A unique feature was the agencies for hiring out negro hands and
servants, it forming a large part of the business of the real estate
men. Richmond was then said to have one hundred tobacco factories in
active operation.
My memory reverts to an interesting event in the year 1860, when
Edward, the Prince of Wales, of the Royal family of Great Britain,
visited Richmond, coming here from Washington with his retinue who
were entertained at the old Exchange and Ballard House--then in its
prime. The Prince stayed over Sunday and attended church at Saint
Paul's. Doctor Minnegerode was then the rector of the parish, and he
preached a good practical sermon for the distinguished guests. I
remember well seeing the Prince, who was then a beardless youth, of a
good figure and looks, he returned to the Capital City the next day,
pleased with his trip; it was an epoch in the history of Virginia,
socially speaking. Another incident was the lecture delivered here by
Mr. Thackeray, the great novelist, at the Athenaeum, which building
was then just in the rear of the Broad Street Methodist Church, the
subject of the lecture was the "Georges," and it was a chaste and
interesting address, full of anecdotes, with a vein of sarcasm
interspersed throughout.
Another lecture about this time was that of the Hon. Edward Everett,
delivered at the old African Church; the subject was General George
Washington. He was lecturing under the auspices of the Mount Vernon
Association for the purchase of that place from its owners. The Mount
Vernon papers which were then published by Mr. Bowner in the New York
Ledger, were edited by him, and this address by him here was a
literary treat, as was everything emanating from his cultivated mind;
the church was filled with a highly appreciative audience, and all
went home well pleased.
The local politics were to some extent interesting, as almost every
man discussed them in public. The African Church was used on Sundays
as a negro meeting house for worship, and during the week for
political gatherings by the white people, it being the largest in
town. The colored people were of course paid for the use of their
church building. When a person announced his candidacy for any office
in the gift of the people, he was requested to define his position and
views on the questions of the day. For instance when the subject of a
free bridge between Richmond and Manchester over the James River was
debated the people were called upon to express their ideas pro and con
in the old African Church.
There was a prominent local politician by the name of George Peake,
who whenever a speaker uttered a sentiment of which he approved, would
emphasize it by loudly exclaiming, "Why, certainly," and everybody
knew where the voice came from, as he was notorious. On one occasion I
was present at a meeting when a Mr. Martin Meredith Lipscomb was a
candidate for the office of city sergeant, he was an illiterate man,
but had the conceit and obstinacy of a government mule, and was
arguing the point that when a man was born on the lower round of the
social ladder he should not be debarred from rising to the upper ones,
and to illustrate his point said he, now suppose I had been born in a
stable, just then some wag in the crowd interrupted him by yelling
out, then, sir, you would have been a mule; this rudeness silenced the
speaker for a moment, but without taking any notice of it, he resumed
his argument. This Mr. Lipscomb was a notorious office-seeker and
never failed to announce himself as a candidate for almost every
position from the mayoralty down to a constable, for nothing seem to
daunt "old Martin Meredith," as he was called, in his attempts to hold
some office, although failure was his only reward.
In the celebrated campaign, just before the great war, for Governor
between Henry A. Wise, the nominee of the Democracy, and the Hon.
Stanhope Flournoy, the champion of the Whig party, the "Know-nothings"
excitement was in its incipiency and they supported the Whigs in this
contest. Hon. Henry Winter Davis, of Maryland, one of the best
political orators of his day, spoke in advocacy of "Know-nothingism,"
and his remarks were good and convincing from his standpoint, but the
strong logic, and Herculean thrusts of Mr. Wise utterly destroyed the
fallacies of the opposition, and the Know-nothing party died, then and
there. Governor Wise was one of the most gifted and forcible, as well
as interesting, speakers in the State. At this time there were many
fine public speakers; I will mention Mr. John Minor Botts, an old-line
Whig, one of the most accomplished orators of Virginia, he spoke but
seldom and only on important occasions. Another prominent one was
Marmaduke Johnson, a distinguished lawyer of the city, who was never
surpassed in eloquence. There was also Colonel Thomas P. August, whose
addresses were always received with delight by an audience of his
fellow citizens. Mr. John Caskie, who represented the city and
district in Congress; he was a very fluent and convincing speaker, and
it was a forensic treat to listen to him. There were many others whose
acquirements in oratory were not easily equalled before, or since,
this day and time.
Richmond about this period of its history was in its prime, and
prospects were very bright. The churches were an important feature;
among the most prominent were old St. John's, on that part of the city
called "Church Hill." In this venerable edifice, Patrick Henry
delivered that celebrated speech, which kindled the first sparks, that
fired the colonies to burst into rebellion against the tyranny of old
King George the Third. Also there was the Methodist Church, which
stood originally between Fourteenth and Fifteenth Streets on East
Franklin, the congregation of which removed to their new building now
on Broad Street. The Second Presbyterian, on Franklin then occupied
the site of Randolph's paper box factory; this congregation built a
fine house at the corner of Fifth and Main Streets. The pastor of this
was one of the most celebrated divines of his day; he was succeeded by
the distinguished pulpit orator Doctor Moses Hoge. The First
Presbyterian originally stood where the City Hall now rears its lofty
towers, and a large and more modern church was erected at the corner
of Grace and Madison Streets. Doctor Moore was for a long time the
beloved pastor of this congregation. The Monumental Episcopal, with so
many historic associations clustering around it, was built on the spot
occupied by the old Richmond Theater, which years ago was burned to
the ground, consuming many of the most esteemed and prominent citizens
of the city and State. Doctor Woodbridge filled the pulpit of this
sacred building for many years, and never was there a purer and holier
minister of Christ. I remember well some of the vestrymen, such men as
Mr. James Gardner, Mr. George Fisher, and others of the same stamp;
they were as good men as the world ever produced, and their memory is
held in kindest remembrance by all who knew them. Next, in point of
age and reverence, I mention Saint Paul's Episcopal, situated at the
corner of Grace and Ninth Streets. If all the religious and historic
memories of this church were fully recounted it would almost suffice
to fill a volume. General Robert E. Lee's family attended this church,
as did also the General, whenever he visited his home during the
progress of the great war, although he was seldom away from the front.
Miss Hettie Carey and General John Pegram were married there, just
before the end of the hostilities, and if my memory serves me, about a
week later his lifeless body rested upon a bier in front of the altar,
where he had so short a time before plighted his troth to his
beautiful and most gifted bride. Doctor Minnegerode was the rector of
this parish and he was one of the best theologians in the Episcopal
denomination, was a distinguished professor at the Theological
Seminary near Alexandria, Virginia, when called to the charge of St.
Paul's. It was while President Jefferson Davis was worshipping in this
sanctuary on a sabbath morning, that a message informed him of the
fall of Petersburg, Va. One of the largest and most influential
congregations worshipped in Saint James Episcopal Church, whose first
minister for a long time was Doctor Empie, who was succeeded as rector
by the venerated and most beloved of pastors, the Reverend Joshua
Peterkin, of sacred memory, who was regarded by all as a beacon light
of undefiled Christianity, and a lowly follower of the Blessed Saviour
of mankind.
The Church of "All Saints," on West Franklin Street, though one of the
youngest Episcopal congregations, is one of the very best and most
popular. Doctor Downman, the rector, is a man of ripe scholarship in
divinity and of sterling piety. The vestrymen of "All Saints" are ever
to the front in every deed of charity, and for the amelioration and
uplifting of suffering humanity. I recall as members of this vestry
Mr. F. S. Valentine, Mr. John Tyler, Mr. Peter H. Mayo, and several
other well known citizens.
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, at the corner of Grace and Eighth
Streets, is one of the oldest churches in Richmond. I remember when
Bishops McGill and Keane officiated there. There was once a
theological discussion carried on through the newspapers between the
Bishop McGill and Doctor Plummer, of the Presbyterian denomination,
who were two intellectual giants, and were well matched in vigor and
zeal. I recall an amusing incident: there lived out on the Brook
Turnpike a certain lady who drove to church every Sunday to her
carriage, a pair of rat-tailed sorrel horses that always came quietly
down the street to the church, but when their mistress was once in the
vehicle, and their heads were turned homewards, after services were
over, they ran at a sharp gallop all the way until they reached the
front gate at their home.
A very attractive feature of these churches was the fine choir music,
which I am sure has never been surpassed. I remember when the choir of
Monumental was composed of Mr. John Tyler, Miss Emily Denison and
other noted vocalists, while at the organ presided Mr. Leo Wheat. When
the funeral services were held there of Major Wheat, the commander of
the New Orleans Tigers, who was killed at Cold Harbor in 1862, Miss
Denison sang a solo, entitled "I Would Not Live Always." I thought it
one of the sweetest and most pathetic hymns that I ever heard. At
Saint Paul's Madam Rhul was the leading soprano, and her notes were as
sweet as the warbling of a mocking bird. On one occasion I heard her
when she sang that fine old hymn, "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," to the
air of "When the Swallows Homeward Fly," and indeed I do not believe
that it has ever been surpassed in that grand old edifice.
Among the many interests, commercially speaking, were the real estate
firms, for instance I mention, Goddin and Apperson, Taylor and
Williams, Hill and Rawlings and Holliday and Rawlings. The movement of
real property then was not quite so lively as it is now, but
nevertheless they all did a fair business.
Another important business was that of the wholesale drug houses,
among the largest were, Purcell, Ladd & Co., Peyton Johnston and
Brother, Adie and Gray, William Beers & Co.; and I doubt if there has
ever been any larger houses in that line, before or since. Their trade
was extensive and came from all parts of the State, and neighboring
States to the south. There was then no selling goods through
travelling salesmen by samples, but the purchasers came in person
direct to headquarters and laid in their supplies.
Another leading feature of Richmond's make-up was its corps of
physicians. A man who is a specialist nowadays in any particular
calling is termed a doctor, but I am now only alluding to the Doctors
of Medicine--the M.D.'s--the followers of Esculapius of yore. Among
these was first and foremost, Francis H. Deane, whose presence even
almost revived a patient; many sick fellows recall his genial face
when entering the sick chamber. He practiced in our family over thirty
years. Also there was Doctor Cunningham, who was regarded as one of
the best; Doctor Bell Gibson, who was esteemed the most eminent
surgeon in the State. Another noted surgeon was Doctor Petticolas,
whose general practice was very extensive. Then I must mention those
great and good men, Doctors Skelton and Knox, who were shining lights
in their profession, whose memory is cherished, as well as that of old
Doctors McCaw and Marks.
The wholesale shoe houses were a big item in the city's mercantile
life. Among the leading ones were Hubbard, Gardner and Carlton, which
concern did the largest business in foot-wear in Richmond; their trade
was co-extensive with the State. It is doubtful if there is now a
house in their line conducting a larger trade. Then there was the old
and staunch firm of Putney and Watts, and also White and Page, besides
several large retail stores.
At this gentlemen did not wear machine-made boots and shoes, but had
them to order by native shoemakers. The fashionable footdress then was
Congress gaiters and boots; Oxford ties were worn in the summer. The
change in men's attire is quite distinct, as formerly gentlemen wore
broad-cloth made with a Prince Albert or frock coat with pants and
vests to match. A very popular style was a blue cloth clawhammer coat
with plain brass buttons. Linen suits were much worn in the hot
season.
At one time a Mr. Selden kept a large boarding house called "The
Richmond," which stood at the corner of Governor and Ross Streets. It
was a fine house and was particularly popular with young clerks, and
among the boarders was a unique person named Beau Lambert, he was a
very fastidious man in his dress, always wearing a fine black suit
with a dress coat, and was particular in parting the skirts of his
coat on sitting down. Accordingly one day Henry Thornton, a young
fellow, full of fun and tricks, took from the dinner table a dumpling
of meal out of a dish of jowl and turnip salad and slipped it in
Lambert's coat pocket. It was a very greasy and disagreeable joke, and
the Beau did not find out who was the perpetrator for some days, and
of course he was very much displeased, but mutual friends arranged the
matter amicably, and they became good friends afterwards.
The gambling establishments were an important part of the city's life
at this juncture. The law against faro banks was not strictly enforced
as it is now. Their rooms were elegantly furnished, and every night a
sumptuous supper was spread before their patrons, which was greatly
enjoyed by many planters coming to town to sell their crops. Among the
most popular ones were Worsham and Brother, the Morgan Brothers and
Nat Reeves. The credit of these men was as good as that of any
merchant in town. I recall an incident in connection with these games,
to wit: There were three students at the medical college who were gay
and up-to-date boys, but were not blessed with much cash, who
frequently visited Mr. Reeve's rooms. On a certain Saturday night they
went out with a tumbrie cart to procure subjects for the college to be
dissected. They first backed up the cart in front of his entrance, and
then asked each other how much money they had between them; one had a
dollar and a half, another two dollars and the other only fifty cents,
making all but three dollars, which was not enough with which to get
on a good "spree." So it was arranged, in order to carry out their fun
to the best advantage, in the following manner, they appointed one as
spokesman to run the small sum in their pool at Mr. Reeves' bank in a
game of faro, and as the boy walked up to the cashier to invest it in
"chips," Mr. Reeves said, "I will not sell you any, for if you should
make a run on me you might win from me several hundred dollars, and if
I should beat you in the game I should only gain three dollars," and
so, at these words, he took out of the drawer a ten-dollar bank note
and handed it to him, saying, "Now boys go ahead, and don't come back
here again tonight." Now, that was all they wanted; it played right
into their hands, for the money enabled them to pass a gay and joyous
night. These three youngsters afterwards graduated well, and all of
them became successful practitioners of the "Art of Healing."
Before the beginning of the war between the States. In those days on
each "Fourth of July" picnics and barbecues were held. On one of these
days I attended a barbecue at Buchanan's Spring, which was then
outside the city in the county of Henrico. A large and enthusiastic
crowd was present and there were various devices for promoting mirth
and pleasure. A Mr. James Ferguson, one of the city's most prominent
merchants, was there, and also Mr. William F. Watson, a lawyer of high
standing. Mr. Ferguson was a man of fine figure and was considered one
of the best dancers in town. Mr. Watson was a portly man and weighed
about two hundred and twenty pounds, and almost as broad as long. The
weather was very warm indeed, and it was arranged to dance an Irish
jig, there being no ladies present. They stripped off everything but
their underwear and they footed it out to a finish, and it was called
one of the best displays of that lively dance that had been seen for
many days. The championship was awarded to Mr. Watson.
One of the most noted military organizations in Richmond at that time
was the old State Guard, which occupied the armory near the Tredegar
Iron Works. It was officered by Captain M. Dimmock, Lieutenant Gay and
Lieutenant Clarke, and was as well drilled as the cadets at West
Point. The officers frequently gave exhibitions of drills on Capitol
Square, and it was a treat to see their skirmish drills, which drew a
large concourse of spectators, and was one of the most interesting
sights I ever witnessed. After the war the organization of the State
Guard was abolished.