connection with Washington College by an act of the Legislature during
the years 1838-9. A guard of soldiers had been maintained at the expense
of the State for the purpose of affording protection to the arms
deposited in the Lexington arsenal for the use of the militia in western
Virginia. It was through the influence of Governor McDowell, who came
from Rockbridge County, that this militia was made into an educational
unit of Washington College.
One seldom thinks of the Virginia Military Institute without associating
with it the noted Colonel Claudius Crozet--soldier, educator and
engineer. He was the first president of the V.M.I. Board of Visitors. An
imposing hall at the Institute is named in his honor.
In the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hall hangs the painting which depicts
the charge of the corps of cadets at the Battle of New Market. "This
great painting, not a mural, is one of the largest canvas paintings in
the country"--according to authorities there.
Among other memorial buildings is the one erected in honor of
Brigadier-General Scott Shipp, a former cadet, instructor and
superintendent; Maury-Brooke Hall, dedicated to Matthew Fontaine Maury,
the Pathfinder of the Seas and honoring Commander John Mercer Brooke,
inventor of the deep-sea sounding apparatus and builder of the first
successful iron-clad vessel, the "Merrimac."
During the War Between the States the greater part of the buildings were
destroyed by Federal authority. When General Lee heard of this tragedy
he wrote to General F. H. Smith, the superintendent there. We quote his
letter because of its prophetic message:
"CAMP PETERSBURG, (VA.) _July 4, 1864_.
"I have grieved over the destruction of the Military Institute.
But the good that has been done to the country cannot be
destroyed, nor can its name or fame perish. It will rise
stronger than before, and continue to diffuse its benefits to a
grateful people. Under wise administration, there will be no
suspension of its usefulness. The difficulties by which it is
surrounded will call forth greater energies from its officers
and increased diligence from its pupils. Its prosperity I
consider certain.
"With great regards, yours very truly,
"R. E. LEE."
There is a glamor attached to this Virginia school unique in the
country. It comes not alone from the bright cadet uniforms, the parade
grounds, the gray stone barracks and the _esprit de corps_ evidenced
there; part is kept alive by the hundreds of loyal alumni and friends
whose devotion is unlimited. This "West Point of the South" maintains
the traditions of the time of Stonewall Jackson and graduates young
officers for the army and young men for every field of business. A
current Broadway show of popular appeal and a cinema of note is that of
"Brother Rat" which depicts the life at V.M.I.
Culpeper Minute Men
Who can resist a story about the Revolutionary War? There is a
fascination surrounding the heroes and heroines of that era and most of
us listen attentively to any legend depicting the action of our
forefathers.
From a point along the Skyline Drive one may look toward Culpeper
County. (In fact, in all probability you passed through a part of this
old county if you took an east to west route to reach the drive.) Among
other things Culpeper is justly famous for its Minute Men of the
Revolutionary War.
The town was formed from Orange in 1748 and was named in honor of Lord
Culpeper, Governor of Virginia from 1680 to 1683. This land was a part
of the original land grant to Lord Fairfax. It was here in the old
Courthouse that young George Washington produced his commission as
surveyor. The record reads:
"20th July, 1749--George Washington Gent. produced a commission
from the President and Master of William and Mary College,
appointing him to be surveyor of this county, which was read,
and thereupon he took the usual oaths to his majesty's person
and government, and took and subscribed the abjuration oath and
test, and then took the oath of surveyor, according to law."
Speaking years later in the Senate, John Randolph of Roanoke remarked
that the Minute Men "were raised in a minute, armed in a minute, marched
in a minute, fought in a minute, and vanquished in a minute." These
soldiers chose as part of their uniform green hunting shirts with
"Liberty or Death" stamped in large letters across the front. Buck tails
hung from their old hats and from their belts swung tomahawks and
scalping knives. Their wild appearance on reaching Williamsburg, the
capital of the colony, set the inhabitants in as much fear as did the
thought of invasion by the enemy! Lieutenant John Marshall who was later
to become Chief Justice was among the number--as was his father.
The slogan of the Minute Men "Liberty or Death" brought forth humor from
one wag who said the phrasing was too strong for him; he would enlist if
it were changed to "Liberty or Be Crippled."
Almost upon their immediate arrival at Williamsburg they were marched to
Norfolk County and were participants in the Battle of Great Bridge.
Blind Preacher
Not so far from Gordonsville there is a simple marker near the site of
"Belle Grove," a little church made famous by a blind preacher. And back
of the monument itself is a story well worth repeating. It is a tale
told by William Wirt in his _British Spy_.
In that account Wirt said:
"It was one Sunday as I travelled through the county of Orange,
that my eye was caught by a cluster of horses tied near a
ruinous old wooden house in the forest, not far from the
roadside. Having frequently seen such objects before, in
travelling through these States, I had no difficulty in
understanding that this was a place of religion."
He stated further that he was filled with curiosity as to the type of
minister who would preach in such a wilderness as he was passing through
and so he stopped and joined the worshippers. He described the preacher,
a Presbyterian in faith, as having one of the most striking appearances
he had ever seen and a most remarkable delivery.
"I have never seen, in any other orator, such a union of
simplicity and majesty. He has not a gesture, an attitude, or
an accent, to which he does not seem forced by the sentiment
which he is expressing. His mind is too serious, too earnest,
too solicitous, and, at the same time, too dignified, to stoop
to artifice. Although as far removed from ostentation as a man
can be, yet it is clear from the train, the style, and
substance of his thoughts, that he is not only a very polite
scholar, but a man of extensive and profound erudition."
James Waddel was the name of this remarkable old man of God. He was born
in Ireland in 1739 and was brought to America as an infant.
Another interesting tale was told in the neighborhood. Waddel's fame as
a preacher had spread through the vicinity. On one occasion a committee
from a different faith prepared to wait on him and urge him to occupy
their pulpit as well as his own. Upon nearing his dwelling they were
shocked to hear sweet plaintive notes coming from a violin and resolved
to learn who in his household would dare to play the devil's instrument.
They crept softly to the window. Such amazement was theirs when they saw
their potential minister himself drawing the bow--and with apparent
enjoyment and satisfaction. More quickly than they had approached did
they leave the yard and felt righteously thankful that they had seen the
true nature of the man before it was too late!
Not only did the Blind Preacher serve as minister, but like others of
his profession he conducted a school.
And what happened to the old church itself? Long abandoned as a meeting
house for the Presbyterians, about 1850 it was sold and taken down by
the "Sons of Temperance" and converted into a temperance hall at
Gordonsville. Later it housed a school. Finally it was sold to a colored
preacher as a church for his flock.
Hebron Church
Outstanding among the old churches in this part of Virginia is Hebron
Church in Madison County.
The little colony of Germans at Germanna, to whom we have already
referred, and a few immigrants from Holland were responsible for its
early establishment. First it was known as "Old Dutch Church." Located
on its original site its existence has been in three different counties:
Orange, Culpeper and now Madison!
Hebron is the oldest Lutheran church not only in Virginia but in the
South. About 1733 the nucleus of the congregation met and sent a
representative to England for a pastor. It seems a bit surprising that
no English parson felt the call to tend the flock in an outpost of
Virginia, but it is true that no one was possessed of the missionary
spirit to that extent.
In 1735 a Hessian who had come to America eight years before, the Rev.
Casper Stoever, left his home in Pennsylvania and became the first
pastor. His annual salary, by the way, was four thousand pounds of
tobacco or just about forty dollars in currency. This was paid by the
congregation in addition to the taxes which were required of the
Non-Conformist churches towards the upkeep of the established English
church.
Everyone in Madison is vastly proud of the old pipe organ at Hebron. It
was built in 1800 at Philadelphia and brought to its present place on
wagon--a journey which took a long time and infinite pains. Jacob and
Michael Rouse were entrusted with the task of hauling. The organ cost
two hundred pounds sterling. Interesting, too, is the complete old
communion service which dates back to the church's early beginnings.
In recent years visiting concert organists have played on the fine old
instrument at the request of the congregation.
Hoover's Camp on the Rapidan River
During the administration of former President Hoover a fine camp was
built on the banks of the Rapidan River in Madison County where the
Chief Executive, his family and friends enjoyed the trout fishing and
rustic life that the camp afforded. A main lodge was erected for the
President. Guest lodges for the Cabinet members and others were located
nearby. This retreat is within easy driving distance of the White House
and was in constant use for week-ends during the summer months. From
Washington the Presidential parties took route 211 to Warrenton and from
there two routes were offered: either a continuation of route 211 to
Sperryville, then south to Criglersville on route 16, or from Warrenton
to Culpeper to Criglersville.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hoover became very much interested in the life of the
mountaineers who grew to be their friendly neighbors. You have heard
the story, no doubt, of the small unlettered boy who brought a gift to
the President and who aroused in him and Mrs. Hoover the desire to see a
school built in the neighborhood which would serve a large mountain
area. An excellent little frame building nestles among the sloping hills
which attracts the children of all ages within a radius of many miles.
One part of the building is used for class instruction and the rest for
living quarters for the teacher. This school was made possible largely
through the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Hoover.
One may see the school and the entrance to the Rapidan Camp by following
the road which leads from Big Meadow, a plateau on the Skyline Drive, to
Criglersville.
The camp is still in use at times. Cabinet members and other government
officials enjoy its stream and mountain beauties, but not to the extent
of former times.
Charlottesville and Albemarle County
THE FATHER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Every school child knows the outstanding facts about Thomas Jefferson.
He will rattle off quickly that he was born near Charlottesville in
Albemarle County, in 1743, that he was at William and Mary College when
only seventeen and played his fiddle which he had carried as he rode the
long miles between Charlottesville and Williamsburg. He graduated there
and was admitted to the bar. Thomas Jefferson drafted, at the request of
the Committee, the Declaration of Independence. He was Governor of
Virginia during the trying years of the Revolutionary War. We shall not
give all the offices which he held, except to mention that he spent some
years abroad in France as United States Minister. For almost forty years
he served his country, having been President of it from 1801 to 1809.
It is from the quaint letters of his granddaughter, Ellenora Randolph,
that one may read of the tenderness, the lovable disposition and the
human side of this great American.
She was said to be his favorite grandchild and she writes of how she sat
on his knee and played with his huge watch chain. He never went to
Philadelphia without bringing her little luxuries which it was
impossible to buy in Virginia. He brought her a Bible, a lady's side
saddle, a Leghorn hat, and a set of Shakespeare.
[Illustration:--_Courtesy Virginia Conservation Commission_
"MONTICELLO", NEAR CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.]
She tells how Jefferson's wife had died when his daughters were quite
young and that he had been so kind and sympathetic in "shaping their
lives."
There is an interesting love story here, too, for Ellenora met and fell
in love with Joseph Coolidge of Boston. He came a-wooing the Virginia
beauty, and according to the custom of that day, he wrote Mr. Jefferson
of his intentions to marry his granddaughter before he proposed to her.
The following is Jefferson's reply to Joseph Coolidge:
"MONTICELLO, _October 24, 1824_.
"I avail myself of the first moment of my ability to take up a
pen to assure you that nothing would be more welcome to me than
the visit proposed and its object.... I assure you no union
could give me more satisfaction if your wishes are mutual. Your
visit to Monticello and at the time of your convenience will be
truly welcome, and your stay, whatever may suit yourself. My
gratification will be measured by the time of its
continuance....
"I expect in the course of the first or the second week of the
approaching month to receive here the visit of my ancient
friend, General LaFayette. The delirium which his visit has
excited in the North envelopes him in the South also ... and
the county of Albemarle will exhibit its great affection and
unending means in a dinner given the General in the building of
the University, to which they have given accepted invitations
to Mr. and Mrs. James Madison and myself as guests; and at
which your presence as my guest would give high pleasure to us
all, and to name, I assure you more cordially than sincerely
your friend;
(Signed) "THOMAS JEFFERSON."
The wedding accounts give the names of fifty distinguished Americans who
came to pay their respects to Ellenora and her husband. Every
distinguished foreigner came in person; besides these, there came many
of the men who had known and loved Jefferson during all his years of
service. Imagine all the horses that had to be fed, all the gigs and
coaches and all the Negro servants who had to be quartered. No one is
surprised that what the man had accumulated was fast disappearing with
so much hospitality.
But Ellenora had her troubles upon arriving in Boston. Her presents and
other possessions had been sent by boat and it had sunk! Her letter
tells of her great distress at losing the trinkets associated with her
happy girlhood. But most of all, she expressed her grief upon losing a
writing desk which Grandfather Jefferson had had made for her by his
master carpenter, a Negro servant. This was a very talented carver who
had faithfully carried out each detailed design which his master had
given him. Now he was old and had grown blind and he could no longer
make one. This is Jefferson's letter to his granddaughter--and explains
how a most historic desk went a-travelling:
"It has occurred to me that perhaps I can replace it (desk) not
indeed to you, but to Mr. Coolidge, by a substitute, not
claiming the same value from its decorations but the part it
has bourne in our history, and the event with which it has been
associated.... Now I happen to possess the writing box on which
the Declaration of Independence was written. It was made from a
drawing of my own, by Ben Randall, a cabinetmaker in whose
house I took lodging on my first arrival in Philadelphia, in
May, 1776, and I have had it ever since. It claims no merit of
particular beauty. It is plain, neat and convenient and taking
no more room on a writing table than a modern quarto volume it
displays itself sufficient for any writing. Mr. Coolidge must
do me the favor of accepting this. Its imaginary value will
increase with the years. If he lives till my age, he may see it
carried in the procession of our nation's birthday."
So this is how the famous desk went to New England and was finally sent
to the State Department in Washington by the Coolidges in 1876.
When Thomas Jefferson was an old man, he began to carry out his dream,
one which he had had for a long time, to build a university. All his
life he had loved to draw plans and he carefully made his own
blueprints. He drew plans for lovely Monticello when he was twenty-eight
years old. His friends came from far and near to get him to draw plans
for their homes. Ashlawn, Montpelier and others are monuments to this
master builder. He had his own ideas about educating the young men of
Virginia. He wanted to see them fitted to be fine citizens by having a
good education, for he knew it was through good citizens that a good
government would be realized. But first he had to educate his friends
along this line. Many of them still thought a tutor in the family was
the best way. Many did not believe in "mass education." For ten long
years he worked to get a bill through the Legislature which called for
the establishment of the University of Virginia. At last, in 1825 the
school was opened. But many years passed before Jefferson could get the
buildings he had dreamed of and had planned. Then when he was
eighty-two, his dream came true.
[Illustration:--_Courtesy Virginia State Chamber of Commerce_
ROTUNDA OF UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA]
Today one may see his university, set on a sloping hill. The buildings
are models of architecture and Jefferson himself superintended the
construction of them. It is told that he often watched the carpenters
from Monticello through a telescope. Jefferson also planned those early
courses of study and helped in the selection of the faculty. The spirit
of Jefferson is still felt there today and each generation of students
has been enriched by it and the noble traditions of the school.
Many famous students have gone there. Edgar Allan Poe wrote "The Raven"
and "Anabel Lee" there. An Arctic explorer from the University was
Elisha Kane. Walter Reed studied medicine and, as we know, won the fight
against yellow fever by his heroic experiments. Each year, men go out
from this great old school who help to build a greater country--just as
Jefferson dreamed they would.
After his death on July 4, 1826, someone found a paper on which he had
written these words:
"Here was buried
Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration of American Independence
of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom
and Father of the University of Virginia."
And today, one finds his tomb halfway up the hill to Monticello and the
words above are cut upon the simple shaft which marks his grave.
Monticello is open to the public and may be reached by a hard surface
road leading out of Charlottesville. Through careful research and
diligence the Monticello Memorial Association has brought back to the
home much of the fine furnishings which Jefferson himself had collected.
At the present time the second and third floors of the mansion are being
faithfully restored.
JACK JOUETT'S RIDE
"Here goes to thee, Jack Jouett!
Lord keep thy memr'y green;
You made the greatest ride, sir,
That ever yet was seen."
So reads the last stanza of an inscription on a tablet erected in his
memory. But who was Jack Jouett and what of his "greatest ride?"
During the stirring days of the American Revolution Thomas Jefferson was
Governor of Virginia. Hearing that the British were expected to reach
Richmond he recommended that the capital of the colony be moved to
Charlottesville until after danger from the enemy should pass. This was
done and Jefferson stayed at his home, Monticello.
At Cuckoo Tavern in Louisa County, fifty miles from Charlottesville,
young Jouett was sitting around one night getting the latest news of the
rebellion, when Tarleton, who commanded a British force, came into the
place. Jouett hid from sight and overheard Tarleton talking with several
other English officers. They said they were impatient to be on their way
to Monticello to capture Jefferson, Patrick Henry and other Virginia
leaders. Jack stayed to hear the route they would take to
Charlottesville and then slipped away on his horse.
The famous ride occurred on back roads in order to beat the British to
their destination. He crossed to the main road long enough to tell a
family of Walkers that the British were coming for the Governor. Later
Tarleton drew in at the same home and demanded breakfast from Mrs.
Walker. Knowing that time meant a great deal to the rider going ahead
with the news, she delayed the meal as long as possible.
As Jouett climbed the last hill to Monticello he heard the horses of
Tarleton's party in the distance, so he spurred his animal on and in a
last-minute sprint he reached the home. The plans were revealed and
Jefferson hurriedly assembled his family. As their carriage left by a
back road the English came up another and searched in vain for the
Governor.
Jouett went from there to Charlottesville to warn the members of the
legislature of the impending danger and they fled to Staunton--all but
seven of the legislators who were overtaken and captured. The story is
told of how he saved General Stevens, a member of the Assembly. As they
rode along, some British soldiers saw them and set their horses at a
great pace. Jack had on a plumed hat which might appear important to the
soldiers; he told the general to ride slowly across an open field as if
he were the owner out on an inspection tour of his lands. He himself
would dash off in the hope of getting the troopers to follow him. The
plan worked. Jouett finally left the pursuers far behind and later on he
returned to his home in Charlottesville.
Much later the Virginia legislature passed a resolution commending the
valor of Jack Jouett and presented him with a pair of pistols and a
sword as a mark of appreciation of his service to the State. Swan
Tavern, left him by his father, occupied his time after the war. He died
in Kentucky where he had moved as an old man.
LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION
Thomas Jefferson knew the two young men whom he wanted to explore the
great Northwest, for they had been born almost at the foot of
Monticello. They were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Each of them,
almost as boys, had been a soldier and each loved adventure.
Meriwether Lewis had inherited a fortune from his father and he could
have settled down to a life of ease. But after eighteen he would not go
to school any longer. He had fought in the Whiskey Rebellion in
Pennsylvania and then entered the army. He was commissioned captain in
1800 and served for three years. Then Thomas Jefferson asked him to be
his secretary and it was in this office that Jefferson found his
admirable qualities.
William Clark was four years older than his friend Lewis. He was born in
1770 and was a brother of George Rogers Clark. When he was fourteen
years old he went with his family to the Ohio River where his brother
George had built a fort. There he learned the ways of the Indians and
often he was in the thick of their raids. He, too, joined the regular
army and received his commission when he was only eighteen years old.
He went to St. Louis and was commissioned as second lieutenant of the
artillery and ordered to join the great expedition.
Captain Lewis was first in command and he selected his men carefully.
There were fourteen soldiers in the little party and two Canadian
boatmen, an interpreter, a hunter and a Negro servant.
Thomas Jefferson did not give them a lot of orders. The following
instructions show his wisdom: