[VIRGINIA REVOLUTIONARY FORTS.]
By Mrs. Mary C. Bell Clayton.
In a mental vision of that galaxy of stars which emblazon our national flag, that bright constellation the thirteen original states, we pause to select the one star which shines with purest ray serene, and as we gaze upon the grand pageant from New Hampshire to Georgia and recall the mighty things achieved by the self-sacrificing devotion of their illustrious statesmen and generals with the united efforts of every patriot, it is with admiration for all that we point with reverence to that star which stands for her who cradled the nation, that infant colony at Jamestown in Virginia, who made defense first against the tomahawk of the Indians, growing stronger and stronger with an innate love for truth and justice, 'till we hear the cry "Give me liberty or give me death," which resounded from the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the sunny lands of Georgia, and is echoed there in her legend, "Wisdom, justice and moderation."
You, our sisters, the Daughters of the American Revolution of South Carolina, whose state is strong in state craft and brave as the bravest, and whose star shines as a beacon light in the constellation of states, to those who would infringe on the rights of others, you call to us, in your study of the defences of the revolutionary period, to show our "Landmarks," the signs of our ancestor's devotion to patriotism, that you with us, may reverence their loyalty and with pride cherish every evidence of their struggle for liberty, remembering always that "he who builded the house is greater than the house." We would tell you of facts in the military annals of Virginia, deeds of prowess, more enduring than memorials of stone, which have become the sacred heritage of us all, but to these, at this time, our attention is not to be given. And if we fail to show but a few of her strongholds, you must remember that within the present bounds of Virginia there were few important positions held against assault, and her "Northwestern Territory" was far away from the main contest. Her troops were kept moving from place to place, their defences often were not forts, but earthworks, hastily constructed, often trees, houses, fences, etc. For instance the first revolutionary battle fought on Virginia soil was at Hampton, a little town between the York and James rivers.
"The Virginians sunk obstacles in the water for protection, but during the night the British destroyed them and turned their guns upon the town. In this fight we had no fire-arms but rifles to oppose the cannons of the English, so when the attack began the riflemen had to conceal themselves behind such meagre defences as I have mentioned, houses, fences, trees, etc., opening fire upon the British vessels. The men at the guns were killed and not a sailor touched a sail without being shot. Confusion was upon the British decks, and in dismay they tried to draw off and make escape into the bay, but without success; some of the vessels were captured, many men were taken prisoners, and the whole fleet would have been captured but for the report that a large body of the British were advancing from another direction."
Small was the defense, but great was the result at this first battle of the Revolution on Virginia soil.
The Fort at Great Bridge.
"After the attack on Hampton, Lord Dunmore determined to make an assault on Norfolk. He erected a fort at Great Bridge where it crosses a branch of the Elizabeth river. This bridge was of importance as it commanded the entrance of Norfolk. The Virginians held a small village near by. At these points the armies were encamped for several days ready for the moment to begin the fight. In order to precipitate a contest, the Virginians had recourse to a stratagem. A negro boy belonging to Major Marshall was sent to Lord Dunmore. He represented himself as a deserter and reported that the Virginians had only three hundred 'shirt men,' a term used to distinguish the patriot, whose only uniform was a graceful hunting shirt, which afterwards became so celebrated in the Revolution. Believing the story, Lord Dunmore gave vent to his exultation, as he thought he saw before him the opportunity of wreaking his vengeance upon the Virginians. He mustered his whole force and gave the order for marching out in the night and forcing the breastworks of his hated foe. In order to stimulate his troops to desperate deeds, he told them that the Virginians were no better than savages, and were wanting in courage and determination, that in all probability they would not stand fire at all, but if by any chance they were permitted to triumph, the English need expect no quarter, and they would be scalped according to the rules of savage warfare. Early in the morning of December 9th, 1775, the Virginians beheld the enemy advancing towards their breastworks. They were commanded by Capt. Fordyce, a brave officer. Waving his cap over his head, he led his men in the face of a terrible fire, which ran along the American line, directly up to the breastworks. He received a shot in the knee and fell forward, but jumping up as if he had only stumbled, in a moment he fell again pierced by fourteen bullets. His death threw everything into confusion. The next officer was mortally wounded, other officers were prostrate with wounds, and many privates had fallen. In this desperate situation a retreat towards their fort at Norfolk was the only resource left to the English. They were not allowed to escape without a vigorous pursuit. It was conducted by brave Col. Stevens, who captured many prisoners and ten pieces of cannon. The loss of the British was one hundred and two killed and wounded. The only damage to our men was a wound in the finger of one of them."