “ History of Virginia;” “ A Memoir of a Portion of the Bolling Family in England and Vir¬ ginia, 1868;” Wynne’s “Historical Documents from the Old Dominion,” Ho. IV.; “ The Belles of Old Philadel¬ phia,” by Charlotte Adams, in the American Magazine, April, 1888; Colonel John Banister’s letters, published in the “ Bland Papers” and in Sparks’s “ Revolutionary Correspondence of Washington,” and “Virginia Gene¬ alogies,” Hayden. CONTENTS PAGE Preface . v part H. THE BLAIR FAMILY. CHAPTER I.— Sketches of the Times of James Blair, 1743 .... 19 II. —John Blair, Sr. 47 III. —John Blair, Jr. 64 IV. —Historical Data of the Times of James Blair ... 81 V. —“ Mary Blair”. 86 part IFIf. THE BANISTER FAMILY. I. —Sketch of the Life of John Banister. 96 II. —Letters and Correspondence of the Banister Family 100 III. —Biographical Sketch and Correspondence of the Ban¬ ister Family, 1896 . 118 part HHH. THE BRAXTON FAMILY. I. —Sketch of the Life of Carter Braxton. 122 II. —Correspondence of the Braxton Family. 131 III. —Extracts from the Diary of Carter Braxton, Jr., in England, 1788-89 148 ly.—H istorical Data connected with the Braxton Family DURING THE PRESENT CENTURY .167 vii CONTENTS. viii part HD. THE WHlTlNG-LlTTLE FAMILIES. CHAPTER PAGE I. —Sketch of the Life of Dr. Kobert Howe Little . . 171 II. —Genealogy and History. 176 The Little Family.192 The Craighill-Little Family.199 III. —Ketrospection and Reflection. 202 part D. THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. I.— Dr. Gustavus Brown Horner .209 II.— History, Correspondence, etc .214 III. — William E. Horner .223 IV. —Other Branches of the Family .227 The Horner Family of Oxford, N. C.228 V.— John Scott Horner .233 VI.— Richard Brent Horner and Family .236 VII.— Various Matters of Interest .239 The Berkeley-Brown Family.260 The Scott Family of Virginia.251 The Thornton Family.252 The Horner-Marr Family.262 ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Williamsburg (view from college). v Commissary James Blair (founder of William and Mary College) when eighty-three years of age. 19 Jacobus Blair (Commissary James Blair in middle life). 20 William and Mary College. 22 Watch-key of ■J’ B K Society of William and Mary College .... 40 Autograph signatures. 48 John Blair, Jr. (signer of the Constitution of the United States and associate justice United States Supreme Court). 04 Eesidence of John Blair. GO Masonic insignia. 75 Mrs. George Braxton (Mary Blair). 80 Colonel John Banister (signer of the Articles of Confederation) . . 95 “ Battersea” (residence of Colonel John Banister, near Petersburg, Va.). 90 Carter Braxton (signer of the Declaration of Independence) . . . 122 “Newington” (residence of Carter Braxton).124 Colonel George Braxton. . 130 George Braxton as a boy.140 Henrietta Braxton Horner Wyeth.168 Robert Howe Little, M.D. (ex-surgeon United States army) .... 171 Francis B. Whiting, Esq. (ex-midshipman United States navy) . . 178 “ Elmington” (the Whiting residence in Gloucester County, Va.) . 183 Dr. Gustavus Brown (ex-surgeon general in the Revolutionary War).209 Gustavus Brown Horner, M.D. (ex-assistant surgeon, U. S. A., in Revolutionary War.214 W. E. Horner, M.D. (professor of human anatomy, University of Pennsylvania).224 James Hunter Horner (founder of Horner Military School, Oxford, N. C.).228 Mrs. Gustavus Brown.231 Hon. Francis Horner, M. P.232 Hon. John Scott Horner (ex-governor of Michigan Territory) . . . 234 Mrs. Frederick Horner.239 “ Rose Hill” (residence of Gustavus Richard Brown, M.D.) .... 241 The author and family at the “ Moorings,” Fauquier County, Va. . 244 Medical Director G. R. B. Horner, U S. N.246 ix COMMISSARY JAMES BLAIR, M.A. (Founder of William and Mary College). THE HISTORY OF THE BLAIR, BANISTER, AND BRAXTON FAMILIES. part H. THE BLAIR FAMILY. CHAPTER L SKETCHES OF THE TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR, 1743. Bishop Meade, in “ Old Churches and Families of Virginia,” thus writes: “ Commissary James Blair, B.D., was a native of Scot¬ land, removing to England at the death of Mr. "Whately in 1685. He was' appointed hy the bishop of London commissary of the churches in the colony of Virginia. He settled in the county of Henrico and was minister of Henrico Parish for nine years. In 1694 he removed to Jamestown, to be more convenient to William and Mary College. In 1710 he became minister of Bruton Parish, including the city of Williamsburg. His congregation was composed of the authority and intelligence, the fashion and wealth of the State, besides the youth of the college. He was a hale, hearty, red-feced gentleman, dressed en¬ tirely in black velvet, with ruffles at his wrist and broad, shining silver buckles at his knees and shoes, and much addicted to taking snuff, a box for which he carried often 2 19 20 THE BLAIR FAMILY. in his hand. He was sprightly in disposition, though grave at times. “ At the instance of Dr. Blair, in 1691 the Virginian assembly entered heartily into the scheme of founding a college. In the same year he was despatched with an address to their majesties. King William and Queen Mary, soliciting a charter. Commissary Blair was gra¬ ciously received at court, and in February, 1692, their majesties granted the charter. The college was named in honor of them. Dr. Blair represented that ‘the inten¬ tion in founding a college was to educate and qualify young men to be ministers of the gospel, to furnish a seminary for the education of the youth of the colony, that they may he piously instructed in good letters and manners, and that the Christian faith may be propagated among the western Indians.’ “ To the exertions of this eminent and learned divine, the college of William and Mary owed much of its pros¬ perity. By virtue of the charter, his office of president of the institution was for life. With the governor of Vir¬ ginia, as commissary, he had the superintendence of the clergy, was the representative of the bishop of London, having joint authority with the visitors and professors of the college, was member of the council, consulting with the governor on all the concerns of the colony, civil and religious, and with the council, composing the first men in Virginia, was the judicial head to whom all important causes were referred for final decision. Previous to Dr. Blair’s appointment as commissary he acted as missionary. His benignant face may still be seen in his portrait,* to be seen in the Blue Room of the college at Williams¬ burg.” At this period the church government was settled by giving the people the entire control of the vestry, while the appointment of ministers, church wardens, the care of the poor, and parochial matters were entrusted to the people of each parish. In 1720 the Blue Ridge range of * (Herewith given on the frontispiece and copied from the original oil painting.) (Founder of William and Mary College). TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 21 mountains was virtually the western boundary of Virginia. The Rev. Peter Fontaine says of the inhabitants: “ A long interval of tranquillity had enervated the planters, luxury had introduced effeminate manners and dissolute habits. To feast and riot and to pamper horses, these are the grand affairs that almost engross the atten¬ tion of some of our great men, and little, low-lived sinners imitate. The character of the people for hospitality and expense was now decided. Drinking parties were then fashionable, in which the strongest head or stomach gained the victory. The moments that could he spared from the bottle were devoted to cards. Swearing was most common. The intemperance of the clergy and laity at this period was marked, and a torrent of wickedness flowed over England and America.” Dr. Blair thought there were limits to submission, and inveighed against such corruption from the pulpit. He disclosed the fact that with the great increase of female professors of religion, there was not an increase of true piety. The love of dress, of fashionable parties, of light reading, and idle conversation had increased among those who professed to have renounced the pomps and vanities of the world. His first controversy was with Governor Andros, who came to Virginia under no good character from Hew York. Hot unlike the governors of distant provinces, who have been proverbially corrupt and tyrannical men, he assailed Dr. Blair in 1694 and suspended him from his place in the council. In 1695, while in England, the doctor preferred charges against Andros as an enemy to religion, to the church, the clergy, and the college. The trial was held at Lambeth Palace. Dr. Blair’s accusers. Colonel Byrd, Messrs. Harrison and Marshall, were sig¬ nally defeated. The dispute would probably have not occurred had not the king invested the unjust governor with the powers of representative of the bishop of London 22 THE BLAIR FAMILAL at the time wlien Commissary Blair was acting in this capacity. The college of William and Mary, over which Dr. Blair presided, had superior accommodations. The building was planned hy Sir Christopher Wren. “ It fronts and looks due east and is one hundred and thirty-six feet long, and is a lofty pile of brick buildings adorned with a cupola. At the north end runs back a large wing with a handsome hall, answerable to which the chapel is built. There is a spacious piazza on the west side from one wing to the other. It is approached by a good walk and a grand entrance by steps, with good courts and gai’- dens about it and outhouses, and a large pasture enclosed like a park with about one hundred and fifty acres adjoin¬ ing for occasional uses. The building is beautiful and commodious, adapted to the nature of the country, and is not unlike Chelsea Hospital. In the centre of the lawn is a mutilated statue of Lord Botetourt, one of the most popular of the old colonial governors. The statue was dedicated in 1797. “ This royal foundation was granted and established hy the charter of King William and Queen Mary, and endowed by them with several thousand acres of land. Rev. James Blair’s salary was one hundred pounds ster¬ ling per annum. The assembly held their sessions in it for several years. In 1704 the college was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1714 by Colonel Alexander Spotts- wood, who was sent over as lieutenant-governor. The arrival of this energetic man in the colony was hailed with joy, because he brought with him the right of habeas corpus, a right which, though guaranteed to Englishmen, had been hitherto denied the colonies. Aided by Mr. Cary as superintendent, the college was rebuilt and im¬ proved. It became as much a school for Christianizing the savages, chiefly the Shawnee Tribes, as for general purposes of education. In the palmy days of the colony, the commencement at William and Mary College was attended by a great concourse of people. The planters came thither in coaches and in sloops from Kew York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, it being a new thing in that WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE. >.■ ''.-Is 1 TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 23 part of America to hear graduates perform their exercises. The Indians themselves had the curiosity, some of them, to visit Williamsburg upon that occasion. The whole country rejoiced, as if they had some relish of learning. The city of Williamsburg, of which a brief description may be given, was one of the ancient capitals of Virginia.* It was first laid out in the shape of the letter W, in honor of the prince after whom it was named and through whose munificence its principal ornament was first endowed. This strange and even enigmatical plot of the town was, however, soon abandoned for one more consonant with the natural features of its admirable position. “ The houses of the gentry were principally built upon the great thoroughfare then called the Duke of Gloucester Street. At one end and immediately at right angles to it stood and yet stands William and Mary College; and at the other, about three-quarters of a mile distant, the Capitol. These two edifices at once gave a character and dignity to the place, and the traveller even now turns his head naturally first to the one and then to the other as he enters the ancient city. The old ruinous walls were once vocal with the eloquence of Patrick Henry, and amid the academic shades once wandered in the days of their boy¬ hood Jefferson and Madison. “ There is an air of repose about this village city so interesting from its historic associations. It is the oldest incorporated town in Virginia; Avas first known as the Middle Plantation, and was settled first in 1632, princi¬ pally from JamestoAvn. In 1698 the seat of government was removed here from that place. “ The meeting of the assembly drew croAvds to the city. In the back streets and lanes horses Avere tied to the fences, while Gloucester Street, the Palace, Capitol, and Market Green Avere filled Avith a dense throng of men. The * In October, 1692-93, an act of the assembly was passed to ascertain the place for erecting the college of William and Mary, “the first col¬ lege on the American Continent.” “ On the campus of this college at Williamsburg was erected a statue to Norbonne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt, the good governor of Vir¬ ginia, as he was called.” (Refer to “ History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley,” by J. E. Norris.) 24 THE BLAIR FAMILY. farmer wore homespun. Huge buckles were the fasten¬ ings of his hose at the knee and of his shoes. Carriages filled with elegantly dressed ladies were seen sweeping up the Capitol green in one direction. The young bloods on fine prancing steeds were endeavoring to force their way througli the crowd. Policemen and grinning cufiies were also numerous.”— Campbell’s History op Virginia. Under the caption ‘‘ Historic Houses: the Raleigh Tavern,” by Benson J. Lossing, the author says: “ Williamsburg, the oldest incorporated town in Vir¬ ginia, was settled in 1632, and was known as the ‘ Middle Plantation,’ being half way between the James and York Rivers. It became the seat of government of Virginia in 1678. It was made a market town. The city was the residence of the colonial vice-regal court, and during the sessions of the Assembly of Burgesses it became a theatre of great social enjoyment and gayety. The resident popu¬ lation did not exceed two thousand white persons. In 1710, when Spottswood was governor, the Raleigh Tavern was built, in which was the famous Apollo-room, a drawing of which I made in 1848. In that room in 1769 Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and others met to protest against the Stamp Act, thus making the Raleigh Tavern to Vir¬ ginia what Faneuil Hall is to Massachusetts. Documents sent out to provincial assemblies from the Raleigh Tavern formed the first sound link of the chain that united a confederacy which gave birth to a great nation. A fast was appointed, the non-importation act was adopted, and delegates appointed to represent Virginia in the Conti¬ nental Congress to meet in Philadelphia. In 1781, Washington and Rochambeau met in the Raleigh Tavern to make their final plans for the siege of Yorktown. Hence,” says the eloquent historian, “the Raleigh Tavern at Williamsburg, Independence Hall at Philadelphia, and Faneuil Hall at Boston have equal claims to the reverence of every American citizen.” “ In these latter days, when change is so marked a feature of society, it may be at some future time that the descendants of the restless Southron now wanderers on the plains of California may yet return and hunt out the TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 25 faded and perishing memorials of their forefathers and cast their tents beside them in the land given to our fathers, the desolate shores of Virginia will yet blossom as the rose, and her soil will still be the birthplace of the patriot, the statesman, and the warrior. Social aristoc¬ racy and public equality will still exhibit a rare combina¬ tion, and talents will be consecrated through hereditary descent.” “ In 1718 Dr. Blair complained to the government in London that Governor Spottswood had infringed the charter of the colony by associating inferior men with them in criminal trials. On his part, he ever inclined in his sympathies with the vestries and the people. His trial on the charge by the governor that the king’s government had the right to collate ministers to ecclesiastical benefices within the colony took place at the college of William and Mary in 1719 in the convention of the clergy held in compliance with the direction of the bishop of London. Dr. Blair again bore himself with excellent temper and proved himself more than a match for his opponents. In the reply of the convention to the bishop they reported that “ ‘ All the ministers in Virginia are episcopally ordained except the commissary; that the people observed no holy days except Christmas and on Good Friday, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is administered to persons who are not confirmed, and that they bury at private houses.’ “ In 1743, after a life of great usefulness, Dr. Blair breathed his last. One of his latest aspirations was to the Father of Mercies that he might take his fiivorite off¬ spring, the college of William and Mary, under the shadow of his wing. He spent sixty-two years in the Christian ministry.”— Old Churches and Families of Virginia. It is probable that his faithful preaching and correct moral deportment did much to stem that torrent of wickedness which in his day flowed over the land. Few men ever contended with more difficulties or surmounted them better; few clergymen ever were engaged with such fierce opponents in high stations and overcame them as 26 THE BLAIR FAMILY. Di\ Blair. At his death, having no children, he left his library and five hundred pounds sterling to the college and ten thousand to his nephew, John Blair, so long president of the council. His tomb may be seen at Jamestown. Among the most enduring literary productions of Dr. Blair are the four volumes of sermons, which were pub¬ lished in London in 1722, based upon “ Our Saviour’s Divine Sermon on the Mount, and the Practice of it Eecommended.” Dr. Doddridge, the dissenter, said of these discourses,— “ That there was a beautiful correspondence between the characters described in these beatitudes and the blessings connected with them.” Commenting on the Doxology in the Lord’s Prayer, he added, “ It is very ancient and admirably suits and enforces every petition.” Whitefield, the great preacher, who came to Virginia in 1740, in his Journal says,— “ Paid my respects to Mr. Blair, commissary of Virginia. His discourse was savoury, such as tended to the use of edifying. He received me with joy, asked me to preach, and wished my stay longer.” Dr. Blair’s great labor in Virginia was not to prevent his people dissenting from the established church, but to supply her with educated men and the church with a proper ministry. As far as he succeeded, he did the work of a true churchman and patriot. He lived to the vener¬ able age of eighty-eight years, had been a missionary fifty- eight, and had acted as commissary fifty-four, and was president of the college for fifty years. William and Mary College is his enduring monument. We cannot say we see its action until the time of the Revolution. There is no evidence that disloyalty was ever uttered from a professor’s chair. But there is evidence that literature and science and religion, acting upon youthful minds in TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 27 the colony, remote from the fascinations of royalty, made republicans. The college in its organization was Episcopal, and probably will always remain so. A detailed history of its origin, progress, and changes, with a notice of the eminent men that were its alumni, would prove a volume of in¬ terest to the church to which it ecclesiastically belongs, and of value to the cause of literature and religion. Every man would like to know more of the mother college at the South.* In proof of the high appreciation of the merits of the subject of this sketch, Mr. Hugh Blair Grigsby, the author of a “Discourse on the Virginia Convention of 1776,” de¬ livered in the chapel of William and Mary College, says: “ If I thought that I had a drop of blood in my veins kindred with James Blair’s, I would not exchange it for the blood of the proudest knight that ever won his spurs on the fields of Cressy or Poictiers.” In praise of the subject of the preceding memoir, it may be said in the language of an eloquent writer,— “ The time has come when the glory of him who builds a hospital for the relief of human woe for ages after the heart which prompted the deed has ceased to beat, and of him who builds a college for the difiusion of the blessings of knowledge and piety among the people long after the * The first convocation of the ministers of the Episcopal Church of Virginia took place at Christ Church, in Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, April 8, 1719, under Commissary Blair, and twenty-five ministers attended, there being at that time thirty-seven ministers of the church in the colony. The first convention of the church in Virginia assembled in Richmond, May 18, 1785. It was composed of thirty-six clergymen and seventy-one laymen. The next year Rev. David Griffith was elected bishop of Virginia, but he was never consecrated, and it was not until 1796 that the first council assembled under Bishop Madison, who, with Bishops Moore, Meade, Johns, and Whittle, may be regarded as suc¬ cessors of the founder of William and Mary College. 28 THE BLAIE FAMILY. hand which reared it has turned to dust, is deemed by the wise and the good greater than the glory of ‘ him who taketh a city.’ ” The tomb of Rev. James Blair, as already stated, is at Jamestown; that of John Blair, Sr., and his wife, Jean, is in the churchyard at Williamsburg. “ Commissary Blair married the daughter of Philip Ludwell, and lived on a farm adjoining, which was given to him by his father-in-law. Thomas Ludwell was secre¬ tary of Virginia, born at Bruton, Somerset County, Eng¬ land, and died 1678.”— Old Churches and Families of Virginia, by Bishop Meade. “ Commissary Blair, though a Church of England cler¬ gyman, was liberal. For this Governor Spottswood pre¬ pared charges against him to the home government, viz.: that he would let a layman lead the service for him in chureh, and even the burial service in his presence, and wished to establish lay-readers in the parishes. It was charged, also, by one of the clergy, that Dr. Blair himself was not episcopally ordained. Dr. Blair triumphed over these enemies. In 1724, in a letter to the bishop of Lon¬ don, he wrote: ‘ I have two examples only of withdraw¬ ing licenses from clergymen who were evil livers in all the time I have been commissary, now thirty-four years; then intemperance among the clergy and laity was the great sin and the source of scandal brought upon the Church of God, but the difficulty, as now, was to com¬ mand witnesses and prosecutors.’” In the opinion of Bishop Meade, the college of William and Mary owed its existence to him, and his faithful preaching and correct moral deportment did much to stem that torrent of wickedness which in his day flowed over England and her American colonies. In one of his sermons, he warns his hearers against such worldliness as theatres, promiscuous dances, drunkenness, and gaming. ‘‘ Throughout his ministry he was a faithful reprover of sin. He admitted Mr. Whitefield into his pulpit, but. TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 29 when the bishop of London proscribed the latter, made a kind of apology for it.” Thus it would appear by this act Dr. Blair deferred somewhat to the praise of man, thereby failing, as many in our day, to choose “ rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,” and to esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than this world can bestow. “ From the year 1607 to 1776 the Episcopal Church in Virginia was under the English church, and a part of the diocese of the bishop of London, and was attached to the civil government. This was the cause of much trouble. During all this time no bishop came to this country, and there were no confirmations here. This worked great injury to the church, and was one of the causes of her distress. The prejudice against the English church and everything English during and after the Revolutionary War did great harm. Many of the clergy were Tories, and the close of the war found the church in a sadly dis¬ mantled condition; her property was taken away from her; other bodies of Christiatis were violent in their per¬ secutions of her. The first bishop of Virginia was Bishop Madison, who, being president of William and Mary Col¬ lege, did little for the revival of the church. The second bishop was Richard C. Moore, whose loving and eloquent words and great activity did much for the revival of the church. He was followed by Bishop William Meade, who was a man of wonderful ability, consecration, and activity. He died during the late war. He was at first the assistant of Bishop Moore, and contributed to expose the immorality of a bishop of an adjoining diocese and to have him deposed. He was followed by Bishop Johns, for many years assistant bishop. He was an eloquent and effective preacher. He was succeeded by Bishop F. M. Whittle, who was his assistant, and who is now bishop of Virginia. The Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir¬ ginia opened its one hundred and first annual council at St. Paul’s Church, Alexandria, Va., May 20. The first convocation of the ministers of the church took place at Williamsburg, Va., on the 8th of April, 1719, under Commissary Blair, and twenty-five ministers attending. 30 THE BLAIR FAMILY. there being at that time thirty-seven ministers of the church in the colony. The first convention of the church in Virginia assembled in Richmond on the 18th day of May, 1785. It was composed of thirty-six clergymen and seventy-one laymen. The next year Rev. David Griffith, who was Washington’s friend and had been both a sur¬ geon and chaplain in the Revolution, was elected bishop of Virginia, but he was never consecrated, and it was not until 1796 that the first council (or convention) assembled under Bishop Madison, so that the present council (1896) is the one hundred and first of the church as now organ¬ ized. Rt. Rev. Francis M. Whittle, D.D., LL.D., pre¬ sided, with Rt. Rev. John B. ISTewton, M.D., as assistant bishop, and Rev. Everard Meade, of Richmond, as secre¬ tary.”— Extracts from Southern Churchman. In connection with the above extract concerning the Episcopal Church of Virginia, Bruton Parish Church, founded in 1632 at Williamsburg, Va., may he considered the cradle of the Episcopal Church of America, and, while episcopal ordination as a bishop was wrongly withheld from Commissary James Blair, he was practically the head of the Episcopacy in America as a minister, author, and teacher. Governor Gooch, of Virginia, in a letter to the bishop of London, informs him of the death of Dr. Blair, and that he had left his library and five hundred pounds to the college and ten thousand to his nephew, Hon. John Blair, and the children of his nephew, besides some smaller legacies. His nephew was Mr. John Blair, who was so long president of the council of Virginia. The son of Hon. John Blair, bearing his father’s name, was distin¬ guished as a patriot, statesman, and jurist. He was known as Chancellor Blair, and represented the college of Wil¬ liam and Mary in the House of Burgesses for a long time, took an active part in all the Revolutionary movements, was a member of the great convention which met to re¬ vise the Articles of Confederation, and finally was made one of the judges of the Federal Supreme Court. TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 31 As stated in tlie quotation from Bishop Meade’s vol¬ ume, Judge Blair was one of the delegates (ex-President Madison being the other) to the convention which met May 25, 1787, in Philadelphia, and which framed the Federal Constitution, and thereby completing the Federal Union, styled the United States of America. In this convention two opinions were held: the one desired to merge all the States in one indivisible republic, the other to keep the mutual independence of the thirteen States, only uniting them in a league for commerce and other special purposes. The first opinion prevailed, though opposed. Patrick Henry objected mainly to the first three words, “We, the people,” insisting that the con¬ vention was called only to form an alliance of States. Virginia ratified the Constitution, however, with the full understanding that it united all the people of all the States under one government, “ On the island where stood Jamestown may be seen the remains of the tombs of Commissary James Blair and Mrs. Blair and her mother, Sarah Grymes, of Middlesex. The tombs were placed side by side and were very heavy and strong; the platform, sides, and ends were of white freestone, and the interior filled wifh bricks well cemented. The top slabs on which the inscriptions were made are of thick, dark iron-stone or black marble. A sycamore- shoot sprung up between the graves and is now a large tree. One-third of the tomb of Mrs. Blair its growth embraces, and it lies embedded and immovable in the body of the tree. The dark iron-stone slab is held in the air three feet above the surface of the earth. It is sunk between one and two feet, the inscription being only par¬ tially legible. On the other side the whole tomb of Com¬ missary Blair is forced away by the roots of the tree and is broken to pieces in all its parts. There are two or three fragments scattered on which is made out the following inscription in Latin, furnished and translated by Mr. Hugh Blair Grigsby, a descendant of Commissary Blair’s brother: 32 THE BLAIR FAMILY. “ ‘ Here lies buried The Reverend and the Honorable James Blair, A.M., who was born in Scotland, was educated in the College of Edinburg, and emigrated to England and thence to Virginia, in which colony he spent fifty-eight years as an Evangelist, Deacon and Priest of the Church of England and fifty-four years as Commissary of the Bishop of London. “ ‘ He was the Founder and first President of William and Mary Col¬ lege, a member of the Council and subsequently its President and, as such, in the absence of the representative of the King, the Governor of the Colony. “ ‘ He sustained his various offices with the approbation of his fellow- men while he illustrated in his life those graces which adorn the Christian character. “ ‘ He had a handsome person, and in the family circle blended cheer¬ fulness with piety. “ ‘He was a generous friend of the poor, and was prompt in lending assistance to all who needed it. “ ‘ He was a liberal benefactor of the College during his life, and at his death bequeathed to it his libi’ary with the hope that his books—which were mostly religious—might lead the student to those things that per¬ tain to Salvation. He died on the - day of the Calends of May [August, rather] in the year 1743, aged eighty-eight years, exhibiting to the last those graces which make old age lovely, and lamented by all, es¬ pecially by his nephews, who have reared this stone to commemorate those virtues which will long survive the marble that records them.’ ” The college of William and Mary which he founded, and named in honor of the Hollandaise line of British sovereigns, has been several times destroyed, as already stated, the last time during the late war between the States of the Union, 1861-65, but each time has been rebuilt. During the year 1893 the Congress of the United States appropriated sixty-five thousand dollars towards the repairs of injuries sustained by the college buildings while the city of Williamsburg was held by the Federal army. The handsome oil portrait of Commissary Blair fortunately suffered no damage, being removed from the library each time by some friendly hand, and its copy in this volume will now insure its perpetuation to posterity. In 1815, Dr. J. Augustine Smith, president of the faculty TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 33 of William and Mary College, proposed to Bishop Moore to establish in the college a theological chair, where there was already a library formed by Drs. Blair and Bray. In 1820 Rev. Mr. Keith received this appointment.* The author is indebted to Mr. Hugh Blair, of Rich¬ mond, for the following information : “ My father was James Blair, M.D., alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. His father and grandfather were clergymen,—Rev. John D. Blair and Rev. John Blair. Foote’s ‘Sketches of Virginia;’ ‘Log College,’ by Rev. Dr. Alexander; Appleton’s ‘Biographical Encyclopaedia;’ and Colonel George Wythe Munford’s unpretentious but pleasant hook, ‘ The Two Parsons’ (Buchanan and Blair), convey a great deal of information of this branch of the Blair family. Francis P. Blair, Sr., the great journalist of Washington City, was my grandfather’s nephew. “ ‘ History of the Bolling Family’ contains fourteen photographs from old portraits. Among these are Judge John Blair, who signed the Constitution of the United States on behalf of Virginia, and one of Elizabeth Blair, who married John Bolling, August 1, 1728. She was the daughter of Archibald Blair and niece of James Blair. Query. Was the first John Blair, also the nephew of Commissary Blair, the son of Archibald Blair ?t It seems * Old St. Luke’s, or “ Brick Church,” in the Isle of Wight, Virginia, the oldest church in America, built in 1G32, more than two hundred and fifty years ago, five miles from Smithfield, on the road to Suffolk, has in it seventeen memorial windows, among which are those in honor of Rev. Mr. Blair, founder of William and Mary College, and Bishops Madison, Moore, Meade, and Johns. The date of its construction was contem¬ porary with the war between King Charles and his Parliament and the rise of Oliver Cromwell. Among the seventeen memorial windows are those of Washington, E. E. Lee, Captain John Smith, John Eolfe, Poca¬ hontas, Sir Walter Ealeigh, and a beautiful English window in honor of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, a society which sent Commissary Blair to America. f A letter dated Richmond, April 21, 1792, is signed, “ A. Blair,” doubtless Mr. Archibald Blair, clerk of the circuit court of that city. It is addressed to Mrs. Elizabeth Whiting, the only child of Mrs. George Braxton. The writer says : “ I know not whether my advice will be taken 34 THE BLAIR FAMILY. (see Appleton’s Encyclopfedia) that Rev. James Blair was a Scotchman and came through England to Virginia. By reference to Reade’s Killer’s ‘ History of the Presbyterian Chnreh in Ireland’ will he found an account of the man who was prominent above all others in introducing serious and true religion among James I.’s subjects. James per¬ suaded him to colonize in the Korth of Ireland, He had been professor in the Eniversify of Glasgow. His influ¬ ence is still felt direct!jGn the establishment of the liberties of America through the Scotch-Irish population of our Revolutionary period and subsequently. His name was Robert Blair; from him descended Hugh Blair, the author of ‘Blair’s Rhetoric’ and professor in the University of Edinburgh, and Robert Blair, the author of the celebrated poem ‘ The Grave.’ Probably James Blair and his family (the reasons for the supposition space will not allow to be given) were of the family of Robert Blair. “ I cannot trace our family farther back than 1720, when my great grandfather, then a hoy of six years, came to this country from the Korth of Ireland. My grand¬ mother was wont to recall the relationship betwmen our branch of the Blair family and that of the celebrated divine and rhetorician, a portrait of whom is among the illustrations of the ‘ History of the Bolling Family,’ ” The above extract from Mr. Hugh Blair’s interesting letter will convey to the reader data proving the identity of the Blair family in this country and in Scotland, and also contribute to furnish a clue to the origin of both branches in Scotland and in Ireland. Hence the impor¬ tance of descendants in America perpetuating a live record of ancestors whose deeds stand out so prominently upon the pages of American history. Professor Lyon G. Tyler, dean of the faculty of the in good part, but if it should not, I shall feel sufficient gratification in having done what I conceived to be an act of friendship without any possible hope of self-interest. If Mr. Hugh Blair’s conjecture that Archibald Blair was the father of John Blair, Sr., of Williamsburg, be correct, Mrs. Whiting would have been the former’s great-niece.” TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 35 college of William and Mary, under date of June 7, 1890, thus writes: “We have two portraits of Dr. James Blair and one of his wife, Sarah Blair. We have no objection to your having them or any of them copied. Mrs. J. B. C. Spencer, of this town, who was a Miss Peachy, has a portrait of John Blair which she has had photographed. She has also the Masonic jewel which he wore as Grand Master of Masons. For an interesting account of Dr. Blair see the ‘ Annals of the American Churches,’ by Sprague, of New York. The magazine called Church Register contains information about Dr. Blair and Perry’s ‘ Historical Collections’ contain many of his letters. “ John Blair was bursar of this institution, and I have the account- books kept by him. The various authorities [?] get the death of Dr. James Blair wrong. He did not die in August, but on the 18th April, 1743. This is attested by Sir Wm. Gooch, the faculty book, a manuscript of John Blair, etc. “I recently heard from the University of Edinburgh, and they state that a Dr. James Blair took his A.M. at Edinburgh in 1671, but this was too early a date for our doctor. “ Yours, truly, “ Lyon G. Tyler. “William and Mary College.’’ March 3, 1891, Professor Tyler writes : “ I have been recently appointed by the county court of York superintendent in respect to the rebinding of the County Records, and under niy authority I have taken from the clerk’s office the first six books. I expect to find much that is interesting to you relative to the Blair family, hut it will be some time yet before I reach the period when they appear in the Records. Dr. Archibald Blair, brother of the commissary, and his nephew, John Blair, president of the council, lived in York County, and so did John Blair, Jr., whose will I have seen on record there. Most of Williamsburg lay in that county. We have the two portraits of James Blair, D.D., and one of Sarah Harrison Blair, his wife, which hang in the college library. We have no portrait of John Blair. Mrs. J. B. Spencer, of Williamsburg, was a Peachy, and is a lineal descendant of John Blair. I am sure she would be pleased to assist you in any way.” 3 36 THE BLAIR FAMILY. Professor Tyler adds: “ John Blair and John Blair, Jr., \yere both bursars of "William and Mary, and the account-hooks kept by the latter are still preserved here. I have had recently copied from the archives of Great Britain the various manu¬ scripts which led to the establishment of the college, in all of which Dr. James Blair bore the leading part. I think that the portrait of Dr. Blair has been photo¬ graphed. Mrs. Spencer could inform you on this point.” Professor Tyler’s statement that Dr. James Blair took his A.M. at Edinburgh in 1671 surely confirms the identity of this student as the founder of William and Mary Col¬ lege. Born in 1655, at the University of Edinburgh at the age of sixteen. According to Bishop Meade’s au¬ thority, “ Old Churches and Families of Virginia,” he died 1743, at the age of eighty-eight. Born 1655, graduated 1671. Might he not have done this at the age of sixteen ? Under date of October 6, 1893, Professor Lyon G. Tyler says: “ I enclose a scrap which will give you the inscription on the tomb of Mrs. Christian Monro, discovered by myself by creeping under the floor of the church (Bruton Parish Church). The slab has the following inscription : “ ‘ Here lie Deposited the Remains of M” Christian AIonro Relict of the Rev'^ M' John Monro Late Minister of St John® Parish In the County of King William She departed this life the 23'''* of September 1725 in the 60^*“ year of her age. “ ‘ Here also Rests, the Body of Mary Blair grand-daughter of John and Christian Monro, by their only surviving child Mary the wife of John Blair Esqr She departed y® 1®*' of April 1730, In y® second year of her age TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 37 “ ‘ Also, Sarah Archer daughter of the Said John & Mary Blair who died Febr the 19 : 1735. Aged 3 Months & 12 Days.’ ” (Ext. from William and Marii College Quarterhj, editor, Lyon G. Tyler, M.D.) In connection with the authority concerning the date of the graduation of James Blair, through the kindness of the author’s brother-in-law, George Ross Sherman, Esq., of the steamer “Durham,” Royal Havy, the follow¬ ing certificate was sent me : “ I hereby certify that James piair received the degree of Master of Arts (M.A.) from the University of Edinburgh in the year 1G73. “ J. Gilbert, “ Clerk o/ Senaius. “ 24th November, 1893.” Mr. Sherman writes : “ Perhaps you are aware that two hundred years ago the records of the university were not kept like they are now. However, there is unmistakable evidence of the degree of M.A. being conferred on Mr. Jacobus Blair, A.D. 1673. Herewith you will find a certificate to that efiect. At the present time when you enter the university they record your age, previous occupation, and many other particulars, but there is no record of what they did in 1673 except the names of the individuals and the de¬ grees conferred. “ Hence, there is two years’ difference between the data furnished Professor Lyon G. Tyler and the above, viz., 1673-‘167l.’ By the corrected data, allowing Dr. James Blair to have been horn in 1655 (“ Old Churches and Families of Virginia”) and to have graduated 1673, he would have been eighteen years old, which might have occurred in the person of one so talented and learned, and to which his whole life testified. Through the kindness of Professor Lyon G. Tyler, plainly the inheritor of the legal acumen of his father, the late President John Tyler, whose second wife was the mother of Professor Tyler, the 38 THE BLAIR FAMILY. following data obtained from the York record books is fnrnisbed me : Under date of Jnne 24, 1703, ‘Archibald Blair & Sarah Ms wife Executrix of y® last will and testa¬ ment of Bartholomew Fowler plaintift* vs. Thomas Cliis- man defendant.’ This is an evidence that the first wife of Dr. Blair was Sarah, widow of Bartholomew Fowler, Esq., the king’s attorney-general for the colony. His second wife was only daughter of Colonel William Wilson and widow of Colonel Miles Cary. Mary Wilson mar¬ ried (1) William Boxen, (2) in 1702, Colonel Miles Cary, and (3) Dr. Archibald Blair, ahont 1720. She was born October, 1675, and died January 11, 1741, in her sixty- seventh year, and was buried in the same tomb with her husband. See the inscription on the tomb of William Boxen at Blunt’s Point, Warwick County, published in William and Mary College Quarterly for October, 1893. “ In 1752 there lived in James City County James Blair, who was a kinsman of John Blair, Sr. His son of that name died December 26, 1773, in his thirty-second year. (John Blair’s Diary.) In 1752 John Blair wrote, ‘James Blair is, I hear, arrested for two hundred pounds, in which I cannot assist him.’ This James Blair was evidently the father of Archibald Blair, of Bichmond, who married, in 1787, Molly Whiting, of Oloster. We are working on a General Catalogue of the College.” In data of “ Historical and Genealogical Botes” of Wil¬ liam and Mary College Quarterly are presented the follow¬ ing by Editor Lyon G. Tyler, M.A., LL.D. : “Blair. —Bev. James Blair took A.M. at Edinburgh in 1673. Archibald Blair, his brother, was there in 1685. (Matriculation entries.) The former had no children. The latter married at least three times. By his first wife, unknown, he had John Blair, president of the council, who died in his eighty-fifth year, Bovember 5, 1771. {Virginia Gazette.) In 1703, Archibald Blair and Sarah, his wife, executrix of Bartholomew Fowler’s will, sued Thomas Chisman. (York County Becords.) The second wife of Blair was Sarah Archer; the third, Mary Wilson, only daughter of Colonel William Wilson, about 1720. TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 39 (Elizabeth City County Records and tombstones at Blunt Point and Rich Reck, Warwick County.) Dr. Blair was her third husband; the first was William Roscow and second Colonel Miles Cary, of Rich Reck. Dr. Blair had issue: (1^President John Blair; he is frequently spoken of as nephew of Commissary James Blair. James Blair, of James City County. The tombstone of Dr. Blair, ‘Virginia Historical Collection,’ vol. xi., speaks of his nephews (nepotibus). See also letter of Governor Gooch in Perry’s Historical Collection. See College Catalogue. (3.). Elizabeth, who married John Bolling, Jr. (Bolling Memoirs.) Harrison married Dr. George Gilmer. President Jolin Blair married Mary Monro, daughter of Rev. John Monro. {Quarterly, ii. page 82.) Issuer^Judge John Blair. (2.) Dr. James Blair married Ritty Eustice, of Rew York. He died December, 1772. (Virginia Gazette.) (3.) Sarah married Colonel Wilson Miles Cary, of Ceeleys. (Cary Bible.) ^4.) Anne married Colonel John Banister, of Battersea, Dmwiddie County. (Virginia Gazette.) (5.) Christian married Colonel Armi- stead Burwell, of Stoneland, Mecklenburg County. (Bur- well’s tombstone; John Blair’s will, York County, Bruton Register.) (6.) Elizabeth married Captain Samuel Thomp¬ son, of the Royal Ravy. {Virginia Gazette, 1768.) (7.) Mary married Colonel George Braxton. (See John Blair’s will.) Judge John Blair married Jean-. (‘ Virginia Historical Collection,’ vol. xi.) Judge Blair had three daughters,—Relly died at fourteen ( Virginia Gazette ); Mary, second ■wife of Robert Andrews, and Jane, first wife of Rev. James Henderson, married January 8, 1795. Rone of these daughters left surviving issue. James Blair, second son of Dr. Archibald Blair, died about 1773, when Archibald Blair, his infant orphan, made choice of John Blair, Esq., as his guardian. (York County Rec¬ ords.) Archibald Blair died October 7, 1824, aged sev¬ enty-one. He married Molly Whiting, of Gloucester, in 1787. He was clerk of the council and clerk of the Com¬ mittee of Safety during the whole Revolution. Mary, his daughter, married, in 1822, John Minor Botts. The will of Archibald Blair, dated in 1809 and recorded in Rich¬ mond May 17, 1825, names children,—John, Beverley, Archibald, and Mary.” 40 THE BLAIR FAMILAL The watch-key, made of gold, with the seal and device of the 0 B K Society of William and Mary College, founded second to the society at Harvard College, was as follows; In an original article published hy Professor Lyon G. Tyler, M. A.,—“Historical Papers,”—in William and llary College Quarterly, this learned antiquarian refers to a por¬ trait of James Blair, D.D,, which now hangs in the library of the college; describing it, he adds : “ His hands hang idly in his lap, but his left elbow rests on the folds of an open book engraved with what seems Greek letters written upside down,—a Greek testament, perhaps,—while in the background of the portrait is a miniature representation of the college of which he was at once founder and president for fifty years. Withal, the face in the portrait is one of a man of strong will, of un¬ bending courage, and sincere and elevated purposes; and, indeed, if half we read of him is true, there was a need of all the skill of the artist to depict upon the canvas all the character represented in such a life as that of James Blair. Choosing from an early day to identify himself with the cause of education in the colony of Virginia, he met with formidable difficulty from the men in power, who resorted to every means to crush and destroy him. TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 41 But through life he was always found battling for the right; and in the history of those struggles it appears that not even the iron vigor of such a soldier as Alexan¬ der Spottswood was in any way a match for the energy of this peaceful servant of God when he was once aroused to the tight. When, thanks to the good offices of Dr. Stillingtieet, bishop of Worcester, and Dr. Tillotson, arch¬ bishop of Canterbury, the good Dr. Blair was able at length to go to Seymour, the attorney-general, with an order from King William and Queen Mary that the char¬ ter should be prepared, and argued to that functionary the need of a college for the poor Virginians, as all know, he was rudely repulsed. Andros, at that time governor of Virginia, opposed the charter. (See Perry’s ‘ Historical Collections—Virginia.’) “ Andros complained of the Scotch origin of Dr. Blair, and exerted all his influence upon those Virginians who had subscribed to the college to induce them to withhold their subscriptions. Daniel Parke, an ancestor of Daniel Parke Custis, famous as the first husband of General Washington’s wife, with a view to recommend himself to Andros’s favor, undertook a crusade of insult against all friends of the college, and at length, to vent his ilhhumor against Dr. Blair personally, whose gown protected him from challenges, he set up a claim to the pew in church in which Mrs. Blair sat, and one Sunday, with great fury and violence, pulled her out of it in the presence of the minister and congregation, who were greatly scandalized at this ruffian and profane action. Sir Francis Nicholson succeeded Andros, and in turn became hostile to Dr. Blair when the latter recommended a policy of modera¬ tion in his administration, saying, ‘ I know how to govern Virginia. If I had not hampered them in Maryland and kept them under, I should never have been able to have governed them.’ Dr. Blair replied, ‘If I know any¬ thing of Virginia, they are a good-natured, tractable peo¬ ple as any is in ye world, and you may do anything with them by the way of civility, but you will never be able to manage them in that way you speak of by hampering and keeping them under.’ Ilis successor was Alexander Spottswood, of whom Dr. Blair says, ‘ He was so wedded to his notions that there was no quarter for them that 42 THE BLAIR FAMILY. went not with him,’ and because Dr. Blair would not side with him, he exerted himself to the utmost ‘ to ruin me,’ writes the latter bitterly, ‘ with the college and my parish,’ After Spottswood’s removal and fall comparative peace shed its rays lapoii the venerable commissary. The college, which had been burned in 1705, and had had many difficulties to contend with in the labor of restora¬ tion, was now well founded in point of habitation and educational organization. It was under Dr. Blair’s able and virtuous administration, aided by a faculty of the ripest scholars from Edinburgh, Oxford, and Cambridge, that the fathers of the Virginians of the Revolution learned those lessons of sterling worth and integrity which, engrafted in the sons, lent such honor and dis¬ tinction to Virginia.* The end of a useful life of eighty- * In the ofScial list of graduates, among the distinguished in subse¬ quent life were; Four signers of the Declaration of Independence ; Judge John Blair, Jr., was a signer of the Federal Constitution. Three were Presidents of the United States, seven were cabinet officers, one attorney-general of the United States, one chief justice Supreme Court of the United States, and one associate justice ditto, Hon. John Blair; nineteen members of Congress, fifteen United States senators, thirty-seven judges, one lieu¬ tenant-general, two commodores, seventeen governors of Virginia. Valuable references presented by President Lyon G. Tyler, of Wil¬ liam and Mary, in his historical address at Jamestown, Virginia, on Virginia Day, May 13, 1895, before the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities : 1. Meade’s “ Old Churches.” 2. “A Brief Declaration of the Plantation.” 3. William Strachey’s “ History of Travaille in Virginia Britannia.” 4. Ditto, 2. 6. Stith, citing original documents. 6. Ditto. 7. Neille’s “ Virginia Restituta.” 8. Hotten’s “ Immigrants.” 9. “ Calendar of Colonial State Papers.” 10. Conway Robinson’s “Notes from Records in the old General Court Office.” 11. Hening’s “Statutes,” volume ii. 12. “ Report of the Royal Commissioners.” 13. Beverly’s “ History of Virginia.” TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 43 nine years occurred on April 18, 1743, just a half century after the college charter was obtained. Governor William Gooch thus communicated Dr. Blair’s decease to the bishop of London : ‘ The commissary, Blair, died the 18th of the last month. The deceased had a rupture about forty years, and that, turning to a mortification, killed him, but such was his constitution that he struggled with the conqueror ten days after the doctor had declared that he could not live ten hours. He has left his books and five hundred pounds to the college, and to his nephew and his children near ten thousand pounds, besides other small legacies.” (Refer to William and Mary Quarterly, October, 1892, and Perry’s “ Historical Collections—Vir¬ ginia.” Also, Sprague’s “ Annals of the American Pulpit.”) Professor Tyler declares that “ All of the successors of Dr. Blair as presidents of William and Mary College appear to have been wise and virtuous men, who left their impress upon the life of the colony during this period. At the time of hostilities with the mother country there were one thousand graduates of the college who were trained in the humanities and literature of Rome, so calculated to foster patriotic in¬ spiration. Unlike the Northern colleges, which continued to represent the religious convictions of the people, Wil¬ liam and Mary, by adhering to the cause of the Church of England, which was daily weakening in the colonjq with difficulty retained its patronage. The majority of the people of the colony became dissenters, and though a 14. John Blair’s Diary, MS. 16. Perry’s “ Historical Collections.” 16. R. S. Thomas’s “ Narrative,” Virginia Historical Society. 17. Thacher’s “ Military Journal.” 18. Sprague’s “ Annals of the American Church.” 19. Celebration in 1807: Briscoe Baldwin, John Madison, C. K Blanchard, and Leroy Anderson, students. 20. “ Field Book of the Revolution,” by B. J. Lossing. 21. Ludwell MSS. 22. Southern Literary Messenger. 44 THE BLAIR FAMILY. majority of the youth of wealth fetill attended the ancient seat of learning at Williamsburg, a large minority who had embraced the new views of religion went to the IS'orth or to England.” The author in a note adds: “ The Virginians drew their inspiration fi’om Rome and Greece, which certainly afforded the noblest ex¬ emplars known in those days. The New Englanders neglected tlie classics and appealed to the Old Testament and its stern code of ‘ an eye for an eye.’ In Virginia the book of all books for the earth was ‘ Plutarch.’ The York County Records and Virginia Gazette may be re¬ ferred to by the reader, and also ‘ William and Mary His¬ torical Catalogue,’ for details showing the loyalty to the crown of Rev. John Camm, and later of President James Madison, a preacher, and who afterwards was made bishop of the Episcopal Church of Virginia, and proposed in 1792 a union ‘ with all sincere Christians,’ and gave his vote against the use of the Thirty-nine Articles and the confessional.” Among “ Virginia Threads for the Future Historian,” furnished by Professor E. D. Neill, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn., is the following interesting one: “ On October 20,1714, the Privy Council requested the Lords of the Treasury to consider the expediency of estab¬ lishing a bishopric at Williamsburg, Virginia, the diocese to extend from the west shore of the Delaware River to the utmost bounds of the British possessions.” Also another “ Thread,” that “ In August, 1716, a ship was in the ‘ Cove of Cork,’ bound for Virginia, vdth one hundred and eighteen rebels taken at the Preston battle.” Among the residents of York County, Va., was Dr. Archibald Blair, brother of Commissary Blair, and the ancestor of the Blair family of Virginia. TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 45 It may be added, for the information of the reader, that the able editor of the William and Mary College Quarterly, October, 1892, gives an alpliabetical list of the names of families in Virginia who were entitled to “ arms” prior to 1776, among which is the Blair family, and under the head of “ Portraits of Colonial Virginians,” by R. A. Brock, Esq., secretary of the Virginia Historical Society, the writer says: “Just prior to the first Revolution, an artist, Charles Willson Peale, a pupil of Jean Ileselius, a Swede, painted a number of portraits in the colony, the most valuable assemblage of such being now preserved at ‘ Lower Bran¬ don,’ James River, and formed by Colonel William Byrd.” For family history work in England, involving an ex¬ amination of ancient records, the address is suggested of F. A. Winder, 2 Allen’s Road, Sonth Sea, Portsmouth, England; and see manuscript history of the Blair family in the library of the Virginia Historical Society, and “ County Records of the State of Virginia prior to 1700,” and Brown’s “ Genesis of the United States,” and Burke’s “English Gentry” and “Peerage.” In connection with the subject of coats-of-arms in Vir¬ ginia, Professor Tyler says: “ Such were in the Middle Ages the distinctive signs of the gentleman in English society. The rigid etiquette observed in the county records of Virginia for the seven¬ teenth century show these distinctions prevailed here as well. Hone at this early period assumed the name of ‘ gentleman’ without a claim to arms, and the bearer of arms was a gentleman according to the original definition of Sir Edward Coke. In the next century a latitude was prevalent in the use of both the dignity of ‘ gentleman’ and the sign which distinguished him. It is agreed by English and American writers that in America the use of arms by a family previous to the Revolution may be taken as evidence that the fitmily had a right to the use thereof. 46 THE BLAIR FAMILY. And on the authority of E. A. Brock, Esq., secretaiy of the Historical Society of Virginia, in the use of coat- arraor there is more evidence of gentle lineage in Virginia than in any other of the American colonies. The families whose history and correspondence is presented in this volume each had coat-armor.” And also adds: “ I am sure the Peachy family have no portrait of John Blair, Sr. This is rather strange, but it seems no portrait of him is preserved. John Blair, Sr., had a relative, James Blair, of James City, who was father of Archibald Blair, of the council, whose will was proved in Kichmond, May 17, 1825, and dated in 1809. He left three sons, John, Beverly, and Archibald; and a daughter, Mary. I understand that Judge Lunsford L. Lewis is connected with the Hr. Archibald Blair, brother of Eev. James Blair, who was at Edinburgh in 1685.” “ The diary in the possession of the Virginia Historical Society,” according to the statement of Mr. Philip A. Bruce, corresponding secretary, “ is that of President Blair, nephew of the commissary. It is dated about 1751; is written in a close hand, rather small, due, perhaps, to the cramped space, the fly-leaf of an almanac, there being an entry for each day of the month. The diary is a series of one line to each day,—jottings of no special value, largely about the weather.” Ml’. Bruce adds: “ I would suggest that you write to President Tyler, William and Mary College, who is probably more familiar with the history of the Blairs than any man living.” Hon. William Wirt Henry says in this connection : “ I examined the diary and concluded that it was written by the father of Judge Blair; much of it is but of little value, but some entries are valuable in way of account of the family.” (Refer to Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, vol. ii.; “ A Full History of the First Legislative Assem- JOHN BLAIR, SR. 47 bly ever held in America,” that in 1619, at Jamestown, written by Hon. William Wirt Henry, and other publica¬ tions of the Virginia Historical Society.) CHAPTER H. JOHN BLAIR, Sr. The author has been unable to obtain any elaborate history of the heir of Commissary Blair, of his birth, etc. He was a prominent actor in the public atfairs of the colony, and was a member of the council in 1746 under Governor Gooch, and voted for the license permitting Rev. Samuel Davies to preach at Williamsburg. About this time the dissenting denominations, particu¬ larly the Baptists and Methodists, were not popular with the members of the Established Church. At this time Deputy Governor John Blair wrote the following letter to the king’s attorney in Spottsylvania: “ Sir, I lately reeeived a letter signed by a good num¬ ber of worthy gentlemen, who are not not here, com¬ plaining of the Baptists. The particulars of their misbe¬ havior are not told any further than their running into private houses and making dissensions. On their appli¬ cation to the attorney-general, John Randolph, tlaey brought me his letter, advising me to write to you their petition was a matter of right, and that you may not molest these conscientious people so long as they behave themselves in a manner becoming pious Christians and in obedience to the laws till the court, when they intend to apply for license, and when the gentlemen who complain may make their objections and be heard. The act of toleration (it being found by experience that persecuting dissenters increases their numbers) has given them a right to apply in a proper manner for licensed houses for the worship of God aecording to their consciences, and I persuade myself the gentlemen will quietly overlook their 48 THE BLAIR FAMILY. meetings till the court. I am told they administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper near the manner we do and differ in nothing from our church hut in that of baptism and their renewing the ancient discipline, by which they have reformed some sinners and brought them to be truly penitent. If this he their behavior it were to be wished we had some of it among us. Hay, if a man of theirs is idle and neglects to labor and provide for his famil}^ as he ought, he incurs their censures, which have had good effects.” This letter was dated at Williamsburg, July 16, 1768, and after the death of Francis Fairquier, lieutenant-gov¬ ernor, which event devolved the duties of government upon John Blair, president of the council. He had been a burgess from 1736 from Williamsburg. (See “ History of Virginia,” by Campbell.) Mr. Davies, who is famous for a prophetic expression concerning General Washington, with the Rev. Mr. Wright, was the founder in 1756 of Sunday-schools for the slaves, and thus was worthy of the patronage of the president of the council, which Mr. Blair held. In 1765, he says, in a letter written to his daughter, Mrs. Mary Braxton, at Hewington, dated “ Wmsburq Oct 31®‘— “ I am sorry to hear your Smiths earn so little to what they did at first & as that is collected with so much trouble & short of the hire that M"' Braxton can get, I heartily approve of his kind proposal, and as I hope my fellow will improve as much that way & it may be some addition to you in the hire, I gladly consent to your hiring him. I heartily wish you well & am “ Dear Molley “To'' atfect. Father “ John Blair.” The handwriting of this letter is of the finest descrip¬ tion, and the ink as perfect in color as when first im¬ pressed upon the paper. Another is from his wife to the same lady; t^9~A 9C ^Tryi^ JOHN BLAIR, SR. 49 “ Wmsburg Oct: 14 : 1769 “Dk Sister: “ It was with a great deal of Pleasure I received yesterday the agree¬ able account of your getting quite well again. I obeyed your command concerning the money and got my Sister Burwell as she was going down Town to call and pay it to M"' Greenhow. He is very sorry you gave yourself the trouble to send it down on Purpose, as the latter end of the Court will suit him. I send by Will the Cabbage seed, no cauliflower seed to be had: likewise some orange Peal which I had come in lately and I believe it is better than what we can get in the shops. Your little Betsey [Elizabeth Braxton when a child] is far from being troublesome to any of the Family as you imagine, and I can assure you behaves Pretty well the whole time Nancy was at Hampton. I had only occasion to scold at her once; and she own’^ her fault and Promised never to do so again : you know the Best will err some times. I am extremely obliged to you for the trouble you have taken about my Virginia Cloth. I like it very well, it seems to be very well wove. I shoul’d be glad to know how much M"'” L : spun of it, you say she would be glad of an old Bonnet and an apron for each of her Daughters; as to the Bonnet I have ne’er an old one that I can spare I have got two muzlin aprons that I believe would do but as it is association times I am affraid to part with them; for if I do I shall have nothing to make up for the Children to go to Dancing in; if L: chuses to wait a little while, perhaps I may be able to send both, but if not I will pay her in money. I have had letters from Scotland the other day; you may expect your spinning wheels by the first ship. I think I have wrote you a long letter. I have wrote it in a great hurry. All here join me in wishing you and D'' little George Health and Happiness, and I am “ D” Sister “ y'' affect “and Loving Sister “Jean Blair.” “ Battersea, July 24‘>» “ I last night received my dear Eliza® agreeable letP & the other I shall give to M” Bolling to send it to Fluvanna I was sorry to hear of the dis¬ agreeable jaunt you experienced in your way home. I know y’’ good sense will enable you to bear with these inconveniences which are gen¬ eral of a short duration & which are unavoidable to travellers. The in¬ quisitiveness of the Hostess I think very impertinent. I think you were excusable in deceiving her as I by no means think it absolutely necesary the curiosity of these people shou’d be gratified & now my Friend give me leave to enquire after your good Mama: how does she do; how did she bear tbe fatigue of the Journey; tel her I miss^ her not a little. I 50 THE BLAIR FAMILY. declare I wish most woundedly to see you both, give my Duty to her, but dont let her see this shocking scrawl. It wou’d have been better worth your perusal had their not been one of the cleverest Fellows I know continuealy calling me & declares he will come & bring me down if I do not come imeadiately : Conclude me y^ affectionate Friend and “ Cousin “Jane Blair.” In 1768, Governor Fauquier dying, Mr. Blair became acting governor of the colony by virtue of his office as president of the council. At this time in vain did Mr. Jefferson try to have the slaves manumitted. The anni¬ versary both of the birth and restoration of Charles II. was established as a holiday. In the record of the county court of Accomac the following entry appears: “ At a Court held in Accomac County y® of ISTovem- ber by his Ma*‘®® Justices of y" Peace for y® s'* County in y® seaventeenth yeare of y® Reigne of o’^ Sovereigne Lord Charles y® Second By y® Grace of God of Great Britaine, France and Ireland King Defender of y® Faith &c.” The above specimen is an example of the quaint legal forms of other days. Mr. Blair inherited the sound sense, the manly piety, and the self-denying patriotism of the Christian patriarch whom he succeeded in the council, of which he was for a long series of years the president, and for the duties of which he was qualified by an efficient service in the House of Burgesses, of which he was a member from Williams¬ burg as early as 1736.* He proved to be an able defender of the lives and property of the colonists settled in the borders of Virginia and greatly exposed to the incursions and attacks of the savage Indians. On these occasions he displayed a self-possession, a command of expedients. * In the Episcopal Convention of Williamsburg appear the names of John Banister, of Dinwiddie, and John Blair, college of William and Mary, as delegates. JOHN BLAIR, SR. 51 and a love of country throughout the troubles with the Indians which were worthy of high praise. His personal merits would have earned him an enduring fame. His countenance beamed with benignity, and his manners were those of a man who had moved from boyhood in the refined society of the metropolis. The English classics he had studied with the closest attention. His daughter, Agan Blair,* thus writes to her sister, Mrs. Braxton, at Hewington, the residence of her husband. Colonel George Braxton : “ It is an age since writing my D'' Sis"^ nothing but the want of an opportunity should have occasioned this long silence; I have been in Hampton ever since the first day of the Court and to have sent a Letter to our House in order to he forwarded I knew would be vain for they generally toss about til lost. “ Hampton is now more gay than the Metropolis. The Ripponf the Lancester & the Magdalene are all in Harbour here; balls both by land and by water in abundance; the gentlemen of the Rippon are I think the most agreeable, affable set I have ever met with, and really it is charming to go on Board; the Drum & Fife, pleasing countenances, such polite yet easy Behavior all bespeak a hearty welcome. This family receives a great many Civilities from all the Gentlemen, presents on pres¬ ents ; if there happens a day without seeing them there is so many comp‘d to enquire after our Healths that indeed to be people of consequence * “ Agan” is the Scotch name for Anna. This writer became the wife of Colonel John Banister, of Petersburg, and the reader will be fully able to appreciate the letters, which have been luckily preserved and will prove a most accurate record of the social life of the elite of the “Old City,” another name for 'Williamsburg, and of Norfolk, where, during the winter season, the best Southern society were wont to congregate, f Virginia Gazette, published at 'Williamsburg, 1768, says: “Last Tuesday evening arrived in Hampton Roads in eight weeks from Portsmouth (England) the Rippon man of war of 60 Guns Sam' Thompson Esqr Commandg having on board his Excellency the Eight Hon : Norbon Baron De Botetourt (Governor of the Colony of 'Virginia).” The author is of the opinion that Commander Thompson, above re¬ ferred to, married Miss Betsey Blair, whose name occurs so often in the correspondence of the Banisters, to be presented in a future chapter. (Campbell’s “History of Virginia.”) 4 62 THE BLAIR FAMILAL is vastly clever. How stands y® hearts Girls I hear you ask? Why 1 will tell you, mine seems to be roving amidst Dear Variety; and not¬ withstanding there is such Variety do you think Betsey Blair and Sally Sweeny does not contend for one. Betsey gave her Toast at Supper Sharp (a Lieut: on Board y® Eippon) Miss Sally for awhile disputed it with her, at length it was agread to decide it with Pistoles when they should go to bed ; no sooner had they got up stairs then the}' advanced up close to each other, then turning short round Back to Back & marched three steps forward & Fired so great was the explosions and so suifocating the smell of Powder that I quited the Room till by Betsey® repeated shouts I soon learned she had got y® better of her antagonist. Both survive. “My Sis"^ Cary is writing. Therefore submit to her abler pen to do justice to the present amusements ; and that it may be inducement enough to bring you to us is wish'* by all “ y'' truly affect: Sis’^ “A. Blair.” “June 14‘>^ 1769. “ That old Sweat may see I am not altogether regardless of my prom¬ ises have at length ventur'* to put Pen to Paper. “ You will observe in the Madam® last epistle a little hurry, or so to¬ wards the Conclusion. O Dicky, Dicky, what wouD I have not have given to had your smellers come Poping at the Door in the same moment that she received M"^ Tunstall® Declarations of Love? You won'* lam sure been highly delighted; she was in a little Pett but it was a very be¬ coming one let me tell you—a glowing Blush suffused o’er her Pace, at¬ tended with a trembling, in so much that in extending her arm to reach me the Creature^ insolence I thought y® Paper would have fallen from her Hand. The emotions I saw her in did not fail of exciting a curiosity in me natural to all our Sex so that a Dog would not have caught more eagerly at a Bone he was likely to loose then I did at the fullsome stuff (as she call’d it) tho: must own on perusall was charm’d with y® ele¬ gance of his stile; and I dare say he might with truth declare his Love for her to equal that of Mark Antoneys for Cleopatra. She thought proper to return his Letter back again with just a line or two signifying y® disagreeableness of y® subject &c. &c. “ but (by the bye) coax’d her out of a Copy first which I am per- mited to shew you tho’ not to send you; and I am displeased with the prohibition. Since it will furnish me with an opportunity of observing y’’ Physiognomy on the occasion there is severall others Dancing & Coo- peeing about here, may they scrape all the skin off their shins steping over the benches at the Church in endeavouring who shou’d be first to Hand her in the Chariot, but hold : let them write, or speak their senti- JOHN BLAIR, SR. 53 ments which will be y® subject of my next discourse, on account of y® manner in which we spend our time would he only a repetition of what you have heard before as I doubt not but you have seen some of those who were of our Company. On Monday next we go a visiting in King William from whence I propose fixing y® time for our Coach to meet me Adieu I am going to dinner after which we have a dessert of fine Rasp¬ berries and Cream I wish you with y® little Woman & a few other chosen acquaintances were here to partake with us. “ Y'^ affect: Friend “ A. Blair.” “ Dr SisR “ In a ramble down Street met M'^ Price who I fancy is getting Wedding geer for his Betsey, he tells me he goes out of Town this evening—it is now past one—and I am to drink Tea at the Attorneys, he breakfasted with us this morning—to morrow I breakfast with him—at his Quarters and on Thursday he has bespoke some Firmaty at our lower Plantation; it was worth being sick to have a Lord enquiring after ones Health. Well I can no more. Miss Betsey by particular desire of her God-Mamma is to go with me this Afternoon, so as well as myself I have her to spruce up—She is very lazy, very well & sends her Duty to you & Love to her Brother. So far was a how d’ye ? and now bye t’ye but hold I a little as to Business, M” Taliaferro will make you a wooden p® of Steps. I received a paste pin of yours from M'' Craig. Our goods are come in. I will get M' Price if he be not too deeply loadn’d to take up those Bath Cloggs I promised you— “Adieu—and beleave me Sincere when I assure you I most ardently wish for the pleasure of y"" Company to Hampton this day Sennight affect: Sis' “ Aqan Blayar.” “ I have enclosed yrs & my Letters that were for Boston to England by Capt: Petersen; you had beter write another for there are several ships to sail soon for wh : reason must be troublesome to my D' Sis' in beging her to enclose my Letters that they may be answer** by these said Ships. Sis' Blair says she ought to write but Heaven knows whether she will or not. “ Sept' 1769.” Ills daughter, Agaii Blair, thus writes to her sister, Mrs. Braxton : “Yesterday my Dear Sis' M' Starke inform** me he shou** have an opportunity of sending you a Letter which believe me is the only one I have heard of since my arrival in W“®burg. It carries with it an account of Betcy® and y® rest of y® Familys good Health. How much more did 64 THE BLAIR FAMILY. I regret y not going to Eltham, when I found there my Sisf Blair & Cousin Burwell and what still added to my Happiness was the Receipt of my D’’ Betsey' & Cap: Thompson' Letters. They expected to sail for England about y' middle of July tho : by y® Papers they sailed in June indeed one M' Dedington has been in Town who said they left Boston about a week before himself. It is unnecessary to send yr Letters till some ship sails for England. I am told there will be several soon, when I propose enclosing them. Billy Sharp and Lyall were on a Tour to Rose Island. Notwithstanding my express desire to Betsey that she should answer every one of y' questions I ask'i not a syllable does she say in regard to any.it is to Capt: Thompson I am obliged by y® little information above of our acquaintance. “Well! I just nick’t it. Governor Tryon* his Lady and M' * This individual was the Governor Tryon, of North Carolina, 1772, when the colonies rebelled against the imposition of taxes on tea, glass, paper, etc., by the British Government. In North Carolina discontent was aggravated by the royal governor and his officials, who shamelessly plun¬ dered the people. The “ Regulators” (colonial volunteers), who attempted to put down these extortions, were defeated by Governor Tryon with a British force and many were slain, while their estates went to enrich the governor. Disgusted with his tyranny, many of the planters left the settled limits of the colony, bought lands of the Cherokees to the westward, and laid the foundations of what is now the State of Tennessee. James Robertson, a poor and unlettered forester, was their leader.— History of THE United States, by M. E. Thalheimer. (Refer to Burke’s “His¬ tory of the Peerage and Gentry of England.”) Sir George Tryon, who made so costly a blunder on the Levantine coast, in command of Her Majesty’s ship Victor, which was lost, August, 1893, with four hundred and eighty officers and men, was the grandson of Colonel William Tryon, governor of North Carolina before the Revolu¬ tion. Governor Tryon, by his imperious course, led to the first bloodshed which ended in the liberation of America. The extortion of himself and his subordinates led to the formation of the “Regulators,” and Tryon was present at the battle of Alamance. He gave the order that led to the fight. Subsequently he was transferred to the chief magistracy of New York. He was a brigadier general of British forces during the war of the Revolution, and left America after peace was made. In 1775, Governor Tryon wrote to the British minister denouncing the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, the Alexanders, Balches, and Polk, Scotch-Irish settlers of North Carolina, as a most traitorous party: “They declare the entire dissolution of the laws and constitution, and setting up a system of rule and regulation subversive of his majesty’s government.” Subsequently Tryon, as governor of New York, olfered JOHN BLAIR, SR. 55 EJ wards (Governor Tryon® Secretary) was to drink tea at our House the day we came to Town (not forgetting his Lordship [Lord Botetourt]) and went to York on their way Home of y® Monday following; so that I had an opportunity of hearing the Conversation of this fine accomplished Lady. You may remember we heard she took no notice of the Ladies; I therefore resolved in myself to have nothing to say to her and accord¬ ingly took my seat as far distant from her as the Room would permit; but with all my resolution I could hold no longer; tlie Lady had unfor¬ tunately scall’d three of her Fingers, (I say unfortunately for else she would have play’d the Spinnet) so that the speediest method of cure became now the Topick. The Company agread it would heal sooner for having y® skin cut off the Blisters; Mr Edwards and self as yet had said nothing about it—to be sure our opinions was necessary—so the Lady call’d first on y® former who judged it best to let y® skin remain; next comes y® latter and having view’d the wound with all the sagacity of a Surgeon agread with Mr Edwards (as he was singular) in everything he said exactly. She reply’d with a Smile that notwithstanding there was two to one of the opposite opinion yet her inclination consiJed much with us; for to own a truth she was so far a Coward she did not like her skin to be cut. Thus much for her Fingers, and as to y® Lady herself, I think what was heard to her disadvantage proves from a little acquaint¬ ance to advantage. They say she rules the Roast, it is a pity. 1 like her Husband vastly. They have a little Girl with them that is equeally to be pitied, this poor thing is stuck up in a Chair all day long with a Coller on, nor dare she even to taste Tea fruit Cake or any little Trifile offer’d her by y® Company, but to return to y® Lady® Fingers—the old Gentleman squeazed her Hand a little too hard (in handing her to y® Coach) for one of her delicacy, she however had so far the command of herself as not to fall in a Fit til she got to my Lords; Pasteur immeadiately was call’d in who did in one minuet what had just before caused us a debate of half an Hour long—he perform’d y®so much dreaded operation of cuting the skin after w®*" he was presented with a Guinea he laughed & said he had no objection to bo squeazed into another. “ I have a Letter from Sis® Cary telling me I ought to have been at Hampton instead of King and Queen for that there had been the Viper sloop of war commanded by one Capt: Lindsey a Brother of M®® Hoods, a most agreeable Gentleman the first Lieut: M® Friedrick a relation of the Duchess of Beaufort’ extremely cleaver and several others equally as much so. She thinks it advisable to go down in readiness for y® next that comes (who knows the luck of a Louisa Calf) perhaps if I go down I one hundred and fifty pounds for the arrest of Ethan Allen, a Green Mountain Boy, at the time when New York tried to enforce its authority to hold Vermont. THE BLAIR FAMILY. 5fj may be as lucky as Bet otlierways I most slirewdlj’ suspect I verj- reluc¬ tantly shall join tliat set of animals destined to lead Apes.* “ Augt 1769. “ here ahouts, mj- D'’ Sis'' an interruption prevented mj- sending this to M' Starke, so that loosing that opportunity have never heard of one since ; or I would have finished it before now I observe what is written is without a date, and it is so long ago that I cannot recollect; however as it is too much writing for me to loose as well as it will shew my inclina¬ tion was good shall here enclose it. During this long interval have re¬ ceived a very agreeable Letter from you which I am now to thank you for. Betsey f is at work for 3 'ou. I suppose she will tell you to-morrow is Dancing day for it is her thoughts bj' Day and her dreams by night. M' Fearson was surprised to find she knew so much of the minuet step and could not help asking if Miss had never been taught. So you find She is likely to make some progress that way M' Wray by reason of Business has but lately taken her in hand tho: he assures me a little practice is all she wants: her Reading I hear her twice a day and when I go out she is consigned over to m}^ Sis' Blair : we have had some few quarrels and one Battle ; Betsey and her Cousin Jenny had been fighting for several day successively, and was threaten’d to be whipt for it as often but as they did not regard us her Mamma & self thought it necessary to let them see we were in earnest—if they have fought since have never heard of it. She has finish’d her work’d Tucker but the weather is so warm that with all y® pains I can take with clean hands and so forth she cannot help dirtying it a little. I do not observe her to be fond of ne¬ groes company now nor have I heard lately of any bad words, chief of our Quarrels is for eating of those green apples in our garden & not keeping the head smooth. I have had Hair put on Miss Dolly but find it not in my power of complying with my promise in giving her silk for a sacque & coat. Some of our pretty Gang broke open a Trunk in my absence and has stolen several things of which the silk makes a part—so imagine Bettsey will petition you for some. I am much obliged for the care you have taken to get all my duds together. I cannot find that you have neglected puting up anything for Betsey. It is time to spruce my¬ self for dinner after w"*' expect Company to Tea. Good morrow to you Sis'; we spent a cheerfull afternoon yesterday. M'® Dawsons Family stay’d y® Evening with us and y= Coach was at y® door to carry them * This allusion to “ Bett’s” marriage confirms the fact that the writer of these letters was the lady who subsequently became the wife of Colonel John Banister. ■j- The Betsey referred to was Elizabeth Blair, who married Captain Thompson, R.N. JOHN BLAIR, SR. 57 Home by ten o’clock but everyone appearing in great spirits it was pro¬ posed to set at y® steps and sing a few songs w”** was no sooner said than done; while thus we were employ’d a candle and Lanthorn was observed to be coming up street (except Polly Clayton censuring their ill taste for having a candle such a line night) no one took any notice of it til we saw who ever it was stop’t to listen to our enchanting notes : Each warbler was imeadiately silenced : whereupon the invader to our Melody call’d out in a most rapiturous voice Charming I charming I proceed for God® sake or I go Home directly No sooner were these words uttered then all as wdth one consent sprung from their seats and y” air echoe’d with pray walk in my Lord ; no! indeed he would not, he would set on the Steps too, so after a few ha ha has and being told what all knew that it was a delight¬ ful evening at his desire we strew’d the way over with flowers &c, &c, til a full half hour was elaps’d when all retired to their respective Homes. “ I wish I could obey my D” Sis” most agreeable summons, but pru¬ dence whispers no. If there is no Cotton to be had I must let my inten¬ tions drop til next year when my Sis"' Blair promises me some from her crop. Oh what an awfull sound, some good Soul has made its Exit! I am just informed it is an Infant not of my acquaintance. Whj'so silent? The spinnet will grow so intollirably Lazy with so much indulgence that when M'' Starke calls on j'ou to set them in motion ; am atfraid they will not move with that active Spring which you from custom had made per¬ fectly easy to them during my stay at Newington, dear me I forgot to get those songs I promised : well I will to Pelham® on purpose for them this evening. “ They are Building a Steeple to our Church. The Doors for that reason is open every Day ; and we are entertain’d with the performance of Felton® Handel® Vi Valleys Hesses &c, &c, &c. I could say a great deal about this that and tother but knowing the Company you now have can tell all that I know with greater ease than I can write it will refer you to them ; do ask them a thousand questions, there is an abundance of news stirring, I do sincerely condole with poor M” B : who would have thought when last we saw her Daughter so blooming her Fate was so near a Crisiss. “ Major Watson® Family have arrived, I went to wait on them ; the eldest is about eighteen a young Lady of good sense with an easy afl’a- ble behavior and I think handsome. The other about fourteen has a charming complexion with good nature stampt in her countenance She wears her hair down her Forehead almost to her Eye-brows w*’’ gives a just idea at first sight of what on a little acquaintance you find in reality —She is a Wild-Philly. “ I have a pain in my Rist. “ I am yf truly afi’ect. Sis^ “ A. Blair.” 58 THE BLAIR FAMILY. “I thank you niy D'' Sister for your last favor; I am very sick, in¬ deed this sickness comes very unseasonably, for I was under an engage¬ ment to Gloucester & if I could keep anything on my stomach my inclination my spirits would get y® better of my Prudence. I went to York the day before yesterday tho; was not well then. “ Y'' very affect: Sis'" “A. B. “ Aug‘ 25: 1769.” “Octo’^ y® 20‘'^ 1781. “ I am greatly concern'^ to hear D'' Cousin Whiting has had so severe a Fall from a Horse by wh”*^ y’^ life in such eminent danger. I hope my dear Betsey it will teach you to be more cautious, you must consider y"^ Mam™^ is old & you have three children ; what a dreadful situation must theirs be if deprived of tbeir Mother who w'^ be the guardian of their infant yrs ; I received a L'^ from Mamma in wh”** she tells me she has not seen you since Nov'^ I am much surprized you so seldom visit her especially when her health was so bad y® last winter: such slights my dear Betsey are very grating to a Parent. She expresses her wishes that she may come & live in W“®burg, that she may be happy in y® society of her relations as well as a number of other genteel people with whom she will pass her time, more agreeably than she can where she is at pres¬ ent, I expect soon to hear you have chang® y"' name as I am informed you are much admired. Be cautious in making y'' choice, be well ac¬ quainted with the disposition of y® man you marry & do not involve yourself in difficulties by giving yourself to one in needy circumstances, we have had a very sick family ever since Aug‘ indeed it appears as if we never sh^ be well again. M"^ Peachy with my Polly and their sweet infants came down a week ago. Mi^ Cary & myself in love & best wishes for you & yours “ y*' affect Aunt S. Cauy “ [nee Sarah Blair].” “ Mrs Whiting “ Berkeley. “Dear Madam: “ I regret that Miss Mary® musical pursuits are suspended, I feel my¬ self sensibly obliged for the polite invitations to your happy habitation. Col: Alexander and your son Geo: have visited us: G: looks as he should. The carriage being under way I have only time to add, “Adieu, R. Prescott.” “ In the Mountain “ Thursday Eve® “SepP ’94. “ O my dear Betsey in what terms shall I paint the scene I have this day witnessed. Your dear aunt Cary is no more, about two weeks ago she was seized with a violent Pleurisy—you know full well her delicate JOHN BLAIR, SR. 59 frame, alas! it was too feeble to stand the shock! an abscess formed on her lungs, soon terminated in a suffocation, my God what were her suf¬ ferings I the dear departed had the comfort of her daughter Peachy, sister Banister. She retained her senses at the last and prayed for all her friends. I leave it to your prudence whether it ought to he communi¬ cated to your dear mother. Do my friend write soon and mention how this loved Parent does : “ your distressed Friend “ Chaklotte Balfour. “Ceeleys, Feby 28: 1799.” “ Richd Feby 3. 97. “ Madam, “ I had the honor to receive your favor of the IG'*' Jany. some days ago and have postponed an answer to it, hoping that with the assistance of a bad memory or from memoranda I might be able to give you the information requested. But I cannot, all that I recollect of Mr Norton® affair is that I saw & approved of the deed and upon expressing that approbation in writing M® Blair I suppose paid the money, the deed I am satisfied was forwarded to M® Precot for I recollect giving him di¬ rections respecting the mode of proving it so as to get it recorded. I will continue my search and if I can be enable to give further information I will do so. “ The suit ag‘ you as well as that ag'- M®® P. (to whom present me very respectfully will engage my attention and warmest exertions as soon as I get a copy of the Bill, I shall forward it to your Mother & shall then write her : her fav® by post I have rec^ “ I have the Honor to be with much respect “ Madam “ Y : Mo : ob. ser' “ Bushrod Washington.’ “ Mrs Whiting “July 18'“ 1797. “ Madam “ I have the pleasure to inform you that the suit in behalf of the Commonwealth against you was dismissed at the last General Court. I had never any doubt but this would be the event of the cause after the Certificates which you sent me. “I some time ago rec® a letter from M® Harrison requesting that I would write to the Clerk of King & Queen Court for a paper which he wanted in drawing your Mother® answer to Gill’s bill, you will oblige me by informing j’our Mother that I wrote for the paper some time ago, but, had no answer before I left home “ I am, verj’ respectfully “ Madam your mo: ob: ser' “ Bushrod Washington.” 60 THE BLAIR FAMILAT. “To “ Mrs Prescott “ of Enfield “ Prince William. “ pr favour of "I Judge Tucker.”/ “ Flower de hundred. “ In October I bid probably a final farewell to Amelia Co. Mr Peachy removed to his new purchase on James River. We stayed one month in Petersburg & arrived at this place the 2“'* of Nov'', you would be pleased with it if you feel as great an attachment as I do for all water prospects. There is one great inconvenience attending it, viz : two ferries to cross ere you can visit Either Williamsburg or Ceeleys ; for Five daj's have been packed up & been prevented setting out by the Rivers being frozen over. I begin to be impatient to see my friends below. I shall quit the worthies of Flower de-hundred. I thank you dear Girl for yr : friendly invite. AVhat has become of the fascinating D'' (Graham) ? afraid he" make the upper country so delightful that you" never be induced to visit yr: friends below, we have met with M' AVormlej' & Miss Starke in Petersburg. Does Miss Mercer live in your ne’bourhood ? Our Williamsburg friends were well a few days ago ; except Jemmey Blair who tis feared is in a decline. The Doct'® have recommend a trip to the West Indies ; his Father® fondness 1'“ apprehensive will prevent his letting him go. The good couple at Ceeleys were very well when last heard from. Heaven bless you my Dearest Friend, Prays most devoutly “ yr : ever affect' “ Charlotte. “Jan 34 1791.” This lady, Miss Charlotte Balfour, of ITorfolk, was either daughter or niece of Dr. Balfour, the first surgeon- general, United States Uavy, as formed out of the Virginia or Janies River Flotilla organized by Congress, 1775-76. “ Danby OcP 6. “ Mx DEAR Friend, “Cousin Little returned last night from Bath perfectly well. She requests you to call at M'® Love® & if there are any letters in the post office, send them & call at Sez Smith® for a pair of shoes he had to mend for me, “ A^our sincere Friend “ F. Whiting. “ P. S. Your commission is (?) arrived” “ Lieutenant “Robert Howe Little “ Alexandria.” JOHX BLAIR, SR. 61 “Williamsburg: Nov'' 3: 1800. “ Dear Brother, “ I know Robert you will be glad to bear that poor Banister is nearly well; he walks now with a crutch, poor fellow what a sum of misery has he had, when in the worst am told he often wished for Death ; how dis¬ tressing must have been the situation of his poor Mother. The Doctor thinks him out of danger, the acct M'® Mims gave of him was truly distressing to all his friends. “ Take care of that colt of mine. I rejoice our friends in Winchester & at Fenton are well. I dont think W'^’burg agrees with my health at all, at present confined with a bad cold & fevers at night. I have not been to lecture for two days, but read close in my room night & daj’. When well again I shall set in again to attend the College. I am much pleased with the rules and mode of proceeding. On Monday & Wednes¬ days we attend Mr Madison® lecture on Moral Philosophy, & on Friday his Natural (?) Lecture—the rest of the week Mr Andrews lectures on mathematics; all spare time I devote to history. I am now reading Rollins. Robert 1 must now stop. I am obliged to write a Composition on Innate Ideas: Give my love to my friends & in Winchester & partic¬ ularly to the Sun Beam of Beauty : Goodbye, God bless you «& make you prosper is the sincere wish of your Aftec' “Brother: George B. Whiting. “ I will be-d-d Polly if we hav"' oysters for dinner as big as your hand.” “Philadelphia: March 14“' “My Dear Madam: “ You my good Lady express a wish to have a better description of the Philadelphia Medical Society. I can only add, at Present, that the Mem¬ bers are of the most respectable Physicians in the Union. D' Rush is our President and all our professors are members. My dissertation was uni¬ formly approved of. I have acquired popularity enough to have D' Con¬ rad of Winchester V" elected a member. I am now patronized by D' Boyce an old classmate of my master®, while in Europe ; he is physician to the Bethany House, where I attend three times a week and see the prescriptions for more than 200 patients. I also attend the Hospital, & am determined to improve my opportunities—in the line of my pro¬ fession. I shall return by the way of Washington City & can get a horse at my Uncles, perhaps the last of the month, until that happy moment Adieu. 1 will return good for evil and write to my amiable friend M. B. W. [Mary Blair AVhiting, his future wife.] “ God bless you : R. H. Little.” “ Enfield : SepP IS'*' 1801. “ Da Robert “ Csesar sets out in the morning for Winchester to attend j’our high¬ ness & my dear Peggy to our Castle for it has quite that appearance. On 62 THE BLAIR FAMILY. Sunday we shall Expect you to tea. Mamma says if M™ Peyton & Mary do not come she shall scold. If your Sister McGuire knew how much her company would add to my happiness on that day I know that she would come. Give her my tenderest affection, in which I am joined by my parent; it is so dark I can hardly see, so must bid you Adieu. God bless you one & all prays “ Your affectionate “ Mary Blair Whiting.” f DocR Little C.a:sAR| Winchester.” “ The gratification which I experienced from the polite Letter from my D'' M''® Whiting could only be exceeded by the recollection of the happy days we spent together. A^our cotton I received two days ago. The weaver thinks there is Cotton enough to warp 60 yards & it will take 12 pounds of cord. Price of weaving 18-pence. Believe me to he your Sincere Friend “ Francis S. S. Scott “ Fredericksburg “ Feb. 22.” “Mrs Eliza Whiting 12. cts. ‘ ‘ By Goshen Loudoun County.” “ My Dear Brother : ‘‘ You have advantages that many others are deprived of; you have a church to go to. I hope you are paying great attention to your studies. Uncle G. has gone on to Limekilns with his family. Uncle Carlisle made us a visit last week. My love to Aunt B [Mrs. Craighill] : & also to Cousin Rat. “ Your devoted Sister “ Francis Anne Banister Little “Mb W. H. Little “Charlestown: Jefferson C“ V“.” “My Dear Mary: “ I arrived safe. I hope Mary is better. I would prefer small & re¬ peated bleedings, with the consent of D’’ W : or Leeches to the Temples— “ R. H. Little.” “ Shelbyville Ky Sep : 22 : 1832. “ Dr Robert : “ We arrived here from Orange C. H. in seven days. We got to hand in safety after a most dangerous trip, travelled every day from 3 oc. a.m. until 11 P.M., nine passengers inside & six to eight outside raining gen- JOHN BLAIR, SR. 63 erally. We found all well on our arrival except my wife® sister from La: It is reported that Cholera is at Louisville 30 miles west of us «& there are reports, that it rages in Charlestown : & Harper® Ferry. Do for God® sake write me imeadiately & say whether it be true or not ? I shall he most miserable until I hear from you on the subject. My wife is in the country. My best love to Sister Mary & all the Family & the Crosses, Tooley Campbell & Doct L. W. Van Wyck “ I am very Truly “ Your Brother “ Thos : W. Little “ To Dr E. H. Little “ Millwood.” “ POSTOEFICE, MaTSVILLE Ky “ Yours very Respectfully “Joseph D. Barker.” “ Shelbytille Ky 25. “ Sept: 23''»” “ Doct Robt H. Little “ Millwood “ Fred'^ Co: V®’ “ Mail.” “ My dear Cousin : “ My life for the last two years has had few pleasures, I greatly fear we too shall meet with a sad loss at no great period: My Father Peachy declines fast, sad & lonely indeed shall we feel if my predictions are verified & I know not the being that we can in W“®burg claim as a friend, we have been so unsuccessful in Farming that we have broke up our Plantation & hired out our Negroes, had this been done sooner it would have been better. My Betsy tho: 15 looks like a Girl of 13 & will be very small. Polly is rather taller & will I think make a pretty woman, they are both sweet tempers, & I would not have you think my Bet not passable tho: her sister is handsomer, what pleasure should could I bring them to see you, but this is a happiness beyond my reach to at¬ tain, I am vex’d & grieved when I reflect that, my dear Sister, should for a foolish quarrel be deprived the solace of such a friend as you w** have made, nothing could excuse the two Banisters, but their youth for making such a breach between friends. I have learnt Theod'* with some other young Chaps as thoughtless as himself are keeping house in Edin¬ burg. How sad it is for children to be so giddy & extravagant. Com¬ pany obliges me to conclude hastily but not without assuring my dear Betsy & her children they possess mine & my children® love. “ yours afiect‘5’ “ M. M. Peachy. “ Jan : IBU* 1804. 64 THE BLAIR FAMILAL “ "Wmsburg Jany 20: 1812. “ Since I addressed a long letter to D*' Little, I have received tn}" dear Cousin Whiting® favor. The accident to D'' Little must have been ex¬ tremely distressing to his weakened state. My carriage Horses have been lame since my journey to polly Tabbs. Dear Charlott® illness D® Galt as D’’ Little had done considers to be bilious. I hope Beverly Blair carried j’ou the parcel. I had sent the little wheel I had promised to Cousin Mary to be repaired. We anticipate much pleasure in seeing her &_the Doctor. “I think it was fortunate that John & B: Blair were not in Ricli™'^ the Night that the Theatre was burnt for probably they might have been there. My son-in law Randolph & my Daughter Eliza were miracu¬ lously saved. I heard M"^ Noel had a narrow escape. My neighbour M"^® Greenhowe and her niece Mrs Gerradine & her son with many others of m}' acquaintance fell victims to the devouring flames. The distress and consternation by this melancholy event must long prevail—it has been an eventful period for there have been three shocks of an earthquake felt here—there has been no damage further than making some people sick at stomach during its continuance. Cousin Peachy & Mr Henderson desire to be remembered to you. We have just heard of the death of M'® Fairfax in England: Her will mentions her grandson W. Cary & her niece Peachy. God bless you & yours: Kiss the children for me and remember me to all the servants: yours Affect’y “ Mary Andrews.” “ Wmsburq Va “Jany 27. “Mrs Elizabeth Whiting “Enfield, “ Prince William. “ Goshen Va ” CHAPTER III. JOHN BLAIR, JR. The subject of the present sketch was the sou of Pres¬ ident John Blair, and is known as either Chancellor or Judge Blair. The author will endeavor to present a picture of the private correspondence addressed to a (Signer of the Constitution of tlie United States and Associate Judge of United States Supreme Court). JOHN BLAIR, JR. 65 favorite sister, Mrs. Mary Braxton, in the outlines of which will he recognized the features of the purest affec¬ tion, the most exalted piety, and the acumen and wisdom of the profound and learned jurist. “ From the beginning of the difficulties with Great Britain,” says the historian, “ Judge Blair, as was his venerable father, was always on the side of the colony. When he had finished his course of instruction at Wil¬ liam and Mary College he repaired to London, where he puirsued his legal studies diligently at the Temple, and was soon engaged in full business at the bar of the Gen¬ eral Court. He entered the House of Burgesses at an early age, and was a member in 1765, when, on the ground maintained by Bland, he opposed the resolutions of Henry. In 1769, when the House of Burgesses was dissolved, he was one of that patriotic band, consisting of Washington, Bland, and others, which held a meeting in the Raleigh and drafted the non-importation agreement, already referred to; and when in 1770 the house was again dissolved and the members again assembled in the Raleigh to revise and amend the articles of agreement, associating with themselves the merchants of the colony, he was among them and recorded his name on that roll, where it will be read forever. In this year he was ap¬ pointed one of the executors of his friend. Lord Botetourt. In the convention then sitting he appeared as the delegate from the college of William and Mary, and was a member of the grand committee which reported the Declaration of Rights and the constitution. He was destined to be the last of that long list of eminent men who represented the college in the public councils, and it is a coincidence worth observing, that as the college received the privilege of sending a niemher to the House of Burgesses—a privi¬ lege which she used so wisely for more than eighty years —from the charter procured by James Blair, so she was to lose that privilege when represented by his distinguished relative. That he fought gallantly in defence of his Alma Mater may he readily believed. He was elected by the convention a member of the council, and when the judi¬ cial department under the constitution which he assisted 66 THE BLAIR FAMILY. in framing was established he was elected a judge of the General Court, of which he became chief justice. In 1780 he was elected a judge of the High Court of Chan¬ cery, and by virtue of both stations became necessarily a judge of the first Court of Appeals, and was one of the court when the law requiring the judges of the Court of Appeals to act as judges of the inferior courts was pro¬ nounced unconstitutional. Hor by his decisive conduct did he forfeit his popularity with the assembly, for he was app)ointed by that body a delegate to the convention which wms about to assemble in Philadelphia for a revision of the Articles of Confederation. “ In that assembly he supported, with Edmund Ran¬ dolph and Madison, what was called the Virginia plan in opposition to the Hew Jersey scheme, which sustained the separate sovereignty of the States; and with Washington and Madison alone, of all the delegates from Virginia, voted for the adoption of the constitution by the body; and when the Federal Constitution was submitted for the ratification of Virginia he was returned from the county of York to the convention which was to decide upon it, and again voted in its favor. On the organization of the federal judiciary he Avas appointed by Washington, be¬ tween Avhom and himself a long and intimate friendship had subsisted, a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, discharging the duties of the office with ability and dignity until near the time of his death in the city of Williamsburg, on the thirty-first of August, 1800, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. His father. President John Blair, had preceded him some Bvo or three years before the declaration of independence, leaving a spotless name to his son.” —History of the Convention op Vir¬ ginia, 1776, by Hugh Blair Grigsby, LL.D. I will now present to the reader the “ Letters” of this illustrious man, addressed to Mrs. Braxton, his sister : “ WlLLIAMSBUKO “March 13*'^ 1777. “ Dear Sister, “ I was somewhat uneasy about the other Part of your advertisement and conjectured that you might suppose the late Act of Assembly gave (Associate Justice iif the United States Suiireme Court). JOHN BLAIR, JR. 67 you a Right to dispose of the other Tract whereas its only meaning is to give a Fee Simple to those who before had only an Estate in Tail—it en¬ larges his Right but gives nothing to any one else. You indeed are Ten¬ ant but George is the Tenant in tail in whose favor the law operates, and as he is under age his Consent will not give a Right to the Purchaser. But on speaking with Col: Brooke I find that you were aware of the Defect of Title and thought of proceeding in the Sale only in the view of warrenting to the Purchaser and taking the Risque on your self. But then I presume you did not consider that the Buyer may make large Im¬ provements which in case of Recovery might fall heavy on you, and admit that you might with the greatest Safety rely on your own children yet in the melancholy event of their dying without children the Inherit¬ ance would be in their Uncle M'' Braxton who would be under no Tie to confirm the Title. This Reflection made me fear too (what I believe would give you Pain) should it happen that M’’ Braxton might perhaps publish a counter advertisement and forbid the sale, as I had not an op¬ portunity of consulting you on this matter and laying the Difiiculties before you I thought you would not take amiss my advising George to tell Purdie to leave that Part of the Advertisement out in his next Paper. If you are determined to go on it will be easy to advertise again. “I was in hopes my wife would have been with you but poor Jenny is so afflicted with Hysteria, (and my Cousin Eustice is not well) that she cannot possibly leave home. I am “ Your affect® Brother “ John Blair.” “ Wmsburo October 1780. “ Dear Sister, “ M'' Whiting yesterday delivered me your Letter of the 23'''* ult: Stranger as that Gent: is to me, it is impossible I can conceive any other opinion of him than what you teach me to conceive. He is of a very good Family and I can have no Reason to doubt that he deserves the character you give of him. In an aflair of so much consequence to Bet¬ sey, I would not suppress if I were acquainted with the man of her choice any considerable objection he might be liable to; but M'' Whiting is so perfectly unknown to me that I have only to repose myself on the favor¬ able Judgement of those who have had the best opportunity of making it and comfort myself with the fair Prospect of my Niece® happiness. The Distance is so great that I fear it will be too Herculean an under¬ taking for me to witness the Joy of the approaching occasion. Indeed I shall be officially confined to Richmond at the Time you mention and for some time longer. My Daughter is very desirous of seeing the last act of Betsey® Liberty. We must endeavor to gratify her. “ On the score of Taxes I am pretty much in your situation really pinched, but there is too much Reason to think it is the case of our Coun- 6 68 THE BLAIR FAMILY. trymen in general. My wife joins me in Love to you and best wishes to the Expecting Heart fluttering Niece we have with you “ Your affectionate Brother “John Blair. “ M'' Whiting is so much in Haste to cross over to Gloucester he can¬ not stay to take Dinner with us. If I had more time I would tell you how we are in daily expectation of another Invasion ; but, perhaps it may be over before his return and I refer you to him for an account of it.” “ Scotch Town _ „ “ Aug‘ 30‘'^ 1781. “ Dear Sister, “ With much grief of my own and real sympathy for yours, I sit down to write you a Letter of Condolence on as great a Loss as could have befallen you, yet great as it is must have often presented itself to your Imagination and your good Sense and Experience of human affairs must always have ranked it among the possible Events and taught you in some Degree to be prepared for it; possible I mean with Respect to its happening in your own Life-time, but an event no way contingent but absolutely certain itself it being appointed for all men once to die. I had never heard of dear George® Sickness til its fatal catastrophe was an¬ nounced to me at M'' Lyon’s in my way to his Place. I knew how fast Nature and Affection fondly indulged had bound him to you and the sit¬ uation in which the sorrowful change would necessarily place you was the first thing which occurred to my mind and if anything I could say might have the least tendency to alleviate your Grief, I thought I should be happy in making the attempt. To subdue the feelings of Nature were as undesireable as it is impossible. I ask you not to put him out of mind ; that if it could be done would be an unworthy Slight of his good Quali¬ ties and dutiful Behavior to you. Let us seek for comfort where alone it may be found, let us learn a dutiful acquiescence in whatsoever pro¬ ceeds from that Great Being from whom we ourselves proceeded and who being the Sole Author of all our enjoyments has an undoubted Eight to withdraw them in his own good time and whose Goodness so conspicuous in his General Providence may be as eminent for aught we know though not so plainly discerned even when He deals to us the bitter cup of Affliction. We may all profit in the School of Adversitj^ if we will but make a proper use of its Sacred Lessons. If in this life only we had hope it would indeed be harder to acquire a due serenity of mind upon the loss of a beloved Friend. If he were absolutely extinct to for¬ get him would be perhaps necessary to our Peace of Mind. But now as our Holy Religion teaches we may contemplate him translated to a better Life and ineffably enjoying all that variety of Bliss which Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard nor the Heart conceived. May the Celestial vision forever preserve you from the Gloominess of Grief and reconcile JOHN BLAIR, JR. 69 you to all the Dispensations of Him who cannot err. My Situation both with Respect to my Family and Fortune (all being in the Power of the Enemy and much in their possession) is bad enough. But I trust for a happy issue and for power to bear all His appointments as I ought. “ Your affect: Brother “ John Blair.” ‘‘August 15‘'‘ 1782. ‘‘Dear Sister, “ I yesterday received your two Letters of the 30* ult: and 4* inst: and have waited on M'' Beale to day to confer on the subject of them with respect to the land he understands from D'' Griffin that the quantity is only 1200 acres; he did not object to me the reserve you propose only he was afraid all the improvements might be located on the part reserved in which case it would not suit him He would not therefore upon that account as well as because he was ignorant of the ages and value of the slaves make an offer at present. He said it was no part of his plan to hire the negroes, or to keep the land in his own occupation, that he bought it to dispose of it again and supposed he would get a better price in proportion for the whole than for the reversion. Since I was with him M'' Royston has been to his house ; and though by his account there are conveniences enough for cropping besides improvements proposed to be reserved he tells me M'' Beale has come to a resolution not to purchase unless you would part with the whole. This I suppose puts an end to the negotiation unless you would agree upon a price for the whole, but Sus¬ pend the bargain til you could meet with some other habitation to your mind. M'' Beale has taken a copy of the list you sent me of the Slaves and observed upon it that he was disappointed with regard to the increase —the number now being not greater than at the time of M'' BurwelF deed to D'' Griffin. I told him I knew nothing of that only that I had ob¬ serv’d in one part of your letter you spoke of having lost several Negroes. As soon as I have opportunity I will apply to M'' Rob‘ Randolph and to M'' S. and endeavour to procure from those Gent : the amt: of what they owe. I suppose these are debts due to poor Geo: have you administered on his estate? on the supposition that I have made that will be necessary in case of suits. I observe you blame Wilson Cary for the detention of the horse. His father used the horse in a trip to Fluvanna from Scots- town, while the horse was there he was well taken [care] of. “ I can give you no comfort from the source of the public Treasury. The Assembly have given no directions about the mode of paying off cer¬ tificates nor is the Treasury in condition to pay oft' anything as I fatally experience myself, which is the severer upon me as the French Army have entirely broke up my plantation by me, that I have everything to buy with but this was done bj' the Army which was here during theseige of Yorktown. The British too had before plundered my stocks of all sorts 70 THE BLAIR FAMILY. in a great degree. I recovered back all tbe Negroes I had lost except two who had died with the Enemy and 3 more who have got off, but many of these I recovered on the Surrender of Y^ork are since dead of diseases they brought home with them and which they fatally communi¬ cated to several others. My loss upon the whole has been very great. I hope however we shall not want the necessaries of life and if we can but scuffle through this and the next year which will pinch us much for want of those helps the plantation used to afford. “ Pray give my lo\e to my Niece Whiting and tell her I am exceed¬ ingly obliged to her for the present she sent me of a pair of stockings. We all request you would exert yourself to dispel melancholy and recon¬ cile yourself to the events which Heaven has approved. We all are at present in good health, but the sickly season is fast approaching. “ I am always, “Your affect: Brother, “ John Blair.” “Richmond May 24‘'‘ 1783. “ Dear Sister : “ I have received at last a letter from Rob* Randolph in answer to mine on the subject of your demand. His came to hand a little before I left Williamsburg and was delayed so long I suppose by my letters not getting to his hand so soon as I expected. He happened not to be at Shirley at which place I directed my letter to him, but at Chatham (M* Fitzhugh® seat) from whence his letter is dated. He desires me to tell you that he paid M* Carter Braxton of West* point the money due for the horse he purchased 12 months ago and has his receipt for it. I sup¬ pose M* Braxton told him he was the proper person to receive it. Was the horse yours or George* ? If the latter the person taking out letters of administration is the proper person to receive the Money and this I suppose you have done before this time in Prince William Court—in that case the payment will not bind you but you may either call on M'' Ran¬ dolph for the money or resort to M'' Braxton. As to the sword he says I am sensible I returned it to M'' Braxton before his death. I have heard lately from home when all were well. I am not quite so myself being much fatigued with business which however is drawing to a close. I am dear Sister with best Regards to M"' & M’'* Whiting, “Your affect: Brother, “ John Blair.” “ Wmsburg, Jan^ 6*'* 1787. “ Dear Sister : “I received your melancholy letter of the 3'''* of November in the same month while I was attending public business in Richmond. I was heartily concerned for my Niece* hapless situation ; but hope that before JOHN BLAIR, JR. 71 this time the violence of her grief may have subsided and religious reflec¬ tions given a calm to her troubled spirits. Her loss is no doubt great and the stroke when first received would be too powerful for the office of phil¬ osophy. But He who afflicts even in His severest dispensations in this life thinks upon mercy. If he have made us of so delicate a substance that we are subject to ineffable poignancy of grief he has provided also a remedy in our constitution which yields to the lenient hand of time; while that religion of which he has made us susceptible powerfully co¬ operates to reconcile us to all his appointments, of these resources I trust Betsey has well availed herself. My love to her and tell her that if when the weather will permit she could take a trip down the country to see her long absent friends, I conceive it would prove an additional remedy to chase away her grief. I should have answered your letter while in Rich¬ mond ; but I was so full of employment of one sort or another as not to leave me the opportunity. While there M'^ Braxton shewed me a receipt of Russell’s for money which he paid M” Hunter on your account and which he said you had disputed. Among the receipts which M” Hunter gave you an account of is there one for that sum ? All here join in best affections and I am your loving Brother “ John Blair.” “ Wmssbdrq Jany 16* 1796. “ Dear Sister, “ Your letter of the 28* of last month came lately to hand on my re¬ turn home from Ceeleys where I left all well. I feel uneasiness from your inquiry concerning your deed of trust to me antecedent to your in¬ termarriage with M’' Burwell as it seems to say that M’’ Prescott has creditors who depend for satisfaction only upon what they can get from your estate. It is much to be regretted that your deed of trust executed before your last marriage was not duly recorded; that would have Se¬ cured you. I hope, however, you are still safe or partly so. I am pleased to think that all jmur property was settled on me in trust, and the deed recorded. Your counseller in the enclosed queries makes a question of those facts. I hope not for me to answer for my memory is so bad that however true it may be I have no recollection of it at all but if the Trust- deed were recorded the record will never forget and as you know it to be so I shall take it for granted, the only thing their which can make it any way doubtful whether that deed can operate still as a protection of your property is that possibly the deed may have been so framed, as to become void on Col: BurwelP death the design of it having been to prevent the property from falling under his dominion—otherwise I suppose the legal property to reside still in the trustee. I wish this protection could be extended much farther; but I am sorry to say that it does not seem to reach so far as to take in any property you have acquired since Col: Bur- 72 THE BLAIR FAMILY. well® death, or by virtue of his will and this I fear may be a serious open¬ ing to M'' Prescott® creditors. When I have the pleasure of hearing from you again pray inform me of the extent of their claims. “ Jany; 27"' “ The 29“^ of October Jenny Henderson was safely delivered of a Son who took the name of James Blair and staid with us just three weeks when be was again born into a better world. My Sister Banister has been very sick for a few days; this day being very snowy I have not heard of her. Betty Cary® wedding clothes are employing all hands as hard as possible; soon after they get home we expect a Summons to Cee- leys. I hope you all have got rid of your colds. I have just taken a very bad one. “ Your affect: Brother “ John Blaie. “ To save you the expense of postage I have waited some time for a private opportunity. M>' Darby of this town I am told is going shortly to Philadelphia and will (I hope) deliver it at the post office in Dum¬ fries.” “ Wmsbhrg Aug‘ 15‘** 1796. “Dear Sister, “ In my last letter I requested information from you as to the Situa¬ tion of M'' Prescott® affairs as I thought it too probable that altho : Col; Burwell® marriage contract might protect the property you had ante¬ cedent to that event still the property which he devised to you would be uncovered and exposed to the claim of M'' Prescott® creditors and this made me anxious to know the amount of his debts but have heard noth¬ ing since: had the deed which was executed between him and you and your trustees before your intermarriage been recorded as it ought to have been you would have been safe; but that not having been done within the time prescribed by law I do not see how the creditors can be parryed. As the undertaking to have the deed recorded was an act of friendship probably j’-ou would not wish to subject to any loss those who merely from favour and without any view of profit undertook to have that done and yet, I suppose them liable to your indemnification. “ Neither of my daughters are very well, Mary has been hysterical in very high degree, but I hope is growing much better ; Jenny and myself a few weeks past were sent for to take leave of her. We accounted for it from the nature of the complaint; but when we went we found all the family in tears and I really feared the worst. Jenny is only beginning to be sick, having had a few fevers at night without any ague and I much fear she will be very sick. I have been a good deal distressed myself by almost continual cholics, yet I have a good appetite and eat I believe more than is good for me; that and the want of teeth to masticate my food properly are probably the cause of my malady. JOHN BLAIR, JR. 73 “ Oar Sister Banister is well having lately parted with her Son Monro and little Rob'; the former sailed last Tuesday for New York in conse¬ quence of an invitation given my Sister by Mr Constable to send him one of her sons whom he offers to educate at his own expense; Rob'^ father is sending him to Scotland to be under the care of some relations there and in the mean time under that of a particular friend of D' Wilson whom (he believes) will be as tender of him at sea as he could be himself. Two or three months past I received a letter dated O"* Nov: from our Sister Thompson who complains in some degree of ill health. The Ad¬ miral also grows infirm ; the rest are well; but the excessive rise in the price of necessaries exhausts their income before the end of the year and has given them some thought of removing to some cheaper country. “ P. S. My love to Betsey: her Polly & sons and accept yourself that of “ Your affect: Brother “ John Blair. “ My daughter Henderson desires her love to her Aunt & all her Cousins. ” “ Wmsbtjrg July S'** 1799. “ Dear Sister, “ My Silence for so long time notwithstanding the afflicting circum¬ stances of your illness as contained in your daughters Letters to some of the Family, my own infirmities will sufficiently account for. I was on the 6"' Nov' 1797, struck with a strange disorder to which I know not how to give a name, since the Doctor does not allow it to be paralytic, the effects of which are to me most melancholy depriving me of nearly all the powers of mind.* The effect was very sudden and instantaneous. I happened to be employed in some algebraical exercises (of which kind of amusement I was very fond) when all at once a torpid numbness seized my whole face and I found my intellectual powers much weakened and all was confusion. My tongue partook of the distress and some words I was not able to articulate distinctly and a general difficulty of remember¬ ing words at all. There are intervals when all these distresses abate con¬ siderably ; but there are times when I am unable to read and am obliged to lay aside a newspaper or whatever else I may happen to be engaged in. I am very awkward in writing, which, of course, is an unpleasant employment, but having so inviting an opportunity by M' Cary who will call on you in his way on a visit to his daughter Fairfax I would not slip but embrace it to offer my sincere condolence for your afflicted state. The relief I find most powerful in my own case I heartily recommend to you. They are evils indeed and great ones ; but they have their certain * In consequence of this serious illness Judge Blair resigned his seat in the Supreme Court of the United States. 74 THE BLAIR FAMILY. measure if we do not increase them by unnecessary complainings of our condition and by repinings at Providence who best knows what is good for man. On the contraiy by a dutiful submission to His will who often tries in the School of affliction we shall derive consolations which will greatly alleviate our present sufferings and open to us the fair prospect of infinitely greater in a better world. This remedy I believe jmu do apply with the faith of a Christian and God grant that it may have its natural effect to restore tranquility of mind and of course happiness. I say nothing of friends here as M"' Cary and my Sister Banister (who accom¬ panies him) know & can communicate every thing. Jenny Henderson desires her love and unites in all my wishes for your good ; Mary An¬ drews writes herself. My love to Betsey "Whiting. I rejoice that she is capable of being still its object; we had some time ago a report that she was not in the land of the living; but she lives to contradict it. Her Sons are at school I hear at Dumfries. May success attend their studies and they become ornaments to their country. “ Adieu, My dear Sister, “ From your affectionate Brother, “ John Blair.” The orthography and handwriting of the above letter, the last in the possession of the author, shows a tremulous hand and a wavering mind. In conclusion, the crowning glory of John Blair, the friend of George Washington and judge of the first Fed¬ eral Supreme Court of the United States, maybe said to be that he contributed to create the present Constitution of the United States, September 17, 1787, by which it was agreed that “ We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to our¬ selves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Con¬ stitution for the United States of America.” It is declared in Article L, Section x., “ Uo State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation.” Also, the oath of the President: “ I do solemnly swear (or atfirm) that I will .... preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” JOHN BLAIR, JR. 75 Article III., Section iii., declares, “ Treason against the United States shall consist in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies.” £Jsto perpetua. On the 13th day of October, 1778, the Masons of the colony of Virginia convened in the Williamsburg Lodge in such numbers as to give them a legal majority, when they proceeded to the organization of the Grand Lodge of Virginia by the election of Eight Worshipful John Blair, Past Master of Williamsburg Lodge, Grand Master of the State. While the author is unable to trace the connection be¬ tween the Blairs of Virginia and the Blair family of the Uew England States, it may be interesting to notice that a like character and kindred aims to educate and to pro¬ mote the best interests of mankind has during the present century been manifested in the person of the Hon. Henry W. Blair, United States Senator from Hew Hamp¬ shire, author of the Educational Bill to donate to the several States of the Union seventy million dollars of the public money for educational purposes, and also author of the Prohibitory Amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit “ the manufacture and the sale of all alcoholic liquors as a beverage,” June 14,1890, and now United States Minister Plenipotentiary to the Chinese Government, April, 1891. “A Memoir of a Portion of the Bolling Family in England and Virginia. Printed for Private Distribution. Eichmond, Va,: W. H. Wade & Co., 1868,” and from which we quote, contains a fine portrait of Elizabeth Blair, the wife of John Bolling, Jr. On page 9 the author states; “ Mr. John Blair, son of President Blair, afterwards judge of the High Court of Chancery in Virginia and subsequently one of the justices of the Supreme Court of 76 THE BLAIR FAMILY. the United States appointed by General Washington, as¬ sociate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1789, in which office he died. He studied law in Mid¬ dle Temple, received Mr. Bolling when a youth in 1755 on his arrival at London in his apartments, Avhere he re¬ mained till the 14th of January, 1756, when he entered a school at Wakefield, in Yorkshire. John Blair was a rel¬ ative of young Bolling, John Bolling having married a daughter of Archibald Blair. Amoving Blair was at this time in his twenty-third year, had passed with honor through the classes of William and Mary College, was studying law in the Temple, and was a very fair represen¬ tative of the educated youth of the colony. He was about five feet ten inches in height, of an erect and imposing stat¬ ure, with a noble forehead, blue eyes, a well-formed nose, not deficient in size, hair inclining to [be] red, and an ex¬ pression of sweetness and gravity which adhered to him through life. He soon after returned to Virginia, engaged in the practice of law, became a member of the House of Burgesses and a member of all the early conventions and of the Vii’ginia convention of 1788, as well as of the General Federal Convention Avhieh formed the Federal Constitution. His name and that of Madison are the only names from Virginia excepting that of Washington attached to that instrument. On the formation of the new State judiciary he was placed on the bench by the side of Wythe and Pendleton, and on the establishment of the Federal courts he was made an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the duties of which office he performed until his death in the city of Williamsburg on the 31st of August, 1800, at the age of sixty-eight. His manners, formed in the school of Fau¬ quier and Botetourt and in the refined society of the an¬ cient metropolis, where his name and memory are still living in the hospitable mansion of one of his descendants and in the hearts of all, were marked by high-bred cour¬ tesy and gentleness ; and he preserved to the last that strict attention to his dress which was the characteristic of the colonial regime. A beautiful enamelled miniature of the face of this fine old patriot is before us as we trace these lines. The hair has not yet lost entirely the reddish tinge of his earlier years, though a more ample forehead JOHN BLAIR, JR. 77 attracts attention, and the placid gentleness of youth still adorns his venerable features. Like all the patriots of the field and the forum of the Revolution, he has no hair upon his face; he is attired in a blue coat, with a high collar, a white vest buttoning to the throat, and a white cravat without a collar. The name of the artist is un¬ known to us, though it is probably the work of the elder Rembrandt Peale, and has a delicacy of touch beyond the reach of Durand, to whose brush we owe so many of the surviving portraits of the colonial era. Ilis descendant, William S. Peachy, Esrp, of Williamsburg, has a full- sized portrait of the judge. Judge Blair was descended from a brother of the Commissary -James Blair, as are all those who bear the name in Virginia, with the exception of those who are sprung from the Rev. John D. Blair, of Richmond, in the olden time. And we may mention here that a full-sized portrait of the commissary and one of his wife still exist and are at iwesent in the parlor of the president of William and Mary College, suspended near the portrait of the celebrated Robert Boyle, of whose charity the Brafterton house in the college yard still ex¬ ists as a memorial. A blessing seems always to have rested on the name of Blair. The venerable head of the family in Virginia, the Rev. -James Blair, the commissary of the bishop of Jjondon for Virginia,—an oftice of the same class and dignity as that of the present bishop of the diocese of the Ej)iscopal Church in this State,—came over in 1685 after having withdrawn from Scotland to England iji consequence of the religious turmoils that distracted his native land. Peace and good will to men and a love of letters composed his motto, which he illus¬ trated by a series of discourses on the sermon of our Saviour on the mount and by his obtaining from Iving William in 1692 tbe charter of William and Mary Col¬ lege. This old man lived in the full enjojunent of his faculties to August 1, 174-3, when at the age of eighty- eight he died, and was buried at Jamestown, where a beautiful tomb, on which was recorded an elegant T.,atin inscription and which we saw in its perfect state in 1835, was erected to his memory by his nephews, who were also his heirs. This tomb had a singular fate. A tree which grew np by its side seventy or eighty 3 ’ears after its erec- 78 THE BLAIR FAMILY. tion overlapped the flat top stone and hore it from the shell several feet in the air. In this position the stone was broken by some reckless young- men. He died child¬ less, bequeathing his books to his darling college. Just as his sun went down there arose one of his name and race, a nephew whom he had educated, John Blair, who succeeded the commissary as a member of the council and became also the president of the body, as his uncle had been before him, and displayed in the administration of its duties a wisdom and clemency that now brighten his name on the page of history. He died before the Revolution, but not before his son. Judge John Blair of the text, had a seat in the House of Burgesses and was a prominent lawyer at the bar of the General Court. This son died while a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1800, being one of three men of the same name and blood Avho had tilled continuously the highest religious and civil oflices of the colony and com¬ monwealth and of the Union from 1687 to 1800, a period of one hundred and thirteen years. During the present century it may be safely said that those who have borne the name and the blood of the patriarch, if not conspicu¬ ous in the bustling arena of politics, have graced the walks of professional and domestic life. It may be observed, also, that though the venerable commissary died without children, the college which he founded has ever been an object of affection to those who own his name and his blood. Three times has the main structure of the college been destroyed by Are. The old president, as he super¬ intended the flrst building, so he presided over the ar¬ rangements for the erection of the second; and when that second ediflce wms burned in 1858, the chairman of the building committee on the part of the visitors bore his name; and when that building Avas destroyed during the late Avar, of the three members of the committee ap¬ pointed by the visitors to superintend the erection of the neAv structure one of them, Avho Avas also chairman, hore the name, and another Avas the lineal descendant of the nepheAvof the flrst president. Thus for one hundred and seven years has the name of Blair been connected with the building of the main edifice of William and Mary College. JOHN BLAIR, JR. 79 “ The question arises, To which branch of the mingled races that make np the British people do the Blairs be¬ long ?—whether to the Saxon, the Xorman, or the Celtic ? If we derive the races from the names which they hear, they would seem to be Celtic, for Blair is a common Celtic word, signifying an open space, and thence from the pug¬ nacious qualities of the Scotch people it came to mean a field of battle. But in this case it is plainly a delusive test, as there was no sept or clan of Blair; and it is univer¬ sally known that the Lowland Scotch are almost entirely sprung fi'om the Anglo-Saxons, who at an early date pen¬ etrated to the base of the Highlands and more after the Herman invasion, and at the origin of surnames, a com¬ paratively recent period, took, after the English fashion, the names of the places near which they dwelt. We thus lean to the opinion that the race is Saxon.” (See Wynne’s “Historical Documents from the Old Dominion,” Ho. IV.) “ Gather up the fragments that remain.” The reader will pardon the quotation of so lengthy an extract to develop the biographies of the Blairs, but the temptation has proved irresistible to the author to present so concise and comprehensive a resume as is this inimitable monograph, originally in French, and translated by Judge John Robertson when a j’outh. From this history, also, we learn that Commissary Blair had two nephews, John and Archibald. The latter’s daughter, Elizabeth Blair, married John Bolling August 1, 1728. The Bolling family resided at Bolling Hall, near Bradford, Yorkshire, England, in the reign of Edward IV. In 1675 Robert Bolling married Jane Rolph, the granddaughter of Poca¬ hontas; Varina was one of his estates. Among others of the descendants of John Bolling and Elizabeth Blair are Thomas Bolling, born at Varina, 1735, who married Betty Gay, daughter of Dr. Gay. Varina is now known as Aiken’s Landing. Through the courtesy of Mrs. Gay Bernard Robertson Flenring, the wife of Alfred Walton Fleming, Esq., attorney-at-law, Washington, D.C., the 80 THE BLAIE FAMILY. above facts are elicited. This lady is the granddaughter of the late Judge Eobertson, of the circuit court of Eich- moud, Virginia, also member of Congress from that dis¬ trict and attorney-general of Virginia. Among other splendid copies of portraits contained in the memoir of the Bolling family, and which the au¬ thor affirms were executed by the elder Peale, is one of Elizabeth Blair, the wife of John Bolling, Jr.* Among the autographs given in the text of this book is one of Archibald Blair, clerk of the chancery court of Eich- mond. His cousin, John Blair, president of the council, was the father of Judge John Blair, Mary Blair, wife of George Braxton ; Elizabeth, wife of Admiral Thompson, E. H., and Ann, wife of Colonel Banister, and other daughters. In the records of the Masonic Order of Vir¬ ginia, A. L. 5784 (a.d. 1784), A. F. A. Masoiiry in Virginia, 1777-91, is contained all of our knowledge of the connec¬ tion of the Blairs and other prominent men of the State and the nation Avith the order. The colonists of Virginia, it is asserted, brought over the vocabulary of King James’s day, Avhich Avas the vocabulary of Shakespeare, Spenser, Ealeigh, and Bacon, and to this day preserve it in its purity. “ Eaised” in such a place is correct; “tote,” “ tolt,” from “ tollo,” Avere in use at the English bar. Such Avords as “ hominy,” “ chinquapin,” and “ cymling” are of Indian origin. Among the portraits presented in the history of the Bolling family is one of Eev. Hugh Blair, from Avhom sprang Eev. John D. Blair, of Eichmond in the olden time, whose family doubtless Avere founders of the Pres¬ byterian Church in Virginia, and have been so identified * The portraits of Eichard Eandolph, Jr., and of his wife, Anne Meade, are identical with those of Colonel George Braxton and his wife, Mary (Blair) Braxton. HISTORICAL DATA OF THE TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 81 with the journalism and political and military history of our country. “ A catalogue raisonne,^’ the author adds, “ of the old portraits of Virginia, with full descriptions of the originals, the names of the artists, and their present locality, Avould be a valuable contribution to our histori¬ cal literature. The period of the Revolution is very defi¬ cient in portraits.” * The Cobb’s family Bible states that Elizabeth (Blair, Bolling secondly) married Mr. Bland and died April 22, 1775. John Bolling and Elizabeth (Blair) Bolling were the great-great-grandparents of Mrs. Alfred Walton Fleming. This lady has one son, an infant, who bears the paternal name. CHAPTER IV. HISTORICAL DATA OF THE TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. In 1715, in the assembly which met under George III., among the delegates was James Blair. In 1718 Commissary Blair prefers charges against * During the colonial period in Virginia James and John Blair, Sr., attained to the honors so sought after, viz., a seat in the House of Bur¬ gesses ; each was in due time chosen to the council, and then became presi¬ dent of the body, and was ex officio in the absence of the royal representa¬ tive the governor of the colony. Commissary Blair lived, as stated, to the age of eighty-eight, but he was horn abroad. President Blair, his nephew, may have been seventy, but not more, and his son. Judge John, was only sixty-eight at his decease. Thus, the inference that the longest livers are those born abroad, attained to manhood on their native soil, and prospered in their affairs.” (See ” Memoir : Bolling Family.”) In this volume, which contains the ancestral tree of the Bolling family, is the statement: “Fourth in descent from Pocahontas came John Bol¬ ling, member of the House of Burgesses ; born 1700, died 1757 ; mar¬ ried, August 1, 1728, Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Archibald Blair and niece of Commissary James Blair, D.D., founder of AVilliam and Mary College.” 82 THE BLAIR FAMILY. Governoi' Spottswood, and proved more than the latter’s match. In 1732 was published the Williamsburg Gazette. In 1747, among the members of the court to allow Dr. Davies a license to preach was John Blair. He favored it. Peyton Eandolph opposed the dissenters. John Blair published a letter concerning the separatists,—the Bap¬ tists and other dissenters,—favoring their cause, while Archibald Cai’y persecuted them. In 1758 Eobert Dinwiddle, governor of Virginia, was succeeded by John Blair, president of the council.* In 1764 John Blair was president of the council of Vir¬ ginia. In 1765 John Blair, Jr., was of the committee ap¬ pointed to examine into the accounts of the treasurer of Virginia. In 1765 Arthur Lee and Blair were medical students at the University of Edinburgh. The former wrote “ Appeal to the People of Great Britain.” The following obituary is given of the early death of the latter in the Gentleman’s Magazine and the Williamsburg Gazette., the first publica¬ tions of the kind in the Virginia colony: “Williamsburg, January 7, 1773.—On Saturday, the 26th of December, died, at Charlottesville, in the thirty- second year of his age, Dr. James Blair, one of the physi¬ cians of this city. To an extensive knowledge of the vari¬ ous branches of literature he united the profoundest skill in his profession; to the most unlimited freedom of in¬ quiry he joined a piety rational, manly, and sublime, and by his example demonstrated the possibility of supporting, at the same time, the character of the accurate philosopher and the sincere Christian. Of the natural rights of man¬ kind, as well as the peculiar privileges of his native coun- * The General Catalogue of 'William and Mary College records as among the visitors this year John Blair, Esq., Williamsburg, president of the council. HISTORICAL DATA OF THE TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 83 try, he was an able and intrepid defender. Ilis senti¬ ments concerning civil and religious liberty were clear, uniform, and consistent. An indexible regard to justice manifested itself in every part of bis conduct. But these awful virtues were tempered with the amiable ones of compassion, humanity, and universal benevolence. Long will his death be lamented and his memory revered by the friends of learning, liberty, and virtue. “ ‘-Cui pudor, et justitias soror Incorrupta fldes nudaque veritas, Quando ullum invenient Pakem.’ ” The Dr. Blair referred to in the obituary quoted was the son of Dr. Archibald Blair, and is referred to also as an alumnus of William and Mary College in 1720. In 1768 Francis Fauquier, lieutenant-governor of Vir¬ ginia, died, and John Blair succeeded him. In 1776 Patrick Henry was elected the first governor of Virginia. John Blair was one of the members of the council. “ Students at William and Mary College—Profes¬ sor AND Visitor. —James Blair, D.D., president, 1692, commissary. John Blair, Sr., 1800, visitor. James Blair, 1720, Williamsburg, son of Dr. A. Blair. John Blair, 1720, judge Supreme Court of the United States. A. Blair, 1826. E. F. Blair, 1843, Eichmond, Va.” (See Campbell’s “ His¬ tory of Virginia.”) “The Old Powder Magazine at Williamsburg as it WAS IN 1890.—The Colonial Capital Branch of the Associ¬ ation for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities has pur¬ chased the powder magazine at Williamsburg. This oc¬ tagon magazine, it will be remembered, was built about the year 1714 by Sir Alexander Spottswood, then lieutenant- governor of the colony of Virginia. It was from this build¬ ing that Lord Dunmore caused the powder to be removed and clandestinely in the night carried to the man-of-war Magdalen.* This act of perfidy met with prompt punish- * Late in June, 1775, the Magdalen sailed from York River with Lady Dunmore and the rest of the governor’s family for England. The Mag- 6 84 THE BLAIR FAMILY. ment at the hands of Patrick Heniy, who required for the powder immediate and full compensation in money. It will thus be seen that the old powder magazine is inti¬ mately associated with three of Virginia’s governors and with a stirring period in the history of the colony. Its purchase has long been contemplated, and the work of repair will immediately begin. Prom a powder magazine it has passed through many changes, once a Baptist church, subsequently a dancing school, finally, falling to the lowest rung of the ladder of fate, it was converted to the vile uses of a stable. It is now proposed to make it a museum and the repository of the many objects of interest in the section in which it is located.” “ In the early days of the American republic, 1789-95, there were two political parties. The Federalists, with Washington at their head, desired a strong central gov¬ ernment, to command respect abroad and security at home. The Bepuhlicans (or Democrats, as they were otten called, the two names having nearly the same meaning) were friends to France and to the independent sovereignty of the States; they opposed Jay’s treaty with England, the United States Bank, and constantly sounded the alarm of monarchy.” (See “ History of the United States,” by M. E. Thalheimer.) History records the fact that at noon, the 30th day of April, 1789, when George Washington took the oath of office as chief magistrate of the new-born republic, pre¬ ceding this act at nine o’clock in the morning in all the churches of the city of Hew York prayer was made for God’s blessing on the government and its first President. On the occasion of the centennial celebration of the same event, Benjamin Harrison, President of the United States, made proclamation that “ on April 30, 1889, at the hour of nine o’clock, the people of the entire country repair to their respective places of divine worship to implore the dalen was convoyed down from York and across the bay by the Fowey. This oft-mentioned vessel was a twenty-gun man-of-war. Shortly after¬ wards the Fowey was relieved by the Mercury and sailed for Boston. HISTORICAL DATA OF THE TIMES OF JAMES BLAIR. 85 favor of God, that the blessings of liberty, prosperity, and peace may abide with us as a people, and that his hand may lead us in the paths of righteousness.” Will any true citizen of the United States fail to revere the memory of John Blair, the signer of the Federal Constitution, which has made us a great nation ? In an admirable article published by the United States Bureau of Education, “ The College of William and Mary,” by Herbert B. Adams, Ph.D., it is stated by the distinguished author that “ Rev. James Blair, of Williamsburg, gave five hundred pounds towards one scholarship, and by the charter he was made president of the college for life. Of presidents appointed from 1693 to 1889 there have been seventeen. The present incumbent is Benjamin S. Ewell, LL.D., a graduate of West Point. Tlie salary of President Blair was originally fixed at one hundred and fifty pounds a year, but it was afterwards cut down to one hundred pounds.” Professor Adams, quoting from a good description of the college in 1724, through the original tract on the “Present State of Virginia,” by Professor Jones, says, “ The building is beautiful, being first modelled by Sir Christopher Wren, and is not unlike Chelsea Hospital.” Commenting on social Williamsburg, he says : “ At the Capitol at publick times may be seen a great number of handsome, well-dress’d, compleat Gentlemen. And at the Governor" House, upon Birth-Xights and at Balls and Assemblies, I have seen as fine appearance, as good diversion, and as splendid entertainments in Gover¬ nor Spottswood’s time as I have seen anywhere else.” The parson-professor was evidently fiuniliar with the sights and scenes of old England as well as with the best society of the period. Like Chaucer, he had seen the world as in his time. He describes, also, the public build¬ ings as they stood in 1724 : 86 THE BLAIR FAMILY. “ In each wing of the Capitol is a good stair case, one leading' to the Council Chamber, where the Governor and Council sit in very great State, in imitation of the King and Council or the Lord Chancellor and Honse of Lords. Over the portico is a large room, Avhere conferences are held and prayers are read by the Chaplain to the General Assembly. Kot far from Bruton Church is the market place, near which is a Play-House and good Bowling Green. From the Church northward is Palace Street, at the end of Avhich stands the Governor’s house, finished and beautified with gates, fine gardens, oflices, walks, a fine canal, orchards, etc. The house has a cupola or ‘ Lanthorn,’ which is illuminated on festival nights, to¬ gether with most of the town. These buildings here de¬ scribed are justlj^ reputed the best in all the English America. A pleasant, long, dry walk, broad and almost level, extends from the College to the Capitol. Williams¬ burg is a market town, well stock’d with rich stores of all sorts of goods and Avell furnished with the best provisions and liquors, and is governed by a mayor and aldermen. Here clwell several very good families, and more reside here in their OAvn houses at public times. They live in the same neat manner, dress after the same modes, and behave themselves exactly as the gentry in London, most families of anj^' note having a coach, chariot, Berlin, or chaise. The toAvn is laid out regularly in lots sufiicient for a house and garden. Thus they dwell comfortably, genteelly, pleasantly, and plentifully in this delightful, healthful, and, I hope, thriving city of Williamsburg.” CHAPTER V. “MARY BLAIR.” “ The Belles of Old Philadelphia,” by Charlotte Adams, and published in the American Magazine for April, 1888, says: “ The lady, Mary Blair, a copy of whose life-sized por¬ trait is given, Avas born at Williamsburg, Va., in 1734, and MliS. GEORGE HRAXTON. “MARY BLAIR.” 87 the record of her birth is still preserved by her descendant, Robert L. Horner, in the family Bible. Her first husband was Colonel George Braxton, brother to Carter Braxton, The wedding took place in 1753. She married twice after the gallant colonel died, and her oft-recurring condition of bridehood is very properly symbolized by the white satin and pearls in which she has come down to posterity. The portrait was enlarged from a miniature, it is said, by a London artist. And we take the liberty of believing that only colonial art could have handled the satin folds of that wide-hooped petticoat in so thin and fiat a manner. Stitfer even than nature and the mantua-maker’s art have made it is this youthful bride’s figure as she appears in her wedding gown. Georgian fashions are not wholly respon¬ sible for the enforced solemnity of her demeanor; the limner’s art (or lack of it) counts for much with this strait¬ laced beauty. “ Although a Virginian, she has as good a claim on Philadelphia remembrance as the best of the Philadelphia ladies of the Georgian period. Mrs. George Braxton in her white satin gown and pearls looks out from the canvas open-eyed with wonder, for was she not the sister-in-law of Carter Braxton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence ? Her father, the Honorable John Blair, was nephew of that Commissary Blair who was appointed the first to such office by the bishop of London. Commissary Blair is famous as the man who petitioned King William and Queen Mary to grant a charter for a college in Virginia, The rerpiest was granted, and the great Sir Christopher Wren himself deigned to design the buildings in which the chivalrous youth of colonial Virginia were to receive training in the classics,” Maiy Blair, as Mary Burwell by right of a second mar¬ riage, thus writes to her granddaughter, Betsey Whiting, nee Braxton : “ The expenses of my Plantation has been so great that at present I am under some difficulties and makes me wish to throw off a Burden I have long found too heavy for my shoulders. I never found home more uncomfortable than now. The scarcity of corn makes scarcity of every¬ thing, but hope it will mend soon. Near 15000 lb Toba' has been ex- 88 THE BLAIR FAMILAL pended & no Tax paid & 105 £. to pay M'' Brown® store, only 4 hdhs: in hand to pay all with, Something is always to happen to prevent mj' living easy or having mucdi in my power but, I must not murmur, but, submit. If my Etl'ects were or could be placed in sure funds I w'^ not Keep a Plantation to plague me & devour Everything that goes through my hands. Polly has just come to ask who ’am writing to ‘ oh, she says give my duty to her and Pappa & my love to my Brothers.’ She is very saucy. She came to me to day to know if I won’* please to have a dish of Fish caught for dinner and so arch she looked it would have diverted you. In respect to the money you had of yr uncle Braxton [Carter] don’t you recollect y'* 5. pds. he sent to pay for yr dancing, & M’’ Burwell Borrowed it, so poor Pherson never got it. I could wish you should not be too hasty in writing to him at least til I can see you and make you better acquainted with what is due you. I enclose the Acet: as I think it ought to be sef*. I must add a charge for my things lost & abused and some other things they must pay for. I wish this troublesome Business was once ended but I w'* not have one 6 pence given up more than is their due. If M"' Prank Whiting is going down it will be a good opportunity of sending our Acets : and getting the affair settled. “ Blacksmith Caeser tells me the man that has his wife & two children (Boys) will give the three for a lad or young fellow : he says that Gen¬ eral Nelson says I must either Buy M''Burwell® right in him or sell mine. I wish to have M’' Whiting® opinion & advice as to both. I don’t think I could buy without selling. I w'^ be glad M” Whiting could be here when the Gent“ were here but, I dont know the exact time of his coming but soon I suppose now. They have sold three of the carpenters that I had the same right in : ought I not to have him cheaper for that? “ Believe me : yr affect: Parent “ M. Burwell “ 6*'’ June: “ My lost mare has got home. “ Present my Comp^® to yr: neighbours of my acquaintance: 10 oc: at night.” Data presented by Mrs. Eliza Braxton Whiting in a copy of “ Ladies’ Daily Companion,” 1794, a diary and fashion plate published annually in London for the court elite at home and abroad : “ 1. Saturday Sept: 27. 1734. Mary Blair, Born this day in the year 1784 : this is my mother. “ 2. Thursday Dec ; 6 : 1763, this Day in the year 1753 my Father and Mother George Braxton and Mary Blair was united in holy wedlock. “MARY BLAIR.” 89 “3. Tliursday 26: Sept: 1754 their first child Mary Blair Braxton born and died- 1756. “ 4. Friday, Nov : 28 1755, their second daughter Sarah Braxton born this day 1756, and died April 1756. “6. Sunday Sept: 21. 1757. Mary Braxton the second of the name and their third daughter was horn this day 1757 and departed this life February 22“'* 1764. “6. Feb: 3. 1759: Eliza“* Braxton the fourth daughter was born this Monday Feb : 3 : 1759. [The author’s great-grandmother.] “ 7. Friday ; oct: 3 : 1761. This day bereft me of a dear Father in the year 1761. aged 27 : years and 2 months. “ 8. Saturday : Dec : 31. 1774. This day was married Col: R. Burwell to Mrs. Geo: Braxton. 1774. “ 9. Thursday : Jan : 30 : 1777. Departed this life Col“ R. Burwell, aged 56, in the year 1777. “10. Thursday: Nov: 16: 1780, were united Henry Whiting and Eliza : Braxton in the year 1780. “ 11. Thursday : Aug : 21. 1781. This day George Braxton was born in the year 1760, and departed this life July 1781. [The author’s great- great-grandfather.] “ 12: Saturday : Aug: 30 : 1781. This day Mary Blair Whiting my first child was born 1781. “ 13. Sunday : June 8 : 1783. This day 1783 was born George Braxton Whiting my first son and second child. “ 14 : Thursday April 10: 1785: was born Francis Beverly Whiting my second son and 3“* child. “ 16. Friday Night Oct: 28 : 1786. This ‘ memorable Night, Heaven took to itself my Henry. He was buried that day : 6 years we were mar¬ ried. His age was 37 (?) it was to be remarked my mamma and self were deprived of our husbands both at the age of 27, and both had the same number of children at that time. “ 16. Sunday: April 3: 1792; was married M’’ R. Prescott to M"'® Burwell: 1792. “17. Tuesday: June 2: 1793: was buried M” R. Prescott—a man most justly esteemed : I travelled post to see him, but, arrived too late.— Note below ; “18: Friday Feb: 28: 1799. This day died my Aunt Cary in the year 1799, aged, 61. “ Note above: Tuesday 27—This day died M” Prescott aged 64, in the yr : 1795, in him I lost a sincere friend I think, but, all things happen for the best. “ Sunday : May 25: stage hire from Williamsburg to Richmond £3.0.0 “ Thursday May 29 : From Richmond to Fredericksburg ; stage Hire £3.3.0 90 THE BLAIR FAMILAL “ Friday Ma}' 30; Breakfast at the Merry Oaks 6./I Dinner at Bowling Green 9./I “ Saturday May 31. From Fredericksburg to Dumfries in the stage 27/1 “ Expenses at Fredericksburg 3. dollars. “ Dumfries to Fredericks;bg 16/6. “ ‘24/. Stage Hire to Richmond, to W^^burg 24/ & 4. 8.6. 24/—Expenses. 30. 0.0. Board. 8 . 8 . 0 . 42.16.6. “Thrift; Planted 100. Morelia cherry trees “ Tuesday 18; 1796 ; Grafted 14. of M'' M : N.® fine cherry'® and 8 of his Pears. A dry summer and all died. “ Wealth. Monday Jan': 27 : 1800. Bght: at the Sale in Winchester 1: Coffee Pot £13.10.0. 12. Tea Spoons 2. 8.0. One Toaster [now in possession of 1 1110 Mr. F. H. Wyeth, Philadelphia] ) £17. 9.0. “ To be deducted out of my charge for keeping the Negroes: amt; Pork £30. 6.0. “As Nurse: 7.10.0. “ A Sore Breast. 2. Spoonfulls : Linseed oil. 3 : Honey mixed over a fire and thickened with flour and spread on leather, sprinkle a Teaspoon- full of camphor on it. “ Books for Library ; A genteel set of Pope® works ; Ditto of Swifl®: do. Sterne®. A large Bible with cuts; a set of Shackspear®: Salmon® Geography; Bells British Theatre: The Beauties of Poetry: the new Bath Guide : Belesarius by M' Marmontel, member of the French Acad- amy to which are added fragments of Moral Philosophy in 3 Essays of Glory, of the Great & of Grandeur: M. Denon thro : Sicily and Malta: Goldsmith® History of Rome. The above Books I wish to own very much if I was able.” The cuts, fashionable head-dresses for 1793, and for the British fair contributing to alleviate the distresses of war, in the “ Ladies’ Daily Companion” for the year of our “MARY BLAIR.” 91 Lord 1794, are beautif'ully executed, excelling somewhat such as are given now in fashion-plates of the nineteenth century. In a note the writer says, “ Josephus says the fruits growing on the lake of Sodom, though of a heautiful ap¬ pearance, upon being gathered moulder to dust. Maun- drell adds, also, ‘ On the shore of the lake we found a black sort of pebble, which, being held in the flame of a candle, soon burns, and yields a smoke of an intolerable stench. It has this property that it loses only of its weight hut not of its hulk by burning.’ Strange, if true, and why not?” “ Cash borrowed of Uncle Blair [.Judge .John Blair] : £8.6.0 Another time £6.12.0. 15*’' Sept: 1799. £.14.18.0. Bght a mare and colt £36. : sold a woman (? ?) £70: received cash £30. Took Bond £40.0.: Paid Uncle Cary [Wilson Miles Cary, Esq.] a debt due for mama“ 2“'* mar¬ riage [with Colonel R. Burwcll] for writings being recorded £6.0.0. “ Saturday Sept: 6. This day my D* Parent [Mrs. R. Prescott] had a severe chill & an ague. 7“' this day a fever: 8““ this day, also, but, slighter : 8"' this day again still slighter. 10“* this day a slight chill and high fever: IP*' this day no chill but slight fever: 12*’' this day a fever & total loss of spirits : 13”' this day arrived at ‘ Enfield’ near Aldie Prince William Co. W my uncle Cary—and my dear Aunt B : [Ann Banister, wife of Colonel John Banister] : a fever again : this day a little better : walked with help in the D. room & back, but very sick at night: 15 : this day a severe chill «& high fever: 16: this, also, very weak »& no appetite : 17: this day too weak & low to leave her bed a high fever: 18”' less fever and confined to her bed ; very sick “Sept 18”' 1799. Bled (?) and took medicine: 19”' Ill indeed, but refuses to take anything. 20: continuation of fever: much weak¬ ened : “ Sept: 8”' 1799 : Robert for £75. 0.0. Took two Horses in part @ £65. received in Cash the rest £ 7.10. “ Xov : 2 : 1796. Planted & grafted 4C0: apple Trees.” In the note-hook of the Honorable John Blair, secretary of the royal council and twice acting governor of the colony of Virginia, are the following entries: 92 THE BLAIR FAMILY. Cr. £. s. d. To Cash pd : Indian "Will 0. 4.6. M*^ Carter Braxton “ “ lent him at'W“"burg D'' 0. 7.6. !['■ Thom® Swann : To Cash at Billiards 0.17.3. M'' Sacville Brewer To Cash won of him 0.17.3. M“'John Robinson “ “ lent him 1. 1.6. M"' Charles Carter “ “ “ “ 0. 2.6. July 1®‘ at AVestover 1753. "W™ Byrd Esqr. To Cash won at Billiards £139.15. “ ditto at 'W’“®burg 19. 7. BalR Due £135. 7. £ s.d. Armistead Burwell Esqr To Cash won of him at Tarpley® 4. 6.0. To do : at do 188. 2.6. Cr: BaR Due 76. 4.6. By Cash received at Leeds Town £23.18.0. “ “ at Tarpley® 100. 0.0. “ “ at AVetherburn® & Tarpley® 16. 4.0. Dr M'' John Blair To Cash 0. 6.3. Aug: 20'*' 1753 at Brick House D® “ AI® Burwell Bassett To Cash won at Back° £1.10.0. “ To Cash in Swap of a Horse 6. 9.0. “ To Cash upon Al® Blair® account 8. 7.6. The index presents the names: Burwell, Armistead, Wm. Bjwd, Esq., Johnson, Philip; Swann, Thomson; Binger, John; Brewer, Sacville; Carter, Charles; Brooke, George; Braxton, Carter; Brooke, Humphrey; Spots- wood, John. “ Alemorandum that I rec'^ Eleven Pounds seven & six Pence of the Speaker & that there is now due nine shillings tho’ I gave a rec* for the Baker Sam pd £15. 1790 Baker pd : 15. “ Alera* of Patents for Land R. P. 832. acres, Greenbrier. R. P. 1048. acres Greenbrier City 4310 R. P. 1920. “ Harrison County 320 R. P. 710 “ Harrison County - Henry Banks 320 acres in Botetourt County. 4630” “MARY BLAIR.” 93 “M” Eliza: Whiting mem“ Janie Kelly ran away in my Debt for Rent £6.0.0. Land Rents for 1796. Miller £20.0.0. Duff 12.0.0. Kelly 10.0.0. Negroes hired 1796. 2. men @ £18. £36. 0.0. 2. women @ 6 & 6. 11. 0.0. a Smith. @. 20. 0.0. my Dower from 67. 0.0. 22. 3.8. The Balance 44.17.4. Negroes that are mine hired 1796. Men £ 18. Will. “ 18. Bullrun Lewis “ 18. Cymon AVomen £ 8 Sally “ 6 Betty “ 8 Nancy “ 3 Rachel Little Lucy Patty Little Rachel Negroes of my children® hired 1796. Men: £ 18. Great Lewis “ 18. Little Lewis JFomen £ 6. Alse “ 5. Hannah Negroes, 7iot hired. Great Lunin & 4 children. “ Taxable Property Given in by M. Prescott apr* y® 6“' 1797. 1 White Tithable 15 Black ditto 4 under 16. & over 12. 1. Post chaise 12. Horses. Land. AVitness Eliza AVhiting “ March the 1®' 1798. Property this day in Mary Prescott® hands. Taxable this year 16. Tithables. 1. white do 4. over 12 yrs & under 16. 1. Post Chaise 12. Horses. China Plates E. W. 21. Ditto AI: Prescott® 21. China chocolate cups 8. Ditto saucers •• 9. “ large cups & saucers 3. China Custard cups 6. “ Collop shells 7. Bowles 2. Lemon Bowles 7. Lemon T. Cups 6. Knives & forks out 12 each “ “ Locked up “ “ Alemor: of household Linen Taken Aug : 1798. 24 Large Napkins 12. Small “ 11 Diaper “ 22 fine Towels. 1. lost. 6. cup cloths “ knife 18 Prs: sheets 25. Table cloths 10. Counterpins 5 Bed quilts 12. huckaback towells 3. white window curtains April the 19 : 1799. Queen china Plates 6. Pudding dishes 8. China dishes 13. AVedgewood plates 22. “ Feby the 12: 1805. Sent to AP® Scott of Fredericksburg 7J lb of cot. ton for warp of counterpins, & 9J lb of filling.” 94 THE BLAIR FAMILY. In connection with the branch of the Blair family of England, descendants of Captain and Admiral Thomp¬ son, and Elizabeth Thompson, nh Blair, the author’s brother-in-law, G. Boss Sherman, H. M. S. Durham, Leith, Scotland, writes : “ I regret my efibrts have been unsuc¬ cessful, as the following extract from letter of Geo. R. Pilline, Staffordshire constabulary, ‘ Police office, Lich¬ field,’ will show: ‘ In reply respecting the descendants of Admiral or Captain Thompson, R. H., I have caused careful inquiry to be made, but without success. I have, also, consulted some of the oldest inhabitants of the city, but fail to trace them.’ ” V COLONEL JOHN BANISTER (Signer of Articles of Confederation). part nil. THE BANISTER FAMILY. CHAPTEE I. SKETCH OP THE LIFE OF JOHN BANISTEK, WITH HIS WIFE’S COKEESPONDENCE. N’otb. —The first time the name of Banister occurs on the page of history is during the reign of Richard III., King of England, 1484 : “ When the Duke of Buckingham plotted against the wicked ruler, Bannister, a dependant of Buckingham’s, betrayed his master to the sheriff of Shropshire, who found the Duke in the disguise of a peasant hid in an orchard behind Bannister’s house. He was taken to Lon¬ don and there executed.” (Goodrich’s “ History of Eng¬ land.”) The subject of this memoir was the son of an eminent botanist, an Englishman by birth, and of the same name, who settled in Virginia towards the close of the seven¬ teenth century, and devoted himself to the study of plants. In one of his botanical excursions near the falls of Roa¬ noke, he fell and was killed. As a naturalist he was esteemed not inferior to Bartram. John Banister, the son, was educated in England, and bred to the law at the Temple. lie resided at “ Battersea,” near Petersburg.* Battersea is reached by a short walk a mile and a half * “ The Catalogue of the College of William and Mary from its Foun¬ dation to the Present Time, 1859,” gives as among the students of this institution the following: 95 96 THE BANISTER FAMILY. west of the city of Petersburg, via one of the principal streets and along the canal, ornamented by elegant shade trees and presenting in the distance a fine, picturesque country. The fields are devoted to horticultural purposes. In the midst of superb forest trees and others of tropical origin, magnolia, laurel, and box, and well-tended shrub¬ bery, stands the ancient mansion-house. The walls are constructed of English brick. On either side of a spacious hall are two stairways, handsome suites of rooms suitable for parlors, salons, and chambers, Avith porticos in the rear overlooking magnificent grounds shaped into terrace, glen, and fiower-gardens, and bathed by the lazy-fioAving Appomattox Eiver. One of the late owners of this princely estate. Judge May, had felled many of the shade-trees in the front lawn, and had the grounds laid out in a garden. The green-house and barn are almost in ruins, though the present proprietor, Mr, Wright, a Pennsylvanian by birth, has made many re¬ pairs. The finish of the several apartments of the dAvell- ing displays considerable taste. The gildings of the marble mantels, though a century old, are still visible, and altogether this relic of bygone glory might be coveted by any nobleman. After Mr. Banister returned from England he Avas elected a burgess of the assembly, and subsequently be¬ came a distinguished member of the convention of 1776. He visited the headquarters of the American army about the time of the battle of GlermantoAvn. In 1778-79 he was Robert Banister, 1792, Dinwiddie County. J. M. Banister, 1803, Williamsburg. Robert S. Banister, 1834, Richmond. Monroe Banister, 1836, Amelia County. H. T. Banister, 1842, Amelia County. The author deposited in the library of the Numismatic and Antiqua¬ rian Society of Philadelphia a Latin medical thesis by Theodorick Ban¬ ister, alumnus of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (1806). (Ilesideiice of Colonel John Banister, near Petersburg, Virginia). SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF JOHN BANISTER. 97 ill Congress at York and at Philadelphia, and in Septem¬ ber visited headquarters as a member of the Committee of Arrangements. In 1781 he was made lieutenant- colonel of cavalry under General Lawson. His two col- leasrues in command were Mercer and Monroe. When Lawson’s corps was disbanded when Leslie retired from Virginia, Colonel Banister’s military services were lost to the State. During the invasions of Virginia he was, how¬ ever, actively engaged in repelling the enemy. As the pro¬ prietor of a large and wealthy estate he sutfered repeated and heavy losses from the depredations of the British army. At one time, in proof of his exalted patriotism, it is said that he supplied a body of troops on their way to join General Greene’s army in the Southern States with blankets at his own expense, and, with the consent of the Continental Congress, had his valuable flour-mills at Battersea converted into factories for the manufacture of powder to supply the army. liev. John M. Banister, now resident in the State of Alabama, and his great-grandson, has informed the author that a miniature likeness of him is preserved by his descendants in Amelia County, Va. Contemporary writers describe him as a gentleman of ex¬ cellent and well-cultivated mind and reflned manners. In private he was amiable and upright; in public, gener¬ ous, patriotic, and enlightened. As a writer he may be ranked with the first of his day. Ilis letters are published in the “ Bland Papers” and in Sparks’s “ Revolutionary Correspondence of Washington.” Campbell’s “ History of ALrginia” says : “ Colonel Banister first married Miss Patsey Bland, daughter of Theodorick Bland. His second wife was Anna Blair, daughter of John Blair, president of the council of the colony of Virginia, and sister of John Blair, judge of the Federal Court. Theodorick Blair Banister, their son, married Signora Tabb. John ^lonro 98 THE BANISTER FAMILY. Banister, tlieir second son, married Mary B. Bolling. Of the family of the first son who survive in 1856 are Monro, Tudor, Yelverton, and two daughters. Of the second son’s family are William C. Banister and Eev. John Monro Banister and three daughters.” When in Congress Colonel Banister had the honor to subscribe to the famous “ Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union” solemnly agreed to by the representa¬ tives of fourteen sovereign States, July 8, 1778. In this important agreement it was declared in effect as follows: “ The style of this Confederacy shall he ‘ The United States of America;’ that the said States hereby enter into a firm league of friendship with each other for the security of their liberties and their mutual and general welfare. “ Uo State, without the consent of the United States in Congress assembled, shall enter into any confederation, alliance, or treaty with any State, nor shall the United States in Congress assembled grant any title of nobility. Yo State shall engage in any war without the consent of the United States in Congress assembled, nor grant com¬ missions to any vessels-of-war. “ The United States in Congress assembled shall have the exclusive power of determining on peace and war, of sending ambassadors, entering into treaties and alliances, establishing courts, regulating the value of coin, and of making rules for the government of the land and naval forces, and directing their operations. “ And we do further solemnly plight the faith of our respective constituents that they shall abide by the deter¬ mination of the United States in all questions which by the said confederation are submitted to them, and that the arti¬ cles thereof shall be inviolably observed by the States we re¬ spectively represent, aud that the Union shall be perpetual. “ Done in the third year of the independence of America at Philadelphia the 9tli day of July, 1778.” Unlike the clergy and placemen, many of whom were landed proprietors, adherents of the British government, and held control of the legislature. Colonel Banister was prompt to espouse the cause of liberty. The plan of Pey- SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF JOHN BANISTER. 99 ton Eandolph to establish a bank at that time was unpop¬ ular, and was denounced bj Patrick Henry as “ a scheme to reclaim the spendthrift from his dissipation and extrav¬ agance by filling his pockets with money.” That which made matters worse during ante-colonial times was that the officials of England usually brought with them the frivolous tastes and dissipated habits of men of fashion and of courtiers addicted to gaming, whose example diffused a rage for play. An important measure was urged upon the assembly of Virginia by Jefferson and supported by Colonel Banister to emancipate the slaves in Virginia, but it proved unsuccessful. In May, 1778, Congress received despatches containing the important news of the ratification of the treaty between the king of France and the United States. During the progress of the war in 1780, when Arnold invaded Virginia, a body of two thousand five hundred men under Phillips landed at City Point, and on the next morning marched upon Petersburg by way of Colonel Banister’s Whitehall plantation, where they halted in the heat of the day (April 23) and refreshed themselves. Colonel Banister with Byrd had the honor to lay out the two neighboring cities of Richmond and Petersburg, the latter being located in 1783 in the county of Dinwid- die. Subsequently to the war the Marquis de Chastellux, a distinguished French traveller, becaane the guest of Colonel Banister at Battersea. In 1777 the latter was elected a visitor from Dinwiddie to William and Mary College. Of his descendants and family who have been students at that college were Robert Banister in 1792; Hathaniel Banister in 1795; J. M. Banister, Williams¬ burg, 1803; R. S. Banister, Richmond, 1834; Monroe Banister, Amelia, 1836; H. T. Banister, Amelia, 1842. Rev. J. M. Banister, of Alabama, July 4, 1869, received the honorary degree of D.D. 100 THE BANISTER FAMILY. Colonel Banister was a delegate to the Virginia con¬ vention wdiicli reorganized the Episcopal Church. He represented the Dinwiddie Parish. This parish could not have been very flourishing. Rev. Mr. Jarrett, in his autobiography, wrote: “ From my predecessors the people had heard little else but morality and smooth harangues, in no wise calculated to disturb their carnal repose or to awaken any one to a sense of guilt and danger. They would say, ‘ We never heard before this man of conversion, the new birth, etc. Our ministers never said anything against civil mirth, such as dancing.’ ” Colonel Banister contributed to revive the church in his native State. He died in 1787, and is buried in Din¬ widdie County. A small stream in Halifax County bears his name. CHAPTER H. LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BANISTER FAMILAL “July 1790. “ I am sure you will be pleased to hear my boys are well and tolerably diligent in their Books—the eldest particularly, the jmungest is of a wild playful disposition. Their consequence is greatly increased of late by be¬ coming Collegians. They both desire their love to you and their Cousins with expressions of anxiety to be better acquainted. Your Aunt Cary is at present with us. She has enjoined me to give her love to you, and hopes you will excuse her writing by M’' B : who sets out in an hours time (sooner than we expected) as I tho‘ he intended to [go to] Gloucester first and was told he was in this town. Your Uncle Blair & his son are well, but not so his wife, tho: she keeps about and as usual is careful and troubled about many things. She is greatly afflicted with the cholic looks very yellow at times and there are some apprehensions of her liver being affected. By your letter to my Sister Cary you have a numerous family in Turkeys. I hope you may be lucky enough to raise them as they will make some addition to the purse besides good eating. LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 101 “ By letters from j'our Aunt Thompson dated in February last she was well but, rather low in spirits having just lost her youngest daughter with the chincough. Helen and Alfred were then ill with it and what will surprise you Capi“ Thompson had just recover’d it and was so ill with it that my Sis'' says he fell to all appearance dead. She begs to be most affectionately remembered to you and yours. “I know my Betsey is interested in all that concerns her Aunt and therefore will not omit to acquaint her. Battersea and the Mills are leased for £1000 per annum which with the amount of the sales that have been made the Executors inform me, they shall be enabled to pay off all the debts and have the amount of the above places (which must be sold when Rob' Banister comes of age) in reserve for the Boys, though you are to observe tis liable to my Dower. The thirds of these (and two other valuable plantations) will I think enable me to live very comfort¬ ably in this cheap place & the Market is particularly so. Say something to the Boys expressive of my love for them. Let them always be taught to know there is in existence such a Being as theirs and your ever affec¬ tionate Aunt “A. Banister.” The above letter in envelope is addressed, as all of Mrs. Colonel Banister’s letters, to Mrs. Elizabeth Whiting. “April 6'“ 1797. “ I have this moment return’d from a melancholy visit to the unfortu¬ nate M''® Hubard who add to all her woes had her house yesterday after¬ noon consumed by fire. Her furniture saved from the flames, but broken to pieces. Fanny was to have been married to day to a M'' Sinclair—a very worthy young man, but she is ill at M' Hunt®, quite delerious I am told—part of the few cloaths they possess’d stolen or burnt—but the worthy inhabitants (Heaven make them ample amends) have already subscribed for their relief 600 dollars—and it is intended the Ladies are to make a collection of necessary apparal for them. Our dear relatives are in general pretty well, not so tho: our good Sister Cary whose feet and ancles are so much swell’d as to make them apprehensive of a Dropsy. M' Tucker has postponed his journey till the day after to morrow—when this must away. The late accts of our dear Sister Thompson—her last speaks of her declining health for which she has been to Bath—but with¬ out finding benefit from it. She speaks of the dearness of living—inso¬ much the}' had put down many superfluities—one tho: I think they ought to continue as essentially necessary both for her & her Husband. I mean wine w’’*' she regrets for him as what he had always been accus¬ tom’d to (so I am sure was she). I long (yet fear) to hear from that quarter. M''® Tazewell has had unfavorable accounts of her son Wil- 102 THE BANISTER FAMILY. liam ; he has undergone two or three operations for a fistula and wo* have died but for good M'® Field who took him to her house and did all she could for his comfort and relief. I refer you to B. Whiting® lef^ for oc¬ currences from hence to w®** she may be told that M” Hunt is shortly to marry Capt“ Barton. Son Theodorick begs his love and best wishes to you. God bless and preserve my dear Sister, shall be among the latest prayers of her “ ever afiectionate “ A. Banister.” “N.B. A letter from Ceeley says our Sis'' is in a Dropsy, tho: the swelling has not extended more than half way up the leg ; it is bro‘ on the Doctor thinks from leading too sedentary a life. The swelling is somewhat assuaged since using his prescription. She has very depress’d spirits. I shall go down very soon. M” Cary has just receiv* a lef from Capt" Thompson saying his family was much as usual, his daughter Sarah is going to be married to a very genteel young gentleman in the Army and with a genteel fortune. Norbonne is again in command of a sloop of war wch Lord Spencer says is to lead the way to a higher preferment. Polly Peachy and hers are well. She had a nervous fever in Nov'' last w"*' bro* on a premature delivery of a daughter—it died— and so very nearly had she but God be praised I she is perfectly recovered and was lately down on a visit to her Parents looking better than before her illness “ ever yours “A. B.” The above letter is written to Mrs. Banister’s sister, Mrs Braxton. “ Ceelkys March 20"' 1799. “ My dear niece has long ere this received news of the mournful event of the last day of Febr? Such a departure was truly to be envied. Death had no terror for her—and she met him with that complacency she had been accustomed to meet her friends—her dying lips blessed us all. She was intered at Eichneck where our Relations from W^^burg met us on the melancholy occasion—M' Cary good Man 1 leaves nothing that can show respect for her memory undone—regrets her loss more at this juncture than if it happened Some few years ago when his circumstances were under great embarrassment—but now, they are brightened and he had it more in his power to contribute to her happiness, yet how little in com¬ parison to what she at present enjoys were all that could be done here. Last night M' Cary put in my hands with the big tear dropping on his cheek your let” (just receiv*) to the departed dated the 18"' of Feb:^—in¬ deed my dear Betsey my heart is almost broken with the picture of yours & beloved Sister® Sufferings ! Would I had one ray of comfort—alas ! I have none, but fervently will I petition Heaven to look with the eye of LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 103 pity on you and to aid you in your arduous task—feign would I offer my feeble services could I tell how to get to you. That however, is impos¬ sible until sometime in the Summer when Cary visits his Daughter Fairfax ; at which I have promised to accompany him, partly with a view of taking Enfield in my way—if the dear Sufferer then lives (which I am far from wishing so circumstanced) I will not omit some Hartshorne shavings, or if a possible chance falls in my way much sooner, for oh ! it adds much to my distress that I have it not in my power to render services where affection and inciination so strongly prompt. Do none of the neighbors assist you ? I hope they do for their sakes as well as yours—it may a short time hence be their own situation and how expressly are wo told to help one another. M'' AVhiting now (or any who kill meats) I should think wou’d readily spare his feet for Jellies: be not scrupulous my Dear to make that want known to them. My poor dear Sister make her sensible (if possible) of my tenderest sympathy, and very sincere love for her. Tours is my Betsey ‘a righteous cause,’ and He who we are assured sees all things will reward you hereafter. That you hear so sel¬ dom from us is another Source of distress—for myself I take shame in saying this is the first time of writing since my return from the North¬ ward, but I loved you not the less, nor was it by any means intentional — a variety of circumstances (not to be related now) conspired from time to time to make me procrastinate in what was always to be & yet never done. Mary Andrews and Charlotte Balfour have written several times. I have Let: ® from Litchfield of a late date, all well in that quarter, but poor Mary T. whose situation and jmur Mary® are exactly alike, except that she grieves herself sick. I have to write to day to B. Fairfax. My Sis¬ ter Thompson is greatly concerned for the Situation of her friends at En¬ field. I have been from W“®burg since early in Jan^. By letters from Jenny Henderson and Mary Andrews were well. Son Theodorick® trip to the Northward was of great service to his health, and good looks. He has just begun the study of Physick, and Son Monro, I fixed at Prince¬ ton College where I have pleasure in telling you he is highly esteemed both by Masters and Fellow Students, particular were his inquiries after you and yours and often begs his affectionate remembrance to the whole of yr: family, as does now the whole of this. Jenny Cary was preparing previous to the death of my Sister to Settle in W“®burg. M’’ Cary will now do the Same, and I have to look another house and move thereto, 'ere I can go up the Country. Polly Peachy who went home about a fortnight since desired when I wrote you to present her with the warmest affections. “ Your account of j'our Sons is highly jJeasing, long may you all live the mutual comfort of each other. Tell my Polly I regret that Dame Fortune deals so scantily by those whose merits deserve her bounty®; nevertheless they are not always the happiest who receives most of her favors and I trust she will prove that it is to be found without the 104 THE BANISTER FAMILY. superfluities of life the necessaries with Content are the grand essentials —these with the object of her wishes I trust will be hers, and will ensure a continual feast. “ Manj' pieces are written on the death of yr dear Aunt Carj’’, one alone I shall transcribe. I think it the best—all of them would be too bulky for the post. “ ‘ Died on Thursday the 28*’* ult: M*® Sarah Cary, the most amiable and respectable wife of Wilson M. Cary Esqr. of Ceeley' near Hampton who through a long period graced the discharge of every relative duty as a wife, a Parent a Friend and Neighbor with that dignified ease and polished delicacy of exterior deportment which adds even to virtue addi¬ tional charms and which admired by all is the attainment of but few. Supported and animated by the encouraging hopes and sublime views which Christianity holds out and assures to its votaries she was enabled to nu'et Death not as the King of Terrors but the Harbinger of eternal joy and to welcome his approach with that complacent and softened smile with which she had always been accustomed to meet her relatives and friends ; and which so genuine and true was its impression after the ties of life were severed still beamed forth in the breathless clay and seemed with triumph to proclaim “ ‘ “ Oh Death where is thy sting oh : grave where is thy victory.” ’ “ May God Almighty of his infinite mercy dear Betsey enable you to go through the fatigue of your benevolent undertaking, without injury to yourself is the fervent praj'er of. “ Your tenderly “ Alfect: “ Aunt Banister. “ P. S. Jenny Cary insists upon my adding that she would have written you had she met a private conveyance but as her mother generally writes by post, she considered that one in a family was sufficient thro: that channel.” “Shannon Hill “ August 16”* 1799. “Early this morn was handed me my ever Dear Niece® favor by her special messenger. I am sorry after you have so kindly taken this troub’® still to leave you in uncertainty respecting the wish*! for moment when we can fondly fold each other in our arms, for believe me my Betsey your sufferings supported with so much fortitude and your uniform tender duty to an afflicted Parent so steadily adhered to has raised you greatly—not only in the partial eyes of an Aunt who loves you dearly, but in those of all your acquaintance. One consolation awaits you in the arduous task— the acquital of your own conscience & approving (nay applauding) friends— Said I one consolation ? Surely another is yourself a still superior nature LETTEES AND COERESPONDENCE. 105 (oh how infinitely more so !) the knowledge of doing the will of our Father, who in His oton good time will not fail in His rewards. Had I have had the command of a carriage I would not have passed you, nor won'* I at any rate have divided my stay up the Country so unequally. The Colonel seems highly gratified by your attention desires me to give his Love and best wishes to you and yours, saying that it was impossible to fix the time for visiting you. “ We dined at Fairfield on Wednesday last. I shall fix with the good Dowager Lady Washington the time of going to Capt: Bj’rd®—she has promised to carry me tliere. The attention from that quarter has ex¬ ceeded my expectation. I may as well take the chance of seeing as many old acquaintances as is possible. Yesterday we were at M’’ Bayler’. I made myself sick with Ice creams water melons Plumbs &c. (so has M' Cary, alas ! so much frigidity does not suit us old folks,) insomuch I am frequently obliged to throw the pen aside and repair to the pillow. M'' Cary got me to choose a fashionable Bonnet for Polly in Richmond—tis of straw and quite the tippy M Caesar can bring it safely it shall forthwith be sent, otherwise it must tarry for me—observe the Hair must be drest to make it becoming. B. Fairfax and myself are of opinion (in submis¬ sion to your judgement) that it would be adviseable (previous to M’’ Cary" coming) to acquaint my beloved Sister with the death of her Sister Cary. She will perhaps notice his being in black and may ask some questions that may lead to a discovery, or, wring his heart by a painful deception. Dear Soul! her feelings are too much blunted to make any great impression on her but you know best. Say for me to her all that is tenderly affectionate—so desires M''Cary. Your sweet Boys have a claim on my warmest attachments. They possess it; as also that of my Boys to you and them—not a syllable have I heard from either since I left the old City. I expect Monro in Virginia early in OcP; Theo'‘ will be then settled in Rich'* in Chreegnan and Adams® shop—a year or two hence he goes to Scotland; after finishing there he will visit his friends at Litch¬ field (perhaps first) this is looking a long way forwards. Heaven knows whether I shall live to see it. I left D'^ Barrand in wretched health, he was preparing with M’’ »& M*® Tucker to set out the week after to the Augusta Springs. The Bishop also intended there and so I believe does M*® Dunbar who ought poor soul to vary the scene somewhere. The whole circle of acquaintances (from that quarter) charged me with affectionate remembrances to you. Pray inform me whether y* dear Mother was able to enjoy a Lett' from my Brother & how she receiv* it the idea that it might give her more pain than pleasure alone prevented mj' writing to her. M'® Washington of Fairfield promised to have conveyed my letter to you the other day but she has been disappointed and it is still in her possession. I met there two Miss Whitings —your Sisters on wh” account I pay’d them particular attention. I find they and these good folks do 106 THE BANISTER FAMILY. not visit—not even j'r : Brother Frank who is close by. Betsey regrets it, but tis not her fault poor thing ! “I heard Poll you intend to enter the marriage state ere the cold weather sets in. Blessings on you in all states are among the devoutest of m3" wishes. “ Be assured of the ardent affection of yours to the end of the Chapter. “ A. Banister.” “Studley Aug 1800 . ” My dear Niece. ” Prom this place I wrote 3'ou b3' M'' Carter Harrison. I have been with my old friend M''® Lyons nearly two months, but am just on the wing for Richmond, from thence to Petersburg and M'' Peachy® when I expect Polly to accompany me to the old City also Son Monro who I hope will not again be disappointed in visiting Virginia. I was 3'esterday on a visit to M” Pago Col. W“ Nelson® daughter Sally Cary where I learn'* her Husband M® Chas : Page was to set out to morrow for the Ridge. I determined (notwithstanding this is my last day here and company in the house) to avail m3'self of so direct an opportunity to acquaint you that Jenny Henderson added another son to her famil3". She has a bad cough ; if a let® I expect to meet in Richmond does not give a favorable acct of her I will take the stage and go straight to W“®burg. Do let me know when it will possibly be in your power to come down the Country—a cir¬ cumstance that will greatl3' gratify all 3"our friends and none more so than “ Tour immutably affec*: “ Aunt B.” “ Wmsburg July 17 . “ To Mrs Braxton, “I saw M® Fairfax by whom we had the pleasure to hear from my dear and long absent Sister, and enquired when he shou'* leave town, he answered in the next stage. How I lament my Sister® declining to come down the Country, since I find my finances too low to enable me to com¬ ply w'ith my promise, in case of failure on your part think better of it and come to your anxiously expectant friends. I am truly mortify'*, as well as the girls, that tis not in our power to indulge our wishes. Sister Cary regrets not writing. My sister Blair® love to you. By short stages Sister I think you couP yet accomplish this journey down and being in a good Society wou* contribute to establish a health So deservedly dear to us all. “ I flatter myself that if I am paid regularly my income will enable me to furnish a light carriage and pair when I may visit my friends with more ease and less expense than by travelling in the Stage. What charming spirits Betsey has. M®® John Wormley (who saw her on her LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 107 way to the Southward says when indisposed Betsey never failed to prove her best cordial—that lady told me too yr maids Hannah and Sail Cooper had got offended and run off—provoking creatures O ! that you wou^ exert yourself to live in this town—then in distresses you wou'* he Sur¬ rounded by sympathizing friends who daily regret your absence as also yr solitarj"^ Situation. Polly Peachy and her Bairns are well, they are going to move lower down the country. The Boys are returned from College. IkP E. Randolph and family set out to morrow for N. York. They were a great acquisition to this place, consequently are much regretted. “ Yours faithfully “ A. Banister.” << WMSBURa Aug‘ lb*** 1802. ” I have tried my ever dear Niece to fix on the time and place for you to meet me. Alas 1 how falacious! I wrote you sometime since that I expected my Theodorick to go soon to Scotland and that I could not quit this spot until he did. He is gone. I have seen him perhaps for the last time. Nevertheless there is no sacrifice that I would not make for the advantage of my children ; he sailed the 5'*' inst: under favorable auspices in the Endymion—a good ship and agreeable passengers two respectable acquaintances particularly of his Father® and mine. Sure I trust you will unite with me in fervent petitions for a happy voyage to them. To you and yours he left tender and affectionate remembrance regreting much he could not see you all before he departed. Monro accompanied his Brother to Norfolk and I have not seen him since. He wrote for more money and promised to be with me the next stage since when several has passed and I can onlj’ learn he is somewhere with Miles King at a little seat of his Fathei"® near Hampton. He has never had the measles now very prevalent and which makes me apprehensive he is sick, excuse my weakness you are a Parent. Accept my congratulations to Grand Ma on the happj" arrival of Miss Eliz: Howe Little. Heaven long preserve to you this sweet little Comforter. I long more than ever to be with you, tlio’ I cannot raise as much as won'* bear my expenses. All that M'' Rose could get (by great exertions) was applied to the use of my belov'* Theodorick, and not more than would fix him genteelly. 1 then relied on a friend who has long been debtor to our estate. He puts me off until Nov’’. ‘ Entre nous’ this said friend is no less a person than Judge Tucker, who this year has had particular claims on him ; married his Daughter to M” Coulter, fixing his son at Winchester and removing with his family there for the Summer on acet: of M” T:® ill health. I must do him the justice to add he knew not my going up the Country depended on his assistance or sure I am he wouF have denyed himself to have obliged me—numberless proofs have I of his sincerity. 108 THE BANISTER FAMILY. “ If I live to next Spring I will venture another effort to get to you. The Gar 3 -s might have given me a seat in their carriage. I am happy to hear your Son Little is in such good business. My love to him your Maiw and the dear Boys. I am about writing your Aunt Thompson. I am sorry Theod^^ going was too late to admit his visiting her previous to his going to Edin®, he intends it in the Spring. Monro is greatly at¬ tached to 3 ’our Son George, and for no other reason I believe wants to study Law in Winchester. “ I have heard melancholy accounts of poor Betsey Fairfax® situation respecting pecuniary matters. “ I remain 3 'our truly affect: Aunt B:” “Oct: 25‘>» 1803. “ Mt dearly beloved Niece, “ I passed last winter with my amiable friend M''® Hamilton (British Consul® Lady) in Norfolk—hers and her no less amiable partners good¬ ness to me (but more particularly to my Son in Scotland) exceeds the limits of a letter to give an adequate recital. I have promised return to them next winter.* I would feign have been excused from staying so * G. P. E. James, the prolific English novelist, who was the British consul at Norfolk in 18o3, thus wrote : “ It was in this very house where I reside and in this room that Tom Moore wrote one of the finest of his earlier poems, called ‘ The Lake of the Dismal Swamp.’ He was staying with my ancient predecessor in office. Colonel Hamilton, who was Brit¬ ish consul at Norfolk so early as 1803, and who occupied this house then and four years afterwards, when the unfortunate affair between the Leopard and Chesapeake occurred. So exasperated were the people here on that account that I have been told a mob trailed the British flag in the dust before the consulate, and but for the genuine respect felt for Col¬ onel Hamilton by all classes, he would have suffered personal insult. This makes my house a historic relic; and it is also a sort of abandoned temple of the Muses, since here Tom Moore wrote poetry and sang some of his beautiful songs set to sweetest melody by himself accompanied by the spinnet.” Moore remained some time the guest of Colonel Hamilton, “ whose house,’’he wrote, “is the very temple of hospitality.’’ The poet rode out to the Dismal Swamp with Colonel Hamilton and penetrated its dark recesses to Drummond Pond in its centre, and he became much interested in a popular story about a young man who was made insane by the death of a girl whom he loved. The youth insisted that she was not dead, but had gone to the Dismal Swamp; and he went thither in search of LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 109 long this season for several reasons one that it prevented me from coming to you last Summer, the truth is I see so much genteel company that I am necessitated to launch out more as to expenses (for I must keep up the Lady). My Son Monro expects in May (when he becomes of age) to get a Licence for practising Law ; he then is bent on visiting the new Countries ; Kentucky he must go to as there will he a dividend of Land in which he and his Brother are sharers, when there he means to proceed on to Louisiana, now when this beloved of my heart is to leave so soon and his studies will not permit him to accompany how can I absent my¬ self. Polly Peachy is at present with her daughters at Petersburg. They are in high frolicks weddings Races and Plays. M"^ Cary and Lady are not yet returned from their summer® excursion to Fluvanna Sally Cary went with them. She and her sister Jane are very pretty. Wilson is reading law with M'' Edmund Randolph in Richmond. He is a sweet youth I but I wish that he was not with so many Demo¬ crats, he has been drawn in one scrape by them for wh<='' he has been a true penitent. The Tuckers are at Sir Peyton Skip with® when I retur"^ to the old City after my trip to Norfolk many of our charm¬ ing ne’bours had dispersed. In June I had Let® from my Son and Sister. Theo‘‘ has not as yet seen his Aunt, he takes his Degrees in the Spring and proceeds then to Litchfield; afterwards to London and (if I can possibly) then to Paris. (M'' Rose lies at death® door at Staunton on his return from the Springs): To return to Theo'^he speaks highly of Rob‘ Wilson and of his Aunt Chisholm® attention to him. I suppose you knew his Father was defunct. Theo'* never fails to mention you & all the family particularly his friends Little and George. The old Admiral is well, surprizing he is 84 years. She has three Daughters married Sarah and Alithea have married men of fortune. Mary (the eldest) has an amiable Husband, but is poor: They reside with her Father and Mother, while her good man (who has command of a fine Ship of war) is fighting the French. I hope he may capture some rich prizes, as well as dear Norbonne who too is engaged in the same business. Alfred is in the Artillery and was expected to be soon promoted ; as war has since been declared no doubt it has now taken place. Helen is 16 years of age taller than either of her Sisters tho: not so handsome. My Sister expresses much affection for you. Your Son Francis I find has entered the Navy, may every success be his, and I cannot but say I am very sanguine on the occasion. I had heard previous to yours of M'^ George® courtship, and altho: Love is said to be an involuntary passion her, and never returned. The touching story excited the imagination of Moore, and at the consulate occupied by the Hamiltons, and described as “ a plain, old-fashioned mansion on Main Street, he wrote the poem alluded to.” no THE BANISTER FAMILY. yet I tbink it would have been as well to have had a less susceptible Heart for some few years to come. “ Your faithful Aunt “ Banister.” “Oct: 15: 1805. *• To what my dearly beloved Niece am I to attribute your silence. I fear Autumn has visited you and yours with sickness. You are in gen¬ eral so punctual a correspondent that (having written a voluminous epis¬ tle soon after my return from Norfolk), I have too much cause for appre¬ hension. I have to announce to you the arrival of my Theodorick in per¬ fect health : you who know the feelings of a Parent need not be told what were mine. Well I am assured of your tender sympathy by what I ex¬ perienced on the arrival of your Francis. I hope he dear Fellow has since his return to his natal place perfectly reestablished his health. The ship which brought my son was destined up to City Point his baggage (save a few things he bro‘ with him) being still on board obliged him to go to Petersburg otherwise Monro won'* have come down and given me the gratification of seeing the happy meeting. I expect them both here on next stage day after this—did they know to whom I was writing how cor¬ dially won'! they unite with their mother in sincere love. Let yr: sweet Grd: Children continue to prattle my name it will help to pave the way to our better acquaintance. The Harailtons expect to sail in Dec"' for England as soon therefore as it is safe to go to Norfolk (on acct: of the Yellow Fever) I shall join them until they quit. If in the Summer fol¬ lowing I can raise the needful I will be with you. I am sorry to tell you my dear and only Sister was an exception to all being well at Litchfield, her complaints Theod*'assures me tho: troublesome are not dangerous. I had a LeP both from her and the Admiral. He is an astonishing man for his time of Life, he has enter* his eighty sixth year and still in health and cheerful. My Son is delighted with the whole family, so amiable agreeable and handsome are the female part of it. Norbonno still with¬ out a ship and living on half pay with Lord Bentinck and the promises of great men. Alfred he did not see being in Gibraltar with the Army: he is first Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery and is (I am told) a very fine young man : my Sister expresses much affection for you and yours she tenders sincere love to you and anxious desires for the happiness of each. Oh ! she was so good (as well as her family) to my Son (if possible) I love her more than ever. Her regret at parting and cordial reception when he first went to Litchfield equal* that of my own. I am sorry to say the old City is very sickly this fall. M” Andrews and GriflSn Peachy have been exceedingly ill—tho: better ihey are not quite well yet. I gave you in my late letter the particulars of dear Jane Cary“ death. Her Mother has gone to Albemarle. Her Sister and Brother are more composed. Wil- LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE. Ill son is married to Virginia Randolph, a very accomplished Lady. Sally is betrothed to a M'' Newson student in law; of shining qualities and very respectable tho : of slender Fortune—yet with such talents what may not be expected ! M'® Cocke and the Tazewell® the Skiparth® and Tucker* and the good old Cary® are not yet returned from their Summer® excursion. I must close. “ Affect: your Aunt Banister.” “June 20* 1807. “ My ever dear Niece. “Thro: M'' Mason (a student of W™ and Mary) I have the infinite pleasure of hearing y'' son George has contributed to your felicity by his union with an amiable young Lady [Miss Francis Horner] and it so highly had your sanction as to exhilirate your spirits into the fond belief of having lost all sickness. Accept my cordial congratulations on the oc¬ casion and present me to the new wedded Pair with sincere wishes that every bliss the state is capable of may (thro : a series of many years) be theirs. The Doctor, his Sweet Rib and dear Francis all have a claim on [us] for their participation in their Brother® happiness. I have been ill with a Pleurisy. I recovered and anticipated the pleasure I had before promised myself when I was threatened with a more serious attack—a most intense headache. I hastened to apply my sovereign remedy cold water, but in speaking soon after found a difficulty of articulation and for¬ getfulness of names. The Doctor confirmed it a slight paralytic, in two hours being copiously bled I was perfectly relieved and with other neces¬ sary precautions have had no return, but I am {>rohibited the use of the pen. u 21 st “ I have so much to say Dear I scarce know where to begin especially as my son Theod'' when he left me enjoined me not to write much. I have written you from Norfolk that Monro® marriage to Miss P. has long since been done away—even after tho fixing of the wedding day—and he is now engaged to another who ho is so sincerely attach"* to tnat his prospect for happiness bids very fair : the amiable Miss P. Bolling (daugh¬ ter of M"^ Robert B : by his first wife) has with the full consent of her Father and Grd : Jlother engaged to unite her fate with his—to use his own expression he says ‘ ily heart will have its content so absolute that not another Comfort like to it can succeed in unknown fate.’ Now judge you for me by the reciprocity of your oton feelings. Cou"* we each dispose of our other two sons our hearts would certainly \>q replete with gratitude. I have the j)leasure to say that mine are in perfect health, and desired their affectionate remembrances to you & yours. I know less of our rela¬ tives in Mecklenburg than of those in England. The old Admiral & his family were well in February hist, llis two sons were far from him. Norbonne commands the Sea Fencibles in Ireland and Alfred 1®‘ Lieu- 112 THE BANISTER FAMILY. tenant in the Royal Artillery at Gibraltar. Your Uncle Cary is just re¬ covering a severe fall from his horse thank God no bones broke tho : sadly bruised. You have [heard] that Sally Cary is married to M''Newson of Norfolk and has a son. Wilson Cary has married Miss Virginia Randolph of Tuckahoe, has a son called Wilson Mills, Polly Peach}’ who married M'' Tabb by the premature birth of a child has been reduced to Death® door. She has perfectly recovered. 1 cannot forbear exulting to you that my Theodoriek was instrumental in the hands of Providence to prolong a life so precious to us all, and about fixing now in a pleasant situation eight miles from Petersburg. M''® Tucker bids me to beg you to come down, and she will turn out with you to set the Town to rights. She has mar¬ ried her daughter to one of the most sensible best informed men of the age (M'' Joseph Cabell) consequently her own good sense will enable her to estimate his value in a proper point of view. M''® Cary senior desires to be retained in your memory. At all events dear covie. I shall be with you be it which House it may. My worthy Hamiltons (who I left in March last) desire to greet you as an old acquaintance—such you appear to them, and they hold all dear to me in great estimation. Your remembrances to them pleased them much. Kiss the sweet little folks for me. I find Papa thinks my name sake handsomest because she has black eyes, and you may tell him I excuse his being partial to Anna Bannister. I have long lack'^ an e to my Christian name, because it was prettiest. So I beg (as a fur¬ ther compliment to me) you will follow the example. Tell M‘' L. [Dr. Little] that I am pleased with the grace he displays in submitting so readily to the government of his '■fat little wife,’ it sets so easy that I applaud his finishing the chapter as it began. Rest assured that neither distance of time or place can ever lessen that immutable atfection borne for you in the faithful bosom of “ Y^our own Aunt B.” Address “June 24. 12J. “ Mrs Eliza : Whiting “ Enfield “By mail “ Prince William. “ to Goshen t £ ^ “ Petersburg, “Sept: 17“ 1809. “I have lately receiv* my ever dear Niece Whiting’s most welcome favor with the four highly valued profiles. Soon after my return from Goshen (M"" Tabbs) I was very uncivilly attacked with the Ague and fever —this after two severe spells of another nature (from w*': I was barely recovered) weakened my poor old shattered carcase insomuch I was not equal to the quill. I am happy to tell you I have miss'! my troublesome companion, and by removing with Son Theodoriek® family to a healthy LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 113 little spot a few miles from Petersburg I feel I am rallying fast. My sweet Grand Daughter has here recovered her lost flesh but came greatly reduced. Monro and his wife and Child have lately quited in pursuit of health, the latter from being a fine large child is become quite emaciated. Tis true he is teething but I attribute much to the place. IND Little [Dr. Little] will coincide with me as it made him determine on not trying it &g»,\n perhaps twas what they call a seasonmg. Whether or not ray sin¬ cere good wishes will ever accompany him. I am concerned to find you have been so great a Sufferer this Summer by the rheumatism. Yours and our dear Mary’s Profiles are not so striking to me at first as the two sweet girls are from recollection of what their Mother was when a Child. I am delighted by the affectionate disposition of my darling little Nieces, and thank you for teachiiig them to know me. George & Sady seems to un¬ derstand that Text of “ Increase and multiply” and may He whose com¬ mand they obey long Bless and Preserve them to each other. I Saw a young Lady last year in Norfolk (whose name I have forgotten) who spoke highly of your Daughter in Law. I hope dear Francis Beverly in his pursuits may prove equally fortunate. My love to Mary. She appears to be a Paragon of Industry and is highly deserving of all Suc¬ cess. My Children (as I still call them) all enjoined me to be pre.-ented to you and yours with sincere affections. The Doctor & Lady say that tis ihoXr full intention provided they keep well to visit you in next Sum¬ mer, and I shall exert myelf to join them. Polly Tabb desires her love to you. Her Husband is daily looked for being on his return from the Ballston Springs, whither bad health had carried him. Old Williams¬ burg as usual is almost deserted by its inhabitants at this season. The Carys and Peachys have gone. M"'® Madison and a few others stood their ground. I never saw the former so fat. She really looks younger than for years past. She has lately made a conquest of Judge Griffin, though he is doomed to despair. Betsey P has been the ton this winter and has had some offers, which her friends could have approved, but the dear one is hard to please. “ Did our friends in the old City know to whom I am writing how many messages would be sent. I mean in next month (if please God we are all well) to accompany my two sons their wives and sweet Grd; Chil¬ dren on a visit to the place of nativity. My friends are anxious to be acquainted with my daughters, thence they return home, and I to the dear Hamilton® in Norfolk, in all probability for the last time as they talk certainly of going to England in next Spring. Best wishes for the felicity of you and yours and which can only cease when ceases to be theirs and— your faithfully affect. “ A. Banister. “P.S. This is a specimen of Son ilonro® paper,—verj’ coarse speci¬ men. Ho docs not dispose of is us quick as could be wished. Adieu.” 114 THE BANISTER FAMILY. “ Clay Hill Mrs Tabbs “ IN Amelia “June 23^1 1810. “ Dear Niece, “ Theod'‘® wife has another daughter. Three days previously she caught the measles and was very sick for a few days. The Infant was born very full of it. They have recovered. 1 find Little has found out the way for a Son without getting any advice about it. I trust Fran¬ cis will shortly enter the list of ‘ Increase and multiply,’—it being a command from heaven. My Son Monro last May presented me with a Son. His eldest is called W“ Constable after his friend and Patron. “Sunday Morn : I laid aside the pen to repair the toilette for dining at M'' Giles. To day M''® Tabb expects their company to dine with her, and must close ready for M'® D'^ Grahame® care, I am sorry to abridge you of particulars of all our friends and relatives both at WilFburg and over the Atlantic—but unfortunately I woke this morn with a light danc¬ ing before my eyes and headache and Theod’^ advises the disuse of the quill. “ Your truly afiect: Aunt “ A. Banister.” “Amelia Sept: 12*’’1810. “ Mr DEAR Niece : “ M'' Thomas Tabb (Broth’’ to my Theod'’® wife) sets out to morrow on a visit to his Aunt Whiting® about y’’ ne’bourhood and promises to give you a call. My daughter Seignora B ; unites with me in the same. Her good man is gone down to Petersburg. My other Son and Daughter are at the Sulphur Springs whither my Monro and his eldest Son are in pursuit of health. They are rather better tho ; not well yet. My Mary thank Heaven is in good health. All our friends in the old City were well lately as well as my amiable Hamilton® where I intend to take up my winter quarters halting by the way with my W’“®burg friends for a few weeks when I trust they will all be returned from their summer ex¬ cursions Poor M’’ Cary has not gone as usual up the Country this year, having been taken with a vertigo (while walking with two or, three Ladies in the garden) and fell with his leg under him, which broke one of the small bones—he bore it with great patience and by so doing it con¬ tributed not a little to exhilirate the cure. M’’® Peachy since the death of the old gentleman has taken in a few boarders, which enables her to keep a good House. I believe I informed you he had left all he possessed to her for life. M’® J. Cary is at her Mother® in Albemarle. Miles Cary is to be married this fall to a Miss Curl. Wilson & his family are fixed in Fluvanna. I have not heard from Litchfield. Seignora bids me assure you she intends to manage much better, being determined that (save sick- LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 115 ness or death) to visit you. Tell dear Mary I have spread her fame for industry by the sample of linen for her Hubby. “Your affect: A. Banister “ P. S. No female letter is compleat without a P. S. Please say to D’’ Graham that I was yesterday at M’’ Giles®. All well 1 “ Adieu.’’ “ Bollingbroke July 10“* 1811. “I hope My dear Niece your amiable Francis made you sensible of my inability to write by him. Being just arrived among my old acquaint¬ ances made me so consequential, and in compliment to Monro® wife kept us with a succession of company. I sent a promise by him that I would write by post. The intense warm weather made my little Grd Son (Monro) very sick—He is very puny. In writing you must take more time and not fatigue yourself—do not finish a letter at one sitting. Fran¬ cis must give you particulars. But for his kindness I could not have left Norfolk when I did for straightened (as I am too oft) and under the ex¬ pectations of my son® coming down to me—had incur'* for necessaries a small acct which I would not have turn'* my back on unpaid on any con¬ sideration this I candidly acknowledged to him while pressing me to quit Norfolk on acct: of the sickly season coming on when kindly and freely did he offer me his Purse in such a way as to induce me to accept and to impress my mind with indelible sentiments of the benevolence of his heart. My friends (the H.&xm\ions particularly) paid him their attentions. I introduced him to the Barrands and Kings who were highly pleased with your remembrance of them. I had intended calling on your Cousin Tunstall with Niece Peachy but much company and rheumatism pre¬ vented. I wished to introduce your Son to her. Catharine the sister is supported by the best of brothers who by his own industry amply supplies her with every comfort. M” Cocke, the Tuckers and Skipwith® all en¬ quire after you. The ancient City looks melancholy by so many houses being shut up. The inhabitants have many of them left it for their sum¬ mer residence. Francis can tell you respecting the Hendersons my Sons Daughters and their young fry, and of my wish to accompany the Doctor to your house. My Monro and his Rib send love to you. If you saw the confusion I am surrounded by you would excuse further writing ; here are females chattering children squalling nurses with all the noise they can make in order to quiet them. “ Your devoted “ A. Banister. “P. S. I have to apologize for not procuring for you any Roots or flower seed. I am told the Fall is the best time for both. I have a promise of some, and will send them when an opportunity presents. M” Bolling says nothing but that it was not the season for doing so prevented 8 116 THE BANISTEK FAMILY. her sending you any. Many thanks for the moss Tippet you sent me it is very pretty & I will prize the gift.” “ Clay Hill “ Sept: 13‘h 1811 “ M” Tabb being to set out to morrow for Goshen I must write hur¬ riedly. M” Peachy will be obliged home in October. Monro has been to Col: Cary® in Fluvanna on his way home. The old gentleman is in particularly low in spirits—his prospect for a crop very unfavorable and he under promise to pay a good deal of money—Poor soul I compassion¬ ate his feelings. I have had a late letter from M’'® Hamilton. My sons and daughter Seignora unite with me in love to you all. “ Your devotedly affect: Aunt “ A. Banister.” “ Wmsburg Dec® 1814. “ I am just on the wing my ever dear Niece for my winter quarters at Norfolk from whence you shall (as soon as I have written two or three lett® from Europe) have more particulars. I have written a late letter which it appears was not received expressive of my great love. Our friends and Relatives are well save colds wh: at this season may be ex¬ pected. Whooping cough prevails. I have not seen Monro since April. He is very buisy in Petersburg looking into our deranged concerns. Heaven has graciously raised me up a friend willing and able to keep my Theodorick comfortable and happy in Europe or, till his Brother had made some arrangements. He must have suffered. His last Let® says that he had gone to take his Degrees as Doctor soon. After he was to go to Litchfield then to London and in the spring to embark for Virginia. He never omits love to you. A Lett® from my Sister is fraught with tender¬ ness for you & yours and pious wishes for the felicity of all that belong to you. She was sad in spirits. Her daughter Mary® husband (Capt. Dixon) was lost off the coast of Ireland in April last. The particulars you may have seen in the papers. He commanded the Apollo. His wife and three children are now residents of their family which adds to ex¬ penditures and the war makes everything so high they can scarcely make out to live. “ How are you all after this Sickly Summer ? Have you heard any¬ thing of dear Francis—My zeal is inferior to No ones on his behalf. Heaven long preserve to you the comforts you derive from your children. “ Your Aunt A. B. ‘‘P. S. “ The Hamiltons certainly go to Europe next Spring.” LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 117 The reader has already had presented the interesting letters of Mrs. Banister before her marriage, and signed Agan, or Ann, Blair, her maiden name. The following letter from the relative of Mrs. Banister presents a graphic description of a state of war: “ Richmond Aug‘ 2“'^ 1813. “ Your lette' my Beloved reached me just as we were setting out for this place. I hasten to relieve your anxiety. We suffered in the general panic that pervaded W“®burg. When the British landed within 4 or 5 miles of us we had not more than 50 militia in the place. The students, however, went out and every Boy that could hold a musket. I must ow7i 1 lost fears for my own safety in anxiety for the precious Lives that might be lost. Dear Thomas H : was not inactive; tho: only 15 he was sent with a cart for Bacon for the Troops that were expected. I dreaded his being taken with his Cargo by the enemy, however he arrived safe, but poor fellow he had to walk 8 miles back and shoes did not fit him ; ho was obliged to take them off. He met so many flying he concluded the Town was taken, but he came on determining to share the fate of his Friends there : That evening we had a large Reinforcement of Troops who poor fellows march'^ upwards of 26 miles in a day one of the hottest ever felt, they too expected to have the Enemy to dislodge, but thank God they left our Coast without Bloodshed except of the animal Creation, & it is generally now believed they meant only to forage, but by it our Troops were harassed by fatiguing marches in such hot dry weather many of them perished on the Road. Had they been sent sooner they might have come more leisurely and comfortably, and too have saved Hampton. The Troops there fought nobly but they were absolutely sacrificed by not having reinforcements in time. Our Friend Major Corbin is still Suffer¬ ing with dangerous wounds he received, indeed his Life is a miracle as he led on our Troops 40 men were seen to have their muskets pointed at once at him. His horse was shot in the Head and yet carried him Six miles, after he was wounded in his thigh and arm. His poor wife knew when the attack begun, heard every cannon and knew too how her Husband was exposed to it, and at the time she had a Son in the Chesapeake that she concluded was killed, another with Commodore Decatur who was just expecting when he wrote to engage two British Ships. Beyond bearing must have been her feelings. Her sons are as yet spared and her Hus¬ band is slowly recovering, but how many hearts are wrung by the missings occasioned by this war. Much are we indebted to you for your kind invi¬ tation but I have lost poor John and my Horses are so infirm that neither they or the driver are fit to attempt Such a journey. I could not have come thus far had not M^ Randolph aided me with a Servant and Horses. 118 THE BANISTER FAMILY. They have gone on to Powhatan. I shall stay with them some weeks til the Sickly Season is over below, but God knows whether I may have a habitation or anything to return to. I left my property and Friends there with great reluctance. Cousin Peachy would have gone up the Country, but she was afraid to leave her property. Her Daughter went up with Polly Tabb. My Daughter Randolph desires love to you. M'' Blair and his wife arrived here quite renovated by your upper air, from the accounts they bring you must have D"^ Banister and his family with you. I am happy that Capt“ M^G. is well with his nephews. They are fine fellows. I hope the youngest who remained during our troubles has got safe to his friends and feels no bad effects from the exposures he had ; I trembled for them. “ Your affect: 'r “ Mary Andrews.” CHAPTER III. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH AND CORRESPONDENCE OP THE BANISTER FAMILY, 1896. Rev. J. M. Banister, D.D., Huntsville, Ala., writes thus : “ December 4, 1889. “My grandfather. Colonel John Banister, was married twice; first, to Miss Bland, sister of Colonel Theodorick Bland, Jr. His second wife was Anne Blair. By this marriage there were only two children : Theodorick B. Banister and John Monro Banister. The former was my uncle, the lat¬ ter my father. All the children of my uncle are dead, two grandchildren only surviving, Mrs. Barksdale, of Osmore, Amelia County, Va., and Mrs. Wilson, whose husband, I think, was before the Civil War an officer of the navy. I think she now lives at Annapolis, Md., or did so some years ago. I do not remember their given names. Their father was a Mr. Peachy, of Williamsburg. All my father’s children are dead except my¬ self and my sister, Mrs. Charles L. Stickney, of Greensboro, Ala. The children of my sister Helen are Robert Madison, residing at Sylva, N. C., and Bolling Madison, residing at Knoxville, Tenn. My brother William’s children are John M. Banister, Mrs. H. Noltenius, and Mrs. Campbell Pryor, all living in Petersburg, Va. The Rev. T. Lewis Banister resides at Constableville, N. Y. My nieces, Mrs. George Mason, at Petersburg, and Mrs. Mary Richards, wife of Professor Richards, at Rolla, Mo. “ P. S.—I have omitted to mention the names of my own children. These are Dr. John M. Banister and Dr. William B. Banister, both sur- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH AND CORRESPONDENCE. 119 geons in the United States army. The first is stationed at Fort Sherman, Idaho, and the latter at Fort Grant, Arizona. “ Yours respectfully, “ J. M. Banister. “Dr. Frederick Horner, U. S. Navy.” “Huntsville, Ala., February 18, 1890. “ In answer to a letter received in November last, I sent you all the information I possessed on the subject of the book you expected to pub¬ lish. As I feel very great interest in the matter, I may add the late Judge Wyndham Robertson published a very interesting volume, giving a his¬ tory of my ancestors on my mother’s side, who was a Bolling and de¬ scendant of the Robert Bolling who married Jane Rolfe, the granddaugh¬ ter of Pocahontas. I have the book. Have you a copy of the ‘ Bland Papers,’ by Charles Campbell, of Virginia? They may be useful to you. “ I am yours sincerely, “J. M. Banister. “To Dr. Frederick Horner.” (Refer to “ The Bolling Family in England and Vir¬ ginia,” by W. H. Wade, Richmond, published in 1869.) In the columns of the Southern Churchman for July, 1892, is given the following account of the Christian work already accomplished by the author of the above letter. Rev. J. M. Banister, D.D., rector of the church of the F’ativity in Huntsville, Ala. The writer states: “ Under his careful and loving guidance the Nativity has grown, and to his teachings, with God’s blessing, the parish owes whatever life and strength it has now. The communicants number about three hundred. In connec¬ tion with the church is a Woman’s Guild; a Dorcas So¬ ciety of young girls—the last society is systematically employed in making garments for the poor; a band called the Order of All Saints is working slowly with the noble aim of founding a church home for orphans. Our rector. Rev. Dr. Banister, for thirty years has been to us a gentle, faithful shepherd, whose interest in his flock has deepened as time rolled on, and who, when he had the right to plead the weakness of advancing years and the heavy burden of his own individual work, has, instead, come to the front and, unaided and alone, has 120 THE BANISTER FAMILY. taken care of the fatherless parishes of N’orth Alabama. Verily, Decatur and Athens, Scottsboro and Trinity and Madison, as well as the church of the Nativity, have rea¬ son to rise up and call him blessed. This statement is made to prove, in this far-away corner of Alabama, that, instead of the stagnation which might perhaps be reason¬ ably expected from our isolation, there is warm, vigorous life in the church of the Nativity at Huntsville.” No reader will fail to accord to the above descendant of the Banister family of Virginia the meed that he is truly the honored son of honored ancestors ! Under date of November 2, 1893, he writes ; “ Many thanks for your letter containing information about the family of my great-great-grandfather, the Rev. John Monro. His daughter Mary married John Blair, Esq., the father of Jud^ge John Blair, of the Federal Court, and of my grandmother, Anne Blair, wife of Colonel John Banister, of Battersea, Va. I have the coat- of-arms of the Banisters lately found pasted in an old law¬ book of Colonel Banister. I shall send a copy to Professor Tyler. I hope he will explore further the foundations of the old church there.” The reader is referred to the “ History of the Blair Family” in this volume concerning such explorations, and also for the most interesting correspondence of Anne Blair, and subsequently, after her marriage with Colonel Banister, in letters, it may be added, mainly addressed to Mrs. Elizabeth Whiting, nee Braxton, the great-grand- ancestress of the author, contained in this biography. July 12, 1896, Dr. J. M. Banister celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his ministry. In 1848 he went to Ala¬ bama. He has baptized five hundred and two persons, old and young. His church at Huntsville, Ala., the Na- tivitjq had, when he became its rector, eighty-four mem¬ bers. There are now two hundred and eighty-four; two hundred and eighty-one have removed or died. Dr. Ban¬ ister married Miss Mary Louise Broadnax, of Virginia, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH AND CORRESPONDENCE. 121 February 1,1848, at the old family mansion in Dinwiddie County. In all his pastorate his wife has been his faith¬ ful co-worker, and has presided at the organ for many years. His son, Captain John M. Banister, assistant surgeon, U. S. A., was promoted to be surgeon, with the rank of major, January 26, 1897. part Him, THE BRAXTON FAMILY. CHAPTER I. SKETCH OP THE LIPE OP OAETEE BRAXTON. The founder of the Braxton family in America was George Braxton, according to Dr. J. M. Toner, of Wash¬ ington City, a trader or tobacco agent. He married the daughter of the so-called “ King Carter,” of Virginia, settled on the Mattapony River, in King William County, Va., and built “ Kewington,” * where now “West Point” is located and is the seat of a large and important ship¬ ping trade. He was the father of George and Carter Braxton, the latter a signer of the Declaration of Inde¬ pendence. They have many descendants in King and Queen County, Va., and others scattered over the United States. Braxton County, W. Va., was named in honor of the family. *“ Newington,” the Braxton family mansion, still to be seen near West Point, in King and Queen County, Va., was built by George Braxton, Sr., an English colonist, the father of George and Carter Brax¬ ton. This homestead after his death became the property of his elder son, George, who married Mary Blair, the daughter of John Blair, of Williamsburg, as shown by numerous letters addressed to this lady at Newington. When Colonel George Braxton died, his widow became the wife of Roger Prescott, an Englishman, who removed to her residence at Bull Run, or Enfield, Prince William County, Va.; these letters then furnish the evidence that “Newington” became the property of Carter Braxton, the signer. 122 CARTER BRAXTON (Signer of Declaration of Independence). •-.'M SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF CARTER BRAXTON. 123 The following letter frona Dr. J. Braxton Hicks, one of the great English physicians, a London man, inventor of several instruments which are or lately were in general use, furnishes most interesting facts connected with the Braxton family of England : “ 24 George Street, Hanover Square, W. “ March 29, 1890. “ I will make inquiries regarding the origin of the Braxtons of Vir¬ ginia. My mother was a Braxton of Lymington, Hampshire (Hantz). The family had been there for two or three centuries, many of them being buried in Milford churchyard, about four miles from Lymington, some tombstones dating back to 1600 something. There are various modes of spelling,—Breakstone, Brackstone,—but in this century it has been as my name is spelt. I have never heard of any of them going to the States. It is not a common name outside of our family; indeed, I have never heard it but once; so that it is very likely that the Virginia Braxtons came from my mother’s family. I have inquired of a third cousin whose mother’s name was Braxton,—a cousin of my mother’s mother,—but he has no tradition in his family. They were well-to-do as good middle class, and something above. My son, who has the name also, will over¬ look the history of Hantz, and perhaps we may find a hint. We have two sea paintings, done in 1820 or so by a Captain Elliott, who, I always understood, was a something cousin of ours. He was in the fieet that went to Naples after the end of our French war. They hang in my hall now, and are creditable p»rformances for an amateur. But whether his name and Elliott Braxton, Esq., have any connection I have no idea, but the hint may help you. I am inclined to think as a surname the name will die out, but it is in many families who have married into the Braxtons.* “The last of the name had only one daughter. He was one of the extinct race of independent yeomen, upwards of six feet high, upright in body and mind, simple in living, up at four a.m. in summer, six in winter. * G. R. Brown Horner, M.D., United States Navy, in “Medical Observations upon the Mediterranean,Spain” (“Horner’s Observations,” 1839), describing Gibraltar, says : “ Near the Rosia and Pavilion Barracks is the statue of General Elliott, who distinguished himself so much dur¬ ing the last and celebrated siege of Gibraltar, and that of Neptune, which was the figure-head of the St. Juan, a Spanish ship-of-the-line of one hundred and twenty guns, captured by the English.” This General Elliott may be of the same family as the artist referred to. 124 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. midday meal at twelve, in bed about eight p.m,, and died at a ripe age. If j’ou will wait a little, I will look up the itineraries of the county. “ In the meantime, I remain yours, faithfully, “ J. Braxton Hicks.” Carter Braxton * was born at “ l^^ewington,” on the Mattapony, in King and Queen County, Va., September 10, 1736, and died October 10, 1797, in the city of Rich¬ mond, Va, His father, George Braxton, was a wealthy planter, who married Mary, the daughter of Robert Car- * In connection with this portrait of Carter Braxton, the signer, Charles Tayloe Mason, Esq., thus writes: “ Chillicothb, Ohio, November 17, 1890. ” I have the miniature, elliptical in form, about two and a quarter by one and a quarter inches, painted on ivory, set in gold, surrounded by small pearls. I have no proof positive that this is a likeness of Carter Braxton other than that this and one similar in size, shape, and mount¬ ing (used as armlets, I suppose) were always in my father’s possession as having, with other things, belonged to my mother, Anna Tayloe Braxton. The miniature of the Corbin was lent to a lady member of that family and taken to Paris to be copied many years ago and never returned. I have been taught to believe this was a likeness of the signer, and some years ago, at the request of some member of the Braxton family, of King William County, had some photographs taken. One member expressed some doubts,—there is always a Thomas I—and a few months before my father’s death, which occurred in King George County, in May, 1888, I told him of this doubt, and he assured me there could be none. ‘‘My father, Charles Mason, of King George County, Va., married his second wife, Maria J. C. Randolph, daughter of Thomas Jefferson Randolph, at Edgehill, Albemarle County, in 1849. I married Susie Wood Janies here in Ohio in 1868, and, sad to say, she died in October, 1888. Except imperfect pencil dates of births and deaths, I have no papers or letters or Bibles,—two fires and the casualty of war swept the platter,—and the few relics I have wore saved from our burning house in Virginia by the thoughtfulness of my stepmother, named above, at the risk of her own life.” Here the author will state that through the courtesy of Major E. M. Braxton, ex-member of Congress and great-grandson of Carter Braxton, the signer, he obtained a copy of the miniature thus referred to and described. “NEWINGTON” (Residence of Carter Braxton). SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF CARTER BRAXTON. 125 ter, president of the council of the colony of Virginia, and in 1748 represented the county of King and Queen, being the colleague of John (known as Speaker) Robinson. Carter Braxton, whose ancestors were of English origin, was educated at the college of William and Mary. In the history of the institution and Catalogue of Alumni the name first appears in 1720; that of Carter Braxton in 1756. He inherited upon his father’s death a large estate. He graduated at William and Mary College at the age of nineteen. He married Judith, daughter of Christopher Robinson, of Middlesex. She dying in 1757, Mr. Braxton visited England, where he remained for several years, and returned in 1760. He married, in 1761, Elizabeth Corbin. He built a mansion at Elsin Green, on the Pamunkey, and another at Chericoke. He lived in a style of lavish hos¬ pitality, according to the fashion of that day. In 1761 he was a burgess from King William, and took an active part in the session of 1765. His colleague was Bernard Moore, son-in-law of Governor Spottswood. Mr. Braxton was in 1769 a signer of the non-importa¬ tion agreement, and in 1774 was a member of the conven¬ tion. He alv'ays coincided with the moderate counsels of Pendleton and Peyton Randolph. He was one of the Committee of Safety, was elected to Congress in place of the latter gentleman, and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. When Captain Montague, of the British man-of-war Howey, landed his marines at Williamsburg to defend Governor Dunmore against Patrick Henry’s threatened assault on the magazine, Mr. Braxton interposed his ef¬ forts to prevent matters from coming to extremities. Finding that Henry would not disband without receiving the powder which Dunmore had removed to Williams¬ burg or its equivalent, Mr. Braxton returned to the city and procured from Colonel Corbin, his father-in-law, then 126 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. the deputy receiver-general, a bill of exchange for the amount demanded, and, delivering it to Henry, succeeded in warding off the impending blow. He was thus essen¬ tially instrumental in effecting a settlement on behalf of ■ Lord Dunmore, and by which the excited populace were pacified. He was a member of the House of Burgesses when Patrick Henry’s celebrated resolutions were passed, and in 1769, when Governor Dunmore suddenly dissolved the assembly, with others retired to a private room in the famous Raleigh Hotel to devise a plan of resistance. He was a very active member of the last House of Burgesses ever convened in Virginia by royal authority. On the meeting of the general assembly, the first under the new constitution, with Mr. Jefferson they received a vote of thanks “ for the eloquence, ability, and integrity with which they executed the important trust reposed in them.” In subsequent years Mr. Braxton was a member of Con¬ gress in Philadelphia from 1777 to 1783, and from 1786 to 1791 he was a member of the council of his native State. This was at a time when Congress, cabinet, and all public functionaries were selected from the very Rite of the nation. Pure patriotism, commanding talent, and eminent services were the proud, indispensable requisites for official station in the early days of the republic. (See Campbell’s “ History of Virginia.”) Previous to the great struggle of 1776 Mr. Braxton, then a member of Congress, which had assembled in Philadelphia, published a pamphlet entitled “ An Address to the Convention of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia on the Subject of Government.” A critic of the day declared that it expressed the views of “ the little junto from whence it proceeded.” It was denounced by R. H. Lee as exhibiting “ confusion of ideas, aristocratic pride, and contradictory reasoning with evident ill de¬ sign.” The author regrets to have been unable to pro- SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF CARTER BRAXTON. 127 cure a copy of this valuable State paper. Patrick Henry’s opinion was, “ There was too great bias to aristocracy prevalent among the opulent.” The pure patriotism of Mr. Braxton remains, however, untarnished. “ Virtue may be assailed, but never hurt; Surprised by unjust force, but not inthralled ; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.” To him with others belongs the immortal honor to have declared “ that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States,” and to have pledged “ his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor to dissolve the political hands which have connected them with Great Britain.” In proof of the piety of the men who assembled in Congress at Philadelphia to devise measures to secure and maintain the national honor and to preserve the lib¬ erties of the American people, according to the history of the proceedings of that Congress, they were at tirst marked by a want of harmony and threatened dissolu¬ tion, when Benjamin Franklin proposed to appeal by prayer to the Supreme Euler of the Universe. It is well known that the resolution was promptly carried almost unanimously, the dissenting voters being delegates from South Carolina and Hew York, when Eev. Mr. Duche, an Episcopal clergyman, offered up the following earnest prayer: “ 0 Lord, our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers of the earth, and reignest with power supreme and uncontrollable over the kingdoms, empires, and governments, look down in mercy, we be¬ seech Thee, on these American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown them¬ selves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be hence¬ forth only dependent on Thee. To Thee have they ap- 128 THE BEAXTON FAMILY. pealed for the I’ighteousiiess of their cause; to Thee do tliey now look up for that countenauce and support which Thou aloue canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in council and valor in the held; defeat the malicious de¬ signs of our adversaries; convince them of the unright¬ eousness of their cause; and if they still persist in their sanguinary purpose, oh! let the voice of Thine unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle. Be Thou present, 0 God of wisdom! and di¬ rect the counsels of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation, that the scene of blood may be speedily closed and that order and harmony and peace may be restored, and truth and jus¬ tice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish among the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds. Shower down on them and the millions they represent such temporal blessings as Thou seest ex¬ pedient for them in this world, and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Saviour. Amen.” He proved worthy of an Anglo-Saxon ancestry in se¬ curing the passage by the general assembly of Virginia of an “ Act for Establishing Religious Freedom,” which he subscribed to December 17, 1785. It said,— “Whereas, Almighty God has created the mind that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion, who, being Lord both of body and mind, yet chooses not to propagate it by coercions on either; therefore “ Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, nor shall otherwise sufler on account of his re¬ ligious opinions or belief.” An interesting item lately revealed through the public press is, that the warming apparatus of those days in the SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF CARTER BRAXTON. 129 State Capitol, and still extant, consisted in “ a most aged stove, probably the most ancient in the United States, which may be seen in the Capitol at Richmond, Va. It was made in England in 1770, and was in the House of Burgesses sixty years before it was removed to its present location.” By reference to the late Bishop Meade’s volume, “ Old Churches and Families of Virginia,” we have evidence of Mr. Braxton’s connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church subsequent to its dismemberment from the parent church in England. Quoting from the records of the parish of King William, it appears Mr. Carter Braxton was the lay delegate from this parish in 1786 to the con¬ vention which reorganized the church in Virginia. In 1792 St. John’s Church was represented by Carter Brax¬ ton, Jr, In those days some of the vestrymen were ap¬ pointed from policy. They went so far as not to conceal their disbelief in Christianity. This author adds: “ Among the men of education, and that gotten chiefly in Europe, and distinguished on the civil list of Virginia’s history, are the Blairs, Banisters, and Braxtons, It was the shame of our forefathers, both here and in England, to fail to promote education among the poor and make them the bone and sinew of the State. It is our sin now not to give more attention to the common schools of Virginia in order to make them nurseries of good and great men.” There can be no doubt of the piety of the subject of this sketch. Both his ancestors and numerous descendants had been, and are at present, noble defenders of the Chris¬ tian faith. In lower Virginia at this period the men of property and education were the ruling ones of the par¬ ishes. Then the parish libraries consisted of the “ Book of Homilies,” the “ Whole Duty of Man,” and the “ Sing¬ ing Psalms.” From 1720 to the Revolution there was a decline of religion in the church of Virginia. Among the records appears a letter of the bishop of London against 130 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. swearing. There are frequent notices of the appointment by the civil authority of Thanksgiving Days, In the “ History of the College of William and Mary,” among the visitors elected to that institution in 1769 from King William County was Carter Braxton. This fact furnishes evidence of the interest which he evinced on behalf of education. George Braxton was a student from King and Queen in 1720; George Braxton, Jr., in 1756; George Braxton, son of Carter Braxton, of King William County, in 1775; Cai’ter Braxton, of Chericoke, son of George Braxton, in 1810. Among the names of the original members of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, established in Williamsburg, Decem¬ ber 5, 1776, appears that of George Braxton, “ The signers were indeed men of weight. Probably no country ever succeeded so well, before or since, in getting the very best of its people gathered to execute a common purpose. “ Whatever makes or enhances human force was repre¬ sented in it,—character, talents, reputation, wealth, distin¬ guished descent, experience in public and private business, —all were there, and all in an eminent degree. Yet, on looking over the list of their honored names, few of us now recognize more than one-third of them. “ A considerable number of the signers lost or greatly diminished their estates during the war, and many of them because they were signers. Thomas Jefferson was one of these. It was evident that Cornwallis singled out his property for special spoliation, even killing the colts that were too young to be of service, “ Carter Braxton, of Virginia, was one of the largest capi¬ talists in the Southern States at the beginning of the war. So many of his ships were taken by the enemy, and so many of his debtors failed, that he never again enjoyed pecuniary ease, if indeed he ever knew whether he was solvent or not.” (See Youth’s Companion, published in Boston.) One of the central counties of West Virginia is called Braxton. CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 131 CHAPTER 11. CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY, “Mt dearest Life. “ I have sent Loudon down to know how you do: I was glad to hear by M” Carter that you were better than when my Sister left you. I am sorry I ever thought of going a Burgess since you are so unwell, but as I have begun am willing to go through with it as well as I can whe. I am in hopes will he pretty well. I will if possible he down the latter end of this week to see you. Send Tuker up by the Flat. My compliments to the Family and tell y'' Daddy it is harder work than imagined. Pray send the enclosed Letter to M' Lightfoot. Give little Molly a thousand kisses for me. “ I am my darling “ Your loving Husband “George Braxton Nov : leth 1755.” “Richmond March 1781. “ It is with Pleasure I embrace this opportunity of enquiring after my dear Sister, who I must confess from the great hurry of business and my late indisposition has been neglected tho hope you have two generous sen¬ timent to suppose it proceeded from any other than the above mentioned reasons. The disappointment of not seeing you below hurts me much as it will not be in my power to see you up there, tho am far from wishing M' Whiting to impar his fortune for a few momentary Pleasures, that will undoubtedly be encreased by absence and delay. It is determined that I cannot leave the Country untill I am of age which time you well know. I hope in the interim you will adopt the same resolution that I have done— not to omit writing by every opportunity. We have had a great deal of myrth this Winter considering the confused crisis frequent Balls, sometimes Gallanting often in Love but never could tell who it was with— a few Bucks have lately arrived from France perfect Frenchmen and have so wholly attracted the attention of the Ladyes that but, their stamp will go down. It confirms me in the opinion I have long since formed—a speedy reformation to the greatest part of the sex is the sincere wish of your “ Affect Brother “ George Braxton 9 132 THE BEAXTON FAMILY. “ EememLer me to Bates and all my acquaintances in that part of the world tell the former I should be happy in receiving a letter from him— Send my waiscoats bj'- the first opportunity. “ Adieu.” “ I received yours together with B® on my way here after having perused the enclosed I™ Sorry to see the manner in which your acct was received by her. Her order on me or my Father was nothing more than to disapoint you ; the state of his affairs being well known to her in order to satisfy the two E® for horses her son purchased of them. I mentioned to her & also promis’d to discharge them provided she gave me an order to receive some Tob“ due her son; which she accordingly did hut have not been able to receive any; one being on M*' Stith & the other on M'' H. Clai¬ borne. My Father is situated in the Same manner with regard to her Son® affairs who left a pretty estate behind to satisfy all demands but am sorry to see M”® B. fall upon such a method as this to settle them—I wish sincerely I had as much of his property in my hands as would pay your Acct but have not one Shilling of his neither am I indebted anything to him. As to my Father her Son is much indebted to him & am well as¬ sured it does not suit him to advance either the Tob“ or specie ” I am D” Sir “ Yours Sincerely “ Geoegb Braxton.” “Dec 8 1781. “ To Mrs Mary Burwell on Bull Eun “ Dear Madam, “ By this time I had promised myself the completion of our Acct® & that of my Nephew & intended fully to transmit it to you. For this end I had written to M’’ Irving & sundry others hut have not been able to col¬ lect their Accts ag® George. Next week I am promised them & will as soon after as opportunity offers send it to you. Horses have so fallen in value of late that I fear the two you desired me to sell will command but little—the Stallion indeed is so old that few wish to be concerned with him. I have, however, desired my son to do the best with them. “ I am desired by a friend without the smallest Intention of giving you ofifence to know if D® Griffin should sell him the reversion of the Land you live on with his part of the negroes whether you have any Intention or would dispose of your part of Land or Slaves & on what terms. “This I mention at the instance of a Gentleman who would give a great Price for the Estate who hopes such a question will not be offensive to you. I told him I knew nothing of the affair, but would mention it to you. “ My son thinks it best to return the Horse to M” Whiting as he can CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 133 not sell him here scarcely for anything My love to M''® Whiting and respects to M® Whiting concludes me “ Madam your affec humb: Ser‘ “ Carter Braxton.” The signature of this letter, among the few extant of Carter Braxton, the signer, is marked by a striking origi¬ nality, boldness, and beauty. “ Mrs Braxton “ Newington “ in King & Queen.” In the signature of Carter Braxton in the original and copies of the Declaration of Independence these peculi¬ arities may be observed. One of the stately envelopes containing a letter dated 1761 preserves a profusion of the softest and richest golden hair, still glossy and in curls, and as fresh in appearance as when clipped from the head of the little child from whom it was taken to he sent to the absent relative at “ I7ewington.” Copy of memorandum-hook of lion. John Blair, presi¬ dent of the council of the colony of Virginia and father of Mrs. Mary Braxton “ M® Carter Braxton D® To cash lent him at Will“®burg £0. 7.6. c- To cash ))^ Indian Will 0. 4.6. “ M® Thom® Swann D-- To cash at Billiards 0.17.3. “ John Benjer To ca.=li 1. 1.6. “ M® Tarvile Brewer To cash won of him 0.17.3. “ M® John Robinson To cash lent him 1. 1.6. “ M'' Charles Carter younger. To cash lent him 0. 2.6. * The memorandum-book of Mrs. Braxton reveals a secret of the higb-born ladies of Virginia in the matter of winning money by games of chance and of horse-swapping that will amuse if not startle the prudent dames of the present. 134 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. Page. 2. “July at Westover 1753. “ W“ Byrd Esqr Dr To cash won at Billiards £139.16.0. To D" at Williams^burg 19. 7.0. “Ball: Due 1.36. 7.0. “ Aruistead Burwell Esqr D'' £. s. d. To cash won of him at Tarpley® 4. 6.0. To D“ at D» 188. 2.6. £76. 4.6. 23.13.0. “ The Ballance C^: £ 100 . 16. 4.0. D-^ 6. 7.6. 6. 9.0. 0. 6.3. D^ 1 . 10 . 0 . 6. 9.0. 7.19.0. 6.17.6. “ Burwell Bassett. C'' by Cash 1. 1.6. by Cash 6.17.6. “ Burwell Bassett D^ To Cash upon M'' Blair® account 8. 7.6.” “ Index “ BaF® Due “ W“ Byrd SepP By Cash received at Leed® Town “ Amistead Burwell Esqr. By Cash at Tarpley® By D® at Wetherburn® and Tarpley® “ Capt P. Johnson To Cash for his mare To cash at H. H. To 1 Hhd® Tobacco “ M"' John Blair To cash “ Aug* 20^’' 1753, at Brick House “ M’’ Burwell Bassett To cash won at Back“ To cash in swap of a Horse Burwell Armistead page 4. Byrd W“ Esqr 4. Johnson Phillip 4. Swann Thomson 4. Benjer John 3. Brewer Tarvelle 3. Carter Charles page 3, Brooke George 2. Braxton Carter 2. Brooke Humph^ 1. Spotswood John 1. CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 135 “Lands belonging to the Braxton Estate. Memorand: of Patents for Land R. P. 832 Acres Greenbrier R. P. 1048 Acres Greenbrier County “4310 R. P. 1920 “ Harrison County 320 R. P. 710 “ Harrison County. - Henry Banks 320 Acres in Botetourt County. “ 4630 “ Taxable Property Given in by 1. white Titheable 15. Blacks Ditto 4. under 16 & over 12. “ James Kelly ran away in my debt for Rent £.6.0.0. “ Land Rents for 1796. Miller £20.0.0. Duff 12.0.0. Kelly 10.0.0. “ Negroes that are mine hired 1796. Men £ 18. Will “ 18 Lewis “ 18 Cymon Women £ 8 Sally. “ 6 Betty “ 8 Nancy “ 3 Rachel. “ Negroes hired for the Estate of 2 Men £40, two women 1 Smith £45 “ Negroes hired for E : Whiting 3 Men £60 M'" Prescott Apr y' O'** 1797. 1 Post Chaise 12. Horses. Land “Witness Eliz: Whiting. “Negroes Hired 1796. 2 Men @ £18. £36.0.0. 2. Women @ 5. & 6£ 11.0.0. A smith @ £20. 20.0.0. “ My Dower from £67. “ Balance £22. 5.8. £.44.17.4. “Negroes of my Children hired 1796. Men £ 18 Great Lewis “ 18 Little Lewis Women £ 6. Alsy “ 5 Hannah. “ Land Rents for the year 1797. Kelly £10.0.0 Duff 12.0.0 Roper 15.0.0 Miller 20 0.0 H. W. 6 Women £48.0.0. 45.0.0. £93.0.0. The elegant estate of Enlield in the county of I’rince William and ITewington, with all of the above property, have been alienated from the heirs and descendants of the family. “ 0 tempora! O mores!” 136 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. In a letter from General Washington to Mr. Custis (“Recollections of Washington”), Washington agrees to leave the valuation of some property in King William County to Colonel Braxton, “ a gentleman unconnected with himself and Mr. Custis,” the other party. Again writing to the same person, he says : “ Aug‘ 24‘>i 1779. “ You must have observed the depreciation of the paper currency which will continue til there is a stop to further emissions. Your Sale of the York Estate to Col; Braxton for £20.000, which would now fetch £100.000 ; this sum I am persuaded would be refused by that gentleman.” Again: “ Oct: 26*'' 1779 “ As the most prudent method I am determined to sell all my cattle that have not had the distemper and get those that have had it from King William. The distemper has killed several for M* Braxton.”* The wife of Colonel Braxton was Mary Blair, daughter of John Blair, Sr., of Williamsburg. This lady was three times married, viz.: to Colonel Braxton, Colonel Burwell, and to Mr. Prescott. Kumerous letters attest these facts, e.g., one is addressed to “Mrs. Braxton, at Kewington;” another to “ Mrs. Burwell, Bull Run, Prince William,” and, thirdly, is presented her signature in a letter from the family mansion, Enfield Farm, “ M. Prescott.” Her brother. Judge Blair, addresses her “ Mrs. Mary Burwell, in Prince William.” “FAtTQurBR May 19**' 1787. “ Madam ” M* Blair of W“*burg wrote to me some time ago on this Subject. I then informed him I had M* Braxton® receipt for the money which I had paid to prevent any dispute with the heir of M* George Braxton. It was * Subsequent to the late civil war in this country epidemic diseases prevailed not only among cattle, hut sheep, hogs, and poultry perished in large numbers during the years 1873-80. CllI.ONEL UEOKGE BUAXToN. COERESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 137 a fair Swap I made with M'' Braxton for the horse I sold and did not know he was llie property of M'' Whiting. “ I am Madam “ Yr liumb : Ser‘ “Robt Randolph “ P. S. I will enclose yr letter to Carter Braxton.” “ Dr Daughter, “ I opened this to see what excuse M'' Randolph would make. He paid Braxton only to stop so much money in his own hands for the Land M'^ B : owed him for. A pretty excuse, he paid M'' C. B. to pre¬ vent the heirs of M'' G. B. and can that he the way to prevent Justice? I have a letter of G B® that says he was present when the Swap was made that R. II. was to give a Black horse if yr: Brother liked him, if not he was to pay the Price he sold him for which was 45 Guineas. Shuffling is very much the vogue. I set Lewie off at 7 oc. Saturday morn® & M' Dixon and his Sister met him at four in the afternoon hut 13 miles from this place and then was riding as fast as he could go. I gave him a charge to take great care of the old Horse and that is the way he per¬ formed his promise. Tell him !'■ have him paid for it. Poll is well. “ Adieu with love, “ M. Burwell.” “Mr Bushrod Washington of Richmond, “ Sir, “ Inclosed are the papers I had selected for M"' Lee and yourself some time past for the defence of the Suit brou‘ against me by M'' Braxton will I hope be sufficient in the settling of the Business. The trouble writing gives as my sight fails makes me wish to see you & suppose you will attend the Court at Dumfries, if so, beg jou will let us hear & if Possible I will meet you, unless you should be coming up to this neigh¬ bourhood when we should claim a visit exclusive of Business. M' Pres¬ cott is not at home. My Respects to yr Lady & hope she will be visiting her aunt Soon that we may participate of that Pleasure also. “ I am sir “ With the highest esteem “ Your mo‘ obliged “ M. Prescott. “Enfield: Prince William Cty Va “May 9‘» 1793.” “ Near Hatmarket Prince Wm Cty Enfikl Farm “ Augt 24'*’ 1794. “ Dr Betsey, “ A late letter brougt us the sad news yr Sister Washington was taken with a Bilious Cholic two hours before day & was a corps before night. Col® Alexander came up & brou' George Dumfries to see us, he & Frank 138 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. are both well. They are in want of Hatts. Geo: went up to Smith® store but could not get any there. Geo : told me M''® Alexander told him to bring some winter Cloaths down with him for next month wd : be cold. He says he has only a winter waiscoat. Mr. Clayton says he is gets cloth for the Boys. I" write to him ab^ it. One of y"^ Letters arrived lately but not the one ab‘ B® affairs, that I supposed is lost. My D'' Polly I am truly concern’d at yr not going on with y’' Musick. Time will not wait for you & losing it will not do. When yr Birth day arrives I shall celebrate it & drink yr Health. Miss in her teens will be remembered. In the Alexandria paper I saw the Inclosed advertisement which I sent down to Mr Clayton to make enquiries as to the Price. But it was sold. DocP Steward bou* it for one of the Miss Custises and gave 120£ for it. This was a sum I should be very lotlie to give, was it in my Power without a certainty it wd not be thrown away. Do my D’' borrow yr Mamma® humbrella and exert yourself in doing what will induce us to get you a good Instrument and we shall not omitt every encouragement. I am sorry to hear the acct: yr Mamma gives of yr hating writing. Poking yr head and not minding her admonitions. I beg my D’' Girl I may not hear these things of you again. Geo: claims yr Promise of a Guinea & half. He has got through the Grammer. Col® Alexander does not expect to keep Murdoch another year. The neighborhood has recov¬ ered its usual Healthy State. Poor M’' Baylor has lost his Daughter Court¬ ney with a putrid Sore Throat. “ My Brother (Judge Blair) got overset six miles on the other side of Dumfries and broke the Top of his carriage. He receiv'* a slight cut on the forehead and bruised his head just above the Temple, ye headache fol¬ lowed for a short time & a small degree of stupor lasted somewhat longer but says he had eaten a hearty breakfast and hoped to forget it all, tho, the sun was likely for the rest of his Journey to make him regret loosing the shade he had carried with him. The Docf told me he had wrote from Philadelphia and was well, long may he continue so. I find by the House got ready he must have been told of Jenny® Intention before he left W“®burg. Lewis Whiting is at Snow Hill and hope to get him to carry my LetP® down and hope they will get a ready conveyance. I have wrote to M’' Page once more for the Spinnet and think it will do a while for Polly to Practise on. I am almost blind with writing thus far. God Bless you all & give you Health and every Comfort you can wish is the Sincere Prayer, of “ y' ever afiect®*® mother “ M. Prescott.” “ Dear Madam, “ I do not think it will be in my power to meet you at Richmond neither do I perceive, at present, the use it would be, to accommodate the CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 139 business between us and your Uncle you know I have sent once to Rich¬ mond for the Ser* and shall always find it a reluctant business to run the risk of being again duf>ed by the plausible subtility of the Gent: who de¬ tains him neverless, had I confidence that an order would procure him I should not hesitate to send again Of this you must be a better judge; and from you I must seek information. I suppose you have heard that the unsettled acct® between your Uncle, Mamma and yourself are refered to M'' Lacy therefore it will be proper to make this Gent: acquainted with the nature of your claims. If they can be stated in writing it will be well to do it soon, otherwise they will wait your coming. I will try to procure a certain Receipt from M'' Randolph. I regret exceedingly that Miss Mary® musical pursuits are suspended. Your good Mamma has wrote such a letter as I am persuaded will procure her own Instru¬ ment. I will be equally forward to get a good one when our young Scholar has made some progress. There are reports of your Cousin Neddy® matrimonial trips over to Miss Love. I feel myself very sensibly obliged for the polite invitation to your happy habitation. No opportu¬ nity will be lost to shew your good Mamma the road to her friends in W“®burg. I earnestly wish when that happy time arrives that she may appear with the same health she now possesses. The carriage being under way I have only time to add “Adieu R. Prescott. “To Mrs Elizabeth Whiting wee Braxton “ In the Mountain, “ Thursday Eve “ Sept ’94.” From the “ General Catalogue of William and Mary College,” published 1859, appear the names of the follow¬ ing students at William and Mary College : George Braxton, 1720, King and Queen County. Carter Bra.xton, 1756, King and Queen County, signer of Declaration of Independence. George Braxton, 1756, King and Queen County (the last two sons of George Braxton). George Braxton, 1775, King William County (son of Carter Braxton). Carter Braxton, 1777, King William County. Corbin Braxton, 1777, King William County. Carter Braxton, 1810, Chericoke, King William County (son of George Braxton). 140 THE BRAXTON FAMILA". The letter-hook of Colonel George Braxton, brother of Carter Braxton and the husband of Mary Blair, contains interesting data. First letter : “ To “ Mr Saml Lyde, “ Mrt. “ London. “ Virginia, Auajust 24*'“ 1765. “Sir; “ I have shipped you two Hhds of extraordinary Fine Tobacco. “If it should so happen that I have sent for more things than the Tob" is sufficient to pay for, you have other Effects in your hands. I de¬ sire then you woud omit sending the saddle, Bridles & Books, but if pos¬ sible omit nothing and jmu may expect Effects sufficient to pay for them in a short time. Let every thing you send me be of the best kind. I am. Sir, with compliments to your intended consort & your Brother “ Your very ohed‘ hble Servt “George Braxton “ By the Nelson “ Capt. Watson.’’ “ To “ Mr Robt Cart & Company “ London. “Virginia Eeb'’J' 25, 1755. “ Gentlemen. “ On Board the Baltimore Captain Randolph I have .shipped ten Hhds of Tobacco; they looked upon here as good stout Tobacco wh“ have thought proper to consign. Upon them you have inclosed an Invoice of Some Goods. Be so kind as to send the Goods by the first opportunity to York River & you’* “ oblige. Gent: “ your hum’’ serv* “ George Braxton. “by the Baltimore “ Captain Randolph.” “Virginia, Feh^’ 25, 1765. “Sir: “On board the Baltimore Captain Randolph I’’®shipped eleven Hhds of Tob» “ I have drawn on you for Twenty odd Pounds payable to John Car- CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 141 ter. I hope you will do Honour to my Draught. I shall remit you a much greater Quantity the ensuing year especially if a favorable season. “ Your very hble ser* “ Be cautious in purchasing your Garden Seeds and get them fresh. “ To Mr John Maynard “ Mercht: London.” “ViROA: 1. Nov: 1755. “ Messrs Lidderdale & Starmer, Bristol “ Gentm “ I have drawn on you of the 31®‘ last month for 200£ payable to the honble Peter Randolph Esqr who engages with me that my draught shall he paid. I have also agreed with him to ship on Board the Planter Cap¬ tain Aiseby 34 Hhds: of Toh" consigned to you, and to pay you interest for the mone}' advanced til you shall be in cash for the sales of my To¬ bacco & I also engage to pay dead frght: for so much of the 34 Hhds. of Toh“ as I shall fail to ship in the Planter. “ I am Gent. “ Your hble ser‘ “ George Braxton.” ‘ ‘ Mr Maynard “Virga March 13: 1756. “Sir: “The Goods you sent me by Capt: Baker came very safe: lucky for me that you put your Goods on hoard ‘Baker’ instead of ‘Patterson’ for all his Freight was damaged and many hundreds of pounds worth of Goods Entirely ruined. Your honouring my Draught to John Carter I am thankful of. The Excessive Drought this last summer and spring will disable me from performing my Promise of sending you a dubble Quantity of Tobacco. I believe many of the ships this year will stay pretty long in the Country so long as to take some samples of our Indigo Home. For my part I get such small prizes for my Tobacco that I would make a Tryal of any commodity rather than wear my negroes out in making and cultivating a worthless weed. The Indigo must be a valuable commodity when it sells upon an avaridge for six shill’gs sterling a Pound as the Southern Indigo really does. I am prepared this j'ear to make a Tryall of it & am in hopes shall be able to ship this summer or early in the fall a Thousand or fifteen Hundred weight of such as will procure the Bounty of sixpence pr: pound that is allowed the Carolina men wh” I flatter myself will be granted us Virginians. “Your hble ser* “George Braxton. “ I desire you* send me a good cook & gardener upon wages let mo have the best that can be got.” 142 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. “Messrs Bosworth & Griffith. “ Gent : “ Your Letter of the 10"' of August: 56 came to Hand. I think one of such a stamp enough to convince me who I had to deal w"' Gent if I may so stile you pardon my boldness, you mention my having drawn on you for a sum of money and shipped my Effects to another House but this you say without foundation for I never shipped Messrs Stanbury a p* of Tobacco my Days and what he had by the Swift was ship'* him by my Father® Executors I wrote you a letter after the Swift had sailed from hence to acquaint you that those Tobacco I did propose sending you were neglected by the Capt: indeed I must own it now does not give me any uneasiness for I’de rather pay ten pr: Ct. for such a sum of money than be concerned w"* you. Indeed I never had thought of it, had I not been overpersuaded by a worthy Gen" who had he lived would have been sur¬ prized at such Behavior from persons who I believe he entertain** a great opinion : a man of means you likewise tell me what is known and that is that my word should be my Bond. • ‘ ‘ I am “ Yours “ George Braxton. “I™ always acted to the best of my Knowledge consistent w"'the strictest Rules of Honour & Justice w'*' when I deviate from may I de¬ servedly censured and rebuked by even you. “ G. B.” “ Messrs Lidderdalb & Harmsr, Bristol “ Gentlemen. “ I doubt not my Draught for 200£. Ster® on you will meet due hon¬ our & since I only drew for little more than six pounds p" H** hope you* send me the goods I now send you an invoice of. The scarcity of Tobacco this year will doubtless greatly increase the Price. I never knew it bear so great a price w*** us [as] now; had I not pre-engaged to ship my To¬ bacco believe I shou'* be induced to take the great offers of the Merch*® here. Send my Goods by the first Ship as they are for my negroes, and will be much wanting, the Goods may amt: to lOOjE. Sg. w°*' 1 flatter myself (such a year as this) my Tobacco will pay for very Easily, but if shall fall in your debt shall send you more to discharge it the next year. I wish the Planter safe to you “ Your obt hble ser* “George Braxton.” “ Virga Dec. IQ*** 1766. “ Messrs Cary & Co. “ Gentn “ On board the Earl of Halifax I have shiped you a Barrel of Indigo mark** G. B. No. 2, qt LIBS'* wh: is allowed by the best judges here to CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 143 be equal to the best french when I wrote you some time ago, I then ex¬ pected to send you a 1000 or 1500 weight but not being so well acquainted w*** the process as I ought faiF greatly however if this small parcel an¬ swers my expectations I shall be satisfied knowing I can make more by it than Tobacco. I shall have Tobacco ready for Capt: Johnson when he arrives, the Invoice you have inclosed you* be pleased so to let Arbuthnot have the purchasing of the woman® cloaths ; inclosed you have a Lef for her w*** Directions; let ’em be all sent by the first Ship. “ I am “ Gent** “ Yours G. B.” “ Mb Maynard “ Sir, “ When I wrote my last by the Earl of Halifax I forgot to mention an Article or two that I am much in want of and desire you will send them by the first opportunity to York River. Upon a settlement of my Father® Estate a few days ago we were prevented settling his English Accts: for want of yours which we shou’d be glad to have as soon as pos¬ sible, by his books you are in his debt which Ball: I shall take upon myself as we correspond together; looking over the Books I find that you used to send my Father and Grand Father cargoes of Goods to dis¬ pose for you, if you have any Inclination to try any adventures of that sort, I will do myself the pleasure to serve you upon the most reasonable Terras for theirs as well as your sake; if you should be inclinable to it I would advise you to send your Goods always early in the Spring and Fall then your Remittance will be quick but you must expect em in Tob° which I presume will be of great vallue since so many of our Planters go upon making Indigo now ; I sent you parcel of my own manufacture by the Earl of Halifax who I hope is with you by this. “ I am Sir : your ob* Humble Servant “George Braxton.” “ Virginia July 2'*'i 1767. “ Messrs Lidderdale & Co. “ Gentl : ‘‘ I was very desirous of having my Tob“ to an early market but, dis¬ appointed by not having a ship in this River. I have kept nigh forty Hhds: dead waiting for freight nay I ordered to be insured a hundred on board the True Patriot and could get but 20 in her. I am heartily sorry I did not know of yr: wanting a Command*' for a ship. I would recommend a Relation of mine that has been used to the seas ten years past and recom** by his Master Capt: Watson of London, to be a com- pleat Navigator and fitt for a com** His name is M*' Brooke. He has been since Watson left of the seas Mate to Capt. Talman in Cary & Co. of London Employ. I have received a Letter from him, wh**** informs 144 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. me he believes he shall get a ship of them, but as I could wish to have the pleasure of assisting him with a Loading every year should be glad he was in yr; Business; if j’ou can provide him with one; advise me of it and I will dissuade him from Entring into the London Business ; a ship of abt a Hundred Hogsheads will be large enough. I have shiped thirty five Hhds: of Tob® which be pleased to insure as you have done the rest at Ten pounds sterling p'' Hogshead, clear in case of accidents. “ I am Gent: with great Esteem Your obt Hble ser* “George Braxton.” “Virginia, July 28: 1757. “ Messrs Liddkrdale & Co. of Bristol. “ Gentn “ The second Instant I wrote you & desired Insurance on thirty five Hghs. but you have been so often been disapointed in receiving my Tob® that I hardly Expect you will make my Insurance ; however that you may blame Col® Peter Randolph for : he insisted on my agreeing to ship one Hund : Hghs : on board Capt Randolph but when he found he could load the ship w“'out myne he resolved so to do, I suppose because he new I was under an obligation to keep so much for you, but this is the last time I will suffer myself to be so treated, therefore expect to have a ship in this river, that I may always be certain of Prght and avoid the Danger of having my Tob® Damaged in going round. I have had several my Draughts presented to me for taking up that were under yr : protest but no letter from you to that purpose w®*" a little surprized me but I reasona¬ bly conclude my Bills wou’d not, met w“' such Pate, had my Tob® come according to your Expectations not that I say you ought to have honour'^ Em but that I did not doubt you wou’d do it after yr letter promising you wou’d endeavor to comply w'"*’ my Request. I am sorry I was obliged to draw for more than you could supply me w‘'^ as Ten P’’ St: is a heavy Burden however my next crop I hope will sufiice to discharge ’em. I hope if I shou’d renew these Bills in the Fall you will accept ’Em. In¬ closed is a Copy of an Invoice sent the 2“‘i July for Goods. “ I am Gent® “ Your obt Hble serv‘ “ George Braxton.” “ Mr John Backhouse “ Sir : “ I have sent you a small sample of my Indigo to see what price it will bear w**“ you. The weight you have on the Box. Inclosed is a bill of jading for my Tob® on board the Otway w®'’ I heartily wish a good market. If I draw on you for any money shall take care to advise properly. “ I am Sir with very great Respect “ your ob* Hble Ser‘ “ George Braxton.” CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 145 “ Mr Bacon : “ Sir : “ ViRGA Sept 7“' 1757. “ By the Industry Capt: Younger, I received the Cargo ship’d as per Invoice. I can with pleasure say they were a Cargo of well bought Goods. I mentioned a young Gent" in my last one Mr. Brooke as a very proper Gent“ for a Capt“ if you won’* make Tryal of him in a ship of about three Hund: & fifty or four Hundred Hghs. I dare answer for him he will please j^ou, as well as induce many of his Friends here to correspond w‘'' you ; he is a near Relative of mine & I will show all the Respect due to so honest a man. My best Endeavors shall not be wanting to procure him his Loading at all times. I am well satisfied of his quick Despatch from Hence when ever he may come or wou’d not so strongly recommend him I have not the pleasure of seeing M'' Gilb* Franklin since his Arrival. I flatter myself I shall [have] the pleasure of entertaining him before he leaves the Country. “ I am Sir “ Yr Hble Serv‘ “• Geo. Braxton.” “ ViRoA Sept I"* 1757. “ Mr Maynard, “Sir: “Yr Fav:"" of the 10““ March, by the Lydia Capt: Teaze came to Hand safe inclosing Bill of Parcels &c. of Goods, as well as yrs of the 12“* ult: advising the unhappy fate of the Earl of Halifax; I was the more particular concern** for yr sake as not having Effects for the Goods you were so kind to send ; be assured S'" yr : genteel Behavior shall always meet w*** due acknowledgements & the most grateful Returns. I did di¬ vide my Consignments to yours and Carys House. I sent for some Goods there but upon hearing the fate of the ship they refused to send tliem. This is such a piece of Extraordinary Behavior that I resolve to trouble these Gent“ no further w'** my Consignments. I therefore desire you* pay off my Account w“* them wh'** is but a small Balance as per their own Acct* you have inclosed. I have sent you a small Quantity of In¬ digo of this year’s growth, w'** is all I have dry enough for importation (?) and this we have got ready w*** some difficulty. I am in a fair way for a large Crop w'** you may expect by the first ships after its ready dry. The Quantity, mark &c of this Indigo you have as per Certifieate inclosed, the goodness of it no one will dispute. I have sent you prime Indigo that you may sell it well and thereby procure yourself many of those Con¬ signments, my Endeavors shall not be wanting to give you yr : deserved Character with Regard to Indigo. I could get no Frght. for Tob" to you this year neither of Brown or Hubbard. Inclosed is a long Invoice of Trifles for House use that are wanted. I shall be obliged to you to send 146 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. them by the first ships, if it wou'* not be ill convenient to you to do it without Effects w‘’*‘ could not he sent so soon as this Fleets sails but you may expect in the next shiping. “ I am Sir, “ Yr Hble Serv*' “G-ko: Braxton.” “ ViRQA July 1760. “ Mr John Backhouse : Liverpool ‘‘ Sir, “ I rec^ your Fav'' dated the 22“* Jani last inclosing my acct; currant and of sales for five Hogs*® Tob“ I shou'd have sent you several Hogsh*® by the Return of the Monmouth but she was full before I cou’d get them to the Inspection, so that I shall be disapointed geting it to you unless I can hear of a Liverpool vessell that will give Liberty if I can you may depend upon it. I confess I am pleased w**“ the acct of my last five Hogsheads “ I am Sir “ your very Hble Ser‘ “George Braxton” “SepU 61. “Mr Jno: Lidderdale Senr Merch‘ in London “Sir. “ Since my last to you of the 7‘'' Instant relative to a Horse Mr Thomas Roots is to buy for me, I have been prevail* on by my Friends to desire a very fine one may be bought wh“’^ is imagined will pay for himself by sooner than an indifferent one; have therefore determined to do it if you will be kind enough to advance the money w*** possibly may be two or three Hundred pounds sterR tho : perhaps much cheaper ; but be that as it may you may depend upon a full remittence the first crop after his arrival besides allowing you interest for your money, I shall esteem it a singular Favor and acknowledge it accordingly, “ your very ob‘ Hble ser* “George Braxton.” “Virginia Sept 21®‘ 1761. “ Dear Sir. “ Since my last to you of the or 9**“ instant by Capt: Boyes relative to a Horse I have been advised by many good Friends to get an extra¬ ordinary one of Two or three Hundred Guinneas price that such a one will pay for himself in the same time or sooner than one of a hundred Guinneas price, I have therefore determined to do it upon w**' have selected out of the race Books (w“'' are very authentick) a List of Horses very well bred and ran well one of those last year and the year before. GEOKGE liUAXTON AS A BOY. CORRESPONDENCE OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 147 Shou’d be glad to have that is large handsome & a fine Bay. I have placed them in the order that I like them : best & so on. I don’t doubt but some of those might be bought for a great deal less than three Hun¬ dred pounds if Mr Lidderdale shou'* seem the least backward in leting you have the money I shall be obliged to you to advance it, for me. I will pay the same profit you cou’d have made by it any other way besides always hereafter thankfully acknowledging the favour. However send him by the first good opportunity & let him want for nothing to bring him over safe ; insure fully: get a careful Servant to come over with him, and the man you are to buy me; all this you will infinitely oblige “ Dear Sir, “ your affect® Friend “ To Thomas R. Roots Esqr. “ London.” ‘‘ & Hble Ser* ‘‘G. Braxton. It is evident from the above letter that Colonel Braxton was a lover of blooded horses, and perhaps also of the turf. Another letter will reveal how his son and widow were unjustly dealt with by a party who got possession, it may be, of the horse above described and purchased at great expense. Colonel Braxton proved to be a man of extensive business capacity and of large wealth, adding largely to his “Hewington” estate by the purchase of other valuable plantations. In “ Recollections of Mount Vernon,” by G. Washington Parke Custis, is mentioned a letter from his guardian, General G. Washington, in which he says that he considers Mr. Custis’s sale of an estate to Mr. Braxton for twenty thousand pounds was a sacrifice of the property, though made on account of the cattle plague, which all efforts had failed to eradicate, and occurring in the midst of the Revolutionary War. The following memoranda concludes all of the copy of Colonel Braxton’s business letter-hook, viz.: “ I agreed w^** Alexander Oliver Gardener to make a Court yard before my Door according to Art; and after the best manner I shall think proper, that he is likewise to finish my falling Garden w^** a Bolling Green and a neat Fish Pond and that he is to make my Kitchen Garden agree- 10 148 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. able to the rest. That I am to allow him Three Hands and give him forty Pistoles; he is to find himself: Bed: washing, victuals and everything except a Room to lodge and keep his Seeds &c in.” CHAPTER III. EXTRACTS PROM THE DIARY OP CARTER BRAXTON, JR , IN ENGLAND, 1788^9. About the year 1869 the author visited Fredericksburg, Va., and through the courtesy of Mrs. Warren Slaughter, to whom he was introduced by her brother, Major Elliott M. Braxton, M. C., obtained permission to make the following extracts from the second volume of the diary of their grandfather. Carter Braxton, Jr., the son of the signer: “ August. “ This month and the succeeding one are the most lonely and tiresome in London of any in the whole year. All persons who have the means retire to the country, and for the most part to some bathing place. Brighton, situated on the seashore, being the residence of the Prince of Wales, receives a great part of the gay and extrava¬ gant. The taste of the heir apparent for pleasure ensnares to the place which he inhabits a crowd. He has, more¬ over, such popular qualifications that he gives delight to all who are near him. His marine pavilion at Brighton is spoken of as a grand and elegant residence of royalty. These watering places, as they are termed, afford a much easier access to good company than is to be had in Lon¬ don. There are public rooms opened every night where the price of admittance is very trifling. A few days since, at the request of two gentlemen and the instigation, too, of my own desires, I consented to go with them to Mar¬ gate to pass two or three weeks from town. When we were at the office to take places in the coach a fear that I should lack money crossed my mind. I wrote to my banker, who had made remittances for my support, to EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF CARTER BRAXTON, JR. I 49 send me one hundred and hfty pounds. To my confu¬ sion, when the servant returned, instead of the money, as he had been accustomed, he handed me a note. The purport proved, as I conjectured, an absolute refusal to advance any money, notwithstanding he had several hogs¬ heads of mine unsold and unaccounted for; we were now square. Never was any mind so perplexed. As fortune would have it, I had nine guineas in my pocket. But when these were spent, how was I to acquire subsistence in a foreign land, three thousand miles from home, with¬ out a friend? In this dilemma prudence might have ad¬ vised an abrupt retreat, hut the advantages to be derived by my staying in England five months longer I thought too momentous to be neglected. There is no situation in life so awkward and xxnpleasant as borrowing money. The consequence of it is as deplorable when coolness, a breach of friendship, or an eternal malice too frequently comes from it. I therefore shall resort to an expedient usually practised. I drew upon a merchant in whose hands I had not a shilling. I carried the note to a banker. lie counted it immediately at the rate of five per cent. “ ‘ Sir; 6th September, 1788. value received, the sum of £50. “ ‘ Mr. Blane, Merchant, “ ‘ Walbrook.’ At two months sight pay to my order “ ‘Carter Braxton. “ ‘ Accepted, “ ‘ Thos : Blane. “ When I delivered the draft to the banker I signed my name on the back. “ The obstacles to my passing a few weeks in the coun¬ try being removed, I packed up clothes enough to last for a month, and made the necessary arrangements for visit¬ ing Brighthelmstone, a town in Sussex, on the sea-shore, about sixty miles from London. The 11th of September I slept at the Blue Boar, that I might arise certainly in the morning early enough to go in the mail-coach. This inn is perhaps one of the most extensive in the world. The constant noise and bustle, the rattling of carriages and calling up the drivers, made a constant din through- 150 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. out the "whole night. It was impossible for me to sleep, and particularly on that night. I had a very high fever, which I had partly brought upon me by the extreme cau¬ tion of a warming-pan, whey, etc. I paid only one pound for my passage, and three shillings for my trunk, the coach containing six persons; at Charing Cross we took up three more. We passed through East Grimstead and Lewes. The rapid manner of travelling prevented me from making any accurate observation. The country of Sussex is in general open and barren of trees. There are a variety of extensive downs interspersed over the face of it which produce delicious mutton. I arrived at five o’clock in Brighton and immediately met with my friend, Mr. ISTichols, who introduced me to a mess of gentlemen at the old Ship Tavern. The day after reaching Bright- helmstone I was contiirually turning my eyes rvestward over the sea and thinking of Br. Johnson’s repl}' when he was carried to the Castle Hill in Edinburgh to enjoy the agreeable prospects, ‘ That though there was a fine view, the most pleasing object which struck him was the road to England.’ “ On Monday morning I saw all the company pre¬ paring to go out to the race-ground, where a stag was to be pursued by the prince’s hounds, and curiosity led me with the crowd. After climbing a hill full a mile high, I reached the ground. A large concourse of ladies ap¬ peared. The stag at length ran out of sight, aud the spectators, wearied with the diversion, returned to town. The pavilion of the Prince of Wales is properly described by simplex mundiiiis it is neat, with no semblance of pomp or grandeur. I went through the stables; the horses are the noblest race of brutes—there were forty. His race-horses are kept at Hew Market. ^‘•Library .—A band of music plays one or two hours every day. There is a diversion of rafiliug very com¬ monly pursued. “ A chalybeate —a neat small house built over a mineral spring. The waters had been analyzed and pronounced very healthy. Hard by there was a sequestered grove well suited to the plaints of Love. Here was the ap¬ pointed place where vows to heaven were made. Sea¬ bathing is enjoyed in very great perfection at Brighton. EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF CARTER BRAXTON, JR. 151 There is a great number of machines ranged along the beach for this purpose. Sometimes the sea is too rough to bathe. As there is a much more accurate description of these machines in ‘ Humphrey Clinker’ than I can give, I refer the reader to that book. “ London. “ There is no convenience in life that this town does not aftbrd. Instead of borrowing books any longer, I have now become a subscriber to Bell’s Circulating Library. “ November 5, 1788. “ This day has been much celebrated throughout Eng¬ land and particularly by all the Whigs. It was on that day exactly one hundred years since the landing of King Wil¬ liam from Holland, whence the people of this nation date the rise of their liberties and a boundary affixed to regal power. The cause of his coming was [that] upon the ab¬ dication of James H. the right of William to the crown was [established] by his marrying Mary. The facts are too well known to be enlarged upon here. " November 18. “ It has been now ten days since the illness of the king was made public. Whether it is brought on by abstemi¬ ousness of living, which he has long observed, or whether by the Cheltenham waters he drank last summer, is a mat¬ ter of much contention among the faculty. Be it as it may, his mind is now entirely deranged. He knows nobody, recollects nothing, and is completely a maniac. “December 13, 1788. “ In consequence of an invitation from a lady to drink tea and play cards, I dressed myself cap-a-pie (?) and drove to her house. There were several carriages in the street when I alighted. I was met !)y the mistress of the house. Every moment there were violent knocks at the door. Some looked on without playing cards. Being asked if I had any objection to play at whist, which I never have if I am not without the money, the mistress held a pack of cards and desired me to draw. Every two or three mo¬ ments tea, toast, punch, etc., with a variety of little cakes, are handed about. All visitors go well dressed and make their first obeisance to the mistress, who never plays, but 152 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. forms a party wherever she sees four persons. Thus you have an exact picture of a Eout. I never will engage to attend this stupid species of amusement. Every coffee house has been a debating society. Mr. Fox in Parlia¬ ment asserted that an incapacity of the king was in fact a civil demise, and that therefore the heir apparent had a right, with concurrence of Lords and Commons, to assume the crown. “ Januarj’ 10, 1789. “ The winter thus far has been a remarkably dull one, as well by reason of the sovereign’s madness as the unsettled government and severe frost. The frost has already con¬ tinued seven weeks without intermission, with no prospect of ceasing. The streets are a stratum of ice. The river is so hard frozen that fairs are held upon it. Both town and country feel the want of water. Such is the inconvenience from the excessive cold that the watermen, gardeners (?), and others are unable by their habitual labor to ac¬ quire subsistence, and in every street a troop of them is to be heard proclaiming their necessities and imploring charity. The places of amusement are open, but they are not the resort of the fashionable, who refrain from the fear of being [considered] insensible to the king’s misfortune. The lower class of people cannot omit their Christmas plum puddings, l^^ew Year’s Day has been hailed with the accustomed joy, and hecatombs of turkeys. The pert miss has claimed the promise of mamma to have a little dance. I do indeed blush to acknowledge that seventeen hundred and eighty-eight left me as the succeeding year found me, busily agitated at play, planted by a gambling- table. Haggard in my looks, I retreated to my bed. A dupe to hope, I was squandering what my kind stars had given a few days before. I arose to dress for an entertain¬ ment. I collected five guineas, which I resolved to hazard. After the tedious process of dinner and drinking healths, the summons to cards was given. I lost to the last shil¬ ling. I reached my lodgings without the means of pur¬ chasing subsistence for the next day or knowing a person in England who would furnish them. Work I could not, to beg I was ashamed. The prudence and refiections taught me by this freak of fortune and delirium of mind are too deeply engraved to be soon oblitei’ated, though in EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF CARTER BRAXTON, JR. 153 tlie midst of its distress, it will effectually cure me, I hope, of that itch for play which if indulged must ever end iu misery to its votary. “ I yesterday called with a letter of introduction to Mr. Alexander, a counsellor-at-law, and found him at his chambers. As soon as he observed the handwriting he welcomed me most cordially. We conversed some time on American affairs. Mr. A. is a very polite and sensible man, highly respected, and in the way of acquiring riches. He asked if every citizen in America was not a soldier. I answered, ‘ I think Ave have no reason to know the use of arms. Our hardy countrymen on the frontiers are suf¬ ficient safeguard against incursions of the Indians, and [we] are not in much danger of being invaded.’ I has¬ tened home to dress for dinner, being engaged at Mr. Price’s, where I arrived at four o’clock. There were many persons assembled. The feast consisted of venison and many dainties, and was garnished with excellent Ma¬ deira, claret, and port, but of all tilings present the dean of Peterborough engaged most notice. He is about sixty years old, has all the hauteur of a bishop, and I’eally de¬ lights in sensual gratifications. I feared some indecency at every one of his mouthfuls of venison fat, which noth¬ ing, I am confident, prevented hut his momentary calling for another glass of the old Madeira. He has foolishly married a young, buxom, handsome woman whose every action and look was jealously observed. I have no doubt but he mightily repents of this indiscretion. “In compliance vidth Mr. Alexander’s invitation, I dined the 19th of January at his uncle’s, in Queen Square, at half-past four o’clock. As soon as I was introduced by the servant announcing my name, the young gentleman Avith me pointed out his infirm uncle and eldest sister. The uncle immediately asked me if I was the son of Mr. George or Carter Braxton, for he had formerly knoAvn them both. Being engaged in a game of chess, Avhich this Avhole family is excessively fond of, with a Mr. Trot¬ ter, paymaster to the navy, he returned to it, Avhile I Avas introduced to four Miss Alexanders and a sister of theirs, married to a Mr. Williams, Avho has a very fine daughter, her only child. These ladies are among the most unre- serA'ed I have known. They are at once polite and easy. 154 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. which shows them to have been well-bred and accustomed to genteel company. Their persons are graceful, and three of them very pretty. On hearing that I intended to leave England soon, they regretted that they had not been acquainted with me before. The dinner was very elegant. At eight o'clock we were summoned to tea, during which ceremony the game of chess was still kept up. I could not play, and had a further opportunity to converse with these elegant young ladies. They had the politeness to fix on the 7th of February for a ball, to which they desired my attendance. I am really in love with them all and wish heartily they could be prevailed on to visit Virginia, as I think the country in general would rejoice and improve from their acquaintance. “ Parliament has been continually so crowded ever since the debates consequent on the king’s madness that I made no effort to get in till a day or two ago. I attended in the Court of King’s Bench till three o’clock, then eat a basin of soup, and after it planted myself in the lobby of the Commons. The doorkeeper stretched out his hand. I slipped some silver into it and passed on to the gallery. I sat by the side of Woodfall, the man so famous for his uncommon memory, which enables him to report the speeches as they fall almost verbatim. This is more re¬ markable, that no one is allowed to take minutes of the debates. The Speaker, Mr. Grenville, a young man twenty-eight years old, appeared at four o’clock. Prayers were then read and the members waited impatiently the coming of Mr. Pitt, who did not arrive till five. The order of the day was read. Mr. Pitt made a motion for addressing the Prince of Wales to accept of the regency. Sir Grey Cooper, in a very lame and disagreeable speech, argued against the measure. Lord Belgrave justified it, but with much more confidence and assurance than abil¬ ity. He certainly wants genius and information, though he is said to be a good scfiolar. Kext to him in point of time, only far before him in cleverness, arose Mr. Grey. He was easy and elegant in manner, clear and lucid in his matter and arrangement. Passing over a variety of speeches much worse than we hear in common in the Virginia assembly, I arrive at Mr. Pitt winding up the debate and concluding a speech of forty minutes. He EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF CARTER BRAXTON, JR. 155 spoke without once repeating a word or any embarrass¬ ment from want of matter or language. It is impossible that those who never heard Mr. Pitt can have any idea of his eloquence from description. He is clear, bold, and animated. On any discussion of importance the House of Commons is more disordered whenever a person rises to speak than the public room of a court-house on a court day. The opposite parties call strenuously on their friend’s name, and whenever anything disagreeable is thrown out in debate, you hear the groan of ‘Hear! hear! hear!’ issuing from all corners. “February 8, 1789. “ Last night at eight o’clock I drove to Mr. Alexander’s in Queen Square, where I was invited by the ladies to a dance. I found one room full of dancei’s and another crowded with company and card-tables. As I had been too unwell the preceding ten days to venture out, I re¬ solved before my arrival not to dance. But the urgent entreaties of the ladies and winning solicitations of accom¬ plishments and beauty routed my determination, and I soon found myself standing up in one of the sets with a partner who had been procured for me. I resolved to embrace the first chance of quitting and seated myself at cards. Every ten moments the servants handed about punch, oseat [orgeat?], and little cakes. We ])aid one and sixpence for the cards we dispersed. It is called card-money. AVith the same propriety a charge might be made for negus, wine, or supper. “ February 19. “ A day or two after I had been at Miss Alexander’s ball I received a card of invitation from a Miss Hunton, whom I had known at Brighthelmstoue, to a concert. Though not very fond of music, I engaged to go. Having arrayed myself in my best garb, I drove to a weekly club, of which I was a member, and played at cards till half-past ten o’clock. Then I made my entree at the con¬ cert, and found it in full glee. There was a verj^ splendid assemblage of young people. After supper and wine, I had the honor to lead down the first two dances with the young lady of the house. I then resigned her for a more pleasing partner, a Miss Denizen, a lady of immense riches, young and beautiful and sensible and gay. In 156 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. spite of an excruciating headache, I danced with her till three o’clock. “ I have now the satisfaction to say I have seen all the various amusements which delight this gay metropolis, from the masquerade and hirthiiight hall to the servants’ hop and cider cellar. “21st. “At length I can say that I have been in an English church and heard a bishop preach. This morning at eleven o’clock I found the way to a charity preaching by the famous Dr. Watson, bishop of Llandaff. This famous churchman, politician, and chemist, on the text “ that the world is full of the goodness of God,” entertained his congregation with a better sermon than I have ever be¬ fore heard or read. He began with telling us that the only ways by which we could form any idea of the good¬ ness of God was by reason or revelation. ‘ How kind is it in our Creator, when all the rivers flow into the sea, not to allow it to be full and thereby inundate the world. But the heat of the sun imbibes in vapors waters from the sea, which are again showered down upon the earth for its nutriment.’ “ The bishop is a very great statesman, and is no little assistance to the opposition in the House of Lords. His speech on the Regency Bill is among the best that were delivered. “27th. “ Wearied with the tedious life of idleness, and flnding that my longer residence in England promised no advan¬ tage, this day I came to the determination of instantly leaving this country. London is certainly a gay and pleasant place. With a sufiiciency of money a man may chase away the dull hours. He may easily obtain access to good company, and enjoy it as long as his purse re¬ mains full. But once emptied, and all his fancied friends are fled. But, after all, whither do these pleasures lead their votary? Will they prove a source of comfort on reflection ? “ March 10. “ Contrary to general expectation, and to the disap¬ pointment of many, the king is now recovered. He has appointed a commission for the transaction of the business HISTORICAL DATA OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 157 of his office. This day the lord chancellor by commis¬ sion made a speech to both Houses of Parliament. A general illumination was made throughout the kingdom, I never witnessed more extravagant joy or so grand a sight. The whole town was as light as day. I rode through the streets till four o’clock in the morning, and even then they were so crowded with carriages that we moved slowly along. The expenses attending this feu-de- joie in London and Westminster amounted to two hun¬ dred thousand pounds. “ The three gentlemen who were with me, being at this late hour unable to obtain beds, went with me to my lodgings, where we sat up the remainder of the night, entertaining ourselves with lively conversation. At twelve o’clock the next day, accompanied by my valuable relation and worthy friend. Major Claiborne, I drove to Gravesend, and the succeeding day at eleven o’clock, March 12, 1789, embarked on board the Planter, Captain Arthurs, bound for York River in Virginia.” CHAPTER IV. HISTORICAL DATA CONNECTED WITH THE BRAXTON FAMILY DURING THE PRESENT CENTURY. Rev. C. B. Bryan has furnished to the author the sub¬ joined data connected with the Braxtons : “ My connection with the Braxton family is merely nominal. General Corbin Braxton (also M.D.), of Cheri- coke. King William County, was a great friend and favor¬ ite of my father and mother. lie and my mother’s brother, St. George Coalter, married sisters, my uncle marrying Judy and ‘ Uncle Corbin’ (as we called him) marrying Mary Tomlin. So it came about through the intimacy of our families that I was named after this gen¬ tleman, General (and Dr.) Corbin Braxton. He and his wife, Mary Tomlin, had (that I know of) two sons and three daughters, as follows : 158 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. “ (1.) Jack, mamed a daughter of Hon. Allen T. Caper- ton, and has issue. He lives in Hanover, I think. “ (2.) Arraistead, married [Miss Garlick] of Lynchburg. His widow is living and has issue, sons and daughters. He was killed in the lane in front of the Clay Hill house, near the river, during the war, by Captain Blazer’s men, he being with a party of Mosby’s men. “ (3.) Fanny, married Colonel John B. Young, lawyer, of Richmond, now dead. She and her children (live or six) live in Richmond. “ (4.) Betty, married H. Clay Dallam, lawyer, of Balti¬ more, now dead. She and her children live in Baltimore. She has one daughter, married to an army otlicer. “ (5.) Lucy, married Lewis Hopkins, still living, of Bal¬ timore, a nephew of Johns Hopkins. They have several children. “ The relative ages of the above I do not know. Gen¬ eral Braxton, I suppose, would be between eighty or ninety, if alive. “ My uncle, St. George Coalter, has a daughter, Vir¬ ginia, who married Mr. William Braxton, now dead. They have several children. She lives in King William, I think. Her home is named ‘ Stanley.’ She has a son, Frank Braxton, who lives in Birmingham, Ala., from whom the addresses of the rest can be had. Her hus¬ band, Dr. William Braxton, was near kin to General Corbin Braxton.” Major Elliott M. Braxton, ex-M. C. and a member of the Fredericksburg bar, and married to a lady belonging to the Marshall family of Virginia, has furnished also the subjoined data: “Among the descendants of the Braxton family are: “(1.) Mrs. Kora Macon, P. O. Old Church, Hanover County. “ (2.) Dr. Tomlin Braxton, Manquin, King William County, Va. “(3.) Mrs. John B. Young, Richmond, Va.” Major Braxton adds: HISTOKICAL DATA OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 159 “ The two Braxtons referred to, one by the historian Campbell, and the other mentioned in my grandfather’s diary, were father and son. The members of my family I think most likely to give you information in regard to our ancestors are Mrs. N’ora Mason, P. 0. Old Church, Hanover County, Va.; Dr. Tomlin Braxton, Manquin, King William County, Va.; Mrs. John B. Young, Rich¬ mond, Va.” The following interesting details were furnished by the widow of Rev. John P. McGuire, a daughter of Judge William Brockenbrough: “ My great-great-grandparents were George Braxton and Mary, his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Carter. They lived at ‘ Kewington,’ on Mattapony River, King and Queen County, Va., and were buried side by side in the church-yard of Mattapony Church, an old colonial church near ‘ Newington,’ which is now in the hands of the Bap¬ tists. The two tombstones are in good preservation. They were the parents of Carter Braxton, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. The picture of Mrs. Carter Braxton is now owned by Judith Claybrook. She was the first wife of Carter Braxton, the signer, and was Judith Robinson, a near relative of Speaker Robinson, of Revolutionary memory. By this first marriage Carter Braxton had two children. Mary, the elder, married Rob¬ ert Page, of Broadneck, Hanover County, Va., and the ancestor of Judge John W. Page, of Clarke County, Va.; Carter B. Page, Richmond, Va., and many other sons and daughters now dead. The second child was my grand¬ mother, Judith Robinson, who was born the day of her mother’s death. She married John White, of King Wil¬ liam County, Va., the only son of a Scotch clergyman, one of the colonial ministers of the English church. Her immediate descendants were few, only my mother and her children (Brockenbroughs) and my aunt, the first Mrs. Andrew Stevenson, and her only son, the late Governor John White Stevenson, of Kentucky. Carter Braxton’s second wife was a Miss Corbin. Her children were Fitz- hugh Braxton, who married Miss Ewing, of Philadelphia. They lived in Henrico County, Va., but he died early. 160 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. leaving, I think, several clhklren, but his widow returned to Philadelphia when I was too jonng to know her, and I lost sight of the fixmily. Then another son, George Brax¬ ton, who lived at Chericoke in King William County, Va. He died before I was horn, but I knew his widow, my good old aunt. She was Mary Carter, of Shirley, child of j\Ir. Charles Carter. Their children were Charles Car¬ ter and Corbin, all of King William excepting Cousin Carter, who married Miss Mary Sayre, of Middlesex County, Va., and moved to her home, ‘Brandon,’ on the Rappahannock River. They moved subsequently to Han¬ over County, Va., where he died more than twenty years ago, and his wife, a most excellent Christian lady, died this winter (1889). They left six daughters, five of whom are married, but no son. Charles, the eldest son of my Uncle George, died many _years ago. He married Miss Betty Grymes, of Orange County. They left one daughter, Mrs. George Carrington, of Richmond, Va., and Hr. William P. Braxton, who married Miss Coalter and is dead, leaving sons and daughters. The youngest son, Dr. Corbin Brax¬ ton, inherited Chericoke, and married Miss Mary Tomlin. They have both been dead many years. They had two sons. Armistead, the elder, married Miss Garlick, his cousin, and fell during the war in 1864. The second son. Dr. Tomlin Braxton, married Miss Caperton, and still lives at Chericoke. One daughter, Fanny, married John B. Young, a lawyer of this city; Betty married Mr. Clay Dallam, of Baltimore, and Lucy married Mr. Lewis Hop¬ kins, of Baltimore. The daughters of LTncle George Brax¬ ton were Mrs. Garlick and Mrs. Conrad Webb. Another son of Carter Braxton, the signer, was Carter Braxton, who married Miss Moore, of Chelsea, in King William County. His children, as I knew them, were Carter M. Braxton, a lawyer and an elegant gentleman, whose first wife was Miss Mieux, I think, of Middlesex. Their only child was Elliott Braxton, who married Miss Marshall, of Prospect Hill, Fauquier County. Carter M.’s second wife was Miss Mayo. She was the mother of several lovely daughters : Mrs. Slaughter, of Fredericksburg, was most beautiful; Mrs. George Taylor (Susan Braxton), Lizzie, Fanny, and perhaps another. The only son of that mar¬ riage was Carter M. Braxton, the present chief engineer HISTORICAL DATA OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 161 of the Chesapeake and Ohio Eailroad. Another son of my Uncle Carter was Augustine Braxton, and then there were cousins, Tom and Robert B.; hut not having been very intimately thrown with any but the descendants of Uncle George, I cannot give an accurate account of them. One son of Carter B. and Miss Corbin I have omitted,— my uncle, Taylor B. He married, I think, a Miss Corbin. Both were burnt in the Richmond theatre in December, 1811, leaving a little baby daughter named after both parents,—Anna Taylor. She at first lived with her maiden aunt, my excellent aunt, Raney B. When she died Cousin Anna came to my father’s house to live, and there she was married in 1830 to the late Mr. Charles Mason, of King George County. She lived but a year, and left a son, Charles, who married a lady of Chillicothe, O. , and lives there. [This gentleman is mentioned in a former chapter.] The daughter of Carter B., the signer, besides Aunt Raney, just mentioned, was Mrs. Griffin. There may have been others, hut my memory is at fault. Of Uncle George B.’s grandchildren, I may mention the widow of Armistead Braxton, who fell in the war. She was Miss Garlick, a granddaughter, and cousin to her hus¬ band. She is now the matron of the Presbyterian and Methodist Home for old ladies in this city. She is a very tine woman. She has two young daughters and a son, who is engaged in the lumber business in Memphis, Tenn. You will see that the poverty of Virginia families has de¬ scended upon the Braxtons, as on the rest of us. I may have made a tangle of the various Carter Braxtons, etc., that it would take a Philadelphia lawyer to untwist.” The authoress of the above graphic and interesting let¬ ter is the widow, as already stated, of the late Rev. John P. McGuire, for some years the principal of the High School of the Episcopal Church of Virginia. His father was superintendent of the United States Arsenal at Har¬ per’s Ferry, and his mother was Miss Little, sister of the late Robert Howe Little, M.D., Millwood, Clarke County, and his son-in-law is the Rev. Kinlock Relson, professor at the Theological Seminary of Virginia. 162 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. Hon. E. M. Braxton thus writes from Fredericksburg under date of March 26, 1889 : “ Herein find enclosed a likeness of Carter Braxton, the signer, taken from a miniature now in possession of Mr. Charles Anna Mason, of Ohio. I received the same from Mrs. Charles Mason, who was here a few days ago.” (See ante.) Mrs. Charles Mason, nee Eandolph, and daughter of the late Colonel Jefierson Eandolph (grandson of Thomas Jefferson), of Edge Hill, Albemarle County, Va., thus writes: “ I will tell you all I know of the history of the Carter Braxton miniature. It belonged to Mr. Mason’s first wife, who, you know, was Anna Taylor Braxton, whose mother was burned in the theatre in Eichmond. I be¬ lieve she was a Corbin. Mr. Mason always spoke of it as Carter Braxton, the signer of the Declaration. The miniature had the hole for an old-fashioned clasp, evi¬ dently being intended to be worn around the neck. Tape Corbin’s wife had the miniature photographed and sent the photographs to us. The Braxtons of Fredericksburg have it.” This lady, Mrs. Mason, was Maria Carter Eandolph, stepmother of Charles Anna Mason, who was the son of Anna Taylor Braxton, Carter Braxton’s direct descend¬ ant. His mother and father were burned in the Eich¬ mond theatre. The author is indebted to Mrs. Ellen J. Mayo, nh Tyler, for the information Avhich first gave to him the clue, after twenty years of diligent research, to find this lost-sight-of miniature of Carter Braxton, Mrs. Mayo being sure that she had seen a copy of it in Westmoreland County, Va. Mrs. J. P. McGuire further writes: “ I remember that when I was a little child my grand¬ mother, Mrs. Judith E. White, had her father’s portrait and that of her mother (the one now in possession of J. HISTORICAL DATA OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 163 W. Claybrook) banging on her wall. They were then collecting the portraits of the signers to be copied for In¬ dependence Hall, Philadelphia. She was written to for her father’s, and sent it, with the promise that it should be returned as soon as copied. The only account she got of it was that it had been burned in some house in which it had been deposited with others. N’ow, it Avould be a great comfort to have the miniature photographed. Where did this miniature come from ? Please ask Dr. Iloriier ? The book will doubtless be very highly valued by the Braxton descendants.” Rev. George Braxton Taylor, who married Miss Cabell, of N'orwood, ISTelson County, Va., and now resides at Chapel Hill, H. C., thus Avrites : “ This is my sister’s address : ‘ Miss Mary Argyle Tay¬ lor, care of Dr. G. B, Taylor,* 52 Via Giulio Romano, Rome, Italj’.’ I have no genealogical lists of my family and others, Avhich you have doubtless already obtained from my uncle, E. M. Braxton, Esq., of Fredericksburg, Ya. If you desire names of my brothers and sisters, I shall be glad to send them. Susan Braxton, the second daughter of Carter M. Braxton, grandson of the signer, married a Baptist preacher. Dr. George B. Taylor, Avho' stood high in his church and Avho Avas sent as missionary to Rome. She died in Rome many years ago, and left children, among Avhom are ReA^ George Braxton Taylor and Mary Argyle Taylor.” In a previous chapter it VA^as stated, on the authority of Major E. M. Braxton, ex-M. C., that the diary Avas from the pen of his grandfather. Carter Braxton, Jr., son of the signer of the Declaration of Independence. Hence, the question is noAv settled that the Braxton family have no diary in their possession of Carter Braxton, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. Mrs. Henrietta Braxton Horner Wyeth, of Philadelphia, Fehruary 27,1890, Avrites: * “ Anno 1891, Annuario Evangelico,” page 32: “ Unione Christiano Apostolico Battista, Sig. Dott. G. B. Taylor, Presidente.” 11 164 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. “ I found a treasure for you, viz.: a lovely picture of ‘ Xewiugtoii,’ the residence of the Braxtons, in King and Queen County, Va, Mr. Chai’les Hart, historiographer of the Kumismatic and Antiquarian Society of Philadel- p^hia, presented it to me. I thought it to be lost iu our moving from Pine Street; it is too precious a relic to be sent you by mail, hut I will bring it to you.” “ Kewington” was built by George Braxton, who came to the colony of Virginia early in the eighteenth century. His son, George Braxton, Mrs. Wyeth’s great-great¬ grandfather, inherited the property, which, like most Southern estates, has been lost to the Braxtons. Among living representatives (1890) of the Braxton family are: Charles Carter Braxton, Birmingham, Ala. F. C. Braxton, Birmingham, Ala. The latter married Miss Kellie Lackland, of Jefferson County, Va. Mrs. Dr. Dew, nee Miss Bettie Braxton, Honaker, Rus¬ sell County, Va. Miss Susan Grymes Braxton, “ Old Church,” Hanover County, Va. The children of Charles Braxton are: Galt Braxton. Gay Braxton. The one child of Dr. William P. Braxton, Old Church, Hanover County, Va., is P. C. Braxton, Old Church, Hanover County, Va. Tomlin Braxton, M.D., Chericoke, Falls P. 0., King William County, Va., thus writes: “ I have long desired to know more of your great-grandfather, George Braxton, the second George. I never knew until your letter came that he was ever married, and am delighted now to learn from you more about it. I knew we were related, but always thought it was through one of the two daughters of the old signer by his first marriage, in the same way that I am related to the Whitings, of Clarke County, Va., and to the HISTORICAL DATA OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 165 Stephensons, of Kentucky. I hope to learn all of this and more from your hook. I know nothing of the family before George Braxton left England. I have always heard that he was a native of Wales. I have no letters relating to the family, and have only at home (Chericoke) a transcript from grandma’s family Bible at Hybla, which amounts to very little, which I will look up on my return early in October and send you. Of Newington I may be able to learn more than I now know by visiting King and Queen, which I will very gladly do for your and my own satisfaction, too. The place was the residence of George (first). There Great-grandfather George (second) was horn and my great-grandfather, the signer, also. All my life the place has been occupied by a family of Harwoods, and has been kept in good repair up to fifteen years ago. Since then I know nothing of it. ‘ Elsing Green,’ on the Pamunkey, was built for the signer during his absence in England at Cambridge,* and was burnt before he occupied it. ’Twas being rebuilt at the time of his return upon the original walls. He completed it, did not like it, and sold it to Count Brown, of England, and built himself a large establish¬ ment at Chericqke, twelve miles higher up the river. This house was burned down during his sojourn in Philadelphia, while a member of Congress. On his return he resided in the city of Richmond, where he died, and was buried at Chericoke, where, also, were buried his two wives; hut no gravestones mark the spot, as they do in the grave¬ yard at Newington. My own grandfather, George (third), inherited Chericoke, the King William property, he being the signer’s oldest son, from his father. Grandpa left three sons and two daughters. Uncle Charles Hill Braxton married Bett Grymes, a sister of the great lawyer, John Grymes, of New Orleans. Afterwards he left two children, a daughter, now very old, a Mrs. George M. Carrington, of Richmond city, and a son. Dr. VV'illiam P. Braxton, who married a Miss Coalter, granddaughter of John Coalter, judge of the Court of Appeals of this State. He left two sons and two daughters. He lived at Oak Spring, a portion of the King William property already mentioned. The second son. Carter Braxton, married Mary Sayre, of Brandon, Middlesex County, Va., she getting the magnificent estate from her grandfather, Philip Ludwell Grymes. Late in life Uncle Carter sold this place and removed to Hanover County, buying there a farm, and erected a mansion, and there lived the last twenty years of his life. This place was Ingle- side, and is still in the hands of his family. He left six daughters, all of whom are married except one, now of some forty-odd summers. My father, Corbin Braxton, third son, lived at Chericoke, bujung all the in- * The fact mentioned by Dr. Braxton, that the signer was at Cam¬ bridge University, is important, since no biographer or historian has referred to it 166 THE BRAXTON FAMILA". terests therein except Uncle Charles’s. He married Mary Tomlin, of Hanover, and left five children,—two sons and three daughters. My brother married Miss Garlick, his cousin ; he was killed during the war, and left one son and three daughters. I married Miss Caperton, of Mon¬ roe, now West Virginia, a daughter of the late Hon. A. J. Caperton, and have five children,—three sons and two daughters,—none of whom are married. My eldest sister, Fanny, married Colonel John B. T'oung, of the Richmond bar, and has four sons and two daughters, all of whom live in Richmond, except one daughter, who is married and lives in this place. My second sister, Betty, married the late Judge H. Clay Dallam, Balti¬ more. Three sons and one daughter were the issue of this marriage ; the daughter only is married, her husband being Lieutenant John Bigelow, U. S. A. My third sister, Lucy Tomlin, married Lewis Hopkins. They have one son and two daughters, still infants. My father’s eldest sister, Mary Carter, married Samuel Garlick, of King and Queen. They left a son, Braxton, who married a Miss Mary Webb and died, leaving a son and four daughters, one of whom married my brother, William Armis- tead, whose name I neglected to give, and one married the late Francis A. Dickens, of Alexandria, Va., and two are single. The son married and is childless. The second daughter, Georgiana, married Conrad Webb, of Hampstead, and died childless. Grandpa was the signer’s oldest son. Then followed Granduncles Carter, Corbin, Taylor, and Fitzhugh. Uncle Carter married Miss Moore, of Chelsea, and left four sons and two daughters. His sons were: Carter, whose descendants are living in Fred¬ ericksburg, Ya.; Hon. E. M. Braxton is one; Carter Braxton, Newport News, is another. Augustin married; had a daughter, who married Mr. Hudgins, Mathews County, Va.; he afterwards married a Widow Wash¬ ington, of Caroline County, Va. The third son, Thomas, married a Miss Davis, sister of the late Professor Staige Davis, University of Virginia. He left two sons, John and Tom, and one daughter. The former married a Miss Powell, sister of Dr. Powell, of Henrico County, Va. He has a son and two daughters. Thomas, the other son, married a Miss Plumer, of Richmond County, and left a son, Albert, of Indian Territory, and a daughter, now a Mrs. Edmonds, of this place. She has two daughters and a son. The daughter, Lucy, married Rev. Dr. Garland and left many chil¬ dren. Robert Carter, fourth son, married Miss Gales, Matthews County, and left three sons. Robert married Miss Gillam and left several children, all of whom live in Richmond. Augustine married and lives in Richmond. Corbin, unmarried, has a truck farm near Richmond. The two sisters of the aforementioned four gentlemen were respectively [married], first, to Colonel Henry, Mount Pleasant, King and Queen County, leaving three sons,—James, Samuel, and William Henry. The first married Miss Row, King and Queen County; second. Miss Powell, sister of Hon. Douglas S. Powell; and William Henry married his cousin. Miss Dain- HISTORICAL DATA OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 167 gerfield, daughter of his mother's sister, who married a Mr. Daingerfield and left a son and three daughters. Corbin Braxton, signer’s third son, died a bachelor. Taj-lor, fourth son, married Miss Moore, of Chelsea, and [both] were burned in the theatre at Richmond, 1812, leaving an only child, Anna, who was raised by Grandma Braxton, and married Charles Mason, King George County, Va., and died, leaving one son, Charles Anna, who married in Chillicothe, 0.,* and lives there. Fitz- hugh, fourth and last son, married in Philadelj)hia and left two sons, Israel and Fitzhugh, in California. My oldest sons, Allen Caperton and Hugh Caperton, are lawyers of Staunton, Va. My third son. Carter, will go to the University of Virginia to study law. “ Very truly yours, “ T. Braxton.” The interesting narrative contained in Dr. T. Braxton’s letters may be continued. He says : “ The family Bible records were destroyed in the Chericoke house by fire when my great-grandfather was a member of the Continental Congress. ‘ Newington’ is in good repair and, as stated, is owned by the Harwoods; it is on the north bank of Mattapony River and some twelve miles above West Point by land and twenty miles by the river. Colonel Carter Braxton, C. S. A., was not killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, [but] is a prosperous engineer, now residing at Newport News, Va. He is the younger brother of Major E. M. Braxton, ex-M. C.; he at first com¬ manded a battery (Fredericksburg, I think) and served during the war with the Army of Northern Virginia. I cannot refer you to a history containing a copy of the Carter Braxton address delivered to the people of America prior to the Declaration of Independence. Newington, I failed to mention, is a wooden structure. Newington Church is near by. West Point the nearest town. I know only certainly of the tombs that are there,—George, first B., and wife. I have a vague idea that your great-grandfather, George, second B., is buried there,—will inform you when I visit the place,—about thirty miles from both Richmond and Williamsburg, Va. “ My father, Corbin Braxton, was descended from the second wife of the signer, hence his name, as did all those having the name of Braxton. By signer’s first wife there was no male issue, only two daughters, from whom are descended the Stephensons and others. My father was a M. D. of the University of Pennsylvania ; was never a student of William and Mary. My uncle. Carter Braxton, was an alumnus of that ancient insti¬ tution. My brother, William Armistead Braxton, whom you so gener- * Referred to in former chapter. 168 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. ously call the ‘gallant soldier,’ was the one who fell near ‘ Clay Hill’ in Clarke County, Va.” ]\Irs. Frank Houston Wyeth {vee Henrietta Braxton Horner) is a direct descendant of Colonel George Brax¬ ton, Jr., and of Mary (Blair) Braxton; daughter, also, of Richard B. Horner and Mary Blair (Little) Horner, of Marshall, Fauquier County, Ya., and the wife of Fran¬ cis H. Wyeth, of the Avorld-renowned tirm of John Wyeth & Bros., of Philadelphia. As stated in the Horner-Brown genealogy, she was married in Philadelphia, February 20, 1861, and has continued to reside in that city, save when abroad. Mrs. Wyeth has made three extensive tours in Europe,—first, in 1878, with her husband; second, in 1880, with her two sons, having a courier, Mr. Linden- wald. On this occasion she visited all the chief cities of Europe; and again in 1892, in company Avith her husband and sister. Miss Elizabeth Moore Horner, she started on hoard the Lahn, a Horddeutscher Lloyd Bremen steamer, to visit the Horth Cape and the Fiords of Horway and to witness the Midnight Sun of that latitude. In midsummer, Avhen not abroad, her summers are spent at ISTewport, R. L, or at ‘ Mountain View,’ a summer residence, and during the Avinter at Jacksonville, Fla. Mrs. Wyeth has been the most adventurous female tourist of the Braxton-Blair- Horner connection. Miss Mary Argyle Taylor, Avhose mother Avas a Braxton and whose letters have been given to the reader, still resides at Rome, Italy. Mrs. Agnes (Horner) Buschback is noAv resident at Florence, Italy. The descendants of Mrs. Admiral Thompson (Sarah Blair),—also referred to in the Blair correspondence of this volume as married to a British naval officer,—con¬ tinue to reside in England, though the author is unable to trace them, and are conspicuous in English society, as Avell as English history, as she had two sons in the army and navy of Great Britain, whose duties Avould involve change HENRIETTA BRAXTON HORNER WYETH. HISTORICAL DATA OF THE BRAXTON FAMILY. 169 of residence and travel to themselves and families on the Continent and in foreign lands. Mrs. Wyeth was an ex¬ tensive tourist. She visited in 1893 the great Columbian Exposition at Chicago, and during the same summer made a tour in Canada as far as Montreal and Quebec, inclusive of the Thousand Isles of the St. Lawrence. She ascended the Eiffel Tower in Paris and rode in the Ferris Wheel at the Chicago Fair,—exploits which even adven¬ turous spirits would have shrunk from.* In connection with the family record of the family of Rev. George Braxton Taylor, missionary of the Baptist Church in Rome, Italy, the L’Italia Evangelica, 14 Ottohre, 1893, says: “ Una mesta notizia dall America e venuta ad affliggera la famiglia del Dott. Taylor, presidente della unione Battista Italiana; e morte nella Virginia la moglia di suo tiglio il Rev. George Braxton Taylor; la signora Gessie Cabell Taylor; della Prima Chiesa Battista di Macon nella Georgia.” Ella Bassett Washington, a contributor to the Century, says: “ The Sharpless needle-work portrait of General Wash¬ ington was jiresented to Mrs. Mary Grymes Braxton, wife of Colonel Carter Braxton, grandson of Carter Braxton, the signer, by Felix Sharpless, while he was residing with the Grymes-Braxton family at their noted colonial resi¬ dence, “ Brandon,” on the Rappahannock River, Va. This * Mrs. Wyeth is a member of the Mount Vernon Chapter of the “Daughters of tlie Revolution,” of the King’s Daughters, an active member of Philadelphia Holy Trinity Church, and a liberal contributor to the Day Nursery for Children and to the Door of Hope and Philadel¬ phia Rescue Band. She contributed largely to rebuild Trinity Episcopal Church at Marshall, Va., and as an original member of this church has always given liberally to the Rector’s Fund, while her sister, Miss Eliza¬ beth M. Horner, has done likewise, and also provided Prayer-Books and Hymnals. 170 THE BRAXTON FAMILY. picture is the inheritance of Mrs. Elizabeth Braxton Tom¬ lin, of Virginia, daughter of Mrs. Carter Braxton. Felix Sharpless, visiting Virginia, found a temporary home at Brandon, and remained there for a year, taking portraits in pastel of many members of the family and of other prominent people.” The old colonial house at Mantua, King and Queen County, Va., and once the residence of Carter Braxton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, as already stated, and at present, March 15, 1895, owned by Dr. Charles Gresham, was lately burned to the ground. The mother of the late Virginias Dabney was born in this same old house. While the home of the Braxton family, “ Kewington,” a picture of which is given in this volume, is marked as Carter Braxton’s residence, there is no proof of it until after the death of his father and brother, who both bore the name of George. By purchase then Carter Braxton may have become its possessor. EGBERT HOWE LITTLE, M.D. (Ex-Surgeon, United States Army'). part HID. THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. CHAPTER I. SKETCn OP THE LIFE OF DR. ROBERT HOWE LITTLE. lie was born July 4, 1776, at “Fenton,” the family homestead in Jefferson County, Va. His father’s name was William Little, a Scotch gentleman of an old family of Annandale, Scotland, who removed to America in 1763 and became a large landed proprietor. Dr. Little’s mother was Miss Rutherford, the granddaughter of an English lady named Margaret Howe, the only child of Sir Thomas Howe, the brother of the British general, Lord Howe. The subject of this sketch, as the appended likeness will show, was handsome and above the medium height. He rose early, was very active, and carried with him through a long life habits of industry, thrift, and economy, which enabled him to accpiire a home for his family and furnish them a liberal subsistence—assisted by the fortune acquired by his marriage. He attained to eminence in his profession and in social life. Scrupu¬ lously neat in dress, and possessed of full control over bis appetites and passions, he realized the blessing, “ Mens Sana in corpore sano.” He married Mary Blair Whiting September 17, 1801, 171 172 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. the grandclangliter of Colonel George Braxton, of “New¬ ington,” King and Queen County, Va., and of Mary Blair, his wife, of Williainsburg, Ya., the mother being Eliza¬ beth Whiting, nh Braxton. His marriage took place at “Enfield,” Prince William County, Va., the family resi¬ dence. In the early history of his wife’s family, of the AVhiting branch it is recorded in the subsidy roll of Ed¬ ward III., in 1332, that William Whytyng, as the name was then spelled, was born about the year 1300, His son became abbot of Glastonbury, and, at the time of the confiscation of the monasteries in England, refusing to surrender his abbey, Henry YIII. condemned him to death. By his marriage Dr. Little became allied with one of the most infinential connections in Virginia in the person of his amiable wife, an only daughter, possessed of all the graces of her sex, and blending with his own her happy disposition. Everything seemed to contribute towards their future welfare. “ All heaven, And happy constellations, on that hour Shed their selectest influence ; the earth Gave sign of gratulation, and each hill; Joyous the birds ; fresh gales and gentle airs Whispered it to the woods, and from their wings Flung rose, flung odors from the spicy shrub, Disporting, till the amorous bird of night Sung spousal, and bid haste the evening star On his hill top to light the bridal lamp.” Their children were: (1.) Elizabeth Howe Little. (2.) Mary Blair Little; married Richard Brent Horner, of Warrenton, Fauquier County, Va. (3.) Frances Ann Banister; married Dr. Peyton Berke¬ ley, of Farmville, Prince Edward County, Va. SKETCH OF LIFE OF DR. ROBERT HOWE LITTLE. 173 (4.) William Henry Little. (5.) Margaret Triplett; married Jolm Morgan, of Clarke County, Va. (6.) Laura Carlisle; married Rev. T. T. Castleman, an Episcopal clergyman, first at Staunton, Va., then Kanka¬ kee City, and lastly at St. Joseph, La. (7.) Seigiiora P. Little. (8.) Robert II. Little. The daughter, Seignora P. Little, inherited the family homestead at Millwood, with furniture and silver plate, made after the pattern and costliness of that which adorned the home at Mount Vernon. Two portraits, one of Colonel George Braxton and another of his wife, Mary Blair, are now at Mrs. F. H. Wyeth’s home in Phila¬ delphia. From a letter addressed to Dr. Little by his brother-in- law, Francis B. Whiting, midshipman U. S. K., dated August 20, 1796, we learn that the former held a com¬ mission in the Eighth Regiment, U. S. A.—a fact which his letter confirms, dated from Harper’s Ferry. While a student under Di’. Conrad, of Winchester, he became a Free Mason. His certificate is in the author’s pos¬ session, and also one from the Philadelphia Medical Society. Dr. Little removed to Berry’s Ferry, on the Winchester and Alexandria Road and Shenandoah River, and near the Blue Ridge Mountains, about the year 1825, and after¬ wards removed to Millwood, Clarke County, a few miles nearer Winchester. Here he practised his profession among citizens of wealth and the highest social standing in Virginia, such as the Meades, Burwells, Pages, Kelsons, and Whitings. This he continued to do for thirty-four years up to the age of seventy-nine, doing this on horse¬ back, and was acknowledged to be the first physician in his community. Subsequently to the death of his son 174 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. William, a farmer, the medical practice he had and the hire of a large number of colored people, owned by his wife, enabled him to purchase his comfortable homestead and to support his large family of children and grand¬ children. He was a superior horticulturist, and always kept up a well-furnished table. He was ever reticent and had hut little to say, and was never contentious as to pol¬ ities or religion, being amiable both at home and in the so¬ cial circle. In 1839 he united with the Episcopal Church, and was ever a consistent member, attending the church services every Sabbath morning and the family worship, his Bible his constant companion in his office and when not occupied with his profession or business. After his con¬ version he ceased to keep wine and spirits in his house. Apart from the manuals of his profession and the reading of the American Journal of the Medical Sciences, in his time the organ of the profession, the newspapers and other lit¬ erature were excluded by him. He was always in close touch with the most gifted physicians of the laud, such as his preceptors. Dr. Benjamin Rush, Dr. Hugh McGuire, and Dr. William Byrd Page, with whom he corresponded. In medical practice he claimed no secret as to the methods of treatment of disease. He said to his grandson, the author, towards the close of his life, that he had ever based his practice on the plainest principles, seeking to assist nature in the cure, and to avert and prevent diseased actions in the organs and tissues of the body, selecting medical substances from the vegetable kingdom and using external applications, with suitable diet. During the early part of the spring and summer of 1854 he began to fail in health, and was a great sufferer, owing to violent parox¬ ysms of angina pectoris, Avhich his friend and relative by marriage. Dr. Hugh McGuire, declared would shortly end his life. He lingered until June 4, 1854 (Whitsunday morning), and died in the seventy-ninth year of his age, SKETCH OF LIFE OF DR. ROBERT HOWE LITTLE. 175 ill the comfort of a reasonable religious and holy hope, presenting hy his life an example to survivors. “ So live, that, when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan which moves To that mysterious realm where each shall take His chamber in the halls of death. Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night. Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.” A fine portrait exists of Dr. Little, owned hy Mr. Wil¬ liam Morgan, his grandson, showing him with powdered hair in the maturity of his manhood. The homestead, which was the fruit of his hard toil, has passed into the stranger’s hands. Ilis medical hooks and surgical instru¬ ments, etc., were bequeathed to his grandson and pupil, the author, Frederick Horner, M.D., IJ. S. N. William Little, the brother of Dr. Little, was one of the founders of Charlestown, Jefferson County, W. Va., located on eighty acres of land donated hy Charles Washington, brother of General Washington, for this purpose. (See “History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley,” by J. E. Vorris.) The following obituary notice was given of Dr. Little : “ Died at his residence, in Millwood, Clarke County, Va., on June 4,1854, Dr. Robert H. Little, in the seventy- ninth year of his age. Calmly did the sun of righteous¬ ness illumine his dying hour. He reached the shores of eternity amid the breathings of prayer and praise, sur¬ rounded by an atmosphere of heavenly influence calcu¬ lated to assuage the grief of many hearts who mourn deeply, yet not refusing to he comforted, because the sting of death was removed and the victory secured through a dying, risen, and triumphant Saviour. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, adorning the profession he had made and commanding the respect and esteem of all who knew him by his exaltation of char- 176 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. acter, gentleinanlj mauuers, and genuine excellence. He exhibited the power of the religion of Jesus in uncom¬ plaining patience under suffering, humble submission to the will of God, and a sustaining faith which looked be¬ yond the grave even to the glories of a heavenly inheri¬ tance. “ As a physician he was eminent and successful—labo¬ rious in duty, conscientious, kind to the poor and afflicted, a model in his domestic relations, full of Christian charity and liberal feeling. He has died only that he may die no more. He lives amid the light and breathes the love of eternity.” CHAPTER II. GENEALOGY AND HISTOEY. The following record is copied from the family Bible of Whiting-Braxton: “ Henry Whiting and Elizabeth Braxton were married the 16th day of Hovemher, 1780, by the Rev. Mr. John Scott, of Prince William County. “ Mai’y Blair Whiting, their first child, was born the 30th of August, 1781, and was baptized the 13th of September by the Rev. Mr. Daniel Sturgis, of Horbourn Parish, Berkeley County. “ George Braxton Whiting, their first son, was born June the 8th, 1783, and was baptized the 28th day of July by the Rev. Mr. Balmain, of Frederick County. “Francis Beverly Whiting was born April the 10th, 1785, and baptized the 14th of June by the Rev. Mr. Balmain. “ The 28th of October, 1786, ray dear husband departed this life; he was in the thirty-eighth year of his age, and buried that day; six tears that we were married. “ 1799, December the 10th, a quarter before two o’clock, my beloved and long-afflicted parent departed this life. On the 12th, at four o’clock, she was laid in the peaceful GENEALOGY AND HISTORAL 177 grave. On the 15th of January, 1800, the Rev. Mr. Davis delivered a sermon at her seat in Prince William County, on a text chosen by me, Ileb. xii. 5, 6, 7. “September the 17th, 1801. On this day my dear and only daughter, Mary Blair Whiting, was married to Dr. Robert Howe Little. Long may they live to love and bless each other will be the ardent prayer of their fond mother, who records the above. “ Elizabeth Howe Little, their first daughter, born the 8th of July, 1802; died unmarried.” (Signed by Elizabeth Whiting, nee Braxton.) Elizabeth Whiting, nh Braxton, and wife of Henry Whiting, died August 24, 1818, aged fifty-nine; cause, apoplexy. Robert Howe Little, M.D., consort of Mary Blair Little, daughter of Elizabeth Whiting, died June 4, Whitsunday, 1854, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. Mary B. Little, his consort, died September 21, 1857, at Millwood, Clarke County, Va. After a short illness, George B. Whiting, Sr., son of Elizabeth Whiting, nA Braxton, died in Washington City, aged fifty-two. lie was of Frederick County, Va., and an alumnus of William and Mary College. George B. Whiting, his son, whom General Andrew Jackson ap¬ pointed to succeed him in a Federal office, was for many years a most prominent Free Mason in the District of Columbia. His son, John Blair Whiting, served as a soldier during the war with Mexico. His son, Fenton B. Whiting, and three daughters, Elizabeth Braxton, Mary Blair, and Henrietta, removed to Quincy, Plumas County, Cal., and thence to San Francisco. Robert Howe Little, M.D. (see Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of Biography”), seiwed in the United States army as lieu¬ tenant ; resigned to study medicine under Dr. Conrad, of Winchester, Va.; matriculated at the University of Penn¬ sylvania; was the pupil of Dr. Benjamin Rush, and the 178 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. classmate of Chapman. His notes on Ensh’s lectures may be seen in the author’s library, and also his correspond¬ ence with Dr. Benjamin Rush. The following memoranda in his handwriting is preserved, viz.: “ Under Colonel Parker in 1798-99, and 1800, and as surgeon to the Eighty- ninth Regiment in the last war, without demanding one cent for my services.” Francis B. Whiting, midshipman. United States ship Constitution, writes to him, August 20, 1796 : “ I observe you have obtained a commission in the Eighty-ninth Regiment I wish you all happiness that can attend a military life.” He resigned, married, and settled at Enfield, near Aldie and Haymarket, Prince William County; then removed to Berry’s Ferry, on the Shenandoah, Frederick County, and thence to Millwood, Clarke County. He afterwards became postmaster, a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a suc¬ cessful and prosperous practitioner of medicine, the profits of which enabled him to purchase a comfortable home for his large family. It is stated that he gave up all the wines and other licpiors in his cellar when he became converted. This testimony to his worth is given by the following extract from his mother-in-law’s will, in which she says: “ This worthy man made every sacrifice, and with his tender attentions, with the aid of the Supreme Being, de¬ tained me from the grave. Hight and day, at all hours, through a tedious illness, [he] has been my son, my physician, my nurse, and comforter of my afflicted life. May Heaven reward him shall be my most fervent prayer. I commend him to a steadfast faith in Christ Jesus; to be to all mankind strictly just; to the poor a speedy friend, and to his country firm and faithful, as was our great Washington.” Copied from the family Bible : FRANCIS B. WHITING, ESQ. (Ex-Midshipman, United States Navy). GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 179 “ The children of Robert Howe Little and Mary Blair Little were: “ 1. Eliz : H. Little ; Died. July 11 : 1837. jEtas 35. “ 4. Francis Ann Banister Little wife of D' Peyton Randolph Berkeley. Died: .(Etas 28. (Henry) “5. W. H. Little: not married Died Dec; 9: 1843. JEtas 36. “ 2. Mary Blair Little Born Feb. 20: 1804: Married Rich'' Brent Horner May 26"' 1824. Died Nov : 5: 1885, in the 81“' year of her age. “ 3. Margaret Triplett Little married John Morgan.* (Died March 1889.) “6. Laura Carlisle Little married Rev : T. T. Castlemanf “ 7. Seignora Peyton Little Died 1876. “ 8. Robert Howe Little Born May 9: 1818. (Died unmarried.) ‘ I pray God he may be A Christian.’ ” (Signed “ R. H, Little, M.D.”) From the “ Catalogue of the College of William and Mary, from its Foundation to the Present Time, 1859,” it appears of the students were : John Whiting, 1752, Gloucester County, Va. Peter Beverly Whiting, 1752, Gloucester County, Va. * Mr. Morgan was of the same family as General Morgan of the Revo¬ lutionary army. His son John served in the ranks of the Federal army, is a lawyer, and married and settled in Georgia ; Benjamin, also a lawyer, married and settled in California; Elizabeth and William, a brother, settled near Stephens City, Frederick County, Ya.; Virginia is deceased ; Margaret, married. t Rev. T. T. Castleman resided at Staunton, Va. Through his labors was erected the Episcopal church and the Episcopal Female Institute in that city. He is the author of “ Plain Sermons for Servants,” the first ever published in Virginia. This beloved Christian minister removed first to Kankakee, Ill., and then to St. Joseph, Tensas Parish, La. His sons are Thomas (who was editor of the Tensas Times, and removed to New Orleans to practise law), Robert, and Price. The daughters are Mary, who married Mr. Briscoe, a planter, and Fannie, who married Dr. Edwin Slicer, an alumnus of the University of Virginia. 12 180 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. 'William Whiting, 1760, Gloucester County, Ya. Henry Whiting, 1764, Gloucester County, Ya. John Whiting, 1771, Gloucester County, Ya. Matthew Whiting, 1771, Gloucester County, Ya., son of Matthew Whiting, of Bull Run, Prince William County, Ya. Peter Whiting, 1777, son of Thomas Whiting. William Whiting, 1828, King and Queen County, Ya. As stated in the “ History of the United States during Ante-Colonial Times and the Period of the Revolution, 1776,” a member of the Whiting family was godfather to George Washington, and another was one of the com¬ missioners appointed to organize the Yirginian navy, which in 1776 became the nucleus of the United States navy.* A brief record of the Whiting family in England and America was furnished us by William H. Whiting, of Oak Hunt, Wis., but late resident of ISTew York city, July 31, 1857: “ A. D. 1300. William Whytyng (so the name was spelled) was born about the year of our Lord 1300, as he is (1332) mentioned in the subsidy roll of Edward HI., at which time he must have been at least of legal age. “ 1352. In this year (1352) William, a son of the above, is mentioned. “ 1470. Richard Whiting was born in the reign of Ed¬ ward lY. In the year 1525 he became lord abbott of Glastonbury in the county of Somersetshire, and in 1540, at the time of the confiscation of the monasteries and other religious ‘ houses’ of England, refusing to surrender his abbey to Henry YIH., he was condemned to death, his * Beverly Whiting, of Gloucester County, Va., the ancestor of Henry Whiting, was appointed in 1746 one of the committee to revise the colo¬ nial laws. In May, 1776, his uncle, Thomas Whiting, was appointed one of the Board of Naval Commissioners which organized the American navy. (See “Howe’s History of Virginia.”) GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 181 body was quartered and sent to four different towns, and his head put over the gateway of his abbey. A chair of his with his initials, R. W., carved on it is now in the church at Weston, England. “ 1560. Eliza Whiting, John, and Robert of Thorpe, 1560, are mentioned. “ 1590. In this year John Whiting was member of the Common Council of Boston, Lincolnshire, England. “ 1592. John Whiting, son of John, baptized June 4, 1592. 1597. Samuel Whiting, another son of John, horn November 20, 1597. “ 1600. John Whiting, the John first mentioned above, was mayor of Boston, England, in 1600, and again in 1608. “ 1613. Samuel Whiting, son of John, the mayor, en¬ tered Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He was ordained a clergyman of the Church of England, and he and his brothers, James, William, Rathaniel, and John, came to America at different periods from 1608 to 1636. The Whiting family in Lincolnshire, England, became extinct on the death of another brother, the Rev. Samuel Whiting, in 1788. “The Whiting Family in America. “ 1608. James Whiting settled in Virginia about a year after the settlement of Jamestown, say in 1608. William, his brother, with Lords Say and Brook, purchased the presejit site of the city of Hartford in 1632-33. ISTathan- iel settled in Dedham, Rev. Samuel at Lynn, and John returned to England and died in London. “ Colonel Thomas Whiting, of Gloucester County, Va., whose wife’s name was Eliza, had children as follows, all of whom are mentioned in his will, viz.: Thomas, Henry, Horatio, Sarah, Catharine, Eliza, Susannah, Jane, and Anne Beverly. Another, Catharine Whiting (the writer thinks she was the sister of Colonel Thomas), mar¬ ried John Washington, and thus was grand-aunt to Gen¬ eral George Washington. “Warner Washington, who was a descendant of John and Catharine Washington, married a Miss Whiting, of Gloucester. By her he had many sons and daughters. 182 THE AVHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. The family also married with the Carys, and a Harvey Whiting, son of Frank Whiting, in Berkeley, is men¬ tioned. “ Of the children of Colonel Thomas, Catharine mar¬ ried Lieutenant Stevenson, of the Continental army, a relative of Hon. Andrew Stevenson, minister to England from 1836 to 1841. Her second husband was Mr. Lowry. In 1856 she was still living in the enjoyment of good health and clear faculties, eighty-five years old. “ Anne Beverly married Mr. Fremont, and became the mother of Colonel John Charles Fremont (with whose political opinions the writer has no more sympathy than you can have by any possibility).” Extracts from records of Abington Episcopal Church, Gloucester County, Va.: “ 1732. Major Peter Whiting was buried February 28, 1732. “ 1735. Mary, daughter of Beverly Whiting, born De¬ cember 22, and baptized January 12, 1739. “ 1744. Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Whiting, born November 29. “ 1746. Anne, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Whiting, born August 22. “ 1747. Francis Whiting married to Mrs. Frances Per¬ rin. “ 1749. Mrs. Elizabeth Whiting died April 20. “ 1755. Beverly Whiting died. “ 1756. Beverly, son of John and Mary, baptized. “ 1758. Beverly, son of Thomas, born October 18, and Eliza, born March 10. “ 1759. Beverly, son of Captain Thomas, died October 28. “ 1759. William, son of Captain Thomas, died October 24. “ End of family in America as far as known to the writer.” The Whiting Family of Virginia. “ The Whiting family came originally from England. Three brothers emigrated to America. Two settled in Hew England and one in Virginia. “ELMINGTON” (The Whiting Residence in Gloucester County, Va.). GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 183 “ Mr. Whiting, of Elmington, Gloucester County, Va., married one of the daughters of Mr. Beverly by a lady of the Peyton family (the original of the Bullskin portraits). Of the other daughters, one married Mr. Randolph, father of John Randolph, attorney-general of Virginia ; the other married Mr. Berdey. “ Mr. Whiting had by his wife. Miss Beverly, seven sons and three daughters. “ Francis, the fourth son, married Miss Perrin (whose mother was Miss Throgmorton), by whom he had issue four sous and four daughters, viz.: Henry, who married Ann Fairfax, daughter of Colonel John Carlyle by Sarah, daughter of William Fairfax, of Belvoir, and sister of Lord Bryan Fairfax, by whom he had issue one son, Car¬ lyle Fairfax Whiting, married to Sarah M. Little. Henry married, secondly, Elizabeth Braxton, by whom he had issue one daughter and two sons, viz.: (1) Mary Blair, married to Dr. Robert Ilowe Little ; (2) George Braxton, married to Frances Horner, daughter of Dr. Gustavus Brown Horner, and (3) Francis Beverly, married to Mary Burwell. John, the second son of Francis, married his first cousin. Miss Perrin, and left issue four daughters : (1) Harriet, married, first, Mr. Lingen, second, Mr. Kemp ; (2) Frances, married to Mr. Charles Warn; (3) Susan, married Mr. Thurston; (4) Mary, married Warner Washington, and left issue (1) Warner, (2) John, married Miss Baylor; (3) Frances, married Mr. Snickei’s; (4) Emily; (5) Henry; (6) Sydney; (7) Francis; (8) Beverly; (9) Perrin, married Miss Fairfax. Ann married Dolphin Drew and left issue : (1) Dolphin; (2) William; (3) Wash¬ ington ; (4) Whiting; (5) Anniano. Francis married the widow of Thacker Washington and daughter of Sir John Peyton, and died without issue. Beverly died unmar¬ ried. Elizabeth died unmarried. Frances married Charles Lowndes and had issue one son and one daughter, viz.: Beverly Bladen and Frances Perrin. “ Captain Robert Whiting, another son of Mr. Whiting, of Elmington, left two sons, who removed to Kew York, where their descendants still live. The descendants of the Whiting family of Virginia reside now chiefly in the counties of Clarke, Jefterson, and Fairfax, Va.” 184 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. The above data was kindly furnished the author by Francis Beverly Whiting, of “ Edgewood,” near Mill- wood, Clarke County, Va., August 29, 1889. Colonel John Washington, who emigrated to America in 1659, had among other children Laurence Washington, who married in 1680 Mildred Warner, of Gloucester County, Va. His son, John Washington, in 1712 married Cath¬ erine Whiting, of Gloucester County, Va. Mildred Washington married Francis Thornton, of Spottsylvania County, Va. Francis Thornton, progenitor of the Thornton family in Virginia, settled in Caroline County, Va. His son Fran¬ cis married Frances Gregory; their daughter, Mildred Thornton, was the second wife of Colonel Samuel Wash¬ ington, the brother of General George Washington. Their descendant, Hon. James Bankhead Thornton, of Caroline County, Va., lawyer, married Marianna Horner, daughter of Hr. Gustavus B. Horner and sister of Richard B. Horner. Mr. Thornton and wife died while resident in Memphis, Tenn. Beverly Whiting, burgess of Gloucester County, 1744- 55 ; justice in Gloucester County, 1739. Catharine Whiting, of Gloucester, married John Wash¬ ington. Elizabeth Whiting, widow, Gloucester, alive in 1729. Francis Whiting, sheriff of Gloucester, 1718; received grant of land in Gloucester, 1723; officer in Revolution from Gloucester; had Henry, at William and Mary, 1764, who married, 1788, Polly Fox, of Gloucester. Francis Whiting, first lieutenant First Virginia Light Dragoons, 1776-1783, living in Jefferson County in 1808, married Harriet, who died September 8, 1826, at “ Clay Hill,” in Amelia County, residence of her sister, Mrs. Tabb, relict of late Francis W., of Jefferson County, Va. Francis HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. 185 Whiting (lied at “ Eaton Hill,” residence of his son, Fran¬ cis B. Whiting, January 3, 1826, aged forty-six. Francis B. Whiting married, “ Chalk Level,” Gloucester, Meaux, daughter of Meaux Thornton. Frank Whiting, Thomas Whiting, and Beverly Whiting, who died in 1757, leaving Peter Beverly, were brothers. Frank Whiting married Mary Burwell, daughter of William Burwell, “ Carter Hall,” Clarke County; had (1) Burwell, married Camilla Pleasants; (2) Henry, married Mary Foote; (3) Frank, married IMaria Meade; (4) Lucy, married William Whit¬ ing; children, Florence and Carlisle, C. S. A., the latter killed by prisoners in his charge ISTovember 7, 1864. Colonel Henry Whiting, vestryman Ware Parish, Gloucester, 1674; member council, 1691; treasurer Vir¬ ginia, 1692-93; sheriff Gloucester, 1723-39 ; justice, 1732; sheriff Middlesex County, 1742; Berkeley County, 1784. Captain John Whiting, Gloucester, 1775; delegate, 1780; sheriff, 1786. John Pox Whiting married M. Augusta, daughter of Louis and Eleanor Oliver. Matthew Whiting married Eliza, daughter of John Robinson, Middlesex; his daughter, Mary Whiting, mar¬ ried, 1787, Archibald Blair, clerk of council, Rich¬ mond. Peter Whiting married a daughter of President Lewis Burwell, Gloucester; had grant Gloucester, 1783 ; State senate, 1780; Hannah, relict of Peter P. Whiting, of “ Elmington,” Gloucester, died at Berryville in 1827, aged sixty-five. Peter Whiting, sheriff, 1797. The author is indebted to Miss Mary Pleasants Whiting, daughter of M. Burwell and Camilla Pleasants, of Clarke County, Va., for the following extracts, to whom is be¬ queathed a ring by Mrs. Lucy Eliza Whiting, with a hand¬ some set, and on which is the inscription, “Janet Blair obit Jan 1765.” On the obverse, “ Archibald Blair obit: 4“* June, 1767. yEtas 77 186 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. “Henry Whiting, born December 10, 1748, who mar¬ ried, first, Ann Fairfax Carlisle, and, second, Elizabeth Braxton, daughter of George Braxton, King and Queen County. (Refer to ‘Blairs,’ Chambers’s ‘Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen.’) “ He had the following children: (1) Carlisle Fairfax, who married a Miss Little. “ Whiting coat-of-arms: “ Crests : wolf’s head. “ Arms : on a chevron—three trefoils between wolf’s head. “ To trace any family in England it is requisite to be informed of the coat-of-arms they used. (Refer to William and Mary Magazine, editor L. G. Tyler, M.A., and to Vir¬ ginia Historical Magazine, Richmond, Va., ‘ Whiting.’) “ Thomas Whiting, commissioner of admiralty during the Revolutionary War. (See Virginia Gazette, July 5, 1786, also Virginia Historical Magazine, July, 1893, page 64.) “ Major Henry Whiting, Gloucester County, military ofiicer horse, 1680. (See Virginia Historical Magazine, Jan¬ uary, 1894.) “ Thomas Whiting, first commissioner of the Kavy Board. Extracts from his letter recommending appoint¬ ment of Walter Brooke commander in the navy. (See Virginia Magazine, January, 1894, page 331.) Francis Whiting, Virginia, first lieutenant of Thurs¬ ton’s additional Continental regiment. May 28, 1777; lieutenant First Continental Dragoons, April, 1779 ; trans¬ ferred to Baylor’s regiment of dragoons Kovember 9, 1782, and served to close of the war. “ Colonel Harry Whiting, vestryman. Ware Parish, Gloucester County, in 1674 ; member of the council, 1691; treasurer of Virginia, July 5,1692-93 ; sheriff of Glouces¬ ter County, 1723 to 1739; justice in 1732. “ The following note was copied from a volume in the Historical Library, viz. ; ‘ Henry Whiting, ensign, Vir¬ ginia, ensign Fourth Virginia, March 25, 1776; lieuten¬ ant, November 29, 1777; retired September 14, 1778. “ Beverly Whiting, see ‘ Alumni Oxoniensis,’ from 1716 to 1886 : ‘ Whitinge, Beverley, son of Henry Whitinge, of Virginia, gentleman, Christ Church, Oxford, matriculated October 30, 1722, aged fifteen.’ GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 187 “ In the cemetery of Abington Church, Gloucester County, Va., may be seen the tomb of Mrs. Katharine Washington, with the inscription : ‘ Underneath this stone lyeth intered the body of Mrs. Katharine Washington, wife of Major John Washington and dau : of Col: Henry Whiting by Elizabeth his wife, born May 22, 1694. She was in her several stations a loving and obedient wife, an indulgent mother, a kind and considerate mistress, and, above all, an exemplary Christian.’ Another burial place, now of the Whiting family, is at ‘ Old Chapel,’ Clarke County, Va. “ Among the highly-prized heirlooms of the branch of ‘ Clay Hill’ is a sword, of which is the following record : ‘ The sword belonged to my great-uncle, Francis Whiting, the brother of my grandfather, Henry Whiting. The sword once cut oft' a man’s nose in Korth Carolina, The said nose belonged to one of Tarleton’s Troopers, who cut Francis Whiting down with his sabre. Francis Whiting “ Writhed him up against the spear And swung his broad-sword round,” and to repay the trooper for removing part of his, Fran¬ cis’s, skull, he removed all the trooper’s nose.’ (Signed by W. H. W., Jr.)” Peter Whiting, appointed justice, Gloucester, 1726; sherift", 1727. Peter B. Whiting, of “ Elmingtoii,” moved from Gloucester after 1789. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Whiting, of Gloucester, alive, 1775. Thomas Whiting, burgess of Gloucester, 1757-69, 1772-75; commissioner admiralty, 1776 ; mem¬ ber of Virginia convention, 1775,1795. Thomas B.Whiting married, 1847, Anna Bassett, daughter of Daingerfield Starke, all of Norfolk. Thomas AVhiting, justice, 1794, Hannah Washington, daughter of AVarner AVashington, married a AVhiting. Colonel Whiting, of Gloucester, married Anne, daugh¬ ter of Colonel Aides Cary, of Ceelys. AVilliam AVhiting married Susan, daughter of Robert 188 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. Nelson, “Malvern Hill;” had one child, Mary, who married Philip Nelson. In the “Memoir of Rev. Samuel Whiting, D.D., and of his wife, Elizabeth St. John,” etc., by William Whiting, former president New England Historical and Genealog¬ ical Society, fifty copies printed, not published, 8vo, pp. 334, 1871, considerable space is given to the Virginia family of Whiting. (See also “ Virginia Genealogies,” Hayden.) The register of the navy of the United States for 1893 presents the names of the following otficers : William D. Whiting, commodore, retired, appointed from Massachu¬ setts; midshipman, March, 1841, and October 12, 1881, commodore; second, William H. Whiting, commander, the Alliance, September 21, 1860; commander, July 2, 1882, appointed from Wisconsin; and, third, Robert Whiting, surgeon nautical school ship St. Mary’s; ap¬ pointed from Virginia and commissioned assistant-sur¬ geon, Juiie 21,1875; passed-assistant, December 17,1878; and surgeon, December 15, 1891. In connection with the record of the Whiting family of Virginia, the author failed to obtain from the Whiting- Hope-Marr branch, resident at Hampton and Lexington, Va., the data desired. The following was kindly furnished: In connection with the history of the Whitings of America may be quoted a sketch of the pioneer life of Fenton Berkeley Whiting, of Quincy, Cal., the fourth son of George B. and Francis Whiting {nee Horner), one of the earliest settlers of Northern California and a founder of express lines and dog express mail companies between Bidwell and Marysville. In the “ History of Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra Counties, Cal.,” by Frank T. Gilbert, it is stated: “ In 1857, H. C. Everts, F. B. Whiting, and others formed the well-known firm of Whiting & Co. They con- GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 189 tinned the business till succeeded by Wells, Fargo & Co., in 1868. Mr. Whiting then for a decade became county clerk of Plumas County. “ During the winter of 1852-53, expressmen had a hard time of it, and had to fight their way on foot through the snow. At that time snow-shoes were unknown here. The Indian or Canadian snow-shoe was soon after intro¬ duced. This was too slow to satisfy the enterprising and energetic character of Mr. Whiting. Like all American hoys of thoughtful habits, he had read the interesting- stories of explorers of the Arctic Seas, and treasured them in his mind. It now occurred to him that the sled and team of dogs used by the natives of the polar zone could be adopted in the express business with profit. During the year 1858 he procured three large, strong, intelligent dogs of the Newfoundland and St. Bernard breeds, and broke them in to work in harness that he had made espe¬ cially for the purpose. When winter came, with its mass of snow, he harnessed them to a sled Avhich had been constructed at a cost of seventy-five dollars, and made a trial trip. It Avas a magnificent success. On the sled Avas a small chest, in AAdiich Avere carried the United States mail (a post-office having been established two years be¬ fore at Quincy), letters and express packages of gold dust, the fruit of the toil of hard-working miners. These, Avith himself and an occasional passenger, sometimes made a load of six hundred pounds, Avith whicli the dogs would race across the frozen crust of suoav at the top of their speed, apparently enjoying the sport as much as the human freight they dreAV. Mr. Whiting drove and man¬ aged the dog express in person, the route being from Buckeye to MeadoAv Valley, a distance of tAventy-tAvo miles. Snow-shoes AA-ere used by tlie driver in going up steep grades or through the deep snoAV to lighten the load for the patient animals. The dogs Avere driven tandem, —four in a team. Stages Avere put on the route in 1858, as long as the roads remained open; but as soon as the blockade of snoAV Avas laid the dog express Avas brought into requisition, and for AA^eeks the oidy connecting-link between Plumas and the outside Avorld was Mr. Whiting and his gallant canine friends.” 190 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. Mr. Whiting at present (1890) still resides at Quincy, surrounded by a large and happy family, and has become a successful practising attorney-at-law since he has removed to San Francisco with his family. Randolph Virginius Whiting, son of F. B. Whiting, passed the examination to practise law in the Supreme Court of California in May, 1895. While preparing to attain such high legal honors, this young man was an in¬ structor in mathematics. F. B. Whiting, Jr., is resident surgeon in the Infirmary of Kings County, Washington; Harry, the eldest, is compositor on a Honolulu paper and a member of the Hawaiian government band; Eugene is employed in the San Francisco Post-Office, while Frank at nineteen years of age is a teacher of languages. The aunt, Henrietta C. Whiting, in 1876 married Andrew Jackson Gould, a native of Clinton, Pa., a miner. He invented the Gould water-wheel. In attempting to cross Jacoby Ravine, not far from Quincy, Plumas County, Cal., in the early spring, in the midst of ice and snow, Mr. Gould slipped into the bed of the ravine head fore¬ most, striking his head and breaking his neck. As he went over the precipice he cried out, “ My God !” Death was instantaneous, and the water of the river, about five feet deep, passing from air-hole to air-hole, rapidly car¬ ried the body down stream until rescued by his fellow- miners. Harry C. Whiting, the son of George C. Whiting, for many years Worthy Grand Master Mason of the District of Columbia, is a clerk in the United States Treasury De¬ partment. His brother, George Braxton, deceased, mar¬ ried Miss Lyons, as stated elsewhere. His sister Rosa married Mr. Stille, of Brooklyn, K. Y. Mr. Carlisle Whiting married the daughter of Mr. John P. Dulany, of Fauquier County, Va. His family reside in Baltimore with the exception of the two sons,—Keville, GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 191 who married Miss Hyde, resident in Fauquier County, Va., and Dr. Guy Whiting, who married in the city of Hew York and is resident of Washington, D. C. The southern branch of the Whiting family are numer¬ ous. Frances, daughter of George Braxton Whiting, who married Francis Horner, and sister of G. B. Whiting, Jr., married Mr. Anderson. They removed to Alton, Ill., thence to Dubuque, la., and thence to Red Cloud. Her sisters, Elizabeth, Mary, and Henrietta, after living for some years in Washington City and at St. Louis, Mo., re¬ moved to Quincy, and since to San Francisco, Cab, where they now live with their brother, Fenton B. Whiting. The latter was born, as already mentioned, at ‘‘Mountain View,” Fauquier County, Va. He crossed the plains in 1849 and since has lived in California. His brother, Richard Whiting, undertook the lumber business on the Mississippi about the year 1847, when epidemic cholera prevailed, from which disease he died. John, another brother, served as a soldier in the Mexican War. After¬ wards he had brain disease and was committed to the Staunton, Va., Hospital. It has already been stated that General John C. Fre¬ mont, U. S. A., was descended from the Whitings. His father, a Frenchman, settled in Horfolk, Va., and married Anne Beverly Whiting, a Virginia lady, and supported himself by teaching his native language. After his death in 1818, his widow removed to Charleston, S. C., with three infant children. J. C. Fremont, her son, won the title of the “ Pathfinder,” founded the State of California, was United States Senator and first candidate of the Re¬ publicans for President in 1856, against Buchanan, who defeated him, served during the civil war in the Federal army as major-general, and died July 15, 1890, on the retired list of the United States army. Mrs. Heville Whiting has in her possession a ring, the 192 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. set bearing’ the name of “ Sarah Manley, obii: 79—1785,” who was the grandmother of Carlisle, Fairfax, William, and their sister, Ellen Whiting, of the family whose resi¬ dence was “ Morven,” near Alexandria, Va. The Little Family. The following is the earliest record of the Little family, and was kindly furnished by Robert Little Horner: “ Andrew Little, of Fenton, Anuandale, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, married Christian Murray (sister of Colonel John Carlyle’s mother), and by her had issue four sons and four daughters. “His children were, (1) John, who emigrated to South Carolina (where his relation. Judge Murray, resided); he was drowned from a pleasure boat. “(2.) William, who emigrated to Virginia in company with Colonel Carlyle, settled in Jefferson County, near Charlestown, on a place called Fenton Hill, and married Margaret Howe, by whom he had issue five sons and three daughters. “ (3.) George, wLo died young. “ (4.) Charles, emigrated to Virginia after William in the year 1768-9, and married Mary Manly, by whom he had issue one daughter, Sarah Manly, married to Carlyle Fairfax Whiting. “ (5.) Henrietta, married Mr. Marr. “ (6.) Christian, married Mr. Mcholls. “ (7.) Rachel, married Mr. Chartres. “ (8.) Jane, unmarried. “ William, son of Andrew, married Margaret Howe. His children: “ (1.) Mary, married Colonel McGuire. “ (2.) Robert Howe, married Mary Blair Whiting. “ (3.) William, married Jane Craighill. “ (4.) Charles, unmarried. “(5.) Elizabeth, married William Price Craighill. “ (6.) John Peyton, married, May 22, 1817, Arabella Jane Alexander, of Wilmington, Delaware. “ (7.) Margaret, unmarried. “ (8.) Thomas, married Miss Smith of Kentucky.” GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 193 Through the courtesy of Mrs. Neville Whiting, the granddaughter of Rev. Bryan Fairfax, is furnished the following data, viz.: “ Colonel John Carlyle was descended from the Car¬ lyles, of Torthorwald, Scotland. lie moved to America when a young man, and settled as a merchant in Alexan¬ dria. He married twice. His first wife was Sarah Fair¬ fax, daughter of the Rev. Bryan Fairfax. The first wife left two daughters. Sarah, the eldest, married William Herbert; the second daughter, Ann Fairfax Carlyle, married Henry Whiting, of Jefferson County, Va., and left one son, named Carlyle Fairfax Whiting. Colonel Carlyle’s second wife was Sybil West, the sister of the Rev. William West, of Harford County, Md. She had sons and daughters, but only one survived her, viz., George William Carlyle. He lived to be sixteen, then entered the array, ami was killed at the battle of Eutaw Springs in South Carolina, September 8, 1781. “Carlyle Fairfax Whiting was born March 20, 1778, the day his mother died. At the age of nineteen he mar¬ ried his cousin, Sarah Manly Little, the only child of Colonel Charles Little, of Denbigh, Fairfax County, Ya. Sarah M. Little, his wife, was born June 1,1776. Colonel Carlyle and Colonel Charles Little were first cousins. Their mothers were Christian and Rachel Murray, of Scotland. After the death of Ann Fairfax Whiting her husband, Henry Whiting, married Elizabeth Braxton, and left one daughter and two sons, Mary Blair Whiting, George Braxton Whiting, and Francis Beverly Whiting. Mary married Dr. Robert Howe Little, George married Frances Horner, and Frank married Mary Burwell, of Clarke County, Ya. “It may be also added that Mrs. Neville, the great- granddaughter of Colonel John Carlyle, married her cousin, the great-grandson of the same gentleman, and they have five sons, the family homestead being near Mar¬ shall, Fauquier County, Ya.” The obituary of Mrs. Henry Whiting, nee Braxton, reads thus: 194 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. “Departed tins life on Monday, the 24th ultimo, at Enfield, Prince William County, Va., Mrs. Elizabeth Whiting, in the fifty-ninth year of her age, a lady emi¬ nently distinguished for talents rarely to he met with, and for all the virtues necessary to adorn her sex. For many years before her death she had sustained a tiresome exist¬ ence in consequence of continued ill health. She bore all the afflictions of life with the most perfect composure, looking to the period when they would be exchanged for the felicities of heaven. She will live in fond recollection of all who were favored with the pleasure of knowing her worth.” In proof of the courteous style of correspondence of the last century may be quoted a letter, post-marked “ Mrs. Mary Pi-escot, Enfield: Loudoun County via Lees- burg, Pd, February 5 : 1797—Alex for_5,” from Judge B. 30 Washington: “ Madam : I received the letter which you did me the honor to write & now enclose you a copy of Gill’ bill whi is this moment received. You will please get some professional Gentleman to draw your answer whi together with the copy now enclosed send me as soon as possible. “You may rely upon my best exertions being used for your interest I have the honor to be, Madam “ Yr : mo ob. serv : “Bdshrod Washington “ Mrs Prescott.” The following letter shows the style of the refined lady of Virginia. It is addressed to “ Mrs Elizabeth Whiting “Berkeley County “ To y’ care of M"' “Archd Blair, “ Kichmond. “Novf 18^" 1784. “ My Dear Betsy’ most welcome favor reached me some weeks since by which am informed of yours and M'' Whitings being in good health and GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 195 though you do not particularly mention the sweet little Folks yet hope this silence may be interpreted in their favor, and now my Friend permit me to make my warmest acknowledgements to yourself and thro’ you to your worthy spouse (whom you may perceive I am much inclined to for¬ give) for your congratulations on the arrival of my sister who is as solici¬ tous for a personal acquaintance with you as you can possibly be with her and much I wish that your domestic affairs may brighten up and prove no longer an obstacle to all our wishes, but shou’d that not be the case I know my beloved Eliza’^ good sense will teach her to bear her ill fortune with calmness nay I may say with Philosophy, since ’tis not in riches we are to expect happiness. Heaven knows how deplorable our lot wou’'* be were that the way to Estimate it for sadly have we experienced the re¬ verse of what you knew us. Our friends at Richneck have all been very sick but are now recovered. Polly is extremely anxious to see you, did she know of this opport^ am sure she wou* tell you this herself. Since our correspondence has been suspended we have experienced the loss of the best of relations in our Aunt Burwell, but I can scarcely consider this as a misfortune since it released her from a most unhappy world to one for which no one was ever better prepared. I am sorry that time will not admit of my writing two Lett® else shou'^ certainly address one to your D” mamma, of whose illness I was very sorry to hear. Mine has been a long time confined with the ague & fever ; that complaint has now left her, tho : very weak & low & some attendant disorders continue & prevent her re¬ covery. She, my Sister & Brother blend their affectionate regards with mine to yourself and M'' Whiting. Pappa is gone to Richmond. The Family of Battersea are all well except (and am sorry for the exception) Jack Banister, who is extremely ill. If he is an acquaintance of yours I need say nothing to increase the sorrow this information will give. Poor M''® Balfour 12 days ago after a most tedious illness was released from a Life which had been rendered miserable by a long series of misfortunes, under which she conducted herself with admirable firmness & resignation. Char’ will meet with a Friend in our amiable Uncle Cary, I am D'’ Betsy “ yrs ever J. Blair “ Kiss Polly & George for me remember me to y® other son.” This letter marks the business type and ring of the law¬ yer. It is from A. Blair, the clerk of the Richmond court, and is addressed to “ M” Mary Andrews, Enfield near Goshen, in Prince William County (17. Postage) “ Richmond Sept: I"’” 1811. “ Dear Madam : I have seen a letter to Mr Anderson dated 21“ July in Liverpool where he and his family safely arrived after a very short passage. M''® H suffered much from sea sickness but they are all much 13 196 THE AVHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. belter from the trip. It is very probable he has written to you which I suppose would be sent on to j’ou from W“®burg ; it has been very sicklj* here this summer ; poor M’’® Mills has left us for a better world a happy event for her as she had become quite helpless. We flatter ourselves you will be moving this way shortly as the Society of your® and Miss Char¬ lotte would be very acceptable to us all. Beverly delivered me a message from M'' Little requesting to be informed to whom the money was pd. by me for the land. Be so good as to inform him that I paid £462 13.6. on the March 1793 to Mr Charles Grj'ines Agent for John H. Horton on receiving a letter from M'' B. Washington in the following words to wit: “ ‘ Sir. M'' Grymes has presented me a Deed from M"" Norton to Thos: Porter and myself in Trust for M'' & M” Prescot which I have accepted & is now in my possession. “ ‘ I am sir yr: Mo oh : Ser‘ “ ‘ B. Washington. ‘“Feb: 28: 1793.’ “The original Draft for the Money was from Mary Burwell to John Hatty Norton dated 19*’’ Nov: 1791, and presented to me by M'' Chas: Grymes with M"' Washington® note when the money was paid and a recpt. taken on the Draft as follows : “ ‘ Eichmond March 16**’ 1793, Eeceived the above sum of four hun¬ dred, sixty two pounds 13/6. in full on acct: of J. H. Norton. “ ‘ C. Grymes, Agt for J. H. Norton.’ “ M’" Williams tells me that he has found the original Deed for the Land. “ Kemember us all to M*® Whiting: M* L. & family & Miss C. “ I am affectionately yrs “ A. Blair.’’ The son of the Mrs. Whiting [nee Elizabeth Braxton) referred to in this letter, Francis Beverly Whiting, was a midshipman on board the Constellation, the second for¬ midable war-vessel of the “ new navy” which bore the flag of the young Republic in 1799, and under Commodore Truxton captured the French vessels Insurgente and La Vengeance. Midshipman Whiting was attached to this vessel about the year 1815, perhaps after the war with the pirates of the Barhary States and subsequent to the opera¬ tions of Commodore Decatur’s fleet against Algiers. Younsr Whiting; writes to his brother-in-law. Dr. Robert H. Little; GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 197 “ Alexandria, April 4 : “ ‘ I promised to inform you as soon as I received my orders to which ship I was ordered. The Secretary has attached me to the old Constella¬ tion, Captain Campbell, I do not expect to sail in less than six weeks, but I shall be very much obliged to you to send my bed clothes down to the city as soon as possible to Washington as I wish to get on board and choose my berth. I am at present stationed in Alexandria to ship seamen, whither I have repaired this morning, so you may naturally conclude I am very much engaged.” JMidshipman Whiting at the expiration of a cruise in the Constellation in the Mediterranean returned and re¬ signed his warrant. lie married Mary, the daughter of Colonel Nathaniel Burwell, of “ Carter Hall,” and settled at Clay Hill, Clarke County, Va. His son Burwell mar¬ ried Camilla Pleasants, of Baltimore; William Henry married Mary Foote, of New York, and Francis Beverly, Maria Meade. His daughters are Lucy, who married William Whiting, a cousin, and Mary Blair, now living. Where the Shenandoah Valley Railroad crosses the turnpike road between Berryville and Millwood, Clarke County, Va., stands the old stone Episcopal Chapel, huilt in 1798, near hy a cool and refreshing spring of limestone water embowered beneath a shady grove of magnificent forest trees, and near hy is the cemetery, now annually visited to strew flowers on the graves of the dead. In 1890 the one hundredth anniversary of the old chapel was celebrated, although the original building of logs was constructed some yeai’s before 1790. In the cemetery of this old chapel lie buried many of the Little and Whiting families, their children and grand- ehildren. Monuments in marble and stone mark their graves, as do handsome memorial windows in the old chapel and in Christ Church, situated near Millwood. The reader is referred to “ Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia,” hy Bishop Meade, and “Vir¬ ginia Genealogies,” by H. E. Hayden, A.M.; also to 198 THE AVHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. “ Sketch of the Late Colonel Charles Little, of the Conti¬ nental Army,” by F. L. Brockett, of Alexandria 'Wash¬ ington Lodge ISTo. 22, A. F. and A. M., Masonic Temple, 1874. Among the children of George Braxton Whiting, who was the personal friend of President Jackson, was Miss Elizabeth Braxton Whiting, horn in Frederick County, Va., August 7, 1809, and died at Quincy, Plumas County, Cal., ISTovemher 25,1893. Her surviving sisters are Mary Blair Whiting and Mrs. Henrietta Gould, and one brother, Fenton B. Whiting, Esq., one of the oldest pioneers of Plumas, Cal. (See Plumas National Bulletin.) In the sketch of the life of the late General John C. Fremont, who won the title of the “ Pathfinder,” and who was so conspicuous in the acquisition of California, which State he represented in the United States Senate, 1849-51, his biographer says : “ His father was a Frenchman, set¬ tled in Horfolk, Va., and married Anne Beverly Whiting. He was a teacher of the French language, and after his death, in 1818, his widow, with three children, removed to Charleston, S. C.” In the biography already presented the omission occurs of the statement that in 1783 George Braxton Whiting, who married Frances Horner, was horn in Frederick County, now Jefferson County, Va., at a place called Bock Hall, and died May 18, 1835, in Washington City, D. C., aged fifty-one years eleven months and ten days. The place called Bock Hall is now (1845) the residence of Mr. Thomas Hite Willis, of Jefferson County. It is four or five miles southwest of Charleston. The father of George Braxton Whiting, Henry Whiting, Esq., in 1776 received his commission as justice of the peace in Berke¬ ley County from the assembly of Virginia, doubtless shortly after he removed from Gloucester County, and not long afterwards he died prematurely from an illness GENEALOGY AND HISTORY. 199 brought on by exposure to cold and the efforts to rescue a lady from drowning in Goose Creek, Fauquier County. The picture herewith presented of “ Elmington,” Gloucester County, Va., on a small stream called North River, shows the home of the Whitings of Virginia and of Colonel Thomas Whiting, commissioner of admiralty of Virginia, 1775. The place is now owned by Mr. Dun¬ can. Craighill-Little Family. 1755. Nathaniel Craighill and Patsey Craighill, his wife, were the founders of the family in America. William Price Craighill, son of Nathaniel and Patsey, was born November 23, 1784; died March 23, 1824. Eliza Conrad Little, wife of William Price Craighill and daughter of William Little, was born December 28, 1788; died November 15, 1855. William Nathaniel Craighill, son of William Price and Eliza Conrad C., was born January 26, 1808; died Sep¬ tember 6, 1887. William Price Craighill (colonel engineers, U. S. A.) was born July 1, 1833; married Miss Morsell, daughter of Judge Morsell, of Maryland. His children were James Morsell, Bessie Rutherford, William Edward, Mary, Sarah Eleanor, John Marbury (dead), and Nathaniel Rutherford. Colonel W. P. Craighill married, second. Miss Jones, of Charlestown, W. Va., daughter of an Episcopal clergy¬ man. The children of this marriage were : Ellen Rutherford Craighill, born July 12, 1836; un¬ married. James Brown Craighill, minister of the Episcopal Church, was born July 28, 1838. Edward Addison Craighill, physician and' druggist, Lynchburg, Va., and late surgeon in the Southern army, w’as born November 2, 1840 ; married; no children. 200 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. Robert Templeman Craighill, lawyer, was born April 25, 1843. His children are Carrie Templeman, William Hathaniel, Robert Ealsy, Edward Addison, Joseph Hob¬ son, Sarah Norvelle, Mattie Hollyday, and Samuel Pres¬ ton. George Peyton Craighill, druggist, born February 9, 1851. Colonel William P. Craighill, H. S. A., writes: “My Grandfather Brown was from Westmoreland County. His name was James. He traces his pedigree back to a Brown who came with or soon after John Smith. My great-uncle, Thomas Brown, of Florida, wrote an interesting autobiography, but it is still in manuscript. I have it. “ My Great-grandmother Brown was Miss Templeman, of Westmore¬ land. My mother’s mother was the daughter of Kobert Eutherford, a connection of Sir Walter Scott’s mother, whose name was Eutherford. I have seen her picture at Abbottsford in Scotland. “ I suppose you know of the connection of the McGuires with our family. I have always wished to know more of the Little ancestry. I am a member of the St. Andrews Lodge by virtue of my Little blood. “ My great-uncle, John P. Little, was a member of the same lodge here, nearly a century ago.’’ The above writer. Colonel W. P. Craighill, IT. S. A., married the second time Miss Jones, daughter of Rev. Mr. Jones, Charlestown, Va., and the sister of Rev. Mr. Jones, Millwood, Clarke County, and late chaplain of the Stonewall Brigade. His son is a physician in Baltimore, Md.; another an officer in the United States army; an¬ other at the School of Technology, Boston, Mass. Colonel Craighill was offered the appointment of chief of the commission to survey the route for the Panama Canal, which he declined, to be promoted to the highest grade of his corps. United States army, viz., general, which position he still holds. In army circles he has at¬ tained the highest rank of any member of the family. In the Press, published in Philadelphia, is noted that in February, 1897, GENEALOGY AND HISTORAL 201 “ General Craiglull, chief of engineers, was retired from active service in the United States army. General Craig- hill’s relinquishment of his important office at this time is entirely voluntary, and due to a desire for a short vaca¬ tion, which he vdll improve in looking for more perma¬ nent and congenial employment in civil life. He has been in active military service for forty-three years, including the exciting period of the civil war in this country, and during this time he has not had over six months’ leave of absence. General Craighill stands at the front of his pro¬ fession in this country as a military and civil engineer. He was born July 1, 1833, at Charlestown, W. Va. (then Virginia), and entered the Military Academy from that State July 1, 1849. After four years he was graduated Ho. 2 in a class of fifty-two members, among whom were General Sheridan and others on the Union side during the civil war and General Hood, of the Southern army. Appointed a second lieutenant of the corps of engineers, he has since passed through all the grades to brigadier- general and chief of engineers, to which last named he was appointed by President Cleveland May 10, 1895, suc¬ ceeding General T. L. Casey, deceased. During the civil war he received the brevets of lieutenant-colonel and col¬ onel for meritorious services. At various times during that struggle he had charge of the fortifications at Wash¬ ington, Baltimore, Hampton Hoads, Charleston, Savan¬ nah, the Dry Tortugas, and Delaware Eiver. He was also on the special hoard to arrange defenses for San Francisco when the French were in Mexico and threatened to in¬ vade California, and immediately after the war he served on a board to revise all the fortifications of the United States. For four years he was assistant professor of mili¬ tary and civil engineering at the Military Academy at West Point. From 1856 to 1859 General Craighill was assistant in the Engineer Bureau in the War Department, and again from 1866 to 1870 he was on duty in the En¬ gineer Bureau. In connection with river and harbor duty General Craighill has had active charge of many important public improvements all over the United States and has taken an active part in the projects for many others. Among harbors may be mentioned those of Hew York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Horfolk, Charleston, and 202 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. Savannali. He Las had much to do with river improve¬ ment,^ especial]}^ in Virginia and Maryland. His record as chief of engineers has been most creditable, and was signalized by the inauguration of a comprehensive system of fortifications in all parts of the country and also the continuation of important river and harbor works, for which large appropriations became available at the begin¬ ning of the present fiscal year. “ General Craighill has been married twice. First, to the daughter of tfie late Judge Morsell, of Maryland, and, second, to Miss Jones, daughter of Eev. Mr. Jones. He has ever been a consistent member of the Protestant Episco¬ pal Church. Among his sons, one is a physician in Balti¬ more and another is an oflicer in the United States army.” CHAPTER HI. EETEOSPECTION AND EEELECTION. The reader of the preceding correspondence, biogra¬ phies, and diary of the Braxtons, Blairs, and Banisters, inclusive also of the historical data connected with the families descended from them, viz.: the Whitings, Craig- hills, Horners, Browns, and Littles, cannot fail to recog¬ nize that they represented the refined and educated people of the colony and State of Virginia, and during their lives in colonial times and since held high and respectable posi¬ tions in society and in church and state. They possessed also wealth in landed estates. At a period during the last century, when the facilities of crossing the ocean (only in sailing vessels) were indifferent, they were wont to visit the “ Mother Country,” as England was styled; they imported thence costly goods, improved stock, furni¬ ture, and building materials, and their sons who studied the professions of theology, law, or medicine became RETROSPECTIOX AND REFLECTION. 203 alumni of the English and Scotch universities and col¬ leges. How accurate the touch to human experience at its best showing is President John Blair’s confession to his sister, Mrs. Braxton, in his letter dated “ TVilliam-sburo, Va 1769. “ I am sorry to learn from your letter that you are sadly teazed with little debts. I wish it were in my power to help you, but it is just my own case. I have much due to me, but in these sad times cannot get in [enough] to pay my debts, and have borrowed to furnish the Table. [He had inherited only ten thousand pounds and, besides, had a lucrative office.] “ To Mrs George Braxton, At ‘ Newington.’ ” Again the president of the ro^’al council of the colony of Virginia writes; “ I am glad to hear by Mary that Georgie is a fine boy and reads in the Bible very prettily. I pray God bless them and give you much comfort in them.” ... “I have had no return of y® Ague and am I bless God in perfect health. I heartily wish you well and am Dear Molly : yr afiTect: Father : “ John Blair. “ Williamsburg, Oct 31: 1765.” While posterity will fully accord to the worthy and distinguished writer full credit for such pious utterances and for his manly courage in upholding the Presbyterian minister, Mr. Davies, in his right to preach in Virginia, his piety must have been shallow when he lent himself to the worldly social habits of that period and won large sums of money at the card-table. No marvel, therefore, that his uncle. Commissary James Blair, the author of several volumes of excellent sermons, should have preached against such anti-Christian practices. Doubtless it must have been with heartfelt satisfaction and patriotic pride that Colonel John Banister, soldier and statesman and signer of the Articles of Confedera¬ tion, and Carter Braxton, signer of the Declaration of In¬ dependence, and John Blair, signer of the Constitution of 204 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. the United States, beheld the final act of the completion of the Union of all the States upon principles of justice and equality, in order “ to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestie tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our pos¬ terity.” May it not be added that since the descendants of these men, so illustrious and self-sacrificing in their day, have lately (the 30th of April, 1889) celebrated the centennial anniversary of the adoption of the Federal Constitution, they will ever have the best reason to re¬ spect and reverence their memory, and will teach their children to be loyal to the government, for “ the powers that be are ordained of God,” Rom. xiii. 1, and “ the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men,” Daniel iv. 17. In proof of the high-toned and patriotic character of the mothers of Virginia, the following quotation is re¬ peated from the will of Mrs. Henry Whiting {nee Elizabeth Braxton), recorded in the court of Prince William County, Virginia, 1815. She says : “ My children will ever do my memory the justice that I always sedulously and anxiously endeavored to impart on their hearts and minds from their earliest infancy ever¬ more to be tenderly afiectionate to each other, to walk uniformly and firmly steadfast in the paths of rectitude and virtue, with a steadfast faith in Christ Jesus; to all mankind strictly just, to the poor and afflicted a speedy friend, and to their country firm and faithful, as was our great Washington. A life thus spent will ensure to them in the next world eternal bliss.” Such counsel surely breathes the spirit of the mother of the modern Gracchi and reverence for him of whom Lord Brougham, the great English statesman, wrote, that “the RETROSPECTION AND REFLECTION. 205 future progress of the human race (from a worldly stand¬ point) would be in proportion to the estimate that man¬ kind will set upon the life and achievements of George Washington.” In connection with the record of this lady, the daughter of Colonel George Braxton, the history of the Braxtons during the nineteenth century reveals no degeneracy. Both the descendants of George and Carter Braxton have been college-bred, either at William and Mary College or the University of Virginia; some have been physicians or lawyers, others have entered either the army or navy to win honorable distinction as staff or medical officers. Though a lawyer by profession, and the proof is want¬ ing that Carter Braxton, the signer, was a Christian, his¬ tory will accord to him the credit as God’s instrument of averting from Williamsburg and Virginia the shedding of the first blood of the Revolutionary War, which was destined to flow afterwards at Lexington, Mass., when, with the support of his father-in-law, Mr. Corbin, he in¬ duced Patrick Henry, at the head of the Virginia militia, to desist from seizing the old Powderhorn Magazine, the arsenal of the royal colony; and subsequently, by pub¬ lishing an address “ On the Government of the Colonies,” he earnestly sought to persuade his countrymen to desist from extreme measures. The Rev. James Blair, appointed commissary by the bishop of London, may be esteemed as one of the found¬ ers of the educational system of the United States. The royal charter of William and Mary College insured the intellectual and religious culture of the colonists of Vir¬ ginia, the training of young men for the Christian min¬ istry, and also the primary education of the Indians. The published sermons of Dr. Blair prove that he was an en¬ lightened follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, an advocate of the brotherhood of mankind, and was not bigoted, 206 THE WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. since on the occasion of Whitefield’s visit to America he welcomed him to his pulpit, though the act was rebuked by the bishop of London. His nephew, John Blair, Sr., failed not, when the acting governor of the colonj^, to imitate his example when he protected and allowed Mr. Davies, a Presbyterian minister, to preach the Gospel in Virginia, virtually thereby suspending the statute law which forbade dissenting clergymen from officiating. The reader of the correspondence already presented in this volume cannot fail to remark that the writers, though they were doubtless believers in the Bible and were church members, accepted the letter rather than spirit of gospel truth; with them it was union Avith the church; they Avould seem to have known but little of union with Christ, who said of his true followers, “ They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (St. John xvii. 14.) In proof of this statement, worldly dissipations were so prevalent, that Commissary Blair preached against such sins at a time Avhen horse-racing, theatre-going, and card-playing were the pastimes of society in Williamsburg; indeed, the memorandum-book of his own nephew, already quoted from, confirms the fact as to card-playing. The son. Judge John Blair, could not have committed himself to such follies, judging from his letters. In one he owns that “ the Great Being from whom we have proceeded, and who, being the sole Author of all our enjoyments, has a right to withdraw them in his own good time, and whose goodness in his general providence may be as eminent, for aught we know, for blessing, even when he deals to us the bitter cup of affiic- tion. We may all profit in the school of adversity if we will but make a right use of its sacred lessons.” Again, this learned and great jurist, in the last letter he wrote to his sister, like himself stricken doAvn by sickness, from Williamsburg, July 5,1799, says : “ The relief I find most RETROSPECTION AND REFLECTION. 207 powerful in my own case I heartily recommend to you. They are evils, indeed, and great ones, but they have their certain measure if we do not increase them by unnecessary complaining of our condition and by repin- ings at Providence, who best knows what is good for man.” Such quotations are made from the writings of Judge Blair to prove that he, at least, fully apprehended the spirit and mind of the Author of our holy religion, so hidden if not mystified by the teachings of his and our own day. The social habits of that period in Vir¬ ginia, among the genteel families, at least, could not have favored the expansion or even the retention of their estates. Their deterioration or loss was undoubtedly due to prodigality in some form, perhaps extravagance at the stores, expensive entertainments, and frequenting the fashionable summer places. This misfortune befell Mrs. George Braxton and her descendants, who inherited large estates from the Burwell family, once owned “ ISTewington” and the Custis property adjoining, valued at twenty thousand pounds, and subse¬ quently four thousand acres in Prince William and in Western Virginia. This statement is amply corroborated by facts. There can be no question that the maintenance of the servants in Virginia and in other Southern States and the lack of manufacturing enterprise contributed to the loss of valuable estates. The income derived from the culture of wheat and farm products failed to meet expenditures, and the soil steadily deteriorated, even under the use of expensive fertilizers. At the present period radical changes have occurred; the youth of both sexes have or begin to acquire habits of thrift and self-reliance, the contest between labor and capital is decided in behalf of the original white settlers, who will not fail to develop the agricultural and mineral 208 the WHITING-LITTLE FAMILIES. wealth of the hfew South, and already have started manu¬ factories of eveiy description. Soon all grades of her citizeus will possess a fair educatiou, and the ruinous blunders in the sphere of political and social economy will no more occur. Alien races will no more be a snare and the occasion of demoralization, as they proved to he to their ancestors. DR. GUSTAVUS BROWN (Ex-Surgeon-General in the Revolutionary War). part ID. THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. CHAPTER I. DE. GUSTAVUS BEOWN HOENEE. Dr. Gustavus Brown Horner was born February 28, 1761, at Hewport, Charles County, Md., a few miles from Port Tobacco. He was educated at the best schools the country then afibrded, and studied medicine under Dr. William Brown, of Alexandria, Va., a relative and an emi¬ nent physician, who afterwards became one of the sur¬ geon-generals of the army of the Revolution. The war of indepeiidence interrupting young Horner’s studies, he enlisted as a private soldier, and was with the army at Philadelphia and in other parts of Pennsylvania and Hew Jersey. Dr. Brown, his relative, obtained for him the commission of surgeon’s mate, which he retained until the disbandment of the army in 1783. He then removed to Fauquier Court-House, Va., now Warrenton,* and begun the practice of medicine and surgery, with widely extending reputation and success as a practitioner. His labors were onerous, as there were but few physicians * Warrenton, mentioned in the text, was settled by those or their de¬ scendants who took part in the Eevolutionary War, Drs. G. B. Horner, Wallace, and Henderson. The tradition is generally accepted that War¬ renton was named in honor of Dr. Joseph Warren, who sacrificed his life at Bunker Hill to secure the liberties of his people. 209 210 THE HORNEE-BROWN FAMILY. then in that region of country. His father was Kobert Horner, of Ripon, Yorkshire, England, and he first visited the colonies as agent of his brother on a commercial ven¬ ture before the Revolution, and was induced to settle in Charles County, Md., where he conducted a prosperous business of shipping tobacco to the mother county. The disturbed state of the country and his affairs rendered it necessary for him to change his residence to “ Hippie,” Prince William County, Va., where he died August, 1773. Soon after his return to Maryland, May 11, 1758, he was married to Anna, a daughter of Dr. Gustavus Brown, the widow of Rev. Samuel Claggett, an Episcopal minister and father of the late Bishop Claggett, of Maryland. The sons of this marriage were Gustavus Brown and William Horner, the former the subject of this sketch and the latter the father of the late Professor W. E. Horner, the subject, also, of a subjoined sketch in this book. Mr. Horner was esteemed as an upright, high-toned gentleman, a good husband, father, and neighbor, and kind to his servants. Thus the extraction of Dr. G. B. Horner was that of Eng¬ lish and Scotch blended. April 14,1786, subsequent to his settlement at Warrenton in 1783 as a physician, he married Frances Harrison Scott, his second cousin, the daughter of Captain James Scott. He acquired an extensive practice, and soon attained to a speed}^ reputation as a surgeon and physician. His mother and his wife’s grandmother, Sarah Scott, the wife of Rev. James Scott, were sisters, daughters of Dr. Gustavus Brown and Frances Eowke, of Scotland, and later of Port Tobacco, Md. Dr. Horner had by this marriage eleven children, eight of whom reached mature age; the others died in infancy. (1.) Frances Harrison, married George Braxton Whiting, of Frederick County, Va. (2.) Elizabeth Scott, married Thomas L. Moore, Esq., an eminent laAvyer of Warrenton and member of Congress. DR. GUSTAVUS BROWN HORNER. 211 (3.) Gustavus Brown, who migrated to Franklin County, Mo., and died in 1839. (4.) Catherine Inman, who married John Marr, Esq. Tliey were parents of Lieutenant Robert Marr, U. S. H.; of Captain John Quincy Marr, of the Southern army, 1861; of Miss Fanny Marr, the poetess, and of other children. (5.) Richard Brent, Esq., father of Frederick Horner, M.D., U. S. H., the author; of Robert L. Horner; of Dr. F. Horner; of Mrs. Frank Houston Wyeth, of Philadel¬ phia; of Richard H. Horner, Esq., of the Southern army, 1861; of Elizabeth Moore Horner; deceased, Mary, Frances, George B., William. (6.) John Scott, a sketch of whose life is subjoined. His son, G. F. Horner, Esq., of Ripon, has a son, Gus¬ tavus Brown. (7.) Frederick Horner, Sr., M.D., married Ann Lovell, and had numerous sons, some of whom are in Texas; Gustavus Brown, artist, resides near Warrenton. (8.) Marianna Tabb, who married James Bankhead Thornton, an eminent lawyer, of Caroline County, Ya., and subsequently of Memphis, Tenn., a legal author. Their son, Gustavus B. Thornton, M.D., was an eminent surgeon of the Southern army and a sanitarian, who saved the people of Memphis, Tenn., from terrible loss during the scourge of epidemic yellow fever in 1878-79. Dr. Horner enjoyed robust physical health, and while serving in the Revolutionary army had become inured to hardship and privation, which enabled him to bear the exposures and fatigue of an extensive practice over a rough and hilly country on horseback, then the sole mode of locomotion. He suffered several severe attacks of rheu¬ matism, which confined him to his bed. He was several times elected to serve in the Legislature of Virginia, was also the presidential elector of his district when the position was esteemed an honor, and was prominent as a candidate 14 212 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. for Congress, adhering steadfastly to the Republican party of that period, as opposed to the Federal. He was six feet in stature, weighed two hundred and fifty pounds, and was remarkable for great personal strength. In fig¬ ure he was a model of manliness. Ilis eyes were dark, and under the excitement of earnest conversation or great emotion blazed with expression. The family record says : “ Three years before his death the eftect produced upon him by his religious convictions was indeed marvellous. It made him a new man, subdued his pride and ambition and selfishness and love of the world, and turned all his energies into a new channel, which continued to increase to the end of his life, so that patience, meekness, and gen¬ tleness by degrees took the place of his natural impetu¬ osity and vehemence, making a total change of character. What a contrast!” The early years of his life had been spent in the army, in camps, and hospitals, and those later in the arduous pursuit of fame and fortune. High-spirited and uncom¬ promising, quick and rather irascible naturally, firm and unchangeable in his moral and political principles, loving and engaged in the exciting political and party questions which prevailed in ante-colonial and subsequent times, at the close of the eighteenth century he was, like his chieftain and friend, Thomas Jefterson, resolute to defend and preserve the integrity of the Republic. After his con¬ version, with his daughter, Mrs. Marr, he became a mem¬ ber of the Episcopal Church, and was confirmed at “ Tur¬ key Run” Church, near Warrenton, by Bishop Moore. In the winter of 1814-15 an epidemic most fatal and unmanageable prevailed in some of the Hew England States and in Eastern Virginia, known as typhus pneu¬ monia, or pleurisy. Hr. Horner had many cases, and decided on a plan of treatment, viz.: of depletion, first introduced by Dr. Benjamin Rush. He saw his last pa¬ tient on Friday morning, January 20, and returned home DR. GUSTAVUS BROWN HORNER. 213 after a long ride, complaining of indisposition, chiefly referable to his head, only, his sons Gustavus and Richard being at home. After spending a disturbed night he sent for a neighbor, who was prevailed upon to bleed him. Afterwards Dr. Thomas Henderson was called. At his own suggestion he was bled again, and then a third time, remarking that if the practice was doubtful he would abide by it in person, as he had practised it upon others. On the third night he was submitted to Jenning’s sweating apparatus, which produced a copious perspiration. After¬ wards he begun to sink, and died Tuesday morning, January 24, 1815, in the fifty-fourth year of his age. lie lies buried at “ Clermont,” the family residence of Captain James Scott, near Warrenton, Va. The spot is marked by a tombstone. His wife* died in Washington City, in 1837, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. B. Whiting, aged seventy-one, and lies buried in Holmead * The wife of Dr. Horner connected herself with the Presbyterian church under “ old Parson Williamson,” there being no Episcopal church in Warrenton. The legal representatives of Dr. Horner presented to Congress a claim for his Revolutionary services—Bill 343, to the Thirty- fourth Congress, May 23, 1856, recounting his militarj' record. The bill had passed the Senate in the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Congresses, but was not acted on by the House of Representatives for want of time. A copy of the petition may be found in full in “ Virginia Genealogies,” “ Brown Family,” page 187, Hayden, and also Dr. Horner’s “ Address to the Freeholders of Culpeper and Fauquier Counties,” when he presented himself as a candidate for Congress, concluding his address in the follow¬ ing language: “ From the first organization of the Federal Government till the present period (viz., December 8, 1810), I have constantly acted with the Repub¬ lican party and firmly supported the administration of the late President, whose character I greatly admire (viz., Mr. Jefferson). I can add that the measures of the present administration have generally met my warm ap¬ probation. In the wisdom and purity of Mr. Madison I have the great¬ est confidence. I imagine it will be unnecessary further to dilate on the subject, since the great [general?] outlines of my political principles will enable you to fill up the subordinate parts with sufficient facility and accuracy. “ Gustavus Brown Horner. “Fauquier Court-House, December 8, 1810.” 214 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. Cemetery. The likeness of Dr. Horner, herewith pre¬ sented, was executed hy William Aldridge, an English artist, in 1807. CHAPTER H. HISTORY, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. With the exception of the records of the register of the Cathedral and the Cemetery of Ripon, Yorkshire, Eng¬ land, the letters herewith appended are the earliest data in the possession of the author of the Horner family. Mrs. Simpson, Berlin, Germany, has a family Bible and other old records of the Horners who lived in Ripon, England, perhaps the branch of the Anglo-Saxon and not of the Anglo-Horman origin of the family. The Horners are undoubtedly of Saxon descent. Some reside in Ge¬ neva,* Switzerland; they are numerous in Yorkshire, England, and in the United States,—in Pennsylvania, Vir¬ ginia, and Horth Carolina,—and are identified as mer¬ chants, farmers, physicians, lawyers, politicians, and army and navy surgeons, also as teachers and professors. Francis Horner, the eminent parliamentarian, was dis¬ tinguished for talent and statesmanship; Professor Wil¬ liam E. Horner, of the University of Pennsylvania, will ever be remembered as the author of a standard treatise on human anatomy, the discoverer of the “ tensor tarsi muscle,” and as one of the founders of the “ Wistar-Hor- ner Museum,” and the late James Hunter Horner, M.A., * Dr. Horner, an eminent oculist, of Geneva, Switzerland, was a dele¬ gate to the International Medical Congress which met in London, Eng¬ land. It was this eminent man who showed that in one hundred asylums for the blind in different countries, of those subjects who had suffered from ophthalmia neonatorum twenty to seventy-nine, an average of thirty-three, per cent, were blind owing to this cause. GCSTAVUS BROWN HORNER, M.D. (Ex-Assistant Surgeon, (Jniteci States Army, in Revolutionary War). HISTORY, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 215 LL.D., as the founder of the Horner Military School at Oxford, H. C., one of the foremost educational colleges of the Southern States. Dr. Horner, optician, Geneva, Switzerland, was a delegate to the International Medical Congress at London. The myth of Jack Horner of Christmas-pie memory is thus chronicled by an English writer: “ When Henry VHI. suppressed the monasteries and drove the monks from their nests, the title-deeds of the abbey of Mells were demanded by the commissioners. The abbot of Glastonbury determined that he would send them to London, and as the documents were very valuable and the road infested with thieves, it was difficult to get them to the metropolis safely. To accomplish this end, he devised a very ingenious plan. He ordered a savory pie. to be made, and inside he put the documents—the finest filling a pie ever had—and entrusted this dainty to a lad named Horner to carry to London to deliver safely into the hands for whom it was intended. But the jour¬ ney was long and the day cold, and the boy was hungry and the pie was tempting, and the chance of detection was small. So the boy broke off a piece of the pie and beheld the parchment within. He pulled it forth, inno¬ cently enough, wondering how it could have found its way there tied up in pastry, and arrived in town. The parcel was delivered, hut the title-deeds of Mells Abbey were missing. The fact was that Jack had them in his pocket. These were the juiciest plums in the pie. Great was the rage of the commissioners and heavy the ven¬ geance they dealt out to the monks. But Master Jack Horner kept his secret, and when peaceable times were restored he claimed the estates and received them.” Certain it is that Shakespeare in his play of Henry VI. also gives notoriety to another of the Horner family, how¬ ever mythical both examples may be. The following letters will show that the Horner family of England were engaged largely in foreign trade: 216 THE HOENER-BEOWN FAMILY. “ To Mr William Mason “ Mercht; “ Falmouth : Virginia “ Pr the Cambridge “ Capt : Hutton. “ Liverpool : Aug‘ 25*'^ 1773. “Mr. William A. Mason, “ Sir ; I duly received your much esteemed favor of the Janr last by the York acquainting me of your having shipt four Hhds of Tobacco by her to my address and desiring me to send you the goods within men¬ tioned by my own ship; which would have been punctually complied with had that ship brought the Tobacco; hut, as she did not your Letter was thrown aside as of no use; and tho; there came a Bill of Lading for three Hhds of Tobacco shipt by you in the Cambridge yet as there was no letter from you, I could not tell what to do with it ’till this day, that I was looking for another Letter and found yours above mentioned which I was sorry to see so late as my ship was clear’d out three days before and the Goods could not he got out of the country under a fortnight or three weeks and are not to be had in Town, or should have been sent you nor, do I know of any other ship bound soon to Virginia or should have sent them. Had you wrote by the Cambridge this would not have happened and am extremely sorry I had forgot your letter by the York. “Your three Hhds: of Tobacco are of a middling kind, and will do everything in my power to make the most of them, but the price is con¬ siderably reduced and very little demand at present, the Glascow merchts have sold to the French at Ifd and we expect it will be the Price here tho : they have not bought any here lately. As soon as your Tobacco is sold I will render you sales of them; and should be glad of your assist¬ ance in loading hack the Cambridge, assuring you of my best Endeavors for your Interest. “ I am with much respect Sir “ your obliged hble Ser*’ II W’“ Horner.’’ “ Mr William Horner “ Liverpool Aug* 25 : 1773. “Eece4 27*'‘ Feby 1774. “Invoice of Goods shiped by William Horner on board the Nancy, John Eobinson Master for Eappahanock River in Virginia on the proper account and Risque of Mr W“ A. Mason Mercht in Falmouth. HISTORY, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 217 “ Liverpool SepP 1773 WA. No 1. a Bale conP, 20, Pieces White Cottons No. 1. 20 yds ea: @ 14d p. 23. 6. 8. 1. piece Strip’d Linsey No 1. 37 yards 12J p. 1. 18. 6J. W rapper and Card. 4, 6. No 2 a Bale conting 20 pieces White Cottons No 2, 20 yds Ea @ 12d p. 20. 1. Piece Strip’d Linsoy No: 2, 36 yards 10| p. 1. 11. 6. Wrapper and Card. 4. 6. Charges Carriage to Liverpool. 1. 9. 3. Cartage and Porterage. IS** B. Lading 6*1. 2. Primage. 2. Commission on £48. 18. 11^ @ 2.1 p ct. 1. 4. 5. 25. 9. 8J. 21. 16. 47. 5. 8J. 2. 17. 8. £50. 3. “ Liverpool Octo' 25: 1773 “Sir: “The Cambridge having the misfortune to be put ashore going out, gave me an opportunity of sending for the above goods, but the other part of your order being at a great distance, I was fearfull, they would not be in time, tho’ as it happen’d there would have been time enough, for no ships have been able to get from hence of near two months, owing to the strong westerly Winds which I fear will bring both your Goods and my own to a late Market These things we must submit to. “ As I imagine Mr Ward will be unable to Load this vessel of himself, I shall be much obliged to you for your assistance which you may be assured I will endeavour to make as advantageous to you as I can. “ I am with much respect Sir “ Your most obliged ser‘ “ W Horner. “ Tobacco, l|d to 2Jd, a very slow sale.” The reader will notice the difference between the time made by vessels crossing the Atlantic—nearly six months —and our ocean steamers, which nowadays make the voyage in about ten days. 218 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. Herewith is a specimen of a hill of exchange : “Virginia, 30““ May 1760. Exchange for £40.12.9. sterling. At thirty Days sight of this my fourth Bill of Exchange my First, Second, and Third (of the same Tenor & date) not paid to William Allison—or order the sum of forty pound twelve shillings & nine pence sterling (for value in, Currant money here received) at time make Payment and place it to account of “ Your most hhle ser* “ Robert Carter “Messrs James Buchanan & Co, “ Merchts in London.’’ The Eobert Carter above was commonly known in the colony of Virginia as “ King Carter.” “Virginia May 14: 1786. Exchange for £60 sterling. At sixty Days after sight of this my Third Bill of Exchange my first and second (of the same tenor & Date) not paid pay to Messrs William & David A Mason or order the sum of sixty pound (in London) sterling (for Eighty four pound currant money here received) at time make Payment and place it to Account as I advise. “ Will : Horner “ To Messrs Crosbie & Greenwood, “ Merchants, Liverpool.” In “ Memoirs and Correspondence of Francis Horner, M.P.,” edited by his brother, Leonard Horner, Esq., F.R.S., it is stated : “ Francis Horner was the eldest son of Mr. John Hor¬ ner, a merchant of Edinburgh, and of Joanna Baillie, and was born August 12,1778. His paternal grandfather ivas a native of Yarm, in Yorkshire, who married Miss Hay, a lady from Edinburgh. He died very young, and his widow returned vdth three infant children to her native place.” In a subsequent page further notice will be made of the life and character of Francis Horner. The subject is re¬ ferred to here to prove that the several branches of the Horner family may all be traced back to the county of HISTORY, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 219 Yorkshire, England, where the author was readily able to trace, as it were, two distinct roots, viz.: Anglo-Saxon and Yorman. In the Cathedral Cemetery of Ripon, York¬ shire, can be seen many tombstones and monuments in memory of the members of the family, the history and record of which is carefully preserved by the sexton of the cathedral, showing that for centuries the Horners were aldermen and high officials of Ripon. The reader is referred to the interesting volume above quoted from. Robert Horner, a native of Ripon, Yorkshire, England, first came to Port Tobacco, Md., as agent of his brother, a tobacco merchant, in 1753. He settled in Charles County, Md., then he removed to Dipple, Prince William County, Va., where he died in 1773. May 11, 1758, he married Mrs. Anna Claggett, widow of Rev. Samuel Claggett, the father of the late Bishop Claggett.* His eldest son, Gustavus Brown Horner, was a surgeon in the army of * Robert Horner’s mother was Catharine Inman, the second daughter of Robert Inman, of Beverley, Yorkshire, England, whose descendants still reside in this part of England. In this country the name of Inman is borne by males and female's of the Horner family of Warrenton, Va. The first Episcopal visitation to Hamilton Parish, which embraced Prince William and Fauquier Counties, in 1814-15, was made by Bishop Moore at Turkey Run Church. He then confirmed fifty or more persons, male and female, one of whom exclaimed, “This is Pentecost indeed!” Dr. Gustavus B. Horner and his daughter, a young girl of eighteen summers (now, in 1876, Mrs. Catharine S. Marr), were among the number. Only that young girl survives, an aged woman, her head whitened by nearly eighty winters, her powers failing, and memory dropping from its relaxing fingers one by one the objects it once firmly held, and yet still recalling a vivid recollection of that rite and going down to the grave calmly with the hope there first kindled in her heart by a Saviour’s love. Her father, as already stated, was wont to marvel that he had wasted so many j)re- cious years—to him years of conflict during the Revolutionary struggle and such as followed to establish the first American Republic on a basis of equity and in harmony with divine and human law. (See sermon by Rev. J. S. Lindsay, St. James’s Church, Warrenton, August 5, 1876.) 220 THE HOENER-BEOWN FAMILY. the Revolution, presidential elector of Virginia, and mem¬ ber of the Leg'islature of Virginia. His mother, Annie, the daughter of Dr. Gustavus Brown, a native of Salton, Haddingtonshire, Scotland, near Edinburgh, as stated, first married Rev. S. Claggett; second, Robert Horner, and, third, Samuel Hanson. The second son was William Horner, merchant, of War- rentou, Va., the father of William E. Horner, professor of anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania, and of G. R. Brown Horner, surgeon. United States Havy, both of whom were also distinguished medical writers. Record of Dr. Gustavus Brown, his children and family, and copied from the original written in the prayer-hook of Dr. G. Brown, and forwarded to Robert E. Peyton, M.D., by Mrs. Matilda L. A. Chapman, of Charles County, Md., December 12, 1854: “ April 1, A.D. 1765: On April 20, 1689, was baptized Gustavus Brown (horn the same day): Parents, Gustavus Brown, son of Richard Brown (minister of Salton, in Scot¬ land, in the reign of Charles I.), and Jean Mitchaelson, daughter of George Mitchaelson, of the house of Middle- ton, Dalkeith. “I came into Maryland in May, 1708; 1711, married Frances Fowke, daughter of Gerald Fowke, in Uanje- moy, born February 2, 1691, of which marriage the fol¬ lowing children were born, viz.: “ Gustavus Brown, or Broun, as called in Scotland, was born December 7, 1711. “ Frances Brown was born July 29,1713; married Rev. Moncure. “ Sarah Brown was born August 29,1715 ; married Rev. Scott. “Mary Brown was horn December 8, 1717; married Rev. Hopkins ; afterwards Mr. Threlkeld. “ Christian Brown was born August 29, 1720; married Mr. Graham and died soon afterwards. “ Gustavus Brown was horn September 5, 1722, and HISTORY, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 221 died on the eighth day, as did my eldest son in the ninth month. “ Elizabeth Brown, born October 5, 1723; married Mr. "Wallace. “ Richard Brown, born December 2, 1725. “ Gustavus Brown, born May 30, 1727; died June 9, following. “Jean Brown was born June 1, 1728; married Rev. Isaac Campbell. “ Ann married Rev. Samuel Claggett, then Robert Horner, and then Samuel Hanson.” H.B. Dr. Brown fails to mention in this record Cecilia Brown, who married Dr. John Key and then Mr. Thomas Bond, of Marbury, Charles County, Md. By a second marriage Dr. Brown had two children, viz.: Dr. Gustavus Brown, of Rose Hill, near Port To¬ bacco, Md., and Margaret, who married Thomas Stone, signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776. The following portraits are in possession of different members of the family, viz.: Mrs. Britton, nSe Horner, Warrenton, Va., and Thomas W. Swann, Esq., Mt. Au¬ burn, near Alexandria, Va.: (1.) William Horner, merchant, Warrenton. (2.) Dr. Gustavus Brown, of Rich Hill, Md. (3.) Rev. Richard Brown, Rose Hill, near Port Tobacco, Md. (4.) Mr. Thomas Swann, Mount Auburn, near Alexan¬ dria, Va. (5.) Helen Bailey, wife of Rev. Richard Brown. (6.) Mrs. Claggett, who married Robert Horner, an En¬ glish tobacco factor, who came from Ripon, England. She was the daughter of Dr. Gustavus Brown, and was married three times. She was the mother of Gustavus B. Horner, M.D., and of William Horner, merchant, of Warrenton, Va. In 1708 Dr. Gustavus Brown came to America and 222 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. settled at Nanjemoy, Charles County, Md. He was twice married, and his family consisted of nine daughters,* jocularly styled the Hine Muses hy their father from the identity of numhei’s. His daughter Sarah was married to Rev. James Scott, a colonial Episcopal minister of Det- tingen Parish, Prince William County, Ya.; issue, James, Gustavus, and Rev. John Scott. His daughter Kitty married Colonel Blackburn, and was the mother of Mrs. Henry Turner, of “ Wheatland,” and Mrs. Bushrod Washington, of “ Mount Yernon.” Three distinguished men have descended from the Misses Brown, viz.: Late Judge John Scott, of Fauquier; Henry Winter Davis, of Maryland, and Hon. William Scott, of Erie, Pa. In a Bible printed in Edinburgh in 1676 is the following entry : “ Mem., that I Gustavus Brown was born April 10, 1689, in Dalkeith, Scotland; parents, Gustavus Brown, son of Rev. Richard Brown, minister of Salton, Scotland, in the reign of Charles I. of England, and Jane Mitchaelson, of the house of Middleton, Heal, Dalkeith.” The mother of Rev. Richard Brown was a niece of the great Protes¬ tant hero, Gustavus Adolphus, and the old Swedish names of Christine and Gustavus have been perpetuated to the present day. * In “American Medical Biography,” article “William E. Horner,” the author thus writes of the “ Nine Misses Brown :” “They were alike noted for the graces of person and mind, for beauty, amiability, and in¬ telligence. They were all married, and each one has left a numerous train of posterity. Of these all are or were respectable, many distin¬ guished. In the past generation, one was a learned bishop of the Prot¬ estant Episcopal Church, many fought for liberty on the fields of the Revolutionary War, while others were eminent in the various pursuits of life. In the present day (1861) one sits upon the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States, another upon that of Virginia, another is United States senator, and another is the attorney-general of Virginia (1892). Many have held other high civil positions, and several bore their country’s banner and shed their blood foremost in the battles in Mexico.” WILLIAM E. HOENER. 223 Ill the national metropolis, Washington City, reside several interesting branches of the Horner family, among whom are Mr. and Mrs. Firman R. Horner and Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Horner. Their children are Edward, Violet, and Marcia, and Charlie, Louis, and Warner Horner. Mr. Alfred B. Horner, an official of the War and Havy Departments, the son of the late Surgeon Gus- tavus Brown Horner, U. S. H., is a most genial young gentleman, and is an honorary member of the Army and Havy Club, of Washington, having, also, a residence in Warrenton, Va. CHAPTER HI. WILLIAM E. HORNER. In “American Medical Biography,” by Gross, may be found an interesting sketch of the life of Professor W. E. Horner, and from which is taken the following extract: “ William Edmonds Horner was born at Warrenton, Fauquier County, Va., on June 3, 1793. His grand¬ father, Robert Horner, was an Englishman by birth, of Ripon, England. He settled at Port Tobacco, Md., and married Anne, widow of Rev. Samuel Claggett and daugh¬ ter of Dr. Gustavus Brown. Robert Horner died when young, leaving but two children. Dr. Gustavus B. Hor¬ ner, a surgeon of the Revolutionary army and subse¬ quently an eminent physician of Warrenton, Va., and William, a merchant of Warrenton, and the father of Professor W. E. Horner. Early in life young Horner displayed a talent for mechanics; seeing a small vessel on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, on returning home he made a miniature craft and sailed it on a pond for the amusement of himself and playmates. At eleven years of age (1805) he was placed under the tuition of Rev. Charles O’Heill, at Dumfries, Prince William County, Va. Among the pupils of this school was Bushrod 224 THE HOENER-BROWN FAMILY. Washington, who became judge and the proprietor of Mount Vernon. In 1809 young Horner begun the study of medicine with Dr. John Spence, of Dumfries. Three years were spent in his office, except during the time he attended two sessions of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1812 he begun to reside in Philadelphia. As yet he had not obtained his degree. When war was declared with Great Britain he procured a commission as surgeon’s mate, U. S. A., July 3, 1813, and reported to Major-Gen¬ eral Brown at Buffalo. He witnessed and participated in the battles of Lundy’s Lane and Bridgewater, and at that time formed an acquaintance with General Scott. In 1829 he published the obituary notice of his preceptor. Dr. Spence, in the American Journal of Medical Sciences. In 1852-53 he was a contributor to the Medical Examiner of Philadelphia. He was ordered in 1815 to Horfolk, Va., and shortly afterwards resigned. During his temporary residence at Warrenton he decided to remove to Phila¬ delphia, because, he said, ‘ Virginia is a fine nursery for young men, hut a poor theatre for the display of their abilities.’ He always kept a diary. He removed to Phila¬ delphia in 1816. He says: ‘ My prospects are unflatter¬ ing, but patience and perseverance may enable me to sur¬ mount the difficulties which oppose my progress; at all events, I shall put my shoulder to the wheel.’ Dr. Wistar appointed him his dissector, with a salary of five hundred dollars. In the fall succeeding, the place of surgeon in an East Indiaman bound for Calcutta was proffered to him, hut, true to correct principles, he declined the offer He added: ‘ It is said that honesty is the best policy; here there is a trial of the rule.’ January 1, 1832, he suc¬ ceeded Dr. Physick as professor of anatomy in the medi¬ cal Department of the University of Pennsylvania. On November 17, 1819, Dr. Horner was appointed adjunct professor of anatomy,—a place of considerable emolu¬ ment and high professional distinction. At this period he was the victim of dull headache and gloomy fits of hypochondriasis, the effects of over-study and application to medical and surgical practice. On October 26, 1820, he intermarried with Elizabeth, daughter of John Welsh, a prominent merchant of Philadelphia. In 1821 he went to Europe. In 1824 he discovered the ‘ tensor tarsi,’ now \V. E. HOKNEU, M.I). (Professor of Ilunian Anatomy, University of Pennsylvania). WILLIAM E. HORNER. 225 named ‘ Musculus Hornerii.’ (See articles in American Journal of Medical Sciences, 1824, and ‘ Special Anatomy and Histology,’ by W. E. Horner.) His anatomical collec¬ tion may be seen in the ‘ Wistar and Horner Museum’ of the University of Pennsylvania. He rose at five o’clock, gave six hours to sleep, and ‘ begun the day by an bumble appeal and thanksgiving to Almighty God,’ and concluded by reading a chapter in the Bible and by supplication to the Almighty. “ In 1832, when cholera invaded the country. Dr. Hor¬ ner was appointed on the Board of Health of Philadelphia. For this labor the citizens voted him a magnificent silver pitcher, with the inscription, ‘ To Dr. William E. Horner the city of Philadelphia, grateful for his disinterested and intrepid exertions in a period of public calamity. Transeat in exemplum. August, 1832.’ “ In 1830, on a visit to Cape May, he made the acquaint¬ ance of an eminent prelate of the Catholic Church. In 1839 he united with this church. He was one of the founders of St. Joseph’s Hospital. In 1848 he revisited Europe, and was received with distinguished considera¬ tion by the scientists of France and Germany. He was in Paris during the riots, the scenes of which he pictured in an inti’oductoiy lecture to the medical class. In 1850 the author was favored to be one of his office pupils. January 22, 1853, he last appeared to lecture before the medical class. Two days before his death he assisted in the examination of students applying for graduation. He died March 13, 1853. The whole frame seemed to give way at once.” His eldest daughter, Maiy, married Dr. Henry H. Smith, professor of surgery in the University of Pennsyl¬ vania. Emily, the second daughter, married William Horner, Esq., of Virginia. Josephine, the third daugh¬ ter, married Dr. Bichard Eppes, of City Point, Va. She dying, her sister Elizabeth married Dr. Eppes, her brother-in-law. The fifth daughter, Agnes, married General Buschback, and now resides in Paris, France. Alfred, the eldest son, died unmarried. William, who 226 THE HORNER-BEOWN FAMILY. also was \inmarried, was drowned in a steamer on Lake IMichigan. Obituary notice of my honored relative and medical preceptor in Philadelphia in 1850-51, the late Professor 'W. E. Horner, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania: TJniveksity of Pennsylvania, March, 1853. “It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of William E. Horner, M.D., professor of anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania, which took place in this city on March 13, in the sixtieth year of his age. Hr. Horner was a native of Virginia, but has been for nearly forty years a resident of this city, during the greater part of which period he was connected with the chair of anatomy in the university. He long since achieved for himself the reputation of being one of the best anatomists of our country, and was universally esteemed for his honorable and upright character.” “St. Joseph’s Hospital, March 17, 1853. “ Resolved, That in Hr. Horner this board have to lament one of the founders of the hospital, a zealous and efficient advocate of its interests, and one of its liberal benefactors, who spared neither his means, his labor, nor his skill in furthering its welfare and in healing the dis¬ eases of its inmates; that in him they also mourn a col¬ league and a friend who in all his intercourse was urbane and considerate, and ever prompt to sustain them by his influence and assist them by his counsel, one with whom it was a pleasure to associate, and from whose exemplary candor they could always look for a just appreciation of their own acts.” His motto was given to the author for his rule of life, April, 1851: “ Si tibi videtur quod multa seis, et satis bene intellegis; scito tamen quia sunt multo plura quse nescis.” OTHER BRANCHES OF THE FAMILY. 227 CHAPTER IV. OTHER BRANCHES OF THE FAMILY. The author of “ Miscellaneous Americana,” AVilliam E. Boogher, Esq., affirms that the Browns, of Cecil County, Md., were from Delaware before 1700, and that the Horner family, of Wilmington, Del., migrated from Accomac County, Va.; that James Horner was in Mary¬ land, on Kent Island, as early as 1652; that somewhere between 1740 and 1790 a marriage occurred with the Brown family, of Maryland, and the Ball family, of Mary¬ land and Virginia; that from the Horners, of Maryland and Virginia, Colonel John Preston Horner, of Missouri, the grandfather of the wife of the author of “ Miscellane¬ ous Americana,” received the name of John Preston; and that if such name was given as an act of friendship, it occurred, at any rate, as the result of a marriage about the period of the American Revolution. The following is from Ko. 137, “ Virginia Genealogies,” Hayden: “ Gustavus Horner settled in Franklin County, Mo., and is the father of Colonel Horner, Mr. Boogher’s wife’s grandfather. Gustavus B. Horner’s wife’s name was Elizabeth. They had more than one son. The clerk of the Probate Court of Franklin County adds: ‘ The records are in bad shape and hard to reach, but there were no heirs living in the county at his death save his widow, Elizabeth. A widowed granddaughter is also living. John, born in England in 1685, married Catharine Inman, second daughter of Robert Inman, of Beverley, Yorkshire, England, in 1709. He resided about eighteen miles from Ripon, England. Catharine died in 1722. 16 228 THE HORNER-BEOWN FAMILY. They came to this country (?). Hence the name in the Horner family of Inman” * The Horner Family of Oxford, Hortii Carolina. Presented by Eev. Junius Moore Horner: “My father’s grandfather, John Horner, came to Horth Carolina from Pennsylvania, and settled in Orange County on a small farm. He had three sons, John, William, and Jetferson. William had two sons, James Hunter Horner and Thomas Jefferson, and two daughters, Julia and Eliza. Thomas Jeflei’son Horner is now living in Hen¬ derson, H. C., and is in very feeble health. He has a son, William, and daughter, Mary, still living, both married, and have children. “ My father, James Hunter Horner, married Miss So- phronia Moore, of Mount Tirzah, Person County, IST. C., a descendant of Colonel John Moore, of Hew York. He had ten children, of whom eight still survive: “ (1.) The oldest, James, died when four years old. “(2.) Jerome Channing; married Miss Williams, of Wilmington, H. C. “(3.) Lucy Anna; married Augustus W. Graham, son of Governor Graham, of Horth Carolina, now Judge Graham. They have three children. “ (4.) Mary Ellen; unmarried; prominent in church- work in the diocese of Horth Carolina. “,(5.) Junius Moore; married Miss Eva Harper, of Augusta, Ga. They have two children. “(6.) Sophronia; married Judge Robert W. Winston, of Durham, H. C. Four children. “ (7.) Gertrude; died at the age of eighteen, unmarried. “(8.) Julia Emma; married Henry G. Cooper, a banker, of Oxford, H. C. Four children. “(9.) Hina; unmarried. “(10.) Daisy Louise; married Robert C. Strong, a law¬ yer, of Raleigh, H. C.; no children. * There is no record of the above statement, though there is that Robert Horner, their son, settled at Port Tobacco, Md., and married the daughter (Sarah) of Dr. Gustavus Brown. JAMES HUNTER HORNER (Founder of Horner Military School, Oxford, N. C.). OTHER BRANCHES OF THE FAMILY. 229 “ John Horner and William lived as farmers in Orange County, and were noted as men of strong character, good common sense, and unhlemished integrity. William gave my father, James Hunter Horner, the advantages of a thorough education. He was a man of remarkable nat¬ ural ability, and was studious. He led his class at the University of ISTorth Carolina, and next to General John¬ stone PettigrcAV was considered the brightest man ever graduated from the university. He received the degree of M.A. and LL.D. from the university. His whole life was spent in the education of boys. He was remarkably successful as an educator, and ranked pre-eminent as such in the State of Horth Carolina. The school founded by him is now in the hands of his two sons, Jerome Chan- ning and Junius Moore. My father was able to give his whole family the advantages of a thorough education. His widow is in comfortable circumstances. He died in 1892 at the age of seventy,—horn April 3, 1822; died June 13, 1892. “We have no photograph of my father in his later life. The one here presented of him was taken when he was twenty-eight years old. Mr. Randall is painting now a life-size bust and head as he appeared at the time of his death; from that we will be able to get a good photo¬ graph, one of which will be forwarded to you as soon as ready; but if that should be too late, you can insert the one taken at the age of twenty-eight. This letter from Texas, recently received, may be of interest to you.” Mrs. P. C. Sams, Round Timbers, Baylor County, Tex., writes; “ My father’s name was John Horner. Virginia was his native State. He was of a roving disposition, and has lived in many States. Indiana is my native home—at Pendleton. A pleasant reminiscence of early childhood is that of visiting Uncle Richard Horner at a country seat where they were making maple sugar. The tall trees from which the sparkling water ran into tiny troughs, the huge kettles of boiling sirup and the delicious candy eggs that dear auntie moulded for us in tiny shells, all seem as fresh in memory as if it were but yesterdaj’. Those were the only relatives of my father’s ancestry I ever met. I do not even know how many brothers he had, save Uncle Ben, who corresponded with him and lived in Iowa until the beginning of the civil war. I have 230 THE HORNEE-BROWN FAMILY. also heard him speak of his brother Sam, who lived in Virginia. Father died in 1865. We were living in Missouri when the war began. Father was a phj’sician and past forty-five, yet in the summer of 1861 he entered the ranks with all the ardor and enthusiasm of a boy. After six months’ service as a private he was promoted to the rank of surgeon. Our cause was lost, our banner trailed, and yet I am proud of my father’s patriot¬ ism. His memory I revere. It seems sad not to know of a living rela¬ tive in my dear father’s line. The name is very uncommon, and I thought, perhaps, you might be of my kindred and could give me some information.” The above letter is addressed to Rev. Junius M. Horner, from Round Timbers, July 23, 1896. In the details presented already of the various branches of the Horner family, among those known to fame are Francis Horner, M. P., England; Surgeon Gustavus B. Horner, of the Revolutionary Army; Professor W. E. Horner, University of Pennsylvania; John S. Horner, governor of Michigan Territory; G. R. B. Horner, sur¬ geon U. S. H.; James Hunter Horner, M.A., LL.I)., founder of “ Horner Military School” in 1851 at Ox¬ ford, jST. C., and Rev. Junius M. Horner, B.A., B.D., Johns Hopkins and Geneseo Theological Seminary, Hew York. The last named has revived in his person on the American continent the calling of the sacred ministry, which at the present time is followed by two of the name in the Established Church, near Ripon, Yorkshire, Eng¬ land. In the discharge of his clerical duty Rev. Juuius M. Horner, according to a notice in the Southern Church¬ man, the sole organ of the Episcopal Church in the South¬ ern States, performed the marriage rite, August 11, 1896, at Henderson, H. C., for James Harrison Lassiter, Jr., and Ellen Daniel Faucett. Owing to the difference of a single letter, it may be in¬ ferred that there is a. divergence of the Horner families in America. For example, those of Pennsylvania spell the name wdth an o in the last syllable, those of Maryland and Virginia with the letter e. The Hornors of Pennsyl- .""-y-1:'M ■-■ ■'L-Bb. . -..:.S 3S '.- \ * iCSf ' E^^^ "i ^Vi.' ■'■ ..'.afvae MRS. GUSTAVOS BROWN. OTHER BRANCHES OF THE FAMILY. 231 vania are represented by individuals of high professional and political rank, as Surgeon Charles Hornor, U. S. A., and William Macpherson Hornor, secretary of the Society of the Cincinnati, who was sent to France in May, 1897, to convey an invitation to President Faure to appoint a delegate to represent the Republic at the unveiling of the statue of General George Washington in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. At Ripon, Yorkshire, England, as in Vir¬ ginia, the name, perhaps due to Anglo-Saxon and ISTorman bias, is always spelled Horner. Mrs. Catharine B. Wright, nee Turner, of Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Mrs. Henry Turner, of “ Wheatland,” has kindly furnished the following family data: “ Sir Gerard Fowke, the first of the family who came to America, settled in Virginia. lie was a descendant of the Fowkes of Gunston Hall, Stafibrdshire, England, and was a colonel in the British army and gentleman of the Privy Chamber to Charles I. He came to America in 1649. His son Gerard settled in Maryland, married Miss Elizabeth Dinwiddie, daughter of Lawrence Binwiddie, provost of Glasgow and niece of Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia. Dr. Gustavus Brown, of Maryland (Port To¬ bacco), came from Scotland in 1708; married Miss Fran¬ ces Fowke, daughter of Sir Gerard Fowke. She was born February 2, 1691; died November 8, 1744; buried at Dipple, the seat of Rev. Alexander Scott, on the Potomac. Frances, the eldest daughter (called the ‘ Queen’), married the Rev. James Moncure, of Scotlaiid. They were found¬ ers of the extensive family of that name now living in Virginia. “ Sarah Brown, daughter of Dr. Brown, married Rev. James Scott, of Westwood, Dettingen Parish, Va. Their children were James Scott, the father of Alexander Scott; Mrs. Dr. Gustavus B. Horner and Mrs. Brown, of Fau¬ quier County; Rev. John Scott, father of Judge John Scott; Mrs. Peyton, of Gordonsdale, a daughter, who first married Yelverton Peyton, then Hon. Charles Lee, and lastly the father of Robert, John, and IMrs. Barbour. One of the daughters of Rev. James Scott and Miss 232 THE HOENEE-BROWN FAMILY. Brown married Judge Bullett, of Maryland. Another daughter, Christian, married Colonel Blackburn, of ‘ Eipon Lodge.’ ” The earliest records of the Horners, apart from what may be obtained from the church and court registers of the city of Eipon, England, may be found in second part of Eing Henry VI., Acts 1. and IL, Scene iii., in which Thomas Horner, an armorer, is accused of treason by his apprentice, Peter, in asserting that “ Eichard, duke of York, was rightful heir unto the English crown.” To test his innocence against the charge, the king ordered that Horner and Peter should decide the question by sin¬ gle combat. Peter, alarmed, urged, “ For God’s sake, pity my ease ! the spite of man prevaileth against me. 0 Lord, have mercy upon me !” Horner, on the con¬ trary, presumptuously said, “ I accept the combat will¬ ingly.” The two were plied with drink, cups of charneco, Peter exclaiming, “I have taken my last draught in this world.” However, he slays Horner, who dying says, “ I confess, I confess treason.” Perhaps on the Anglo-Saxon side, Francis Horner, of Edinburgh, the great parliamentarian during the early part of this century, may be considered the most distin¬ guished of the Horner family. It was he who was contem¬ porary with Pitt, Channing, and Lord Holland, who gave to Great Britain her present financial policy, and to whom a handsome full-length marble statue by Chantry was reared at Westminster Abbey, and which may he seen there in “Poets’ Corner.” (See Guide-Book of West¬ minster.) HOX. FRANCIS HORNER, M.P. JOHN SCOTT HORNER. 233 CHAPTER V. JOHN SCOTT HORNER. John Scott Horner was the third son of Dr. Gustavns Brown Horner and grandson of Dr. Gustavns Brown, sur¬ geon-general of the Southern Department of the Revolu¬ tionary array. He graduated at "Washington College, Pa., in 1819. In 1835 he was appointed by President Jack- son secretary and acting-governor of the Territory of Michigan, inclusive of Wisconsin and Iowa. He de¬ vised the first seal of the Territory. He was a man of education, original ideas, of great mental and bodily strength, and an able lawyer and politician. He resided at Green Bay when appointed land agent, and subse¬ quently founded the city of Ripon, Wis., where he died February 3, 1883. His son was the late William H. Horner, judge of the circuit of St. Louis, Mo. In Tuttle’s “ History of Michigan” one of the best sketches of the life of ex-Governor Horner, the man who named Ripon, Wisconsin, is presented; “ John Scott Horner Avas born at Warrenton, Fauquier County, Va., December 5, 1802. He A\^as the third son of Dr. Gustavns Brown Horner, assistant surgeon, IT. S. A., and grandson of Dr. Gustavus Brown, surgeon-general of the middle division of the Revolutionary army. His ancestors Avere English, and resided in Yorkshire, near Ripon. His paternal grandfather emigrated to the State of Maryland at an early day and Avent into business as a Avholesale importing merchant. He Avas a relative of Francis Horner, the parliamentarian. The subject of this sketch graduated in 1819 at Washington College, Carlisle, Pa., and practised laAV at Warrenton, "Va., until September, 1835. On the ninth day of that month he AA^as appointed by President Jackson secretary and acting governor of 234 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. the Territoiy of Micliigan, inclusive of the Territories of Wisconsin and Iowa. As chief execxitive of the Ter- ritoiy Governor Horner did much to allay the hostile feeling then existing between the people of the Territory and of the State of Ohio in reference to the boundary fpiestion. Subsequently he Avas appointed secretary of the Territory of Wisconsin and received orders from President Jackson to take up his quarters near the Mis¬ sissippi River in order to meet the apprehended difficul¬ ties between the Winnebago Indians and the settlers in the mineral region of Wisconsin. On his arrival, he learned that the tribe were besieging Fort Winnebago. Taking with him a single guide, he made a perilous journey of eighty miles to Fort Crawford, called on Gen¬ eral Taylor for a force of one hundred and twenty men, and AAuth them proceeded to Fort Winnebago. Arriving there, he demanded a council Avith the Indians and re- «eeived a reply from the chiefs that they AAmre “ falling to pieces” from starvation, OAving to non-payment of the an¬ nuities due from the United States. Upon learning this. Governor Horner promptly took the responsibility of is¬ suing an order to deliver to the starving Indians one-half the pork and flour in the military stores of the fort. This action prevented an Indian war, and was highly approved of by General Jackson, and Congress passed an act grant¬ ing one thousand dollars to Governor Horner as a recog¬ nition of his services. The following extract from the Wheeling, Va., Gazette, February 27,1836, Avill show Avhat he accomplished in this relation. “ ‘ On arriving Avithin the Territory in prosecution of his duties. Governor Horner’s address, as Ave learn from eye-Avitnesses, Avas consummate. It was a combination of personal fearlessness, tact, wisdom, and prudence, throw¬ ing himself among the turbulent and laAvless spirits along the frontier of the disputed territory at the hazard of his life, and by his fearless bravery restoring perfect order.’ “As secretary of the Territory, his career Avas distin¬ guished by ability and integrity, and he received many evi¬ dences of the confidence of the people and of the general government. After retirement from this office he Avas ap¬ pointed by President Jackson register of the Green Bay land office, and by successive appointments by Presidents HON. JOHN SCOTT HORNER (Ex-Governor of Michigan Territory). JOHN SCOTT HORNER. 235 Vau Biiren and Tyler held the position for thirteen years. He also served for four years as probate judge for the counties of Green Lake and Marquette, M"is. In 1836 Mr. Horner de\dsed the first seal of the Territory, a square brass instrument representing land, water, precious ores, and a miner’s arm rampant. He was a man of education, original ideas, and great mental strength, and as the first official of Wisconsin will forever remain prominent in its early history. He had resided forty-eight years in the West, coming to Detroit in 1835, when all west of that point was a great vfilderness. A populous country has now sprung up, embracing many of the leading States in the Union. He lived at a remarkable period in the his¬ tory of the country, and in his latter years took pride in the refiection that he took prominent part in the early organization of the Territories of Michigan and Wiscon¬ sin. Early in life Governor Horner distinguished him¬ self by his advocacy of slave emancipation, and the records of the Virginia courts show evidences of his success as an advocate for slaves suing for freedom. His sincerity in the cause was proved by his freeing the slaves descended to him from his father’s estate, an act performed soon after he became of age, and one as rare as it was com¬ mendable at that early day. Throughout his life Gover¬ nor Horner was known as a man of great determination and courage. Andrew Jackson remarked when appoint¬ ing Governor Horner to settle the northwestern difficul¬ ties, ‘ Xow I have a man who will not fear.’ His utter fearlessness was a distinguishing trait of his early public life, and was shown in his liberation of his own slaves and by his adherence to the Federal Union during the late Civil War.” The autlior, who visited him at Eipon in 1872, was shown a gold-headed cane presented to him by President Jackson. Mr. Horner married, in 1834, Miss Harriet L. Watson, of Irish ancestry, a great favorite of President and Mrs. Jackson. The children are Andrew W. Horner, a prominent business man of Albert Lea, Minn.; William H. Horner, late judge of the Circuit Court of St. Louis, Mo., deceased; Mr. Gustavus F. Horner, of Ripon; Mrs. 236 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. Mary Lucas, wife of Colonel William Lucas, a wealthy gentleman of St. Louis, Mo., and Miss Elizabeth L. Hor¬ ner, now married, of Ripon, Wis., and several grandchil¬ dren, among whom are sons of Judge W. H. Horner and children of G. F. Horner, Esq., and Anna B. Horner, of Ripon: first, Gustavus Brown Horner, born September 8, 1877, the only one now surviving who bears the favorite family name, Gustavus Brown; second, Alice. The above details will go to show that the brief sketch of the life of Governor J. S. Horner is worthy to be perpetuated in the memories of his descendants. CHAPTER VI. RICHARD BRENT HORNER AND FAMILY. Richard Brent Horner, the second son of Dr. Gustavus B. and Frances (nee Scott) Horner, of Warrenton, Fauquier County, Va., was born August 17,1800. He was the pupil of Mr. Williamson, a Scotch clergyman, who resided near Middleburg, Loudoun County, Va.; during his early man¬ hood he was appointed a midshipman in the United States navy, but resigned, and. May 25, 1824, married Mary Blair, second daughter of Robert Howe Little, M.D., and Mary Blair Little, whose mother was Elizabeth Braxton Whiting, the granddaughter of Colonel George Braxton, of “ Hewington,” Ring and Queen County, Va. CHILDREN OF THE ABOVE. (1) Robert Little Horner; (2) Frederick Horner; (3) Mary Horner, died in infancy; (4) Francis Horner, died in infancy; (5) Henrietta Braxton Horner; (6) George Whiting Horner, died in infancy; (7) Richard Henry Horner; (8) Elizabeth Moore Horner; (9) William Hor¬ ner, died in infancy. RICHARD BRENT HORNER AND FAMILY. 237 Henrietta Braxton Horner married Francis Houston Wyeth, February 20, 1862. Robert L. Horner married Ellen Ashton, August 22, 1865. Richard H. Horner married Virginia Smith Cary, Jan¬ uary 11, 1872. Frederick Horner, Jr., M.D., passed assistant surgeon, U. S. H., retired, married Maria Elizabeth (Daisy) Sher¬ man (of England), March 26, 1874. GRANDCHILDREN OF THE ABOVE. Children of Robert L. Horner and Ellen Ashton, his wife: (1) Rose, died; (2) Braxton; (3) Ellen Ashton, married Parker C. Wyeth, St. Joseph, Mo.; (4) Ashton, died. Children of Frank Houston Wyeth and Henrietta Brax¬ ton Horner, his wife: (1) Richard Horner, who married Eleanor Elizabeth Regnault Gilmore; (2) Francis Maxwell, who married Margaret Wardwell; they have a son, Francis Maxwell. Children of Richard Henry Horner and Virginia S. Cary, his wife: (1) Henrietta Wyeth; (2) Frank Wyeth; (3) Edna French ; (4) Richard Cary ; (5) Sarah Hart. Children of Frederick Horner, M.D., TJ. S. IST., and (Daisy) Maria Elizabeth Sherman, his wife : (1) Leonard Sherman; (2) Mary Blair; (3) Elizabeth Braxton ; (4) Frederick Cecil; (5) Gustavus Brown, died. The maternal grandparents of the wife of Frederick Horner, M.D., U. S. H., was James Williams and Eliza¬ beth, his wife, of Goodrich, near Ross, Herefordshire. Issue, Henry and James, sons: Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary, Martha (mother), Anna, and Eliza. The farm was a most picturesque one and overlooked the river Wye. Grandmother died February 13, 1879, aged eighty-eight. 238 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. Grandfather predeceased her; he also attained about eighty years. Mrs. Horner’s only brother, George Ross Sherman, now stationed at Leith, Scotland, on board H. M. S. Durham, first served in H. M. S. Duncan, 1864-67, on the Rorth American and West India station ; Water- witch, hydraulic experimental ship, 1867-68; Lapwing, 1868-69, on the coast of Ireland, then proceeded in her to Horth America and the West Indies until end of 1872; Royal Adelaide at Devenport, 1872-77 ; Temeraire, 1877- 80, Mediterranean station, which during the Russo-Turk- ish war made the famous passage of the Dardanelles in a snow-storm; H. M. S. Implacable and Lion (both ships are joined together by a bridge and are used as training- ships for boys), 1881-87. He was retired on a pension and settled with his family at Portsmouth, England, having married at St, Johns, Canada. In 1889 he was desired by the secretary to the commander-in-ehief to accept an appointment for temporary service during the summer manoeuvres on board the Asia, guard-ship of steam re¬ serve, and remained until 1891, when he was appointed permanently to the Durham, drill-ship for Royal Haval Reserve. Mr. Sherman is an Accepted Mason, In 1890 he was one of the founders of the St. Clair Chapter, ISTo, 2074, Landport, Portsmouth, England. The Sherman family come from Goodrich, Ross, Here¬ fordshire, England, which is separated from Wales by the Wye River and is the place whence come the Williams family, of England. John Sherman, of Ross, married Martha Williams, born at or near Goodrich, as stated, in the county of Hereford. They removed to London after Mr. Sherman had been indentured to a lawyer for some months. He inherited real estate and houses at Ross, but lost them by investments. He removed to Portsmouth and was in government naval employ, and died at forty-three years of age. His son, George Ross Sherman, entered MRS. FREDERICK HORNER. VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 239 the British navy as apprentice-boy and was promoted to the pay department, and after twenty years’ service re¬ ceived a pension and resided with his family at his own home at Portsmouth, England, with his wife and three children. His sister, Maria Elizabeth, came from London to Toronto, Canada, and was married to Dr. Horner, as previously stated. Their mother, a widow, married Mr. Thomas Phillips, and now (1897) resides at Landport, Portsmouth, England. Mr. Pendry, of London, and Mr. Frost, foreign correspondent of a large mercantile firm, married sisters of Mr. John Sherman, who were distin¬ guished for their beauty. CHAPTER VH. VARIOUS MATTERS OP INTEREST. In connection with the genealogy of the Brown family may be quoted this additional data: “ A Memorandum of the Family of Dr. Gustavus Brown, for Lieutenant Scott (Gustavus B.), H. S. H.,” who was a personal friend of the author during their naval service together at Nor¬ folk Havy Yard. This paper was by Joseph Horner, of Warrenton, Va., January 12, 1854: “ Dr. Gustavus Brown, son of the Rev. Richard Brown, minister of Salton, in Scotland, in the reign of Charles I., and of Jean Mitchaelson, daughter of Sir George Mitchael- son, of the house of Middleton, settled in Charles County, Md., in 1708, and in 1711 married Frances Fowke, daughter of Gerard Fowke, of Hanjemoy, Md., and Sarah, his •wife, who was Miss Burdette. Gerard Fowke, of Hanjemoy, was son of Gerard Fowke, of Pashetansy, Va., 240 THE HORNER-BEOWN FAMILY. who was sou of Roger Fowke, of the house of Gunston, ill Staftordshire, England. His sister, Anne, married ]\Iajor William Dent, of Charles County, Md. Mary married Colonel George Mason, ancestor of George Mason (of Gunston), the statesman. Jane married William Waite, of Yorkshire, England. He had seven children: Gerard, who died unmarried; Chandler, who married jNIary, daughter of Colonel Richard , of Staf¬ ford County, Ya., and their daughter, Sally, married Dr. John Chapman, of Port Tobacco, Md.; Roger, who mar¬ ried Anne, daughter of Thomas Stone, of Charles County, Md.; Anne, who married Robert Alexander, of Stafford County, Ya., the grandfather of the late Charles Alexan¬ der, of Preston, near Alexandria; Catharine, who mar¬ ried Ellsworth Bayne, and left no children; Elizabeth, who died unmarried, and Frances, who married, as is be¬ fore stated. Dr. Gustavus Brown. “ Gustavus Brown and Frances Fowke had the follow¬ ing named children : “ Sarah, who married the Rev. James Scott, of West- wood, Prince William County, Ya. “ Frances, who married the Rev. John Moncure, of Stafford County, Ya. “Elizabeth, who married Dr. James Wallace, of Staf¬ ford County, Ya. “ Mary, who married, first, Mathew Hopkins, and then Mr. Threlkeld, of Georgetown. “ Christian, who married Mr. John Grayham, and died a few weeks thereafter. “ Jean, who married the Rev. Isaac Campbell, of Prince Y^illiam County, Ya. “Cecelia, who married, first. Dr. John Key, and then Thomas Bond, of St. Mary’s County, Md. “ Anne, who was married three times, first, to the Rev. Samuel Claggett, then to Robert Horner, and lastly to Samuel Hanson. “ Richard, who married Hellen Bailey, a Scotch lady. “ Dr. Gustavus Brown married a second time, and had Margaret, who married Thomas Stone, of Charles County, Md., one of the signers of the Declaration of Indepen¬ dence, and then Dr. Gustavus R. Brown, of Port Tobacco, Md., an eminent physician.” ■ft \ » ^ ( 7 * :/ 4 - i . », •>-. * »• ?> ’ ,, * , 9 ^- ' * '» ^Residenoe of Gustavus Richard Brown, M.D.). VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 241 A brother of Dr. Gustavus B. and William Horner, of Warrenton, by name John Horner, became a ship-car¬ penter at the navy-yard, Washington City, A co-worker, Mr. Padgett, told the writer that he was an industrious man, reticent to a marked degree, and had a family. His son was employed at Pensacola Havy-Yard, and he thinks died there. Quite a numerous branch of the Horner family reside in Baltimore, Md., and are merchants, and one of this calling has amassed a large fortune. The name is common in London, England, where there is the large and successful publishing-house of religious tracts, etc., W. B. Horner, 27 Paternoster Square, London, and, as already stated in the text, many representatives of the Horners reside in and around Ripon, Yorkshire, England. At the International Medical Congress assembled in London, 1881, Dr. Horner, of Zurich, was a delegate, and was regarded as a most eminent oculist. And again there is E. H. Horner, banker, 86 and 88 Wall Street, Hew York, H. Y. Miss Frances S. Marr, the author of several volumes of poetry, was the daughter of Mrs. Catherine Marr, nee Horner. Through the kindness of Alfred B. Horner, Esq., of the State, War, and Havy Department, the author is furnished with photos of the house and tombstone of Dr. Gustavus Richard Brown, of Port Tobacco, Md. He adds: “ The house of Dr. Gustavus Brown, called ‘ Rich Hill,’ is not standing, or, rather, it has been entirely rebuilt, nothing remaining but the chimneys, a depression in the ground on the side of a small hill (called Vault Hill) being all that remains of his tomb. The photographs represent the present pictures of his son’s house, called Rose Hill,* and the latter’s tomb,—about half a mile from * “ Rose Hill” was the name of the old home of Dr. Gustavus Brown. 242 THE HORNER-BEOWN FAMILY. Port Tobacco, wliereas Rich Hill is six or seven miles from it and near a town called La Plata, and is owned by Mr. Samuel Cox, whose ancestor of the same name bought the property from the Rev. Richard Brown and his wife Catherine in 1807.” The inscription on the tomb : “SACRED To the memory of Dr. Gustavus Richard Brown. This Tombstone is erected by his relict, Margaret Brown, in testimony of her respect and affection, and also as a monument of his Skill as a Physician and his Learning as a Scholar, of his Wisdom as a Philosopher, his Patriotism as a Citizen, and his Generosity as a Friend, of his Elegance as a Gentleman and his Hospitality as a Neighbour, of his Kindness as a Master, his Tenderness as a Husband and Parent, and of his Benevolence as a Man. He died the 30th of Sept: 1804. Aged 66.” (“Virginia Genealogies,” “ Brown Family,” page 272.) Bishop Meade, “ Old Churches, Ministers, and Fami¬ lies of Virginia,” furnishes additional items connected with the Scott family : “ Rev. James Scott, of Scotland, who married Sarah Brown, daughter of Dr. G. Brown, of Port Tobacco, Md., had several children, viz.: James Scott, the father of Al¬ exander Scott; Mrs. Dr. Horner (wife of Gustavus B.), of Warrenton, and Mrs. Brown, of Fauquier. Hon. James Scott, his son, married Elizabeth Harrison; his daughter married Major Lawrence Ashton. The Rev. John Scott was father of Judge Scott, of Fauquier, and Mrs. Peyton, of Gordonsdale. A daughter of Rev. James Scott married Judge Bullett, father of Judge Bullett, of Maryland, and of Mr. Alexander Bullett, an eminent lawyer of Louisville, Ky.; another married Colonel Blackburn, of Ripon Lodge, near Dumfries, Va., father of Richard Blackburn, father of Mrs. Jane and Polly Washington, of Jefferson County, Va., Miss Christian Blackburn, and Miss Judy Black¬ burn, now Mrs. Alexander, of King George County. Colonel Blackburn, of Ripon Lodge, was also the father of Mrs. Washington, of Mount Vernon, wife of Judge Washington, and of Mrs. Henry Turner, of Jefferson VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 243 County, Va. Mrs. Blackburn was loved and revered as a Christian in Wickliff Parish in old Frederick County. One of the daughters of Rev. James Scott married Dr. Brown, of Alexandria, who was at one time General Washington’s family physician. Mr. Scott officiated in Dettingen Parish. His glebe was on Quantico Creek, on the Potomac, near Dumfries. He was minister for thirty- seven years. He died in 1782. His own residence was ‘ Westwood,’ the gift of his brother. Rev. John Scott. It may he added that the parish of Dettingen, Prince Wil¬ liam County, Va., was formed in 1745, and was named after Dettingen, in Germany, where the English won a victory in 1743. Rev. James Scott came to America by invitation of his elder brother, Mr. Alexander Scott, min¬ ister of Overwharten Parish, in Stafford County. The vestry of Dettingen ordered that Rev. James Scott be re¬ ceived as soon as a glebe and a house is prepared. Gov¬ ernor Gooch, writing from Williamsburg, April 26, 1745, says, ‘ I recommend Rev. Mr. Scott;’ also under the same date, William Dawson, the commissary succeeding Dr. Blair, says ‘ that all the souls committed to his charge may be saved is the daily prayer of your humble servant.’ Such testimony fully proves Mr. Scott was fully endorsed by his superiors.” It may here be added that the Horner family of America, which on the maternal side is connected with the Scotts, is most respectably related in England. In the volume entitled “ Triumph over Death,” by New¬ man Hall, B.A., the author describes the illness and death of William Gordon, M.D., of the city of Ripon, in Yorkshire, and says, “ Dr. Gordon was much indebted to Dr. Horner, whose kind sympathy will ever be remem¬ bered by the survivors, as it was thankfully received by himself.” Thomas W. Swann, Esq., Mount Auburn, near Alex¬ andria, Va., thus writes: “ Dr. William Brown and his daughter Helen are both buried at Preston with their tombstones over them. He 16 244 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. was surgeon-general in the United States army. Dr. Gustavus Brown was his grandfather, and his son the Bev. Richard Brown. Their portraits are now at my house.” In the genealogy of the Horner-Brown family, it ap¬ pears from the volume of “ Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia” that: “ The Horners have a double descent,—from Dr. Gus¬ tavus Brown and Frances {nee Fowke), his wife. Their daughter Anne, Mrs. Claggett, nee Brown, married Robert Horner, of Ripon, England, and their eldest daughter married Rev. James Scott, the grandfather of Mrs. Dr. Gus¬ tavus Brown Horner, of Warrenton, Ya. The tombstone and grave of this lady may be seen in the old Edmond- Horner Cemetery, near Warrenton. The poet, James DeRuyter Blackwell, has written a beautiful ode in honor of this family-group. In connection with the family records of the Scott-Horner family may be mentioned that Christian Scott, the daughter of Captain James Scott, married Colonel Richard Blackburn, of ‘ Ripon Lodge,’ Va., and their daughter became the wife of John Augus¬ tine Washington, whose son by the will of Judge Bushrod Washington inherited Mount Vernon, and after the sale of the Mount Vernon estate removed to ‘ Waveland,’ Fau¬ quier County, Va., and left this estate to Lawrence Wash¬ ington, his son. Another daughter, Frances, of Captain James Scott, married, as already stated. Dr. Gustavus Brown Horner, of Warrenton, Va.” In proof of the scholarly attainments of some members of the Horner family, Horatio IST. Robinson, LL.D., author of “ Hew University Algebra,” section “ Humerical Equa¬ tions of Higher Degrees,” quotes from Horner’s “ Method of Approximation:” ‘‘In the year 1819 W. G. Horner, Esq., an English mathematician, published a most elegant and concise method of approximating to the roots of a numerical equation of any degree.” Already reference has been made to the success of Francis Horner, M.P., in THE AUTHOR AND FAMILY AT THE “MOORINGS,” FAUQUIER COUNTY, VIRGINIA. I I , ' >■'''■.i.v.‘'-':?';V^'9 It, 'i VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 245 the field of political economy, and thereby establishing on a firm basis the present financial policy of Great Britain. The writer has in his possession a most interest¬ ing correspondence of Mr. Horner, who is a clergyman of the Established Church of England, resident at Ripon, Yorkshire, in which part of the country the family have had numerous representatives of the clerical and medical professions for several centuries past. The late Professor William Edmonds Horner, of the University of Pennsyl¬ vania, visited Ripon, Yorkshire, and obtained the Horner coat-of-arms, and the author in 1872 was there, and in the cathedral of Ripon saw the tombstones of several of the Horner fiimily, and examined the ancient parish register, which shows that several of the name were aldermen. Mr. James Horner, a respectable citizen, who was blind, was a fruit-seller. In this connection it may be added that Professor W. E. Horner, first surgeon in the United States army and afterwards located in Philadelphia, was married to Miss Elizabeth Welsh, the sister of Hon. John Welsh, who was minister plenipotentiary to England. Dr. Horner filled the chair of anatomy of the University of Pennsylvania for many years, and was, as already stated, one of the founders of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phil¬ adelphia. The Wistar and Horner Museum is a monu¬ ment to his talents and industry. His daughter, Mary E., married Henry H. Smith, M.D., professor of surgery of the University of Pennsylvania, and one of the emi¬ nent surgeons of America; another daughter married Dr. Eppes, of Petersburg, Va.; this lady, Josephine, dying, her sister Elizabeth married Dr. Eppes. They have a numerous family. A daughter, Freda, married Mr. Maynard, an English gentleman, now residing in India. Heither of the sons of Professors Horner or Smith assumed the choice of the medical profession. The youngest daughter, Agnes, married General Buschback; 246 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. she is a widow, and resides in Florence, Italy. The brothers of Professor Horner were Surgeon G. R. Brown Horner, U. S. H., who is the author of Horner’s “ Medical Topography of Brazil,” which is one of the highest standard works on the plants and animals of that country. Inman Horner, Esq., a prominent lawyer, of Warrenton, Va., and an alumnus of William and Mary College; his son, William Horner, Esq., also a lawyer, married his cousin, the daughter of Professor Horner, of Philadelphia, and is the author of the biography of Professor Horner, which is published in the “ American Medical Biography Joseph Horner, Esq., the second brother of Professor Horner, also a law^yer, married, first. Miss Baylor; their son, George, married Miss Selden, and a daughter, Fannie, married Mr. Brittan, an eminent metallurgist and geolo¬ gist, of Philadelphia; there are two other daughters, Annie and Mary; the youngest brother is Benjamin Franklin Horner, and another was Alfred Horner, Esq., of Philadelphia, who was for many years treasurer of the ’ Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. His son Inman is a lawyer. Surgeon G. R. B. Horner married Miss Byrne, sister of Surgeon Byrne, H. S. A. Their children are Alfred Byrne, an official in Washington City, Charles Gustavus, and a daughter, Emeline Brown, who married Mr. Belt, of Maryland. This eminent naval surgeon and physician died at his home in Warrenton, August 8,1892, at the age of eighty- nine years, in the full possession of his faculties, confined to his bed only six days from debility, though able to make a note in his diary the day before he died, it is said with¬ out an enemy. He received the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church, and the funeral services of this com¬ munion were performed at his burial. The reader is re¬ ferred to “ Virginia Genealogies,” by Rev. Horace E. Hayden, A.M.: MEDICAL DIRECTOR Cx. R. B. HORNER, U.S.N. (March 13, 1871)). VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 247 “ The record of the life of this worthy citizen of Vir¬ ginia and officer of the United States navy is deserving of a fuller notice than has been given above. Born a brief while after the Federal Union was formed, in early boyhood he became familiar with the names and exploits of men who won independence for the nation. He went to school in Warrenton, and in 1812 saw soldiers recruited to win another victory over the enemies of his country. Afterwards he was at Rev. Mr. Williamson’s boarding school, near Middleburg, and subserpiently graduated in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where his brother, the late William Edmonds Horner, was pro¬ fessor, and next was commissioned a surgeon’s mate in the navy in 1826. During sixty-five years and six months of naval life (being at the time of his death the oldest surgeon on the retired list) he received every honor which the naval authorities could confer on him, viz., promotion to surgeon, medical director, member of the examining board, surgeon-in-chief of three or more squadrons, and by seniority became surgeon-general of the navy, with the relative rank of commodore. “ His first cruise was in the frigate Macedonian, Brazil squadron, 1826-28; Brandywine, home squadron, 1830- 31; commissioned surgeon, 1831; sloop John Adams, Mediterranean squadron, 1831-33; sloop Levant, 1833- 34; frigate United States, Mediterranean squadron, 1836 -37; sloop Levant, Mediterranean squadron, 1837; fieet- surgeon, frigate Delaware, Brazil squadron, 1841-43; fleet-surgeon Mediterranean squadron, 1843-44; fleet- surgeon, frigate Savannah, Pacific squadron, 1849-50; frigate Wabash, 1856-58; captured the noted General William Walker at Grey town, December, 1857; steam frigate Colorado, flag-ship Gulf blockading squadron, 1861- 62; steam frigate Hiagara, Gulf blockading squad¬ ron, 1861-62; steam frigate San Jancinto, at Key West, Fla., 1862; frigate St. Lawrence and gunboat Magnolia, 1862- 63; retired June 18, 1866, as medical director, re¬ tired list, March 3, 1871, with relative rank of commo¬ dore.” (Hamersly and Hayden’s “ Virginia Genealo¬ gies.”) 248 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. Dr. Horner was the author of three volumes, viz.: “ A Cruise in the Mediterranean,” “ The "Medical Topogra¬ phy of Brazil and Uruguay,” and “ Haval Practice.” The latter was one of the first publications of the kind in this country and will always be a valuable reference-book to naval surgeons; that on Brazil is often quoted as an au¬ thority on diseases and on the botany of that land by teachers in the medical colleges. Dr. Horner was hon¬ orary member of the Philadelphia Medical Society, cor¬ responding member of the Hational Institute at Wash¬ ington (now the Smithsonian), and member of the Army and Havy Commandery of the United States. When he entered the navy in 1826 there were no ocean steam vessels afioat, Maury’s “ Wind and Current Charts” had not been dreamed of, and the ironclad and torpedo vessels-of-war had not, as now, completely revolutionized naval architecture throughout the maritime world. Dr. Horner saw all these changes and survived them all during two eventful wars. In dress and mode of living Dr. Horner’s habits were of Quaker simplicity; indeed, he practised well-nigh Spartan frugality. With passions and appetites subdued to will and reason, he escaped excess, and all through life was never aggressive socially, politically, or professionally. He was one truly who never meddled with his neighbor’s afiairs. He was possessed of “robor corporis et mentis” and such life-force naturally as to resist the extremes of heat and cold, and, save attaks of the Panama fever, la grippe, and nerve shock, he enjoyed perfect health. His family and physician testify that he never used alcohol or tobacco, and the writer believes that he knew the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour for time and eternity. As early as 1748 George Horner laid warrant for two hundred acres of land in Frederick County, Ya. VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 249 (See “History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley,” by ISTorris.) Another member of the numerous Horner fiimily is W. Harrison Horner, of Hew York City, who addressed the following lines, “ A Life Spent for Christ,” to Mr. J. C. Lamphier, founder of the Fulton Street Prayer-Meeting, September 3, the eighty-sixth anniversary of his birth: “ All hail to thee ! thou vet’ran saint, Whose years roll on without restraint, And mind serene and clear ; With heart aglow in Christian love. And faith long fixed on things above. Still standing firm, sincere. “ Yea 1 God gives health and years to thee. That sceptic minds may learn and see What godliness will do ; In filling ripe old age with joy, Nor letting ills of life annoy Those who to him are true. “ Life’s path in noble work for God Far down a century thou hast trod, And faithful pilgrim been. Proclaiming blest salvation’s sound, Difl’using heavenly light around. Which thousands glad have seen. “At last, when mortal life has run. Joyous ! thou’lt hear the glad ‘ well done!’ And in blest triumph go To dwell with him thou’st served so long, ’ilid heaven’s rapturous bliss and song. Immortal life to know.” As another favorite of the muse of the Horner family may be mentioned Mary Hollis. The two brothers, William and Custavus Brown Horner, M.D., the progenitors of the Horner-Brown families of Virginia, were among those who founded the town of Warrenton, Fauquier County, as already stated. 250 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. Inman Horner, lawyer, A.B., William and Mary Col¬ lege, 1810, was the eldest of William Horner’s sons. A daughter of Inman Horner, Esq., married Mr. Evans, of Philadelphia. One of his daughters, Anna, married Mr. Samuels, and another, Elizabeth, married Mr. Ashhurst. Robert Horner, eldest son of William Horner, Sr., had one daughter, Mary Ann, who married Mr. Campbell, lawyer. His son Robert married Miss Mosby, daughter of Colonel Mosby; another married Mr. Windmill, of England. The children of Dr. Frederick Horner, Sr., of Warrenton, were Frances S., who married Robert Down- man, clerk of the county court of Fauquier County. Their children: Robert D., of Waco, Tex.; Frederick, drowned in James River, at Richmond; Hattie, who married Lee Fleming, Esq.; John and Richard Horner, Texas; and Gustavus B. Horner. The son of Jackson Marr, Esq., Thomas, resides at Buena Vista, Va., and is a brother of Professor Marr. The Berkeley-Brown Family. Mary Brown, third daughter of Dr. Gustavus Brown, married, first, Mathew Hopkins (who died, leaving no children); next married Henry Threlkeld, June 18, 1751, who was born in England, a descendant of a Danish gen¬ eral of that name, who settled in England in 1507. The only living child of this marriage, John Threlkeld, was born October 26, 1758, married Elizabeth Ridgeley, and had four children : Mary; married Dr. Grayson; had one son, who died single. William ; died in childhood. Jane; married Colonel John Cox, "who was mayor of Georgetown twenty-three consecutive years. Elizabeth; died unmarried. Children of Colonel John Cox and Jane Threlkeld were VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 251 Elizabeth; married Judge Joseph Underwood, of Kentucky, John; married Julia Underwood, of Kentucky. Richard Smith; married, first,Eliza Williams; second, Mary Berkeley, only daughter of Lewis Berkeley, Aldie, Loudoun County, Va. (parents of Miss Frances C. Cox, who kindly furnished the author with this information). Mary Jane; married Watkins Addison, of Georgetown, D. C. Thomas Campbell; married Margaret Robinson, of Georgetown. Robert Mickle; married Jane Porter, of Kentucky. Ellen May; married John P. McElderry, of George¬ town, D. C. The Scott Family of Virginia. A sketch of the Horner family would he imperfect without notice of the Scott family of Virginia. Rev. Alexander Scott, appointed by the bishop of Lon¬ don to represent the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in the colony of Virginia, settled in Prince Wil¬ liam County. He married Miss Brent. Rev. James Scott, his brother, married Miss Brown, daughter of Dr. Gus- tavus Brown. He was the father of Rev. John Scott and brother of Captain James Scott, a Revolutionary officer and delegate with Martin Pickett from Fauquier to the convention of Virginia in Williamshurg, May, 1776, which framed the first constitution of Virginia. He was the father of Mrs. Gustavus B. Horner, of Mrs. Ann Brown, and Ashton. The descendants of Rev. John Scott were Judge Scott, of Fauquier. His son, Hon. Robert E. Scott, was one of the most able jurists of Virginia, as well as statesman, and brother of John Scott, a distinguished author on political questions pertaining to the late civil war (1861), and the son of Robert E. Scott. Hon. Robert 252 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. Taylor Scott, now deceased, was an able lawyer, politician, and cliurchman, and attorney-general of Virginia (1889). For further information concerning the Scott family, the reader is referred to “ Virginia Genealogies,” by Rev. Horace Edwin Hayden, A.M. The Thornton Family. James B. Thornton, an eminent lawyer of Caroline County, Va., and subsequently a resident of Memphis, Tenn., where he died of yellow fever in 1878, served for several years in the Legislature of Virginia, and was author of a “Digest of the United States Laws.” He manned Marianna Horner, daughter of Dr. Gustavus B. Horner, of Warrenton. Their son, Dr. G. B. Thornton, of Memphis, served in the Southern army during the Civil War with distinction, practised his profession at Memphis, was president of the city Board of Health during three epidemics of yellow fever, and by wise sani¬ tary regulations suggested by him Memphis was saved from total depopulation. Dr. Thornton displayed heroic courage on this occasion. During two illnesses from this fever he nearly lost his life. As member of the Sanitary Commission and Public Health Association he became among the foremost in behalf of sanitary reform in this country. He is an able writer, and is esteemed as an efficient surgeon and physician. (Refer to Appleton’s “American Biography” and to “Page Family in Vir¬ ginia,” page 194, for details of the origin and history of the Thornton family.) The Horner-Marr Family, Dr. Horner, of Hot Springs, Ark., and Joseph E. Hor¬ ner, Past Grand Master of the Masonic Order, of Hew Orleans, La., may be mentioned,—the latter a delegate to the Grand Lodge of England. Among the members of VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 253 the Horner-Marr family who have attained to honorable office is Robert Marr, professor at the Virginia Military Institute of Virginia; J. Scott Marr, Nashville, Tenn., now deceased, and Thomas Marr, inventor, Buena Vista, Va. Children of Dr. Gustavus B. Horner and to whom married: (1.) Gustavus B. Horner; removed to Missouri; married (unknown) ; one son. (2.) Richard Brent Horner; children and to whom married already given. (3.) John Scott Horner; married Harriet Watson, of Washington City, D. C., and removed to the Territory of Michigan and then to Wis¬ consin. Children of: (1.) Andrew; married (unknown); St. Paul, Minnesota. (2.) Unknown. (3.) Judge William Horner, St. Louis; married, first. Miss Maury; second, unknown. (4.) Prank ; married a lady of New York ; resides at Ripon, Wis. (5.) Mary; married Colonel William Lucas, of St. Louis, Mo. ; one child; deceased. (6.) Elizabeth; resident of Ripon, Wis. (4.) Frederick Horner, M.D.; married Ann Lovell. Children of: (1.) Frederick; dead. (2.) Gustavus. (3 ) Severe; dead. (4.) John; married; resides in Texas. (6.) Richard; resides in Texas. (6.) Frances Scott; married Robert W. Downman. Children of: Robert; married; in Texas. Frederick ; drowned in James River. Harriet; married Lee Fleming, Esq., of Washington City, D. C.; they have three daughters. (7.) Julian. (8.) Severe. (9.) Nannie. Daughters of Dr. Gustavus B. Horner; (1.) Elizabeth ; married Hon. Thomas L. Moore, M. C., Warrenton, Va. Child : Richard H. Moore ; dead. 254 the HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. (2.) Catharine; married John Marr, Esq., magistrate, Warrenton, Va. Children of: (1.) Robert; an officer of the United States navy; married Mary Lavelette, daughter of Commodore Lavelette, U. S. N.; was lost on hoard the U. S. S. Albany. (2.) John Quincy; statesman and captain in the Southern army; was killed at Fairfax Court-House, Va. (3.) John Scott; banker, Nashville, Tenn. ; married; deceased. (4.) Jackson; married. His sons: (1.) Professor Robert Marr, alumnus Virginia Military Insti¬ tute, and appointed professor civil engineering of this institution; married a daughter of J. Barron Hope, the poet. (2.) Thomas; inventor; Buena Vista, Va. (5.) James Marr; dead. (6.) Sarah; dead. (7.) Unknown. (8.) Margaret. (9.) Frances; poetess and authoress, Warrenton, Va. (10.) Jane. (3.) Frances ; married George Braxton Whiting, brother of Mary Blair Whiting, wife of Dr. Robert Howe Little. Children of: (1.) Henry; married Rebecca Hewitt. Their children : Frances. George. Hugh. Elizabeth. Eva. Fenton. (2.) George B. Whiting, of Washington City, D.C.; married Eliz¬ abeth Sullivan. Their children: (1.) Henry C., married Sarah Eveleth. Their children : Eveleth. Carlisle. Mary. (2.) George B., married Miss Lyons, Georgetown, D.C. ; one son, Lyons, and daughter, Georgie Braxton Whiting. VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 255 Daughters; (1.) Rosa; married Morton Stille, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y. Children : one son. (2.) Ella; resides in Washington City. (3.) John Blair. (4.) Richard; dead. (5.) Fenton B.; married ; lives in San Francisco, Cal. Children: (1.) Richard Henry. (2.) Fenton Blakemore. (3.) Eugene Carlisle. (4.) Randolph Virginius. (5.) Frank Moore. (6.) Pearle. (7.) Herbert Wilmer. (8.) Agnes Frances. Daughters of G. B. W.: (1.) Elizabeth Braxton, San Francisco, Cal.* (2.) Mary Blair ; the same. (3.) Frances; married Mr. Henry Anderson, of Dubuque. Children were: (1.) Francis Braxton. (2.) Rosa. (3.) Henry. (4.) George. (5.) Richard Horner. (4.) Harriet; married Mr. Irwin. Children were: (1.) Harriet Ludlow Irwin. (2.) Frank. (6.) Henrietta: married Mr. Gould, Quincy, Plumas County, Cal. (4.) Marianna, the youngest of Dr. Horner’s children, married James B. Thornton, Esq., of Caroline County, Va., lawyer and author; removed to Memphis, Tenn. Children of: (1.) Alfred; married; deceased. (2.) Dr. Gustavus B. Thornton, a distinguished surgeon and author, of Memphis, Tenn.; married. Children: Gustavus B., alumnus “ V. M. I. May. * Refer to “History of the Page Family” for more extended details »f the Whiting family. 256 THE HORNER-BROWN FAMILY. (3.) James B. Thornton, Jr., married ; a daughter. (4.) Mildred. The wife of James B. Thornton, Sr., died in Washington City. He married again. Children: one son, a lawyer, of Memphis, Tenn. The author, in the endeavor to discover the existence of the descendants of John Horner, third son of Robert Horner, of Port Tobacco, Md., and the brother of Dr. Gustavus and William Horner, of Warrenton, Va., has received from G. Pattison Horner, Ho. 38 Hopkins Place, Baltimore, a merchant, of the firm of Henry Maslin & Co., the following information: “ My father, James E. Horner, was born in Chester¬ field County, Ya. His father, Ezekiel, I think, was the ofl'spring of the John Horner of Maryland. The only surviving son of Ezekiel Horner is now living in Bristol, Tenn. His name is John Horner, Sr., and he is about seventy-five years old. It may be that Joseph S. Horner, M.D., of Missouri, and who graduated at the Medical Uni¬ versity of Maryland in 1843, is connected with his family. At “ Clermont” farm, once the property of Captain James and Alexander Scott and their descendants, lies buried Dr. Gustavus Brown Horner, of Warrenton, and of Revolutionary fame. How, in 1892, the families of Dr. G. R. B. Horner, sur¬ geon, TJ. S. H., Dr. Frederick Horner, Sr., of Warrenton; Robert Little Horner and Frederick Horner, Jr., M.D., TJ. S. H., of Marshall, Fauquier County, Ya., have lots for burial in the Warrenton cemetery. The reader is referred to “ Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Yirginia,” by Bishop Meade.” “ Another infiuential branch of the Scott-Brown family is located, as already mentioned, in Chillicothe, viz.. Dr. Gustavus S. Franklin and brothers. Of this family are Captain Scott and Surgeon Scott, U. S. H., the great- great-grandfather of whom was Dr. Gustavus Brown, of VARIOUS MATTERS OF INTEREST. 257 Port Tobacco, Md., whose daughter, Sarah, married Rev. James Scott, Dr. G. S. Franklin’s maternal great-great¬ grandfather, whose son, Gustavus Scott, a great friend of General Washington (and by him appointed one of the commissioners to lay out the city of Washington), mar¬ ried Margaret Caile, of Annapolis; their son, John Caile Scott, of Western View, Culpeper County, Va., was Dr. F.’s grandfather—moved to Ohio in 1832, following the doctor’s mother, Mary Ann Scott, who came to Chilli- cothe with her husband in 1831.” (See Dr. Franklin’s letter to Dr. Bedford Brown.) A family record adds the following items, viz.: Rev. Alexander Scott, who married Miss Brent, was appointed by the bishop of London to represent the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in America. Rev. James Scott married Miss Brown, as already stated, and was the father of Rev. John Scott and brother of Captain James Scott, father of Mrs. Gustavus B. Horner, of Warrenton; of Mrs. Ann Brown, of Winchester, Va., and of Mrs. Ash¬ ton, of Warrenton. There is no English record of these families extant. 1