AND DESCRIPTIVE SKETCHES OF NORFOLK AND VICINITY, INCLUDING Portsmouth and the Adjacent Counties, DURING A PERIOD OF TWO HUNDRED YEARS. 'ALSO, SKETCHES OF WILLIAMSBURG, HAMPTON, SUFFOLK, SMITHFIELD, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTS OF INTEREST IN EASTERN VIRGINIA. BY WILLIAM S. FORREST. PHILADELPHIA: LINDSAY AND BLAKISTON. F 234 .NSF7 1853 Copy4 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853. BY WILLIAM S. FORREST, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. C. SHERMAN, PRINTER, 19 St. James Street. PREFACE. WHEN the author of the following historical observations determined to compile a DIRECTORY OF THE CITY OF NORFOLK, he contemplated also, as a suitable appendage thereto, the publication of a brief description of its situation and facilities for trade and commerce, its advancement and prospects of future wealth and importance. On further reflection, however, it was deemed advisable to adopt a more extended plan, and attempt even a somewhat elaborate HISTORY of the place; commencing at an early period, and continuing the account down to the present time; embracing a description of the neighbouring towns and villages, the principal objects of attraction in the vicinity, &c., &c. The work was accordingly commenced, with a determination to accomplish it with as little delay as possible; and it is scarcely necessary to mention, that the undertaking was attended with both labour and trouble, and required much time as well as considerable patience and perseverance. It is proper to state, that the difficulty in collecting the various materials for the work was greatly augmented, and the time required to prepare them for the press was considerably prolonged, by other duties, which demanded much of the writer's time during its progress. It will be readily imagined that he would have found the task far more pleasant, could he have given P it his undivided attention from its commencement to its completion. But he was compelled to pursue a different course, and devote to its prosecution those intervals by day and by night, which could be spared from other pursuits and engagements. With regard to the execution of the work under these circumstances, he must abide by the decision of those whom it is designed to interest. To those persons whose kindness tended to facilitate his progress, he avails himself of this occasion to express his thanks. To the editors of the several city papers, for the privilege of examining their files, his obligations are hereby specially and respectfully acknowledged. The writer is also indebted to the obliging disposition, retentive memory, and politeness of several venerable and greatly esteemed ladies and gentlemen of Norfolk and Portsmouth, for the particulars of many interesting events included in the Sketches. And it is but common courtesy to acknowledge his high appreciation of the valuable suggestions, as well as the frequent expressions of kindness and encouragement with regard to the enterprise, from individuals whose character and judgment entitle them to considerations of great respect. In gathering, culling, and preparing the subject-matter for the press, many facts and incidents-some of a melancholy and unpleasant nature, and others of no special interest—were cast aside, to be lost, perhaps, in the deep ocean of forgetfulness; while those only were retained, which it was thought would prove valuable and entertaining, and therefore worthy of a place in local history. As the book will not be without readers at a distance as well as in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and vicinage, many remarks of general interest will be found upon its pages. The writer is well assured that he does not mistake the character of his fellow-citizens in other parts of Virginia, in supposing |